Red Deer Advocate, April 14, 2016

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Timing perfect for a change: Tod

HWY 2 INCIDENT

Video sparks probe

BY CRYSTAL RHYNO ADVOCATE STAFF

BY MARY-ANN BARR ADVOCATE STAFF RCMP have a better than usual witness for their investigation into a serious driving incident on Hwy 2 near Red Deer.

Their special witness is a dashboard camera, a device that may be gaining in popularity with drivers who want a visual record of incidents, such as a collision or parking infraction.

Last Sunday a driver with one of the small digital devices mounted on his dashboard recorded a speeding driver passing between two other vehicles that were beside each other as they headed north on the highway.

An investigation was started

by Sylvan Lake RCMP after the owner of the video turned it over to them.

The video was also posted online and as a result, has garnered a lot of attention.

Sylvan RCMP Cpl. Kevin Halwa said Wednesday that the investigation is ongoing and charges are expected to be laid.

Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

Jordyn Mayan and Amber-Lynn Banning are followed by Brenden Gregson as they run some laps in the G.H. Dawe School gym on Wednesday. The three children, along with others, are taking part in the Hope Mission after-school program. The group will be joining other students from Red Deer schools in June to run a five-kilometre race. Please see related story on page A2.

See CAMERA on Page A8

It is all he’s ever done.

So forgive Red Deer RCMP Supt.

Scott Tod for feeling a little out of sorts when he hands over his gun and badge after 28 years of serving the public on May 5.

Tod, 53, will report for duty in his new gig as the city’s new policing manager on June 6.

The timing was perfect, he said.

Police officers often start thinking about SCOTT TOD retiring after 25 years of service.

Tod, who has held the detachment head post since 2014, said his family has made a home in Red Deer and do not want to leave.

It will be a shift moving over to the administrative side of things but Tod is confident his background will be a huge advantage in the role. He will be in charge of the 100 or so municipal workers at the detachment and work closely with city officials.

Please see TOD on Page A8

Red Deer teacher found guilty of misconduct at hearing

BY CRYSTAL RHYNO ADVOCATE STAFF A Red Deer teacher has been dismissed from class.

Louis-Georges Pelletier was found guilty of two counts of professional misconduct after a two-day disciplinary hearing that concluded on Tuesday.

Pelletier has taught at Red Deer Public Schools since the early-1990s.

Most recently he taught French immersion, language arts and social studies

at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School.

Pelletier pleaded guilty to classroom incidents where he humiliated and belittled his students over the last two school years.

Brian Andrais, Alberta Teachers’ Association co-ordinator of member services, said Pelletier is now ineligible to teach at any public, Catholic or Francophone school in the province for six months. A letter of severe reprimand is part of the penalty.

Pelletier resigned this week.

He may also be banned from teach-

said Andrais. “We get anywhere from zero suspensions or cancellations to maybe five in any given year. This is certainly on the severe end of the spectrum of penalties. It is not extremely common in Alberta.”

Between 2006 and 2015, there were 728 investigations, of which 138 went to a professional conduct hearings.

Over the last 10 years, there have been only 23 suspensions and 25 expulsions from the association.

LOUIS-GEORGES PELLETIER

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ing at any private or charter school in the province as the committee has also recommended that Alberta Education suspend Pelletier’s teaching certification for six months.

“I can say clearly this is not common,”

See MISCONDUCT on Page A8

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NEWS

Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Children benefit from after-school program

BY SUSAN ZIELINSKI ADVOCATE STAFF Hope Mission has moved into Red Deer to operate a free after-school program to support children in low-income neighbourhoods.

Hope Mission began in 1929 in Edmonton as a soup kitchen and men’s shelter, and in the last few years spread into Calgary, Wetaskiwin and now Red Deer to run social service programs.

In October, the not-for-profit Christian social care agency started Kids in Action at G. H. Dawe School, Normandeau School, Glendale Sciences and Technology School, and Aspen Heights Elementary School.

Kids in Action runs two days a week at G. H. Dawe where 90 students signed up, and one day a week at the other schools.

A total of 170 elementary students are enrolled. A pilot program for youth, Grade 6 to 8, has 10 students at Normandeau.

“We’re looking for the low-income kids who couldn’t afford after school care. They couldn’t afford a soccer program. Those are the ones we’re really targeting,” said Kelly Row, Red Deer Hope for Mission manager, on Wednesday.

“I think the beauty is we’re going to them right in their school. They don’t have to arrange to get somewhere, show up at a field or community centre.”

He said it’s all about giving students the opportunity to have fun.

“They don’t have to make a sports team. They don’t have to display skill.

They just come. They learn it’s just about participating. Come and participate and enjoy.”

Students take part in games, physical activity, and get a snack and sandwich meal.

“Some are eating two sandwiches. A lot of the kids are not bringing proper food to school, if any, for lunch.”

Loaves and Fishes provides the food.

ing in Red Deer.

Hope Mission is funded through donations and government grants depending on the program.

Row said Kids In Action in Red Deer is currently funded by Edmonton’s Hope Mission.

“Edmonton has planted the seed.

Now it’s our job to build up the support with in Red Deer and get recognition so people know what we’re doing.

Then they can decide if it’s something they want to help out and donate to.”

Hope Mission has organized a Kids in Action 5K Race to be held June 11 at Great Chief Park. Volunteers are required so each student can run with an adult runner. Non-running volunteers are also needed.

Volunteer registration is open now.

Visit www.hopemission.com/5KRace for information.

A free week-long camp will also be available to Red Deer students this summer through Hope Mission in Calgary. szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com

HOPE MISSION Row said addressing the needs of students can help prevent them from ending up on the street later on in life.

Hope Mission is also looking at developing programs for adults in Red Deer’s downtown. The mission’s centre is located at 5217 50th Ave., the former Bargain Treasures Thrift Store, and run prayer and bible study groups in partnership with Potter’s Hands.

“We don’t want to come in here and duplicate a bunch of services. There’s a lot of great things going on in Red Deer. But a city of this size, there’s always places to go where needs aren’t being met.”

He said Hope Mission runs shelter, meal, Housing First, and residential addiction recovery programs for men and women in Edmonton. The recovery program, which provide a sober place to live for a year that includes meals and support before clients move into other supported housing, is miss-

City honours unsung hero of 911 dispatch service

BY CRYSTAL RHYNO ADVOCATE STAFF You won’t see them wearing badges or driving an ambulance or squad car.

But these unsung heroes work around the clock, seven days a week ensuring residents get the help they need.

Andrea McLean, one such hero, was named the city’s first Emergency Telecommunicator of the Year at a special ceremony on Wednesday.

The mother of two has worked at the 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Centre for 12 years and was recently promoted to communications lieutenant, a supervisory role.

“There’s certainly no glory in it,” laughed McLean. “But there is personal fulfillment and challenge. It’s different every day.”

McLean grew up in Penhold but has lived in Red Deer for more than 20 years. She said it feels good to be honoured by her peers Her husband encouraged her to enter the field.

One of her most memorable calls — and it took nearly 11 years — McLean assisted with the birth of a child on the phone.

“That was awesome because we don’t often get many happy celebrations,” said McLean. “The baby came in and we had a meet and greet. It was awesome.”

McLean said the most challenging part of the job is not having closure.

She said they often do not know the outcome.

“It’s difficult so we just have to close the door and move on,” said McLean.

McLean said anyone of her coworkers could have received the award.

The peer-nominated award will be presented annually during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the second week in April.

There are 30 dispatchers that work

Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

City of Red Deer Telecommunicator of the Year award recipient Andrea McLean in the City Emergency Services dispatch room on Wednesday. out of the centre with five or six on shift at any given time. They answer about 150 calls in a typical shift depending on the day.

Cindy Sparrow, assistant deputy chief, said the fire and ambulance dispatches are the voice of hope in the middle of a really dark situation. She said they do not need the recognition but it is nice to honour their work.

“For a lot of people when they call 911 it is not a good day for them,” said Sparrow. “You have a calm and reassuring voice on the other line that knows exactly what to do when you need help.”

Sparrow said the team is highly skilled and as soon as a call is answered, the person is getting help. The dispatchers provide life-saving skills until paramedics, fire trucks or police arrive.

Acting fire chief John Gelinas said the dispatchers are the lifeline be-

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tween someone who needs help and someone who is going to give it.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week runs from April 10-16.

Celebrated annually, the week honours the thousands of men and women who respond to emergency calls, dispatch emergency professionals and equipment, and render life-saving assistance.

Every year the 911 Emergency Communications Centre in Red Deer receives more than 122,000 calls for police, fire or ambulance.

They receive 9,00 hang-up calls from cellphones, 2,000 hang-up calls from landlines, more than 3,000 wrong numbers and more than 600 prank calls.

For more information on National Public Safety Emergency Telecommuicators Week visit www.npstw.org crhyno@reddeeradvocate.com

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There’s certainly no glory in it. But there is personal fulfillment and challenge. It’s different every day.”

-Andrea McLean, Communications Lieutenant

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Thursday, April 14, 2016

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Herder was all in during Westerner Days fair

BY BRENDA KOSSOWAN ADVOCATE STAFF

Local BRIEFS Afghan interpreter to speak at ABW Humanitarian Day A woman whose work with Canadians in Afghanistan made her family a Taliban target will speak about her experiences in Lacombe on Saturday at an event hosted by A Better World Canada.

Maryam Sahar was the only female interpreter working with Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan, also serving as a liaison with the Afghan Department of Women’s Affairs and United Nations.

She took the job as a 15-year-old in 2006 and saw it as a way to help out her family financially and to improve her country.

Contributed photo

A flamboyant, tireless volunteer, Judy Herder ran point on the entertainment package for the Westerner Days fair, including the talent show. tainer, said Reno. She put her dream on hold, however, to fulfill her role as a wife and mother. While her own ambitions idled on the sidelines. Herder offered her time and energy to help others pursue theirs.

Yet, no matter how busy she was with her off-farm duties, Herder always had supper on the table, said Reno.

Reno described her mother’s generous nature with a story about a woman who admired the purse she was carrying. Herder asked the woman for a shopping bag, dumped the contents from her purse and gave it to her.

Her husband. Bob and their two adult children, Jimmy and Kim, will host a celebration for family and friends in the Westerner Park Harvest Centre at 2 p.m. on Monday.

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Her involvement with foreigners did not escape the notice of the Taliban.

They abducted and beat her younger brother, convincing the family to move to Kabul from Kandahar province.

In 2011, Sahar made her way to Canada through a program offered to interpreters.

She now lives in Ottawa.

A Better World Canada has invited Sahar to speak at its Lacombe event, which begins with its 26th Annual Humanitarian Day Service.

Services will be held at 9:15 MARYAM SAHAR a.m. and 11:45 a.m. at College Heights Adventist Church followed by a luncheon.

Sahar will speak at an evening reception at 6 p.m. at College Heights Christian School. Since food is available, A Better World is asking people to reserve a complimentary ticket online at www.abwcanada.ca or RSVP Julie at 403-782-0325.

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Flowing black hair, huge hats, sequined gowns and a sporty Mustang convertible were her stock in trade.

For nearly three decades, Sylvan Lake farmer Judy Herder ran point on the entertainment package for the Westerner Days fair, including a talent show in which she gave a long roster of new talent a leg up in the entertainment industry.

She died last week at the age of 71.

“When she was in, she was all in. She gave 150 per cent, no, 200 per cent,” Herder’s daughter Kim Reno said on Thursday, as she and other members of family prepared a final farewell.

“She was so much fun.”

A flamboyant and seemingly tireless volunteer and lifetime member of the Westerner Exposition Association’s board of directors, Herder had to pass the torch in 2003, when she was diagnosed with cancer. Thirteen years later, her struggle ended on April 3 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, with her family at her side.

Herder had a beautiful singing voice and had entertained notions of becoming a professional enter-

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COMMENT

THE ADVOCATE Thursday, April 14, 2016

Head first into the concussion debate JOHN STEWART OPINION

I

took two hard knocks to the head in the space of two weeks playing rugby when I was 16.

After the second one, I was seeing double, had an overwhelming headache that made me nauseous and had serious balance issues.

The doctor diagnosed a concussion, prescribed a few days of bed rest (and no more rugby that spring), and sent me for tests that determined I had also damaged muscles that controlled my left eye. The eye issue was resolved with time and therapy, although it still aches when I become overtired. The headaches persisted for weeks, but eventually diminished. The doctor also forbade me from playing football that fall.

Over the next few years, I would lead with my head too many more times. Two particular incidents resulted in trips to the hospital for multiple stitches. In all, my head has been stitched at least four times because of some sort of violent collision (excluding the rugby injuries). The external damage is usually obvious. The inter-

nal? Time, concussion research now suggests, will tell.

While the possibility of concussions was mentioned by medical personnel in each case, no detailed tests were done. Certainly no baseline protocol existed to establish damage or even potential damage.

The medical community has come a long way since then. Too bad the professional sporting world seems intent on following only by modest degrees, and usually kicking and screaming.

How else do you explain the persistence of fighting in hockey, and the National Hockey League’s resolute refusal to admit the depth of its concussion problem?

For every minor sports organization that establishes stringent best practices — a high school football program in Red Deer, for example, is replacing all of its helmets with the latest technology, at the cost of tens of thousands of dollars — there are the laggards in professional sports who can’t bring themselves to be the trendsetters they should be.

Their lack of common-sense is staggering: use of the best helmets, in professional football and hockey, is not mandated, nor is the use of specific facemasks in football or visors in hockey. The NHL also does not demand the use of mouthguards, although they are proven to diminish the impact of head trauma, nor does it insist that

helmets are even tightly fastened. And, of course, fighting remains a staple of the NHL (hockey thrives right up to the junior level without fighting, so why it belongs in the junior and pro ranks is an acute frustration).

The NHL repeatedly treats issues of workplace safety inconsistently and even cavalierly. Look no further than the stream of emails from the league released recently as part of the concussion-related class-action lawsuit former players have brought against the NHL. No other major industry could so blatantly violate common law and good sense.

Concussions (or mild traumatic brain injury) heal with tremendous uncertainty, if they heal at all. Medical science is getting closer to understanding how concussions damage the brain, but still does not know how to repair damage some concussion sufferers face long-term.

A concussion appears to involve a change in chemical function that alters how the brain works. Symptoms include: dizziness; difficulty concentrating, solving problems and making decisions; headaches and blurry vision; a lack of energy and motivation; being tired and irritable; sensitivity to light and sound; and nausea.

Those who suffer multiple head injuries often have a disease known to cause cognitive decline, behavioural abnormalities and ultimately demen-

tia. Premature death has also been found in this group, by as much as 20 years (the rash of suicides by former pro athletes who suffered head trauma should be included in these numbers).

Such head injury can preclude a productive, normal life — let alone playing a sport.

A recent study by Toronto’s York University and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences found that the number of young people treated for concussions is on the rise. The Ontario study showed that concussion treatment rose to 754 from 466 per 100,000 boys and to 440 from 208 per 100,000 girls from 2003 to 2011. In all, almost 89,000 pediatric concussions were treated.

That snapshot is chilling, but it should also be heartening. It means that more parents and minor sports officials recognize the dangers of head injury and are reacting appropriately.

Awareness is a huge thing in concussion treatment. The more that young people are protected from repeated head trauma, the less impactful concussions will be.

Now if we can just get professional sports organizations to understand what savvy parents have always known.

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.

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Corruption crisis could bring down Brazil’s government GWYNNE DYER OPINION

Y

ou couldn’t make this stuff up.

Next Sunday, President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil faces an impeachment vote in the lower house of Congress. The charge? That she manipulated government accounts to make the deficit look smaller than it really was before the last election.

But that’s ridiculous. Governments always try to downplay the deficit before an election. I’ve covered dozens of elections, and at least one-third of the time it later came out that the government had been hiding how bad the financial situation was. It’s naughty, but it’s not a hanging offence.

Nevermind. The knives are out for Dilma Roussef in Brazil, and if she loses the Congressional vote this weekend she is heading straight for impeachment. That would mean that she would be suspended for 180 days even if she ultimately survived the process.

So who would take over while Rousseff

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is on trial?

Vice-President Michel Temer, of course, and he would be more than happy to do that. In fact, a recently leaked audio tape reveals him rehearsing the speech he would make after Rousseff was suspended. “Many people sought me out so that I would give at least preliminary remarks to the Brazilian nation, which I am doing with modesty, caution and moderation …” he modestly begins.

Rousseff was furious, accusing Temer of betrayal (he only led his party out of her coalition government last week), and she now talks about him as the chief conspirator in a coup plot against her democratically elected government. But she shouldn’t worry too much about Temer, because he is also facing impeachment, on the very same charge of cooking the government books to hide the scale of the deficit.

Who would take over if Temer was also impeached? The speaker of the lower house of Congress, Eduardo Cunha, is next in line — but he is facing money-laundering and other grave charges connected with an immense scandal in the state-owned oil company, Petrobras. (His secret Swiss bank accounts hold over $5 million.)

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So the job of running Brazil would go to the speaker of the Senate, Renan Calheiros — except that he is also being investigated on the same charges.

Indeed, more than 150 members of Congress and government officials are currently facing charges of bribery, corruption and money laundering as part of the “Operation Lava Jato” (Car Wash) investigation into the affairs of Petrobras.

This is not some banana republic.

This is Brazil, a country of 200 million people with the sixth biggest economy in the world. Yet the entire political class is under suspicion of criminal behaviour, apparently with good reason, and day after day the streets are full of angry demonstrators.

Brazil has been fully democratic for the past three decades, yet Rousseff now worries openly about a coup.

Some of the anti-government demonstrators are openly calling for a military takeover. This is a country in meltdown — but why now? Because the economy has gone belly-up.

It’s mostly not Rousseff’s fault, although she could have done better.

China, Russia and South Africa have seen similar declines as commodity prices plunged and exports dwindled.

Indeed, among the BRICS, the big,

Alberta Press Council member The Red Deer Advocate is a sponsoring member of the Alberta Press Council, an independent body that promotes and protects the established freedoms of the press and advocates freedom of information. The Alberta Press Council upholds the public’s right to full, fair and accurate news reporting by considering complaints, within 60 days of publication, regarding the publication of news and the accuracy of facts used to support opinion. The council is comprised of public members and representatives of member newspapers.

fast-growing economies of the former Third World, only India has escaped.

And this collapse in growth is why opinion polls show that 68 per cent of Brazilians now want to see Rousseff removed from power.

There is unquestionably a major political crisis in Brazil, but it may not be quite as bad as it looks. The latest head-count suggests that the vote in the lower house of Congress may not produce the two-thirds majority of votes that is needed to impeach Rousseff.

Even if it does, Rousseff can appeal to the Supreme Court. If that fails, the Senate must vote on impeachment — and if it also votes yes, Rousseff can appeal to the Supreme Court again.

And so far the military show no signs of wanting to seize power again.

So Rousseff may still be lumbered with the miserable and deeply unpopular task of running a large and boisterous country that is going through a severe cyclical economic downturn for another two and a half years. She’ll probably be glad when her term is up.

Gwynne Dyer is an independent Canadian journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.

The Press Council’s address: PO Box 2576, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 8G8. Phone 403-5804104. Email: abpress@telus.net. Website: www.albertapresscouncil.ca.

