The Community Press
Hardisty Community Complex Group hosts annual Open House Hardisty
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The Hardisty Community Complex Group held an open house at the Hardisty Community Hall on Wednesday, April 16.
All the companies involved with the complex group participate, including Enbridge Pipelines, Flint Hills Resources, Gibson Energy, InterPipeline, Cenovus Energy, Plains Midstream, Southbow, and the Hardisty Mutual Aid Group.
While the tank farm, as it is often called, is mostly located within the MD of Provost, the Town of Hardisty has always had a very close relationship with the complex’s companies, and the complex group.
All members of the public were invited to attend and learn more about the operations of each of the compa-
nies who are represented at the complex.
The Hardisty terminal has been in place for more than 70 years, and is a key piece of energy infrastructure not only in Alberta, or Canada, but in all of North America, as it serves as one of the major oil hubs, with millions of barrels of storage, and a large pipeline and rail capacity for crude oil.
Many who work at the companies at the complex also call Hardisty home.
It’s also true that the Hardisty community has benefited from having the complex companies so close, with hundreds of thousands of dollars donated in support of the community over the years through many of the complex companys’ charitable arms.
The annual open house is an op-
portunity, too, for residents to receive a plethora of promotional items from each company, and often more than one.
From pens to beach towels, hats to
puzzles, go-cups to barbecue forks, and so much more, most visitors left with a little more information about the complex, and a bag full of goodies, as well.
ponds
This American Wigeon pair seem a tad confused by standing on the water instead of swimming in it. The photo is part of a recent collection from Hartung on mating pairs, contrasting the male and female of multiple species. See more on Page 9.
The Hardisty Community Complex Group held an open house at the Hardisty Community Hall on Wednesday, April 16, where the complex’ companies handed out lots of promotional items to visitors while answering any questions they might have about the operations at the tank farm.
JOSEF HARTUNG PHOTOS
5016 49 Ave., Forestburg
$119,900 2 Bdrm, 1 Bath, Large back yard.
Flagstaff County Council supports two tourism initiatives with grant funding for 2025
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
During the April 16, regular meeting, Flagstaff County Council reviewed two applications for its Tourism Assistance Grant, from Flagstaff Scottish Club for its annual Gathering of the Clans Highland Festival, and from the Forestburg Arena Association for it’s second annual Buckin’ in the Burg.
The Flagstaff Scottish Club did not specify an amount for their grant application, but with the grant’s scoring system, qualifies for up to $3,000 under the guidelines of the grant.
Council approved the $3,000 grant assistance for the Gathering of the Clans, scheduled for this coming August.
The Forestburg Arena Association applied for $3,000, and met all the criteria for that amount under the guidelines, so Council also approved a $3,000 grant to support the Buckin’ in the Burg event, which took place Saturday, April 12.
Council approved a 2025 budget for the Tourism Assistance Grant in the amount of $50,000 and has currently approved $18,626.30, not including the $6,000 in new grant funding.
The grant was created in December 2023.
The maximum amount for any one grant application would be $5,000, and in order to qualify for that amount, the event must meet certain criteria, includ-
ing size of audience expected, duration of event, and where participants are coming from to attend.
Flagstaff County also received a request from the Valley Ski Hill regarding their snow guns.
Valley Ski Club says that 90 to 100 per cent of the hill’s snow is man-made, using the hill’s new snow gun, purchased three years ago, and other much older guns.
The Club is seeking $25,000 from each of Flagstaff County and the County of Paintearth to enter into a contract with a Michigan company to rebuild the older guns. The club discovered no other company in Canada who does this type of work.
The company has estimated that for a maximum investment of $50,000 the club’s five snow guns could be restored, versus the purchase cost of a new gun, which was $28,300 including shipping and customs.
Council voted to match a donation from the County of Paintearth in the amount of $30,000.
Council also considered a request from Deputy Reeve Howard Shield to revisit Council remuneration, which was increased via resolution earlier in the year to take effect after the 2025 municipal election.
The resolution would have seen councillor remuner-
ation rise from $44,442.69 per year to $55,969; and Reeve from $48,887 to $59,969.
Shield noted in his request that, “I do not believe that I can defend a 20 per cent increase for council renumeration to residents in this time of economic uncertainty.” He also noted that council does receive a cost of living update, and that changes have been made to just have one council meeting per month.
Shield indicated in his comments that he would abide by Council’s decision on the discussion, but felt the need to speak on the issue.
Reeve Donald Kroetch asked administration to provide some additional information in the form of a custom wage and compensation survey, taking information from 10 comparator municipalities, including Beaver, Camrose, Paintearth, Stettler, Wainwright, Barrhead, Forty Mile, Minburn, Kneehill, and Pincher Creek. Kroetch also requested a summary of committee meeting appointments and number of committee meetings per year.
In this comparison, council’s average remuneration was slightly lower than the 2024 median and slightly higher than the average, comparing Flagstaff’s $43,165
Continued on Page 9
OPINION
Be sure to cast your vote
In the last federal election, the voters of Battle River - Crowfoot turned out to the tune of 58,920 voters, out of 82,090 electors on lists, or 71.8 per cent.
Of those who voted, 71.3 per cent, or 41,819, voted for Damien Kurek, for a resounding win.
Do you know who came in second? No one. “No one” received 28.2 per cent of the vote, the next-highest after Kurek, representing those who just didn’t vote. The next highest candidate received just seven per cent of the vote.
Didn’t care to vote? Forgot to vote? Either way, 71.8 per cent is not a great number. Or so I thought until I expanded my search.
It turns out that we in Battle River-Crowfoot had the second-highest number of people come out to vote out of all the other ridings in Alberta. Only Sherwood Park-Ft. Saskatchewan beat us, with a 73.5 per cent voter turnout.
Even more shocking, the 71.8 per cent of voters who turned out in Battle River - Crowfoot beat the national average, and the average of every single province and territory.
Only PEI came close, at a 71.7 per cent turnout.
The lowest turnout was recorded in Nunavit, at 33.8 per cent, and that might be due to travel, weather, or a multitude of reasons.
The national average was 62.6 per cent.
According to Elections Canada, then, fully 37.4 per cent of Canadians just didn’t vote.
The Liberal Party of Canada formed a minority government with 32.6 per cent of the vote of all Canadians who voted.
The Conservatives received 33.7 per cent of the vote of all Canadians who voted (stay with me here).
The NDP took 17.8 per cent of the vote.
Now remember in all of this, each party is taking a percentage of the only 62.6 per cent of people who voted nationally.
So imagine what might have happened had everyone who was eligible to vote would have done so.
This whole situation also highlights why polls are so difficult to rely upon. Because as you can see from the 2021 results, more people who voted cast their vote for Conservatives than any other party, but the Liberals won more seats, or more ridings, and so formed the minority government. It can be confusing, for sure.
I started out intending to ask every voter in Battle River-Crowfoot to do better, and I believe that’s still something we should do. I very roughly calculated the approximate voter turnout for Flagstaff County polls, and it was a dismal 58.25 per cent. So we can do better here, for sure.
Having a strong voter turnout sends a very, very clear message to Ottawa, no matter which party wins the highest number of seats.
It says, “We are here, we are engaged, and this is what we want.”
LESLIE CHOLOWSKY
Alberta T0B 4C0 Phone 780-385-6693
E-mail: (Advertising): production.cp@gmail.com (News): newsroom.cp@gmail.com
Pre-election interviews and forums stymied by lack of accessibility, information for some candidates
While Battle River-Crowfoot has five candidates running for office for the April 28 federal election, that hasn’t been readily apparent, nor has it been easy to contact some of the candidates.
Five days before the election, and the official candidate page at elections.ca still only has contact information for one of five local candidates.
We are aware of at least two candidate forums in Battle River - Crowfoot. One hosted by the Stettler Board of Trade was cancelled because organizers could not confirm attendance of all the candidates. Another, held by the Camrose Chamber of Commerce had one candidate in attendance, incumbent Damien Kurek, although all were invited.
