Red Deer Advocate, March 03, 2016

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RED DEER REGIONAL HOSPITAL CENTRE

Flood delays surgery for dozens of patients FOUR OPERATING ROOMS REMAIN CLOSED FOR CLEANUP

BY PAUL COWLEY ADVOCATE STAFF A Red Deer County plan to convert a memorial park into a less formal natural area has spawned an online petition to stop it.

Nearly 2,600 residents have joined the www. change.org petition opposing plans for what will be known as Leva Avenue Natural Area. Many upset family members have voiced their dismay to the county about proposed changes to the memorial park, which had until 2013 been run by Parkland Funeral Homes, just west of Hwy 2 at the south end of Gasoline Alley.

Memorial park visitors have been told by the county to remove any above-ground items by April 15 to allow mowing and maintenance around the trees.

The county issued a statement on Tuesday reassuring that the park “will continue to be enjoyed as a place for memorial and respect.

“Memorial trees planted for loved ones will continue to grow and provide comfort,” says the county, adding a memorial bridge and pathways will remain.

BY SUSAN ZIELINSKI ADVOCATE STAFF All nine operating rooms at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre were temporarily closed Tuesday afternoon after water leaked down from a second-floor construction site.

Four of the operating rooms were flooded and remain closed on Wednesday for assessment, cleanup and possible renovation.

Alberta Health Services said surgery on one patient was wrapping up at the time and was completed as planned.

Power was shut down as a precaution to all the operating rooms, located on the main floor beneath the site, where two operating rooms for scheduled caesarean sections and emergency obstetrical procedures are under construction.

A few nearby rooms on the second floor also had some flooding.

“There’s still some cleanup and reclamation work that needs to be done. It’s hard to speculate, but we’re hoping at least two of those ORs will be functioning for next week,” said Kerry Bales, chief zone officer for Alberta Health Services Central Zone, on Wednesday.

Flooding occurred at about noon on Tuesday causing 11 surgical procedures to be cancelled and deferred. Another 28 did not go ahead on Wednesday.

An average of 48 surgeries per day are performed at the hospital.

“Obviously our first priority is on any surgeries that would be considered urgent — so emergencies, obstetrical cases, and urgent orthopedics.

Procedures that are being deferred would be procedures that are not necessarily life threatening, although we completely recognize that for the patients that being deferred it is extremely inconvenient to them unfortunately. We’re trying to make sure we maintain the volumes to the best of our ability.”

Petition opposes county plans for memorial park

Please see PARK on Page A6

Some 143 Syrians now in city under program

BY CRYSTAL RHYNO ADVOCATE STAFF

Contributed photo

All nine operating rooms at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre were temporarily closed Tuesday afternoon after water leaked down from a second-floor construction site.

He said the hospital is looking at more weekend and evening surgeries and is working to be at full surgical capacity as soon as possible.

Twenty-seven government sponsored Syrian refugee families are calling Red Deer home.

The most recent arrival, a family of three, is expected to move into their new home on Thursday, said Remza Mujezinovic, program supervisor for Catholic Social Services Immigration and Settlement Services.

It will bring the total to 143 Syrian refugees who have settled in Red Deer under the federal program.

Please see FLOOD on Page A2 Please see REFUGEE on Page A6

SNOWBALL OF FUN From the left, Morgan Klein, Cole Albrecht, Nia Fee and Thomas Sunderland work together to roll a snowball in the schoolyard at Joseph Welsh Elementary School in Red Deer Wednesday.

The fresh snow, combined with temperatures around the freezing mark, made for ideal snowman-making conditions for these Grade 1 students.

Photo by JEFF STOKOE/ Advocate staff

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NEWS

Thursday, March 3, 2016

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Pipeline politics dog summit

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS VANCOUVER — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used a speech to a clean tech conference Wednesday to make a direct pitch for the expansion of Canada’s oil and gas sector — a direction he later appeared to dial back in response to media questions.

Trudeau began a day-and-a-half of meetings on climate policy with the provincial and territorial premiers by heralding the promise of jobs and opportunity in a low-carbon economy.

He announced two new funds, totalling more than $125 million, to help municipalities and spur clean innovation by promoting climate friendly infrastructure projects and assist with their design.

But in recognition of the growing tensions bubbling just under the surface of a country divided by natural resource wealth, the Liberal prime minister attempted to quarantine the divisive politics of oil sands and pipeline expansion.

Trudeau received an effusive welcome from a packed plenary of the Globe clean tech conference, where he opened the week-long trade and networking show Wednesday morning with a speech promoting economic opportunities.

“But we must continue to generate wealth from our abundant natural resources to fund this transition to this low-carbon economy,” he said at the speech’s mid-point.

“The choice between pipelines and wind turbines is a false one,” Trudeau continued. “We need both to reach our goal. And as we continue to ensure there is a market for our natural resources, our deepening commitment to a cleaner future will be a valuable advantage.”

It was not an applause line in this green coastal city.

Trudeau is in Vancouver to make good on an election pledge to meet with the premiers within three months of the Paris climate conference. But his promise to set new emissions targets for the country and create a pan-Canadian climate policy has morphed into finding an agreeable roadmap toward building a policy framework.

Even that process-heavy goal appears under stress this week.

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall continues to torpedo any talk of carbon pricing, although he dismissed corridor talk Wednesday that Saskatchewan might boycott a proposed federal-provincial working group on carbon pricing.

“We’ll play a constructive role,” he told The Canadian Press.

STORIES FROM PAGE A1

FLOOD: Struggle for patients, staff “We are operating with a few less operating rooms, but the site is able to maintain the services that it provides.

It continues to be a referral centre for the rest of the zone,” Bales said.

Red Deer surgeon Dr. Paul Hardy said that he was told 60 litres a minute of water gushed out for 20 minutes during the mishap. He worried that the hospital would be down two operating rooms for at least six weeks and it will

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, presents Squamish elder Latash Nahanee with a gift during a meeting of the First Ministers, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Leaders in Vancouver, B.C., Wednesday.

Aboriginal leaders want seat at the table of First Nations and Natan Obed of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami agreed that indigenous people need to have a hand in designing Canada’s response to the issue.

“Nothing about us, without us,” said Bellegarde.

“We echoed our asks to the prime minister and the premiers, that whatever strategies being developed going forward, that we need to be at the table. We have responsibilities to protect the land and water.”

Obed said the leaders were assured they’d be part of the policy process.

“Our perceptions, our positions and our realities will be a integral part of the way Canada moves forward,” he said. “The provinces and territories fully expect and appreciate that nuance as well.”

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS VANCOUVER — Indigenous leaders told Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the premiers Wednesday that they want a role in developing climate change policy.

“It’s like we’re standing at the doorway,” said Clement Chartier of the Metis National Council. “What happens next, we’ll get to see. It’s always good words, this government right now is offering us an opportunity to sit at the table. We’ll see in the action what happens next.

Chartier was among three national aboriginal leaders invited to meet with Trudeau and the premiers in advance of their scheduled meeting Thursday on climate change.

Perry Bellegarde of the Assembly

be a struggle for patients and staff.

One of the five remaining operating rooms is only for urology patients.

He said cancer surgery must also go ahead despite the flooding, and OR closures have exposed how severely challenged surgery capacity is at the Red Deer hospital.

“We do 12,000 surgeries a year in Red Deer and we moved probably about 3,000 surgeries to Innisfail and Olds in the last five years and our 12,000 number has remained constant.

In other words we thought we were doing a good thing having surgeons travelling away to do these 3,000 surgeries outside of Red Deer and it hasn’t given us any breathing space,” Hardy said.

Cataract surgery, which does not require a stay in hospital, was moved to Innisfail from Red Deer, and day

surgery for small procedures are done in Olds.

He said only so much surgery can be done outside Red Deer. For example, surgeons can’t do a bowel resection in a community hospital and leave the patient there.

“We’re kind of hitting a concrete ceiling in terms of other options. All the slack is gone from the system.”

He said more evening and weekend surgery comes with staff burnout and a higher chance of mistakes happening.

Hardy said about four years ago the hospital was at the top of the list for major infrastructure projects when it was bumped. A 2007 plan to expand the Red Deer hospital by adding north and south towers to the site by 2035 includes doubling the number of operating rooms and there’s been no move-

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ment on the plan.

He said the two obstetric ORs will help, but more needs to be done soon for Alberta’s fourth largest hospital behind the University of Alberta Hospital and Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, and Foothills Hospital in Calgary.

After he was asked for a surgery update from the Health Minister last October, Hardy hoped some money would come to Red Deer but it was left off the list when funding was announced that month.

Hardy said Red Deer hospital serves Central Alberta and if there is no movement on plans in the next five years it will pose a risk.

“We’re efficient as can be and funded far below the big city hospitals.” szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com

PIKE WHEATON

THE WEATHER 8

Trudeau promised First Nations would be heard.

“We will work collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit and Metis across the country,” he said in a news release.

Bellegarde said Trudeau should call a first ministers meeting on aboriginal rights.

Although the three national leaders all referred to the meeting as a good start, not all those present as members of provincial delegations agreed. “(There was) no discussions of tangible agreements, no discussions of commitments, no discussions about coming back and when,” said Allan Adam of Alberta’s Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.

Not everything is possible in a two-hour meeting, said Bellegarde.

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NEWS

Thursday, March 3, 2016

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County to hold public hearing to remove suggestion of bias

BY PAUL COWLEY ADVOCATE STAFF

SUBDIVISION APPLICATION

A new public hearing will be held on a controversial Red Deer County subdivision application after the developer complained of possible bias.

At issue, is a resident-organized meeting that Mayor Jim Wood and Coun. Christine Moore attended briefly on Jan. 31 about a proposed 39-lot subdivision for the area.

A formal public hearing before county council took place on Feb. 2 and council voted 4-2 against going to second reading on a bylaw to adopt an area structure plan for the Poplar Pointe Estates development planned for a site about five km west of Red Deer.

More than two dozen residents, mostly from nearby subdivisions, spoke out against the project at the meeting at Red Deer County’s offices.

Following the vote, developer Reg Whyte raised concerns that the mayor and councillor may have heard information at the informal public gathering that could have influenced their later decisions.

Both had voted against second reading.

County manager Curtis Herzberg said the complaint was raised with the municipality’s lawyers who recommended holding another public hearing to remove any suggestion of bias.

Neither Wood nor Moore will participate in the new hearing.

The county does not believe the mayor and councillor were influenced in any way by their minutes-long attendance before the Poplar Ridge meeting. However, the alternative to another public hearing would have been to take the issue before a judge, which could mean costly and lengthy legal preparation.

Since the decision was made by council, the developer could not appeal to the subdivision and development appeal board. Only a legal appeal—

which must be focused on process, not the merits of an application — is available.

Wood said on Wednesday he was well aware that as elected officials due to vote on the area structure plan, he and Moore could not discuss the matter with residents or the proponent.

He and Moore agreed to appear before the residents’ meeting only to inform them of the county’s procedures related to development applications.

“We were there five to 10 minutes at the most,” he said of the meeting at Poplar Ridge Hall attended by a few dozen people.

“We didn’t take any information in and to be honest I don’t feel biased in any respect.”

But the perception of bias is what matters in law and, in hindsight, they should not have attended, even on such a limited basis, he acknowledged.

“My nature is to try to help people. That was my purpose for going to the meeting,” he said.

“I always try to be cautious and err on the side of caution. Maybe I’m being extremely cautious about stepping back,” he said.

“But I really, truly care about the county and I don’t want to create any perception that we didn’t hold a fair hearing.”

Wood said it’s unfortunate that residents and the developer will have to revisit the public hearing but it is the best way to leave no doubt the county is committed to an open and transparent process.

Herzberg said if a similar situation arose in the future a staff member would be sent to explain county development procedures to the public.

The new hearing will be held in council chambers at 1:30 p.m. on May 10.

The developer could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.

Forcible confinement case going to trial After two months of confusion, the fourth person accused of holding and beating a Red Deer man will head to trial.

Jeffrey Allan King, 18, Daniel Arthur Potter, 26, and Corim Kyle Conway, 23, were ordered to stand trial following a preliminary hearing earlier in January.

The fourth, Darren Curtis Lagrelle, 19, did not initially proceed to a preliminary inquiry. While with defence counsel Walter Kubanek, he had indicated a desire to resolve the charges by a plea deal. However, a breakdown in solicitor-client relations led Lagrelle to change lawyers.

Now defence counsel Norm Clair represents Lagrelle. Clair, who appeared on Wednesday in Red Deer provincial court, said he had just received a large amount of disclosure and needed time to review it.

Clair waived Lagrelle’s right to have a preliminary hearing on Wednesday. These hearings are held to test the strength of the Crown’s case before heading to trial.

The four will now move to Red Deer Court of Queen’s Bench on March 7. At that time a trial date may be set.

Red Deer RCMP executed a search warrant at the Aladdin Inn Hotel on July 30, 2015. Police were following up on reports of a man being held against his will in one of the hotel’s rooms.

Police said the victim suffered a number of non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene by EMS and released. The four accused men and the victim were known to each other.

Lagrelle, King, Potter and Conway are each charged with forcible confinement, aggravated assault, disguise with intent, and robbery.

Additionally, Lagrelle and King are charged with pointing a firearm and using a firearm in the commission of an offence. mcrawford@reddeeradvocate.com

Convicted murderer gets escorted absence

BY MURRAY CRAWFORD ADVOCATE STAFF Convicted of a brutal murder he still denies he did, Walter Raymond Anderson has been approved for a 72-hour escorted absence from prison.

Anderson, 49, applied for the absence under compassionate grounds. He intends to visit a person he is close with who is terminally ill. The Parole Board of Canada did not disclose the person’s identity.

Anderson was sentenced to life in prison for second degree murder in March 2007.

On Sept. 17, 2004, Anderson stabbed Kenny Gibson at the Bentley Hotel. Gibson, 69, worked a cleaning job at the hotel and tavern after business hours.

Prosecutors claimed Anderson tricked Gibson into letting him into the hotel late that night. He then suck punched Gibson in the face and knocked him out.

Gibson was beaten, stabbed once in the heart and strangled. Anderson robbed the hotel safe of about

Coroner identifies Alberta man who died of injuries in B.C. avalanche KELOWNA, B.C. — An Alberta man who died after an avalanche near Golden, B.C., has been identified.

The BC Coroners Service says 64-year-old Douglas Churchill was from Canmore.

He was among 13 people who travelled to the Esplanade area about 50 kilometres northwest of Golden to go skiing in the backcountry.

Central Alberta organizations will receive $1.6 million in additional funding to run 20 programs to help children and youth.

The Red Deer and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Board approved 20 recommendations for the programs on Wednesday.

They include new early prevention programs that were either planned and ready to go; an expansion of an existing project; or a one-time project or innovation to better serve clients.

Organizations such as Boys and Girls Club of Red Deer and District, Central Alberta Refugee Effort, the Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division and the Town of Penhold will receive funding for various programs.

The province announced in October 2015 that it would increase FCSS funding by $25 million across Alberta.

A total of $400,000 was earmarked in December to launch a regional neighbourhood initiative designed to help increase connection between people where they live. This place-based pilot project aims to support people to meet their neighbours and build relationships to enhance quality of life.

Blackfalds RCMP hunting for attempted-murder suspect Blackfalds RCMP are looking for a suspect in a Feb. 25 attempted murder in Red Deer County.

Police released a composite sketch of the man on Wednesday.

Around 5 a.m. on Feb. 25, the Blackfalds RCMP responded to a rural residence in Red Deer County to a victim who had been seriously injured.

Police are also looking for a person who placed an Alberta license plate at the front door of Innisfail police detachment on Feb. 28.

If you have information about this suspect or incident, all the Blackfalds RCMP at 403-885-3300 or call your local police department. To remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 (TIPS) or www.tipsubmit.com.

Winnipeg man accused of stealing car and fleeing police in Alberta WINNIPEG — A 31-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with various driving-related offences after he allegedly fled police in a stolen vehicle earlier this week.

RCMP stopped the suspect vehicle on Monday evening near Canmore.

Christopher Johnson has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, operation of a motor vehicle while being pursued by police and driving while disqualified.

$4,200.

The Parole Board of Canada ruled on Feb. 26 that Anderson should be granted a three day escorted absence from prison. During his absence he will be accompanied by two correctional officers and will be house at RCMP Barracks in the evenings.

Anderson has been upset about the declining health of the person to whom he is close.

Anderson becomes eligible for day parole in 2018 and would be eligible for full parole in 2021.

The parole board noted even though he has consistently maintained his innocence, the case management team said it has not impacted his adjustment to incarceration.

Anderson has enlisted the help of the Association in Defence of the Wrongfully Accused.

The parole board said the most recent assessment indicates Anderson is a low risk to re-offend in a violent manner and is a 20 per cent risk of recidivism, re-offender, a low score. mcrawford@reddeeradvocate.com A large avalanche struck on the morning of Feb. 21, and several members of the group were buried, including Churchill.

Others in the party found Churchill and dug him out, and he was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to Foothills Hospital in Calgary, where died three days later.

The BC Coroners Service and the RCMP are still investigating his death.

RED DEER

CITIZEN

7467046C10

BY MURRAY CRAWFORD ADVOCATE STAFF

FCSS Board approves $1.6M for programs to help children, youth

OF THE

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he Citizen of the Year and Young Citizen of the Year Award are given out each spring at the Rotary Spring Gala in Red Deer.

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Nominations must be submitted in writing to: Jim Slipp AndersonSlipp Chartered Accountants #106, 4320 - 50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 3A6 Attention: Citizen of the Year or Young Citizen of the Year Nominations must be received not later than March 31, 2016

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COMMENT

THE ADVOCATE Thursday, March 3, 2016

Teachers float lead negotiating balloon JOHN STEWART OPINION

I

t’s standard negotiating practice to float trial balloons. But some suggestions deserve to be promptly shot down.

Case in point: the recent suggestion by the head of the Alberta Teachers’ Association that teachers should not abandon the possibility of a raise in the next, imminent, round of contract negotiations.

Most Albertans could likely support increased spending on education, with a few clear provisos: that the money be spent on more teachers and smaller class sizes; that increasingly injurious school fees be eliminated, or at least dramatically reduced; that the best technology be introduced into the classroom; that programs be expanded to offer new and varied skills; that post-secondary opportunities rise; and that post-secondary tuition be significantly reduced.

In essence, Albertans would support more spending for education, across the board, if that spending was

going to improve schooling overall: the quality of instruction and the accessibility of that instruction.

But last week, ATA president Mark Ramsankar told the Edmonton Teachers’ Convention that teachers should not expect a pay freeze. The inference is clear: it’s time to be rewarded for the last contract’s modest goals.

“We recognize the economic climate that Alberta’s in,” he said. “You’d have to live under a rock not to know it. But make no mistake about it, teachers have their own economic reality that we’ve just come from. And that is not to be ignored either.”

That reality was a three-year wage freeze, followed by a two per cent raise and a one per cent lump payout in the deal’s final year. That deal expires in the spring.

But the teachers’ reality is just one factor in any conversation about public spending.

The other reality is much more grim. It involves thousands of Albertans who have lost their jobs in the last 14 months, and no obvious light at the end of a tunnel that looks very much like a full-blown recession. The province’s economy has dropped like a stone (2015’s job loss numbers in Alberta were the worst since 1982, according to Statistics Canada).

At the end of the day, only govern-

ment spending will keep this situation from getting worse. And that means prudent choices by the New Democratic government. We are now being told that the provincial government’s deficit could reach $10.4 billion in the 2016-17 fiscal year as world oil prices continue to scrape bottom.

So from a fiscal management perspective, it’s impossible to justify giving one group of employed Albertans any kind of raise when thousands of Albertans are losing their jobs or are significantly underemployed. It would be far better if that deficit spending went to new job creation, and the social supports needed by a population hard hit by an economic downturn.

It is what Premier Rachel Notely has called “a menu of bad options,” but the best options, already identified by the province, must be pursued: to build infrastructure and diversify the economy. Certainly, going further into deficit spending – or, worse yet, bumping up taxes – to pay teachers more should in no way be an option. That’s not a bad option, that’s an unconscionable one.

That doesn’t mean that Alberta’s 38,000 teachers are undeserving of our appreciation and admiration. And our support as parents, employers and citizens in general. Alberta’s students rank with the best in the country when

it comes to education and skills, according to the Conference Board of Canada. Internationally, you will only find better prepared students in Japan and Finland. That kind of quality, ultimately, will give us the tools as an economy and a society to rise from this mess.

But even after a three-year wage freeze, and a small increase in the fourth year of the current deal, Alberta’s teachers remain the best paid in the nation. The average elementary school teacher makes $74,679 a year, according to Alberta Education. That’s as much as 20 per cent above the national average. Overall, Alberta civil servants make 12 per cent more than the average public-sector workers elsewhere in the country.

Certainly, any good negotiator will start the process by bidding high. But Alberta’s teachers better not expect anything more than they are receiving now.

Albertans can’t afford it – and wouldn’t stand for it.

As trial balloons go, this one is a lead zeppelin.

Troy Media columnist John Stewart is a born and bred Albertan who doesn’t drill for oil, ranch or drive a pickup truck – although all of those things have played a role in his past.

Advocate letters policy

T

he Advocate welcomes letters on public issues from readers.

Letters must be signed with the writer’s first and last name, plus address and phone number.

Pen names may not be used. Letters will be published with the writer’s name.

Addresses and phone numbers won’t be published.

Letters should be brief and deal with a single topic; try to keep them under 300 words.

The Advocate will not interfere with the free expression of opinion on public issues submitted by readers, but reserves the right to refuse publication and to edit all letters for public interest, length, clarity, legality, personal abuse or good taste.

The Advocate will not publish statements that indicate unlawful discrimination or intent to discriminate against a person or class of persons, or are likely to expose people to hatred or contempt because of race, colour, religious beliefs, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, source of income, marital status, family status or sexual orientation.

Due to the volume of letters we receive, some submissions may not be published.

Mail submissions or drop them off to Letters to the Editor, Red Deer Advocate, 2950 Bremner Ave., T4R 1M9; or e-mail to editorial@reddeeradvocate.com.

Washington awaits the ‘anti-Trump’ TIM HARPER OPINION

N

ext week’s White House state dinner will be the first such soirée in 19 years in which the guest of honour is a Canadian prime minister.

But it will be the first such dinner in memory in which the Canadian prime minister will be the subject of fascination by official Washington.

This will very much be the Justin Trudeau show, but he and Barack Obama would also like to do a little business. Can a rookie prime minister and a lame duck president really accomplish anything at next Thursday’s summit?

Obama has about 10 months remaining — 324 days to be precise — before the inauguration of a new president, but the oversized nature of this presidential election cycle has dwarfed everything, including the remaining months of this presidency.

There is the much larger and vexing question of how Trudeau would operate with a Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump White House.

Trudeau, in fact, was declared the anti-Trump in a Washington Post column this week that highlighted stark differences between the two men on issues as disparate as their treatment of women, their views on refugees, immigration, climate change and “being nice.”

Late last year, in an interview with BBC, Trudeau wrote Trump off, putting him prematurely in the political dustbin with Rob Ford and saying the era

of “anti-politicians” who sow fear and division had largely run its course.

Tuesday, in an interview with Vancouver radio station News 1130, he talked about working with Trump without mentioning the Republican front-runner.

“I think there have been times when president and prime minister have been perhaps misaligned on an ideological or a political spectrum level, where we’ve been able to work very, very well together,” he said. Ideology can’t drive the bilateral relationship, Trudeau said.

In talks with Obama, Trudeau could try to expedite a new deal on softwood lumber after the October expiration of the previous pact. A standstill clause prevents the U.S. from launching trade action against Canadian producers for a year, but the lumber industry fears a return to the bad old days of trade disputes that cost the Canadian industry up to 10,000 jobs.

Obama could hand Trudeau a victory by ensuring renewal of the pact before he leaves office. They could also work to improve entry and exit immigration controls in both countries in Obama’s remaining days. Obama wants to talk environment and both men are facing post-Paris headwinds.

Trudeau will have to speak about carbon-pricing opposition in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (where not coincidentally elections loom). Obama’s bid to regulate emissions from coal-fired power plants was stayed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Obama is seeking a legacy issue on climate change and Trudeau is trying to make it a centrepiece of his first mandate, so the two men have common goals, albeit much different political timelines.

More than anything, next week’s meeting and dinner is a chance to showcase Trudeau in Washington, an opportunity accorded him by an outgoing presi-

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dent who welcomes a younger progressive as a neighbour and, some have suggested, sees something of himself in Trudeau.

“The fact the Americans would bump this up to a state dinner demonstrates how they value this visit of the new Canadian prime minister,” says Paul Frazer, a former Canadian ambassador and Washington-based specialist on bilateral trade, environmental and security issues.

“No one here who has been paying attention is waiting to see Pierre Trudeau 2.0. They are waiting to see Justin Trudeau in his own right.”

So, Trudeau will be able to talk about Canada’s welcome to 25,000 Syrian refugees and sell it in a way to assuage any security fears that might remain in the U.S. He will also be able to explain and sell his decision to remove CF-18s from the air war but put more boots on the ground in an advisory role in the anti-ISIS coalition. And Obama will publicly praise him, even if the Pentagon would have preferred to keep the Canadians in the sky.

And for this Trudeau, the Pentagon will remain quiet. The last time a Trudeau came calling as prime minister, it was Justin’s father, whose arms reductions efforts were derided by a Ronald Reagan official as “akin to pot-induced behaviour by an erratic leftist” and panned by an unnamed Pentagon official who said Canada had not pulled its weight in NATO. Trudeau the elder told reporters outside the White House he was not going to worry about third-rate “Pentagon pipsqueaks.” Expect nothing but niceties — and much-needed attention to Canada — next week.

Tim Harper is a national affairs writer syndicated by Torstar.

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NEWS

Thursday, March 3, 2016

A5

Calgary woman’s case sets precedent

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

ASSISTED DYING

CALGARY — It’s not clear how many Canadians have applied to the courts for physician-assisted deaths, but some experts say the first case involving a terminally ill Alberta woman has set an example for others who are bound to follow.

The Calgary woman, known only as Ms. S in court documents, was granted an exemption Monday to end her life with the help of two doctors in Vancouver. She died later that day.

Last year, the Supreme Court struck down the law prohibiting medical aid in dying. In January, it gave the federal government more time to craft a new law, but ruled that anyone who wants to die sooner can apply to a judge for an exemption.

Some provinces are tracking requests while others are not.

Alberta Health said it is aware of how many there are in the province, but won’t release the number. Nova Scotia’s Justice Department has no official tracking and health officials in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador said they are unaware of any applications.