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NEWS

Thursday, April 14, 2016

A5

Lacombe group returns from battlefield tour GROUP LEFT FOR EUROPE DAYS AFTER TERRORIST ATTACKS IN BRUSSELS

Female suspect charged after home invasion

BY MARY-ANN BARR ADVOCATE STAFF

Contributed photo

The media was out in force in Brussels in the aftermath of the March 22 terrorist attacks. The attacks occurred just days before a Lacombe-based group from the Legion travelled through Belgium to visit some of Europe’s Second World War battlegrounds.

The vigil was just a few blocks from their hotel and they noticed water cannons and streets blocked off. Later the group was at the vigil.

“It was really interesting to see because it was absolutely huge, way bigger than I thought it would be,” Uhrbach.

They did a walking tour the next day with a guide and saw a lot of army and other security presence.

The tour ended in Paris where they

spent three days before returning home on April 2.

Despite recent attacks in Paris, Uhrbach said he saw more security there the previous year when he led a tour of Lacombe Composite High School students to the historic battlefields.

Uhrbach said he is planning a similar tour again next year.

Build and Golf a Kid to Cure events fund breakfast, snack programs

BY SUSAN ZIELINSKI ADVOCATE STAFF Breakfast and snack programs at Red Deer Public Schools will continue to feed hungry students thanks to a $20,000 donation from money raised by Build and Golf a Kid to Cure events.

“Given the economic circumstance, our schools are definitely starting to see an increase in the number of kids who are coming and needing those kinds of supports when they come to school,” said Bruce Buruma, director of community relations with the school district on Wednesday.

“It’s pretty hard to learn when all you can think about is food. For some

kids, that really is a reality.”

The cheque was presented to Red Deer Public Schools last week. Between $500 and $4,000 went to schools depending on their need. School food programs are run by volunteers and school staff and financed through community donations and fundraising.

“Virtually every one of our schools will have some kind of a breakfast or snack program.”

And students in every grade are affected, he said.

Parents want to do the best they can for their children. Sometimes they need help and schools are safe and caring places where people often look to for support, Buruma said.

Last year the district received

$15,000 from Build and Golf a Kid to Cure events.

Scott Bourke, Golf a Kid to Cure organizer, said more money was donated to school food programs this year because of increasing demand because of the struggling economy.

It’s the third year the organization has donated to schools to assist hungry students.

Other donations from Build and Golf a Kid to Cure events went to Kids Cancer Care Foundation, Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter, and Bikes for Kids.

Dominion Lending Centres Regional Mortgage Group organizes Build and Golf a Kid to Cure events. szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com

Construction on Lacombe police station ahead of schedule

BY PAUL COWLEY ADVOCATE STAFF

added to the $8.5-million cost when soil problems were identified and the need to move an old water line that did not appear on city plans.

It looked like a November opening was more likely, but the weather has been a big help.

“That’s a big part of it,” said Goudy.

“The contractor (Chandos Construction) has been really good to deal with as well.”

Lacombe Police Service has outgrown its existing downtown police

A warm spring is speeding up construction on Lacombe’s new police station.

If all goes well, the station may now be ready for the city’s police force sometime around mid-October, said Matthew Goudy, Lacombe’s operations and planning director.

“We’re pleased with the momentum we have on this facility,” said Goudy.

Construction on the police station did not start off well last fall. An additional $300,000 had to be Chicken & Apple with Monterey Jack cheese on a Ciabatta Bun. CODE WORD of Your choice of side.

THE DAY

station and is looking forward to the move to new site at 53rd Avenue and Wolf Creek Drive.

The upgrade in facilities comes just in time for the police force’s taking over of local dispatch. Expected to be in place early next year, the dispatch system is expected to significantly reduce local police response times.

There will be space in the new building for use by other agencies, such as social services, child welfare and probation.

Man accused of brutal sex assault to stand trial A trial will run this fall in the case against the man accused of a brutal sexual assault in Ponoka.

Ponoka RCMP allege that a victim, whose age and gender were not released, was administered a noxious substance, choked and sexually assaulted there on Sept. 3, 2015.

Suspect Quinton Levi Potts, 24, was charged with aggravated sexual assault causing bodily harm, administering a noxious substance, choking to overcome resistance and disobeying a court order.

He later elected for trial by judge and jury in the Court of Queen’s Bench, with a preliminary hearing held beforehand to test the strength of the Crown’s case against him.

Potts was ordered to stand trial as a result of the hearing, held in Ponoka provincial court on March 8, 2016.

The trial is on Nov. 21-23 in Wetaskiwin.

Man involved in street brawl fined, jailed faces probation A fine, jail and probation are included in the sanctions against a Red Deer man in connection with a street brawl in Red Deer nearly two years ago.

Victor L’Hirondelle, 30, was arrested by Red Deer RCMP investigating a stabbing at 1:30 a.m. on June 13, 2014.

Police reported following their investigation that the victim, a youth, was wounded during a fight. He made his way to the nearby East 40th Pub on 40th Ave. for help and was taken to Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre for treatment.

L’Hirondelle was arrested on charges of aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous use. He was convicted earlier this year and sentenced on April 5, including a $200 fine, 18 months in jail and two years on probation.

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A Lacombe group that was in Belgium recently did encounter post-terrorist signs of the dramatic attacks in Brussels but it had little impact on their visit.

Corvin Uhrbach, a high school social studies teacher, led the tour of 32 people to visit historic battlefields in Europe. Some of the people who went along are members of the Lacombe Royal Canadian Legion.

The terrorists attacks in Brussels occurred on March 22, killing over 30 people and wounding many others, when explosives were set off at the Brussels airport and subway station.

The tour started in Amsterdam a few days later and then went on to Brussels for a day before moving on to France.

“Some people were a little anxious when we went to Brussels but not to the point where they didn’t want to go,” Uhrbach said.

They arrived to the aftermath of protests by right-wing groups who had caused confrontations at the vigil set up to honour those killed in the attacks.

An O’Chiese First Nation woman has been charged and RCMP are looking for her two daughters in connection with a home invasion.

Rocky Mountain House RCMP said three women broke into a home on the reserve about 5 p.m. on April 6.

A young woman inside was assaulted but her assailants had fled by the time police arrived.

The victim was treated for non-lifethreatening injuries.

After a lengthy investigation, RCMP identified the alleged assailants. A 43-year-old woman was arrested on Tuesday at a home on the reserve.

Police seized methamphetamine found at the home.

The woman was charged with breaking and entering, assault and possession of methamphetamine.

Her two daughters aged 21 and 24 are still being sought.

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NEWS

Thursday, April 14, 2016

A7

$10.4B deficit ‘manageable’: Ceci

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS EDMONTON — Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci says Thursday’s budget will not only contain a huge deficit, but also a plan on how to dig out of it.

“A $10.4-billion deficit is serious, but it is manageable,” Ceci said Wednesday.

“And we will show when we release our fiscal plan tomorrow that we are reducing the deficit year over year over year. With a growing economy and (by) reducing deficit, we will find ourselves back in balance.”

Ceci commented after posing for photographers with new workboots, as per a parliamentary tradition that a finance minister gets a new pair of shoes before budget day.

Premier Rachel Notley’s government has already announced or signalled core elements of the 2016-17 budget, including the $10.4 billion in red ink.

Ceci attributed the heavy deficit to a steep and precipitous drop in oil revenue over the last two years.

West Texas Intermediate, the benchmark price for oil, fell below US$30 a barrel in January, but has recovered slightly and hovers in the low $40s. It was more than US $100 a barrel in the summer of 2014.

The low prices have dampened the bottom lines of energy producing provinces across the country.

The government of Newfoundland and Labrador, another province heavily reliant on energy income, is also to table a budget Thursday. Tax hikes, job losses and spending cuts are among grim expectations as the oil price slide takes its toll there as well.

Notley’s provincewide TV address last week revealed this year’s resource revenue will total $1.4 billion compared with almost $9 billion in the 2014-15 budget year.

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci donates work boots to Women Building Futures student Kim Brertton during a prebudget photo opportunity in Edmonton on Wednesday.

Ceci and Notley have said that some new programs will be delayed or spread over a longer time, but that front-line jobs will not be cut. An accelerated $34-billion infrastructure program is to continue.

The government also plans to spend

an additional $500 million or more in seniors housing.

“It’s not an austerity budget,” said Ceci.

The oil plunge has resulted in tens of thousands of job losses. Ceci said the budget will have more details on a

plan to diversify the economy and create employment.

“You’ll be getting some depth and detail about different aspects (on a) suite of programs that will help Albertans get back to work.”

Judge to review bail of man for being late four times for his murder trial

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS EDMONTON — A judge will review bail conditions for a man who has been late four times for his murder trial in the deaths of two Alberta seniors.

A lawyer for Travis Vader told court Wednesday morning that his client was a half-hour behind because a vehicle he was using was “borrowed by someone else and not returned.”

“I apologize,” Brian Beresh told the court.

Vader has been tardy three times before — he twice told court he had vehicle trouble and once said he slept in.

Justice Denny Thomas warned Vader last week not to be late again.

Thomas ordered Vader to appear later Wednesday before another judge for the bail review. Justice Paul Belzil heard some evidence on the bail issue, under a publication ban, then put over the review until Friday.

Vader, 44, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the deaths of Lyle and Marie McCann, great-grandparents in their late 70s, who vanished while on a camping trip in July 2010.

They were last seen fuelling up their motorhome in their hometown of St. Albert, a bedroom community north of Edmonton, as they headed out to British Columbia.

Two days later their motorhome was found burning in the bush west of Edmonton. The SUV they had been towing was later found hidden in some

Man charged with child porn

File photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Travis Vader arrives at court in Edmonton on Tuesday, March 8, 2016. A lawyer for Vader told court Wednesday morning that his client was a half-hour behind because a vehicle he was using was “borrowed by someone else and not returned.” trees on a nearby rural property.

Their bodies have never been found.

The Crown is arguing that Vader was a desperate drug user on the run from police on other charges, living in a makeshift camp in the area, when he

came across the McCanns and killed them.

The defence has suggested there’s not enough evidence to prove the couple is dead and that police should have looked at other suspects.

Crown focuses on fear of father Province alters minor ticket fines in cross-examination

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS LETHBRIDGE — The father of a 19-month-old boy testified Wednesday his son had never been taken to a medical doctor prior to being rushed to hospital where he died of meningitis.

David Stephan, 32, is charged along with his wife, Collet, 35, with failing to provide the necessaries of life for 19-month-old Ezekiel in 2012.

Ezekiel, who had been given smoothies with hot peppers and horseradish when he became ill with what his parents thought was the croup, stopped breathing and later died in hospital.

“You don’t trust conventional medicine very much do you?” asked prosecutor Clayton Giles during cross-examination.

“Why would you say that?” replied Stephan.

Giles asked if he had taken either Ezekiel, or his older brother Ezra to a medical doctor.

“Just Ezra. It was a recommendation from Dr. Tannis, the naturopath, that we take him in,” Stephan said.

He said Ezekiel saw the naturopathic doctor “once.”

Giles said since a nurse friend of his wife’s had suggested Ezekiel might have meningitis it made no sense not to take him in.

“You still haven’t told me why it is you were prepared to risk a potentially fatal disease being the issue without having it checked by someone who could tell you,” Giles said.

“Hindsight’s 20-20,” replied

File photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

David Stephan and his wife, Collet Stephan.

Stephan. “Had I known that this was going to take place, you’ve got to know that I would be the first person advocating something else.”

Giles said the Stephans were “working in the dark” and trying to treat something they had no information on.

Stephan said there was nothing that raised any “alarm bells” and denied he failed to act because it flew in the face of his family’s belief in natural medicines.

“I’m not delusional and no, I don’t put on blinders.”

Stephan earlier testified he didn’t inform doctors at Alberta’s Children’s Hospital, social workers or the RCMP that Ezekiel had shown signs of improvement and been well enough to go to church and pre-school.

EDMONTON — Albertans who fail to pay fines for minor offences may soon discover they can’t register their vehicles.

The province proposed legislation Wednesday to change how it handles infractions such as littering, jaywalking, trespassing and riding a transit train without a ticket.

Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley said as it stands those who don’t pay have a warrant issued for their arrest, and could do jail time.

“We know that vulnerable people often end up in jail for something as small as not paying for transit,” she said.

“Landing in jail further perpetuates a cycle of incarceration and poverty, which certainly does not create safer communities or help vulnerable Albertans.”

She said the warrant system also puts an tremendous strain on public resources.

“Currently there are close to 187,000 outstanding warrants in Alberta,” she said.

“About half of those warrants are for relatively minor provincial and municipal offences.”

The new system will apply to fines of $1,000 or less.

People could still fight a ticket in court, but if they didn’t — or were convicted — but they would no longer be issued a warrant or face getting arrested. The fine would come up instead when they tried to re-register their vehicle.

BONNYVILLE — A 35-yearold Alberta man is accused of distributing a nude photo of his young daughter.

A police Internet Child Exploitation unit began an investigation in September 2015 after getting referrals from RCMP in British Columbia and the U.S. Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

It’s alleged the man, from Bonnyville, shared and distributed child pornography online, and at least one photo included his daughter.

The accused is not being named to protect the identity of the child.

The accused’s family members are receiving support from Child and Family Services and the Zebra Child Protection Centre.

The man was arrested on April 6 and has been charged with accessing, possessing and making child pornography.

Man who passed counterfeit cash fined, jailed A fine and jail sentence have been levied against one of two people arrested just over a year ago by police investigating reports of counterfeit cash being passed in Red Deer.

Suspects Richard Allan Wason and Julie-Ann Sandra Stunden, both 40, were arrested in March of 2015 after investigators uncovered a variety of equipment, replica firearms and small amounts of various drugs at an apartment in Oriole Park.

Wason was scheduled for sentencing in March after pleading guilty in February to two counts of possessing illegal drugs and one count of possessing counterfeit cash.

Sentencing was adjourned when he did not appear for court on March 24.

He has since been sentenced to eight months in jail and fined $200.

Charges against Stunden were withdrawn.

Second-degree murder trial scheduled for February 2017 A judge and jury will hear evidence early next year against a Maskwacis man accused of committing seconddegree murder on the Samson Cree Nation.

RCMP found the body of Tyrell Preston Soosay, 18, in a home on the reserve on Oct. 12, 2014. Investigators later arrested Walter Samuel Louis, 22, on charges of second-degree murder and committing an indignity to a human body.

Louis was committed to stand trial in Ponoka provincial court following a preliminary hearing in April of 2015.

His trial opens with jury selection on Feb. 6, 2017 in the Wetaskiwin Court of Queen’s Bench.

NEWS

Thursday, April 14, 2016

A8

Feds urged to tread carefully

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — The federal government is being urged to pre-emptively ask the Supreme Court whether its new law on medically assisted dying complies with the charter of rights, rather than forcing seriously ill or dying individuals to launch their own costly, stressful, protracted court challenges.

The long-awaited legislation is to be introduced Thursday and various stakeholders predict it will inevitably be challenged, both by those who think it doesn’t go far enough and those who think it goes too far.

ASSISTED DYING Liberal MP Rob Oliphant, who cochaired the special joint parliamentary committee on assisted dying, told The Canadian Press it would be “both smart and compassionate” to pre-empt those challenges by referring the new law to the Supreme Court.

“Any law presented on assisted dying could benefit from a referral to the Supreme Court,” Oliphant said, noting it’s a “complex subject and largely uncharted territory in Canada.”

“By enacting the law immediately, we ensure the court’s initial challenge

to Parliament (to end the ban on assisted death) is met. By quickly referring it to the Supreme Court with specific questions, we ensure the law is broad enough to guarantee the rights of all Canadians — without them having to fight their way to the Supreme Court alone.”

Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould and Health Minister Jane Philpott, who are scheduled to introduce the new law Thursday morning, refused to comment Wednesday on the idea of referring it to the top court.

As The Canadian Press reported last week, the new legislation is expected to take a less permissive approach to medical assistance in dying

SUICIDE CRISIS SIT-IN

for the indiscriminate mass arrests that stained the weekend gathering, lawyers for the complainants argued.

Lei, who speaks for scores of people detained for hours by police in full riot gear in pouring rain and plunging temperatures at a downtown intersection, said what the experienced officer has done is “dodge and duck” responsibility for his actions.

$32M raised for Syrian aid to be matched by Ottawa

Métis, off-reserve aboriginals hopeful about top court ruling EDMONTON — Métis and non-status Indians will be watching a Supreme Court of Canada ruling Thursday on whether the federal government has the same responsibility to them as to status Indians and Inuit.

The decision will ultimately affect about 600,000 Métis and off-reserve Indians across Canada.

“People are asking what will it mean for us regardless of which way the decision goes,” Dwight Dorey, national chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, said Wednesday. “It is on the minds of a lot of people across the country.”

Dorey said the ruling should finally settle whether Métis and non-status Indians are entitled to the same programs, services and rights as First Nations and Inuit.

Dion to release Saudi documents amid furor over military contract OTTAWA — The government plans to release documents that it says show the “comprehensive basis” behind its decision to proceed with a controversial multibillion-dollar sale of military vehicles to Saudi Arabia.

Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion said Wednesday he wants Cana-

than was recommended in February

by Oliphant’s committee.

It is not expected to allow people diagnosed with degenerative, competence-eroding conditions like dementia to make advance requests for medical help to die. Nor is it expected to extend the right to an assisted death to so-called mature minors It is also expected to tread warily around the right of people with mental illnesses to seek doctor-assisted death.

The legislation is a response to a Supreme Court ruling last year, which concluded that Canada’s ban on assisted suicide violates the right to life, liberty and security of the person, as guaranteed in the charter.

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Activists for aboriginal rights are staging a sit-in at the Toronto offices of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada on Wednesday in solidarity with a remote Ontario First Nation struggling with a suicide crisis. dians to have the details behind his decision to sign export permits covering $11 billion of the $15 billion deal between the Saudis and an Ontario company for the fleet of armoured vehicles.

Dion said the previous Conservative government signed the contract on Feb. 14, 2014, and said that commitment must be respected, adding that he can’t block exports unless the armoured vehicles are being used against innocent civilians.

So far, he said, there is no evidence of that.

“Should I become aware of credible information of violations related to this equipment, I will suspend or re-

voke the permits,” he said.

“We are watching this closely and will continue to do so.”

Firing urged for top officer over mass arrests at G20 TORONTO — A senior police officer deserves to be fired for the wanton trampling of civil liberties during the tumultuous G20 summit six years ago, his sentencing hearing heard Wednesday.

Supt. David (Mark) Fenton has shown no real remorse and attempted to blame everyone other than himself

OTTAWA — Canadians donated $32 million for aid to Syria under a matching program launched last fall by the federal government — an amount that falls far short of the $100 million Ottawa had promised to match.

But the Liberals are going to make up the difference and allocate an additional $68 million for humanitarian relief in the region to bring the total to $100 million.

About $57 million is new money, and the rest coming from the humanitarian funding the Liberals announced in February when they rolled out the reframed version of the mission against Islamic militants in the Middle East.

Mulcair reaffirms plans to stay put as NDP leader for now, has caucus support OTTAWA — Tom Mulcair, the embattled New Democrat chief who has come to embody last year’s bruising federal election defeat, says his caucus members want him to stay on as leader until his successor can be chosen.