To put all candidates on an even playing field, it was our intent to send each a questionnaire of prepared questions. We did that and graciously four of the five candidates responded, which we were able to print in this week’s edition.
The Green Party advised us on Friday, April 18 that “Douglas [Gook] is not doing any media during this election campaign.” The Green Party has no photo nor biography for Mr. Gook and were not willing to pass along his contact information, nor ours to him.
As far as a voter is concerned, he might as well be a ghost.
What was once a given; “Before people can vote for you, they need to know what your campaign stands for,” doesn’t seem to apply any more.
Is it now just a name on paper meant to represent party over people?
This campaign issue has not been limited to Battle River-Crowfoot. Other media outlets are reporting similar difficulties all across the country.
Unlike our neighbours in the US, Canadians do not vote directly for the Prime Minister as they do the President.
Because we can only vote for the candidate in our constituency, it would seem important for each candidate to make themselves better known and more accessible to the voters.
I hope this is improved upon in the future.
LESLIE CHOLOWSKY
Alberta’s agriculture minister advocating to Buy Local
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely says that Alberta’s Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson is actively supporting local farmers, livestock producers, and food processors in a number of ways.
She says, “He has been actively supporting the Premier’s championing the potential impacts of US tariffs to the agriculture sector in her meetings in Washington.”
Lovely says Sigurdson has stayed in contact with ag producers and processors, and has met with his federal and provincial colleagues “to ensure Alberta’s concerns are heard at all levels.”
Sigurdson and his team at Alberta Agriculture have launched a new “Buy Local” campaign to get the word out to more Albertans about the importance of supporting local farmers, livestock producers, and food processors.
The campaign is built on the premise that “Every corner of the province is packed with hard working, dedicated folks producing safe, nutritious food for Albertans, Canadians and the world.
“Support your neighbours and keep your hard-earned dollars in our province – buy Albertan.
“From beef to canola oil to honey, Alberta producers are known the
world over for sustainable, high-quality.” See the campaign’s website at:
https://www.alberta.ca/bu y-local-alberta for more information on this initiative.
Lovely says that Sigurdson travelled to Washington earlier in the month to meet with representatives from across North America to advocate for Alberta and Canada.
“Diversifying our export markets will be a strong priority in the year ahead.
“We will be focused on: Conducting more aggressive outreach in markets where Canada has trade access through agreements like CTTP and CETA (Asia/EU).
“Leveraging the agriculture expertise in our international offices in Mexico, Europe, Japan,
Korea, Singapore, China and the US.
“Working directly with Alberta companies to help them identify and access new international markets. Internal trade is significant to economic growth; it contributes about a fifth of Canada’s gross domestic product.
“Alberta has shown strong leadership in dismantling barriers to trade and removing unnecessary red tape. We continue to push the federal government and other provinces and territories to review and remove their barriers to trade.”
Sigurdson is also working to advocate against additional tariffs imposed by China, at 100 per cent on Canadian canola, canola oil, peas, and rapeseed oil, as well as aquatic products and pork.
"These tariffs, along
Lacrosse Association
Annual General Meeting
Thursday, May 1 at 7pm
At Sedgewick Rec Centre
***We have not had a Lacrosse season for a couple of years. We need to decide on the future of Lacrosse in Flagstaff, including sale of equipment and if the association will remain active or be dissolved.
with those threatened by southern neighbours, will have a devastating impact on hard-working farmers, ranchers, and food processors who are caught in political crossfire they want no part of," he says.
Sigurdson says the tariffs are China's response to Canadian duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles (100 per cent) and aluminum and steel products (25 per cent) imposed in October last year, spurred by what the Liberal government says were unfair trading practices and poor labour standards by the Chinese.
"Alberta’s agriculture industry is world-class, and we’re committed to expanding markets despite these challenges. However, we need the federal government to step up and address the trade issues they’ve created," says Sigurdson.
"We’ll continue advocating for our producers and working with our partners to safeguard ac-
cess to key markets like China, ensuring a vibrant future for Alberta’s agriculture," he says. Sigurdson took a leading role last year in strengthening Alberta's international presence by leading trade delegations in Mexico and the United States.
Lovely says, "Agriculture is a major economic
driver in the Camrose Constituency. I stand beside Minister Sigurdson, Alberta farmers and ranchers, and all who work in and support the agriculture industry.”
Plan to attend a presentation by Taylin Morton, Solar Specialist, from Phase3 Electric
Wednesday, April 30 - 7pm Heisler Rec Centre
Learn about residential, commercial, and agricultural applications of solar panels Sponsored by the Heisler Ag Society
Be prepared before the next power outage.
Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely and Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister, RJ Sigurdson.
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Student Vote Canada brings the 45th federal election into classrooms across the country, including locally in Killam Public School and in Daysland School.
The program was designed to introduce students to politics and “foster a habit of democratic participation,” CIVIX, who deliver the program along with Elections Canada, say.
“Student Vote Canada provides students with a meaningful way to experience the democratic process firsthand.”
The program’s participating schools receive special learning materials and authentic voting supplies that include ballots, boxes, and voting screens so as to repli-
cate the experience of voting at an official polling booth.
"Student Vote is more than a simulation - it's a chance for students to see themselves as active citizens and future voters," said Lindsay Maz-
zucco, CEO of CIVIX.
"Research shows that early experiences with voting can build the habits and confidence that lead to lifelong participation - and teachers across Canada continue to make that possible."
Student Vote Canada results will be released publicly, by electoral district, after official polls close on election day, offering a unique snapshot of the priorities and perspectives of Canada's next generation.
CWRS - AAC Brandon - Improved Rated MR for FHB resistance
- Most widely grown CWRS variety in Western Canada for 5 years
CWRS - AAC Wheatland VB
-Wheat Midge tolerant
- Very good lodging resistance
CWSWS - AC Andrew - Great silage option
-In demand by milling and ethanol industries
Yellow Peas:
CDC Canary - Improved standability
-Early maturity
-Higher Yielding
Faba Beans:
CDC 219-16 - Zero Tannin
- Seed is smaller than Snowbird, larger than CDC Snowdrop
6-Row Feed Barley:
AB Advantage - Improved plump and bushel weight
- Smooth awned
-High grain and forage yield
2-Row Malt Barley:
CDC Copeland - Strong demand by malting companies
Daysland supports local business in fundraising for Field family
Celeste Ewan
I hope everyone had an amazing Easter weekend and had their fill of company and food! I know I sure did.
Last week STARS came and brightened up the Daysland Health Centre’s lobby with their sharp display, sporting merchandise that all could purchase and all for a good cause of course.
Our local golf course also opened the greens
last week, shortly opening their kitchen the week before.
Our lovely little flower shop held a “Pink Gerber Fundraiser” in support of the Field Family, on Tuesday, April 8.
There were 125 beautiful pink Gerbera Daisies donated by The Rusty Daisy and all the money donated to the Field Family. There was a lot of support, such as vases being donated, many additional cash donations, and some special friends who donated money to help cover some of the
flower costs so Mandy (the owner of the store) could keep up with the demand.
Mandy ran the total numbers and shared that the gerbers alone raised $2,500 and with all the additional donations totaled $3,090.
This is just one of the beautiful examples of the amazing fundraisers, love and support our entire community has shown, not just with this family but in general, we sure do take care of our own around these parts.
‘Til next week!
UNRESERVED FARM AUCTION SALE CARL AND CAROLYN LANG WETASKIWIN, ALBERTA
SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025 AT 11:00 A.M.
LOCATION: 232057 Township Rd. 460, Wetaskiwin County
DIRECTIONS: Being from the Wetaskiwin Co-op, go 4 miles east on Secondary 613 to Secondary 822, then 2 miles south to Township Rd. 460, & then 1/4 mile east.