Quebec has had its own assisted-death law since December. The health authority for the Quebec City area reported the province’s first case in mid-January. But total numbers in that province will only be published once a year, probably in June, when an independent commission overseeing cases publishes its annual report.

Montreal lawyer Jean-Pierre Menard, who helped define Quebec’s special application process, said there have been at least 20 doctor-assisted deaths in the province since the law came into effect. He has been involved with some of them.

“We will see the number increase rapidly,” said Menard, who added about two per cent of the province’s deaths each year could meet the criteria for an assisted death. That would be 1,200 a year.

Menard feared the exemption process in other provinces would be complicated, but found the judge in the Calgary case made it flexible. He said the ruling will likely set a precedent for other applications.

Ms. S, who can’t be identified due to a publication ban, was in the final stages of ALS. The disease had left her almost completely paralyzed, unable to speak or swallow liquids and in considerable pain.

Canada BRIEFS Millions unspent in federal fund for parents of murdered or missing children OTTAWA — Millions of dollars in federal cash earmarked for the parents of missing or murdered children have gone unspent — a clear sign that the program is in need of repair, says the federal ombudsman for victims of crime.

Federal documents show just $166,320 has actually gone to families in each of the last two fiscal years — less than one per cent of the $20 million budgeted for the program over that time.

Sue O’Sullivan, the victims of crime ombudsman, plans to review the program to find out why money isn’t going to families who could use the financial help after dealing with a tragedy.

The money is delivered through the employment insurance system and can be taken by either parent, or shared by both.

“Canadians pay into this program and it’s to be there for you when you cannot work and certainly victimization is one of the reasons and circumstances that you may not be able to work,” O’Sullivan said Wednesday.

The three-year-old program, set up by the previous Conservative government, provides $350 a week, before tax, for up to 35 weeks to parents of children under the age of 18 who have been killed or have gone missing as a result of a criminal act.

A judge granted a Calgary woman’s application to have a doctor-assisted death, under an exemption allowed by the Supreme Court while the federal government crafts a new law governing the practice. It’s believed to be the first granted by a Canadian court. Queen’s Bench Justice Sheilah Martin outlined in her ruling how the process should work in Alberta, noting that she followed the criteria laid out by the Supreme Court.

Here are the things she considered: ● Is the person a competent adult? ● Did the person clearly consent to the termination of life? ● Does the person have a grievous and irremediable medical condition? ● Does the condition cause enduring, intolerable suffering? ● Can the suffering be alleviated by any treatment that is acceptable to the individual?

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Outspoken political commentator Ezra Levant arrives at the Law Society of Alberta in Calgary on Wednesday.

Alberta Law Society accepts resignation of Ezra Levant

The high court did not dictate what type of evidence was needed, so Martin relied on: ● Affidavits from the applicant. ● Statements from her doctor, the doctor who planned to assist the death and other doctors from an ALS clinic. ● A letter from her best friend. ● A letter the applicant wrote to her lawyer describing her life.

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS CALGARY — Outspoken political commentator Ezra Levant will no longer be able to practise law in Alberta and two complaints against him have effectively disappeared following a ruling by the body that governs lawyers in the province.

Following a three-hour hearing Wednesday, a Law Society of Alberta panel allowed Levant to resign after 16 years as a member.

The ruling means complaints against him over a column he wrote in March 2014 are moot because Levant no longer falls under the society’s jurisdiction.

“I feel freed from this leghold trap that I’ve been in,” Levant said Wednesday after the decision.

“Part of me really wanted to have that hearing on my freedom of speech in the … column. They basically abandoned the fight so I think it would be a little bit much if I said, ‘no, come back and prosecute me.”’

Levant argued before the panel that he hasn’t practised law in years and moved from Alberta to pursue other interests.

“I’m glad I went to law school and I use my legal training almost every day, but I use it to do politics or journalism,

Martin noted that different evidence has been suggested in other provinces.

In Ontario, she noted that the chief justice of the Superior Court has proposed affidavits from the following people are needed as evidence: ● The applicant. ● The attending doctor. ● A psychiatrist. ● The doctor who would assist in the death And in British Columbia, she said, the chief justice of the British Columbia Supreme Court suggests affidavits are needed from: ● The applicant. ● Two doctors.

Quebec has had its own assisted-death law since December. It does not require a court process instead people must: ● Fill out a prescribed form. ● Provide statements from two doctors.

they fear for public safety as a Nova Scotia prison prepares to release her at the end of this month.

Melissa Ann Shepard, now in her early 80s, was sentenced in June 2013 to two years, nine months and 10 days of jail for spiking her newlywed husband’s coffee with tranquilizers.

Correctional Service Canada says Shepard gets out of the federal women’s prison in Truro on March 20, after being refused early release by the parole board late last fall.

Fred Weeks, who was 76 when Shepard was sentenced, said in a telephone interview from his home in Stellarton that he believes Shepard isn’t trustworthy and he doesn’t want her near his community.

“She’s too smooth of an actor,” said Weeks, now in his late 70s.

“She kept me in the dark for a long time, telling me her stories. Everything was a story. Everything was a lie that she told me. … I wouldn’t want her to come around myself or any friends.”

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not as a lawyer,” he said in his submission. “I haven’t had a client in years.”

Levant applied to resign two years ago. But he was scheduled to face a week-long disciplinary hearing over the complaints before the law society offered a resignation hearing instead.

However, he said he would not quit the society unless the complaints against him were lifted.

The column, which ran in the Calgary Sun and its sister newspapers across the country, criticized the Alberta Human Rights Commission’s handling of a case involving a Muslim man who was claiming discrimination when he was fired from his job as an electrician in Edmonton.

Law society citations had alleged comments Levant made in the column entitled Next Stop, Crazy Town were “inappropriate and unbecoming” for a lawyer and violated the professional code of conduct.

Levant addressed those allegations in his submission.

“I acknowledge that there are some things that could amount to conduct unbecoming for a lawyer, even a non-practising lawyer,” he said. “Being convicted of a crime might be one example.

“But having strong opinions shouldn’t be. Nor should expressing them.”

NEWS

Thursday, March 3, 2016

STORIES FROM PAGE A1

PARK: Not planning to take out trees

Mujezinovic, who came to Canada as a refugee from Bosnia about 22 years ago. “In terms of donations it was overwhelming. We were able to collect enough donations for each family so they didn’t need to spend any money or buy anything for the house … It was just simply amazing.”

The leftovers will be distributed to other newcomers in the city.

Mujezinovic said more refugees will come to Red Deer but not as many as the number that arrived over the last two months. She said this will include non-Syrian refugees.

The families have moved into homes throughout the city, many of which are next to another Syrian family.

“I think they feel much safer to be close to each other and to share their stories,” said Mujezinovic.

“In Canada there are four seasons. Some people got sick but it is nothing out of the ordinary. They are trying to integrate. They are really eager to take English classes.”

Many have asked about working but learning English will be the first order of business, she said.

Most children are taking English As A Second Language classes in the public school district. The parents will take language assessment tests through the Central Alberta Refugee Effort before taking classes.

Catholic Social Services will help the families until they are capable of doing everything on their own.

For some people, it may be a few years while others may require less time.

“It depends on the circumstances,” she said. “If they have small kids they might not be able to go school. It all depends on their level of English.” crhyno@reddeeradvocate.com

County manager Curtis Herzberg said it is not planning to take out all of the trees or leave it to go back to nature as a “wilderness area” as the online petition suggests.

“There are some things that people leave in that park that can create some issues for maintenance and that’s really what we’re trying to address,” said Herzberg.

While a handful of benches or other memorabilia might not have been a significant issue, dozens of benches have been placed in the park over the years, he said. Once plans for a natural area were finalized, the county sent out letters to 700 families informing them of the maintenance changes.

The park became a county problem after Parkland Funeral Homes — which changed hands in 2010 — decided not to renew a 10-year lease entered into by the previous owners.

“We’re trying to strike a balance,” said Herzberg.

“We don’t want to tear everything out necessarily but we want to ensure it can be suitably maintained.”

Herzberg is sympathetic to people’s concerns but the county has been put in the position of maintaining a memorial park that it did not oversee until recently. The county had no part in how the park was marketed over the years to tree buyers or what they were told about its longterm prospects.

The county created the April 15 deadline to give people time to remove benches or anything else of sentimental value. Any memorabilia left behind will be collected and stored so people can pick it up later.

Shelley Steenhart, whose sister, Karen Begg, is remembered with a plaque, stone and a tree at the park, is still not happy with the county’s response.

“They are standing their ground. They are just not budging,” said Steenhart on Wednesday.

“It’s just heartbreaking.

To me, it seems like they are desecrating sacred ground.

“I just can’t believe are just not reconsidering with the public outcry.”

Innisfail’s Coralie Adams bought a tree in the fall of 2013 as a memorial to her son Timothy and was notified by Parkland the next spring that their tree was available for planting.

Adams said she was told by a funeral home representative it was TOTAL VALUE † GET UP TO working with the county on upkeep for the area, INCLUDES: $3,000 DELIVERY CREDIT, $5,180 CASH CREDIT, but she was not told that $820 PACKAGE DISCOUNT, $1,000 OWNER CASH †† the lease was not renewed.

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A6

Local BRIEFS Preliminary hearing for impaired driving case slated to start on March 17 A hearing is coming soon for a man accused of an impaired driving collision that left a Penhold man dead.

Chad Ryan Connatty, 31, will get to hear the Crown’s case against him on March 17 and 18 in Red Deer provincial court. Connatty requested the preliminary hearing, which are held to test the strength of the Crown’s evidence before heading to trial.

If he is ordered to stand trial, that will be held in Red Deer Court of Queen’s Bench.

Connatty faces charges of impaired riving causing death and driving while having a blood alcohol content of over 0.08 causing death.

Kevin Lee Pearson, 44, rode his motorcycle when it collided with a Ford F-150 at the intersection of 19th Street and 30th Avenue. The collision occurred on May 20, 2015.

Pearson wore a helmet at the time of the crash.

Red Deer RCMP said the northbound truck attempted to turn left onto 19th Street and collided with the motorcycle, which was traveling south.

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REFUGEES: Feel safer The new residents began arriving in late-December as part of the government’s commitment to re-settle 25,000 refugees by the end of February.

Mujezinovic said the welcoming response from the community including the major stakeholders including health, education, the City of Red Deer and other agencies made it all possible.

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B1

SPORTS

THE ADVOCATE Thursday, March 3, 2016

Canada sticks to winning formula WORLD CUP OF HOCKEY

HOCKEY CANADA BRINGS BACK CORE OF 2014 OLYMPIC TEAM

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Hockey Canada is going back to a golden well for the 2016 World Cup. Twelve of the first 16 players named to the Canadian squad early Wednesday evening won gold at the most recent Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Jamie Benn and Ryan Getzlaf front the returning forward group with Drew Doughty, Duncan Keith and Shea Weber back to steady the Canadian back-end. Injured at the moment, but brilliant in Russia and the reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner, Carey Price returns as the favourite to assume the No. 1 spot in goal.

“That’s a big stage,” Hockey Canada president Tom Renney said of the Olympics. “To be able to deliver on that stage under the circumstances is important. Certainly they have a leg up. That being said you still have to come back to your league and play properly and those guys have done that.”

Injured in 2014, Lightning captain Steven Stamkos was one of four players in the first group named not to play for Canada in Sochi, joined by goaltenders Corey Crawford and Braden Holtby as well as Tyler Seguin, the Dallas Stars centre who’s blossomed into one of the league’s most feared offensive players.

Seguin seems poised to line up alongside Benn, his Stars linemate, in the fall.

It’s little wonder why Canada opted to bring back the core of that Sochi collection, mind-bendingly dominant under head coach Mike Babcock at the Olympics. A defensive gem that held the puck almost without interruption, the Canadians yielded only three goals all tournament while shutting out the Americans and Swedes in the semi-final and gold medal games.

Jeff Carter, Patrice Bergeron, John Tavares and Marc-Edouard Vlasic also return from the gold-winning squad. Management weighed not only individual talents from that group, but how effectively they meshed with others in Sochi, notably on defence.

Keith and Weber formed a dominant top pairing in Russia, backed up by Doughty and Vlasic, the steady San Jose Sharks defenceman.

“We look at the Sochi group and I think that might’ve been the best defensive group put together for international competition,” Canada’s general manager Doug Armstrong said.

Among those not named in the initial wave from

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Toronto Mayor John Tory, centre, and Bill Daly/NHL Deputy Commissioner, right, poses for a selfie as former NHL hockey player Darryl Sittler (left) watches as they unveil the tournament countdown clock for the World Cup of Hockey 2016 in Toronto on Wednesday. the 2014 squad was Corey Perry, the Ducks winger who had only one point at the Olympics and struggled early for Anaheim this season, Avalanche speedster Matt Duchene and Blues defenceman Alex Pietrangelo.

Perry has surged with 26 goals since the start of November (entering play on Wednesday night) and will be considered for the final roster, Armstrong said.

“There’s a wealth of riches when you’re picking this team and now we had to separate 16 candies out of the barrel,” said Armstrong. “We’re gonna add seven more at the end.”

The reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner, Price was named to the team despite not having played for the Canadiens since late November because of a lower-body injury.

Armstrong consulted with Price and Canadiens

ownership — via Montreal general manager and Canadian assistant general manager Marc Bergevin — to determine their comfort with the goaltender being named to the initial group.

Both, after taking time to consider the matter, gave their blessing.

“Obviously this is a big tournament for hockey,” Armstrong said, “but Carey Price is a huge piece for the Montreal Canadiens so we wanted to make sure that the Canadiens team and ownership was comfortable with the decision.”

Crawford and Holtby are intriguing secondary options to Price, the former a two-time Stanley Cup champion in midst of his best NHL season, the latter on track for a 50-win season.

See CANADA on Page B2

Notable names left off McDavid, initial World Cup rosters Gaudreau get

call for Team North America

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON — Phil Kessel has to wait to find out if he plays for the United States at the World Cup of Hockey, and P.K. Subban will have to remain in a holding pattern on getting the call about representing Canada.

Kessel and Subban were among the most notable players left off the initial 16-man World Cup rosters unveiled Wednesday.

There’s still time for them to be added as each team must fill out its 23-man roster by June 1.

“It’s not just Phil Kessel,” general manager Dean Lombardi said, noting that forward Bobby Ryan and defenceman Justin Faulk also didn’t make the first cut. “It’s imperative that we get this right.”

Among the nine forwards, four defencemen and three goaltenders selected to the U.S. roster, no player’s presence was more surprising than Justin Abdelkader of the Detroit Red Wings, who adds a tough physical presence that should suit coach John Tortorella well.

The same goes for big defenceman Dustin Byfuglien of the Winnipeg Jets, while Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks brings the skill up front.

Canada will have a very familiar feel for coach Mike Babcock as 12 of the first 16 players selected to the roster won gold with him at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, including goaltender Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens, who has been out of NHL action with an injury.

General manager Doug Armstrong said he gave Price — “the No. 1 goalie on the planet” — his choice of how to proceed with the roster, and the reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner wanted to be on it.

Behind Price are Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals, who’s on pace to break Martin Brodeur’s single-season wins record, and Corey Crawford of the defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks.

They’re two of the four newcomers along with Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos and Dallas Stars centre Tyler Seguin.

Subban was a glaring omission given his risk-and-reward style.

Subban played sparingly in Sochi, and Armstrong mentioned that

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

USA Hockey left Phil Kessel off the list of the first 16 players selected to the U.S. team for the World Cup of Hockey which was named on Wednesday.

Babcock likes predictability and having players he can put on the ice in all situations.

“We’re going to have really tough decisions on what we want,” Armstrong said. “We have to separate 16 candies out of the barrel.

We’re going to add seven more at the end. Right now, Corey Perry is a great player, and when we do name our 23, we’re going to go to the World Cup of Hockey as a group of 23, not 16 and an additional seven.”

Other teams had difficult decisions, too. Team North America, made up of American and Canadian players age 23 and under, has the past three No. 1 picks in Connor McDavid, Aaron Ekblad and Nathan MacKinnon but didn’t have room for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Edmonton Oilers or Alex Galchenyuk of the Canadiens.

Team North America GM Peter Chiarelli, who also holds that job in Edmonton, said he talked to Nugent-Hopkins about not being on the initial roster and hopes the young centre gets healthy and back into form.

“That was a difficult one,” Chiarelli said. “He knows what he has to do. I would expect him to be part of this team at the end of the day. But he’s got to come

back and play, and I expect that he will.”

Buffalo Sabres rookie Jack Eichel is already on the team, and the combination of him and McDavid should be potent.

“The other GMs — Dean and Doug — are jealous and they’ve told me such because those two would probably be on the big team,” Chiarelli said. “(I) probably don’t fully appreciate it. I think probably in 10 years we’ll look back and truly appreciate it.”

Sweden left the Stars’ John Klingberg off its first roster, but could add him to one of the deepest blue lines in the tournament.

The Czech Republic left off Jaromir Jagr, but mainly because so that the 44-year-old could have until June 1 to decide whether he wants to play.

It’s the kind of debate and discussion the NHL hoped to generate on roster day, several months ahead of the tournament, which begins Sept. 17 in Toronto.

“Even I as a fan looking at the rosters go, ‘Woah, look at this,” commissioner Gary Bettman said.

“People are going to now start speculating and debating and discussing. Today it becomes real.”

Greg Meachem, Sports Editor, 403-314-4363 E-mail gmeachem@reddeeradvocate.com

>>>>

TORONTO — North American general manager Peter Chiarelli was still gushing Wednesday evening over the first NHL matchup of Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, allured by the prospect of what the two young stars might deliver next fall.

McDavid and Eichel headlined the first group of players named to the North American entry at the upcoming World Cup. Restricted to only those 23 or younger — born on or after Oct. 1, 1992 — the roster also includes promising Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon, Florida Panthers cornerstone defender Aaron Ekblad as well as the Calgary Flames exciting two-some, Johhny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan.

MacKinnon and Ekblad were the last two winners of the Calder Trophy for the NHL’s top rookie, while Gaudreau continues his race up the NHL’s scoring charts.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the roster, though, is the combination of generational stars McDavid and Eichel, the first and second overall picks at last June’s draft. Long linked and compared, the two met for the first time in the NHL earlier this week, McDavid scoring both goals in an Oilers 2-1 overtime win.

North American management counted itself lucky to have both, among others, at their disposal.

“I’m just observant that the other GMs — Dean (Lombardi) and Doug (Armstrong) — are jealous and they’ve told me such because those two would probably be on the big team,” Chiarelli said of his counterparts with the American and Canadian squads. “(I) probably don’t fully appreciate it. I think probably in 10 years we’ll look back and truly appreciate it.”

In boasting the skillful likes of the McDavid, Eichel, MacKinnon and Gaudreau, the North Americans expect to play an up-tempo game at the World Cup, the power of young legs, they hope, adding an advantage when the tournament begins just before the start of the NHL regular season.

“All of guys can skate and we’re going to push the pace,” Chiarelli said.

That pace may be necessary given the inexperience of the North American defence, which is led by Ekblad, the reigning Calder Trophy winner. The Panthers 20-year-old sensation was joined in the initial grouping by Blue Jackets teammates Seth Jones and Ryan Murray along with Morgan Rielly, the Maple Leafs 21-year-old defenceman.

See NORTH AMERICA on Page B2

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SPORTS

Thursday, March 3, 2016

B2

Raptors make Jazz sing the blues LOWRY, DEROZAN COMBINE FOR 63 POINTS IN RAPTORS WIN

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS Raptors 104 Jazz 94 TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan was back working at full strength on Wednesday.

The result: a Raptors-record 11th consecutive victory at the Air Canada Centre.

Lowry scored 32 points, while fellow all-star DeRozan chipped in with 31 and the Raptors topped the Utah Jazz 104-94 to add to their franchise-record home winning streak.

Lowry had sat out Sunday’s loss at Detroit, while DeRozan had played through the flu two nights earlier in a win over Cleveland.

When the duo is firing on all cylinders, they’re “extremely dangerous,” says DeRozan.

“Especially once we get going, it’s easier to get our teammates involved and get them going as well,” he said.

“We can pick and choose who we want to attack a team from. It’s tough to defend a team like that when we get going like that.”

Toronto had won 10 games in a row at home once before, but it was stretched over two seasons — eight games to close 2001-02, then the first two of the following season.

Terrence Ross, meanwhile, added

11 points, while Jonas Valanciunas finished with 10 points and eight rebounds for Toronto (40-19).

Gordon Hayward had 26 points to top the Jazz (28-32) in their fourth straight loss, while Saskatoon-born Trey Lyles finished with six points in 25 minutes.

Lowry and DeRozan had averaged 48 points between them in the previous 10 home wins, and they were superb again Wednesday. DeRozan shot 11-for-15 on the night, while Lowry was 13-for-20.

“For me and him, we try to take some of the attention that we get and make other guys get some open looks and get them going and then we can get ourselves going a little bit,” Lowry said.

“But us going together is just what we’re supposed to do.”

Playing their first of seven games in a row at the Air Canada Centre, the Raptors were sluggish through the first half. But they parlayed a strong third quarter — they outscored their visitors 33-25 — into an 85-74 lead heading into the fourth.

The Jazz rallied down the stretch, and when Hayward drained a three-pointer with 4:29 on the clock, it pulled Utah to within 94-90. But Lowry responded with a pair of baskets, and then DeRozan’s fast break jump shot with 1:27 to play put Toronto up by eight points in front of a capacity crowd of 19,800 at the ACC. Lowry’s running layup with 59 seconds left put Toronto up by 10 and put the game out of reach.

“We’ve got to get our mojo going a little bit harder, cuts, passes, screens,

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Toronto Raptors centre Lucas Nogueira (92) defends against Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) during first half NBA action in Toronto on Wednesday. everything was dictated by Utah in the first half,” Casey said. “They did a good job of dictating whatever they wanted to do to us on both ends of the floor.

“That was the message at halftime.”

Casey had kind words for Lucas Nogueira, who provided a spark off the bench with four rebounds and a huge dunk in just four-and-a-half minutes.

“The length,” Casey said, on what

Sweden deals with glut, Ovechkin ready as European teams name World Cup rosters

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Alex Ovechkin is once again eager to represent Russia on the international hockey stage.

Sweden’s World Cup of Hockey roster is so deep there’s no room, yet, for high-scoring Dallas Stars defenceman John Klingberg.

As for the Czech Republic, general manager Martin Rucinsky is crossing his fingers that 44-year-old Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr will decide to compete in the eight-team tournament being held in Toronto in September.

“He wants to concentrate on the rest of the season right now,” Rucinsky said after announcing his first 16 player selections Wednesday. “He’s a very important piece to a team.

Let’s see what happens. I wish he will play.”

The last thing Rucinsky wants to do is force the issue with the fourtime Olympian, who won a gold medal at the 1998 Nagano Games.

“I’m not going to try to convince him,” Rucinsky said. “Jagr deserves a lot of respect from all of us.”

Teams have until June 1 to make their final seven selections to complete their 23-player rosters.

There were few surprises when the four European nations plus Team Europe — consisting of players from countries not competing — released their rosters over a 13-½-hour stretch.

The Swedes are stocked with a balanced mix of veterans and youth.

The familiar faces include goalie Henrik Lundqvist and forwards Nicklas Backstrom and Vancouver’s twin brothers, Henrik and Daniel Sedin.

And then there’s a crop of youngsters, such as Colorado’s Gabriel Landeskog and Arizona defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

With a pool of 83 NHL players to choose from, general manager Tommy Boustedt said Sweden’s roster has the potential of being the strongest in team history.

It’s hard to argue given that he filled six of Sweden’s defensive slots without Klingberg, the second-year player, whose 53 points rank third among NHL defencemen.

FROM PAGE B1

CANADA: Best three goalies Canada didn’t have to name all three goalies in this first stage, but opted to anyway.

“I think we named three goalies because we believe these are the best three goalies right now for us,” Armstrong said.

Backed by a management team that includes three other NHL general managers — Bergevin as well as the Ducks’ Bob Murray and Red Wings’ Ken Holland — Armstrong also leaned hard on Lightning GM Steve Yzerman, the executive director of the Sochi squad, for help in the evaluation process and help in delivering bad news to those that missed the cut.

Canada’s management team has until June 1 to name the remaining seven players to its roster.

“They only let us name 16, so it’s pretty easy,” Babcock said of naming the first group of players, speaking to reporters in Washington D.C. ahead of the official announcement. “You take the 16 you think you should name and you name them. The hardest part is the

he brings. “I knew how long (Rudy) Gobert was and it was going to be an issue for (Jonas Valanciunas) and (Bismack Biyombo). I talked to him at shootaroud this morning, just be ready… That’s his gift, he came in and played.

“There’s going to be times when we mix in some of the young guys. I don’t know when… they’ve just got to be ready.”

MLB SPRING TRAINING

Jays and Phillies battle to draw

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Florida Panthers’ Shawn Thornton (22) shares a laugh with Jaromir Jagr during a stoppage in play. Jagr has not been included in the first 16 players selected to the Czech Republic’s World Cup of Hockey roster.

“John Klingberg is of course one very strong contender,” Boustedt said. “But I think so far we have picked the six best.”

Russia opened the selection process by releasing a lineup that included Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk, Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin and Montreal’s Andrei Markov.

For Ovechkin, the chance to represent his country never gets old.

After all, with a broken foot, he once boarded a plane the day after the Washington Capitals were eliminated from the playoffs to represent Russia at the world hockey championship.

“Doesn’t matter which tournament, it’s huge honour,” Ovechkin said.

The question is whether Russia can shake off the string of struggles at recent Olympics and World Cup events.

Following a fifth-place finish on home soil at the 2014 Sochi Games, Russia hasn’t won an Olympic medal since a third-place finish at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. As for World Cup/Canada Cup tournaments, Russia won in 1981, with Vladislav Tretiak in net, and lost to Canada in the 1987 final.

Perhaps, the addition of Ovechkin’s Capitals teammate, 23-year-old part to come. Not the first 16. My wife could’ve done that. It’s the rest.”

NORTH AMERICA: Calder trophy candidates Seven Canadians made the first group, joined by nine players from the U.S. A fellow Calder Trophy candidate to McDavid and Eichel this season, Detroit Red Wings rookie Dylan Larkin was among those selected up front along with the Flyers’ Sean Couturier, the Rangers’ J.T. Miller and the Blue Jackets’ Brandon Saad.

North American management, helped by Hall of Famers Chris Pronger and Scotty Bowman among others in selecting the first 16, felt it important to have those like Couturier and Saad on the roster to kill penalties and absorb defensive duties where needed.

The squad’s goalie stable will be full of Americans with Ducks goaltender John Gibson standing as the likely No. 1, complemented by Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck and Penguins prospect Matt Murray. The trio, North

Evgeny Kuznetsov, could provide a spark after being left off the 2014 squad.