Mulcair made the announcement surrounded by his fellow NDP MPs after today’s caucus meeting — their first since delegates at a convention this past weekend made it clear they believe it’s time for new leadership.

He describes it as “the best caucus meeting I’ve ever attended.”

Photo by ADVOCATE news services

A dashboard camera captured a serious incident on Hwy 2. Police have identified the driver of the middle vehicle, who could be facing the Criminal Code offence of dangerous driving.

STORIES FROM PAGE A1

CAMERA: Driver identified They have identified the driver, who is also from Calgary. All the parties involved ended up in Sylvan on the day of the incident.

The driver could be facing the Criminal Code offence of dangerous driving, Halwa said.

Such video does make it easier for police in their investigations, although Halwa said he’s not recommending at all that people go out and buy them.

They have, however, assisted police on other investigations, specifically collisions. “We’re able to determine exactly what happened.

“You can put things on paper all you want but a picture does always tell a thousand words,” Halwa said.

He has been involved in three or four investigations in the last eight months where there happened to be a dashboard camera involved.

Scott Wilson, senior policy analyst with the Alberta Motor Association said the organization doesn’t take any position on the use of dashboard cameras.

“I don’t know if they are a cure-all. … They can probably be useful in providing evidence in a given incident.”

Wilson said he was disheartened when he saw the Hwy 2 video.

“Unfortunately to see that kind of driving behaviour is really disappointing, especially that it occurred on such a high-speed corridor where your margin for error is razor-thin as it is.”

Wilson said dash cams are a personal decision and what’s really important is people need to understand the risk they place themselves and others when driving.

“We really don’t invest the time and effort necessary to do driving well all the time. Some of us will engage in other behaviours while behind the wheel, whether it’s thinking about things, or writing things or reading things, or using a phone or whatever it may be, and that’s because we under-estimate the level of risk that we’re at and we over-estimate our confidence.”

He said at 110 km/h, a driver is moving at 28 metres per second. Combined with the average person’s reaction time of about 0.5 seconds, a vehicle has travelled 12 to 13 metres even before the driver recognizes a hazard.

He noted that increased speeds can increase the likelihood of having a crash, and when it happens on a highway as opposed to an urban area, emergency services is farther away.

TOD: Still work to be done His new office is around the corner from his current one.

Tod said the department has collectively made positive differences in the two years since he came to the city.

He counts the establishment of the regional Priority Task Force, improvements to the Priority 3 call taking service, building on the city and council relationship with the RCMP as wins.

But there is still work to be done as Tod leaves the detachment recently switched to a new department-wide crime reduction strategy to target property crime.

Tod said it involves having the detachment focusing on property with help from the criminal analyst by identifying hot spots, targeting prolific offenders and targeting problematic residences.

Every police unit and watch will be co-ordinated and working on the same targets, residences and areas, said Tod, who is from Edmonton.

“I think it is realistic and it has to be because property crimes continue to increase, not only for us but for other communities,” said Tod. “We have to look at ways to be more strategic, effective and efficient instead of simply asking for more resources all the time.”

Tod said his intention was not to come to Red Deer to retire but the city job was something he did not want to pass up. Tod is the second police chief in Red Deer to retire within three years.

“I wanted to stay in the city and still be involved in police work,” said Tod Policing will always be part of him, said Tod. Red Deer was his fifth post as commanding officer. Before Red Deer, he worked in Wetaskiwin and has 22 years of policing under his belt in British Columbia.

“Believe it or not, it is the only thing I wanted to do growing up,” said Tod, who is from Edmonton. “I didn’t really pursue anything else after university.”

His family members were farmers and ranchers and his father grew up on a ranch.

“I always heard the positive stories of the local Mounties stopping in for coffee or playing on the baseball team coaching kids,” said Tod. “That always impressed me the way they felt about the (Royal Canadian) Mounted Police.” crhyno@reddeeradvocate.com

MISCONDUCT: Investigation launched last March Pelletier can apply for his membership after six months. It is very common a teacher would be reinstated, said Andrais.

Investigations typically take between six and eight months. It was launched last March after complaints.

A formal third-party request for investigation is required for the ATA to initiate the investigation of a teacher. It cannot initiate an investigation on its own. Andrais said the ATA investigates any allegations that are brought to its attention. The criteria for the investigations are based on the profession, the public interest and the students.

There are more than 40,000 teachers in the province. crhyno@reddeeradvocate.com

A9

BUSINESS

THE ADVOCATE Thursday, April 14, 2016

Office vacancies in Calgary hit 33-year high

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS CALGARY — The hollowing out of Calgary’s core has hit its highest level in more than 30 years and the situation in what was once the energy industry’s thriving financial pulse is likely to worsen, a commercial real estate firm says.

In a report released Wednesday, CBRE Canada estimates the city’s downtown office vacancy rate was 20.2 per cent in the first quarter ended March 31, almost twice as high as the 11.8 per cent vacancy rate in the same period a year ago.

Greg Kwong, regional managing director at CBRE, said it’s the first time since 1983 that more than one fifth of office space was available in downtown Calgary, and the city is on track to hit a new record above the 22 per cent rate hit that year.

“It’s going to get a little bit worse before it gets better,” said Kwong.

“Unless oil jumps back to $80 a barrel, I don’t think we’ll go down to the teens.”

Prices have dropped to an average of $20.97 per square foot for high-end class A office space from $29.23 in the same quarter a year ago, CBRE added.

Kwong said he has been surprised by how quickly Calgary’s market has reversed from the 2009-2014 trend, when it had the lowest vacancies and highest rental rates in Canada.

“It was amazing how robust the market was in November 2014, and literally within four or five months it was amazing how ugly it got here,” said Kwong.

Calgary’s office market has been hit hard as oil and gas companies contin-

ue to cut jobs and consolidate office space due to low crude prices.

Barclay Street Real Estate released a report Tuesday saying MEG Energy is trying to sublease more than 300,000 square feet, Shell Canada more than 183,000 square feet and Penn West Energy 73,000 square feet.

The city is now an outlier in Canada’s downtown office market, with Toronto’s vacancies up only slightly in the quarter to 5.3 per cent, while Vancouver’s dropped to 8.8 per cent and Montreal’s was down to 10.8 per cent, according to CBRE. Vacancy rates also don’t account for the unknown amount of near-empty office space that companies haven’t tried to sublease because there’s no market for them, said Kwong.

“You’ll see some buildings where there are five people on a 40,000-square foot floor,” he said.

Dan Lannon, a senior vice-president at real estate company Colliers International, said with about three million square feet of office space under construction, the downtown core could have 11 million square feet of empty offices in 2018. That’s the equivalent of about 647 NHL rinks.

“The fact is we’re adding a lot of office space to our market that our city really doesn’t need,” said Lannon.

With Calgary absorbing an average of about 550,000 square feet of office space per year over the past 15 years, Lannon said it could be well over a decade before the city returns to a balanced market.

Not all commercial real estate in the city has been as affected though.

Kwong said the industrial real estate market is still robust because it’s less tied to oil and gas.

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

A pedestrian walks past a sign advertising office space for lease in downtown Calgary, Wednesday. The hollowing out of Calgary’s core has hit its highest level in more than 30 years and the situation in what was once the thriving financial pulse of the energy industry is likely to worsen, a commercial real estate firm says.

Dan Harmsen, associate broker at Barclay Street, said retail space is also still seeing low vacancy rates and high demand. He said the city still has the

highest average retail sales numbers in Canada, and retail space per capita is still well below the North American average.

IMF says global economy is ‘fragile’ REQUIRES SUPPORT FROM FISCAL POLICIES

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

Photo by THE CANADIAN PRESS

Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz arrives at a news conference at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa on Wednesday.

Central bank boosts 2016 growth outlook

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada credited billions of dollars in federal investments for helping offset the ever-present negatives from the oil price shock as it stuck with its benchmark interest rate of 0.5 per cent Wednesday.

The Liberal government’s spending boost uplifted what would have been a modest downgrade to its economic growth forecast this year, the central bank said as it released updated projections.

The bank is now predicting the country’s real gross domestic product — a measure of economic growth — to expand by 1.7 per cent in 2016, up from its January expectation of 1.4 per cent.

“The mix of policies that we have today is a more favourable one for economic growth than what we had before,” Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz said in Ottawa.

Last year, Poloz lowered the bank’s trend-setting interest rate twice to soften the blow of the commodity slump.

Both rate changes came at a time when the former Conservative government was seeking to curb spending in an effort to balance the books.

The Liberals, however, have introduced a different approach since winning last fall’s election.

In last month’s federal budget, they committed to about $25 billion in additional spending over the next two years for economy-lifting plans such as infrastructure projects.

The extra funding was contained in a fiscal blueprint that also projected five straight annual deficits totalling more than $110 billion, starting with a shortfall of $29.4 billion in 2016-17.

The bank expects the federal investments to more than offset the negative consequences of a slightly stronger dollar, weaker-than-expected global

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growth and shrinking oil sector investment.

“The combined effect of all these global and domestic developments would have been a modest downgrade of the bank’s outlook,” the bank said in a statement that accompanied its quarterly monetary policy report.

“However, the fiscal measures announced in the March federal budget will have a notable impact on GDP.” When it comes to the decision to stand pat on the interest rate, Poloz said things could have turned out differently without Ottawa’s fiscal injection.

Poloz said if one were to remove the fiscal measures from the equation, the bank’s updated forecast would have looked a “little worse” than the projections it provided in January.

At the time, Poloz revealed that senior bank officials entered deliberations before the rate announcement with a predisposition toward making another cut.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that we would have at least had that same bias going into the discussion,” Poloz said Wednesday of the most-recent deliberations.

“How it would have turned out, of course, is very hypothetical.”

Using the same baseline numbers in Ottawa’s recent budget, the bank projected federal and provincial government spending to combine to contribute 0.5 percentage points to growth this year and 0.6 percentage points in 2017.

The Bank of Canada based its assessment on Finance’s growth assumptions, which it considered reasonable.

The Finance Department estimated the Liberal budget, which also includes measures to boost tax relief for middle- and low-income households, will generate economic growth of 0.5 per cent this year and one per cent in 2017-18.

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TORONTO — The International Monetary Fund says governments with the room to manoeuvre should invest in public infrastructure to stimulate growth while having a clear plan to keep debt at sustainable levels.

“The global economy remains fragile at this time,” the IMF said in an annual fiscal monitor report released Wednesday.

“In this challenging environment, a comprehensive policy package is urgently needed to boost growth and reduce vulnerabilities.”

The IMF says Canada was one of only a few countries planning to raise its public investment ratio this year, as it did in its federal budget. But the IMF didn’t comment on the size of Canada’s projected deficits.

The IMF estimates that Canada’s overall government deficit in 2016 will be equivalent to 2.4 per cent of gross domestic product — up from 1.3 per cent in last year’s IMF estimate for 2016, when the Conservative government was pursing a balanced budget strategy, despite a major drop in oil prices.

The Liberals, who said during last year’s election campaign that deficits of less than $10 billion a year would be necessary for three years, are now projecting a $29.4-billion shortfall in the current 2016-17 financial year and five

consecutive annual deficits totalling more than $110 billion.

Some of the budget’s critics have said it doesn’t contain a clear plan for balancing the books within four years in the 2019-20 financial year — another Liberal campaign promise.

The IMF released its annual fiscal monitor Wednesday at its spring meetings in Washington, D.C., shortly after the Bank of Canada upgraded its economic projection for this year, citing the positive effect of the federal government’s spending plan.

The Bank of Canada’s new estimate for 2016 economic growth is 1.7 per cent, up from its previous estimate of 1.4 per cent.

That contrasted with the IMF’s decision this week to lower its growth estimate for Canada to 1.5 per cent from 1.7 per cent.

The IMF is also less optimistic about Canada’s real GDP growth in 2017, which it estimates will be 1.9 per cent compared with the Bank of Canada’s estimate of 2.3 per cent.

The Finance Department has estimated that the budget’s measures — including infrastructure investments and tax relief for middle- and low-income households — will add 0.5 per cent to this year’s economic growth and one per cent in 2017-18.

The budget uses a private-sector estimate of 1.4 per cent growth in GDP in 2016 and 2.2 per cent in 2017. ment of potential environmental impacts will be done.

The Environment Ministry says it is looking into what happened and will release a statement later.

World tax officials huddle in Paris to talk Panama Papers Teck Metals says runoff water may have entered Stoney Creek in Trail, B.C. TRAIL, B.C. — The operator of the giant zinc and lead smelter in Trail, B.C., says runoff water is believed to have discharged into a creek near its plant after a break in a line from a old landfill area to a treatment facility.

Teck Metals (TSX:TCK.A) says it’s not known how much of the water containing metals may have emptied into Stoney Creek.

The company says the water discharged for up to 20 minutes before it was contained.

The company says regulatory authorities were immediately notified.

A Teck statement says there is no risk to human health and an assess-

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PARIS — Taxe officials from around the world are meeting in Paris to discuss the fallout from the mass leak of offshore account data from Panama firm Mossack Fonseca.

A statement says Wednesday’s meeting of the Joint International Tax Shelter Information and Collaboration Network , an information- and intelligence-sharing organ for senior tax administrators based out of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, is being convened to “agree collaborative action in light of the ‘Panama Papers’ revelations.”

The Panama disclosures have shaken the rich and powerful by exposing how they use networks of shell companies to dodge financial obligations, taking tax evasion to the top of international agenda.

Few further details about the Paris event’s attendance or agenda were released.

A spokesman said the meeting was closed to the media.

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BUSINESS MARKETS CLOSE TORONTO — The Canadian dollar retreated Wednesday amid a pullback in oil and gold prices and reassurances from the Bank of Canada that it will leave is key interest rate unchanged.

The loonie lost 0.35 of a U.S. cent to 78.03 cents US, coming down after three days of advances that saw the currency rise more than 2.3 U.S. cents to settle at its highest close since July.

Meanwhile, strong industrials and bank stocks helped push the Toronto stock market ahead for a fourthstraight session, with the Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index advancing 89.93 points to 13,671.35.

New York markets were also solidly ahead for a second straight day, with the Dow Jones industrials soaring 187.03 points to 17,908.28, while the broader S&P 500 advanced 20.70 points to 2,082.42 and the Nasdaq composite jumped 75.33 points to 4,947.42.

Elsewhere in commodities, May natural gas was up three cents at US$2.04 per mmBTU, while May copper advanced two cents to US$2.17 a pound and June gold shed $12.60 to US$1,248.30 a troy ounce.

In its latest announcement, the Bank of Canada said it was keeping its trend-setting interest rate locked at 0.5 per cent, predicting that the economy will grow by 1.7 per cent in 2016, up from its January expectation of 1.4 per cent.

Todd Mattina, chief economist at Mackenzie Investments, said the fact that the data from the central bank did little to impact the Canadian dollar in either direction is good news for policy-makers.

“To see a subdued reaction to the Canadian dollar will be encouraging to the bank,” he said.

A drop in oil prices also weighed on the loonie, as the

Thursday, April 14, 2016

May contract for benchmark North American crude edged down 41 cents to US$41.76 a barrel after closing above $42 Tuesday, its highest level since late November.

Investors were buoyed following a report from Russia’s Interfax news agency this week of a possible deal between Russia and Saudi Arabia on reducing output.

But on Wednesday, a Saudi-owned newspaper reported that a top official said to “forget about this topic” when asked about a production cut.

The back and forth chatter comes as members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries are set to meet on Sunday in Doha, Qatar.

“A good part of the rally in oil has been anchored by expectations of some kind of production agreement between OPEC and Russia,” said Mattina.

“The Doha meeting could set the stage for stabilization in the oil market but there are still enormous headwinds facing oil prices, which could lead to downward pressure on oil prices down the road.”

Even if the countries agree on a freeze, he noted that oil stockpiles are still high, particularly in the U.S., with current production levels also at historical levels. A cut is also likely not on the table because new producers like Iran and Iraq are eager to increase production.

Earlier, China, the world’s second largest economy, surprised markets by reporting stronger than expected trade data. China said exports have risen for the first time in nine months, a sign that the outlook may be improving.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Highlights at the close Wednesday at world financial market trading.

Stocks: S&P/TSX Composite Index — 13,671.35, up 89.93 points

Dow — 17,908.28, up 187.03 points S&P 500 — 2,082.42, up 20.70 points Nasdaq — 4,947.42, up 75.33 points Currencies: Cdn — 78.03 cents US, down 0.35 of a cent Pound — C$1.8202, down 0.03 of a cent Euro — C$1.4453, down 0.81 of a cent Euro — US$1.1278, down 1.13 cents Oil futures: US$41.76 per barrel, down 41 cents (May contract) Gold futures: US$1,248.30 per oz., down $12.60 (June contract) Canadian Fine Silver Handy and Harman: $21.751 oz., down 3.1 cents $699.29 kg., down $1.00 ICE FUTURES CANADA WINNIPEG — ICE Futures Canada closing prices: Canola: May ‘16 $5.80 higher $479.70 July ‘16 $5.40 higher $484.90 Nov. ‘16 $4.60 higher $483.00 Jan. ‘17 $4.30 higher $487.50 March ‘17 $4.00 higher $489.00 May ‘17 $3.40 higher $488.70 July ‘17 $3.20 higher $488.70 Nov. ‘17 $3.20 higher $481.10 Jan. ‘18 $3.20 higher $481.10 March ‘18 $3.20 higher $481.10 May ‘18 $3.20 higher $481.10.

Barley (Western): May ‘16 unchanged $172.00 July ‘16 unchanged $174.00 Oct. ‘16 unchanged $174.00 Dec. ‘16 unchanged $174.00 March ‘17 unchanged $174.00 May ‘17 unchanged $174.00 July ‘17 unchanged $174.00 Oct. ‘17 unchanged $174.00 Dec. ‘17 unchanged $174.00 March ‘18 unchanged $174.00 May ‘18 unchanged $174.00.

Wednesday’s estimated volume of trade: 561,780 tonnes of canola 0 tonnes of barley (Western Barley). Total: 561,780.

Valeant CEO agrees to be deposed in Senate drug price probe

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

under review for a downgrade.

Those are just the latest headaches for a company that was a Wall Street darling as it rapidly expanded through acquisitions, driving up its stock price.

Those deals left Valeant saddled with $30 billion in debt, and it now faces three federal probes into its accounting and business practices. The intense scrutiny of Valeant’s pricing and other practices since last summer triggered repeated sell-offs of its shares.

They have lost nearly 90 per cent of their value since a peak of $263.81 last August.

The chief executive of embattled Valeant Pharmaceuticals, J. Michael Pearson, has agreed to be deposed by a Senate committee investigating the causes of soaring prescription medicine prices.

Meanwhile, the Canadian drugmaker has received a notice of default from some bond holders because it hasn’t filed a financial report due in March. That’s been delayed by a review of company accounting practices, which found Valeant prematurely reported $58 million in sales in 2014 to its former partner, mail-order pharmacy Philidor. Valeant now is revising earlier financial statements related to that.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. Tyson Czuy said the default notice 1-866-987-7707 Owner At the junction of Hwy 20 & 11A, Sylvan Lake was filed by holders of its 5.5 per cent notes due for repayment in 2023. To resolve the default, Valeant must file its 2015 financial Stock # GC2176 report by June 11, but it 383 Stroker expects to do so by April 2 Pioneer 6x9 Subs 29, the company said in a Edlebrock Intake Manifold statement.