Tractors: 2000 NH TM135 F.W.A. Tractor, CAH, 3pth, dual PTO, Dual Hyd., 18-sp trans, c/w Quicke ALO Q980 F.E.L. c/w Quick Attach Bucket & Bale Fork, Joy Stick controll, 1701 hrs., like new, S/N 82006827; JD 4430 Tractor, CAH, Quad Range Trans, dual PTO, dual hyd, 20.8x38 duals, 9500 hrs. showing, 500 hrs, on new eng, S/N 4430H 039558R Harvest Equipment: JD Turbo 8820 SP Hydro Combine, CAH, chopper & pick-up, 3700 hrs, S/N HO8820X565064; JD 22222-ft Straight Cut Header c/w pick-up reels & transport; Case International 4000 19-ft SP Hydro Swather c/w rubberized canvases, pick-up reels, C.A., S/N 191C0830009776; Brandt 842 Super Charger Grain Auger c/w hyd transport, hyd lift, 27-hp ES motor; Westfield W80-41 PTO Grain Auger; Kongskilde Cushion Air 500 Grain Vac c/w hoses, 540 PTO; Westfield Endgate Mount Hyd. Drill Fill Truck: 1981 International Tandem Truck, 446 V-8 eng, 5x4 trans, c/w 18-ft. x 7ft. x 57-inch wooden box, roll tarp, drill fill plumbed, Nordeg Hoist, 90,021 km, S/N
HTAF19B7BCA15142
Equipment: JD 9350 - 20 ft Hoe Drill
Press c/w fert. attach; JD 530 Round Baler c/w hyd., pick-up, 540 PTO, S/N E00530X699124; JD 220-20-ft. Tandem Disc. c/w single wing; Morris Challenger L320-30-ft. VS Cult c/w mounted harrows & new shovels; Flexi-Coil 60-ft. Auto Fold Harrow Drawbar c/w tine harrows; 45-ft. Coil Packers c/w hyd fold; Hyd Trailer VDitcher; Leon 10-ft Undermount Hyd Lift Blade
Van: 2005 Chev Montana Van, 6-cyl, power window, A., seats 6, 227,000 km, S/N 1GMDVD3E75D111859
Miscellaneous: 3pth 1-bottom Plow; 100gal. Tidy Tank c/w 12V pump; 3pth Hyd. Wood Splitter; Caldwell 1-hp Aeration Fan; Auger Hoppers; IHC Antique Pump Engine; Quad Mount Grass Seeder; Hay Tester; Grain Tester; Assort. Wrenches; Crescent Wrenches; 30-ft. Alum. Ext. Ladder; Assort. Chains; 16 Crop Lifters; Older Cattle Squeeze; (2) 16ft. Gates
DIRECTIONS: 574050.R.Rd164,being4km.NorthofAndrewCorneronHighway45. Andrewisapprox.100kmN.E.ofEdmonton. Plantoattendthisverycleansalew/qualitygoodsonoffer. Saturday,May3rd@10AM,MajorItemsSell@Approx.1PM Viewing: Friday,May2from10-4pm.GarageSaleViewingDayofSale.
3pt.Tractor&3pt,Equipment(AllShedded,1Owner): *20164WD.KubotaModelBX23703cyl.Dieselw/Fact.F.E.L.&4’Bucket,Fact.BellyMount,60”Mowerw/755hrs. @Listing,VeryNice,TractorSN16155-MowerSN61731*5’KubotaLandPrideRototillerModelR.T.R0550SN616017 *KubotaModelB5320BoxforHauling*KingCutter1Bottom3pt.Plow Vehicles: *20044Dr.3/4TonDodgeRam2500SeriesDieselw/4X4Standard,MechanicsUtilityBoxShowing480,000km. w/RebuiltMotorin2010Whichhad200,200km.Replaced,NewFront&RearEnd,WaterPump,FuelPumpandAlternator,2nd Owner,SN3DKU28C34C14398*1996SuzukiSideKickw/NewHeadGaskets,4Cyl.,Standard2or4WD.,Showing98,000 km.SN2S3TD03V7T6406198 Recreation: *2014ArcticCat500EFI4WDQuadw/ToolBox&Winch,1940Miles,1OwnerSN 4UF14ATVXET205488*QuadTrailer*R.V.Dolly*1992Glastron16’OpenBowBoat(SNAB5010784)w/140JohnsonH.P.Motor, TrollingMotor,HasColoredFishFinder,198916’GreyUnivisionBoatTrailer,TrailerSN2UN5TNXX8GB000674*GoodSelectionof FishingRods*(2)ManualCrankDownRiggersw/WeightsforFishing*Weiderpro4300WeightMachine,Upper&LowerBody Workout*1OwnerMatthewsCompoundBow&Case*1OwnerHornetExtremeCrossbow&SoftCase*5StringBanjo&Case* VariousRacquets:Tennis,Squash,RacquetBallw/Cases*DyacoTreadMill-FreeSpiritClubSN16229001*Weiderpro4300Weight Machine,Upper&LowerBodyWorkout*1OwnerHornetExtremeCrossbow&SoftCage*5StringBanjo&Case*VariousRacquets: Tennis,Squash,RacquetBallw/Cases,etc.
Yard(VeryGood&OnlyPartiallyListed): *Hobart210WirefedWelderSNME262786Y*20Ton2016ChampionPortableWood Splitterw/196ccMotor,1Owner*BlackDiamondDualStage220FloorAirCompressorw/60Gal&227L*7’RedWindMill*12 VoltP.BehindSprayerw/Tank&Booms*OranMarquis5000Gas,120VoltGenSet*Stackof18Sq.RubberTiles*32’Ext.Ladder *(4)6’X3’MetalStorageCabinetw/Shelves*36”RockwellWoodLathew/VariousTools&AttachmentsSN194558*16”240 Husqvarna&20”455RancherHusqvarnaChainsaws*ROK10”MeatCuttingBandSaw&Grinder*BradleySmokerw/Cover* GerryCans*SmallWindmill*WoodenLogSwing,LogChair,Rocker,Nice*VariousGardenTools&Accessories*1/2WoodenBarrel Planters*MetalRidingToys-Duck,Chipmunk,Etc.*BoltBinsw/Bolts*VariousWaterTanks*FloorMagnetonWheels*TitanXT250 PaintSprayerw/Hoses,Pump,Gun&Ends*4’HighNice3OtterWaterFountain,Concrete*75,000B.T.U.DewaltDieselHeater* Simoniz6.5H.P.PressureWasherw/196cc,3200P.S.I.*Beautiful48”CheckerPlateCargoMasterTruckToolBox*8000EliteGas Gen.Setw/B&SEngine*GoodSelectionofVariousTools,Wrenches,Hammers,ViceGrips,Sockets,AirTools,Grinders,Disks,Etc.* Alum.TruckRamps*MotoMaster13,000Ib.CarRamps*Diesel&GasCaddiesonWheels*KerosineBarrelHeaterCoalOil*Green 17p.3’X5’Util.Trailerw/Dump,Ball&Hitch*PolyWaterTanks*PowerSawzall*LargeRedGarageCreeper*MastercraftPower& HandMetalCutters*ChickenPlucker Antiques&Collectables: *2’x3’MetalAMSOILSign*VariousSteelWagonWheels*Walking Plow*2Stoolsw/CastTractorSeats*3WoodenSteamerTrunks*Medalta5GalButterChurnw/Lid*WoodenButterChurnw/H. Crank*MedaltaCrocks;PickleJars,Etc.*MetalTubs*CoalPail*Wagon&SteelWheels*V.Nice200+Years14”x10”Windup Clock,lastcleaned&repairedin2007,RareItem,etc. Households(Nice,QualityGoods): *WhiteFullSizeCeramicKenmoreStove,Self-cleaning,Works*LogPineVanityw/Mirror 50”X22”X72”High,V.Nice*(2)BearFloorStands,2BearsHugging,2BearTableTopStatues*CamoChair*CamoRocker/Swivel Recliner*SmallBeigeSwivelRocker/Recliner*BarTablew/2Stools*CheckerPlateComputerDeskw/3Drawers*NiceMetalArt 46”x32”TrainPicture*PowellMetalStorageCabinetw/5Drawers*(2)2’X6’Bookcases*MatchingPairofOutdoorWickerRockers w/Cushions*MaximumInspectionCameraw/39”Flexlinew/Case,etc.