With 20 goals and 45 assists, Kuznetsov is fifth in the NHL in scoring.

“Everybody knew he had like, talent to be one of the best players in the league,” Ovechkin said. “I’m pretty sure 20 goals is just the beginning for him. He can score 40, you know, easily in this league.”

Team Europe is making its tournament debut. The initial roster features five Slovakians, including Zdeno Chara, and has seven nations represented.

Having no flag to play for has GM Miroslav Satan wondering how quickly his squad can capture a sense of identity.

“New team, new logo with no history,” Satan said. “This is going to be the biggest challenge for us.”

Finland announced a roster full of NHL players, with forwards Mikko Koivu of the Minnesota Wild and Jussi Jokinen of the Florida Panthers joining Boston goalie Tuukka Rask.

“They are a great mixture of experience, talent, and open-mindness,” coach Lauri Marjamaki said. “For the players the World Cup is a huge thing. Their motivation is high and they all want to be part of the team.”

American associate general manager Stan Bowman said, had separated themselves with their performance this season.

The most experienced of the group at the NHL level, Gibson boasts a 15-82 record and .918 save percentage for Anaheim this season.

“One of these goalies can get hot and boost us up quite a bit,” Bowman said, noting Gibson’s brief performance in the NHL playoffs two seasons ago.

DUNEDIN, Fla. — Aaron Sanchez set the goal to be in the Toronto Blue Jays 2016 starting rotation the moment they lost to Kansas City in last year’s American League Championship Series.

In the five months since, he’s been training hard to make that happen.

Sanchez worked out with teammate Marcus Stroman all off-season, bulking up his slender frame by adding 25 pounds of muscle. He’s already noticed the fruits of that labour.

“My mechanics are a lot better than they were last year,” Sanchez said after pitching two innings in Toronto’s 4-4 tie with the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, the Jays’ spring home opener. “What I thought was right last year wasn’t right.

“With the stability I’ve got through these workouts everything just comes more natural. I don’t really have to think about it.”

Sanchez pitched the third and fourth innings, allowing one run on three hits while striking out three.

“I’m just overall (more stable) throughout my delivery,” the 23-yearold said. “Where I thought things were going right last year they weren’t and that’s because I wasn’t stable and strong enough to do that stuff.”

Manager John Gibbons said Sanchez “looks like a big leaguer” with his new physique.

“He’s turned into a man,” Gibbons said. “He looks strong. If he feels that’s a big part of it, it probably helps his balance and all that.

“He’s only going to get better and better over the years. He looked good.”

Second baseman Ryan Goins drove in two runs for Toronto (1-0-1) and Dwight Smith Jr. scored the tying run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth. Smith’s shoulder popped out of its socket as he dove home but Gibbons said that’s happened to him before and he’ll be fine.

While fully understanding their underdog status, Chiarelli expressed belief in the group’s chances at victory — provided of course that the goaltending held up.

“You have to make three or four plays in a game at this level to win the game and you’ve got to prevent three or four plays and we’re capable of doing that,” Chiarelli said.

“Yeah, we can win.”

Oilers head coach Todd McLellan will coach the North American team.

SPORTS

Thursday, March 3, 2016

B3

White named ACAC rookie of the year RDC BASKETBALL

BY DANNY RODE SPECIAL TO THE ADVOCATE

File photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Straws Milan of Cochrane, competes for the steer wrestling title at Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton in 2010. The people who run the Canadian Finals Rodeo are trying to wrangle a better deal that could mean the event will leave Edmonton after 43 years.

Edmonton could be bucked from hosting CFR

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS EDMONTON — Wrangling over money could see the Canadian Finals Rodeo pull out of Edmonton after 43 years.

The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association said Wednesday it has rejected a proposal from the Oilers Entertainment Group and the city to hold the event after this year.

Dan Eddy, the association’s general manager, said it will accept proposals from other cities that want to play host to the rodeo championships starting in 2017.

Eddy said the city could make another proposal, but he noted a deal couldn’t be reached with the Oilers group after five months of talks.

“It boiled down to how much the Oilers group was willing to give,” he said.

“A main focus for us was our fans.

What was it going to cost those fans to get into the event? We were not sure of that number. It would be a concern if the event was priced out of the market.”

Another stumbling block included prize purses, corporate sponsorships and production of the rodeo, Eddy said.

The Oilers Entertainment Group is part of a number of companies owned by billionaire Daryl Katz.

The group’s CEO, Bob Nicholson, said the company put a lot of time into its proposal for the rodeo, including a

lot more cash. He said the offer stands, but time is running out.

He said the group has a lot of money at stake with its Rogers Place project and it is already looking at other events to fill the building if the rodeo goes elsewhere.

“Yes there is disappointment that the rodeo group has decided not to accept our bid,” he said.

“This is a great bid and there won’t be a bid coming from OEG (Oilers Entertainment Group) that will be any stronger than what we have on the table.”

Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson said he is disappointed the rodeo association rejected a “generous offer” and was seeking bids from other cities.

The rodeo features championship events including bull riding, steer wrestling and saddle-bronc riding and has drawn thousands of visitors to Edmonton each year since 1974.

Iveson said the event and an associated farm fair pump about $80 million annually into the city’s economy.

“This event is incredibly important to hoteliers, to retailers and to rodeo fans and people who want to stay connected to our rural and agricultural heritage here,” Iveson said.

“It is very important from my point of view that the Oilers stay engaged … and that as a community we rally to try to keep this event here.”

Eddy would not say which other cities have expressed interest in holding the rodeo.

Spieth, Day, McIlroy featured group at Cadillac Championship DORAL, Fla. — Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Rory McIlroy are the top three players in the world golf rankings, which assures them of absolutely nothing this week.

Doral hasn’t been overly kind to any of them.

Spieth has been over par in five of his eight rounds there over the last two years, Day has posted two rounds in the 60s in his last 16 attempts at the Blue Monster, and McIlroy — who won at Doral as a 9-year-old — casually tossed his 3-iron into the water after a bad shot last year, a fairly strong indicator of how he would assess his play.

Yet they’ll have the bulk of the attention Thursday when they’ll be in the same group at the opening round of the Cadillac Championship, the first of the four World Golf Championships.

“Everyone’s fighting for the same prize,” Spieth said. “When we get out there, we’re playing our own game. I don’t think any of us are buying into any added motivation or excitement because of the pairing. I don’t think we would at any point. Not trying to downplay it, but for me personally, I would say it’s going to be a lot of fun … but I don’t think any of us are buying into the ‘Big Three.”’

Spieth’s last outing was a rare-forhim missed cut at Riviera. Day was tied for 11th at Pebble Beach in his most recent event, and McIlroy missed the cut last week at The Honda Classic.

It’s their first time being in the same tournament since September.

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“I’ve played a lot with Jason and a lot with Jordan over the past few years, but we haven’t really played much together in a three-ball,” McIlroy said.

“So the next two days are going to be enjoyable. It will be good out there, hopefully a little bit of buzz around that group, very much looking forward to that.”

Buzz won’t be in short supply this week. The winners of the last 13 major championships are in the field, Dustin Johnson is back to defend the title he won at Doral a year ago when he overtook J.B. Holmes in the final round and it’s all going to play out on a course owned by Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump — who is expected to appear at some point before the final putt drops on Sunday.

“Obviously, this is a great tournament,” Johnson said. “It’s got a great field. I won here last year, but since last year we’ve played a lot of tournaments. So it’s not like I just won here and I’m coming back. It’s been a year but it definitely feels good. It gives me a lot of confidence coming into this week and like I said, I just want to put myself in position to have the chance to win on Sunday.”

The Blue Monster rewarded Johnson’s patience last year and plenty of players were talking about taking a similar approach this week.

“I was too aggressive last year, so I think a little bit more conservative on the par 5s,” Day said. “I don’t play the course that bad. It’s just the mistakes that kill me. I’ve got to try and be a little bit more conservative that way.”

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It didn’t take long for Emily White to show her ability on the basketball court this season.

From the day she arrived at RDC, it was obvious she would give the Queens an inside presence they’ve been missing over the years.

White caught the attention of the rest of the coaches in the Alberta Colleges Women’s Basketball League South Division as well as they voted her the South Rookie of the Year.

The six-foot-two White, who was born in Florida but raised in Horsens, East Jutland, Denmark, proved to be one of the most dominant inside players in the conference. She led the conference with an ACAC record 46 blocks in only 20 games. She finished with 199 rebounds, averaging 9.95 per game, third best in the south and the ACAC. She also had 254 points (12.7 average), 49 assists (2.45) and 44 steals (2.20).

White, who is in Open Studies this year, led the Queens in rebounds, steals and blocks and was second in points.

“Emily was a piece we always needed in the middle. She was always solid. Had a solid work ethic and was one of the most competitive players in practice,” said Queens head coach Ken King. “She always pushed our forwards to get better while maintaining the ability to rebound and score. She brought our program to an all different level at that position and overall.”

White was pleased with her season, although she admitted it was a big

change from basketball overseas.

“It was a big change, the biggest was the officiating,” she said. “But I felt I stayed steady throughout the season … I felt I gave it my all every game … that’s all I can do.

Emily White “I had some ups and downs in games when I didn’t step up when the girls needed me. I feel that had an impact on us not making the playoffs.”

Falling one game short of a playoff berth bothered White the most.

“We had a good year, but it was disappointing not to make the playoffs.

I feel we had a good enough team to make them.”

White, who was named to the second South Division All-Conference team, expects to return next season.

“I definitely want to return and make the playoffs,” she said. “The thing is a lot of us have been together for a year and know each other which will help a lot.”

White will return to Denmark at the end of May. “I would like to see a little bit of Canada, more than just inside a gym,” she said.

Once home she will decide if she will join the Denmark senior national team.

“Right now I’m not sure. I need a little break and the national team runs for a month and a half, so I will see how I feel.”

Danny Rode is a retired Advocate reporter who can be reached at drode@reddeeradvocate.com. His work can also be seen at www.rdc.ab.ca/athleticsblog.

GYMNASTICS

Exelta’s Zinger dominates at Ed Vincent meet in Calgary Presley Zinger of the Red Deer Exelta Gymnastics Club dominated the junior olympic level 3 division of the Ed Vincent artistic meet in Calgary during the weekend.

Zinger placed first in all five events — vault, uneven bars, beam, floor and all around.

Other top-five Exelta results: First — Katherine Stuber (JO level 7 vault); Karis Wygeria (JO level 6 floor and all around).

Second — Wygeria (beam), Kingston Hitchcock (provincial 1 under 8 high bar), Keara Slimmon (JO level 7 uneven bars and all around), Aryan Appalraju (P1 under 10 pommel horse), Grace Hitchcock (JO level 4 vault).

Third — Stuber (all around), Sydney Zinger (JO level 3 uneven bars), Sydney Galenza (JO level 6 beam), K. Hitchcock (floor and vault), Kayla Holliday (JO level 7 uneven bars), Andie Velichko (JO level 3 vault, uneven bars

and all around), Appalraju (rings, high bar and all around), Avery Kuhn (P1 under 10 floor and vault), Ayla Ronspies (JO level 6 beam), Brandon Sundby (P1 under 10 parallel bars), G. Hitchcock (uneven bars).

Fourth — Stuber (floor), Wygeria (vault), Paige Zinger (JO level 4 floor), K. Hitchcock (pommel horse and parallel bars), Slimmon (vault), Appalraju (vault and parallel bars), Sundby (floor, pommel horse, rings, high bar and all around), Casey Patsula (JO level 8 all around), Cole Loucks (P1 under 8 vault), Ella Griffiths (JO level 4 floor), G. Hitchcock (all around) Fifth — Stuber, (uneven bars and beam), Wygeria (uneven bars), Ruby Butler (JO level 7 uneven bars), K. Hitchcock (rings and all around), Appalraju (floor), Ronspies (vault), Sundby (vault), Patsula (uneven bars), Charley Couture (JO level 3 floor), Kaitlyn Loucks (JO level 4 uneven bars).

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SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Local Sports

Hockey

Today ● Bantam AA hockey: South Central League North Division round-robin playoffs at Olds — Red Deer Steel Kings vs. Central Alberta, 9 a.m.; West Central vs. Red Deer Ramada, 11:45 a.m.; Red Deer Ramada vs. Olds, 5:15 p.m. ● Peewee AA hockey: South Central League North Division round-robin playoffs at Lacombe and Blackfalds — Red Deer Parkland vs. Airdrie, Central Alberta vs. Okotoks (at Blackfalds), 9 a.m.; Red Deer TBS vs. Bow Valley, 11:30 a.m.; Olds vs. West Central, 2 p.m.; Okotoks vs. Red Deer Parkland, 4:30 p.m.; West Central vs. Red Deer TBS, 7 p.m. ● College men’s basketball: ACAC championship at Olds College — Olds vs. NAIT, 6 p.m.; Lakeland vs. RDC, 8 p.m. ● Senior high girls basketball: Lindsay Thurber at Notre Dame, Hunting Hills at Lacombe, second games of best-ofthree 4A zone semifinals, 6 p.m. ● College women’s hockey: NAIT at RDC, first game of best-of-five ACAC final, 7 p.m., Arena. ● Senior high boys basketball: Lindsay Thurber at Lacombe, Hunting Hills at Notre Dame, second games of best-ofthree 4A zone semifinals, 7:45 p.m.

Friday ● Bantam AA hockey: South Central League North Division round-robin playoffs at Olds — West Central vs.

Central Alberta, Olds vs. Bow Valley, 9 a.m.; Red Deer Steel Kings vs. Red Deer Ramada, 11:45 a.m.; Airdrie vs.

West Central, 2:30 p.m.; Olds vs. Red Deer Steel Kings, 5:15 p.m. ● Peewee AA hockey: South Central League North Division round-robin playoffs at Lacombe and Blackfalds — Red Deer Parkland vs. Central Alberta (at Blackfalds), 9:30 a.m.; Bow Valley vs. West Central, 11:30 a.m.; Red Deer TBS vs. Olds, 2 p.m.; Central Alberta vs.

Airdrie, 4:30 p.m.; Olds vs. Bow Valley, 7 p.m. ● College men’s basketball: ACAC championship at Olds College —

Games at 1, 3, 6 and 8 p.m. ● Senior high girls basketball: Notre Dame at Lindsay Thurber, Lacombe at Hunting Hills, third games of best-ofthree 4A zone semifinals, if necessary, 6 p.m. ● WHL: Calgary at Red Deer, 7 p.m., Centrium. ● College men’s hockey: SAIT at RDC, first game of best-of-three ACAC quarter-final, 7 p.m., Penhold Regional Multiplex. ● AJHL: Okotoks at Olds, 7 p.m. ● Senior high boys basketball: Lacombe at Lindsay Thurber, Notre Dame at Hunting Hills, third games of best-of-three 4A zone semifinals, if necessary, 6 or 7:45 p.m.

Saturday ● Bantam AA hockey: South Central League North Division round-robin playoffs at Olds — Bow Valley vs. West Central, Red Deer Ramada vs. Airdrie, 9 a.m.; Central Alberta vs. Olds, 11:45 a.m.; Bow Valley vs. Red Deer Steel Kings, 2:30 p.m. ● College men’s basketball: ACAC championship at Olds College — Games at 11 a.m., 1 and 3:30 p.m. (final). ● College men’s hockey: RDC at SAIT, second game of best-of-three ACAC quarter-final, 7 p.m. ● College women’s hockey: RDC at NAIT, second game of best-of-five ACAC final, 7 p.m. ● Senior hockey: Bentley at Innisfail, sixth game of best-of-seven Chinook League and provincial AAA semifinal, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday ● Major bantam girls hockey: Edmonton at Red Deer, 2:15 p.m., Collicutt Centre. ● College men’s hockey: SAIT at RDC, third game of best-of-three ACAC quarter-final, if necessary, 7 p.m., Penhold Regional Multiplex. ● Senior hockey: Innisfail at Bentley, seventh game best-of-seven Chinook League and provincial AAA semifinal, if necessary, 7:15 p.m.

Basketball Red Deer Women’s League Playoffs Pool A Hoosier Daddy 54 Funk 46 HD — Alyssa Babe, 18 points; Player of game: Karalee Kaiser. Funk — Shay Rascher, 14; POG: Nicole Fischer.

Spartans 63 Storm 37 Spartans — Cassie Stewart, 17; POG: Stewart.

Storm — Rebecca Girven, 11; POG: Colleen Braithwaite.

Pool B Xpress 51 Shooting Stars 46 Xpress — POG: Sandra Tapias. SS — POG: Cheryl Chase.

Ball Hawks 59 Pink Panthers 47 BH — Paola Viveros, 24; POG: Viveros. PP — Rebecca Daly, 13; POG: Rachel Weppler.

Age Gap 51 Triple Threat 48 AG — Crystal Gustaw, 14. TT — Cassie Armstrong, Melanie Callihoo, Jessi Charchuk, 8; POG: Callihoo.

National Basketball Association EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division W L Pct GB Toronto 40 19 .678 — Boston 37 25 .597 4 1/2 New York 25 37 .403 16 1/2 Brooklyn 17 44 .279 24 Philadelphia 8 53 .131 33

Miami Atlanta Charlotte Washington Orlando

Cleveland Indiana Detroit Chicago Milwaukee

Southeast Division W L Pct 34 26 .567 33 28 .541 32 28 .533 30 30 .500 27 33 .450

GB — 1 1/2 2 4 7

Central Division W L Pct 42 17 .712 32 29 .525 31 30 .508 30 30 .500 25 36 .410

GB — 11 12 12 1/2 18

WESTERN CONFERENCE Southwest Division W L Pct GB San Antonio 51 9 .850 — Memphis 36 24 .600 15 Dallas 33 28 .541 18 1/2 Houston 30 31 .492 21 1/2 New Orleans 23 36 .390 27 1/2

Northwest Division W L Pct Oklahoma City 42 18 .700 Portland 33 29 .532 Utah 28 32 .467 Denver 24 37 .393 Minnesota 19 42 .311 Pacific Division W L Pct x-Golden State 54 5 .915 L.A. Clippers 39 20 .661 Sacramento 24 35 .407 Phoenix 15 45 .250 L.A. Lakers 12 50 .194 x-clinched playoff spot

GB — 10 14 18 1/2 23 1/2 GB — 15 30 39 1/2 43 1/2

Tuesday’s Games Charlotte 126, Phoenix 92 Miami 129, Chicago 111 Portland 104, New York 85 Dallas 121, Orlando 108 Golden State 109, Atlanta 105, OT L.A. Lakers 107, Brooklyn 101 Wednesday’s Games Charlotte 119, Philadelphia 99 Orlando 102, Chicago 89 Toronto 104, Utah 94 Boston 116, Portland 93 Washington 104, Minnesota 98 Indiana 104, Milwaukee 99 San Antonio 97, Detroit 81 Memphis 104, Sacramento 98 Houston 100, New Orleans 95 Denver 117, L.A. Lakers 107 Oklahoma City at L.A. Clippers, late Thursday’s Games Phoenix at Miami, 5:30 p.m.

San Antonio at New Orleans, 6 p.m.

Sacramento at Dallas, 6:30 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Golden State, 8:30 p.m.

Friday’s Games Miami at Philadelphia, 5 p.m.

Phoenix at Orlando, 5 p.m.

Indiana at Charlotte, 5 p.m.

Portland at Toronto, 5:30 p.m.

New York at Boston, 5:30 p.m.

Minnesota at Milwaukee, 6 p.m.

Utah at Memphis, 6 p.m.

Washington at Cleveland, 6 p.m.

Brooklyn at Denver, 7 p.m.

Atlanta at L.A. Lakers, 8:30 p.m.

Transactions Wednesday’s Sports Transactions HOCKEY National Hockey League ARIZONA COYOTES — Recalled D James Melindy and F Daniel O’Donoghue from Rapid City (ECHL).

DETROIT RED WINGS — Assigned G Jared Coreau to Grand Rapids (AHL).

MINNESOTA WILD — Recalled F Brady Brassart from Quad City (ECHL) to Iowa (AHL). Assigned F Jared Knight from Iowa (AHL) to Quad City (ECHL).

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS — Assigned D Jesper Pettersson from Lehigh Valley (AHL) to Reading (ECHL).

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING — Assigned F Brian Hart from Syracuse (AHL) to Greenville (ECHL).

American Hockey League BAKERSFIELD CONDORS — Assigned G Ty Rimmer to Norfolk (ECHL).

BINGHAMTON SENATORS — Recalled G Scott Greenham from Evansville (AHL).

HARTFORD WOLF PACK — Assigned F Jack Combs to Greenville (AHL).

MANITOBA MOOSE — Returned D Jake Baker

MEN’S BASKETBALL Rollin Morris and Edriel Floresca each drained 18 points to lead the Subaru Kingsmen to a 100-62 win over Johns Mansville in Central Alberta Senior Men’s Basketball Association action Tuesday.

Rudy Galang scored 16 points and Daniel Mbewa added 12 in a losing cause.

GA 185 194 204 225 271 216

Pt 86 76 74 69 52 50

GF 264 227 209 179 191 135

GA 192 184 195 206 254 282

Pt 86 81 76 61 55 26

WESTERN CONFERENCE B.C. DIVISION GP W LOTLSOL GF x-Victoria 65 43 16 3 3 244 x-Kelowna 63 44 16 3 0 230 Prince George 65 35 26 3 1 226 Kamloops 64 30 25 5 4 210 Vancouver 66 23 35 5 3 188

GA 150 188 202 205 239

Pt 92 91 74 69 54

x-Lethbridge x-Red Deer x-Calgary Edmonton Medicine Hat Kootenay

CENTRAL DIVISION GP W LOTLSOL 64 42 20 1 1 64 39 22 1 2 63 36 23 2 2 64 27 30 6 1 64 25 34 3 2 64 10 48 6 0

U.S. DIVISION GP W LOTLSOL GF GA Pt Everett 63 36 21 4 2 166 145 78 Seattle 63 37 23 3 0 203 175 77 Portland 63 32 27 4 0 203 198 68 Spokane 63 29 25 5 4 198 214 67 Tri-City 63 30 30 2 1 208 220 63 x — clinched playoff berth Note: winning team is credited with two points and a victory in the W column a team losing in overtime or shootout receives one point which is registered in the respective OTL or SOL column.

Wednesday’s results Brandon 12 Saskatoon 2 Lethbridge 5 Moose Jaw 1 Regina 5 Kootenay 3 Prince George 2 Vancouver 1 Kamloops 5 Spokane 0

Thursday’s games No Games Scheduled.

Friday’s games Kootenay at Prince Albert, 6 p.m.

Swift Current at Regina, 6 p.m.

Lethbridge at Saskatoon, 6:05 p.m.

Moose Jaw at Brandon, 6:30 p.m.

Medicine Hat at Edmonton, 7 p.m.

Calgary at Red Deer, 7 p.m.

Kelowna at Kamloops, 8 p.m.

Spokane at Prince George, 8 p.m.

Tri-City at Portland, 8 p.m.

Victoria at Vancouver, 8:30 p.m.

Seattle at Everett, 8:35 p.m.

APEX CASINO ST. ALBERT

GF 208 180 174 167 157 158 140 167

GA 146 159 151 160 168 174 156 196

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT Pts Chicago 65 40 20 5 85 Dallas 65 38 20 7 83 St. Louis 66 37 20 9 83 Nashville 64 32 21 11 75 Minnesota 64 29 25 10 68 Colorado 65 32 29 4 68 Winnipeg 62 26 32 4 56

GF 185 209 166 172 170 175 161

GA 155 189 162 161 162 187 186

Pacific Division GP W L OT Pts GF GA Los Angeles 62 37 21 4 78 165 143 Anaheim 62 35 19 8 78 156 146 San Jose 62 34 22 6 74 188 167 Vancouver 62 24 26 12 60 150 178 Arizona 63 27 30 6 60 168 198 Calgary 63 26 33 4 56 170 197 Edmonton 65 24 34 7 55 158 194 NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Thursday’s Games Chicago at Boston, 5 p.m.

Calgary at Buffalo, 5 p.m.

Edmonton at Philadelphia, 5 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at Pittsburgh, 5 p.m.

Minnesota at Toronto, 5:30 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Ottawa, 5:30 p.m.

New Jersey at Nashville, 6 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Winnipeg, 6 p.m.

Florida at Colorado, 7 p.m.

Anaheim at Arizona, 7 p.m.

San Jose at Vancouver, 8 p.m.

Montreal at Los Angeles, 8:30 p.m.

Friday’s Games N.Y. Rangers at Washington, 5 p.m.

Edmonton at Columbus, 5 p.m.

New Jersey at Dallas, 6:30 p.m.

Canadian Hockey League Top Ten Poll (last week’s rankings in parentheses records as of Tuesday): 1. (1) Erie Otters (OHL, 47-11-1-0) 2. (3) Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMJHL, 46-9-3-2) 3. (2) Val-d’Or Foreurs (QMJHL, 44-12-3-1) 4. (4) London Knights (OHL, 43-13-2-1) 5. (5) Kitchener Rangers (OHL, 40-13-5-1) 6. (6) Victoria Royals (WHL, 43-16-3-3) 7. (7) Kelowna Rockets (WHL, 44-16-3-0) 8. (10) Kingston Frontenacs (OHL, 40-15-2-2) 9. (8) Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL, 41-17-2-1) 10. (9) Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL, 41-20-1-1) Honourable Mention Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL, 39-16-4-0) Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL, 39-17-4-0) Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL, 39-18-4-2).