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DavidsTea faces challenge over labour practices in the U.S.

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS MONTREAL — Canadian beverage chain DavidsTea is facing a simmering challenge in the United States over alleged use of “on-call” shifts to control labour costs. Attorneys general in New York and eight other jurisdictions have sent letters to 15 retailers, including Montreal-based DavidsTea (Nasdaq:DTEA), seeking information about their use of a scheduling practice that requires employees to call before a shift to find out if they are required to work. The letter asks DavidsTea confirm its use of the controversial scheduling practice and submit information and documents by April 25.

“Such unpredictable work schedules take a toll on employees,” said the letter dated April 12.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that on-call shifts are unfair because unpredictable work schedules make it difficult for employees to arrange reliable childcare or other pursuits while adding to stress and strain on family life. DavidsTea didn’t respond to several requests for comment. During a conference call Tuesday to discuss its quarterly results, company executives acknowledged they were working to offset wage pressures in Canada and the U.S. — particularly in California and New York — from market forces and legislative changes.

“We’re obviously looking to continue to have scheduling effectiveness and to improve and refine our staffing model but we’re not able to completely offset it,” chief financial officer Luis Borgen told analysts.

DavidsTea was reminded by officials that some U.S. states have call-in pay laws. New York state, for example, requires employers to pay at least four hours or the number of hours in the

regularly scheduled shift if it is less, at the minimum hourly wage.

“The results of this inquiry to date strongly indicate on-call shifts are not a business necessity, given that operations can be, and successfully have been, structured to address unexpected absences and unanticipated fluctuations in business volume in other ways,” added the six-page letter.

Letters were also sent to American Eagle, Aeropostale, Payless, Disney, Coach, PacSun, Forever 21, Vans, Justice Just for Girls, BCBG Maxazria, Tilly’s, Zumiez, Uniglo, and Carter’s, many of which have operations in Canada.

Following a similar effort last year, several companies, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, J.Crew, Urban Outfitters, Pier 1 Imports and the parent company of Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret ended the use of on-call shifts. In Canada, there is not a lot of data about the prevalance of on-call scheduling, said Elizabeth Kwan, senior researcher at the Canadian Labour Congress. She said it falls under the so-called “fairness issue” that’s being examined by provincial governments. The Ontario government is reviewing its labour relations and employment standards laws and is considering challenges facing workers who struggle to string together several parttime jobs to earn a living.

“People are working more and more precariously and even if it’s not on-call shifts … there are many people working in Canada that get called with very, very short notice,” Kwan said.

Unifor said it is not aware of on-call provisions in unionized workforces and believes they are uncommon overall in Canada. The private sector union said it tries to tackle scheduling issues in each of the collective agreements it negotiates and has worked to require employers to give retail workers more notice on shifts.

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THE ADVOCATE Thursday, April 14, 2016

Pats even series with Rebels

BY MURRAY CRAWFORD ADVOCATE STAFF Pats 6 Rebels 4 REGINA, Sask. — If the Red Deer Rebels can’t find some discipline, GM/head coach Brent Sutter warned ” they’ll be done here in four or five days.”

Some nights this season, the Rebels have been able to battle through multiple penalties and win games. But against the high-powered Regina Pats power play it cost them, again.

The Pats scored four goals on seven power play opportunities Wednesday, en route to a 6-4 win. The Pats have tied the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference semifinal series 2-2.

“When you’re undisciplined in your game, this is what happens in playoff time,” said Sutter. “It’s been discussed with the group for a while now, but the message hasn’t really gotten through. Now it’s up to them to what they want to do, because if they don’t want to play the right way they’ll be done here in four or five days.

“They’ve been told enough from the coaches about how it has to be done and now the leadership group has to take it and run with it.”

A five-on-three led to two of the Pats goals in the first period. With Jake DeBrusk off for high sticking and Grayson Pawlenchuk off for tripping, the Pats power play connected. Connor Hobbs scored both the five-on-three and the subsequent five-on-four power play goals.

Lane Zablocki also had two power play goals for the Pats, coming on a delay of game penalty to Austin Strand and a checking from behind penalty to Taden Rattie.

Were it not for a flurry of pressure and three goals late in the second and halfway through the third the game would not have been as close as 6-4. The Pats led 5-1 late in the second period when a scramble in front of Pats goalie Tyler Brown ended with a puck in the net.

Luke Philp was give credit for the goal, his second of the post-season. Philp would score again halfway through the third period on a power play. He got a couple of whacks at a loose puck in front of Brown before scoring.

Two goals from Philp and one from Nelson Nogier cut the lead to one goal. Cue the fierce pressure over the last eight minutes of the game with the Rebels pressing hard to tie the game.

“In the third period we were good. We didn’t have to worry about taking penalties in the third because we were skating, moving and making plays,” said Sutter. “There was urgency in their game and we were battling and we had the puck a lot.

Photo by TROY FLEECE/REGINA LEADER-POST

Regina Pats goalie Tyler Brown makes the save on a shot from Red Deer Rebels Brandon Hagel during first period WHL playoff action at the Brandt Centre in Regina on Wednesday. The Pats evened the series at 2-2 with a 6-4 win.

“You didn’t have to worry about taking penalties, lazy penalties 200 feet from our net.”

But with Rylan Toth pulled from the net, Sanford iced the game with an empty netter and put an end to the Rebels comeback.

Trevor Martin got the start in net for the Rebels, but after surrendering four goals on 22 shots, he was pulled in favour of Toth, who hasn’t played since Feb. 17 due to injury. He stopped nine of the 10 shots he faced.

Brown made several key saves including a quick glove with five minutes to go, maintaining the one

goal lead. Brown made 44 saves in the win.

The series now returns to Red Deer on Friday with game 5 at the Enmax Centrium. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.

Notes: The Pats remain undefeated at home in the post-season with two wins of the Rebels and two wins over the Lethbridge Hurricanes … After a three point game on Tuesday, Michael Spacek was placed on the starting line with Jake DeBrusk and Brandon Hagel … Colton Bobyk was out of the lineup serving a two game suspension, in his place midget callup Carson Sass to make his WHL playoff debut.

BLUE JAYS’ BATS BANG OUT WIN OVER YANKEES

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Patric Hornqvist gets the puck past New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist for a goal during the first period of a first-round NHL playoff game in Pittsburgh, Wednesday.

Hornqvist hat trick pushes Penguins past Rangers

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS Penguins 5 Rangers 2 PITTSBURGH — Jeff Zatkoff knew he’d be starting his first ever NHL playoff game well before even his teammates or seemingly anyone in Pittsburgh.

Zatkoff made 35 saves as the Penguins beat the New York Rangers 5-2 on Wednesday night in Game 1 of their first round playoff series. The Detroit native stood in brilliantly for usual No. 1 Marc-Andre Fleury in a game that also saw Rangers first stringer Henrik Lundqvist lost to injury.

“He was probably our best player,” Penguins forward Patric Hornqvist said of Zatkoff.

Hornqvist also excelled in the Penguins victory, scoring his first career playoff hat trick which helped give Pittsburgh an early 1-0 series lead.

Pittsburgh’s third-string goaltender found out he was playing Game 1 after a text message from Fleury on Tuesday night. That’s well before Zatkoff’s teammates, who were informed about two hours before game time and well before the Rangers. New York prepared for the game as if Fleury would be starting.

The Penguins purposefully pushed that theory forward with Fleury occupying the starter’s net at Wednesday’s morning skate. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan played coy about the status of his injured goaltender, who has been absent since the end of March with a concussion.

“We didn’t want to reveal who we were going to play and give our opponents an opportunity to prepare for them,” Sullivan said.

Fleury’s availability was made more urgent by the absence of backup Matt Murray, who was injured in the final game of the regular season and unavailable to play.

Zatkoff excelled in just his 30th career NHL start.

A Los Angeles Kings third round draft pick from 2006, Zatkoff’s best work came early. He was the difference in a first period that was mostly controlled by the visiting Rangers. New York had 12 of the first 15 shots, turned aside at every point by the Penguins goalie.

Zatkoff rarely seemed fazed by the moment of his somewhat surprising appearance. There was a quick right pad stop on J.T. Miller less than three minutes in and an even better blocker save on Jimmy Hayes moments after that. The New York forward pounced on a rebound opportunity from inside the right faceoff circle.

“It’s not an easy situation to come into,” said Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, who had a goal and two assists.

“We kind of had a slow start, (the Rangers) tested him a lot early and he made some big saves.”

Zatkoff said the early work gave him an opportunity to quickly settle into the game. The nerves one would expect of someone in his position dissipated, he added, right after puck-drop.

Wednesday’s appearance was only the sixth in the last 4 ½ months for Zatkoff. Zatkoff’s last start prior to Game 1 came on Feb. 20 with his last victory coming on Feb. 6.

He managed to stay sharp without playing time by working daily with Pittsburgh goalie coach Mike Bales. A relief in the Penguins regular season finale after Murray went down also helped.

“It’s funny how this game works because you never know when opportunity might present itself,” Sullivan said. “And (Zatkoff) is the kind of guy that made sure he prepares himself so if and when that opportunity presents itself he can be at his best and I think that’s what we saw tonight.”

Murray Crawford, Sports Reporter, 403-314-4338 E-mail mcrawford@reddeeradvocate.com

>>>>

Blue Jays 7 Yankees 2 TORONTO — The Toronto Blue Jays turned back the clock Wednesday night, delivering a performance that was reminiscent of the squad that reached the playoffs last year.

Starter J.A. Happ worked six solid innings and the Toronto offence broke open a tight game with a fourrun eighth inning in a 7-2 victory over the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre.

Ryan Goins had two of Toronto’s six doubles as the Blue Jays (4-5) matched a season-high with seven runs. Jose Bautista and Michael Saunders had two hits apiece as Toronto outhit New York 10-8.

The offensive outburst and solid pitching effort should help cool the intensity of the sports radio call-in shows in the city. Even though the season is only in its second week, fans have been quick to voice their concern about the team’s slow start.

“We were eight games into the season and people around us — not these 25 guys in here — but people around us kind of panicked a bit,” Goins said. “I don’t think anybody in this locker-room has panicked one bit. We know we’re a great lineup and we’re going to score runs.”

Happ (1-0) continued the impressive start to the campaign by Toronto’s starting rotation, allowing one earned run and seven hits. Blue Jays starters have held the opposition to three earned runs or less in seven of nine games.

The Toronto bullpen has struggled with an 0-4 record and 4.35 earned-run average entering Wednesday’s game. But the relievers came through with three impressive innings, a Mark Teixeira solo shot off Drew Storen the lone hiccup on the evening.

“It was just a good all-around game,” said Blue Jays manager John Gibbons. “You play these teams in your division and you need to beat them. That was an important game for us.”

Happ allowed the leadoff man to reach in a few innings but was able to keep things in check. He put two runners on in the sixth before getting Ronald Torreyes on a nasty curveball to cap his evening.

“I critique myself and I’m pretty hard on myself sometimes,” Happ said. “But I think the best thing about tonight was being able to make some pitches in big situations and try to minimize the damage there.”

Brett Cecil and switch-pitcher Pat Verditte, who was called up earlier in the day from triple-A Buffalo, both had 1-2-3 frames for Toronto.

Yankees starter Michael Pineda (1-1) allowed two earned runs, five hits and three walks over six innings.

Goins drove in the game’s opening run in the second inning when he doubled to plate Russell Martin, who had reached on a walk. The Yankees evened the score in the fifth but the Blue Jays tacked on two more runs in the bottom half.

Teixeira’s third homer of the season made it a one-run game. His solo shot hit the foul screen in right field.

Toronto answered by working over reliever Ivan Nova, who gave up five hits and four earned runs in the eighth.

Josh Donaldson and Bautista hit back-to-back doubles and the slumping Troy Tulowitzki chipped in with an RBI single. Saunders doubled, Martin added a sacrifice fly and Goins tacked on a single as the Blue Jays put the game out of reach.

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THE ADVOCATE B2

SCOREBOARD THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016

Hockey

Local Sports (pp).

10. Regina, Sanford 6 (Leschyshyn, Steel) 18:42 (en).

Penalties — Williams Reg (high-sticking) 10:05 Fleury RD (roughing) 18:59.

Shots on goal Red Deer 16 13 19 — 48 Regina 12 14 7 — 33 Goal (shots-saves) — Red Deer: Martin (22-18) Toth (L, 0-1)(10-9) Regina: Brown (W, 6-3).

Power plays (goals-chances) — Red Deer: 1-2 Regina: 4- 6.

EASTERN CONFERENCE East Division Brandon (1) vs. Moose Jaw (3) (Brandon leads series 3-1) Wednesday’s result Brandon 6 Moose Jaw 2 Tuesday’s result Moose Jaw 7 Brandon 1 Friday’s game Moose Jaw at Brandon, 7:30 p.m.

NHL Playoffs FIRST ROUND (Best-of-7)

Central Division Red Deer (2) vs. Regina (WC1) (series tied 2-2) Wednesday’s result Regina 6 Red Deer 4 Tuesday’s result Regina 6 Red Deer 3 Friday’s game Regina at Red Deer, 7 p.m.

Sunday’s game x-Red Deer at Regina, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Apr. 19 x-Regina at Red Deer, 7 p.m.

EASTERN CONFERENCE Florida vs. N.Y. Islanders Thursday, April 14: N.Y. Islanders at Florida, 6 p.m.

Friday, April 15: N.Y. Islanders at Florida, 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 17: Florida at N.Y. Islanders, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 20: Florida at N.Y. Islanders, 6 p.m.

Tampa Bay 1, Detroit 0 Wednesday, April 13: Tampa Bay 3, Detroit 2 Friday, April 15: Detroit at Tampa Bay, 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 17: Tampa Bay at Detroit, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 19: Tampa Bay at Detroit, 5 p.m.

WESTERN CONFERENCE B.C. Division Victoria (1) vs. Kelowna (2) (Victoria leads series 2-1) Tuesday’s result Kelowna 3 Victoria 2 Saturday’s result Victoria 3 Kelowna 2 Thursday’s game Victoria at Kelowna, 8:05 p.m.

Friday’s game Kelowna at Victoria, 8:05 p.m.

Washington vs. Philadelphia Thursday, April 14: Philadelphia at Washington, 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 16: Philadelphia at Washington, 5 p.m.

Monday, April 18: Washington at Philadelphia, 5 p.m.

Wednesday, April 20: Washington at Philadelphia, 5 p.m.

Pittsburgh 1, N.Y. Rangers 0 Wednesday, April 13: Pittsburgh 5, N.Y. Rangers 2 Saturday, April 16: N.Y. Rangers at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Tuesday, April 19: Pittsburgh at N.Y. Rangers, 5 p.m.

Thursday, April 21: Pittsburgh at N.Y. Rangers, TBD

U.S. Division Seattle (1) vs. Everett (2) (Seattle leads series 2-1) Wednesday’s result Seattle 5 Everett 0 Sunday’s result Seattle 3 Everett 1 Friday’s game Seattle at Everett, 8:35 p.m.

Saturday’s game Everett at Seattle, 8:05 p.m.

Wednesday’s summary Pats 6, Rebels 4 First Period 1. Red Deer, Strand 1, 13:13.

2. Regina, Hobbs 3 (Brooks, Sanford) 17:18 (pp).

3. Regina, Hobbs 4 (Williams, Brooks) 18:42 (pp).

Penalties — DeBrusk RD (tripping) 6:08 DeBrusk RD (high-sticking) 15:22 Pawlenchuk RD (tripping) 16:54 Mahura RD, Leschyshyn Reg (roughing) 20:00.

Second Period 4. Regina, Smith 1 (Steel, Richards) 4:05.

5. Regina, Zablocki 4 (Harrison) 12:18 (pp).

6. Regina, Zablocki 5 (Harrison) 17:07 (pp).

7. Red Deer, Philp 2 (DeBrusk, Pawlenchuk) 19:37.

Penalties — Freadrich Reg (tripping) 4:37 Strand RD (delay of game) 10:38 Rattie RD (checking from behind) 16:30.

Third Period 8. Red Deer, Nogier 2 (DeBrusk, Pawlenchuk) 4:06.

9. Red Deer, Philp 3 (DeBrusk, Helewka) 10:38

WESTERN CONFERENCE Dallas vs. Minnesota Thursday, April 14: Minnesota at Dallas, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 16: Minnesota at Dallas, 6 p.m.

Monday, April 18: Dallas at Minnesota, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 20: Dallas at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m.

St. Louis 1, Chicago 0 Wednesday, April 13: St. Louis 1, Chicago 0, OT Friday, April 15: Chicago at St. Louis, 6 p.m.

Sunday, April 17: St. Louis at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Tuesday, April 19: St. Louis at Chicago, 7:30 p.m.

Anaheim vs. Nashville Friday, April 15: Nashville at Anaheim, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 17: Nashville at Anaheim, 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 19: Anaheim at Nashville, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 21: Anaheim at Nashville, 6 p.m.

Los Angeles vs. San Jose Thursday, April 14: San Jose at Los Angeles, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 16: San Jose at Los Angeles, 8:30 p.m.

Monday, April 18: Los Angeles at San Jose, 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 20: Los Angeles at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday’s summary Blues 1, Blackhawks 0 (1st OT) First Period No Scoring.

Penalties — Svedberg Chi (stick holding) 3:20 Bouwmeester StL (tripping) 13:17 Steen StL (hooking) 15:24 Gunnarsson StL (hooking) 16:49 Seabrook Chi (interference) 18:38.

Second Period No Scoring.

Penalties — Rozsival Chi (interference) 3:13 Mashinter Chi (tripping) 18:41.

Third Period No Scoring.

Penalties — Fabbri StL (tripping) 1:23.

First Overtime 1. St. Louis, Backes 1 (Bouwmeester, Pietrangelo) 9:04.

Penalties — Parayko StL (delay of game) :07.

Shots on goal Chicago 11 9 8 7 — 35 St. Louis 4 10 2 2 — 18 Goal — Chicago: Crawford (L, 0-1-0). St. Louis: Elliott (W, 1-0-0).

Power plays (goals-chances) — Chicago: 0-5 St. Louis: 0-4.

ALLAN CUP Canadian Men’s Senior AAA Championship At Steinbach, Man. ROUND ROBIN Division A Team GP W L T GF GA Pt Windsor 2 2 0 0 7 5 4 South East 2 1 1 0 6 4 2 Shellbrook 2 0 2 0 2 6 0 Division B Team GP W L T GF GA Pt Bentley 2 2 0 0 12 5 4 Ile-des-Chenes 2 1 1 0 11 7 2 Stoney Creek 2 0 2 0 5 16 0

GB — 2 1/2 3 3 1/2 4 GB — — 1/2 2 6 GB — 1/2 1 1/2 2 2

Tuesday’s Games Detroit 8, Pittsburgh 2 N.Y. Yankees 3, Toronto 2 Baltimore 9, Boston 5 Tampa Bay 5, Cleveland 1 Kansas City 3, Houston 2 L.A. Angels 5, Oakland 4 Texas 8, Seattle 0 Wednesday’s Games L.A. Angels 5, Oakland 1 Seattle 4, Texas 2, 10 innings Detroit 7, Pittsburgh 3 Toronto 7, N.Y. Yankees 2 Boston 4, Baltimore 2 Cleveland 4, Tampa Bay 1 Chicago White Sox 3, Minnesota 0 Kansas City 4, Houston 2 Thursday’s Games Detroit (Zimmermann 1-0) at Pittsburgh (Cole 0-1),

10:35 a.m.