Terms&Conditions: Fullsettlementdayofsalebycashorchequewithbankreferenceifunknowntostaff.Nocreditordebitcards, noMCchequesaccepted.Nobuyerspremium,justbidpriceplusgstifapplicable.Pleaseinspectallitemspriortobiddingasall itemssoldasis.
Election turnout could be best since ‘88
Mike Stimpson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Nationwide and locally, this federal election is on track to have the highest voter turnout in more than 35 years.
Elections Canada disclosed Tuesday that an estimated 7.3 million people voted at advance polls April 18-21 across the country. That’s about 25 per cent more than the 5.8 million who voted in advance in the 2021 general election.
According to experts, national numbers suggest that when the election-day polls close next Monday night, voter turnout will be at a greater percentage than in any fed-
eral election since 1988.
In that year, the hot issue of a trade agreement with the United States drove Canada-wide turnout to 75.3 per cent.
No federal general election since then has had even 70 per cent turnout, though 71.8 per cent voted in the Charlottetown Accord referendum of 1992.
In the last federal election, held Sept. 20, 2021, 62.6 per cent of Canada’s eligible electors cast ballots.
Elections Canada spokesperson Richard Theoret said riding-by-riding and province-by-province advance poll turnouts will be posted online Wednesday.
FARMLAND FOR SALE BY TENDER
Tenders for the purchase of land in Beaver County as described below are invited. Land will be sold subject to all existing reservations and exceptions stated on Certificates of Title.
LINC: 0023 562 631
MERIDIAN 4 RANGE 14 TOWNSHIP 49
SECTION 20
QUARTER NORTH EAST
EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS
AREA: 64.7 HECTARES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS
The land is located approximately 5 miles north and 1.5 miles east of Bruce, Alberta. The property consists of approximately 50 cultivated acres and approximately 110 acres of pasture which is fenced and cross-fenced for cattle. There is a dugout with a water system. The land has had no fertilizer or chemicals for 10 years. The Vermilion River runs through the land.
Tenders are to be submitted in sealed envelopes marked “COLLISON Tender”, to Scott Farnham at Farnham West Stolee Kambeitz LLP, Barristers and Solicitors, 5016 - 52nd Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1V7, on or before 12:00 noon, APRIL 29, 2025, and shall be accompanied with GST number and a certified cheque or bank draft payable to Farnham West Stolee Kambeitz LLP in trust for 5% of the tender price.
No conditional tenders will be accepted and the highest, or any tender, will not necessarily be accepted.
Tenders will not be opened in public. The deposits of all unsuccessful tenderers will be returned to them by regular mail.
The successful tenderer will be obligated to complete the purchase on or before MAY 26, 2025. The 5% deposit shall constitute a deposit towards the purchase price. Taxes will be adjusted on closing date. There will be no other adjustments. If the successful tenderer fails to complete the transaction by the closing date, the deposit will be forfeited.
Vendor makes no warranties or representations about the property’s size, condition or environmental state.
The purchase and sale shall proceed utilizing title insurance including “GAP” coverage. The cost of title insurance shall be borne by the Purchaser.
Tenders are irrevocable and shall remain open until dealt with by the offices of Farnham West Stolee Kambeitz LLP.
For further information or to view the property, please contact Dale Collison at 1-780-688-2471. For further information about the tender process, please call Scott Farnham at 780-679-0444. This Tender may also be viewed on the Farnham West Stolee Kambeitz LLP website: www.fwsllp.ca
Rural Roots 4-H member earns second at Provincial level
Maddy Eckstrand Club Reporter
Congratulations to Liberty Borgel for Placing second at Provincial Presentations. She spoke Amazingly!
The club is wrapping up the 4-H year. Some of the projects we have in our club are sewing, crafts, Jr. Catering and Community engagement.
Our club attended the stew supper and Tartans and Tunes. They were new experiences to most of us and we all enjoyed it!
Highway cleanup is on Saturday, May 3; we are going to be cleaning up the ditches.
If you see anyone wearing orange vests in the ditches don't be afraid to wave, but a reminder to drive slower on May 3.
Our Achievement Day will take place at the Lougheed Seniors Centre on Monday, May 12, from 6-7 p.m.
All are welcome to come have some coffee and doughnuts and see what we have completed all year!
BATTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION SALE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
Subject to Ministerial approval, where required, the following school properties are being offered for sale:
(more or less)
Village of Holden (empty lot 1) 4558HW;6;16 (Ref NW 14-49-16-W4)
Village of Holden (empty lot 2) 4558HW;6;17 (Ref NW 14-49-16-W4)
Any bid and all bids may be rejected. The deadline for accepting offers will be 4:00 p.m., Monday, April 28, 2025. The offers shall be in writing and shall indicate the bidder's full legal name, address, telephone number and email address (if applicable).
The successful bidder, if any, will be required to enter into an Offer to Purchase on terms and conditions satisfactory to Battle River School Division. The foregoing terms and conditions are mandatory, and failure to fully meet any one of them wholly or in part may result in its rejection at Battle River School Division’s entire discretion.
All legal costs are to be assumed by the purchaser.
Inquiries are to be directed to Imogene Walsh at iwalsh@brsd.ab.ca, 780-672-6131 Ext. 5235.
Offers are to be mailed to the attention of Imogene Walsh, Secretary-Treasurer, Battle River School Division, 4302 38 St., Camrose, AB T4V 4B2.
Local ponds and sloughs very active with breeding pairs busy nesting
JOSEF HARTUNG PHOTOS
Another week hanging about local ponds and sloughs netted some terrific photos of male and female pairs of familiar waterfowl breeds. The first (Above) is theMallard, one of the most familiar wild ducks, and the ancestor of most strains of domestic ducks. Mallards can be found from Alaska into Mexico, but only breed in Canada. While the male sports a bright green head and yellow bill, the female is a mottled brown with black smudges on her orange bill.
right: The Canvasback Duck is one of the largest ducks you’ll see spending its summers in prairie sloughs. You’ll find them all across North Amercia and into Central America. The male Canvasback has a striking chestnut-coloured head with red eyes, and a white back, while the female has a pale tan head, both with dark bills, and her with a grayish body.
County
Continued from Page 3
to council members.
Flagstaff County’s remuneration for Reeve and Deputy Reeve falls well below the median and aver-
age within the 10 comparison regions. The number of regular council meetings over the most recent annual period for Flagstaff County, at 17, was lower than a median of 20 and mean of 18.
When viewing a 2024/25 board and committee representation by councillor, Flagstaff County coun-
cillors attended 78 total average regularly scheduled meetings over all councillors and all boards and committees, not including some committees that don’t meet on a regular basis.
After discussion, Council voted to rescind the earlier resolution which would have raised council-
lor salaries following the election. Council reviewed a request from Providence Place to provide a donation of $2,000 towards its 25th anniversary celebration scheduled for late June, but respectfully declined the donation request as not being of benefit to the citizens of Flagstaff County.
Pictured
Pictured above: The Northern Shoveler is another very common duck in Canada. Their breeding territory runs from Alaska into the central US. Like the Mallard, the Northern Shoveler male has a green head, but also a wide shovellike bill, and rusty sides. The female of the species is a mottled brown, with a wide gray and orange bill.
Sedgewick Easter egg hunt has families searching all over town for clues
The Sedgewick Historical Society held a bake sale on Thursday, April 17. The plan was to sell baked goods from 4-6 p.m. Sedgewick, your support was so incredible, they sold out within the first hour! Well done! I'm always in awe of the generosity of the community we live in.
Registration is now open for children that want to attend Sedgewick Kindergarten and turn five by the end of 2025. Especially if
your child didn't attend playschool, let Miss Vicki know, as they need numbers and apply for funding. In order to keep kindergarten fees low, they go to casinos. Their next casino is in June and they are still trying to cover a handful of shifts. If you're up for a few hours of volunteering, a paid hotel room including breakfast as well as a supper during your shift, please let them know. Many young minds will be thankful!
The Iron Creek Museum is gearing up for their annual Pop up Greenhouse. It will be held at the Lougheed Curling Rink and runs for two weeks. It's open seven days a week. All proceeds will be used to pay off the
restoration of the north hall and museum maintenance.