WHL Scoring Leaders Adam Brooks, Reg Dryden Hunt, MJ Brayden Burke, Let Tyson Baillie, Kel Parker Bowles, TC Reid Gardiner, PA Nolan Patrick, Bdn Mathew Barzal, Sea Tyler Wong, Let Jayce Hawryluk, Bdn Brayden Point, MJ Alex Forsberg, Vic Ivan Nikolishin, RD Jesse Gabrielle, PG Chase Witala, PG Tyler Soy, Vic Matthew Phillips, Vic Collin Shirley, Kam Jack Walker, Vic Brett Pollock, Edm

G 34 50 23 37 37 37 37 25 37 30 31 24 31 39 38 38 34 33 29 25

A 70 52 75 49 48 45 45 57 42 49 46 53 45 33 33 32 36 37 39 42

PTS 104 102 98 86 85 82 82 82 79 79 77 77 76 72 71 70 70 70 68 67

Patrick Kane, Chi Jamie Benn, Dal Tyler Seguin, Dal Erik Karlsson, Ott Evgeny Kuznetsov, Wash Johnny Gaudreau, Cgy Joe Pavelski, SJ Sidney Crosby, Pgh Joe Thornton, SJ Alex Ovechkin, Wash Nicklas Backstrom, Wash Artemi Panarin, Chi Blake Wheeler, Wpg Vladimir Tarasenko, StL Patrice Bergeron, Bos Daniel Sedin, Vcr Brent Burns, SJ Taylor Hall, Edm Claude Giroux, Pha Anze Kopitar, LA John Klingberg, Dal Steven Stamkos, TB Evgeni Malkin, Pgh Ryan Getzlaf, Ana Nikita Kucherov, TB John Tavares, NYI Mark Stone, Ott

G 36 32 32 11 20 24 29 25 15 40 17 22 18 30 24 24 21 20 17 18 10 28 24 9 24 23 20

Czech Republic G Petr Mrazek, Detroit Red Wings G Michal Neuvirth, Philadelphia Flyers G Ondrej Pavelec, Winnipeg Jets D Radko Gudas, Philadelphia Flyers D Michal Kempny, Avangard Omsk (KHL) D Roman Polak, San Jose Sharks D Andrej Sustr, Tampa Bay Lightning F Michael Frolik, Calgary Flames F Martin Hanzal, Arizona Coyotes F Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks F David Krejci, Boston Bruins F Ondrej Palat, Tampa Bay Lightning F David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins F Tomas Plekanec, Montreal Canadiens F Vladimir Sobotka, Avangard Omsk (KHL) F Jakub Voracek, Philadelphia Flyers Europe G Frederik Andersen, Anaheim Ducks (Denmark) G Jaroslav Halak, New York Islanders (Slovakia) D Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins (Slovakia) D Roman Josi, Nashville Predators (Switzerland) D Dennis Seidenberg, Boston Bruins (Germany) D Andrej Sekera, Edmonton Oilers (Slovakia) D Mark Streit, Philadelphia Flyers (Switzerland) F Mikkel Boedker, Colorado Avalanche (Denmark) F Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers (Germany) F Jannik Hansen, Vancouver Canucks (Denmark) F Marian Hossa, Chicago Blackhawks (Slovakia) F Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings (Slovenia) F Frans Nielsen, New York Islanders (Denmark) F Tomas Tatar, Detroit Red Wings (Slovakia) F Thomas Vanek, Minnesota Wild (Austria) F Mats Zuccarello, New York Rangers (Norway) Finland G Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins G Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators D Esa Lindell, Texas Stars (AHL) D Olli Maatta, Pittsburgh Penguins D Rasmus Ristolainen, Buffalo Sabres D Sami Vatanen, Anaheim Ducks F Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers F Joonas Donskoi, San Jose Sharks F Valtteri Filppula, Tampa Bay Lightning F Mikael Granlund, Minnesota Wild F Jussi Jokinen, Florida Panthers F Mikko Koivu, Minnesota Wild F Leo Komarov, Toronto Maple Leafs F Lauri Korpikoski, Edmonton Oilers F Jori Lehtera, St. Louis Blues F Teuvo Teravainen, Chicago Blackhawks North America G John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks G Connor Hellebuyck, Manitoba Moose (AHL) G Matt Murray, Pittsburgh Penguins D Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers D Seth Jones, Columbus Blue Jackets D Ryan Murray, Columbus Blue Jackets D Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs F Sean Couturier, Philadelphia Flyers F Jack Eichel, Buffalo Sabres F Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames F Dylan Larkin, Detroit Red Wings F Nathan MacKinnon, Colorado Avalanche F Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers F J.T. Miller, New York Rangers F Sean Monahan, Calgary Flames F Brandon Saad, Columbus Blue Jackets

NHL SCORING LEADERS A 49 39 36 57 45 39 32 35 45 18 41 35 39 25 30 30 33 34 37 35 43 23 27 42 26 27 30

World Cup of Hockey Rosters Canada G Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks G Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals G Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens D Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings D Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks D Marc-Edouard Vlasic, San Jose Sharks D Shea Weber, Nashville Predators F Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars F Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins F Jeff Carter, Los Angeles Kings F Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins F Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks

PT 85 71 68 68 65 63 61 60 60 58 58 57 57 55 54 54 54 54 54 53 53 51 51 51 50 50 50

Russia G Sergei Bobrovsky, Columbus Blue Jackets G Semyon Varlamov, Colorado Avalanche G Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning D Dmitry Kulikov, Florida Panthers D Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens D Dmitry Orlov, Washington Capitals F Artem Anisimov, Chicago Blackhawks F Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings F Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning F Nikolay Kulemin, New York Islanders F Evgeny Kuznetsov, Washington Capitals F Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins F Vladislav Namestnikov, Tampa Bay Lightning F Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals F Artemi Panarin, Chicago Blackhawks F Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues Sweden G Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers G Jacob Markstrom, Vancouver Canucks D Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Arizona Coyotes D Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning D Niklas Hjalmarsson, Chicago Blackhawks D Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators D Niklas Kronwall, Detroit Red Wings D Anton Stralman, Tampa Bay Lightning F Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals F Loui Eriksson, Boston Bruins F Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators F Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche F Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks F Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks F Alexander Steen, St. Louis Blues F Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings United States G Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay Lightning G Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings G Cory Schneider, New Jersey Devils D Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets D John Carlson, Washington Capitals D Ryan McDonagh, New York Rangers D Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild F Justin Abdelkader, Detroit Red Wings F Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks F Ryan Kesler, Anaheim Ducks F T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals F Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens F Zach Parise, Minnesota Wild F Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks F Derek Stepan, New York Rangers F Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets

‘Miraculous’ cache of century-old baseball cards found in house LOS ANGELES — From a crumpled paper bag in a dilapidated house came a baseball-card find of a lifetime. Seven of them actually.

Card experts in Southern California said Wednesday that they have verified the legitimacy — and seven-figure total value — of seven identical Ty Cobb cards from the printing period of 1909 to 1911. Before the recent find, there were only about 15 known to still exist.

Joe Orlando, the president of Professional Sports Authenticator in Newport Beach, California, who verified the find, said it is “spectacular” and “miraculous” to have come across such a cache.

“I am not sure if any other baseball card find is more remarkable than this new discovery,” Orlando said.

The family who discovered the cards in a neglected paper bag at the run-down house of a deceased great-grandfather has asked to remain anonymous.

Publicist Donn Pearlman, who helped announce the finding, said only that they are from a southern state and that the cards were first taken to a dealer in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. That dealer, Rick Snyder of MINT State

Inc., said his initial reaction after getting a voicemail from the family was “absolute skepticism.”

“I doubted they were authentic because finding seven of these cards at one place at one time seemed almost impossible,” Snyder said.

But after examining photos and then finally seeing the cards themselves a week later, he became convinced.

Orlando said he was also dubious at first.

But after his office and an outside expert examined the cards, he became a believer.

The cards with the famed Detroit Tigers slugger come from a lot known as T206, the group most prized by collectors that also includes the Honus Wagner card, arguably the most famous sports card ever.

They say on the back “TY COBB — KING OF THE SMOKING TOBACCO WORLD” in green ink.

The cards’ value is sure to shift now that there are so many more in existence, and an exact figure is difficult to pin down. But Orlando said the total worth of the whole cache should exceed $1 million. It’s not yet clear what the family who found them intends to do with them.

On a scale of 1-10, 10 being mint condition, the cards range from 3.5 to 4.5, which is high for cards that are more than a century old.

403-347-4990 | 1-888-LET-S-BUS (538-7287) www.frontierbuslines.com

SINGLE DAY TOURS

MAYFIELD THEATRE The Last Resort-Comedy, Mystery, Music and Murder!

WEDNESDAY MARCH 30/16

LADIES SPRING SHOPPING EXCURSION

GREY EAGLE CALGARY

A heartbreaking, funny, deeply moving play

THE SHOE CAPITAL OF ALBERTA

THURSDAY, APRIL 7

“TENT MEETING”

FASHIONS ON MAIN and ULLA LA BOUTIQUES Didsbury

Wednesday, June 29

Receive 20% discount at the boutiques exclusive to our tour group

APRIL 26

Metropolitan Division GP W L OT Pts 63 47 12 4 98 63 37 20 6 80 61 34 20 7 75 62 32 22 8 72 62 29 22 11 69 65 29 26 10 68 64 30 27 7 67 64 26 30 8 60

Washington N.Y. Rangers N.Y. Islanders Pittsburgh Philadelphia Carolina New Jersey Columbus

following Tuesday’s games:

ROSEBUD THEATRE

RIVER CREE EDMONTON

GA 148 151 176 168 200 178 172 185

Sunday’s games Brandon at Regina, 3 p.m.

Red Deer at Calgary, 4 p.m.

Seattle at Tri-City, 6:05 p.m.

MARCH 15

APRIL 5

GF 174 175 197 163 188 175 148 149

Wednesday’s Games Anaheim 3, Montreal 2, SO Washington 3, Toronto 2 Chicago 5, Detroit 2

Saturday’s games Brandon at Moose Jaw, 6 p.m.

Lethbridge at Prince Albert, 6 p.m.

Kootenay at Saskatoon, 6:05 p.m.

Swift Current at Medicine Hat, 7:30 p.m.

Spokane at Prince George, 8 p.m.

Vancouver at Victoria, 8:05 p.m.

Tri-City at Everett, 8:05 p.m.

Portland at Seattle, 8:05 p.m.

Kamloops at Kelowna, 8:05 p.m.

“because we care” SUPERIOR SERVI CE AT AN AFFORDABLE PRI CE

6TH DAY TRIP IS FREE

EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT Pts Florida 63 36 19 8 80 Tampa Bay 63 37 22 4 78 Boston 64 35 23 6 76 Detroit 64 32 21 11 75 Ottawa 64 30 27 7 67 Montreal 64 30 28 6 66 Buffalo 64 25 31 8 58 Toronto 62 21 31 10 52

Tuesday’s Games St. Louis 4, Ottawa 3, SO Boston 2, Calgary 1 Carolina 3, New Jersey 1 Edmonton 2, Buffalo 1, OT Washington 3, Pittsburgh 2 Nashville 5, Dallas 3 Minnesota 6, Colorado 3 Florida 3, Winnipeg 2 N.Y. Islanders 3, Vancouver 2

Tuesday’s results Medicine Hat 3 Kootenay 0 Prince George 5 Vancouver 4 (SO) Red Deer 5 Swift Current 2 Seattle 7 Tri-City 2

FRONTIER PAY FOR 5 CASINO DAY TRIPS

NHL

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS to Quad City (ECHL). Recalled F Ben Walker from Tulsa (ECHL).

ONTARIO REIGN — Assigned G Michael Houser to Manchester (ECHL). Recalled G Taran Kozun from Manchester.

ROCKFORD ICEHOGS — Recalled F Daniel Ciampini from Indy (ECHL).

SYRACUSE CRUNCH — Assigned D Charlie Dodero to Greenville (ECHL).

ECHL ADIRONDACK THUNDER — Released F Phil Bronner.

ALASKA ACES — Released F Matt Harlow.

ALLEN AMERICANS — Loaned F Greger Hanson to Portland (AHL).

BRAMPTON BEAST — Signed F Jesse Stoughton.

ELMIRA JACKALS — Traded D Kevin Clare and F Mike Seidel and future considerations to Indy for G Shane Owen.

MANCHESTER MONARCHS — Released G Rob Lemelin as emergency backup. Released F Anthony Pisano. Released F Tyler Gjurich and assigned him to Danbury (FHL).

F Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars F Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning F John Tavares, New York Islanders F Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE EAST DIVISION GP W LOTLSOL GF x-Brandon 64 40 18 4 2 270 x-Prince Albert 63 34 21 7 1 195 x-Moose Jaw 64 33 23 7 1 224 Regina 64 31 26 3 4 215 Saskatoon 63 24 35 4 0 196 Swift Current 63 21 34 5 3 163

“OUTSIDE MULLINGAR”

A blast of fresh prairie harmony

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

HENRY’S SHOES, Trochu

Visit our website or call for details

MULTI-DAY TOURS

KAMLOOPS COWBOY FESTIVAL March 17-21, 2016

Enjoy your stay at the Coast Kamloops, the host hotel. You don’t have to go outside to see the events! Daily admission to the festival and 3 evening dinner shows included. This year we have the pleasure of having one of the performing poets travel to and from Kamloops with us.

2016 is the festival’s 20th anniversary. The festival has gained the reputation of the biggest and best festival of its kind in Canada.

MOOSE JAW TEMPLE GARDENS 4 Days June 19-22, 2016

Come for a soak in Canada’s largest therapeutic geothermal mineral water pool. Take a trolley ride in downtown Moose Jaw and explore the Moose Jaw Tunnels in two guided theatrical tours.

AMAZING CROSS CANADA EXCURSION 23 Days Sept 11- Oct 3, 2016

Enjoy the fall colors from Alberta to the Maritimes. Travel cross Canada by Motorcoach, fly back to Alberta.

Please call for a brochure or visit our website for details

DEPARTS RD ARENA OVERFLOW LOT FOR ALL DAY TOURS. DEPARTS PARKING LOT SOUTH OF DENNY’S FOR ALL OVERNIGHT TOURS.

B5

BUSINESS

THE ADVOCATE Thursday, March 3, 2016

TransCanada taken aback by injunction ENERGY EAST PIPELINE

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS CALGARY — A TransCanada spokesman says the company was taken aback when the Quebec government announced it’s planning legal action over the Energy East pipeline.

Tim Duboyce says the Calgary-based firm believed issues surrounding the province’s review of the cross-Canada oil pipeline had long been resolved.

Quebec Environment Minister David Heurtel says the government sent

two letters to TransCanada in late 2014 advising that Energy East must submit to a provincial environmental assessment.

Heurtel says he got no response from the company, so the government would have to ask for an injunction to force TransCanada to follow provincial rules.

However, Duboyce says there were a series of discussions with the minister’s office in early 2015 and the two sides agreed on a provincial process that would not include a full-fledged environmental impact study.

Quebec announced that process last June and hearings are to begin on Monday.

“At the time we were of the impression the issue raised in the two older letters had thus been resolved, an impression reinforced by the fact we did not receive any other indication there remained an issue until (Tuesday),” said Duboyce.

Pipelines that cross provincial boundaries are subject to a federal environmental review process administered by the National Energy Board. The federal cabinet makes the final decision, taking into account the NEB’s recommendation.

Provinces conduct their own reviews to help formulate their po-

sitions, which are considered in the NEB process.

Quebec’s move was slammed in some quarters. Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall warned Tuesday it would be “divisive.”

But Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said after discussions with Quebec and federal officials, there’s no cause for alarm.

She said it seems the Quebec government is not seeking a veto over Energy East, but rather wants to do a review similar to one Ontario did last fall.

“I am going to leave the gun in the holster until we are actually at the gunfight, and we are not there right now,” Notley said.

Vancouver sets housing price record for February VANCOUVER — Housing sales in Metro Vancouver last month set a record for the month of February, with a 36 per cent jump from a year earlier.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver says 4,172 homes were sold, representing a 56 per cent hike above the 10-year sales average for the month. About 7,300 properties are currently listed for sale in Metro Vancouver, but that’s down nearly 39 per cent from February 2015. Board president Darcy McLeod says additional housing supply is needed to meet demand in the current seller’s market.

Nova Scotia launches study of impact of Uber, Airbnb HALIFAX — The Nova Scotia government is studying how best to react to Uber, Airbnb and other “disruptive technologies” without driving away the tourists who have come to rely on them. Martha Stevens of Tourism Nova Scotia told a legislature committee Wednesday that the government wants to better understand the impact of the sharing economy and how it’s handled by other jurisdictions.

She said in an interview the government may decide to regulate — but it also may not. She acknowledged there is a tension between the Crown corporation’s hospitality industry partners, and tourists who embrace an inexpensive private rental. Nova Scotia is aiming to double tourism-industry revenues from about $2 billion in 2014 to $4 billion by 2024, and Stevens said the government does not want to jeopardize that goal.

Protesters of Site C dam pack up after court injunction Protesters of the $8.8-billion Site C dam project in northeast British Columbia are packing up after a judge ordered them to leave their tent camp near Fort St. John. Peace Valley farmer Ken Boon has been camping at the remote Rocky Mountain Fort site for about two months and says he and other demonstrators are respecting the judge’s order. B.C. Supreme Court Justice Bruce Butler granted BC Hydro an injunction on Monday to remove the protesters, accepting the utility company’s submissions that the group had been blocking clearing work.

FILE photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

A shopper is seen in a Loblaws produce section in Montreal last year. Ugly food can mean a pretty profit. At least, that’s the bet Loblaw is making with a nearly national expansion of its ugly duckling produce line that’s been appealing to shoppers looking to save money on sky-rocketing fresh food prices.

Good looks or good prices?

MORE UGLY FRUIT AND VEGETABLES COMING TO LOBLAW STORES

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Ugly food can mean a pretty profit.

At least, that’s the bet Loblaw (TSX:L) is making with its ugly duckling line of produce aimed at shoppers looking to save money on the sky-rocketing cost of fresh food.

The company launched its Naturally Imperfect line last March, offering ugly apples and potatoes to Ontario and Quebec shoppers as part of a trial run that later expanded to select stores in other provinces.

More types of cheaper, bruised and misshapen produce will soon be available across the country, the company announced Wednesday.

“It really went well above and beyond what our expectation was,” said Dan Branson, the company’s senior director of produce.

“I think it really spoke to the fact that Canadians are out there really looking for some options around driving value into their weekly shop and having greater accessibility to that healthy eating product of value.”

Based on the program’s success,

consumer price index. But fresh fruit and vegetables showed some of the biggest increases, shooting up 12.9 and 18.2 per cent respectively.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, Loblaw’s internal food inflation outpaced the CPI’s 4.1 per cent jump, according to the company’s financial reports.

And while it has managed to pass most of this cost on to the consumer, shoppers started choosing cheaper products when some foods surpassed a certain price point, president and executive chairman Greg Weston said during a conference call with investors last week.

Consumers, especially those in Alberta where the economy is struggling, have flocked to Loblaw’s discount offerings, he said.

Branson said Loblaw looks to deliver great value regardless of the economy, but thinks that with the way things are now the offerings may be benefiting Canadians more than when Naturally Imperfect was first launched.

It plans to expand the program even more over the coming months.

Naturally Imperfect will now include unsightly peppers, onions and mushrooms for consumers in Quebec and Ontario.

Meanwhile, Loblaw’s Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer and most No Frills stores in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba started stocking less-thanperfect apples and peppers Wednesday, and Atlantic Superstore and Your Independent Grocer locations in the Atlantic provinces started stocking Naturally Imperfect apples.

The line’s produce is now also available at Your Independent Grocer and Real Canadian Superstore in Whitehorse, Yukon.

The uglier version of a fruit or vegetable costs up to 30 per cent less than its good looking counterpart.

That can be appealing to consumers who have been smacked with sticker shock on the produce aisle over the past year due to the low Canadian dollar and other factors, including shortages caused by a drought in California.

Between January 2015 and 2016, Canadian food prices rose four per cent, according to Statistics Canada’s

Katz Group selling Rexall pharmacies in $3B deal

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS National drugstore chain Rexall Health is being sold to U.S. health care giant McKesson Corp. in a C$3-billion deal that one observer said was likely driven in part by the low Canadian dollar. The sale by the Katz Group, which is still subject to regulatory approvals, includes 470 retail pharmacies, a group of family doctor clinics and ClaimSecure Inc., a healthcare management and technology firm.

This isn’t the first time McKesson has signed a deal with the Edmonton-based Katz Group. In 2012, the prescription drug distributor acquired Katz’s independent outlets and franchise businesses — primarily operating as I.D.A and Guardian — for about $920 million. The two companies said Wednesday the deal was a “natural next step” in a business relationship that has spanned 20 years. It will also expand McKesson’s footprint in a country where there is a wealth of opportunity, said John Hammergren,

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chairman and CEO of the San Francisco-based firm.

“Canada’s healthcare environment is rapidly evolving it is marked by a move of primary care into pharmacy and increasingly complex patient demand,” he said in a news release Wednesday.

“With today’s announcement, McKesson will bring together the strengths and expertise of our diverse portfolio to address challenges and opportunities in delivering the very best patient care.”

McKesson, the Katz Group and Rexall all declined interview requests.

Retail analyst Bruce Winder said the low loonie likely helped the deal come to fruition.

“Canadian companies are going for a lot cheaper than they were even two years ago, which means that they have a greater chance in the return on investment by paying such a lower acquisition cost for the entity,” said Winder, a partner and founder of Retail Advisors Network.

“With the U.S. economy surely but

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slowly picking up, and the Canadian dollar being as weak as it is, everything is on sale in Canada.”

McKesson also probably sees value in Rexall’s already established retail outlets, Winder said.

In recent years, the drugstore chain has built bigger and brighter stores and introduced more grocery and private product label lines as it faces stiffer competition in the growing pharmacy market.

“They sort of showcased what they can do if given the right capital with some of their newer outlets,” he said.

“It appeared from the outside that it was an asset that was sort of undervalued and hadn’t yet quite hit its stride.”

With the backing of McKesson, Rexall has an opportunity to expand its renovations and open up more stores, said Winder.

McKesson said Rexall Health will continue to be led by its current management, headed by CEO Jurgen Schreiber, the former chief executive of Canada’s largest pharmacy chain, Shoppers Drug Mart.

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After the deal closes, which is expected to happen later this year, McKesson is expected to have 13,000 employees in Canada, including 8,700 from Rexall. Winder’s business partner, Tony Whitehouse, said Rexall could be seen as an attractive asset to some of Canada’s biggest grocery store chains in the future.

In 2013, Loblaw Companies Inc. (TSX:L) acquired Shoppers Drug Mart in a $12.4-billion deal, merging the grocery and pharmaceutical markets.

RBC analyst Irene Nattel said the Rexall deal, which will be funded by cash and debt, was not entirely a surprise. Since McKesson was already acting as a supplier to Rexall, Nattel doesn’t believe the sale will have any “significant implications” to its competitors, Quebec-based pharmacy giant Jean Coutu (TSX:PJC.A) or Shoppers.

The founder and chairman of the Katz Group, Daryl Katz, said his company will continue to invest in its three other types of business — real estate, sports and entertainment, and investments.

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BUSINESS

Thursday, March 3, 2016

MARKETS COMPANIES

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D I L B E R T

OF LOCAL INTEREST

Wednesday’s stock prices supplied by RBC Dominion Securities of Red Deer. For information call 341-8883.

Consumer Canadian Tire . . . . . . . . 133.23 Gamehost . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.40 Leon’s Furniture . . . . . . . 14.76 Loblaw Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . 69.45

MARKETS CLOSE TORONTO — The Toronto Stock Exchange advanced for a fifth straight day Wednesday, finding support from base metals and gold stocks as Canada’s main market nosed into positive territory for the first time this year.

The S&P/TSX composite index climbed 35.83 points to 13,017.93, the index’s first close above 13,000 since finishing at 13,009.95 on Dec. 31.

The biggest drivers in the market were commodities, as metals and mining sector advanced 16 per cent, followed by materials at nine per cent and gold at 2.5 per cent.

Allan Small, senior adviser at Holliswealth, said the rally is a positive sign going forward because typically, investors tend to pull back the day after a large gain like the 121-points added on Tuesday. This wasn’t the case, which may mean the devastating losses earlier this year were also an overreaction.

“It shows me that this market was oversold,” said Small.

One example was that the markets had anticipated weakness among the Canadian banks due to pain in the oilpatch, but the latest quarterly results from the country’s largest banks show they are still strong, with the majority of them also announcing increases to their dividends.

“It was getting ridiculous,” said Small. “Everyone was talking about the relationship between energy and banks and that Canadian banks were going to suffer … but the banks are not portraying the doom and gloom.”

In New York, indexes were also higher after a re-

Maple Leaf Foods. . . . . . 25.98 Rona Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 23.62 Wal-Mart . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66.21 WestJet Airlines . . . . . . . 17.85 Mining Barrick Gold . . . . . . . . . . 18.23 Cameco Corp. . . . . . . . . 16.64 First Quantum Minerals . . 6.62 Goldcorp Inc. . . . . . . . . . 19.31 Hudbay Minerals. . . . . . . . 4.58 Kinross Gold Corp. . . . . . . 3.89 Labrador. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.91 Potash Corp.. . . . . . . . . . 24.49 Sherritt Intl. . . . . . . . . . . . 0.850 Teck Resources . . . . . . . . 9.51 Energy Arc Resources . . . . . . . . 18.62 Badger Daylighting Ltd. . 25.06 Baker Hughes. . . . . . . . . 45.41 Bonavista . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.89 Bonterra Energy . . . . . . . 19.26 Cdn. Nat. Res. . . . . . . . . 30.17 Cdn. Oil Sands Ltd. . . . . . 9.33 Canyon Services Group. . 4.09 Cenovous Energy Inc. . . 16.16 CWC Well Services . . . 0.1150 Encana Corp. . . . . . . . . . . 6.14 Essential Energy. . . . . . . 0.580

port from payroll processor ADP that private American employers added a healthy 214,000 jobs in February.

The Dow Jones industrial average added 34.24 points to 16,899.32, while the Nasdaq composite index gained 13.82 points to 4,703.42. The broader S&P 500 added 8.1 points to 1,986.45.

Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar declined 0.07 of a U.S. cent to 74.48 cents US as the greenback strengthened against most major currencies amid renewed expectations of a rate hike by the Federal Reserve following encourage signs from the U.S. economy.

On Tuesday, investors took in positive government reports on construction spending and manufacturing.

The U.S. Labor Department will release its jobs report on Friday.

On commodity markets, the April contract for benchmark U.S. crude edged up 26 cents to US$34.66 a barrel, its seventh rise in the last eight days. April gold added $11 to US$1,241.80 a troy ounce while May copper rose four cents to US$2.18 a pound.

April natural gas was the outlier, down six cents at US$1.68 per mmBtu. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Highlights at the close Wednesday at world financial market trading.