Chicago White Sox (Latos 1-0) at Minnesota (E.Santana 0-0), 11:10 a.m.

Cleveland (Salazar 1-0) at Tampa Bay (Archer 0-2), 11:10 a.m.

N.Y. Yankees (Eovaldi 0-0) at Toronto (Stroman 1-0), 5:07 p.m.

Baltimore (Tillman 1-0) at Texas (Hamels 2-0), 6:05 p.m.

Kansas City (Kennedy 1-0) at Houston (Fister 1-0), 6:10 p.m.

Tuesday’s games Grand Falls-Windsor 4 South East 3 Bentley 8 Stoney Creek 3 South East 3 Shellbrook 0 PLAYOFFS Thursday’s games Quarter-finals Ile-des-Chenes vs. Shellbrook, 3 p.m.

South East vs. Stoney Creek, 7 p.m.

Friday’s games Semifinals Grand Falls-Windsor vs. Quarter-final Winner, 3 or 7 p.m.

Bentley vs. Quarter-final Winner, 3 or 7 p.m.

Saturday’s game Championship Semifinal Winners, TBA Teams: Bentley Generals (Pacific), Shellbrook Elks (Saskatchewan), Ile-des-Chenes North Stars (Manitoba), Stoney Creek Generals (Central), Grand Falls-Windsor Cataracts (Atlantic), South East Prairie Thunder (Host).

Friday’s Games Seattle at N.Y. Yankees, 5:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox at Tampa Bay, 5:10 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at Cleveland, 5:10 p.m.

Toronto at Boston, 5:10 p.m.

Baltimore at Texas, 6:05 p.m.

Detroit at Houston, 6:10 p.m.

L.A. Angels at Minnesota, 6:10 p.m.

Kansas City at Oakland, 8:05 p.m.

Washington Philadelphia Miami New York Atlanta

National League East Division W L Pct 6 1 .857 4 5 .444 3 4 .429 3 5 .375 0 8 .000

GB — 3 3 3 1/2 6 1/2

Chicago Cincinnati Pittsburgh Milwaukee St. Louis

Central Division W L Pct 7 1 .875 5 3 .625 5 4 .556 4 4 .500 4 4 .500

GB — 2 2 1/2 3 3

West Division W L Pct 6 3 .667 4 4 .500 4 4 .500 3 5 .375

GB — 1 1/2 1 1/2 2 1/2

San Francisco Colorado Los Angeles Arizona

San Diego

3

6

.333

3

Tuesday’s Games Detroit 8, Pittsburgh 2 Arizona 4, L.A. Dodgers 2 Washington 2, Atlanta 1 Philadelphia 3, San Diego 0 Miami 2, N.Y. Mets 1 San Francisco 7, Colorado 2 Wednesday’s Games N.Y. Mets 2, Miami 1 Washington 3, Atlanta 0 Detroit 7, Pittsburgh 3 Philadelphia 2, San Diego 1 Chicago Cubs 9, Cincinnati 2 Milwaukee 6, St. Louis 4 Colorado 10, San Francisco 6 Arizona at L.A. Dodgers, late Thursday’s Games Detroit (Zimmermann 1-0) at Pittsburgh (Cole 0-1), 10:35 a.m.

San Diego (Pomeranz 1-0) at Philadelphia (Velasquez 1-0), 11:05 a.m.

Milwaukee (W.Peralta 0-2) at St. Louis (J.Garcia 0-0), 11:45 a.m.

San Francisco (M.Cain 0-0) at Colorado (J.De La Rosa 0-1), 1:10 p.m.

Atlanta (Teheran 0-1) at Washington (Strasburg 1-0), 2:05 p.m.

Cincinnati (R.Iglesias 1-0) at Chicago Cubs (Hammel 0-0), 6:05 p.m.

Arizona (Ray 0-0) at L.A. Dodgers (Stripling 0-0), 8:10 p.m.

Friday’s Games Colorado at Chicago Cubs, 12:20 p.m.

Milwaukee at Pittsburgh, 5:05 p.m.

Washington at Philadelphia, 5:05 p.m.

Atlanta at Miami, 5:10 p.m.

N.Y. Mets at Cleveland, 5:10 p.m.

Cincinnati at St. Louis, 6:15 p.m.

San Francisco at L.A. Dodgers, 8:10 p.m.

Arizona at San Diego, 8:40 p.m.

Generals edge North Star to earn spot in Allan Cup semifinals

BY ADVOCATE STAFF Generals 4 North Stars 3 STEINBACH, Man. — Battling back from a one goal deficit in the third period, the Bentley Generals earned a semifinal berth with a 4-3 win over the Ile-des-Chenes North Stars in Allan Cup round robin play.

Matt Stefanishion again led the Generals with two goals, giving him five through the first two games of the tournament. He scored the game winning goal with less than two minutes to play in regulation.

Local BRIEFS Bentley girls sweep Notre dame in high school handball action Bentley had a big showing at the third night of league play in the Central Alberta Handball League.

The girls teams beat both Notre Dame 1 and 2 by scores of 25-18 and 26-15 respectively. The boys team knocked off Notre Dame 2 26-23, but lost 24-19 to Notre Dame 1.

In the other girls match, Lindsay Thurber beat Hunting Hills 18-6.

On the boys side, Lindsay Thurber topped Hunting Hills 18-17, Hunting Hills and Wetaskiwin tied at 15-15 and Lindsay Thurber beat Wetaskiwin 1310.

After three weeks of action, Lindsay Thurber sits atop the girls division while Notre Dame 1 leads the boys division.

The fourth week of action is on April 19 starting at 4:15 p.m. at both Notre Dame and Hunting Hills high schools.

This weekend is the third annual Cougar Classic Handball Tournament

Ian Schultz had a goal and an assist while Alex MacLeod scored the other Generals goal.

The Generals led 2-1 after the first period, but fell behind 3-2 as the North Stars responded with two goals of their own in the second period.

Generals goalie made 30 saves in the win, while the Generals got 37 shots on North Stars goalie Ryan Person.

The win puts the Generals in first place in their division and vaults them straight into the semifinal of the tournament. They will next play on Friday at 7 p.m.

at Notre Dame High School with games starting on Friday at 8 a.m. and going until 9 p.m. and then again on Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m. until 5:45 p.m.

Pink Panthers book ticket to final with win Hoosier Daddy and the Pink Panthers were winners in Red Deer Women’s Basketball playoffs earlier this week.

Hoosier Daddy topped Funk 46-42 in Pool A action. Alyssa Babe was named player of the game while Mallory Jones had 19 points.

Nicholas Fischer was named player of the game for Funk while Lindsay Grimbly led the team with 15 points.

In Pool B, Pink Panthers defeated Age Gap 49-28 and will play in the final on April 18. Amy Archibald led the Pink Panthers with 13 points and was named her team’s player of the game.

Taylor led Age Gap with nine points while Crystal Gustow was player of the game.

Wells Furniture take home division 2 men’s basketball championship Wells Furniture won the Central Alberta Mens Basketball Association division 2 final Tuesday with a 70-46 victory over Henry’s Eavestroughing.

● Central Alberta Men’s Basketball: Division 3 best-of-three game 3 (if necessary) Triple A Batteries vs. Johns Manville, 7:15 p.m. and Division 1 bestof-three game 3 (if necessary) Grandview All Stars vs. Washed Up Warriors, 8:30 p.m. Lindsay Thurber

Friday ● WHL: Regina Pats at Red Deer Rebels,

game 5, 7 p.m., Centrium ● Calgary and Area Midget Football: Calgary Broncos at Prairie Fire, 7:30 p.m., ME Global, Lacombe

Sunday ● WHL: Red Deer Rebels at Regina Pats, game 6, 4 p.m., The Drive. - if necessary. ● Esso Cup; Wayburn, Saskatchewan, Rocky Mountain House Raiders vs.

Brantford Ice Cats, 3:30 p.m.

Basketball National Basketball Association EASTERN CONFERENCE W L Pct GB z-Cleveland 57 25 .695 — y-Toronto 56 26 .683 1 x-Boston 48 34 .585 9 y-Miami 48 34 .585 9 x-Atlanta 48 34 .585 9 x-Charlotte 48 34 .585 9 x-Indiana 45 37 .549 12 x-Detroit 44 38 .537 13 Chicago 42 40 .512 15 Washington 41 41 .500 16 Orlando 35 47 .427 22 Milwaukee 33 49 .402 24 New York 32 50 .390 25 Brooklyn 21 61 .256 36 Philadelphia 10 72 .122 47

New Orleans 30 Minnesota 29 Phoenix 22 L.A. Lakers 16 x-clinched playoff spot y-clinched division z-clinched conference

52 53 59 65

.366 .354 .272 .198

42 1/2 43 1/2 50 56

Tuesday’s Games Indiana 102, New York 90 Toronto 122, Philadelphia 98 Miami 99, Detroit 93 San Antonio 102, Oklahoma City 98, OT L.A. Clippers 110, Memphis 84

WESTERN CONFERENCE W L Pct GB z-Golden State 72 9 .889 — y-San Antonio 67 15 .817 5 1/2 y-Oklahoma City 55 27 .671 17 1/2 x-L.A. Clippers 53 28 .654 19 x-Portland 43 38 .531 29 x-Memphis 42 39 .519 30 x-Dallas 42 40 .512 30 1/2 x-Houston 41 41 .500 31 1/2 Utah 40 41 .494 32 Denver 33 48 .407 39 Sacramento 33 49 .402 39 1/2

Wednesday’s games Bentley 4 Ile-des-Chenes 3 Grand Falls-Windsor 3 Shellbrook 2 End of Round Robin

Baseball Major League Baseball American League East Division W L Pct Baltimore 7 1 .875 New York 4 3 .571 Boston 4 4 .500 Toronto 4 5 .444 Tampa Bay 3 5 .375 Central Division W L Pct Chicago 6 2 .750 Kansas City 6 2 .750 Detroit 5 2 .714 Cleveland 3 3 .500 Minnesota 0 8 .000 West Division W L Pct Los Angeles 5 4 .556 Texas 5 5 .500 Oakland 4 6 .400 Houston 3 6 .333 Seattle 3 6 .333

Today

Wednesday’s Games Chicago 115, Philadelphia 105 Minnesota 144, New Orleans 109 Indiana 97, Milwaukee 92 Houston 116, Sacramento 81 San Antonio 96, Dallas 91 Detroit 112, Cleveland 110, OT Toronto 103, Brooklyn 96 Boston 98, Miami 88 Washington 109, Atlanta 98 Charlotte 117, Orlando 103 Memphis at Golden State, late Utah at L.A. Lakers, late L.A. Clippers at Phoenix, late Denver at Portland, late end of regular season

Transactions BASEBALL American League BOSTON RED SOX — Placed 3B Pablo Sandoval on the 15-day DL, retroactive to April 11. Selected the contract of INF Josh Rutledge from Pawtucket (IL). Agreed to terms with LHP Wesley Wright on a minor league contract.

CLEVELAND INDIANS — Sent OF Michael Brantley to Columbus (IL) for a rehab assignment.

DETROIT TIGERS — Sent RHP Alex Wilson and OF Cameron Maybin to Toledo (IL) for a rehab assignment.

MINNESOTA TWINS — Placed LHP Glen Perkins on the 15-day DL, retroactive to April 11. Recalled LHP Taylor Rogers from Rochester (IL).

NEW YORK YANKEES — Signed 1B-OF Nick Swisher to a minor league contract.

TEXAS RANGERS — Recalled LHP Alex Claudio from Round Rock (PCL). Optioned RHP Phil Klein to Round Rock. Reinstated RHP Luke Jackson from the 15-day DL and optioned him to Round Rock.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS — Designated RHP Arnold Leon for assignment. Recalled L/RHP Pat Venditte from Buffalo (IL). Agreed to a two-year extension of their affiliation with Buffalo (IL), through the 2018 season.

National League ATLANTA BRAVES — Placed OF Hector Olivera on the restricted list. Recalled INF Daniel Castro from Gwinnett (IL). Transferred LHP Jesse Biddle from the 15- to the 60-day DL. CINCINNATI REDS — Sent RHP Jon Moscot to Louisville (IL) for a rehab assignment.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES — Designated OF/1B Michael Morse for assignment. Assigned INF Pedro Florimon outright to Indianapolis (IL). RHP John Holdzkom cleared unconditional release waivers and is a free agent. Selected the contract of RHP A.J. Schugel from Indianapolis.

SAN DIEGO PADRES — Returned RHP Josh Martin to Cleveland.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association DETROIT PISTONS — Signed G Lorenzo Brown.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES — Fired interim coach Sam Mitchell.

FOOTBALL National Football League CLEVELAND BROWNS — Claimed TE Chase Ford off waivers from Baltimore.

DALLAS COWBOYS — Re-signed S Jeff Heath.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS — Named John Park football research/analytics director.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS — Released LBs Terrance Plummer and Alex Singleton.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — Released DL Dominique Easley.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS — Signed CB Greg Toler to a one-year contract.

Canadian Football League WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS — Released QB Quentin Williams, RB Martese Jackson and WR Evan Pszczonak.

HOCKEY National Hockey League LOS ANGELES KINGS — Assigned F Nic Dowd and D Kevin Gravel to Ontario (OHL).

MINNESOTA WILD — Signed F Alex Tuch to a three-year, entry-level contract.

NEW YORK RANGERS — Recalled F Marek Hrivik from Hartford (AHL).

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS — Signed F Nazem Kadri and D Morgan Rielly to six-year contracts.

American Hockey League CHICAGO WOLVES — Signed D Nick Petrecki to a professional tryout agreement. Released D Jared Nightingale from his professional tryout agreement and F Mark Cooper from his amateur tryout agreement.

GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS — Signed F Alex Globke to a one-year contract.

SAN DIEGO GULLS — Signed LW Kevin Roy and RW Deven Sideroff to amateur tryout agreements.

PLAYER’S CHAMPIONSHIP CURLING

Kevin Koe tied for tops in Pool A World champion Kevin Koe is one of four curlers to start off the Grand Slam of Curling Players’ Championship with a perfect 2-0 record.

His Calgary rink beat Charley Thomas 6-4 in Draw 3 before downing Glenn Howard by an identical score in Draw 5 later Wednesday night.

Koe, who won the men’s world curling title last week in Basel, Switzerland, scored three in the seventh end to take a three point lead. Howard, from Penetanguishene, Ont., came back to score one in the eighth but it wasn’t enough.

Joining Koe atop the Pool A standings is Brad Jacobs.

Jacobs, of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., picked up his second win of the tournament when he beat Winnipeg’s Reid Carruthers 6-2 in Draw 5.

The 2014 Winter Olympics gold medallist had a deuce in the fourth end and extended his lead over Carruthers with three in the sixth before the two sides shook hands. Jacobs beat Howard 6-4 earlier in the day.

Brad Gushue and Steve Laycock are tied for first in Pool B with 2-0 records. Laycock routed Winnipeg’s Mike McEwen 7-1 Wednesday night. The Saskatoon native scored deuces in the third and sixth ends while adding singles in the fourth and fifth ends to blow the game open.

In other Draw 5 action, Sweden’s Niklas Edin got into the win column by toppling Calgary’s Charley Thomas 6-4.

Edmonton’s Kelsey Rocque beat Scotland’s Eve Muirhead 8-5 in the lone women’s match in Draw 5. Rocque scored five in the sixth end to put the game out of reach.

Both Rocque and Muirhead have 1-1 records in Pool B.

The win, their second of the series, clinched the title.

Dave Mccomish led Wells with 21 points while Brook Doan had 12. For

Henry’s Thomas B. had 9 points while Dan West had eight.

Wells had previously beat Henry’s 64-56.

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WHL 2016 Playoffs Second Round DIVISION FINALS (Best-of-7)

SPORTS

Thursday, April 14, 2016

B3

Lightning strike first in series with Wings

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Lightning 3 Red Wings 2 TAMPA, Fla. — When one go-ahead goal was disallowed, the Tampa Bay Lightning kept charging and got another.

Nikita Kucherov scored twice and Alex Killorn snapped a third-period tie with his 11th career playoff goal Wednesday night, giving the defending Eastern Conference champions a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings in Game 1 of their first-round series.

Ben Bishop had 34 saves for the Lightning, who got the winner from Killorn less than two minutes after a potential go-ahead goal was waived off when Detroit coach Jeff Blashill successfully challenged that Tampa Bay was offsides before Victor Hedman scored. “”We were ready for it,” Lightning forward Tyler Johnson said about the overtuned goal. “On the bench, it was ‘Keep going!’ And we did.”

“Not one ounce,” of panic, Lightning coach Jon Cooper added. “Guys weren’t rattled. … Our response after that was outstanding.”

Johnson, playing after hitting his head on the boards and sitting out part of Tampa Bay’s regular season finale at Montreal, picked up a loose puck along the boards and fed Killorn, who deflected the puck past goalie Jimmy Howard at 8:52 of the third.

Kucherov scored in the first and second periods and also assisted on the winner.

“We did a great job coming back,” Killorn said.

“The goal by Kuch really helped us going into the third.”

Mike Green and Justin Abdelkader scored for Detroit, which outshot the Lightning 36-34 but had few real scoring opportunities in the physical game after taking a 2-1 lead in the second period.

Bishop, who led the NHL in goalsagainst average and was second in save percentage, stopped five shots in the final 1:07 to seal the victory.

Game 2 of the best-of-7 series is Friday night at Amalie Arena.

“We’ve got to make sure that we focus on beyond the result. We’ve got to focus on Game 2,” Blashill, Detroit’s first-year coach, said. “And focusing on Game 2, I think there’s things to build off here and things to get better at.”

This is the second straight season Detroit and Tampa Bay have met in the opening round. The Lightning advanced in seven games in launching a run to their second Stanley Cup final appearance, and it doesn’t figure to be any easier this year with leading goal scorer Steven Stamkos and defenceman Anton Stralman out with injuries.

The teams split four meetings during the regular season, each winning twice at home.

It took the Red Wings less than two minutes to turn a 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead, with Green scoring his 10th goal in 72 career playoff games at 2:11 of the second period, and Abdelkader beating Bishop 1:56 later with a shot through traffic that cleared the goalie’s right shoulder.

Kucherov’s second goal of the night — 13th in 29 career playoff games — made it 2-2 midway through the second period.

When Hedman appeared to break the tie with a shot from the slot that climbed over Howard, Blashill imme-

Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin picks up a loose puck in front of Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard and defenseman Alexei Marchenko during Game 1 in a first round NHL Stanley Cup playoff series Wednesday, in Tampa, Fla. The Lightning won 3-2. diately questioned whether the Lightning should have been called for offsides. Replays clearly showed Tampa Bay was, however the Red Wings were unable to take advantage.

“When a goal gets called back like that, you would like to (capitalize),” Blashill said. “In the end, it was still a tight game and we had opportunities to go win the hockey game, and we didn’t

win it.”

Meanwhile, the Red Wings went 0 for 5 on the power play.

“We created chances. I thought we had some good ones, but you always want to see at least one goal there,” Detroit’s Henrik Zetterberg said.