Did you know the greenhouse is run 100 per cent by volunteers? With that in mind, they are asking for awesome volunteers to step forward again. If you can help, please contact Gwenda Poyser.
The museum will also have a summer pop up ice cream shop starting in May. The museum is also participating in the annual highway clean up on May 3. Lots of ways to help and support the organization.
The Sedgewick Business Association hosted a fun Easter Egg Hunt over the long weekend. The first clue was released on their social media on Fri-
day, and welcomed families to participate in finding more clues all over town. It was a back-and-forth all across Sedgewick. The lucky winner drawn from all the submissions that found all six egg locations were Simon and Oliver Langton. It was a fun family activity! Over 40 families participated. Thanks to everyone involved for putting on a challenging but solvable Easter egg hunt!
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
In last week’s Sedgewick Mixed Bowling year end results, it was reported that the Men’s High Single went to Gary Klein, when in fact it should have said Daren Lein, who earned at 305 score.
Our apologies to Mr. Lien for the error.
25044CE0-ED-ab
25044CE0-AB-CAMROSE CB
Watch for ‘Women Walk the World’ on April 29 in Alliance
The Easter Sunday Church service was led by Dell Wickstrom. Dale Jones had to hand over his portion due to illness. I understand that his wife Nanette has been sick, too. We wish them a speedy recovery.
The sermon was concentrated on the miracle of the stone being rolled away when the women got to the tomb.
The WI Branch is making a quilt to enter
in the group project at the provincial convention in Camrose in June. This is the first time Argyle has done this in my memory. We are making a combination of nine-square and disappearing nine-square. I am learning a lot.
Easter visitors with Roger and Betty Spady were daughters Maryann and Amy along with their families. Joey is now taller that Maryann. I think that Charlette has inherited her mother’s and grandmother’s music appreciation. I was behind her in church and I noticed
her quietly tapping in time to the music.
Tanner Spady is now operating an earthmoving business.
Maggie Davidson came from Edmonton to join her sister, Helen and family (Steve and Breann Madge) of Fleet for an Easter gathering on the old family farm where Ralph and Beth Davidson now live.
Donna Chalifoux spent a couple of days with her sister in Edmonton and then off to Shane and Jody Klatt’ s for Easter dinner.
Laura Towers had her long-awaited surgery on Monday in Calgary. She is pleased with the
results and looks forward to being more pain free. Her sister, Elaine Pickles of Kimberly, BC, is doing the driving and lifting for the time being.
Laurie Fuller won the $500 worth of meat in the Ag Society raffle.
On April 29, I hope you notice the women walking around town as we join the worldwide movement of Women Walk the World. This is to raise awareness of the needs of rural women in particular who don’t have a voice in matters concerning them and their families.
It is also a fundraiser to assist the education of leaders.
I had Sunday dinner at Talbot with Dan and family and got to play with great grand-
daughter. I stopped in Castor on the way home to do a grandma inspection
on the new house that grandson Chad Acaster is building for Dustin and Ashley Repchuk.
in Edmonton. Our office will be closed from Tuesday, April 29 to Friday, May 2, reopening Tuesday May 6 at 9 a.m.
In fact, we’ve been serving rural Alberta communities for 75 years. Our credit union launched in 1950 with $128, 21 members and a mission to help our neighbours and our communities. It’s still our mission today. That’s why we return 75% of Vision’s profits to our members, why we provide full-service banking in underserved rural communities, and why we make contributing to charitable causes in our hometowns a priority. Learn how Vision supports our members and our communities.
Strong Alberta supports Confederation and drives economy, UCP says
George Lee
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
As the final days of the federal election campaign drew near, the UCP used the legislature floor last week to position Alberta as a powerful, responsible and indispensable partner in Confederation.
But not one without grievances.
The bottom-line message? You start doing your part, Ottawa, and we’ll keep doing ours.
Matt Jones, the minister of jobs, economy and trade, last Thursday criticized the federal government for “deeply flawed policies” like emissions caps and the Clean Electricity Regulations. Jones also dissed increases in capital gains taxation announced under the former prime minister but since dropped by Mark Carney. Federal policies “could threaten the very prosperity that funds Canada’s future,” Jones said.
“That’s why Alberta is standing up not just with words but with action. We’re diversifying trade, investing in value-added industries, and putting forward strong Alberta-first policies through every legal and political channel. We’ll always put Alberta jobs and Alberta industries first, because when Alberta wins, Canada wins.”
Polling for the April 28 election favours the Liberals forming a fourth consecutive government, after years of the UCP fighting the feds over constitutional powers, environmental policies and more.
Still seatless Prime Minister Carney, new to the elected political scene, has portrayed
himself as the leader with the economic experience to deal with Donald Trump and his protectionist, tariffs-forward approach to trade.
Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, has watched polling signal a reversal in his party’s fortunes, relegating the party to second place behind the Liberals as he distances himself from Trump and his policies.
All this means Alberta could again find itself with a federal government not as ideologically aligned as a Conservative government would be. And the NDP claims that’s exactly what Premier Danielle Smith wants.
Smith needs enemies in Ottawa so she can justify her approach to governance, said Heather Sweet, the NDP’s deputy house leader.
Sweet accused the premier of manufacturing a national unity crisis and whipping up separatist sentiments. “Rather than sit on the sidelines, she’s interjected separatist rhetoric into a national debate,” Sweet maintained in the legislature April 16.
“It’s theatre,” said Sweet, the EdmontonManning member. “The premier is putting on a play where she claims to be the hero, but she needs a villain, and who plays a better villain and keeps her the centre of attention? That’s the Liberal Party of Canada.”
A recent Angus Reid poll found that one in four Albertans would favour separation in a referendum.
Smith has said repeatedly that meeting with Trump, sharing a stage with far-right
pundit Ben Shapiro, being interviewed on Fox News, and making other forays onto U.S. soil and airspace are all about landing Albertan and Canadian messages.
Alberta fosters relationships on both sides of the aisle in the U.S. No matter who’s elected at the state or federal level, it’s important that U.S. legislators understand “the Alberta story” and that “Alberta is a strong partner and ally in their aspirations,” Smith said last week.
“These are messages that our friends in America need to hear,” she said. “We need to have a fortress North America approach where we know that we can support the Americans in their aspiration for energy dominance.”
UCP MLA Glenn van Dijken said Smith’s approach towards Ottawa is sound. The premier has outlined nine “clear and reasonable demands” for whoever wins the election, the member for Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock said.
Smith seeks guarantees that Alberta will have “full access to unfettered oil and gas corridors,” her list says. It calls for Bill C-69 — which the UCP calls the “no new pipelines act” — to be repealed and a tanker ban off the B.C. coast to be lifted.
Eliminate the oil and gas emissions cap and scrap federal Clean Electricity Regulations, Smith has demanded. Also on the list are ending the single-use plastic prohibition, abandoning a mandate for net-zero cars, returning oversight of the industrial carbon tax to the provinces, and “halting the federal censorship of energy companies.”
“This is not a wish list,” said van Dijken. “This is Alberta standing up for its constitutional rights, its industries and its people. Alberta cannot afford to be sidelined.”
UCP colleague Eric Bouchard, the member for Calgary-Lougheed, called Alberta “not just another province in Confederation.” The fossil-fuel-rich, breadbasket Prairie province is “the economic engine that drives this country.”
He said: “To the new generation of flagwaving, bandwagon Liberals, let’s be clear. National unity depends on Alberta’s success.”
The jobs, economy and trade minister, meanwhile, said Alberta has a young workforce, low taxes and GPD growth that’s expected to lead the nation. The UCP is cutting red tape, attracting investment and expanding market access, Jones said, estimating that Alberta has since 2023 secured over $115-billion in private-sector investment and added 100,000 jobs, Jones said.
“Alberta’s economic success is not just good for us; it’s vital for Canada,” said the member for Calgary-South East. “We’ll keep fighting to ensure our world-class industries are never held back by any threat, foreign or domestic.”