Stocks: S&P/TSX Composite Index — 13,017.93, up 35.83 points Dow — 16,899.32 up 34.24 points S&P 500 — 1,986.45, up 8.10 points Nasdaq — 4,703.42, up 13.82 points Currencies:

Exxon Mobil . . . . . . . . . . 82.70 Halliburton Co. . . . . . . . . 33.66 High Arctic . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.01 Husky Energy . . . . . . . . . 15.73 Imperial Oil . . . . . . . . . . . 43.48 Pengrowth Energy . . . . . 1.180 Penn West Energy . . . . . 1.450 Precision Drilling Corp . . . 4.88 Suncor Energy . . . . . . . . 33.39 Trican Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . 1.450 Trinidad Energy . . . . . . . . 1.67 Vermilion Energy . . . . . . 39.00 Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.1000 Financials Bank of Montreal . . . . . . 75.69 Bank of N.S. . . . . . . . . . . 57.75 CIBC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.21 Cdn. Western . . . . . . . . . 21.45 Great West Life. . . . . . . . 34.30 IGM Financial . . . . . . . . . 35.43 Intact Financial Corp. . . . 86.16 Manulife Corp. . . . . . . . . 18.62 National Bank . . . . . . . . . 37.93 Rifco Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.250 Royal Bank . . . . . . . . . . . 70.13 Sun Life Fin. Inc.. . . . . . . 40.57 TD Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53.18

Cdn — 74.48 cents US, down 0.07 of a cent Pound — C$1.8902, up 1.81 cents Euro — C$1.4590, up 0.12 of a cent Euro — US$1.0866, down 0.02 of a cent Oil futures: US$34.66 per barrel, up 26 cents (April contract) Gold futures: US$1,241.80 per oz., up $11.00 (April contract) Canadian Fine Silver Handy and Harman: $21.036 oz., up 29.9 cents $676.31 kg., up $9.62 ICE FUTURES CANADA WINNIPEG — ICE Futures Canada closing prices: Canola: March ‘16 $5.30 higher $450.10 May ‘16 $5.30 higher $452.10 July ‘16 $5.00 higher $455.60 Nov. ‘16 $5.00 higher $462.80 Jan. ‘17 $4.90 higher $467.10 March ‘17 $4.90 higher $469.60 May ‘17 $4.90 higher $468.30 July ‘17 $4.90 higher $467.80 Nov. ‘17 $4.90 higher $461.40 Jan. ‘18 $4.90 higher $461.40 March ‘18 $4.90 higher $461.40.

Barley (Western): March ‘16 $5.00 lower $178.00 May ‘16 $5.00 lower $180.00 July ‘16 $7.00 lower $180.00 Oct. ‘16 $7.00 lower $180.00 Dec. ‘16 $7.00 lower $180.00 March ‘17 $7.00 lower $180.00 May ‘17 $7.00 lower $180.00 July ‘17 $7.00 lower $180.00 Oct. ‘17 $7.00 lower $180.00 Dec. ‘17 $7.00 lower $180.00 March ‘18 $7.00 lower $180.00.

Wednesday’s estimated volume of trade: 408,100 tonnes of canola 2,000 tonnes of barley (Western Barley). Total: 410,100.

Canadian Pacific approached CSX about deal while pursuing NS POTENTIAL DEAL WAS REJECTED IN 2014

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS OMAHA, Neb. — Canadian Pacific reportedly approached the CSX railroad about a possible merger earlier this year while it continued to pursue its proposed takeover of rival Norfolk Southern.

The latest overture to Jacksonville, Florida-based CSX was first reported

by The Wall Street Journal. Canadian Pacific first contacted CSX in the fall of 2014 about a potential deal and was rejected.

Canadian Pacific CEO Hunter Harrison said his railroad remains committed to its roughly $30 billion bid for Norfolk Southern, which is based in Norfolk, Virginia.

“We’ve said all along that if we looked at the synergies between the two Eastern carriers, right now both of them would work for us,” Harrison said to The Wall Street Journal. Canadian Pacific spokesman Martin Cej said that quote is accurate.

Officials with CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads both declined to comment.

The reported contact with CSX reinforces how interested Canadian Pacific officials are in joining with one of the Eastern railroads, but it doesn’t necessarily make a deal likely to succeed, said Citi analyst Christian Wetherbee. A deal faces significant regulatory hurdles because no major railroad mergers have been approved since the federal Surface Transportation Board adopted tough rules for them in 2001. Canadian Pacific first approached Norfolk Southern last fall

about the possibility of combining the two railroads. The offer has been revised and rejected several times.

Norfolk Southern has said it believes Canadian Pacific’s offer is grossly inadequate, and it questions whether federal regulators would approve such a merger or impose costly conditions on the deal.

Canadian Pacific officials said Wednesday they have asked the board to review the proposed structure of the Norfolk Southern deal, which calls for setting up a voting trust to oversee both railroads and installing Harrison as CEO of Norfolk Southern while regulators review the deal.

Norfolk Southern believes that would violate a prohibition against an acquiring railroad taking control of its target before a deal is approved.

Canadian Pacific also plans to ask Norfolk Southern shareholders at their annual meeting to vote on whether they want the two railroads to discuss a possible merger.

But the nonbinding vote won’t include details of a specific proposal.

Canadian Pacific officials have said they believe combining the two railroads would create a more efficient operation. CP has also said it could cut roughly $1.8 billion in annual costs from the combined railroad.

Norfolk Southern has said those cuts would likely jeopardize the customer service and performance that customers expect. It is pursuing its own plan to cut $1 30 million in costs this year and create more than $650 million in annual cost savings by 2020 while improving service.

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

An Aston Martin cut out is presented during the second press day at the 86th International Auto Show in Geneva, Switzerland, Wednesday. The Auto Show will open its gates to the public from March 3 to 13, presenting more than 200 exhibitors and more than 120 world and European premieres.

In face of uncertainty, carmakers bet on SUVs, new technology GENEVA AUTO SHOW

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS GENEVA — Automakers looking to support sales in the face of global economic uncertainty are betting on new SUVs and the promise of high tech as they try to outshine each other at the Geneva International Motor Show.

While sales are weak in countries like Russia and Japan, they’ve been growing steadily in Europe and the U.S., where demand is particularly strong for small SUVs. Buyers are encouraged by cheaper gas and the models’ higher riding position and storage room.

In Geneva, Audi presented its new Q2 small SUV while Opel, the European unit of General Motors, unveiled the Mokka X, an updated version of the existing model. Ford touted its Edge as its flagship SUV in Europe.

At just over 4 metres (13 feet) it’s small enough to fit into the cramped parking spaces in European cities. Volkswagen’s T-Cross Breeze, a concept car that VW says is headed for production, is in the same size category as the compact Polo.

“Every stand here at the Geneva Motor Show will have crossovers, SUVs. This is a segment which continues to grow,” said Tim Pollard, digital editor-in-chief of Car Magazine. “By 2020, car makers tell me, it’s going to account for at least a quarter of the European car market.”

Eye-catching, high end sports cars were another common theme on the display stands. Volkswagen’s Bugatti unveiled the Chiron, a 2.4 million-euro ($2.6 million) sports car with a top speed of 420 kph (261 mph). Orders have already been taken for a third of production, which is limited to 500 vehicles. VW brand Lamborghini’s Centenario, marking the 100th anniversary of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini’s birth, costs 1.4 million euros all 40 are already sold.

Even as manufacturers pushed shiny metal at the public, which gets access to the show Thursday, there was much discussion of looming change in the industry. Automakers said they were preparing for a future in which self-driving cars would take the road alongside conventional vehicles and better batteries would make electric

vehicles more practical.

BMW offered a plug-in hybrid version of its large 7-Series sedan, alongside a gasoline version with a powerful 12-cylinder engine. CEO Harald Krueger said the company’s early commitment to electric vehicles and its use of battery power in key models positioned it for a future in which emissions rules become increasingly strict.

That’s even though the company sold less than 30,000 electric vehicles last year, out of record 2.2 million.

“E-mobility is a marathon, not a sprint,” Krueger said.

Volkswagen, struggling to regain consumer trust after U.S. authorities found it had equipped vehicles to cheat on diesel emissions test, sketched out a future in which electric power and digitalization would play more important roles in vehicle development. The company’s marketing chief, Juergen Stackmann, shrugged off the antics of a protester who dressed in mechanic’s overalls and feigned to repair a car the executive had just driven up in.

“We know that we are the brand that attracts a lot of attention — and we have to live with that,” he said.

Some 11 million vehicles worldwide are affected by the emissions scandal.

With the industry and the global economy in flux, executives were cautious about the outlook for sales this year.

Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn said markets growing more strongly than expected, such as Europe, would be offset by double-digit drops in Russia and flat growth in Japan. “Which means that it will look like 2015” this year, and that the company would be more cautious about investment in weaker markets. BMW’s Krueger foresaw low single-digit growth in Europe and China. Daimler AG touted a new diesel engine, despite the extra scrutiny diesel has come under since the Volkswagen emissions scandal.

CEO Dieter Zetsche argued diesel engines are not on the way out. Their lower CO2 emissions, he said, make them a practical way to achieve government mandated emissions goals in Europe, where high fuel prices help make diesels are much more popular.

He said Daimler sees two roads toward autonomous driving, in which the car’s computers and sensors enable it to stay within lanes and avoid other vehicles and pedestrians.

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Diversified and Industrials Agrium Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 117.27 ATCO Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . 37.10 BCE Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57.77 BlackBerry . . . . . . . . . . . 10.46 Bombardier . . . . . . . . . . . 1.110 Brookfield . . . . . . . . . . . . 41.98 Cdn. National Railway . . 77.65 Cdn. Pacific Railway. . . 161.39 Cdn. Utilities . . . . . . . . . . 34.18 Capital Power Corp . . . . 18.10 Cervus Equipment Corp 11.75 Dow Chemical . . . . . . . . 49.62 Enbridge Inc. . . . . . . . . . 46.75 Finning Intl. Inc. . . . . . . . 19.30 Fortis Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38.65 General Motors Co. . . . . 30.15 Parkland Fuel Corp. . . . . 21.15 Sirius XM . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.44 SNC Lavalin Group. . . . . 44.06 Stantec Inc. . . . . . . . . . . 28.88 Telus Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . 39.13 Transalta Corp.. . . . . . . . . 5.98 Transcanada. . . . . . . . . . 48.92

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LIFE

THE ADVOCATE Thursday, March 3, 2016

THE EASILY OVERLOOKED

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Photos by Myrna Pearman/freelance

MYRNA PEARMAN

Goldencrowned Kinglet

OUTDOORS

I thought I’d devote this column to a few of Alberta’s overlooked bird species. These are the species that—because of their specialized habitats, cryptic colouration or secretive ways—are challenging to find or are easily overlooked.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet It is sometimes easier to see “our” birds on their wintering grounds. What a surprise it was on a recent trip to Palm Springs to see these kinglets flitting everywhere!

Even more interesting was to observe this male display his ruby-coloured crown while enthusiastically splashing about in a bird bath. Despite their small size, Ruby-crowned Kinglets have big voices; their clear and distinctive rollicking song—which they usually belt out from the top of a high spruce tree—is a delight to hear early in the spring.

Golden-crowned Kinglet These frenetic little birds are year-round residents in Central Alberta, but their faint calls, incessant movement and habit of staying high among the tree tops makes them difficult to get a good look at. Golden-crowned Kinglets are birds of the spruce forests and, despite their small size, are hardy enough to survive our harsh winters.

They often forage together in flocks, sometimes in the presence of chickadees and warblers.

Brown Creepers

Brown Creepers Brown Creepers are the epitome of stealth. They are small, cryptically coloured, and spend their days skulking up tree trunks. With specialized tails and feet, they are well adapted to hitch themselves upwards, pecking with their tweezer-like beaks at tiny morsels of food tucked into the undersides of bark pieces. Once up high in a tree (usually a spruce tree), they fly down to the base of a nearby tree and start their upward journey all over again. They are year-round residents in Central Alberta and, during the winter, will sometimes be attracted to feeders that offer suet or pastry.

Rock Wren

Rock Wren Those who are lucky enough to spend time in the Red Deer River valley will at some point encounter a Rock Wren. Although these dull gray birds have a melodious song, they often take advantage of their colouration—almost identical to that of their badland haunts—to skulk around completely unnoticed. Interestingly, their body is quite flattened, an adaptation which enables them to squeeze into nooks and crevices to escape the summer heat.

American Pipit Folks in Central Alberta are treated to views of these birds in the early spring, when flocks of them wing their way northward to their Arctic breeding grounds.

Brown in colour, they blend in with the wakening earth, but they can be quickly identified by their tail-bobbing habit.

American Pipits also breed in the alpine tundra; I was fortunate enough to encounter this individual in Kananaskis last fall. It was too busy devouring a big fat caterpillar to give me much notice. Note the long back toe, an adaptation which enables these birds to walk efficiently on the ground.

Myrna Pearman is the biologist/site services manager at Ellis Bird Farm. She can be reached at mpearman@ellisbirdfarm.ca.

American Pipit

OUTDOORS

Thursday, March 3, 2016

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NEW DIRECTIONS FOR THE AFGA BOB SCAMMELL OUTDOORS

Photo by BOB SCAMMELL/freelance

AFGA Fish Chairman, dr. Darryl Smith, “Fishdoc.,” in happier days. sure the trustees share, allowing foot access to them all to one and all, a private land example from which our gutless government and too many greedy and grasping public land grazing leaseholders have much to learn as they connive and scheme to deny Albertans access to their own public land.

When the AFGA moves in to its new offices, it will do so with an exciting new co – tenant, the new, unprecedented list of top priorities developed last year that will give a much sharper new focus on the issues of major importance here and now to Alberta’s outdoors people: public land management and public access to it, Chronic Wasting Disease and game ranching, lack of management causing fish and wildlife population crises and imbalances.

As shown by the eleven Fisheries Resolutions sent to the conference by AFGA clubs in its six provincial zones, Alberta’s outdoors people are deeply concerned with the sad and sorry state of Alberta’s fish, fishery, and fishing.

‘Tis the season for germination Seed catalogue started arriving in the fall encouraging people to plan LINDA ahead and order their seeds early. For those that like selecting seed in perTOMLINSON son, stores and garden centers now have a full selection of seeds. Before GARDENING purchasing seeds to start bedding out plants make sure that you have the time, materials light and the correct ommended for starting seeds are also temperatures to start and grow healthy available. The materials used in these bedding out plants. Skimp on any of mixtures are finer making it easier for these essentials and the quality of bed- the seeds to reach the surface. ding out plants suffer.

Know when to start plants. The earFresh or viable seed is vital to ger- lier plants are started the larger they mination. Always purchase seed from are when they are transplanted. Large a reputable dealer. Given a choice, plants transplant well if they are grown choose a seed package with clear, de- in a large container. Understand that tailed instructions on the back. If it transplanting a four foot (120 cm) tomais impossible to follow the planting to is not an easy task. Often the stems instructions, do not purchase the seed. break or are damaged during the transThe cultural conditions needed to in- planting process. Count back from the sure the seeds germinate can vary in planting date between six and eight temperature, amount of light and time weeks from germination for best rerequired. sults.

If the required conditions can not be Starting bedding plants from seed almet, chances are that the seeds will not lows people to use saved seed and grow germinate. plants that are not available through A heated greenhouse or grow lights local greenhouses. are needed to produce sturdy, healthy It is rarely economically to start plants. Without proper lighting plants plants that can be purchased locally grow tall and spindly. South and west unless a large amount of one species is windows might provide enough light needed. If only a few plants are needed and work well if the temperatures can the seeds and other materials can cost be kept low and plant pots are turned more than purchased plants. regularly.

Growing plants from seed can be Grow lights work best when they are mentally and physically rewarding if adjustable and move upwards as the all cultural requirements: light, temcrop grows. perature, soil are met before starting.

Lights that are far away encourage Otherwise the outcome can be frustratplants to grow upward quickly. Plants ing as the plants will be less than desirthat grow slowly have stronger stems able. and are less likely to fall over. TemLinda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist perature needs vary between plants. that lives near Rocky Mountain House.

Choose seeds and plants with similar She can be reached at your_garden@hotrequirements unless there is more than mail.com one growing room In a too hot climate, the plants stems tend to be thin. In a cold climate, the plants are stunted. Plants that are not grown in optimum conditions are often of poor quality.

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Ten of the resolutions were passed by the conference delegates and ranged from requesting increased angling opportunity and assisting in cutthroat recovery by permitting the keeping of rainbow trout caught in flowing waters, to requesting more stocking of hybrid tiger trout and splake, even stocking perch in closed – in ponds.

But most of the Fish resolutions, including two from the Environment Committee, were concerned with stopping and reversing the fish habitat loss of the last four decades by stronger protective efforts based on “no net loss” principles for energy and forest projects and waging war on sedimentation from the headwaters on down Dr. Darryl Smith of Crooked Creek, Fish Committee chair, gave one of the finer committee reports I have seen in my 50 years with the AFGA. It is sad, angry, even a little discouraged, quite unlike the Fishdoc I have known for many years.

Basically Smith reports the fisheries biologists and the anglers of Alber-

ta are no longer speaking to each other because the biologists are no longer interested in what anglers think and want. Anglers who wonder what is happening to them should try to get a copy of this report.

It is so bad, former participants in the angling Round Tables tell me that these biologists believe only in their own biodiversity policy, which means native species only, that biologist-introduced species like rainbow and brown trout are really invasive species, and yet we biologists today have no function and duty in combating the industrial habitat destruction that is the real cause for the near extinction of Alberta’s native trout and grayling.

Mr. Chairman, I’d like to propose an extraordinary resolution that the government forthwith promote its fisheries biologists to the ranks of the oil patch unemployed.

Bob Scammell is an award-winning columnist who lives in Red Deer. He can be reached at bscam@telusplanet.net.

Ask The Dentist! by Dr. Michael Dolynchuk, DDS

I Have a $10,000 Budget What Can You Do With That?

Dear Dr. D: My teeth are shot. No nice way to describe it. My dentist said he would pull the half dozen teeth I have left, and put me in full dentures. I'm 63 years old with no dental insurance. I can't spend more than $10,000 in total. What kind of options does that give me?

A: Let me 'think aloud'. On average, about 90% of patients with full upper dentures are basically satisfied with them. They get used to them, and unless they have an unusual situation with the roof of their mouth I hear few real complaints about them. The lowers are an entirely different story. They can flop around and move, and this makes eating a chore and apparently is a major irritant to many denture wearers. With dental implants, we have the capability of retrofitting just about any lower denture to secure it with dental implants. This provides stability. It is sometimes possibly to affix a new denture to 2 implants only, although 4 would be a more likely scenario. I prefer to use a conventional sized implant for a situation such as this, because frankly we see far too many failures with the 'mini' implants. They are not for every application. The only place I use them is to provide stability on the upper jaw in very specific places. One patient in just recently had a total of 12 'mini' implants placed in her mouth, and within a short period of time 6 had failed.

They either literally fell out, or were wobbling so badly there was no stability with them whatsoever. The analogy I use is a fence post. If you built a fence but only stuck the fence post one foot in the ground with no concrete whatsoever, it would blow over in the first strong wind. I won't usually install them, because I don't relish the thought of having to replace them!

If the conditions in your mouth are right – you may be able to have two full sized implants placed on the lower mouth with a denture affixed to them. A conventional denture with two mini-implants for stability would be fitted to your upper jaw. This would bring you in just under the $10,000 limit you mentioned. I have patients who tell me this is a significant improvement over what they previously had, at an affordable fee. Speaking of affordable – had a patient with another 'Mexican' dental story this week. The higher fees we pay here do provide patients with the most stringent dental sterilization conditions anywhere in Canada. His 'bargain' cost his overall health plenty – all because he insisted on the lowest dollar.

Like many things, the best price doesn't guarantee your best health. More on that next time!

Alpen Dental 4 - 5025 Parkwood Road, Blackfalds, AB 1-800-TOOTHACHE (1-800-866-8422) www.AlpenDental.com Services are provided by General Dentists

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The annual conference of the Alberta Fish and Game Association is not all about the annual crisis — controversy and politics, internal and external.

When those entertaining aspects are done, usually about noon on the first day, then the delegates get down to business: learning how Alberta’s largest conservation organization fared last year, and where it is going in the future.

The short answer is the AFGA did very well in 2015, and is moving on in new and exciting ways, literally and conceptually.

Literally, the organization will soon be into the process of selling the south Edmonton building it has owned and occupied since the mid–eighties and searching out, building, maybe, and moving to new premises more in line with the ever-expanding interests and operations of the AFGA, not to mention its ambition to reach a total of 25,000 members and more than 85 affiliated clubs and better serve them and the public.

Old–timers were shocked last year when the Executive secured passage of a Special Resolution to borrow up to $1 million to bridge the time between the move to new premises and the closing of the sale of the old building.

In the past decade, the Parade of Donations that takes place just before lunch on the Saturday of each annual conference has totaled close to $1 million, earmarked for various AFGA purposes and projects. But this year the clubs were mostly on board with the head office move, taking just ten minutes to line up and donate $68,000, most of it earmarked by the donors to go toward the new premises.

In most years the Parade’s donations are designated for the AFGA’s Wildlife Trust Fund which enjoyed another good year in 2015, according to Wildlife Habitat Coordinator, Brad Fenson, by adding seven new properties, totaling 1,693.41 acres to the Trust’s holdings, which now total 41,600 acres of varied and prime conservation properties everywhere in the province. To find WTF properties near you, just go to the AFGA website, www. afga.org and follow the Wildlife Trust link to the properties locations list.’

These properties are a public trea-

THE ADVOCATE C3

ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

There’s no Drama always about quit in Mavis The Old versus the New Staples, or

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

her voice

DOWNTON ABBEY

NEW YORK — For all its six seasons, Downton Abbey has been a graciously paced time-scape through early 1900s Britain.

Home base, of course, was the grand estate that lent the series its name.

There the aristocratic Crawley family and their household servants felt the world changing — however incrementally — under their feet.

Spanning from 1912 to the dawn of 1926, Downton Abbey was always about change. The Old versus the New. Time-honoured values accosted by modernity. Social graces under fire.

What to make of the encroachment of a telephone, or the very idea of a lady out pursuing a career! The changes navigated by the Downton denizens provided us viewers, a century removed, with the opportunity to measure ourselves against them as we, too, cope with change that alternately gladdens and confounds us. And as we, too, cut ties with the past.

Now it takes nothing away from this glorious series to recognize that change, and a resistance to changing, has paved the way for the show’s impending end.

“The world is a different place from the way it was, my lord,” says the butler, Carson (Jim Carter), to his boss Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville). Then, with stiffupper-lip resolve, he adds, “Downton Abbey must change with it.”

Not so with Downton Abbey the TV series, which gloried in staying put.

Airing Sunday on PBS’ Masterpiece, the conclusion is tender, upbeat and mostly satisfying, with no loose ends, nothing left to doubt, nothing likely to ignite water-cooler debate come Monday morning. This is no head-scratching finale as with Lost or The Sopranos.

Of course not. Throughout its run, Downton always knew what it was, as did its audience, which loved it for its steadfast clarity and sense of purpose.

It was steadfast with savoury writing by series creator Julian Fellowes, who authored every script, and with its splendid cast and lush production values.

It was steadfast, too, in its posh confinement to Downton Abbey, where, even as change gradually imposed itself, the narrative refused to change, and — let’s face it — eventually began to feel repetitive. Even at that sprawling country estate (with occasional excursions to London) there was only so much fresh story to tell.

Asked a couple of years ago how long the series might run, executive producer Gareth Neame cited a familiar principle of drama in replying, “There are only seven stories, and I think the challenge with a long-running TV show is to retell those seven stories without anyone noticing. But there could come a time where we’ll be going, ‘What do we do now?”’

Downton Abbey may well have reached a what-do-we-do-now point in its told-and-retold cycle of ailments, heartache, duplicity and politesse, plus withering commentary from the Dowager Countess, as played by Maggie Smith (who in the finale weighs in on what makes the English the way they are by observing tartly, “Some say our history. But I blame the weather”).

The show, in short, was proudly tradition-bound, and prevailed to the end as a TV tradition for the faithful fans who watched it every week and, during each off-season, eagerly sought its return.

Bonneville has said the series is “about family — both the literal family and the staff as family. It explores the minutiae of those social structures, the nuances of the system as to whether someone’s in or out.”

We saw ourselves in them all — in or out, elite or commoner, 1-percenters or the 99 per cent. We were constantly reminded that now, as way back then, change is willing to spare no one.

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

This image released by PBS shows Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary in a scene from the final season of ‘Downton Abbey.’ The series finale airs in the U.S. on Sunday.

Lady Mary an ex-con?

After Downton, stars seek challenges LOS ANGELES — What’s happening to certain Downton Abbey stars is downright criminal.

Joanne Froggatt, the TV drama’s vulnerable Anna Bates, is morphing into a 19th-century serial killer in PBS’ Dark Angel. Michelle Dockery, who plays coolly elegant Lady Mary, is a sleazy American ex-convict in TNT’s Good Behavior. And Kevin Doyle, the good-hearted Mr. Molesley, is a bad-hearted police detective in Netflix’s Happy Valley.

The end of Downton Abbey on PBS’ Masterpiece after six seasons means new career paths for its stars, with both the upstairs and downstairs crew embracing change-of-pace roles — although devoted viewers may want to enshrine them forever as their beloved characters.

“Anybody who’s watched and loved Downton is going to remember these characters for the rest of their lives,” said executive producer Gareth Neame. But cast members “can’t put a pin in their career and say that’s it.”

British actors are especially keen on variety and like “to move away from things they’ve been previously successful with,” Neame said.

Froggatt said change is part of acting’s allure.

“After playing a role that you’ve loved playing for years, there is a certain part of you that goes, ‘I fancy doing something a bit different,” she said.

That’s the path taken by Dan Stevens, who’s avoided lord-of-the-manor roles since playing Matthew Crawley in the drama’s first three seasons. Among his upcoming projects: the films Beauty

and the Beast and sci-fi drama Colossal, and Legion, a Marvel Comics-based TV pilot for FX. After Sunday’s Downton Abbey finale, here’s where to find its former gentry and servants: ● Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grantham): Possibly the actor staying closest to his Downton pedigree, he plays Lord Louis Mountbatten in the Indian independence movie Viceroy’s House. ● Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith): Takes on a sibling role again in the 1940s history-based romance, A United Kingdom, introducing her sister to her future husband, an African prince. ● Brendan Coyle (John Bates): Plays English politician Augustine Birrell in the historical Irish film drama The Rising. Also in the romantic movie Me Before You, based on the novel by Jojo Moyes. ● Elizabeth McGovern (Lady Cora): Writing and recording her fourth album with the band Sadie and the Hotheads. In April, starting rehearsals at the National Theatre in London for Sunset at the Villa Thalia. ● Lilly James (Lady Rose): Takes on a classic part, Elizabeth Bennet, in an adaptation of the non-classic parody of Jane Austen’s novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. In The Kaiser’s Last Kiss, a German soldier falls in love with James’ Jewish Dutchwoman. ● Allen Leech (Tom Branson): In the film Hunter’s Prayer, based on Kevin Wignall’s nove For the Dogs, Leech plays the former boss of a hired assassin whose assignment goes awry. ● Penelope Wilton (Isobel Crawley): As lonely wife Pauline in the upcoming British TV series Brief Encounters, set in the 1980s, Wilton is one of four women whose lives are changed when they start selling exotic lingerie at house parties.