“There were a few where we only had a few seconds on the power play, but that’s how it goes.”

Blues edge Blackhawks in overtime to take series opener Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Blues 1 Blackhawks 0 (OT) ST. LOUIS — David Backes scored at 9:04 of overtime on a shot that deflected off a Chicago Blackhawks defenceman, and the St. Louis Blues took the series opener 1-0 over the defending Stanley Cup champions on Wednesday night.

Backes’ shot got past Corey Crawford after bouncing off Trevor Van Riemsdyk’s skate.

Defencemen Jay Bouwmeester and Alex Pietrangelo assisted on the winner.

Brian Elliott earned his first career playoff shutout. Elliott, who led the NHL with a .930 save percentage, made 35 saves to thwart a lineup led by scoring champion Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. He made just his second playoff start in three seasons off an impressive finish, going 11-1 in his final 14 starts.

The Blues had 10 shutouts during the regular season, seven of them on the road. Jake Allen had six of the shutouts.

St. Louis cruised into the post-season with the third-best record in the NHL, winning eight of its last 10 games.

The Blues opened their previous series against the Blackhawks with a pair of overtime victories, with Alexander Steen getting the winner in tri-

Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews misses the puck as he tries to pass after being knocked to the ice

by St. Louis Blues center Paul Stastny during the second period of Game 1 of an NHL Stanley Cup first-round playoff series, Wednesday, in St. Louis. The Blues won 1-0 in overtime.

ple overtime in the opener. But Chicago won the last four, two in overtime.

The Blackhawks were 4-1 in overtime last season in the playoffs, including a double-overtime win at Nashville in Game 1 of their opening series.

This was the Blues’ first 1-0 playoff

Raptors rest starters, beat Nets in final regular season game

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Raptors 103 Nets 96 NEW YORK — With Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan not around, a rookie was one of the most experienced players for the Toronto Raptors.

Norman Powell may be carrying a Disney princess backpack as a firstyear player’s initiation, but he’s got 24 starts in the NBA. And he gave the Raptors all the leadership they needed Wednesday night.

Powell scored a career-high 30 points and the Raptors wrapped up the best regular season in franchise history by beating the Brooklyn Nets 103-96.

With the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference already secured, the Raptors didn’t even bring All-Star guards Lowry and DeRozan, plus Jonas Valanciunas, James Johnson and DeMarre Carroll to the game.

So Bruno Caboclo, Lucas Nogueria, and Delon Wright all made their first starts and quickly trailed 12-0 and 21-4.

“I was just trying to talk to them, help them out in a way I saw because I know how it feels to be getting that first start and being just thrown into the fire like that,” Powell said. “So it was tough first couple of minutes, but

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calmed everybody down and we just focused on making plays.”

The Raptors finished 56-26 after coming into the season as the only NBA team that had never previously even won 50. They will open the post-season at home against the No. 7 seed Indiana Pacers this weekend, and coach Dwane Casey said the victory was important to keep the momentum going into it.

“You want to go in with positive vibe, with your defence playing a certain way, your offence playing a certain way,” Casey said. “You don’t want to go in the way we started the game, and so the positives always outweigh the negatives and winning is always a positive.”

Powell added nine rebounds and five assists, while Terrence Ross had 24 points and 10 rebounds. Wright scored 18 points.

Bojan Bogdanovic scored 29 points for the Nets, who lost their final 10 games and finished 21-61.

“Somebody’s got to lose. It just so happened to be us. We just figure that out,” rookie Rondae Hollis-Jefferson said.

Powell responded from his scoreless first quarter by making all six shots, including four 3-pointers, in a 16-point second.

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game since losing May 4, 2013, in Game 3 of the first round at Los Angeles, and their first 1-0 overtime playoff game since April 8, 2004, a loss in Game 1 of the first round at San Jose.

The Blues were at full strength for the first time all season after Back-

es and Allen were cleared from lower-body injuries.

Elliott had the best save in the first two periods, stopping Toews on a breakaway near the midway point.

Blues penalty killers were busy in the scoreless first period, surviving three minors in a span of 3:32 and 36 seconds of a two-man advantage. The Blackhawks had an 11-4 advantage in shots, but St. Louis had several good chances that missed the net.

NOTES: The Blues are 32-29 in playoff overtime games, including 24-12 at home. The Blackhawks are 54-43-2 and 24-25-1 on the road. … Blackhawks defenceman Duncan Keith served the final game of a six-game suspension for high-sticking. … Chicago has 73 playoff victories since 2009, most in the NHL. … Blackhawks F Andrew Ladd, who had returned to Chicago to be with his pregnant wife, made it back in time to play.

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THE ADVOCATE Thursday, April 14, 2016

The road less travelled BOB SCAMMELL OUTDOORS Like the proverbial road to hell, the rampant ravaging of scenic side roads is paved with good intentions.

For some time now, a controversy has been boiling over the County of Red Deer clearing trees along both sides of a graveled 3 km. stretch of scenic Range Road 282 running between Hwys. 11 and 11A about 5 km. west of Red Deer. People who live along the road and many others in the area are outraged, particularly over the felling and mulching of a scenic and historic line of stately black poplars that gave the Poplar Ridge district its name.

The County of Red Deer at least acknowledged the beauty of this stretch of a “road less travelled,” and agreed to spare some of the poplars. But the simmering brouhaha came to a boil again when residents felt that more trees were being trashed than they understood would be.

County mayor, Jim Wood, acknowledged that misunderstandings can happen, then got into the good intentions that drive the destruction. The foliage had grown so thickly along the sides of the road, Wood said, that vehicles could not pass without scratching their paint (?) that it was difficult to see to turn safely onto the road, or to avoid wildlife coming onto the road from the bush.

Wood said the county had received complaints about the stretch of road and that the brushing program has been popular in other parts of the county.

Not with me. In the good old days I would drive for pure pleasure at various seasons of the year a 50 mile round trip side road route from Red Deer to the Pine Lake area and back.

No more. I tried it for the last time five years ago, and what had once been a soothing, relaxing, fascinating drive in the country had become the urban nightmare where the only watchable wildlife was for damn fools driving their white pickups too fast on former country lanes that were now either paved or brushed out and widened, or both.

But, Mayor Wood said, the clearing effort’s bottom line is safety. In another county a couple of councilors I know went even lower down than that for the bottom line; “it’s about liability.” In other words, leave the damn fools with nobody to blame but themselves for their speeding, maiming, and killing.

Something very important for many people is lost in the destruction of these scenic side roads and by – ways.

“It looks like a war zone,” one Poplar Ridge resident said, “it’s a horrible mess.” “My road is ruined,” mourned another.

These comments resonate within me all the way back to about this time last year when we turned off the pavement to be gob smacked with the war zone ruination by Clearwater County of the Range Road into the Stump

Photo by BOB SCAMMELL/freelance

Ravaged Range Road in Clearwater County.

Ranch. The pictures we took are agonizingly similar to the Poplar Ridge scene.

History? Back in the early ‘70’s, what was then an undeveloped road allowance led us up to our hips through a swamp, then onto, for the first time, the land that was going to become the Stump Ranch.

Eventually it became a scenic country lane, serving non – resident us and four families along its little more than a mile to a dead end.

When the dozing and chipping was done, a traffic - counter was belatedly installed down near the turnoff from the pavement and my “address” sign, the only thing I have ever received from the county for my taxes, lay felled and twisted on the ground; still does today.

Down the pavement a ways, a similar story: two miles of trees and scenery despoiled for a permanent residence at the start and one, plus three non- resident stump ranchers at the far end.

The cost of these unwanted, un – asked for alleged “safety” measures has to be horrendous, just judging from what I recently paid for materials only to fence one side only of less than a quarter mile of a road allowance.

But there are other costs, which County of Red Deer Mayor Wood seems to back – handedly recognize when he pleads “because we cut some trees down, it doesn’t mean we’ re anti – environment, or anti – trees.”

Maybe so, but why must we scrape down to mineral soil, then chip and mulch all the small brush, grasses and

plants?

Typically these edges of side roads are preserves of and for native flora and fauna, some of it getting rare and scarce.

One of the pleasures of driving the Range Road into the Stump Ranch was road hunting for the wildflower species that should be in season. Destroyed now are a rare four - flowered and a rarer albino wood lily that grew along my road.

In fairness, we may soon see a burst of morel mushrooms in the roadside disturbed earth, but even that is not going to mollify the people disturbed by the absence of their road.

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

Bringing bees to your garden LINDA TOMLINSON GARDENING Attracting bees to the garden is as easy as adding items or habitat that are needed by the creatures.

Firstly Hymenoptera are a group of insects that have four clear wings which include the bees, ants, hornets, wasps and yellow jackets.

These insects all sting when provoked so make the enticements away from areas used by people or animals.

According to research done by the University of Alberta, there are over 300 different types of bees in Alberta.

One of the species is very large and noticeable while the others are much smaller and are rarely noticed due to its diminutive size. Bumble bees like

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honey bees gather nectar catching pollen in sacks on their legs which cause them to pollinate flowers.

Bumble bees unlike honey bees live in small colonies that rarely reach 48 members.

Encourage bumble bees to make the yard their home by supplying simple nests made out of clay pots, lying on their side. Cover the pot with organic matter with the bottom hole visible.

Honey bees are easily distinguished from bumble bees as the bumble bee is hairier with more distinct yellow and black stripes.

Honey bees are not native to Alberta. They live in a hives of thousands of insects. Most often they are found in manmade boxes but occasionally hives find they have two or more queens and part of the hive will break away in a swarm. It is rare for these bees to overwinter as they need protection from the cold. Honey bees gather nectar that is developed into honey.

ALBERTA PASTORAL CARE ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

THINGS HAPPENING TOMORROW

2

Alberta Pastoral Care Association’s 2016 Conference scheduled for Friday at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a panel on Palliative/Hospice Care and Physician-Assisted-Death. For more information phone 403-933-2947.

See apca-provincial.org

Leaf cutter bees also gather pollen which is placed in a rolled leaf with one egg. In the wild the leaves are placed in soil, in hollowed out old wood or hollow stems or plant stalks.

When the egg hatches the larva feeds upon the pollen until it matures then changes into a bee.

Homes for cutter bees can be made by drilling holes in older wood or by gathering a number of hollow stemmed plants such as delphinium and bundling them together.

Orchard bee’s nests are capped with mud which dries and protects the eggs and larva.

People may not want to encourage hornets and yellow jackets into their yards but they play an important role in preying on insects that harm the garden.

These insects live in small communities either underground or above in paper nests. Hornets and wasps are hated and feared as they are can be

RED DEER MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY DAY CAMPS Red Deer Museum + Art Gallery Day Camps run on select school PD days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The camps are developed for children aged 6-12.

Each camp includes games, crafts, a movie, and more. Cost is $25/ day for museum members & $30/ day for non-members. Please see their website for more details www. reddeermuseum.com/programs/ camps/.

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aggressive and territorial. Hornets and wasps will feed on ripe fruit.

There are countless other types of bees in the region. Some like the ones above live in small colonies but others are solitary bees.

The best way to retain bees is to provide them with disturbed rangeland or shelterbelts for nesting along with large groups of flowering plants providing nectar and pollen. The first food of the season does not come from dandelions but from willow and pollen flowers. Step under a willow tree on a sunny day and it will be all abuzz.

For more information on attracting bees into your yard read “NatureScape Alberta”, by Ted Pike and Myrna Pearman. The book provides tips and ideas on building needed nesting boxes and habitation.

Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist that lives near Rocky Mountain House.

She can be reached at your_garden@hotmail.com

RDC PRESENTS ANIMAL FARM Based on George Orwell’s revolutionary masterpiece ‘Animal Farm,’ Hall’s adaptation envisions an ideal society where the animals can live without human oppression.

Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois.

Friday’s show is 7:30 p.m. for more information call 403-755-6626.

FIND OUT WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN OUR EVENT CALENDAR AT WWW.REDDEERADVOCATE.COM/CALENDAR.

THE ADVOCATE B5

ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016

Animals rule in Orwell classic LANA MICHELIN REVIEW For a vivid theatrical lesson in 20th-century history, youths and their parents need to head over to Red Deer College.

The Russian Revolution and Stalin’s corruption of lofty Communist ideals have never been as entertainingly — and chillingly — presented as in George Orwell’s Animal Farm.

And Theatre Studies students are presenting a stand-up stage version of Orwell’s novel at the RDC Arts Centre’s Studio A. The show that opened Wednesday night and runs through Saturday was adapted by Peter Hall.

It’s no surprise that director Lynda Adams discovered Hall’s script in the education section in the RDC library.

For anyone who hasn’t read Animal Farm, (or who only grudgingly read it in English class), will come to appreciate, through this musical play, Orwell’s smart allegory about one of Europe’s most infamous political movements.

In this production with 29 songs, an aged boar named Old Major (standing in for Marx/Lenin) provides inspirational words that fuel an animal rebellion against drunken, irresponsible farmer Jones.

After the farmer forgets to feed his livestock, the pigs lead the charge, promising other animals a voice in how things are run on the farm, and equal proceeds from collective labours.

A rivalry soon develops between idealistic porker Snowball (Leon Trotsky), and a power-hungry pig named Napoleon, who represents self-serving despot Joseph Stalin.

The second half of the play takes place after Snowball is run off the farm, and is much more gripping than the first half. Napoleon’s rise to dominance corresponds with the other animals’ near-starvation rations and loss of rights and freedoms.

There’s an ominous scene in which some of the livestock, coerced into making confessions, are quite literally

Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff

Cast members (from left) Ronnie McLean as Benjamin, Thomas Zima as Squealer, Maggie Chisholm as Mollie and Stuart Old as the Old Major rehearse a scene from the Red Deer College production of Animal Farm. thrown to the dogs. While their fate happens off stage, it’s suggested with sound effects that might be too intense for very young children. (But then, this play’s political implications are more suited to ages 12 and up).

The action, which takes place in a versatile farmyard, designed by Anton de Groot, moves along quite well under Adams’ direction.

Although the songs in this play aren’t particularly catchy, they are short.

And while the students’ voices are variable, there’s a live soundtrack performed by music director/pianist Morgan McKee, drummer Rob Goodwin, bassist Curtis Phagoo and guitarist Ryan Marchant.

A few characterizations need amping up (most notably Snowball’s lacking charisma), but others are memorable — including Napoleon’s second-in-command pig Squealer, poetic Bolshevik pig Minimus, wisely skeptical donkey Benjamin, loyal labouring horse Boxer, vain mare Mollie, and apathetic cat.

The young actors, who wear headgear designed by Donna Jopp suggestive of their animals’ appearance, generally do a good job of conveying animistic behavior through voice and body language — especially the chickens, goat and dog.

Congratulations to the first-year cast of Michael Bentley, Maggie

Chisholm, Tanner Chubb, Veronika Fodor, Sara Fowlow, Ryan Garbutt, Theo Grandjambe, Kira Kirkland, Paul Kusmire, Vanessa McCagg, Ronnie McLean, Jelena Minshall, Stuart Old, Taylor Osiowy, Amy Peters, Chonteal Ramsey, Mike Richards, Tiana Williston, and Thomas Zima.

The years have not softened the powerful impact of Orwell’s story. In fact, Hall adds his own political messages about factory farming that might make some audience members rethink the whole meat-at-every-meal thing.

The subversive Orwell would likely have approved. lmichelin@reddeeradvocate.com

Ruling clears way for Katy Perry to buy hilltop convent

priests. Her bid has the approval of Los Angeles’ archbishop but would have to be approved by the Vatican.

The Roman villa-style convent sits on 8 acres.

The Roar singer’s efforts to buy the aging hilltop home were stymied when some members of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary opted to sell the convent to entrepreneur Dana Hollister.

Hollister recorded a deed on the property, but Bowick’s ruling rescinds it. She had plans to turn it into a boutique hotel, which drew concerns from some neighbours.

Her attorney Randy Snyder didn’t immediately return messages.

LOS ANGELES — A judge on Wednesday voided the sale of a former Catholic convent to a Los Angeles businesswoman, clearing the way for Katy Perry to purchase the hilltop property.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Bowick ruled that attempts to sell the property to the businesswoman by members of an order of elderly nuns were improper.

Perry has sought to buy the hilltop property in the Los Feliz neighbourhood for $14.5 million and to relocate an adjoining house of prayer used by

Photo by ADVOCATE news services

Sleepy Hollow fans dismayed by death

BY BETHONIE BUTLER ADVOCATE NEWS SERVICES Sleepy Hollow angered many fans on Friday night when the Fox show killed off one half of its lead duo during its third season finale.

The show’s two main stars are Tom Mison as Ichabod Crane and Nicole Beharie as Abbie Mills, who together are known as the Witnesses. Amid on ongoing conversations about the frequent deaths of minority characters, Beharie, a black woman, had her character killed in a way that furthers the storyline of her white male counterpart.

Fans have cited the chemistry between Mison and Beharie as a major draw to watching the Fox show. And Beharie’s role on the show was seen as an important one — so much so that Viola Davis referenced the actress during her celebrated speech at the Emmy Awards last year, the one in which she declared “you cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.”

On Friday and throughout the weekend, fans tweeted their disappointment.

Among those tweeting was Orlando Jones, who left the show ahead of its third season: “‘The white male lead should totally sacrifice his life to protect the *dark skinned* black girl’ said no development executive EVER.” Over at Vulture, writer Nicole Perkins details the show’s overall derailment: “The first season of Sleepy Hollow was charming, fun, and special. It took a familiar story from American liter-

ature and gave it a fantastical twist, complete with one of the most diverse casts on air. The chemistry between the two leads, Nicole Beharie and Tom Mison as Abbie Mills and Ichabod Crane, was remarkable and undeniable. Then season two happened. Everything that attracted fans to the show was dismantled in a series of perplexing creative choices. And now, at the conclusion of season three, Abbie was killed off in one of the most unsatisfactory goodbyes in recent memory, sending fans reeling.”

Perkins also notes that Beharie’s departure is the latest in a string of decisions that have caused fans to question the show’s treatment of minority characters. Jones reportedly saw significantly decreased screen time before he was asked to leave.

“I don’t think Captain Irving is coming back,” Jones said in a fan Q&A on his YouTube channel, referencing his character, Frank Irving. “And what led to me leaving is they changed the show. It’s a different show.”

Beharie also saw less screen time in Season 2, as the show pursued a storyline focused on Mison’s character and his family. In an Instagram post that was later deleted, Beharie said she was not invited to do audio commentary for the show’s Season 2 DVD. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Beharie had been unhappy and trying to leave the show for some time.

Days after the controversial finale, fans are still tweeting about the show, with hashtags such as #iamabbiemills and #abbiemillsdeservesbetter. The latter first surfaced during the show’s second season as some viewers felt Beharie’s character was being underutilized.

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Obituaries

HERDER Judy Anne (nee Parker) Aug. 2, 1944 - Apr. 6, 2016 Judy passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, after a very courageous battle with cancer. Judy was born to Albert & Ruby Parker in High River, AB. She moved to Red Deer and met the love of her life, her handsome prince, Robert W. Herder, and married in January of 1963.

Together they raised Jim (Lisa) Herder and Kim Reno (Craig), welcomed Danielle (Kevin) Silo. Grandchildren followed; Joel Reno, Rayelle (Mike) Byzitter, Colby, Grayson, Teryn Herder, Ryan and Ben Silo, and two very precious great-grandchildren; Mason and Ariel Byzitter.