But Sweet’s statement from the NDP side was all about Danielle Smith’s leadership and motives. “This premier is only standing up for herself and never for Albertans. She needs the Liberals to win, for if not for the Liberal government, then who else can she blame for the failures in Alberta? The premier and her government? Not likely.”
Faith: You are free to love others
“For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life/” John 3:16
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”1 John 4:7 Easter weekend 2025 has been put into the historical books. We are in the middle of a new week, and my question is, what do we do with Good Friday and Easter Sunday that has passed?
Do we just pick up from where we left off last Thursday, and live our lives knowing that we had a great weekend celebration but now we move on?
Well, I think that we do have to move on, but what good is Easter if we forget about it in a few days? Has Easter just become another one-day celebration and nothing more?
I don’t think that is what Easter is all about. No. I think that Easter is something that brings remembrance to every day we live until the next Easter Weekend.
You see, Jesus was sent to model to you and I how we should live every day of our lives. Jesus came to us because God so loved us, and God had a plan to pour His love into our hearts through the death and resurrection of Jesus, that we might love like Him.
“Let us love one another, for love comes from God.” How do we do that? Well, let’s just start by loving God first and God will open up the doors for us to love those who we don’t think deserve love.
You see, you and I don’t deserve love either, but God loved us anyway – enough to die for us. Then when we have Jesus’ love, He pours so much love into us that we can’t help but love our neighbour – and love the people in our community. God has ways to open doors of opportunity to love.
Just look around –there is always someone
walking down the street that needs a hug, needs a smile, needs a helping hand.
When we realize the love of Jesus in our heart, the Bible tells us that His
love constrains us – that means it causes us to love.
Go out and love someone with words of kindness, with a helping hand, with a hug, a cup
of tea. You’ll be living Easter weekend everyday.
Rev. Douglas Webb Sedgewick Community Church of the Nazarene
IRON CREEK GAS CO-OP LTD
is seeking one Full-Time
SERVICE PERSON
Experience with Natural Gas is an asset, but applications with a desire to learn will be trained on the job. The ability to operate equipment is an asset. References are required.
A successful applicant must be physically fit, have a clean driver’s abstract and be able to follow our drug and alcohol policy.
Please send your resume with references by email to: admin@ironcreekgas.com or you can go to our website: www.ironcreekgas.com/careers Only those persons considered for an interview will be contacted.
LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER
South Fork Ranches Inc, hereby offers the following parcels of land in Flagstaff County (near Hardisty, Alberta) for sale by tender.
Linc.: 0023 651 847
1. The North East Quarter of Section 16 Township Forty Two (42)
Range Ten (10)
East of the Fourth Meridian, in the said Province Containing 160 Acres more or less Shown on Road Plan 6063BM
Excepting thereout all mines and minerals. 16 various-sized granaries with approx. 18,583 bushels of storage and Telus Tower that pays out a yearly payment.
The property is south of Hardisty on the Airport Rd. There is about 88.99 Crop land and 41.11 Pastureland.
Linc.: 0010 838 597
2. The South East Quarter of Section 22 Township Forty Two (42) Range ten (10) East of the Fourth Meridian, in the said Province Containing 159 Acres more or less Excepting thereout all mines and minerals. The property is South of Hardisty on the Airport Road. There is about 63.2 Crop land and 95.8 Pastureland.
For further particulars please contact Trudy Kueber at 780-458-8725 or email: tdkueber@gmail.com
Tenders are to be submitted in writing, with legal description of the property and emailed to tdkueber@gmail.com. Tenders must be received by 5 p m on May 1, 2025 to be considered.
No conditional tenders will be accepted and the highest, or any tender, will not necessarily be accepted.
The successful Tenderer shall be obligated to complete the purchase on or before May 22, 2025 (the closing date).
Vendor makes no warranties or representations about the property’s size, condition, or environmental state. The properties are being sold “as is, where is.”
Alliance Seed Cleaning is looking for a
Seed Plant Operator
To apply please submit a resume to allianc@syban.net
VILLAGE OF FORESTBURG SUMMER EMPLOYMENT
The Village of Forestburg is currently accepting applications for Summer Employment for the following positions:
• Student Labourer Positions (May - August)
• Student Labourer Position (July – August)
Positions include outdoor general works and parks and recreation work. Applicants must have a valid Class 5 Drivers Licence
Please send resume and qualifications to: Village of Forestburg P.O. Box 210 Forestburg, AB TOB 1N0
Email: acao@forestburg.ca Phone: 780-582-3668
The Town of Sedgewick is accepting applications for the position of Summer Parks Labourer for the period of May 1st to August 31st, 2025.
Job duties will include mowing, weeding, watering, collecting garbage and assisting permanent Town staff.
Terms of Employment: 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm Dates of employment: May 1st to August 31st
Qualifications
Must be physically fit and prepared to work outdoors in both an individual and team setting. Applicants must have a valid Class 5 driver’s license. Preferred applicants will have some mechanical ability and experience using landscaping equipment and/or tools.
The competition will close when a suitable candidate is found.
Please submit resumes to: Sean Mascaluk, Chief Administrative Officer 4818—47 Street, Sedgewick AB T0B 4C0 Fax:780-384-3545 Email:cao@sedgewick.ca
Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
SEDGEWICK
Gillman ‘Fritz’
George Crone
March 12, 1930April 2, 2025
Fritz was born on March 12, 1930, to his parents Avaline and Gillman Crone, at his grandfather’s homestead north of Rosyth.
He was one of eight children.
The family lived on a small farm near Rutland, Sask., until moving to Rosyth when Fritz was nine.
He attended school in Rutland, Rosyth, Hardisty, and Turner Valley. He returned to the farm at Rosyth after Grade 10, where he farmed until 2013.
After that time, Wainwright became his new home. He moved into Points West Living in
March 2022.
He met Jeannette Otto at the Hardisty Rodeo. They were married in 1959. Eileen was born in 1961 and Stewart in 1964.
Fritz is survived by his loving wife Jeannette who he shared 65 years of wonderful marriage with; his daughter Eileen (Gordon) Anderson of Wainwright; his son Stewart (Cathy) Crone of Hardisty; five grandchildren, Vance Anderson of Cold Lake, Neil Anderson of Calgary, Jessica (Blair) Fenton of Irma, Jackie (Ryan) Davidson of Hardisty; Becky (Scott) Guenthner of Provost; eight great-grandchildren: Gray, Tayva and Laney Fenton, Reeves and Wells Davidson, Quade, Ridge and Tyce Guenthner; Fritz’s sister Mary Nelson of Prince George, BC; and sister-inlaw Kathleen Manning of Wainwright; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Fritz is predeceased by his parents Avaline and Gillman Crone; parentsin-law Stewart and
Henry Ritze Mulder died peacefully surrounded by his family on April 12, 2025.
Henry was born in Schomberg, Ontario on March 31, 1952, and was predeceased by his mother, Alice Snippe, father Henk Mulder and sister Pauline (Al) .
He leaves to mourn his loss and cherish his memory, his partner of fifty plus years, Michele, son Jesse (Sarah Hebert) and grandson Kaspar, daughter Sara (Jesse Massumi), brother Ronald (Pam), sister Linda, numerous nieces and nephews, and a community of friends and colleagues with whom he worked and played over the years.
Henry’s infectious smile and willingness to help others permeated every aspect of his life. To have known him was to witness true generosity and selflessness. To have known him was
Nancy Otto; his brothers Fred (June) Crone, Tommy (Irene) Crone, Laurie (Sylvia) Crone; his sisters Violet (Francis) Webster, Rosalie Crone, Gladys Crone; sister-inlaw and brothers-in-law Margaret and Robert Carson, Maurice Manning, and Addy Nelson.
Card of Thanks:
The family of Gillman “Fritz” Crone want to thank everyone for their support and condolences on his passing. The flowers, food, and donations were deeply appreciated. Thank you to Creech’s Funeral Home for all their assistance.
