Red Deer Advocate, November 17, 2014

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Theory ECKSTRAND TAKES FULL of a ADVANTAGE Deadman rock Red Deer

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Red Deer Advocate MONDAY, NOV. 17, 2014

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Wildrose Party message needs better delivery

SNOWFEST

PARTY MEMBERS AT AGM WANT LESS NEGATIVITY, MORE FOCUS ON CANDIDATES BY CRYSTAL RHYNO ADVOCATE STAFF

Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate staff

Kennedi Deck jumps onto the rail on her snowboard Saturday, practicing in preparation for the SnowFest Showdown during SnowFest Ski, Snowboard and Travel Show in the Agricentre East building at Westerner Park.

Wildrose Party members say too much time has been spent attacking the ruling Alberta Progressive Conservative party instead of sending their own message. In the reverse bear-pit session at the Wildrose annual general meeting party faithful dug deep as they answered panel questions from the leadership about what’s working and not working. The Opposition members did not hold back when they expressed their dislike for the “Send the PCs a Message” slogan used during the campaign which many saw as too negative and advertising for the Tories. Some said it stopped voters from casting a ballot for the Tories but didn’t necessarily send them to the Wildrose. Rod Fox, Wildrose MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka, said they weren’t clear or efficient in getting the Wildrose message out to the public. Another delegate suggested the party did not prove that is was ready to fulfill the promises if elected. Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith said during a media conference that there are challenges in doing that as an official opposition.

Smith said before Peter Lougheed won in 1971, he created a detailed map for the changes that he would make and the different ministries when he formed government. “Maybe the lesson for me is that’s what we need to do,” said Smith addressing the media on Saturday afternoon. “We need to follow a lesson from Peter Lougheed in making sure we are clearly articulating exactly what our ministries would be and exactly who would be in those ministries... how we would restructure government. I think that it’s a good lesson. It’s not enough to just have the high level policies of what you want to do.” Smith said the members are asking them to dig down a little deeper and demonstrate how they would implement the policies that they are campaigning on. Smith said there are some committee working on this right now. Smith stressed the importance of recruiting 1,000 ambassadors armed with the information they need to give a convincing argument to why someone should vote Wildrose. Smith mentioned this in her keynote address on Friday evening. “A third of Albertans want Wildrose to form government,” said Smith.

Please see WILDROSE on Page A2

Prentice wants cabinet to turn the other cheek PC CONVENTION BY THE CANADIAN PRESS BANFF, Alta. — Call him old fashioned but Alberta Premier Jim Prentice wants to bring back a sense of decorum when the fall session of the Alberta legislature kicks off on Monday. The legislature has been a battleground for the past year, especially during Question Period, when the ruling Conservative party was LEGISLATURE RESUMES rocked by AMID LOW OIL PRICES A3 allegation after allegation from the opposition parties. That’s going to end said Prentice, Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS who stressed during the weekend Pro- Alberta Premier Jim Prentice talks to gressive Conservative party convention in Banff that Albertans are sick reporters in Banff on Saturday. and tired of negative politics. When asked if he had actually “I’ll never snap back,” Prentice said watched the Alberta Question Period with a laugh. “I believe what Albertans want to in action Prentice said it has been see is a government that’s profession- “unruly” and caused Albertans to tune al, that is respectful, that deals with out. He said that is “tragic in its own issues on their merits and I intend to conduct myself really, the same way right”. “When they turn on their TV and that I did as a senior, federal minissee that kind of performance in the ter,” he said. legislative assembly or Prentice spent the House of Commons ‘I’LL NEVER SNAP years in Stephen Harpthey just go do other er’s government in BACK.’ things,” he said. cabinet posts that in“People need to cluded Indian Affairs — JIM PRENTICE know that when they and Northern Develturn on their televiopment, Environment sion and they look at and Industry before leaving federal what’s happening in the legislative politics in 2010. He’s ordered his cabinet colleagues assembly that it’s rational, that there’s to follow his example and turn the serious debate and it’s being done in a professional, dignified way,” Prentice other cheek. “Clearly, emotions always run high added. “I’ll do everything I can to bring in the legislative assembly but I’ve heard loud and clear from Albertans that kind of change of decorum to the that they want a different tone and legislature.” The fall session of the Alberta legthey’re going to see a different tone certainly from me and I’ve asked and islature, the first since Prentice was instructed our ministers to similarly elected premier, will begin with a throne speech Monday. follow suit.”

WEATHER Sunny, High -6, Low -8.

FORECAST ON A2

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Photo by Crystal Rhyno/Advocate staff

Red Deer Public Library staffers Kim Whiting (front), Briana Ehnes and Jill Griffith are all smiles at the first Digital Literacy Fair at the downtown branch on Saturday. The trio were spreading awareness about the library’s digital offerings and answering questions.

Red Deer Public Library spreads digital knowledge BY CRYSTAL RHYNO ADVOCATE STAFF A rise in questions about digital content sparked the first Digital Literacy Fair at the Red Deer Public Library downtown branch on Saturday. About 15 people attended the fair which boasted one-on-one help with all things digital including accessing databases, borrowing movies, audiobooks and eMagazines. Kim Whiting, a librarian assistant in adult services, said more and more people are coming in with questions about how to access materials through a tablet or other device. “Sometimes it’s just that first hand holding phase where you just want someone to walk you through it,” said Whiting. “Then you are more confident and you are fine with using it.” But many, Whiting said, are not even aware of what the library offers. Among the offerings are Hoopla, eMagazines, eBooks and eAudiobooks, Mango for language learning and Muzzy language for kids. Library users

only need a valid card to access the materials. “Some of these can be tricky to figure out and to sign up for and get the whole process started,” said Briana Ehnes, the library’s digital literacy coordinator. Ehnes provides one-on-one support for those who may need a helping hand. On Saturday most people came armed with troubleshooting questions. “Everybody has a device,” said Ehnes. “Delivering that kind of content to people is incredibly important.” Ehnes said that’s just the way people like to have access to materials today. “I think there will be an increased demand for that,” she said. “We’re seeing it already. The checkouts on overdrive are increasing every year. It is becoming more and more popular.” To find out more visit www.rdpl.org and click on Digital Content. To book one-on-one time with Ehnes email behnes@rdpl.org or call 403-755-1130 to find out about the next digital open house. crhyno@reddeeradvocate.com

Landmark wind farm appeal begins today Foes of wind farms are looking to intervene in a landmark appeal against one of Ontario’s biggest wind projects . Story on PAGE A8

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