Survived by sisters-in-law; Betty Tisdale, June Hedemark, brother-in-law, Charlie Herder, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She lived a very active life. She sang in the Red Deer Musical Theatre, sang in the Sylvan Lake Sympathy Band, along with weddings, funerals, lodges, and nursing homes. She often sang “Oh Canada” at Rodeos with her grandchildren in tow. She was a lifetime board member of the Red Deer Westerner and was the entertainment Director of the exposition.

She was a founding member of the Sylvan Lake Food Bank and the Care & Share.

Judy was also the Sylvan Lake Welcome Wagon hostess for many years as well as hosting the welcome wagon bridal and baby showers. She was the hostess and Director for the Shaw Cable’s Sylvan Showcase.

She received numerous awards including Sylvan Lake’s Citizen of the year twice, Farm Family of the year, KG & CKRD Country Citizen of the Day. Judy was also a member of the Kinnettes and the Red Hat Ladies. The door was always open for anyone. Special thanks to Dr. Bahlis at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Unit 32 Nurses and Doctors at the Red Deer Regional hospital. A Celebration of Judy’s Life will be held at the Harvest Centre, Westerner Park, Red Deer, on Monday, April 18, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

Donations in Judy’s honor may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 101-6751 52 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 4K8.

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

Thursday, April 14, 2016

B6

Red Deer Advocate

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announcements Obituaries

Obituaries

BARG Ada 1930 - 2016 Mrs. Ada Elizabeth Barg (nee Burkholder) of Red Deer, Alberta, passed away at Harmony Care Home, Red Deer on Monday, April 11, 2016 at the age of 85 years.

Ada was born on June 20, 1930 at Markham, Ontario, the daughter of Amos and Fanny Burkholder. She moved out west; and taught school in Northern Alberta. After marrying her husband, Philip, she moved to British Columbia where they farmed at Chilliwack and also at Vanderhoof.

After finally moving to Red Deer in 1999, Ada kept busy volunteering at the Golden Circle, Potter’s Hands, the Red Deer Food Bank and sewing baby blankets for Ronald McDonald House. Ada will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Katherine Barg and her favorite son-in-law, Jeff Pennington. She will also be sadly missed by her sisters-in-law, Edna Barg, Anna Barg, and Evelyn Burkholder; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Ada was predeceased by her beloved husband, Philip in 1997. A Celebration of Ada’s Life will be held at Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta on Friday, April 15, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Ada’s honor may be made directly to the Potter’s Hands Ministry at PO Box 27093, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 6X8 or to the Red Deer Food Bank Society at 7429 - 49 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta, T4P 1N2.

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 or 1.800.481.7421

Dental In Memoriam THOMAS, Micki May 30, 1948 - Apr. 14, 2003 May the winds of love blow softly, And whisper so you’ll hear.

We will always love & miss you, And wish that you were here.

Jeannie, Terry, TJ , Shaun, Kelly & Family.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

CLASSIFICATIONS 50-70

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SET of three keys with a brass tag found in Anders area. One key is for a Ford vehicle, and other 2 keys are for locks. Call to identify. 403-347-8207.

Phone (403) 347-2222

REG. DENTAL Hygienist Must be flexible with hours.

Apply to Healthy Smiles Fax resumes attn: Corinne or Chrissy (403) 347-2133 or email: healthysmiles4life@ hotmail.com

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JJAM Management (1987) Ltd., o/a Tim Horton’s Requires to work at these Red Deer, AB locations: 5111 22 St. ALCOHOLICS 37444 HWY 2 S ANONYMOUS 403-347-8650 37543 HWY 2N Something for Everyone 700 3020 22 St. Everyday in Classifieds Food Service Supervisor Req’d permanent shift COCAINE ANONYMOUS weekend day and evening 403-396-8298 both full and part time.

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Personals

MOORE Brian Kenneth It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father, Brian Kenneth Moore, on April 5, 2016 at the age of 67 years.

Brian was predeceased by his parents; Arnold and Gertrude Moore of Red Deer, and brother, Darcy Moore.

He leave behind four children; Nicole (Matt) Wyntjes, Christie (Andrew Mardell) Moore, Robert (Tawnee) Moore, and Justin Moore, as well as six grandchildren. A Graveside Service will be held at Alto Reste Cemetery, Hwy 11 East, Red Deer County, on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.eventidefuneralchapels.com Arrangements entrusted to EVENTIDE FUNERAL CHAPEL 4820 - 45 Street, Red Deer.

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KLEPPER, GARRY 1936-2006 Within my heart I will always keep a special place for you, And try to do my best to live as you would want me to.

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Ernie Johnson Dec. 30, 1918- April 13, 2010 In loving memory of Ernie.

It’s been 6 years since you’ve been gone, but our memories still hold you close to our hearts.

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The family of Frances Dahl would like to thank all those who gave their support, cards, calls and donations at the time of her death. Also thank you to Dr. Holmes, the staff at Extendicare Michener Units 2600 and 3400, Margo and Omar, and to Pastors Don Hennig and Peter Van Katwyk and all those at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church who contributed to the service and fellowship gathering.

The Dahl Family

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South Side of Red Deer and Sat. Apr. 16, 10 a.m. Antique Mall, 2 p.m. Antiques, decorative Apr. 15, 16 & 17 housewares, clothing, etc. Fri. 1 - 5:30, Sat. 10-5:30 & Sun. 10 - 4 Celebrate your life with a Classified 6018-56 AVE ANNOUNCEMENT Apr. 15/16 Fri. 2-7, Sat. 9-4 Lots of stuff, driftwood, arts & crafts, fairy homes, Pines paintings, collectibles, misc. household.

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Forensic vets battle pet abuse, neglect agency has also created an animal forensic sciences program at the University of Florida, and has a travelling team of forensic vets that help out around the country — an ASPCA crew rescued some 600 animals from a no-kill shelter in North Carolina in January suspected of abuse and neglect. The non-profit is funded mostly through donations.

Last year, the forensic team in New York saw 700 animals — mostly cats and dogs, but some chickens and rabbits, too.

“You can’t really separate out what’s happening to animals with what’s happening to people,” Reisman said.

“The most obvious reason is the connection between animal abuse and human interpersonal violence. The cases we see on a regular basis are domestic abuse cases where there’s both a human victim and an animal victim.”

One such case was a pit bull named Honey, who was shot in the mouth by a man who was also accused of beating up his girlfriend. He was charged with animal cruelty, menacing and strangulation. The girlfriend and the dog survived.

The team can’t talk about the spaniel because it’s an ongoing case. But each live animal brought in receives the same treatment. They are physically examined and weighed multiple times. A specific set of blood work is completed to rule out possible illness, and then the vets set out to heal the animal.

One dog, a boxer named Brewster, was dropped off last year by a good Samaritan who said he found the starving animal in a park. The dog was shock-

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK — The cocker spaniel arrives at the animal hospital with a police officer, whimpering and shaking. He has a pus-filled pink socket for a left eye and is so skinny his spine and ribs show through his caramel-colored fur.

Because animal abuse is suspected, this dog won’t be handled like the other pets coming in for treatment to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — it will go instead to a specialized team of forensic veterinarians who are trained to treat animals while also developing evidence for possible criminal charges.

“The message to people who are abusing animals is that there is action being taken,” said Dr. Alison Liu, one of the forensic vets on staff. “And if they’re thinking they may not get caught, that’s not always the case.”

The New York-based non-profit has a team of three forensic vets dedicated to capturing evidence to punish animal abusers — their jobs include travelling to crime scenes and working with the New York Police Department in a new partnership that has seen cruelty-related arrests doubled in the past two years. They have a necropsy lab, evaluation unit and a rehabilitation centre that houses about 60 animals with the goal of adoption.

The team leader, Dr. Robert Reisman, developed evaluation standards that are used nationwide in determining cases of abuse and neglect, and testified in some of the first animal cruelty cases to use DNA at trial to obtain felony convictions. The non-profit

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Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Dr. Alison Liu, right, a veterinarian with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA ) forensic unit, and Ellen Vancelette, forensic sciences administrator with the unit, weighs Lulu, a 5-yearold Boston terrier rescued from abuse, April 7, in New York.

Dr. Liu is one of three forensic vets at the New York based ASPCA unit working with the New York Police Department to capture evidence and punish animal abusers. ingly thin with sad, brown eyes.

Police later discovered the Samaritan was actually the owner, who starved him. In part because of the forensic evidence, he ended up pleading guilty to felony animal cruelty charges.

Meanwhile, Brewster was carefully cared for, eventually regaining his health, doubling his weight and getting adopted.

Veterinarian Laura Niestat said

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Sales & Misc. for Houses/ 4 Plexes/ TO ORDER Electronics Distributors Sale Duplexes 6 Plexes HOME WIRELESS World WIRELESS 360 degree BLOW OUT SALE, 3 BDRM. house, Eastview, ORIOLE PARK DELIVERY OF Solutions at 107-4747 M6 mode speaker from die cast models, cars, avail. May 1, $1350. rent. 3 bdrm., 1-1/2 bath, $975.

67 ST, RED DEER, AB, Veho. Connect with any trucks, and motorcycles, Call 587-877-5281 rent, s.d. $650, incl water THE requires a F/T, Perm. electronic device, 1800 biker gifts, replica guns, sewer and garbage.

3 BDRM., main Ár. no pets, Assistant Manager-Retail ma, rechargeable battery, tin signs, framed pictures, now or May 1st.

ADVOCATE with min. 1-2 yrs of related built-in microphone with clocks, fairies, and dragons. no kids, no drugs, mature, Avail.403-304-5337 quiet adult, fully employed Two stores to serve you sales exp., ASAP. Duties: auto music interrupt.

CALL OUR preferred. $650 rent/dd, better, Man Cave and Plan, direct and evaluate BRAND NEW 1/2 util. 403-348-0530 after 3 Gold Eagle, entrance 2, Won in Lottery.

CIRCULATION the operations, Manage Suites 4 BDRM. house on Parkland Mall. staff and assign duties, $95. 403-352-8811 DEPARTMENT Resolve customer CONSTRUCTION heater, Kingston Drive, $1400/mo.

Ron @ 403-304-2255 etc. Wages 2 BDRM. bsmt suite.

220 power required, $50.

Equipment403-314-4300 complaints $26.50/Hr. Email $850/mo. 403-348-1304 4 BDRMS, 2 1/2 baths, 403-877-0825

3060

ADULT or YOUTH CARRIERS NEEDED

Employment Training

900

SAFETY

TRAINING CENTRE OILFIELD TICKETS

Industries #1 Choice!

For delivery of Flyers, Wednesday and Friday ONLY 2 DAYS A WEEK

“Low Cost” Quality Training

403.341.4544 24 Hours Toll Free 1.888.533.4544

CLEARVIEW RIDGE CLEARVIEW TIMBERSTONE LANCASTER VANIER WOODLEA/ WASKASOO DEER PARK GRANDVIEW EASTVIEW MICHENER MOUNTVIEW ROSEDALE GARDEN HEIGHTS MORRISROE

(across from Totem) (across from Rona North)

wegot

stuff CLASSIFICATIONS 1500-1990

1540

Bicycles

SEKINE ladies 5 spd bike, exc. cond. new tires, tubes, brakes & lines plus spokes. $185.

403-358-8765

Call Prodie at 403-314-4301

Looking for a place to live?

Take a tour through the CLASSIFIEDS

ADULT or YOUTH CARRIERS NEEDED

1580

Children's Items

For delivery of Flyers, Wednesday and Friday ONLY 2 DAYS A WEEK

BABY Basinette, solid wood, brown w/ matress, easy to move, exc. clean cond. $25. 403-346-5423 Classifieds Your place to SELL Your place to BUY

3030

1660

Household Furnishings

1720

DINING TABLE, Rectangular, glass top 42x72, with 2 beige faux stone pedestals, used in show home, $200. obo 403-346-6317, 597-2508 GENUINE LA-Z-BOY rocker recliner, beige, $150. 403-877-0825 MEDIUM dark wood rectangular table, $50, and wicker patio chair, $50. 403-347-8697

WANTED Antiques, furniture and estates. 342-2514

Misc. for Sale

1760

100 VHS movies, $75 for all. 403-885-5020 AUTHENTIC Ray-Ban men’s sunglasses, green lenses, exc. cond., asking $125. 403-505-0819 CAMPING dishes, Set $35; Air Conditioner, $100.

Tire - Step, $23.

403-343-6044 BROTHER electric typewriter, 3 yrs. old, $50.

403-347-8697

RED DEER GUN SHOW

Acupuncture

For CENTRAL ALBERTA LIFE 1 day a week

CITY VIEW APTS. 2 bdrm in Clean, quiet, newly reno’d adult building.

Rent $900 S.D. $700.

Avail. immed. Near hospital. No pets. 403-318-3679

1100

1020

QUALITY taping, drywall and reno’s. 403-350-6737 RMD RENOVATIONS Bsmt’s, Áooring, decks, etc.

Call Roger 403-348-1060

Eavestroughing

1130

1100

BLACK CAT CONCRETE Garage/Patios/RV pads Sidewalks/Driveways Dean 403-505-2542

Buying or Selling your home?

Check out Homes for Sale in Classifieds

BRIDGER CONST. LTD. We do it all! 403-302-8550

CONCRETE???

We’ll do it all...Free est.

Call E.J. Construction Jim 403-358-8197

1160

Entertainment

DANCE DJ SERVICES 587-679-8606

3190

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

CLASSIFICATIONS 4000-4190

Realtors & Services

4010

1900

TRAVEL ALBERTA Alberta offers SOMETHING for everyone.

Make your travel plans now.

6 Plexes

3050

ACROSS from park, 2 bdrm. 4-plex, 1 1/2 bath, 4 appls. Rent $925/mo. d.d. $650. Avail. now or May 1. 403-304-5337

GLENDALE

wegot

rentals CLASSIFICATIONS

FOR RENT • 3000-3200 WANTED • 3250-3390

3 Bdrm. 4-plex, 4 appls., $975. incl. sewer, water & garbage. D.D. $650, Avail.

May 1 403-304-5337 WESTPARK 2 bdrm. 4-plex, 4 appls.

Rent $925/mo. d.d. $650.

Avail. now or May 1 403-304-5337

THE NORDIC

Rental incentives avail.

1 & 2 bdrm. adult building, N/S, No pets.

403-596-2444

Handyman Services

1200

Therapy

1280

FANTASY SPA

Elite Retreat, Finest in VIP Treatment.

10 - 2am Private back entry

403-341-4445 Classifieds...costs so little Saves you so much!

Misc.

Services

1290

5* JUNK REMOVAL Property clean up 505-4777 Looking for a new pet?

Check out Classifieds to find the purrfect pet.

Misc.

Services

1290

PARKING LOT, Street Sweeping, Pressure washing, complete hotmix asphalt services, crack sealing, complete concrete services. Call ConAsph reception 403-341-6900

Plumbing & Heating

1330

JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER Exc. @ Reno’s, Plumb Pro Geary 403-588-2619

Roofing

1370

Seniors’ Services

1372

HELPING HANDS Home Supports for Seniors.

Cooking, cleaning, companionship. At home or facility. 403-346-7777

Yard Care

1430

All grass & Aerating services. 587-876-7983 CASPER’S small engine repair and tune-up. Repair of lawn mowers, rototillers, weedeaters, generators.

Colin @ 403-597-1672

SECOND 2 NONE aerate, dethatch, clean-up, eaves, cut grass. Free estimates.

PRECISE ROOFING LTD. Now booking 403-302-7778 15 Yrs. Exp., Ref’s Avail.

WCB covered, fully SPRING LAWN CLEANUP Licensed & Insured.

Call Ken 403-304-0678 403-896-4869

QUALITY work at an affordable price. Joe’s RooÀng. Re-rooÀng specialist. Fully insured.

Insurance claims welcome.

10 yr. warranty on all work.

403-350-7602

TOO MUCH STUFF? Let Classifieds help you sell it.

THE ROTOTILLER GUY Rototilling Services & Yard Prep. 403-597-3957

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

wegot

wheels CLASSIFICATIONS 5000-5300

5040

SUV's

2014 CHEV Traverse 2LT, 19,500 km, awd, tt, loaded, $32,500. 403-352-1007

5060

Heavy Trucks

2010 DURASTAR 3 ton box truck, 24’ box, ext. cab. auto. trans.

403-347-1255, 350-8018 2000 INTERNATIONAL tandem dump, 82 yr. old owner/operator must sell.

320 hp, new Áoor in box, 217,000 kms, 10 sp. spicer, will have fresh April sticker, $25,000 ready to work 403-252-2054 cell 403-701-2054

Motorcycles

5080

4020

NEW Glendale reno’d 1 & 2 bdrm. apartments, rent $750, last month of lease free, immed. occupancy.

403-596-6000 PENHOLD 1 bdrm. 4 appls, inclds. heat & water, no pets $760/mo., avail.

May 1. 348-6594

4160

Lots For Sale

wegot

homes

MORRISROE MANOR

classifieds@reddeeradvocate.com

Contractors

BLACKFALDS, $600, all inclusive. 403-358-1614

1870

Call Classifieds 403-309-3300 1010

2 BDRM main Áoor in Grandview, all utils. incl., shared kitchen & laundry.

403 358-2995

LARGE bsmt. suite, shared kitchen & laundry facilities, Michener area.

403-358-2955

To Advertise Your Business or Service Here

VELOX EAVESTROUGH Cleaning & Repairs.

Reasonable rates. 340-9368

Contractors

7119052tfn

ADULT 2 BDRM. spacious suites 3 appls., heat/water incld., ADULT ONLY BLDG, no pets, Oriole Park. 403-986-6889

CLASSIFICATIONS 1000-1430

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture & Therapeutic Massage ~ Acute or chronic pain, stress, surgery problems. 4606 - 48 Ave., Red Deer. Walk-ins.

Call or txt 403-350-8883

INNISFAIL PENHOLD LACOMBE SYLVAN LAKE OLDS BLACKFALDS PONOKA STETTLER

1ST MONTH’S RENT

2 BDRM. N/S, no pets. $800. rent/d.d.

403-346-1458

3090

Rooms For Rent

6 locations in Red Deer, LARGE, 1 & 2 BDRM. April 30, 10 am - 5 pm well-maintained townSUITES. 25+, adults only May 1, 10 am - 3 pm houses, lrg, 3 bdrm, n/s, no pets 403-346-7111 Westerner Agri Centre West 11/2 bath, 4 + 5 appls.

Admission $ 5 Westpark, Kentwood, LIMITED TIME OFFER: Highland Green, Riverside One free year of Telus HERE TO HELP Meadows. Rent starting at internet & cable AND 50% Collectors' $1100. For more info, & HERE TO SERVE off Àrst month’s rent! 2 Items phone 403-304-7576 or Call GORD ING at Bedroom suites available.

403-347-7545 RE/MAX real estate Renovated suites in central (100), 45 RECORDS, in central alberta 403-341-9995 location.

Cat friendly.

SOUTHWOOD PARK good shape, $1. each.

TH leasing@rentmidwest.com 3110-47 Avenue, 403-885-5720 CELEBRATIONS 1(888) 784-9274 2 & 3 bdrm. townhouses, HAPPEN EVERY DAY BESWICK English generously sized, 1 1/2 IN CLASSIFIEDS porcelain horse, pinto pony baths, fenced yards, model 1373. $175. full bsmts. 403-347-7473, 403-352-8811 Sorry no pets.