NEW YORK — Mavis Staples is a walking, talking and — blessedly — still singing history book.

The 76-yearold voice of the Staple Singers sang behind Martin Luther King Jr., dated Bob Dylan, performed at The Last Waltz, recorded with Prince and just released a disc with alternative rock hero M. MAVIS STAPLES Ward interpreting new songs by the likes of Nick Cave and Neko Case. This week offers a burst of attention with the debut of an HBO documentary Mavis! about her life.

“I don’t feel like it’s time for me to sit in a rocking chair,” Staples said. “I don’t feel like it’s time for me to retire.

I feel so frisky … I still have my gift that the Lord gave me and I intend to keep using it.”

Staples’ deep, strong voice and patriarch “Pops” Staples’ blues guitar defined the Staple Singers. Her mom couldn’t sing but, unlike Pops, passed on a powerful voice to her daughter.

Singer Bonnie Raitt describes it in Mavis! as sensuous without being salacious.

“I used to sound like sister Mahalia Jackson,” Staples said. “I loved her so much. My father would tell me, ‘Get your own style. If you sound like Mahalia Jackson, people are going to talk about her.”’

Any deterioration that age has visited on her voice seems minor. While the low notes may be easier than the high ones, Staples believes she’s more seasoned and in control of her instrument. She has a band that recalls but doesn’t imitate the sonic blueprint set

by Pops, and she still sings with her sister Yvonne.

“I’m proud that I have survived and I have been here for such a long time and people still want to hear what I have to say,” she said.

Put her in front of an audience, and it looks like she never wants to leave.

Local BRIEFS RDC Symphonic Winds and Red Deer Youth Orchestra combine forces for concert A “Suite Treats” symphonic concert and an evening of percussion are both on this week at the Red Deer College Arts Centre.

On Thursday evening, the RDC Symphonic Winds and the Red Deer Youth Orchestra will combine forces to perform suites and other works by composers, past and present.

On Friday evening, RDC Percussion players will put on an energetic concert of vibrant world music performed on marimbas, vibraphones and drums.

Both concerts start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to each concert are $21.80 ($17.80 students/seniors) from the Black Knight Ticket Centre.

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THE ADVOCATE C4

WHAT’S HAPPENING THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

RED DEER HOME SHOW

File Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

Matt Korchinski of Top Peg Timber Frame Const. of Benalto works on the roof of a display at Westerner Park in preparation for last year’s Red Deer Home Show. The 37th Annual Red Deer Home Show presented by the Canadian Home Builders Association-Central Alberta returns to Westerner Park this weekend. The show features indoor and outdoor construction, landscaping, gardening and more. The show opens Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS This will be the final edition of What’s Happening. Starting on Monday, we will be going to a shorter list of daily events happening in and around Red Deer and Central Alberta.

We encourage people to continue to send us information regarding upcoming events as well as submitting them to our online events calendar at www.reddeeradvocate.com/calendar. We appreciate any feedback you may have. Please email these comments to managing editor Josh Aldrich at jaldrich@reddeeradvocate.com.

strument, dance or simply listen to the music.

Next jam session is March 5. Each session $2. Phone Ivy at 403-346-5691 or Joan at 403-986-2008. ● Forshee Community Hall old-time family dance nights are the first Friday of each month from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per adult, children 17 years and under are free. Evening lunch is included. Next dance is March 4 with Country Gems band.

For more info, call 403-748-3378.

Friday, March 4

● Ladies Auxiliary Of Red Deer Royal Canadian Legion Branch #35 holds general meetings the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Next meeting will be on March 7.

Meat draw every Friday at 5 p.m.

● Silver Blades Senior Skating is offered on Fridays, 2-3:30 p.m., and Seniors Skating is offered on Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:30, both at the Red Deer Arena. Ages 50 years plus. Purchase 10-time punch card from City of Red Deer Recreation Parks and Culture, or $4.75 drop in. Phone 403-3476883. ● Widow and Widower Support Network meets on the first Friday of every month at ABC Country Restaurant at 6 p.m. for food and friendship, and on the third Friday of each month at 7 p.m. at the First Christian Reformed Church, 16 McVicar St. The group provides a safe place for men and women who have lost their spouse through death, to interact and support each other. Upcoming dates are March 4 & March 18. Email to widowedsupportnetwork@gmail.com or call 403-755-0977. ● Red Deer Legion presents Wise Choice on March 4 & 5, 8 p.m. to midnight, for the weekend dance. For more info, call 403-342-0035. Legion members are required to show their valid membership card. Cover charge for non-members is $5.

Saturday, March 5

● Sierra of Taylor Drive Music Jam is held the first Saturday of every month from 1:30 - 4 pm. Everyone welcome to play an in-

Monday, March 7

Tuesday, March 8

● The Central Alberta Mopar Association (CAMA) Car Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at Humpty’s Classic Restaurant in Gasoline Alley, next on March 8. Admirers and owners of Chrysler family vehicles are welcome. Yearly membership is $20 for new members and $15 for current members. For more information, contact Glen at 403-318-8388, or visit centralalbertamopar.com

Wednesday March 9

● Red Deer Legion Old-Time Dance with Silver & Gold on March 9 at 7 p.m. Cost is $7, or $13.95 with buffet starting at 5 p.m.

Phone 403-342-0035. ● Powered by Breathing Lung Support Group meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 4-5 p.m. at Peak Pulmonary, next on March 9 and 23. Those with lung disorders are invited to learn tips on having a better life with a chronic lung disorder at this Lung Association affiliated support group. Contact Ted at 403-309-3487 or Mac at 403-347-2191.

REGISTRATIONS LOCAL EVENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS ● Central Alberta Quilters’ Guild Twenty-Fifth Annual Quilt Show will be presented on April 1 and 2 at Parkland Pavilion Westerner Park. Show hours are Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10

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● Granny Spiel will be held on March 23 at the Pidherney Centre. Registration for this bonspiel is March 11. Call 403-346-3777 or email curling@reddeercurling.ca if you are a granny or eligible.

purchase tickets. A table of eight is $750 or $100 per person from inquiries@aspirespecialneeds.ca. All inquires may phone 403340-2602 or see aspirespeicalneeds.ca/edd. ● Friends of the Red Deer Regional Hospital present medium Colette Baron-Reid with Messages From Spirit on April 9, 7 p.m. at the Memorial Centre. Tickets are $94.15 and are available through the Black Knight Ticket Centre or Present Trends Gift Shop in the hospital. All profits from this event go to patient care and comfort at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. ● An International Night of Comedy will be presented by HJ Cody High School on Apr. 8, 7 p.m. in the fine arts centre of HJ Cody High School in Sylvan Lake. Evening includes Ken Valgardson, comedian, a silent auction, appetizers and desserts. Tickets, $25, are available at the school office. Email arouthier@cesd73.ca for more information. ● Visit the Volunteer Central website to find the perfect volunteer opportunity. Currently, volunteers are needed for the Red Deer and District SPCA, the Red Deer Arena celebration, Bethany Care Society, the Canadian Diabetes Association, Shalom Counselling Centre, Blackfalds Winterfest, a charity bonspiel, Relay for Life, Pet Therapy visitor, Magdalene House event, daffodil campaign and for the Decadent Desserts event. For these and other volunteer roles, visit www. volunteercentral.ca and search communities and areas of interest to find a suitable volunteer position. Phone 403-346-3710. ● Operation Welcome to Canada is a local group putting together shoe boxes for Syrian immigrant children. To contribute, cheques may be deposited to Servus Credit Union account 12942710, or contributing shoe boxes filled with items for children or donating items for children at Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools. Contact opwelcome2can@gmail.com. ● Big — The Musical — will be presented by Hunting Hills High School on March 11, 12, 17 to 19, 7 p.m. nightly at Red Deer Memorial Centre. Cost is $15 for students, children and seniors, $20 for adults, and $40 for dinner theatre optional event on March 11 and 12, or $12 on March 17 — Cheap Night.

Tickets on sale at huntinghills.rdpsd.ab.ca.

Tickets will be available at the door only if not sold out. Based on Tom Hanks motion picture. Contact trevor. pikkert@rdpsd.ab.ca, or 403-342-6655, ext. 1115. ● GrammaLink-Africa Fabric Sale in support of the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmother to Grandmother Campaign will be held on April 23 at Gaetz Memorial United Church. Donations of fabric, one metre or more, wool, yarns, notions and patterns are all accepted for this sale until April 15. Call Mary Ellen at 403-340-1365. ● Canadian Diabetes Association fundraising event — Igloos to Insulin — on March 18 from 1 to 6 p.m. Volunteers are needed for event set up and take down, registration, judging, serving refreshments and planning. Contact Jackie.Morrison@diabetes. ca.

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CALENDAR

a.m. to 5 p.m. All levels of quilters welcome to submit entries at centralalbertaquilters.org until March 5. Show co-ordinator is Cheryl at cgwhitten@shaw.ca, 403-347-0322. ● Raffle fundraiser offered by Friends of Generations Church in Jamaica runs until April 30. Enter to win one of four $500 merchant cards. Tickets are $10 and are available by contacting Dwayne by eamil at FSOGC@shaw.ca or call 403-598-3021. ● Servus Credit Union Annual Bowl for Kids in support of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Red Deer is seeking individuals, businesses, and groups to collect pledges, bowl, and join the festivities at Heritage Bowling Centre on March 8. To get involved, see www.bbbsreddeer.ca, or call 403-342-6500. ● Ponoka Moose Lodge Old-Time Dance will be held on third Saturday of each month, 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Cost is $12, ($10 for Moose members.) Finger food potluck lunch. Top name bands. See www.AlbertaDanceNews.com, or call Jean or Fred at 403-783-8587 for more information. ● Sunday at Seven concert at Burman University features Joachim Segger on piano and organ on March 13, 7 p.m. Tickets at door; $25 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students with ID. ● Day Camps and Stay Camps for ages 10-18 will be offered by Red Deer College throughout the summer. Overnight camps include filmmaking, video game design and visual arts and music. Visit rdc.ab.ca/summercamps to find dates and details or call 403-356-4900. ● Red Deer Learning Circle is a program designed to teach life skills to adults with developmental disabilities. For more information call Lexi or Dixie at 403-358-7816. ● Volunteer Central is offering professional development for those in the marketing and managing of nonprofit organizations.

The Feb. 22 session is entitled Marketing for Nonprofits, Feb. 29 and March 1, is Volunteer Management Foundations, and on March 21 the session is ethical and Fiscal Management for Volunteer Managers. See www.volunteercentral.ca or phone 403-346-3710. ● The Bower Community Association will present a free legal clinic for both landlords and tenants at the Bower Hall. Please register at newbowerevents@gmail.com or call Jesse at 403-877-1436. ● Honk — a new twist on the traditional tale of the Ugly Duckling — will be presented

by Cornerstone Youth Theatre. Scheduled performances are 7 p.m. on Feb. 26, 27, March 4 and 5. Matinees at 3 p.m. go on Feb. 27 and March 5. Tickets are $14 at the door or in advance by calling 403-986-2981. ● Aspire Special Needs Resource Centre is getting ready to present Evening of Decadent Dessert which takes place on April 29 at Pidherney Centre starting at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets now available for an evening includes a champagne reception with live entertainments, buffet dinner and dessert table, raffles, silent auction and live auction of locally made cake creations. Patrons are invited to support local children with special needs and

ADVICE

Thursday, March 3, 2016

C5

Mother wants more contact with daughters Dear Annie: I am a very loving mother of two adult daughters. “Jane” has a child with her ex and another with her current husband. “Cindy” is married with one child and one on the way.

At first, things with Jane were great.

We helped them furnish their house with all new appliances, and also helped financially when they asked.

Three years ago, we had a falling out and now Jane doesn’t call, text, email, nothing. When we see each other in public, she is civil, but otherwise, treats me as if as if I were dead.

We are not allowed to see our grandchildren, although our ex-sonin-law allows us to see the one grandchild when he has visitation.

Cindy, who also receives financial help when she asks, lets me see my grandchild only once a month for four hours. She sometimes allows me to Skype, but no more than once a week, if I’m lucky. When she had a miscar-

KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR ANNIE’S MAILBOX

riage a few years ago, I tried my very best to console her, but she wouldn’t let me near her for two weeks. Others were allowed to be there, but not her own mother. She won’t let me talk to her about her current pregnancy.

I want to be a part of their lives, but we can’t get past this silence.

I have offered to pay for counseling, but they refuse. I have asked, begged and pleaded for one-on-one time, to no avail.

What hurts the most is that I don’t even know why they are angry with me.

Any advice would be so gratefully appreciated. — A Loving, Crushed Mother

Dear Mother: Your daughters may not be angry. They may be trying to create some space between your life and theirs, and don’t know how to do it in a more loving fashion. Or their husbands may have objected to your presence. And if your daughters are close, they may be feeding on each other’s grievances.

It will do you no good to keep pounding at this. Back off.

You also can stop loaning them money if you choose. You don’t owe it to them and it obviously doesn’t influence their level of affection. Enjoy the time you do get to spend with the grandchildren, and fill your hours with other activities that bring you pleasure. Counseling for yourself may help you accept this, and we hope your daughters will come to appreciate you again soon.

Dear Annie: You’ve printed several letters from parents and grandparents

complaining that they never receive a thank-you note.

My mother-in-law was also disappointed that one of her grandsons never acknowledged the checks she sent for birthdays and Christmas.

To change the situation, she sent a card mentioning the enclosed check, but she didn’t actually enclose it. The grandson promptly called to thank her, and also to say that she’d apparently forgotten to put the check in the envelope. — J. Dear J.: Your mother-in-law sounds like a very clever woman.

Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@ creators.com, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. You can also find Annieon Facebook at Facebook.com/AskAnnies.

SEA OF PINK

Halifax spoofed for asking dog owners to keep pets quiet in off-leash park Halifax has raised pet owners’ ire by targeting dogs who allegedly bark too loudly at a popular park.

The municipality recently erected a sign at the off-leash area of Shubie Park asking pet owners to “control your dog’s barking” or take the animal elsewhere.

Critics argue that in dog parks, dogs should be allowed to be dogs.

“The Mime for Canines class I am offering is almost fully booked,” one Twitter user, Andy Bowers, joked on Tuesday.

Another user, Sean Joudry, tweeted a doctored photo of the city’s sign that read: “Please do not use this area if you can’t make your dog less like a dog.”

But city spokesperson Tiffany Chase said the city had received “a number of complaints” from homeowners who live across a small lake from the Dartmouth park.

“We visited the park 17 times,” said Chase.

“The sound of the barking does carry quite clearly over the water.”

Contributed photo

The student body at Gateway Christian School participated in an all-school assembly where they were informed about different types of bullying, statistics about bullying, ways to make a stand against bullying, and how and why “Pink Shirt Day” first started. Following the assembly, all students and staff who came to school wearing pink joined in a “Sea of Pink” to take a stand together against Pink Shirt Day.

Thursday March 3, 2016 LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Expect a so- matter, look at the situation from a fresh anCELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: ciable day when you connect with a wide gle. If you want to improve your relationship JOANNE Miranda Richardson, 57; Julie Bowen, 45; range of people. With Venus and Uranus ac- with a family member, give them more freeMADELINE Jessica Biel, 33 tivating your relationship and romance zones, dom.

MOORE THOUGHT OF THE DAY: When it comes some Librans are set to fall in love at first AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Chanto love and romance, the stars encourage sight. nel your unique talents and express yourself HOROSCOPES being impulsive.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): There may to the max! For inspiration, look to famous HAPPY BIRTHDAY: You love to express be some surprises for Scorpios at home avant-garde Aquarians role-models like MoLEO (July 23-Aug. 22): An old relation- or work, as a colleague or family member zart, James Dean, Bob Marley and Yoko yourself creatively, but can be unrealistic about deadlines. July and August are the ship gets a welcome boost, in a surprisingly makes an unpredictable move. So flexibility is Ono. prime months for lashings of love and ro- delightful way. But avoid making a major fi- the key to a happy and stress-free day.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Are your financial decision today. You’re not seeing mance.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): To- nances in a mess? Don’t put your head in the ARIES (March 21-April 19): Focus on things clearly, so wait for a more appropriate days speedy stars favour doing things at a sand Pisces! Find ways to reduce spending; bringing your exciting dreams down to earth time. lightning pace as you multi-task like a profes- then use your imagination to come up with VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t get sional, play sport, travel, post online or chat creative ideas that will boost cash flow. today Rams. If you can combine idealistic ideas with a hands-on approach, then you’ll stuck in a rut Virgo ñ shake up your daily rou- up a storm. Don’t be all talk and no action tine. And are you confused about a friendship though! make pleasing and positive progress.

Joanne Madeline Moore is an internaTAURUS (April 20-May 20): Do you feel or romantic relationship? If you sleep on it, CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): When tionally syndicated columnist. Her column torn between giving a loved one more free- you’ll have more clarity in the morning. it comes to a business proposition or money appears daily in the Advocate. dom, and holding them too close? You have to let them run their own race — being possessive will only drive them away for good.

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THE ADVOCATE C6

TECHNOLOGY THURSDAY, MARCH, 3, 2016

Technology has changed the patent world VIVEK WADHWA SPECIAL TO THE ADVOCATE Apple just suffered an important legal defeat to Samsung in its battle over patents. This is good because Apple’s claims were frivolous; its patents were questionable; and its use of litigation to hold back a competitor set another wrong precedent for the industry. Because of these patent wars and patent trolls, technology companies are divesting huge resources to defend themselves rather than advancing their innovations. This is the equivalent of nuclear arms race and is a lose-lose situation.

Apple and Samsung have been at war over patents for many years. In the last round in 2014, a jury ordered Samsung to pay Apple $119.6 million in damages for infringing on three Apple patents.

These weren’t game changing innovations; they were simple and common smartphone features. One patent described how to turn a phone number into a link that could be clicked on, another protected the “slide to unlock” feature, and another was a slightly different way of autocorrecting spellings.

A three-judge appeals panel agreed with Samsung that there was substantial prior art for the first two patents and these should never have been granted.

They also concluded that Samsung didn’t infringe on Apple’s autocorrect patent.

If reason prevails, this ruling will stop the smartphone patent wars. What is best for innovation is a thriving ecosystem in which companies build on each other’s ideas and constantly reinvent themselves-instead of trying to slow each other down in the courts. It is bad enough when big companies with deep pockets battle each other, but for young companies, lawsuits can be fatal. Fledgling innovators have to live in constant fear of a big player or patent

Canadian miner names finalists in crowdsourcing challenge

majority of patent lawsuits that are filed.

This means that other than through university technology transfer, hardly any innovation is being created by technology patents. Therefore, it may be best to abolish them, particularly software patents which have long been clogging up the patent office.

Universities are very defensive about patents; they argue that they need these to protect their ideas and inventions. This may be true, but it leads to yet another question: should universities be profiting from license revenue obtained from research that was publicly funded? Regardless of the answer, for the larger cause of innovation, it is clear that patents are not fulfilling the purpose for which they were intended. The often-cited defense of patents, that patent rights encourage inventions that would not otherwise occur, is no longer grounded in reality.

Patents were created by the founders of the United States for a purpose: “to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.” Patents were very important when technology moved very slowly and required the types of investment and protection that medical discoveries and pharmaceuticals do. And there may be rare instances where unique software algorithms need protection. But all of this can be achieved through copyright laws and trade secrets.

In this era of exponentially advancing technologies, the only protections that really matter are speed to market and technological obsolescence.

The underlying technologies are changing so fast, that by a time a patent is filed, it loses its innovation value.

Vivek Wadhwa is a fellow at Rock Center for Corporate Governance at Stanford University, director of research at Center for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization at Duke, and distinguished fellow at Singularity University. His past appointments include Harvard Law School, University of California Berkeley, and Emory University.

FOLLOWING EVERY FOOTSTEP

The world’s leading drone company announced a new version of its flagship drone including a feature that allows it to trace the path of a moving object. DJI’s Phantom 4 is smart enough to recognize three-dimensional shapes — be it a person, animal or car — and keep the subject in its sight no matter what direction it heads. And with a top speed of 45 mph, it can keep up with most things. While some drones have already touted their ability to follow subjects DJI’s drone takes things a step further.

Existing drones have required the subject of a video or photo to hold a device that communicates its location to the drone. The Phantom 4 can identify and track a specific person or thing based solely on appearance. DJI expects the feature will be useful for outdoorsy types who want to document their adventures, be it skiing, kayaking, surfing or something else.

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Could crowdsourcing, artificial intelligence and virtual reality play a prominent role in the evolution of the mining industry?

The 32-year-old chief executive of Quebec-based Integra Gold Corp., Steve de Jong, thinks so.

After acquiring the Sigma-Lamaque mine in Quebec in 2014, the junior exploration company opted to do something considered unusual in the mining industry.

The company took the six terabytes of data spanning more than 75 years of exploration and development at the site and threw it up on the Internet for all to see.

De Jong — by offering $1-million in prizes — was hoping to crowdsource an answer to the following question: Where is the next large deposit of gold at the mine?

The challenge drew 100 submissions from 1,342 individuals hailing from 83 countries looking for a piece of the prize. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality and a geographical computer system known as GIS were among some of the techniques used in the submissions.

Integra named five finalists on Wednesday, among them a Quebec-based team of six post-graduate university students calling themselves the Data Miners.

The team’s submission used machine learning algorithms — a component of artificial intelligence — to identify potential gold deposits.

Vincent Dube-Bourgeois, a member of the team and a masters student in geology, says using data to locate a deposit requires processing more variables than the human mind can handle.

“We needed something that was easy to use,” Dube-Bourgeois said.

“Data is very important in the mining industry, but it’s never published like that,” he says.

“Normally everything is so private because there’s so much money involved. Nobody wants to get that information stolen because you pay so much for it.”

Another of the finalists, Quebec-based consulting firm SGS Geostat, also employed artificial intelligence to identify the probability of striking pay dirt in various areas of the site. The team then used an Oculus Rift headset to experience the three-dimensional models it had built in virtual reality.

“Normally we just look at it on a computer screen,” says Jean-Philippe Paiement.

The problem with that approach is that it only allows the viewer to experience the model from one vantage point.

“Getting into the model with virtual reality allowed us to get a different perspective, a different point of view. … We were able to really get into the model and look at it from different angles. That helped to validate the drilling targets we produced.”

Paiement says technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality hold great promise for the mining industry.

“Mining companies tend to generate a lot of data and they rarely use of all of it because it’s too hard to correlate 12 different variables together,” he said.

“By using the machine learning techniques we’re able to harness the power of all those variables an find correlations that wouldn’t be possible to find in other ways.”

The other finalists include a team of Australian and Ghanaian geoscientists called Goldcrushers, a group of researchers from the University of British Columbia called GoldRX and Australian data analyst Paul Pearson.

The winners will be announced at an event held in Toronto on March 6 as part of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada convention.

De Jong says it will likely take a couple of high-profile success stories before techniques like artificial intelligence and virtual reality become widely embraced by the mining industry.

And, he adds, the technologies will likely be used alongside — and not in place of — traditional and proven geological methods.

“Some people get confused and think that we’re trying to replace one with the other,” says de Jong.

“The most exciting thing is to see these new technologies married with proven geology. Because no one’s trying to discount proven geology.”

Photo by ADVOCATE NEWS SERVICES

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COMMENT

troll pulling out a big gun and bankrupting them.

For startups, this is a greater concern than someone stealing their ideas.

This begs a bigger question: do we even need patents in an era in which technology is advancing so rapidly that it makes entire computing platforms obsolete in less time than it takes to be awarded a patent?

Stanford Law School professor, Mark Lemley, who is my colleague, says that when used correctly, patents can be valuable because they generate real technology transfer. But patent litigation, such as what Apple resorted to, rarely does the world any good. Says Lemley “in this case, they’ve spent years, countless court resources, and literally over one billion dollars in attorney and expert fees to produce a net fee award of $158,400 - and ironically, this went to Samsung.” He notes that in an earlier case, Apple won a significant amount of money that it may or may not get to keep depending on what the Supreme Court rules. “Other than that, not much has changed as a result of the lawsuit”, he concludes.

In a new paper, “Patent Licensing, Technology Transfer, & Innovation”, that Lemley co-authored with Robin Feldman of University of California Hastings, the key finding was that patents are only useful when they deliver innovation to consumers that they would not otherwise get. This happens in the pharmaceutical industry when a company is allowed to exclude competitors for a fixed period of time to recoup its sizable investment in research.

Value is also created when a university transfers know-how along with a patent and when an infringer copies from the patent owner.

If a patent isn’t causing innovation to get to consumers, it is not helping society, however.

Lemley and Feldman found that patent litigation and licensing demands for existing patents only happen after the defendant has developed and implemented the technology, particularly when patent trolls are involved. And they cite several studies which show that patent trolls now account for the

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TOMALTY Verna 1916 - 2016 On Sunday, February 28, 2016, surrounded by family, Mrs. Verna Evelyn Tomalty (nee Edwards) entered into the presence of her Lord at the age of 99 years. Verna was born on June 30, 1916 at Admiral, Saskatchewan, to Louisa and Samuel Edwards.

The family moved to Alberta in the spring of 1918 and she lived most of her life in the Waskasoo District of Red Deer. She met her husband, Ross in 1937 and they married in 1945. Verna had a servant heart and served many years as a member of Balmoral Bible Chapel. She was gifted in hospitality and made people feel welcome in her home, church and community. She faithfully played the organ at the Red Deer Nursing Home. The last fifteen years, she lived at Victoria Park and after her husband passed away in 2002, she took the Victoria Park Bus to the Hospital once a week to visit residents who might be in there and anyone else she knew. Verna did this until she was over 95 years old. She was a great example to her family and friends in the way she cared for other people and put their needs and desires above her own. Well done - good and faithful servant! Verna will be greatly missed by her children; Lawrence (Vickie), Ron (Joyce), Phyllis, Shirley (Ken), Rosemarie (Doug), Cathy (Don), ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She will also be sadly missed by her brothers; Ivan Edwards, Allan (Marion), Lewis (Eunice), Murray (Marbie), sisters-in-law; Beth Edwards and Ruth Edwards. Verna was predeceased by her husband, Ross in 2002, three brothers; Bill, Jack and Arnold, two sisters-inlaw, Dorothy Edwards and Norma Edwards, and a son-in-law, Mike Keoughan.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints.