A sincere thank you to the Points West Living Family, who cared for Fritz with so much love, compassion, and respect. In lieu of thank you cards, donations have been made to the Hardisty Cemetery Fund, Rosyth Community Hall, Hardisty Hospital Auxiliary, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, and STARS.
Henry Ritze Mulder
to love him.
Henry faced his diagnosis and subsequent death with grace, dignity and courage, the way he lived his life. At his request, there will not be a funeral, but a celebration of Henry will be held at a future date.
Donations in Henry’s memory can be made to the Canadian Gastric Cancer Association ( gastriccancer.ca/donate) or a charity of your choice.
Viking Funeral Services
780-336-4842 vikingfuneralservices.ca
OBITUARIES
Marie Monique Arsenault Kahlert
Marie Monique Arsenault Kahlert
December 5, 1948April 13, 2025
Marie Monique Arseneault Kahlert of Killam, Alberta passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Sunday, April 13, 2025.
Left to mourn Monique is her husband Chris; sons Jeffrey (Elaine), Thomas (Kym) and Paul (Jillian); 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and one
great-grandchild to be born in July.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 3, at Weber's Mount Pleasant Chapel in Camrose. Memorial donations may be made to the Zebra Centre or to the charity of one's choice.
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
CARD OF THANKS
A huge thank you to the Heisler, Daysland, and Killam Fire Department for their fast response to our recent fire. Their dedication and hard work is an asset to all of our communities.
Kevin & Joanne Zimmer
COMING EVENTS
Radiant Harmony presents "A little bit of Country
A little bit of Rock 'n Roll"
Sunday, April 27 at 2pm Daysland Palace Theatre Lunch to follow at Sunbeam Drop-in Centre
The Lougheed Fair is looking for Volunteers for Food Booths, Cattle Show, or any area volunteers choose. Please contact Iris at 780-385-0752 or Stacey at 780-385-4703. Exhibitor Books will soon be in a store near you!
COMING EVENTS
Extendicare Viking Spring Tea!
Saturday, May 3, 2025
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Serving cake, coffee & tea for $8.00 at the door. Door Prize, Raffles, and Crafts & Baking for sale! All proceeds go to Resident Council
Flagstaff Family Day Homes Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 6:30 pm At the FFCS Building 4809-49th Avenue Killam, Alberta
Battle River Art Club Show and Sale
Saturday, April 26
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sedgewick Community Hall Lunch and snacks available For more information Call Chris McMullan 780-384-2167
Killam Health Care Hospital Reunion for all Past and Present Employees Saturday, May 24 From 2 to 5 p.m. at the Killam Catholic Church Basement Hall 5214-50 ave
COMING EVENTS
PRAGUE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL GENERAL HALL MEETING
Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 2 PM at the Prague Hall Beverages and snack served
ANNUAL SPRING CEMETERY AND HALL CLEAN UP ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CEMETERY - PRAGUE
PRAGUE COMMUNITY HALL
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM Beverages and snack to follow
ANNUAL MASS - BLESSING OF THE GRAVES MASS IN PRAGUE COMMUNITY HALL
Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11 AM Potluck lunch and fellowship to follow
M.A.I.D.
Medical Assistance in Dying Information Session Presenter: Rachel Coventry Palliative Care Resource Nurse Alberta Health Services Monday, May 5 at 10:30 a.m. Heisler Senior’s Club Main Street, Heisler Lunch Provided Pre-Register by April 30 Mariann Wolbeck 780-889-2243 Kathy Kuntz 403-318-6634
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 AUCTION PROGRAM: Firearms, Ammunition, Accessories, or Militaria. Collections, Estates or single items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Contact us: 1-800-694-2609, Email: sales@switzersauction.com or Visit us @ www.switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details.
COMING EVENTS
The Walter Jahns Singers will present their 39th Annual Spring Choral Concert on Sunday, April 27 at 7:30 pm.at the Forestburg Community Centre.
The Lougheed Ag Society is accepting Applications for 2025 Recreation Grants DEADLINE IS May 7, 2025 at 5 p.m. Send Applications to: Lougheed Ag Society PO Box 305 Lougheed, AB T0B 2V0 Eligible applicants need to comply with Rec Grant as requested by Flagstaff County. For further information and to see therequirements, check out the Flagstaff County website.
FOR SALE
Apple trees (nine varieties) and Pear Trees (three varieties) for sale until April 30 only. Call Brian at 780-6780053 to arrange viewing or pickup.
WHITE SPRUCE TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 25. One-time fuel charge: $150 - 225. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. Quality guaranteed.
GARAGE SALE
Moving Out/Household Sale
Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Lots of Sewing Items, Fabric, Household, Etc. 16 McLean Cresent Sedgewick
SEED FOR SALE
BARLEY – *NEW-AB Standswell* Smooth AWN, High Yielding, Grain and Forage Great Lodging Resistance. 1st NITROGEN USE EFFICIENT CEREAL IN CANADA. Attracting Japanese Interest. OTHER BARLEY: Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. WHEAT – Pintail, Forage or Grain. OATS – AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC S01 Super Oat. PEAS – Very Early Yellow Peas, Forage Peas. ALSO AVAILABLE: Polish Canola & Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-5562609.
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & Conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.
FOR RENT
2 Bedroom, large, clean, non-smoking suite in Killam. Available June 1. Call Chuck at 780-263-7290
HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-4535372.
SERV ICES
General Contractor
Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and Gasfitter.
Bathroom Renos & Tile New to the Area.
30 plus Years of Experience. Dave 403-999-8464
Drywall Taping/Ceiling Texturing
40 years experience on the job, from commercial buildings to new homes to home renovations. No job too small. Experienced Killam drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job, big or small. Don't want to do it yourself? - Give me a call!
Flagstaff Taping & Texturing
Murray Cholowsky Call or text at 780-385-1251
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
Medical Taxi Service
Personal Taxi Service to Edmonton and Back -$175
•Office Hours Mon-Fri 9-5
•Absolutely NO Hidden Fees
•Escort to Reception/Waiting Room
•Pick up and Drop off at your door
•Top Notch Service!
•Includes up to 4 Hour Wait
•Locally Owned and Operated
587-987-7810
PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1866-405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca
CLUES ACROSS
1. Marsh plant
Town & Country Guardian Drugs - Killam
We have: •a Kodak picture maker.
•a colour/b&w photocopier.
•cold pop and fresh snacks.
•a great selection of candles, giftware, and fragrances. toys, games,and plush animals.
•a huge selection of Hallmark cards.
•plastic gift cards
•vitamins, minerals, and herbals.
•free gift wrapping.
•prescription service
Open 6 days a week.
WANTED
APRIL SENIORS SPECIAL! 10% MORE ON ALL CASH PAYOUTS. SILVER Coins, Canadian Coins, GOLD coins, chains, rings...We buy them ALL! Silver flatware, tea sets, all things silver, Canadian Mint sets. We come to the privacy of your home, no fees! Call Joy or Ted 1-825-966-4373.
