Red Deer 1913 — 2013 Create Celebrate Commemorate
IN THE CLEAR
RAIDERS IN TOWN
Rebels drub Prince Albert 6-3 PAGE B6
Premier Alison Redford has been cleared in an ethics investigation
PAGE A5
Red Deer Advocate THURSDAY, DEC. 5, 2013
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UP ON THE ROOFTOP
PTSD, jail a bad mix FORMER SOLDIER SAYS HE GOT NO SUPPORT BEHIND BARS BY THE CANADIAN PRESS LETHBRIDGE — A British war veteran recently held in the same Alberta jail where a Canadian soldier killed himself says the justice system doesn’t properly deal with people who have post-traumatic stress disorder. John Collins, PM URGES SOLDIERS IN NEED TO diagnosed with REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT A6 PTSD about six years ago, was arrested last month at his home in Lethbridge on various charges, including assault. He said he sat alone in a cell for six days until he was released on bail. “I mentally shut down,” said Collins, 61. “I prayed to die.” “You are on automatic, back in the wars. Once the adrenalin is gone, there is no hope.” Collins believes no one took into account his mental health. He said he should have received support and instead he felt abandoned. Then, last week, he learned about the suicide of the artillery soldier at the same facility. The man, identified by friends as Travis Halmrast, was being held on charges of domestic assault. He was found in distress at the jail and later died in hospital. The Defence Department is looking into the death and investigations are also underway into the recent suicides of three other Canadian soldiers. All four men had served in Afghanistan. It’s not clear if any of them suffered from PTSD, but their suicides have put a spotlight on supports available for people dealing with the effects of the disorder. Collins didn’t know Halmrast and doesn’t know the circumstances of his death, but has strong feelings about the case.
Please see PTSD on Page A2
Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff
Red Deer Public School Board maintenance employee Kasey Callihoo shovels a snowdrift on the roof of Hunting Hills High School Wednesday. Heat loss through the roof above the principal’s office created a leak, which Callihoo was trying to attack on a cold day.
Economy in good shape: speaker BY HARLEY RICHARDS ADVOCATE BUSINESS EDITOR Todd Hirsch served up a slice of onion at a Red Deer Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday. In a presentation titled Alberta Economy 2014: Peeling Back the Layers, ATB Financial’s senior economist offered his prediction of what’s lies ahead for the global, Canadian and Alberta economies in 2014. “Talking about Alberta’s economy, I think there will be very few tears to be shed because I think we are in pretty good shape,” said Hirsch, continuing his onion metaphor. Although natural gas prices are likely to remain low next year, and crude oil from the province will continue to trade below world prices due to pipeline constraints, real GDP growth in Alberta could hit 3.5 per cent in 2014, said Hirsch. That compares with a
projected 2.8 to three per cent this year. He thinks manufacturing will strengthen in 2014. The industry has been flat the past two years, which Hirsch thinks reflects a reluctance on the part of oil and gas companies to invest in new equipment until their access to export markets improves. “I think in 2014 we will see a bit more certainty on pipeline projects,” he said. “So I Todd Hirsch think manufacturing will be another leading sector in Alberta next year.”
Please see OUTLOOK on Page A2
Plowing falls short of expectations BY PAUL COWLEY ADVOCATE STAFF
Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff
A motorist makes his way along Vanier Drive after plows moved some of the snow to the sides of the road. Deep icy ruts remain even after the plows had gone through, which is angering some residents in the area.
WEATHER
INDEX
30% light snow. High -23. Low -28.
FORECAST ON A2
Four sections Alberta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A5 Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . C5,C6 Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A6,A7 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . D1-D4 Comics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D5 Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . C3 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B6-B8
Red Deer’s snow plowing is off to a bumpy start. Some areas look to have seen big improvements, but in Vanier Woods one resident is fuming at the city’s performance. “They did absolutely nothing. It is unbelievable,” said Laurie McAuley, who lives on Vanson Close where graders went through on Tuesday. “The people are still getting stuck in all the places that they cleared.” She called the city to complain and was told Vanier Woods was considered completed. Neighbours came home from work on Tuesday and were incredulous when told graders had come and gone.
TODAY’S SCHEDULE The anticipated plowing schedule for today is as follows: ● Anders Park ● Anders South ● Aspen Ridge ● Glendale ● Glendale Park Estates ● Highland Green ● Highland Green Estates ● Mountview City crews will also be working on bus routes and streets adjacent to schools in Kentwood, Johnstone, Lancaster and Anders North.
Please see PLOWING on Page A2
Mulcair says NDP would kill energy projects Tom Mulcair says he would allow Ottawa to kill energy projects before they got as far as an environmental assessment.
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