Psalm 116:15 A Celebration of Verna’s Life will be held at the CrossRoads Church, Queen Elizabeth Highway II and 32 Street, Red Deer, Alberta on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Thanks to Unit 32 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and a very special thank you to the Red Deer Hospice for the exceptional way they cared for Verna and our whole family these last three weeks of her life. If desired, Memorial Donations may be made directly to the Red Deer Hospice, 99 Arnot Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta, T4R 3S6 or at www.reddeerhospice.com; or to Every Home for Christ International, P.O. Box 3636, Guelph, Ontario, N1H 7S2.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com Arrangements in care of PARKLAND FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

HITCHCOCK Harry - 1932 - 2016 Harry passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 at the age of 83 years. Born in Abbey Saskatchewan on December 10, 1932 to Myrtle and Fred (Buster) Hitchcock, Harry thrived as a child growing up in a rural setting. His early childhood was spent on a farm near Gunworth, Saskatchewan, where Harry developed a love of animals, particularly dogs and horses. In 1940, his family moved to Bassano, Alberta, where, once again, he lived in a farming community. He loved all sports and put his small physical stature to good use in horse racing as a jockey, that is until his appetite got the best of him. In 1949, at the age of 17, Harry moved with his family to Red Deer, Alberta. At 18, Harry started a career as a geophysical surveyor that eventually took him to various parts of the world including Libya, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, the US and the Canadian Far North. In the mid 1970’s, Harry wanted to spend more time with his family and went to work at Midwest Mobile Homes where he used his skills as a handyman to do repair and maintenance work until his retirement in the mid 1990’s. The most important things in Harry’s life were his family and friends (including those of the four-legged variety). He was a gentle soul who was always willing to help family, neighbours, friends, and even strangers, when they were in need. Harry is survived by four children; Guy (Barbara), Hal (Marian), Debbie Leier (Rob), and Brett (Tish), sister, Shirley Olynuk, brother, Tom, special friend, Ruth Gear, seven grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild. He is predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Joan, as well as his parents; Myrtle and Buster. A Memorial Service will take place at Eventide Funeral Chapel, 4820-45 Street, Red Deer, on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

Harry’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the caregivers of both the Royal Oak Village and Lacombe Hospital for the incredible care he received during the final days and months of his journey here on earth. In lieu of flowers, those wishing can make a donation in Harry’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta, Unit 1, 5550 45 Street, Red Deer, AB, T4N 1L1 or the Red Deer & District SPCA, 4505 77 Street, Red Deer, AB, T4P 2J1.

Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.eventidefuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements entrusted to EVENTIDE FUNERAL CHAPEL 4820 - 45 Street, Red Deer.

Phone (403) 347-2222

Obituaries

Obituaries

NELSON Glen Roscoe, 1931 - 2016 Glen was born in Bentley, Alberta on April 20th 1931, the son of Frank and Doris Nelson.

He died on February 26, 2016 in Red Deer Regional Hospital. He grew up on his parents’ farm in the Rainy Creek district, enjoying a happy childhood surrounded by his parents, four sisters, one brother, and a large extended family. He attended school at Rainy Creek and Red Deer. He played hockey all his young life and was chosen to play Junior A for the Bellevue Lions for two seasons. Glen was the first player from Bentley to play major junior hockey.

He then played with the Red Deer Monarchs and Bentley Senior team for a number of years and ended up playing Old Timer hockey on a team from Bentley and Rimbey appropriately named the “Bent Rims”. He married his high school sweetheart, Pearl Swainson in 1954. Glen, his dad, his brother Jim and later his son Brad operated a mixed farm in the Rainy Creek District. He and Pearl enjoyed raising their four children on their farm. The Bentley United Church and the community of Bentley were an integral part of Glen’s life. He was instrumental in the formation of the Gull Lake Gas Co-op and the building of the Bentley Arena. He was a delegate to the Alberta Wheat Pool for many years, served on the Lacombe Hospital Board and was a Lacombe County Councillor for nine years. Glen was honoured to accept the Golden Furrow Award on behalf of the Nelson Family in 2012. Glen was keenly interested in world affairs and Canadian politics. Fishing, hunting, enjoying nature, welding and building were some of his favourite pastimes. He was still building hopper bottom bins and delivering them using his homemade crane at the age of 75. Glen is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Pearl, his son Brad and his daughters Jane Moore, Holly (Lorne) Kostiuk and Beverley (Rod) Martin. Also treasuring his memory are seven grandchildren: Ross (Maureen) Moore, Jill Steenbergen (Ken Dennis), Stephanie Kostiuk, Ryan Kostiuk, Rebecca Kostiuk, Blair (Emily) Martin and Dane Martin. He enjoyed his eight great-grandchildren. Glen will be fondly remembered by his siblings, Lois Eaton, Beryl Abbott, Marina (Gordon) Becker, Donna (Bill) Richards and Jim (Pat) Nelson. He was a great uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Glen enjoyed his relationships with his many Swainson relatives and numerous friends. The family would like to thank all the staff at the Red Deer Regional Hospital, as well as the Heart and Renal Function Clinics for their kind and compassionate care. A Celebration of Glen’s Life will be held from Gaetz Memorial United Church, 4758 Ross St., Red Deer, AB. on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Box 767, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2L4, or online at foodgrainsbank.ca. Expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca WILSON’S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM of Lacombe and Rimbey in charge of the arrangements.

403-782-3366, 403-843-3388 “A Caring Family, Caring For Families” For 40 years

BURUMA Sye (Syd) May 22, 1927 - Feb 16, 2016 One day a small plant grew in a pond in a farmer’s field, the next day there were two plants. On the third day there were four; on the fourth day there were eight. Each day the number of plants doubled, 16, 32, 64, 128 and so it went until on the 30th day the pond was full. Not even one more plant would fit. What day was the pond half full? “You quickly voiced your answer with certainty.

Did you think about the question or did you want to be the first with the wrong answer?* Born in Blija, Friesland, Holland, he spent his teenage years during the war in occupied Holland.

Then a few years in Indonesia fighting for his country? Hogan’s Hero’s was not allowed on the TV if he was in the room; “they make fun of war and there is nothing fun about it”. At 26 he immigrated to Canada with his wife to be Reimke (Pam); first to PEI for a year and then to Red Deer, Alta … “you have to go where the opportunity is, it isn’t likely to come to you”. Initially as a carpenter, then a successful contractor and businessman, he retired to Victoria, B.C. in 1980 at age 53. Retirement included travel and cruising but above all an opportunity to devote more time to investing in the stock market.

“Find the best broker you can get, write down everything he tells you and do the opposite; 80% of the time you will make money”. He wasn’t perfect. He had his demons but he loved his wife and son until he died. He was a man, just a man, my father and the best teacher I ever had.

Frank Buruma (son) No service by request *it’s not 15 To leave a condolence please visit www.earthsopotion.com

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McDERMAND (Sharp) May Irene Sept. 26, 1918 - Feb. 28, 2016 It is with saddened hearts that the family wish to announce the passing of May McDermand. May was born in Alix, Alberta, the only child of Frank and Florence Pinnell. She married Bert Sharp in 1941 and they settled on the original Sharp homestead in the Eclipse district east of Lacombe. Bert passed away in 1987. May was then remarried in 1989 to Bill McDermand. They spent many happy years together in Lacombe until Bill’s passing.

May is survived by her son Grant (Margaret) Sharp, granddaughters Nadene (Sergio) Teixeira, Suzanne (Nicholas) Burnett, Glynis (Wade) Koberstein, and great grandchildren Karli and Marco Teixeira, Matteo, Elliston and Alivienne Burnett; son Neil Sharp, and grandson Nigel Sharp; son Glenn (Sharon) Sharp, grandson Craig (Katie) Sharp, granddaughter Katie (Tyler) Kondratowicz, and great grandson Caleb Sharp; daughter Laura (Garry) Banfield, granddaughter Heather (Dustin) Jack, grandson Keith Banfield, great grandson Sawyer Jack.

May was predeceased by husbands Bert Sharp and Bill McDermand and son Roger Sharp (Debbie Fletcher). The family would like to thank Dr. Keller and the staff of Lacombe Long Term Care (Unit 1) for their kind, compassionate care of Mom. A celebration of May’s life will be held at Lacombe Kozy Korner on Friday March 4, 2016 from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. Condolences may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca WILSON’S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM serving Central Alberta with locations in Lacombe and Rimbey in charge of arrangements. Phone: 403.782.3366 or 403.843.3388 “A Caring Family, Caring for Families”

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Obituaries

MIX Victoria “Vicki” Jean Victoria Jean Mix (nee Semenyna) was born May 24, 1951, in Edmonton, AB. She passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at the age of 64. She was brought up on a farm north of Evansburg, AB along with one older sister and five younger brothers. After high school she graduated from Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, AB. She met Henry in Banff and they were married in 1973. They briefly lived in Banff, then Calgary, and moved to Innisfail in 1978. Vicki worked as an administrative assistant at the Banff Centre, the University of Calgary, and Red Deer College. While her children were young she volunteered with the Innisfail Band Parents Association, Innisfail Minor Hockey Association, Innisfail Skating Club, and Innisfail Minor Ball.

Another important aspect of her life was her faith and her involvement with her local church, where she held numerous positions.

Her passions were children and missions. She is survived by her husband Henry; her three children, Brendon (Andrea) Mix of Olds, AB; Calvin (Megan) Mix of Innisfail, AB; Marlan (Nick) Clayton of Edmonton, AB; and her four precious grandchildren, Sydney, Barrett, Carly, and Camryn.

She is also survived by her father Pete Semenyna of Evansburg, AB; sister Betty (Pete) Visser of Lethbridge, AB; brothers Richard Semenyna of Calgary, AB; Ernie (Judy) Semenyna of Magnolia, AB; Bill (Sandy) Semenyna of Edmonton, AB; Dennis (Lois) Semenyna of Rimbey, AB; and Gary (Patsy) Semenyna of Wasa Lake, B.C., as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her mother Mary Semenyna, and sisterin-law Lloy Semenyna. A Celebration of Vicki’s Life will be held at the Innisfail Church of the Nazarene, Innisfail on Saturday, March 5 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Jeff Baker officiating.

Cremation entrusted to the Rocky Mountain Crematorium, Rocky Mountain House. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Innisfail Church of the Nazarene. Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.

FLINN FUNERAL SERVICES operating as Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

403-845-2626

WELLS Thomas David July 16, 1968 - Feb. 18, 2016 It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Thomas David Wells at the young age of 47.

Predeceased by his parents Noelle and Bruce Wells, Thom leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life, his sister Teri (Mark) Simunac, his favourite niece Caitlyn and nephews Dorian, Colbey and Jordan, as well as many cousins and friends that he has met along the way. A special thank you to Thom’s good friend Trevor Fremlin, for his tremendous support during this difficult time. The funeral mass will be held on March 5th, at 1pm at St. Mary’s Church located at 1088 Gillette St, Prince George, BC.

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SMALL, white, older looking dog found along Riverside Drive, no tags or collar. Per tattoo in right ear, TLO44, dog’s name is Daisy. If this is your dog, pls. call 403-872-4715.

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PUDWELL Beverley 1940 - 2016 It is with great sadness, that we announce Beverley Ann ‘Bev’ (Craig) Pudwell, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Friday, February 26, 2016 at the age of 75 years. Bev was born on July 10, 1940 at Haileybury, Ontario; and raised in the Haileybury Area. She graduated from the Ontario Hospital as a Certified Nurse’s Aide in 1959; and then headed west, landing in Grande Prairie, Alberta. There, she met and married Will Craig, the father of her children. Eventually settling in Red Deer, Bev worked at Sproule’s Mountview I.D.A. Drugs, and then spent many years working for Dr. Bannister and prior Optometrists. When an opportunity came to work at the Red Deer Public School Board, Bev began working as a secretary. However, eventually her passion for children inspired her to take the position of Teacher’s Aide.

Bev was especially skilled and loved working with special needs children. She retired from the Red Deer Public School Board in 2006.

“A life that touches others, goes on forever.” Bev is survived by her husband, Ron Pudwell, her daughter, Amie (Kim) Starchuk of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, her son, Jim (Aurea) Craig of Red Deer, Alberta, and two grandchildren who meant the absolute moon to her, Tiffany (Wolf) and Jake, who miss her greatly. She will be remembered by Ron’s children, Memory Roth and her children, Graham, Braden and Christina of Edmonton, Alberta, and Dean (Sharon) and their son, Nate of Calgary, Alberta; best friends, Lois and Gary Gaalaas of Red Deer and a special friend, Shelly Beck. Bev was a kind soul who touched many lives. The countless people she held as special are too numerous to mention.

Bev was predeceased by her parents, Bruce and Margaret Baker, a sister, Sandra, two brothers, Brian and Ronnie, and the father of her children, Will Craig. A Funeral Service will be held at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 18 Selkirk Blvd., Red Deer, Alberta on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. If desired, Memorial Donations may be made directly to the Red Deer Hospice at www.reddeerhospice.com.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements in care of PARKLAND FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer.

403.340.4040.

CONST. ANTHONY GORDON Oct. 6, 1976 - Mar. 3, 2005 He is gone but not forgotten And, as dawns another year, In our lonely hours of thinking, Thoughts of him are always near, Days of sadness will come o’er us, Many think the wound is healed, But they little know the sorrow That lies in the heart concealed. ~Love Always Mom

NANNY req’d, email yettepasion@yahoo.ca

Farm Work

RED DEER ADVOCATE Publication dates: Friday, March 24, Saturday, March 25 & Monday, March 28 DEADLINE: Thursday, March 23, 2016 @ 12 Noon CALL CLASSIFIEDS 403-309-3300 classifieds@reddeeradvocate.com

Funeral Directors & Services

FEEDLOT in Central Alberta seeking F/T employee for feed truck operator and machinery maintenance. Send resume to fax: 403-638-3908 or e-mail to: dthengs@hotmail.com

Misc.

Help

800

880

GED Preparation

One (1) person to work the following shift: Monday thru Friday: 3:45 pm to 6:00 pm and will increase to 7:00 and 8:00 pm during summer months.

Second Person to work the weekend shifts as follows: Saturday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Sunday: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (May change to 5:00 pm during peak summer months).

Attributes: • Organized and Reliable • Outgoing • Professional in appearance • Familiar with Microsoft Office Programs • Customer Service Duties Include (Not Limited To) • Greet incoming and outgoing customers • Answer Phones in a friendly / professional manner • Direct / page calls to co-ordinating staff / departments • Take messages and distribute when required • Data Entry / Filing • General Office duties as required

Please apply as follows: Email: btripp@unclebensrv.com Fax: Attention: Beth Tripp Drop off in Person at: 29 Petrolia Drive (East Side of Gasoline Alley) Red Deer County, AB T4E 1B3

Sales & Distributors

830

Gov’t of Alberta Funding may be available.

403-340-1930 www.academicexpress.ca

VIDEO Photo Tripod, extended height, 143 cm. $30. 403-346-6539 WATER cooler $50.

403-885-5020

1870

Collectors' Items

GARFIELD collectible phone, won in a contest, 10”h x 8”w, speaks phrases when it rings, uses regular phone jack, $40. 403-347-5846

1900

Travel Packages

TRAVEL ALBERTA Alberta offers SOMETHING for everyone.

Make your travel plans now.

1930

Wanted

Electronics

1605

SEGA Genisis, 4 games, $60 PS3 w/6 games $140.

403-782-3847 TOM TOM GPS, brand new. $200. 403-782-3847

1630 1660

Firewood

1730 1760

900

SAFETY

AGRICULTURAL

CLASSIFICATIONS 2000-2290

2100

Livestock

CUSTOM Made Heavy Duty PANELS WINDBREAKS, made out of 2 3/8 or 2 7/8 pipe, 24’ long.

Also, custom made gates, bale feeders, bunk feeders and other requests.

PH: 403-704-3828.

Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

2190

Grain, Feed Hay

TIMOTHY & Brome square bales, great for horses, approx. 55-60 lbs. put up dry stored in shed $8/bale Sylvan area. 403-887-2798

wegot

rentals CLASSIFICATIONS

FOR RENT • 3000-3200 WANTED • 3250-3390

3020

Houses/ Duplexes

SYLVAN: 2 fully furn. rentals, all utils., $550 $1300. 403-880-0210

Condos/ Townhouses

3030

12th FLOOR luxury 1 bed room, quiet, all utilities paid, pool, underground parking, immediate, $935.

Call 403-341-0744 New Blackfalds Condo. 2 Bdrm/2 Bath. Main floor & 2nd floor options avail. 2 powered parking stalls.

Rent $1,400. Pets negotiable. Ask about rent incentives. 403-396-1688.

NORMANDEAU 3 bdrm. townhouse, 4 appl., fenced yard, rent $1125, S.D. $900; avail. Now or Apr. 1. 403-304-5337

wegot

services

SIDNEY THOMPSON 1911-1994 It seems so long since we last met, But happy times are remembered yet!

Sadly Missed by Jean, Mary,Foster, Heather, Anne and our families

CLASSIFICATIONS 1000-1430 To Advertise Your Business or Service Here

Call Classifieds 403-309-3300

Your Name Here

has a special package just for you & your little one!

For more information, Call Lori, 403-348-5556

www.reddeeradvocate.com

Contractors

Preneed Funeral Planning Agent

1100

BRIDGER CONST. LTD. We do it all! 403-302-8550

Eventide Funeral Chapel & Red Deer Funeral Home

DALE’S Home Reno’s Free estimates for all your reno needs. 403-506-4301

Start a new, flexible career and make a great living while assisting families in need by working with two local funeral homes.

Electrical

We are adding new positions for Preneed Funeral Planning Agents in Red Deer and surrounding areas. The Preneed Agent will be responsible for advanced funeral planning sales, marketing, cemetery monument and memorial sales and family after-care responsibilities.

1150

COSBY ELECTRIC LTD. All Electrical Services.

403-597-3288 Tired of Standing?

Find something to sit on in Classifieds

This is a base salary and commission paid position.

No funeral home experience required but it is preferred.

Sales experience is an asset. A prearrangement license is required upon hire and sources will be available to obtain the license if necessary. We are looking for self-starters who are highly motivated and capable of assisting families with preneed/advanced funeral planning. This position offers flexibility to work around existing schedules if any, and can be discussed further with other questions during the interview process.

1160

Entertainment

DANCE DJ SERVICES 587-679-8606

Flooring

1180

NEED FLOORING DONE? Don’t pay the shops more.

Over 20 yrs. exp.

Call Jon 403-848-0393

This profession is very rewarding and recession proof. Join our growing team and find the success that you have been looking for in this new career.

Arbor Memorial Inc.

Handyman Services

1200

CALL NOW! INDIVIDUAL & BUSINESS Accounting, 30 yrs. of exp. D & J HANDYMAN SERVICES (No job too big or too small) with oilfield service ~ interior and exterior work companies, other small businesses and individuals ~ painting and repairs ~ free estimates ~ RW Smith, 346-9351 guaranteed work ~ quality work at fair prices TOO MUCH STUFF? Call Dennis Let Classifieds (403) 342-3846 Red Deer help you sell it.

Send resume to Wendy Moore: wmoore@reddeeradvocate.com

If interested, please send cover letter and resume to: Patrick Brown Managing Director Email: pabrown@arbormemorial.com Fax: 403-346-7320

1010

Accounting

yourname@reddeeradvocate.com

7471736C10

ARE YOU EXPECTING A BABY SOON?

classifieds@reddeeradvocate.com

2950 Bremner Avenue, Red Deer, AB T4R 1M9

Births

Welcome Wagon

309-3300

1760

Misc. for Sale

LADIES London Fog, reg. To Buy 10 size, cranberry pea coat Length $75. 587-876-2914 WANTED: gas motored LADIES size 4 1/2 Italian golf cart. 403-845-3808 chocolate leather knee high boots, soft fits like a glove, $200 587-876-2914

1720

Handyman Services 7476651C3-4

Tell Everyone with a Classified Announcement

1590

International Security B.C. Birch, Aspen, Associates has a need for Spruce/Pine. Delivery avail.

3 part time security guards PH. Lyle 403-783-2275 at our Dow Chemical site in Prentiss, Alberta. This is term employment from Household April 2-26th @ 12 hour Furnishings shifts with possible extension. Paid training will be T.V. Stand & night stand, provided prior to April 2 $15. ea. 403-346-2859 and uniforms are provided WANTED at no cost to you. Duties Antiques, furniture and will include: Walking estates.

342-2514 through trailers showing a strong security presence, badge verification from Stereos workers, foot patrols, bag searches and an overall TV's, VCRs security presence during the shutdown. You must SYLVANIA 15” T.V. Led, be 18yrs of age and pos- $30. 403-782-3847 sess a valid security licence for Alberta, be in Misc. for good physical condition to perform walking patrols Sale and pass a criminal back 100 VHS movies, $75. ground check. Send your For All 403-885-5020 resume to: ehaverhoek@ isecurityassociates.com 50 PEACOCK feathers, some white, for home decor or fly fishing hooks Employment $1/ea, 6 large Currier & Training Ives cookie cans $ .50/ea. o.b.o. 403-346-2231 ELECTRIC heater, $15.

403-885-5020 TRAINING CENTRE OILFIELD TICKETS GREAT EASTER GIFT! Industries #1 Choice! Makeup, from New York, “Low Cost” Quality Training red hot crocodile bag, 12 eye shadows, 2 blush, 1 403.341.4544 nail polish, 1 lip gloss.

24 Hours Valued at $195.

Toll Free 1.888.533.4544 NEW!!

Asking $75 .587-876-2914 R H2S Alive (ENFORM) HAIR TRIMMER, Birkdale R First Aid/CPR Deluxe, $20.

R Confined Space 403-346-6539 R WHMIS & TDG STUDENT desk, wooden, R Ground Disturbance with 4 drawers, sturdy, R (ENFORM) D&C B.O.P. ideal for smaller spaces, R D&C (LEL) $35 incl. chair; and #204, 7819 - 50 Ave. exercise bike, adjustable (across from Totem) (across from Rona North) tension and adjusts for leg lengths, $30. 403-347-5846

Advertising Consultant

Just had a baby boy?

CHILDREN’S Story books (6) including Dr. Seuss & Sesame St. $15; ~SOLD~ DOLLS, (5) including Fischer Price, Furga & Goebel, all for $15. ~SOLD~ PUZZLE Truck, wooden, all pieces can be removed, c/w with all pieces. $10. ~SOLD~

TRAILERS for sale or rent Job site, office, well site or storage. Skidded or wheeled. Call 347-7721.

Morning, afternoon , evening classes in Red Deer and Central Alberta

We are looking for individuals who are reliable, neat in appearance, and work well with others to fill two (2), part-time Receptionist Positions. We are looking to fill these positions immediately.

1580

EquipmentHeavy

Spring Start

Red Deers Busiest RV Store

Bruce P. Wilson June 29, 1935 - Mar. 3, 2015 It’s been one year since you left us, Your hands we cannot touch, But we treasure all the memories, Of the one we loved so much.

Your loving Family

755

ADULT EDUCATION AND TRAINING

RECEPTIONIST PART-TIME

CLASSIFICATIONS

Clothing

ACADEMIC Express

Oilfield

In Memoriam

710

LOOKING for a caregiver to look after 2 girls ages 4 & 6 yrs. old. Wages $11.86 hourly.

Email resume jenalyn_tabbu@yahoo.com

Office & Phones CLOSED Friday, March 25, 2016

stuff

Children's Items

jobs

52

CLASSIFIEDS EASTER Hours & Deadlines

wegot

1500-1990

You can sell your guitar PLACE an ad in Centra for a song...

Alberta LIFE and reach over 100,000 potential buy- or put it in CLASSIFIEDS and we’ll sell it for you! ers. 309-3300.

Coming Events

60

Personals

278950A5

Obituaries

56

Found

1200

BOOK NOW! For help on your home projects such as bathroom, main floor, and bsmt. renovations. Also painting and flooring.

Call James 403-341-0617

Massage Therapy

1280

FANTASY SPA

Elite Retreat, Finest in VIP Treatment.

10 - 2am Private back entry

403-341-4445

Misc.

Services

1290

5* JUNK REMOVAL Property clean up 505-4777 GARAGE Doors Serviced 50% off. 403-358-1614

Painters/ Decorators

1310

JG PAINTING, 25 yrs. exp.

Free Est. 403-872-8888

Plumbing & Heating

1330

JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER Exc. @ Reno’s, Plumb Pro Geary 403-588-2619 Start your career!

See Help Wanted

Seniors’ Services

1372

HELPING HANDS Home Supports for Seniors.

Cooking, cleaning, companionship. At home or facility. 403-346-7777

RED DEER ADVOCATE Thursday, March 03, 2016 D3

Condos/ Townhouses

3030

SEIBEL PROPERTY 6 locations in Red Deer, well-maintained townhouses, lrg, 3 bdrm, 11/2 bath, 4 + 5 appls.

Westpark, Kentwood, Highland Green, Riverside Meadows. Rent starting at $1100. For more info, phone 403-304-7576 or 403-347-7545

PEBBLE FOR YOUR LOVE wegot

wheels CLASSIFICATIONS 5000-5300

5040

SUV's

SOUTHWOOD PARK 3110-47TH Avenue, 2 & 3 bdrm. townhouses, generously sized, 1 1/2 baths, fenced yards, full bsmts. 403-347-7473, Sorry no pets. www.greatapartments.ca

3050

4 Plexes/ 6 Plexes

2011 DODGE Caliber, only 56,000 km, exc. con., $8,900. 403-406-7600

1 & 2 Bdrm. W/D in suite, AC, elevator, 2 parking stalls, south hill. N/S, no pets. Starting at $1250.

403-350-0989

CLEARVIEW 2 bdrm. 4-Plex, 4 appls.

Rent $925. incl. sewer, water and garbage. D.D. $650. Avail.now or Apr. 1.

403-304-5337

GLENDALE 2 Bdrm. 4-plex, 4 appls., $925. incl. sewer, water & garbage. D.D. $650, Avail. now or Apr. 1 403-304-5337

ORIOLE PARK 3 bdrm., 1-1/2 bath, $975. rent, s.d. $650, incl water sewer and garbage. Avail.

Apr. 1st. 403-304-5337 WESTPARK 2 bdrm. 4-plex, 4 appls.

Rent $925/mo. d.d. $650.

Avail. Apr. 1 403-304-5337

3060

Suites

ADULT 2 BDRM. spacious suites 3 appls., heat/water incld., ADULT ONLY BLDG, no pets, Oriole Park. 403-986-6889 AVAIL. IMMED. large 2 bdrm. in clean quiet adult building, near downtown Co-Op, no pets, 403-348-7445

CITY VIEW APTS. Clean, quiet, newly reno’d adult building. Rent $900 S.D. $700. Avail. immed.

Near hospital. No pets.

403-318-3679 LARGE, 1 & 2 BDRM. SUITES. 25+, adults only n/s, no pets 403-346-7111

MORRISROE MANOR 1 & 2 bdrm., Adult bldg. only, N/S, No pets. 403-596-2444

NEW Glendale reno’d 1 & 2 bdrm. apartments, rent $750, last month of lease free, immed. occupancy.

