The Community
Press Telling your story
Volume 112, Issue 39
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
WHITE DEER A RARE SIGHT
$1 Including GST
Keystone XL pipeline project to go forward with April construction start in Hardisty Leslie Cholowsky Editor
JOE HARTUNG PHOTO
This almost-white deer is an unusual sight in the Flagstaff region. Obviously not a true albino, which are estimated to appear at a rate of one in 20-30,000, the animal above is more a piebald, a genetic variation of white-tailed deer, not caused by parasite or disease.
Kurek hosts virtual town hall to discuss COVID-19 and other issues Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Taking into account social distancing and restrictions on public gatherings, Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek held a virtual town hall meeting via social media on Wednesday, March 25. “It’s been a heavy couple of weeks for people in this constituency and people across Canada,” he said at the start of his broadcast. Kurek expressed his thanks to all essential workers remaining on the job. “Two weeks ago we could not have imagined our country virtually shut down,” Kurek said. He urged listeners to practice good hygiene, to reduce contact with others; “If we can reduced the spread, flatten the curve, we can save lives. “I encourage you to maintain social distancing.” Kurek said the pandemic has had a devastating effective on the
county, citing an unbelievable one million new Employment Insurance applicants, “And that was a few days ago,” calling it “unbelievable.” Kurek gave a shout out to his constituency office staff, who have been hard at work, even with the doors closed to the public, on the telephone and emails, “Pointing people in the right direction.” Kurek also praised the hardworking MLAs within the Battle RiverCrowfoot region, “As well as our cities, towns, and counties who are working very hard for residents at this time.” Kurek addressed travellers, asking those residents currently at home to respect travel restrictions in place. “If you are abroad, please get home. If you are overseas please register with Global Affairs Canada. If needed there are emergency loans available to help you get home if you are stuck.” Kurek praised measures taken by the government to expand Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, to in-
crease GST rebates, and Child Benefits. “There are even more measures to come.” He said that he was happy with expanded EI benefits especially to those who may not have been eligible for benefits in the past, including self employed individuals. Kurek said over the past few days, “I have spoken to many, many business owners; many having a tough time, and hoping to avoid having to lay people off as people stop coming in.” He spoke about benefits to business like financing through BDC, available if companies are in need. “Alberta has already seen a significant impact,” Kurek said, “especially to small- and medium-sized businesses in Battle River-Crowfoot. He praised the provincial government for introducing measures to small business, like deferring education property tax, reducing or deferring Workers Compensation fees, and compensating doctors for See KUREK P7
The province of Alberta announced Tuesday, March 31, that it has finalized an agreement with a Calgary based company, TC Energy Corporation, that will provide financial support to accelerate construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, starting April 1. “We cannot wait for the end of the pandemic and global recession to act,” says Premiere Jason Kenney. “There are steps we must make now to build our future focussed on jobs, the economy, and pipelines. “Today we are moving forward with a project that is essential to our future prosperity. “This investment in Keystone XL is a bold move to re-take control of our province’s economic destiny and put it firmly back in the hands of the owners of our natural resources, the people of Alberta. The Government of Alberta is confident that this is a wise investment. After construction is complete, we will be able to sell our shares at profit. In addition, the project will have a net return of over $30 billion to the Alberta taxpayer through royalties and higher prices for Alberta oil in the next 20
years.” In the announcement, the province says that Alberta’s oil export capacity is limited by the lack of pipelines. “Without the ability to export more oil, there is no incentive for producers to invest in more production in Alberta. Completing KXL will signal to the oil and gas industry, and to investors around the world, that they have a future in Alberta. Without more pipelines, the future of our oil and gas industry is capped; with today’s announcement, employers and investors should have the confidence to maintain existing projects and to spend new money on new projects.” Construction is to begin immediately in Alberta, at the Canada-US border, in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Hardisty Mayor Doug Irving says the town has been meeting with representatives from TC Energy for the past FEW weeks as details of the construction unfolded. He says, “This will bring big benefits to Hardisty; part of their proposal is the pipeline, but there will also be construction on new facilities and permanent sites. Those will be of more benefit to us in Hardisty. See KEYSTONE P7