Rental incentives avail.

Houses www.greatapartments.ca 1 & 2 bdrm. adult bldg.

For Sale Travel only, N/S, No pets.

4 Plexes/ Packages 403-596-2444

BOOK NOW! INDIVIDUAL & BUSINESS DALE’S Home Reno’s For help on your home Accounting, 30 yrs. of exp. Free estimates for all your reno needs.

403-506-4301 projects such as bathroom, with oilÀeld service main Áoor, and bsmt. companies, other small businesses and individuals DAMON INTERIORS renovations. Also painting Drywall, tape, texture, and Áooring.

RW Smith, 346-9351 Fully licensed & insured.

Call James 403-341-0617 Free Estimates. Call anytime Dave, 403-396-4176 Massage

CARRIERS NEEDED

Call Sandra at 403- 314-4303

1640

2 BDRM. lrg. suite adult bldg, free laundry, very clean, quiet, Avail. now or MAY 1. $900/mo., S.D. $650.

403-304-5337

wegotservices

ANDERS BOWER HIGHLAND GREEN INGLEWOOD JOHNSTONE KENTWOOD RIVERSIDE MEADOWS PINES SUNNYBROOK SOUTHBROOKE WEST LAKE Accounting WEST PARK Call Tammy at 403-314-4306

single car garage, 5 appls, COPPER clad aluminum $1695/mo. in Red Deer. #2, booster cables $40.

TRAILERS for sale or rent 403-782-7156 403-343-6044 Job site, ofÀce, well site or 403-357-7465 storage. Skidded or GARBAGE Cans (2), SYLVAN: 2 fully furn. wheeled. Call 347-7721. heavy duty, from 1940’s, rentals, incld’s all utils., good for decorative use. $550 - $1300. 403-880-0210 $20. each. 403-358-8765 Tools LAWN chairs, 2 sets, padded seats and backs, $25. Condos/ per set. 403-358-8765 Townhouses METRIC Socket, plus tool box. $100.

RUG, off white with blue 3 BDRM. townhouse in 403-343-6044 border, 5’x7’, exc. clean Lacombe, 1 1baths, single cond. no pets, N/S, reg. car garage, $1495/mo., price $600. will sell for $30.

403-782-7156 / 403-357-7465 403-346-5423 Firewood AVAIL. May 1, 3 & 4 bdrm. townhouse, 4 appl., Sporting B.C. Birch, Aspen, hardwood, 2 parking stalls, Spruce/Pine. Delivery avail. Goods close to shopping & PH. Lyle 403-783-2275 schools.$975 - $1100 + INVERSION Table, $200. util. + d.d. 403-506-0054 FREE Àrewood.

403-343-6044 Bring your own chainsaw.

SEIBEL PROPERTY 403-346-4307 LADIES set of RAM FX $500 OFF golf clubs, 403-341-5141.

1860

278950A5

R H2S Alive (ENFORM) R First Aid/CPR R Confined Space R WHMIS & TDG R Ground Disturbance R (ENFORM) D&C B.O.P. R D&C (LEL) #204, 7819 - 50 Ave.

1630

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Resume - retailjobs@ mywirelessworld.ca

that in addition to starvation, the vets often see cases of neglect in which tight collars wear off layers of skin, frostbite destroys ears and tails, and extreme matting of fur chokes limbs like a tourniquet.

Some animals have been shot, others beaten and suffocated.

“We try to focus on how we’re helping the animals,” Niestat said, “and not on how awful it is.”

2008 SUZUKI C109, 1800 CC ALL the bells & whistles!!

44,600 kms.

Excellent Condition Never laid down.

$7600. o.b.o.

WASKASOO $333,500.

5816 43 Ave. 1.5 Storey 4 bdrm. 2 baths, dbl. det. garage, large yard fully fenced, 1057 sq ft.

Mature Landscaping.

Margaret Comeau, RE/MAX 403.391.3399

Income Property

Boats & Marine

4110

WatersEdge Marina Boat Slips Available For Sale or Rent Sylvan Lake, AB 403.318.2442 info@watersedgesylvan.com www.watersedgesylvan.com

+

SYLVAN LAKE SMALL OFFICE 1,050 sq. ft. ofÀce for lease, center of downtown, one block from the beach, parking on site, already partitioned, excellent rate of $8 sq. ft. plus triple net, bhibbert@shaw.ca

Industrial Property

5160

4100

RARE OPPORTUNITY 2 CLEARVIEW MEADOWS 4 plexes, side by side, $639,000. ea. 403-391-1780

Commercial Property

(403)318-4653

A Star Makes Your Ad A Winner!

CALL:

309-3300 To Place Your Ad In The Red Deer Advocate Now!

4120

QUEEN’S BUSINESS PARK New industrial bay, 2000 sq. ft. footprint, $360,000.

403-391-1780

+

Open House Directory

Tour These Fine Homes Out Of Red Deer

4310

OPEN HOUSE April 16, Sat. 2 pm - 4 pm 5501 Prairie Ridge Ave BLACKFALDS $237,000 Margaret Comeau RE/MAX 403.391.3399

CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE

5 P.M.

Each Day For The Next Day’s Paper CALL 309-3300

B8 RED DEER ADVOCATE Thursday, April 14, 2016 FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE

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THE ADVOCATE B9

SCIENCE THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2016

Nature calms the brain and heals the body DAVID SUZUKI SCIENCE MATTERS For the most part, our brains didn’t evolve in cities. But in a few decades, almost 70 per cent of the world’s people will live in urban environments.

Despite the prosperity we associate with cities, urbanization presents a major health challenge. Cities, with their accelerated pace of life, can be stressful.

The results are seen in the brains and behaviour of those raised in cities or currently living in one.

On the upside, city dwellers are on average wealthier and receive better health care, nutrition and sanitation than rural residents. On the downside, they experience an increased risk of chronic disease, a more demanding and stressful social environment and greater levels of inequity. In fact, city dwellers have a 21 per cent greater risk for anxiety disorders and a 39 per cent increased likelihood of mood disorders.

A study published in Nature links city living with sensitivity to social stress. MRI scans show greater exposure to urban environments can increase activity in the amygdala, a brain structure involved in emotions such as fear and the release of stress-related hormones. According to the study, the amygdala “has been strongly implicated in anxiety disorders, depression, and other behaviours that are increased in cities, such as violence.”

The researchers also found people who lived in cities for their first 15 years experienced increased activity in an area of the brain that helps regulate the amygdala. So if you grew up in the city, you’re more likely than those who moved there later in life to have permanently raised sensitivity to stress.

Author and professor David Gessner says we’re turning into “fast twitch” animals. It’s like we have an

alarm clock going off in our brains every 30 seconds, sapping our ability to concentrate for longer periods of time.

The demands of urban life include a constant need to filter information, dodge distractions and make decisions. We give our brains little time to recover.

How do we slow things down? Nature seems to be the answer. Cognitive psychologist David Strayer’s hypothesis is that “being in nature allows the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s command centre, to dial down and rest, like an overused muscle.”

Research shows even brief interactions with nature can soothe our brains. Stanford’s Gregory Bratman designed an experiment in which participants took a 50-minute walk in either a natural or an urban environment.

People who took the nature walk experienced decreased anxiety, brooding and negative emotion and increased memory performance. Bratman’s team found walking in natural environments can decrease rumination, the unhealthy but familiar habit

Transition realities LORNE OJA ENERGY Sects of environmentalists and idealistic political parties imagine that the world’s hydrocarbon resources should be left in the ground. It is true that society’s use of these materials is causing issues with climate and quality of life, and to be totally independent of oil and its components is a lofty goal.

From a practical stand point, freedom from the “demon hydrocarbon” in the immediate future is a pipe dream.

Considering the amount of energy the world uses now and the type of mobility “fossil fuels provide” we are some distance from “alternative energy independence” coming to fruition.

Globally we use some 19 billion MW.hrs/yr of electricity, some 93 million barrels per day of crude oil, and some 3.3 trillion M3 of natural gas. The infrastructure needed to replace this with alternate sources is huge, not to mention costly. The best and most current technology is feasible in a laboratory setting, but many issues affect these latest advancements, and each issue needs to be resolved before the technology becomes practical on an industrial scale.

The world is working towards this goal but the financing for these high-tech developments has to come from somewhere. If it were true money grew on trees, as some politicians seem to think, then why are there so many problems feeding and housing our homeless? If you do not have a job, how are you supposed to purchase photovoltaics? If a company has no income, how is it supposed to add to equipment inventory? If a country has no tax revenue, how is it supposed to

provide incentives? The truth is, money does not come without trade and commerce between prosperous, safe, and conflict free economies.

The Paris Climate Change Accord Agreement “binds signatories to limit average global temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius (“2C”) above pre-industrial levels.” Notably, it has been proposed by some very smart people that the only concrete avenue available to achieve this goal is to focus on carbon capture and sequestration technology.

The world’s nations and their citizens simply do not have the time, or the means, to install the infrastructure, free of fossil fuels, that would be required to meet this goal.

Just consider, in northern countries like Norway, Iceland, Finland or Canada the average power per capita in watts, per person per day, is significantly higher than the 313 watt, per person per day, world average. In Iceland the mean is 5837 W/p/d, Canada 1871 W/p/d, and Norway 2603. These consumption rates are paralleled in hot countries like Australia 1114 W/p/d with their need for air conditioning.

When one takes into deliberation the energy the average citizen requires, on a daily basis, this carbon capture proposal starts to make unassailable sense.

Becoming a society that advances past the current paradigm is the next step in civilizations evolution, however, it won’t happen unless we adopt a long term plan to use all the resources we have, to generate the revenue we need, to develop a sustainable future, free from fossil fuels.

Lorne Oja is an energy consultant, power engineer and a partner in a company that installs solar panels, wind turbines and energy control products in Central Alberta. He built his first off-grid home in 2003. His column appears every second Friday in the Advocate. Contact him at: lorne@solartechnical.ca.

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of thinking over and over about causes and consequences of negative experiences. Their study also showed neural activity in an area of the brain linked to risk for mental illness was reduced in participants who walked through nature compared with those who walked through an urban environment.

Korean researchers investigated the differences in brain activity when volunteers just looked at urban versus natural scenery. For those viewing urban images, MRI scans showed increased blood flow to the amygdala region. In contrast, areas of the brain associated with empathy and altruism lit up for those who viewed natural scenes.

In Japan, scientists found people spending time in nature — shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing” — inhale “beneficial bacteria, plant-derived essential oils and negatively-charged ions” which interact with gut bacteria to strengthen the body’s immune system and improve both mental and physical health.

Spending time in nature regularly is not a panacea for mental health but

Science BRIEFS Reprieve for NASA’s planethunting Kepler spacecraft CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — To astronomers’ relief, NASA’s planet-hunting Kepler spacecraft has won another reprieve.

The spacecraft — responsible for detecting thousands of planets beyond our solar system — slipped into emergency mode last week nearly 75 million miles from Earth. Ground controllers managed to stabilize the probe Sunday, and NASA announced the good news Monday.

Engineers still don’t know what went wrong and will study incoming data for clues. They also want to be certain the spacecraft is healthy enough to resume observations. The trouble occurred right before Kepler was to be pointed toward the centre of the Milky Way for a new kind of planet-searching campaign.

This isn’t the first time the 7-yearold Kepler has cheated death. Controllers managed to keep the spacecraft

UNDER THE BIG TOP

it’s an essential component of health and psychological resilience. Nature helps us withstand and recover from life’s challenges. Even city dwellers can find nearby nature — a garden, local park or trail — to give their overworked brains a break.

Every spring, the David Suzuki Foundation challenges Canadians to spend more time outside for health and mental well-being. The 30×30 Nature Challenge asks people to commit to spending at least 30 minutes a day in nature for 30 days in May. When you take the 30×30 pledge at 30x30.davidsuzuki.org/, you’ll receive the latest research on the health benefits of spending time outdoors along with practical tips on how to add green time to your daily routine.

Let’s show our brains — and bodies — some love. Get outside!

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Senior Public Engagement Specialist Aryne Sheppard. Learn more at www. davidsuzuki.org. working a few years ago, despite repeated breakdowns. But Kepler had never suffered an emergency like this before last week.

“It was the quick response and determination of the engineers throughout the weekend that led to the recovery,” Mission manager Charlie Sobeck said in a web posting from NASA’s Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. “We are deeply appreciative of their efforts, and for the outpouring of support from the mission’s fans and followers from around the world.”

U.S. national weather service will stop screaming in all caps FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY, THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED ITS FORECASTS IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. But in the age of social media that’s considered yelling, so next month federal meteorologists are lowering their voices and their letters — except in dire emergencies.

Weather service spokeswoman Susan Buchanan said the agency started using all capital letters in 1849 forecasts because of the telegraph. Twenty years ago, the agency tried phasing out the practice, but old equipment wouldn’t recognize lower-case letters.

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Middle school student upset about being prohibited from drama class MUST FACE CONSEQUENCE FOR POOR GRADES KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR ANNIE’S MAILBOX

Dear Annie: I am a middle school student, and I signed up for drama at the beginning of the semester. I’ve been working really hard at it.

The problem is, I failed one of my classes (out of seven).

Because of that, I am not allowed to participate in drama. I have a speaking role with 17 lines and I don’t think they can replace me in such a short time.

This really upsets me, especially because in the high school I’ll be attending, you only need to pass four classes to participate in drama.

What’s worse is that they didn’t give me or my parents any warning about how close I was to failing. I did know that I wasn’t doing well in that class, and I was trying to bring up my grade.

But I have anxiety issues and get panic attacks when I try to talk to teachers or people of authority (even my mom).

My parents emailed the school with a complaint, but I was wondering what you think I should do. — Was Ready for Showtime in New Hampshire Dear New Hampshire: We wish we could help you, but schools routinely

JOANNE MADELINE MOORE HOROSCOPES

penalize students by prohibiting them from doing special activities if they fail a required class. (It happens to football players and other athletes, too.)

Such consequences are how schools hold students accountable.

You can try talking to the drama teacher to see if he or she would intervene on your behalf, and you also can talk to the teacher who gave you the failing grade, explaining that you were working hard to improve and didn’t realize this would happen.

If you have anxiety about talking to authority figures, try imagining that you are in a play and this is what your character does.

It’s good practice. You also can ask your parents to speak to these teachers directly, instead of leaving messages.

But if this is the policy of the school, there isn’t much you can do. Consider it a learning experience, and keep it in mind for high school, when you can try out for drama and be motivated to put your grades first.

We know you’ll do better.

Dear Annie: I am writing in response to the letter signed, “Is This Normal,” whose girlfriend bounces her 10-year-old son on her lap for 30 minutes.

Your response was not strong enough. This is child abuse.

This mother should immediately be reported to the Department for Chil-

dren and Family Services in their local community.

The entire family can then receive the help they need, and this child can be protected.

The report can be anonymous and can be done by calling the Department directly or by notifying the local police.

Please tell “Normal” to take the steps to protect this child from further abuse, and also to protect his young sister from having to watch her brother be abused on a daily basis. — Social Worker Dear Social Worker: Many readers suggested that this mother is a child molester. Perhaps so.

But we think she is simply misguided and has gotten into a bad situation that she doesn’t recognize or know how to fix.

Whatever the case, we agree that the situation must be dealt with immediately.

you’re still a member of the team.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): With peacemaker Venus visiting your relationship zone, the more you cooperate with loved ones, the more enjoyable partnerships will be.

Communication and close consultation are the keys.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): With impulsive Mars and thrifty Saturn both travelling through your money zone, are you spending money faster than you feel comfortable with?

Take stock and plug the cash flow drain now.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’re at your gregarious best today, as Mercury and Jupiter supercharge your energy and spark up your work zones.

So it’s time to dazzle others with your clever conversation and quicksilver mind.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your home life looks busy and noisy today, with plenty of people coming and going.

Try to take some time out so you can contemplate a current problem in a quiet and peaceful environment.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Today’s positive stars will help you turn imaginative ideas into productive projects.

The more you combine the creative with the practical, the better the long-term out-

come will be.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Pisceans can be too reliant on the opinions and assistance of other people.

The current star patterns encourage you

Thursday, April 14 CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DATE: Adrien Brody, 43; Loretta Lynn, 84; Sarah Michelle Geller, 39 THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Get your brain into top gear — there’s always something new to learn.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: You have a powerful and persuasive personality. The next 12 months is the time to explore and extend your creative side, especially at work.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): With Venus visiting your sign — until April 30 — it’s time to express yourself creatively, whether through writing, painting, photography, acting, singing, dancing or playing music.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Put your energy to work today Taurus, as you power through projects and tie up loose ends.

Mercury and Jupiter give you a welcome boost, so make the most of the power-surge while you can.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your imagination runs wild today Twins, as you come up with some fabulous ideas or just daydream the day away.

So it’s a terrific time to work on an artistic, creative or musical project.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): If something’s been worrying you, then open up and talk about how you’re really th feeling today.

You’re less likely to be over-emotional, and more inclined to speak directly and honestly.

Park Plaza Intergenerational Centre LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): It’s #105 5214- 47th Avenue time for loquacious Lions to talk, text, tweet, mix and minEveryone is Welcome gle, socialize, circulate and network with a stimulating new Refreshments will be served crowd.

Travel, adventure and edPlease RSVP by Friday, May 6th ucation are also high on the By calling 403.343.6400 agenda.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Or email fsca@fsca.ca Jupiter gives you a confidence boost, as you explore new opwww.fsca.ca tions and follow your dreams.

Put energy into personal projects but let loved ones know

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Joanne Madeline Moore is an internationally syndicated astrologer and columnist. Her column appears daily in the Advocate.

CODE WORD of

or

SALES

SAN FRANCISCO — Talk about a loyal employee: Elena Griffing has just celebrated her 70th year working for the same San Francisco Bay Area hospital, and she has no plans to retire anytime soon.

Sutter Health Alta Bates Summit Medical Center has marked Griffing’s milestone and her recent 90th birthday, spokeswoman Carolyn Kemp said.

But for Griffing, who has held several different positions in her decades of employment, every day on the job is a celebration.

“I can’t wait to come to work every day, this is my hospital,” she said.

“I enjoy anything I can do to be of service. Truly, it’s the patient that counts. If it’s helping someone, it’s my bag.”

She isn’t kidding.

As if her employment longevity wasn’t enough, consider this: She has taken only four days of sick leave in her 70 years of work.

On a Sunday about 15 years ago, she had her appendix removed at the Berkeley facility.

The following day, she put on her robe, walked one floor down from her hospital room and got to work.

“It was no big deal,” she said.

“There was nothing wrong with my hands, I could still type and do what I had to do.”

But when the doctor got wind, he sent her home.

Griffing’s first day on the job was April 10, 1946, when she was 20. Back then, the facility was called Alta Bates Community Hospital.

Pick up your Red Deer Advocate and find find the CODE WORD OF THE DAY within our pages

60403-782-3626 YEA

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Tuesday May 10 At 6:00pm

WE ARE CELEBRATING

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 Annie on Facebook at Facebook.com/AskAnnies.

90-year-old has no plans to leave job she’s had for 70 years

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