403-596-6000

THE NORDIC

1 & 2 bdrm. adult building, N/S. No pets.

403-596-2444

3080

Roommates Wanted

BOWER area home, shared main Áoor & laundry, $550./mo. incld’s all utils. except internet. $300. dd. Ref’s req’d.

403-309-4464 after 6 pm

3090

Rooms For Rent

2004 LEXUS RX330, 155,000 mi., exc. cond. $7500. 403-350-3766

Motorhomes

5100

$17,950 28’ C Class Corsair XL, island bed, generator power plant, full load, Call Harold 403-350-6800

If you think an ad with a

LARGE HEADING grabs your attention

$425. MO/D.D. incld’s everything. 403-342-1834 or 587-877-1883 after 2:30

the 3190 REVERSE is also 4010 true

(2) ROOMS $475/mo.

DD $200 403-352-7417

Mobile Lot

PADS $450/mo.

Brand new park in Lacombe.

Spec Mobiles. 3 Bdrm., 2 bath. As Low as $75,000.

Down payment $4000. Call at anytime. 403-588-8820

wegot

homes

CLASSIFICATIONS 4000-4190

Realtors & Services

HERE TO HELP & HERE TO SERVE Call GORD ING at RE/MAX real estate central alberta 403-341-9995

Condos/ Townhouses

4040

Need to Downsize? Brand New Valley Crossing Condos in Blackfalds. Main Áoor is 1,119 SQ FT 2 Bdrm/2Bath. Imm. Poss.

Start at $219,900. Call 403-396-1688.

4090

Manufactured Homes

OLDER MOBILE home, 4 appls., clean, brand new Áooring, drapery, immed. possession. $18,500.

403-304-4748

Lots For Sale

4160

SERGE’S HOMES Lots Available in Lacombe, Blackfalds, Springbrook Custom build your dream home on your lot or ours.

For more info. call OfÀce - 403-343-6360 Bob - 403-505-8050

CALL

309-3300 CLASSIFIEDS to find out more...

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Penguin breeding season began with a pebble at Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland on Wednesday. The keepers placed pebbles in a heart shape. The gentoo penguins woo their partner with a pebble, which acts as an engagement ring.

World BRIEFS Groups worry about radioactive substances near Great Lakes TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Environmental groups in the U.S. and Canada are asking their federal governments to keep a closer eye on dangerous radioactive substances that could pollute the Great Lakes.

More than 100 organizations sent a letter Wednesday asking that radionuclides be listed among the region’s designated “chemicals of mutual concern,” which would require government agencies to monitor their movements and devise plans for keeping them out of the lakes.

A report prepared for the Canadian Environmental Law Association says more than 30 nuclear generating stations and sites for fuel processing and waste disposal are located near the lakes. Medical centres, universities and some industries also work with radioactive materials.

North Korea fires shortrange projectiles into sea SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of — North Korea fired several short-range projectiles into the sea off its east coast Thursday, just hours after the United Nations slapped sanctions on Pyongyang for its recent nuclear test and long-range rocket launch, South Korea’s Defence Ministry said.

The North’s launches also come shortly after Seoul approved its first legislation on human rights in North Korea Defence spokesman Moon Sang Gyun said the projectiles were fired from the eastern coastal town of Wonsan, adding authorities were trying to determine what exactly North Korea fired. The projectiles could be missiles, artillery or rockets, according to the Defence Ministry.

North Korea has a history of firing weapons from its prodigious arsenal when angered at international condemnation.

Pyongyang conducted its fourth nuclear test in January, making the widely disputed claim that it successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb. Last month it put a satellite into orbit on a long-range rocket that the United Nations and others see as a cover for a test of banned ballistic missile technology.

Sheriff: Man taking selfies with gun fatally shoots himself CONCRETE, Wash. — A 43-year-old man has died after authorities say he accidentally shot himself in the face while taking selfies.

The Skagit Valley Herald reports the man and his girlfriend were photographing themselves with the weapon on Sunday at a residence when he shot himself.

Skagit County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Chief Chad Clark says the woman reported that she and the man had taken photos with the gun several times that day and that the man had loaded and unloaded bullets multiple times. Clark says a bullet apparently remained in the gun the final time he fired. The death is being investigated as accidental. The man’s name has not been released.

New Zealand begins final vote on whether to change its flag WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealanders began voting Thurs-

day on whether to change their flag Wednesday that 1,399 homicides were from a design which features the Brit- recorded in January and February, ish Union Jack to one which features up 118 per cent from the same two a native silver fern. months last year.

The postal ballot will extend over The gang-plagued Central Amerithe next three weeks, with prelimi- can nation of about 6 million people nary results to be announced March averaged about 23 homicides a day 24. Organizers say that deciding the during that span. Last weekend alone, issue by popular vote represents a 50 people were slain. world first, and that other countries According to official statistics, at have changed flags by revolution, de- least 6,657 people were killed last cree or legislation. year in El Salvador. The country had Opinion polls indicate the nation an overall homicide rate of around of 4.7 million people will opt to stick 103 per 100,000 inhabitants, El Salvawith its current flag, although propo- dor’s highest ever. nents of the new design say they have momentum on their side and that more and more people are embracing a change.

Powered by Those favouring Central Alberta’s change say the current career site flag is too similar to Australia’s and references of choice. a colonial past that it’s time to leave behind.

Those opposed to change say the new design is uninspiring or is an attempt by Prime Minister John Key to create a legacy. One group seeking to keep the status quo is the Returned and Services Association, which represents war veterans.

Salary Range: $56,220.54 to $77,303.25 The process of choosLearning Centre at Olds College provides academic support ing a potential new flag The for three streams of students: Olds Campus, Calgary Campus, and has been long and some- online cohorts. Students are assisted in developing understanding of times amusing. People core course content, learning strategies, and other soft skills through submitted more than Learning Centre services and programs.

10,000 designs, including Please forward a resume quoting competition 16030M by March bizarre ones like a kiwi 20, 2016. bird shooting a green For information on this or other employment opportunities, laser beam from its eye please visit our website at and a stick drawing of a www.oldscollege.ca/employment deranged cat.

SPECIALIST, LEARNING CENTRE FULL-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT EXEMPT

7480642C3

ACROSS from park, 2 bdrm. 4-plex, 1 1/2 bath, 4 appls. Rent $925/mo. d.d. $650. Avail. now or Apr. 1. 403-304-5337

Woman, 86, strangled by medical alert necklace NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — A coroner says an 86-year-old Pennsylvania woman died after she apparently tripped and her medical alert necklace caught on her walker and strangled her.

Cumberland County Coroner Charles Hall tells Pennlive.com that Roseann DiFrancesco was found dead in her New Cumberland bathroom on Feb. 15. She was discovered by a visiting nurse.

Hall says the lanyard got caught on the walker, causing DiFrancesco’s upper torso to be suspended above the floor.

He says the pressure on her neck cut off air and blood flow.

Hall calls the death a “freak accident” and says the medical alert necklace didn’t have a breakaway clasp.

The devices feature a button that can alert an operator and get the caller any needed help.

El Salvador: Homicides keep rising after recordworst year SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — Salvadoran officials say homicides are continuing to rise in El Salvador, which last year had what is believed to be the world’s highest rate of violent deaths for any country not in open war.

National Police director Howard Cotto said

Sales Advertising Consultant The Red Deer Advocate has an opening for a results oriented, sales professionals to join our team.

With unlimited earning potential, the candidate will contribute to the success of Black Press by growing our business, maximizing revenue streams with existing and potential clients.

Responsibilities: Apply a consultative selling approach.

Achieve and exceed revenue targets.

Focus of time to increasing existing business and/or bringing new clients into their portfolio; consistently seek out new revenue opportunities with existing and new customers.

Competencies: Strong time management skills, well-organized, effectively managing multiple demands, prioritized against key business objectives with tight deadlines.

An energetic self-starter with a drive to succeed and grow new business.

Excellent communication, presentation and negotiating skills.

Tenacious, persistent with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications: Experience in sales environment preferred.

Proven ability to sustain and grow business and revenue.

Post-secondary education in Marketing, Sales or another related discipline.

Valid Driver’s License; personal vehicle in good working order required.

If you have the passion to succeed and enjoy selling in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, submit your resume along with a compelling cover letter no later than March 11, 2016 to: Wendy Moore, Advertising Manager wmoore@reddeeradvocate.com We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only selected candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please.

blackpress.ca X bclocalnews.com

D4 RED DEER ADVOCATE Thursday, March 3, 2016 FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE

TODAY’S CROSSWORD PUZZLE

HI & LOIS

PEANUTS

BLONDIE

HAGAR

BETTY

PICKLES

GARFIELD

LUANN March 3 2005 — Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers Peter Schiemann, Lionide Johnston, Anthony Gordon and Brock Myrol — are killed by local drug dealer James Roszko in a raid on his farm at Mayerthorpe, 2002 — Colleen Jones skips her Halifax team WR DQ ZLQ RYHU 6DVNDWFKHZDQ¡V 6KHUU\ Anderson, becoming the first to win four CaQDGLDQ ZRPHQ¡V FXUOLQJ WLWOHV

1980 — Pierre Trudeau sworn in as Prime Minister of Canada for the second time.

1964 — Parliament approves change of name of Trans-Canada Air Lines to Air Canada 1942 — First combat flight of the Toronto-built $YUR /DQFDVWHU ERPEHU WKH ZDU¡V PRVW VXFcessful night bomber.

1921 — Frederick Banting officially announcHV KLV WHDP¡V GLVFRYHU\ RI LQVXOLQ 1875 — James Creighton organizes first recorded hockey game under the new McGill rules

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6+(50$1¡6 /$*221

Solution

NEWS

Thursday, March 3, 2016

D5

Clinton, Trump widen leads after Super Tuesday REPULICANS SEARCH FOR LAST-CHANCE OPTION TO DERAIL TRUMP

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON — Republican leaders searched on Wednesday for a lastchance option that could derail Donald Trump’s momentum in the presidential nominating contest that gained strength with his seven Super Tuesday victories.

While a Republican split widened between Trump supporters and the party’s more establishment mainstream, Democrats showed increasing cohesion as Hillary Clinton, the former secretary of state, won seven states on the way to regaining her status as the inevitable nominee.

Clinton’s dominance with black voters carried her to wins across the South. Still, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders picked up wins in his home state and in Minnesota, Oklahoma and Colorado, and he vowed to fight on.

Overshadowed by Trump’s wins, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz rolled to a close second in the night’s delegate count with a victory in his home state.

That showing bolstered his case to be the party’s Trump alternative, even as rival Florida Sen. Marco Rubio promised to continue his fight. He hopes to win his home state on March 15.

After a poor showing in Republi-

cans contests so far, retired surgeon Ben Carson effectively pulled out of the race, saying he saw no path forward and announcing he would not be at the next Republican debate on Thursday.

The Republican division represents the party’s biggest crisis in years, with the prospect of nominating a presidential candidate it can’t control. Some party leaders are considering the once unthinkable option of aligning behind the conservative firebrand Cruz, whom many dislike.

Others are talking of a contested convention, where none of the candidates has won sufficient delegates in primaries and caucuses to assure nomination.

Some influential power brokers even raise the option of forming a new party.

Republican leaders also fear that a Trump nomination could damage party incumbents in the Senate who could be voted out of office in swing states known to support either major party, costing Republicans their majority in Congress.

An Associated Press delegate count indicates Trump will have to do better in future contests to claim the nomination before the party’s July convention.

So far, he has won 46 per cent of the delegates awarded, and he would have

to increase that to 52 per cent in the remaining primaries.

The next round of voting in a busy March comes Saturday, with Louisiana’s primary, Republican caucuses in Kentucky and Maine, a Democratic caucus in Nebraska and caucuses for both parties in Kansas.

Trump won handily in Super Tuesday primary and caucus states as politically opposite as Massachusetts and Alabama, a sign of his broad, outsider appeal.

Along with Texas, Cruz took neighbouring Oklahoma as well as Alaska.

Rubio won only liberal Minnesota.

Despite Trump’s victories, many Republican leaders remained deeply skeptical he could beat Clinton in a head-to-head matchup in November.

“Ted Cruz is not my favourite by any means,” South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham told CBS. “But we may be in a position where rallying around Ted Cruz is the only way to stop Donald Trump, and I’m not so sure that would work.”

The comments came as the .NeverTrump hashtag spread across Twitter.

Mitt Romney, the Republican nominee four years ago, announced plans to speak on the “state of the 2016 presidential race” Thursday in Utah. The former Massachusetts governor has moved aggressively to take on Trump

in recent days, saying the billionaire’s unreleased tax returns might contain “bombshells.” However, he was not expected to endorse a candidate or announce a late entry into the race himself.

In his victory speech, Trump sent a clear message to the Republican establishment, warning House Speaker Paul Ryan, who had declared earlier Tuesday that “this party does not prey on people’s prejudices,” that if the two don’t get along, Ryan is “going to have to pay a big price.”

Trump won at least 234 delegates on Tuesday, and Cruz won at least 209.

Rubio was a distant third with at least 90. There were 595 Republican delegates at stake in 11 states. There were still 40 delegates left to be allocated.

Securing the nomination requires 1,237 delegates.

Overall, Trump leads with 316 delegates and Cruz has 226. Rubio has 106 delegates, Ohio Gov. John Kasich has 25 and Carson has eight.

The math was also tough for Sanders. Clinton was assured of winning at least 457 of the 865 delegates at stake Tuesday.

Sanders gains at least 286. When including party leaders, Clinton has at least 1,005 delegates and Sanders has at least 373. It takes 2,383 delegates to win the nomination.

Deeply split Supreme Court wrestles with abortion case

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Indonesian residents stay in the open after a strong earthquake shook Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, Wednesday. The US Geological Survey (USGS) said a magnitude-7.9 earthquake struck some 660 kilometres south-west off the Indonesian island of Sumatra, at a depth of 10 kilometres. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.

Indonesia lifts tsunami warning issued after powerful quake

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

of Indonesia’s Meteorology and Geophysics Agency, said on TVOne there was only “very small” potential for a tsunami because the quake didn’t occur along a major fault known as a subduction zone.

A tsunami is caused by massive displacement of seawater when a powerful earthquake lifts the ocean floor.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology issued a marine warning for the distant Cocos and Christmas islands. It did not advise evacuations, but said strong and dangerous currents were possible and people should secure boats and avoid waterfront areas. The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Center issued but then cancelled a tsunami watch for Western Australia.

The Indian government issued a statement advising that no tsunami threat was posed for the Indian coast.

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia lifted a tsunami warning issued Wednesday after a powerful earthquake off Sumatra sent islanders rushing to high ground.

The U.S. Geological Service said the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.8. It was centred under the ocean at a depth of 24 kilometres (15 miles), it said.

Shallow earthquakes are more likely to cause damage, but the USGS said the quake was located far from land, about 659 kilometres (409 miles) from the town of Muara Siberut.

Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said no damage or casualties were reported so far, but panicked people in several cities and villages on Sumatra island and in the Mentawai island chain fled to higher elevations.

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, is prone to seismic upheaval because of its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanoes and fault lines circling the Pacific Basin.

A massive magnitude-9.1 quake off Indonesia in 2004 triggered a tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen countries. Most of the deaths were in Indonesia’s Aceh province on Sumatra.

Marjina, a resident of Sikakap in the Mentawai islands, about 690 kilometres (430 miles) from the epicenter, said the quake was felt only weakly there, but the tsunami GREAT warning caused panic among villagers.

Andi Eka Sakya, head

WASHINGTON — A Supreme Court deeply split over abortion wrestled Wednesday with widely replicated Texas regulations that could drastically cut the number of abortion clinics in the state. As ever, Justice Anthony Kennedy appeared to hold the outcome in his hands on a court operating with eight justices since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia.

The court’s most significant abortion case since the early 1990s crackled with intensity during 85 minutes of pointed questions from liberal and conservative justices that suggested little common ground in resolving the clinics’ claim that the regulations are medically unnecessary and unconstitutionally limit a woman’s right to an abortion.

Texas says it is trying to protect women’s health in rules that require doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals and force clinics to meet hospital-like standards for outpatient surgery. The rules would cut the number of abortion clinics in the state by three-fourths, abortion providers say.

The three women justices and Justice Stephen Breyer repeatedly questioned why Texas needed to enact the 2013 law.

“But what is the legitimate interest in protecting their health? What evidence is there that under the prior law, the prior law was not sufficiently protective of the women’s health?”

Ruth Bader Ginsburg asked Texas Solicitor General Scott Keller.

More than 210 women are hospitalized annually as a result of complications from abortions, Keller said.

Pressed by Ginsburg, Keller acknowledged that was a relatively small complication rate but said the state still could act to make abortion safer. With about 70,000 abortions a year in Texas, that works out to a rate of less than one-half of 1 per cent.

Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Breyer all pointed out that

other procedures, including liposuctions, colonoscopies and dental surgeries, have higher complication rates and yet can be performed in facilities that do not meet the stringent standards.

The clinics, backed by the Obama administration, argue that the regulations already have closed half the roughly 40 clinics that existed before the law was enacted and that only about 10 clinics would remain if it is allowed to take full effect.

The high court, again divided between liberals and conservatives, has blocked the surgical centre requirement from taking effect.

Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. urged the court to offer a new endorsement of the abortion right it last affirmed in 1992. “If that right still does retain real substance, then this law cannot stand. The burdens it imposes, the obstacles, are far beyond anything that this Court has countenanced. And the justification for it is far weaker than anything that this Court has countenanced,” Verrilli said.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito pressed the lawyer for the clinics, Stephanie Toti, to cite evidence showing that the regulations have had the drastic effect she claimed. Both Alito and Roberts questioned whether some clinics closed for reasons independent of the regulations.

“What evidence is there that ties the closures to the requirements?”

Roberts asked. Only Justice Clarence Thomas, who broke 10 years of silence at arguments on Monday, did not ask any questions.

Even with the outspoken abortion rights opponent Scalia on the court, Kennedy would have held the decisive vote. He provided the margin of victory in the 1992 case that bolstered the abortion right the court declared in Roe v. Wade in 1973. He wrote the majority opinion in another 5-4 case in 2007 that upheld a federal ban on the procedure known as partial-birth abortion.

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Thursday, March 3, 2016

D6

Syrians hope for calm in wake of truce

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MAARZAF, Syria — Just days into a U.S.-Russia-brokered cease-fire, many residents in a pro-government Syrian village long engulfed in fierce fighting in a central province expressed hope Wednesday that the truce will prevail and that a sense of normalcy could soon return.

But the cease-fire is partial and though as such it has mostly held across the war-wrecked nation, it excludes the Islamic State group as well as Syria’s al-Qaida branch, known as the Nusra Front, and other militant factions that the United Nations considers terrorist organizations.

In a stark reflection of those limitations, a car bomb killed 18 commanders of a U.S.-backed rebel group on Wednesday, a serious blow to the rebels, while Syrian Kurdish-led forces took strategic ground in Aleppo province from the Nusra Front, in a surprise offensive aimed at encircling the provincial capital.

Russia’s Defence Ministry, in a bid to secure the cease-fire, said it has set up a co-ordinationcentre that includes several dozen officers who visit opposition groups and local communities to help negotiate local truce deals.

On a trip to central Syria organized by the Russian government Wednesday, an Associated Press team saw one such document being signed in the village of Maarzaf, about 15 kilometres (9 miles) west of the city of Hama, the provincial capital.

While the city of Hama has been firmly under the Syrian government control throughout the five-year conflict, other parts of Hama province

have seen intense fighting.

The town of Salamiyeh, on the northern edge of the province, has been a front line between government forces and Islamic State fighters. The Syrian army has been making significant advances in the area, recently securing the desert highway from Salamiyeh to the village of Athriya on the border of Raqqa province, the main IS stronghold, and linking that road to the Salamiyeh-Khanaser-Aleppo road.

That gives the government control over a strategic road linking the three provinces together.

Wednesday’s signing in the village of Maarzaf was attended by Sheikh Ahmad Mubarak, a respected local leader whose influence extends across most of Hama province, and hundreds of villagers gathered at the main square.

As part of the process, local leaders sign declarations pledging to abide by the truce and bow to the government control over their territories in exchange for security guarantees and other assistance.

The Russian military said about 30 towns and villages already have signed such documents.

“The Syrian people need peace,” said Sheikh Mubarak, whose private militia has apparently fought alongside Syrian President Bashar Assad’s army in Hama. He praised Russia’s role in the cease-fire but also expressed hope it would pave way for the release of local residents held in government prisons.

On Wednesday, as the journalists visited, Russian military trucks also delivered food aid to the villagers, and a military medic came to inspect and treat some elderly patients.

“We all hope it will help make the

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sheikh Ahmad Mubarak, second from right, shakes hands with a Russian military officer after signing a cease-fire declaration in Maarzaf, about 15 kilometers west of Hama, Syria, Wednesday. The Russian military has helped mediate signing the document. area safer,” villager Ali Aty Muhammad said of the deal. “We are all very thankful to Russia.”

Syrian soldier Saliba Shaaman was toting his assault rifle, a grenade launcher slung over his shoulder, as he observed the village happening.

“The cease-fire is a very good thing,” he said, adding that he had just

returned from the front lines near the city of Aleppo.

However, such scenes may seem to clash with reality, where accusations of violations by all sides in the civil war threaten to derail the cease-fire.

Several Syrian opposition activists said they have no knowledge of local truce declarations mediated by Russia.

Cizre residents return to destroyed homes TURKEY

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS CIZRE, Turkey — The stench of death and the smell of gunpowder rose from mounds of rubble Wednesday as residents of the Turkish town of Cizre returned to find many of their homes obliterated amid Turkey’s efforts to crush Kurdish militants. At least one body was still lying inside a ruined house.

Cizre is one of a handful of mainly southeastern Kurdish districts where Turkey’s security forces, backed by tanks, have conducted extensive operations against militants linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK. The militants want autonomy for Kurds in Turkey’s southeast, and had raised barricades, dug trenches and planted explosives to protect areas where they had aspired for self-rule.

On Wednesday, the Turkish military eased the 24-hour curfew it imposed on Dec. 14, although it still holds between 7:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. The reprieve comes three weeks after authorities on Feb. 11 declared the successful conclusion of military operations to stamp out the rebels.

The town of 132,000 near the banks

of the Tigris river and the borders of Syria and Iraq has been the worst hit in terms of the scale of the fighting and the casualty toll. The level of damage seen in some neighbourhoods Wednesday evoked the early days of the war in neighbouring Syria, with buildings gutted by shelling or partially collapsed.

The army says more than 600 Kurdish rebels were killed in Cizre. Human rights groups say 92 civilians were killed in the town during the military operation and another 171 bodies have been found since hostilities halted Feb. 11.

The first wave of residents reached the town at dawn Wednesday,their vehicles loaded with personal belongings and children. Police carefully inspected their documents as well as the contents of their cars and bags.

What the returnees found shocked them.

Shell casings littered the battle-scared streets of the Sur neighbourhood, where residents made a grisly discovery — the corpse of an unidentifiable male. The stench of death also rose from a collapsed building in the same area. Residents said security forces had demolished the building’s basement, which was being used a shelter.

“Those who did this are not human,” said Cizre resident Serif Ozem.

“What took place here is a second Kobani in a country that is supposed to

be a democracy.”

Kobani is a predominantly Kurdish town in northern Syria that suffered a brutal siege at the hands of the Islamic State group.

Several shops and homes in the Sur neighbourhood had their walls blasted open. Windows were shattered and doors unhinged, the smell of gunpowder still clinging to the breeze.

Turkish military-imposed curfews remain in the historic district of the main Kurdish city of Diyarbakir — which is also called Sur — and in Idil, a district in Sirnak province, where Turkish forces are continuing operations against Kurdish militants. Amnesty International says the curfews amount to “collective punishment.”

CODE WORD of

THE DAY

In Diyarbakir, an improvised explosive device went off prematurely Tuesday, killing a suspected bomber and wounding four children, the governor’s office said.

Police on Wednesday used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters trying to get to Diyarbakir’s Sur neighbourhood to protest the government military operation there. Some youths were seen hurling rocks at police. The protests spread to other parts of the city but there were no immediate reports on possible injuries or arrests.

During the months-long curfew in Cizre, some people stayed put in the worst-hit neighbourhoods like Sur, Cudi and Nur, while others fled.

is

CARROTS

Greece prepares to help up to 150,000 stranded migrants

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS THESSALONIKI, Greece — Greece conceded Wednesday it is making long-term preparations to help as many as 150,000 stranded migrants as international pressure on Balkan countries saw Macedonia open its border briefly for just a few hundred refugees.

“In my opinion, we have to consider the border closed,” Greek Migration Minister Ioannis Mouzalas said. “And for as long as the border crossing is closed, and until the European relocation and resettlement system is up and running, these people will stay in our country for some time.”

At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with 10,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia. On Wednesday, hundreds of more people, including many families with small children, continued to arrive at two official camps by the border that are so full that thousands have set up tents in surrounding fields.

Greek police helped one man who fainted after being turned back by Macedonian authorities. Others waited stoically for rain covers, or food and other essentials in chilling temperatures, some expressing frustration with bureaucratic errors by Greek officials.

Syrian Ramasan Al Hassan said he was stopped from crossing the border after Greek police took down his details wrong, which meant the date of birth on his official papers and passport didn’t match.

“I showed Greek authorities my papers — I was born on July 24, 1963 — and they recorded my date of birth as Jan. 1, 1963. As a result, I was unable to cross the border … It’s happened to others too,” he said, adding that the error was eventually corrected.

Mouzalas, the migration minister, met for several hours with mayors from across Greece, examining ways to ramp up shelter capacity. The ministers of health and education also held

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Children as escorted as migrants and refugees arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos while crossing the Aegean Sea from Turkey in Mytilene. emergency talks to provide health care and basic schooling for children, who make up about a third of arrivals in Greece.

Nikos Kotzias, the foreign minister, said the country could handle a capacity of up to 150,000.

“No one in Europe predicted this problem would reach such a giant scale,” Kotzias told private Skai television. “But this is not a cause for panic.

The problems must be addressed soberly.”

Macedonia intermittently opened the border Wednesday, letting hundreds of people in, as European Council President Donald Tusk arrived in the country as part of a tour of the region for talks on the migration crisis.

Tusk, who is due to travel onto Greece and Turkey Thursday, is hoping to ease tension among European Union leaders — notably neighbours Austria and Germany — before they hold a summit on migration on Monday with Turkey.

“We must urgently mobilize the EU and all member states to help address the humanitarian situation of migrants in Greece and along the western Balkan route,” he said.

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