34. African nation
35. Slow-moving animal
6. Southern constellation (“The Peacock”)
10. Fogginess
14. Home to Fools’ Day
15. Absence of the sense of pain
17. Popular November holiday
19. Consume food
20. Buddy
21. Long-haired goat-antelope
22. Japanese honorific
23. Actor Malek
24. One point south of southeast
26. Illegal acts
29. As fast as can be done
31. Prevents harm to young
32. Exclamation of satisfaction
CLUES DOWN
1. Satisfy
2. European health advocate
3. Expression of annoyance
4. Strong liquor
5. Large red deer
6. Holder of less common religious beliefs
7. West Indian shrub
8. Family of proteins
9. Wealthy, influential business leader
10. Low spirits
11. Approves food
12. Monetary unit of Iran and Oman
13. Mary __, cosmetics
16. Expressed in pithy maxims
18. Relaxing spaces
22. The NFL’s big game
23. Proof of payment (abbr.)
24. Starchy preparation of dried orchid tubers
25. Indicates near
Minneapolis suburb
Herring-like fish
37. Oh, goodness!
38. A team’s best pitcher
39. Cleanser
40. Radioactivity units
41. Expectorated matter
43. Cover a wide range
45. The central area of a church
46. California capital (abbr.)
47. Dutch painter Klaver
49. 007’s creator
50. Impression of dishonesty
53. Northeastern sports rivalry
57. Cloths
58. Stalin’s police chief
59. Hostelries
60. Bitterly regret
61. Anwar __, Egyptian statesman
29. Doctors’ group
30. Pouches
Bread dipping in sauce 33. Commercials 35. A reminder of past events
36. Affected by injury 37. Geological time 39. Stationary part of a motor 42. Brings together 43. Of sound mind
44. Personal computer 46. Without (French)
47. A bank might give you
48. Agricultural testing organization
49. A small island 50. Type of gene 51. Murres
Card game
53. A measure of human health
54. Australian airline (abbr.) 55. One point south of due west 56. Affirmative
KILLAM DENTURE CLINIC
BATTLE RIVER CROWFOOT CANDIDATE Q&A
Damien Kurek Conservative Party of Canada
1. Tell us a little about yourself
I’m proud to have had the honour of representing this region in Ottawa since 2019, and I am the fifth generation to help run my family farm. Thankful to be married to Danielle, and we have three boys, Matthew, Emerson, and Winston. I am actively involved in my local church and community, and I spend as much time as I can passing on my love of farming to my kids. I am also a big fan of Western sports, and rodeo in particular.
2. Where do you currently live?
I currently reside near my family farm in Alberta's Special Areas right here in Battle River-Crowfoot.
3. What is your political background?
Long before running for office, I have been passionate about politics, and policies that put Canada First, allow our region to prosper, fight for democratic accountability, and ensure that rural doesn’t get forgotten about. Also, I am deeply appreciative of my friendship with retired MP and Killam native Kevin Sorenson, seeing how Kevin worked diligently for this region for decades.
4. What motivated you originally to run as a candidate in the federal election? What keeps you motivated to continue?
It's been an honour to serve this region, and more now than ever have I seen how important it is to ensure that strong voices from Rural Alberta are at
the table, after seeing how Liberal policies have devastated our region, province, and country. More now than ever, change is needed.
5. As you see it, what are major issues facing the Battle River-Crowfoot riding and what types of changes would you advocate for as an elected member of Parliament?
The people of Battle River-Crowfoot have shared how unequivocally they need a change in Government in Ottawa, and as their MP and once again Conservative Candidate, I have and commit to continuing to fight for the people here in rural, East Central Alberta.
6. As you see it, what are major issues facing Canada and what types of changes would you advocate for as an elected member of Parliament?
First, folks care about fixing the economy and addressing the cost of living, bringing about policies that allow us to prosper, and cutting taxes.
Second is fixing our broken legal system, which has seen crime rates skyrocket and once-safe communities facing huge challenges. From making sure there is jail and not bail for repeat violent offenders, life sentences for fentanyl traffickers, to fighting scandal and corruption in Ottawa.
Third is making sure that this region, our people, ideas, and industries, are represented in Ottawa.
7. What drew you to represent the Conservative Party of Canada?
For far too long, our region and country have been held back by ideas and ideologies that are meant to choose winners and losers. This has historically had devastating consequences, and we
ELECTION 2025
CANADIAN FEDERAL
Publisher’s note: Over the long weekend, four of the five MP candidates running in Battle RiverCrowfoot graciously filled out a Question & Answer form from our newspaper, meant to simulate a political forum and give a fair, balanced perspective from each of the candidates. Green Party candidate Douglas Gook did not participate. Attempts to reach him directly were thwarted by a Green Party representative who informed us he would not be “doing any media during this election campaign.” While we were disappointed to not be able to include one of the candidates, nevertheless, we are thankful to the other four for providing thoughtful answers to our questions. We present them here in their entirety. Remember, on April 28, 2025, exercise your right to VOTE!
are seeing that play out in our country today.
Conservatives want to unleash the potential of our country, our people, and ensure that the promise of Canada is restored. Plus, after having seen scandal and chaos being normalized by Liberal politicians, it's time to restore accountability to Ottawa.
8. Why do you think someone should consider voting for you and your party?
As your representative, I have worked hard to ensure that your voice is heard in Ottawa. Additionally, I have been a longtime advocate for rural Canada and working to ensure that Government works for you. I am proud to be part of our national Conservative team led by Pierre Poilievre, focused on restoring the promise of Canada.
9. Does your party have a plan for addressing President Trump and his tariff threats?
First, these tariffs are an unjustified attack on our nation, and threats to our sovereignty are unacceptable. But the challenges we face here at home after a decade of Liberal policies have made us weaker today than we should be. Leaving us more reliant on the United States than we would have been had we allowed our economy to grow and major infrastructure to be built. Trade chaos has been normalized under the Liberals, and we are seeing the new US administration take that to a whole new level.
We are committed to standing up for our economy across Canada in every sector. Protecting our borders. Rebuilding our military. And ensuring that we take seriously the need to renegotiate things like CUSMA, putting Canada first.
But at the end of the day, the only
thing we totally control is what we do at home. And the best way to stand up to these threats is to be strong here.
Unleashing our industry, cutting taxes on our workers, zero capital gains taxes on Canadian reinvestment, building more homes, LNG plants, pipelines, mines and more to build our own economic fortress here in Canada is the only way to stand up to President Trump.
We are going to do this while implementing our plan to build more homes, combat addiction, ensure fiscal responsibility, cap immigration so we never again add people faster than we add jobs, and get criminals off our streets.
10. Final Word: Is there any lasting message you would like to pass along to members of our riding as we head toward election day?
It's important to vote; this election will have a massive impact on the future of our nation. It's been an honour to serve as your MP for the last two terms, and if I have the honour of being reelected, you can count on me to continue to fight for you and this region.
Brent Sutton Liberal Party of Canada
1. Tell us a little about yourself
BATTLE RIVER CROWFOOT CANDIDATE Q&A
I am married to Pat and have two adult children. My hobbies are music, reading, fitness, and politics. I worked in the airline industry for over four decades as a Customer Service Agent.
2. Where do you currently live?
I live in Calgary. As I was raised on a farm in Saskatchewan, I think I have a connection with the rural riding of Battle River-Crowfoot. I know the challenges that come with farming and small communities.
3. What is your political background?
I started to show interest in politics as a teenager. In 2019, I went to sit on an Electoral District Association Board in a Federal Riding.
4. What motivated you originally to
Jonathan Bridges
People’s Party of Canada
1. Tell us a little about yourself
I was born and raised in this area. Was married for 15 years and have five wonderful children. I have been a heavy equipment mechanic since 2004. I love motorcycles, golf, and fishing
2. Where do you currently live?
I live in Three Hills, I was born and raised in the area.
3. What is your political background?
I have been interested in politics for as long as I can remember, though I did not envision running for office at this point in my life.
4. What motivated you originally to run as a candidate in the federal election? What keeps you motivated to continue?
It was a God thing. I felt called to tell
run as a candidate in the federal election? What keeps you motivated to continue?
For learning and experience, engaging the voter and a close-up view of the electoral process.
5. As you see it, what are major issues facing the Battle River-Crowfoot riding and what types of changes would you advocate for as an elected member of Parliament?
Farmers’ access to new markets, costs of farming inputs, climate change concerns, and land management. I would advocate for agri-foods which entails production, processing, distribution, consumption, and related industries.
6. As you see it, what are major issues facing Canada and what types of changes would you advocate for as an elected member of Parliament?
Tariffs imposed by the US, balanced immigration, and being an advocate for growth in affordable housing.
Max [Bernier] at a protest that I wanted to help in some way. Then, after a little communication, I was invited to put my name in for a spot as a candidate.
5. As you see it, what are major issues facing the Battle River-Crowfoot riding and what types of changes would you advocate for as an elected member of Parliament?
There are many, but I think much of it can be summed up as over taxation. I would advocate for a balanced budget and paying off the debt which works to then allow for lower taxes.
6. As you see it, what are major issues facing Canada and what types of changes would you advocate for as an elected member of Parliament?
Very similar to the above answer but I will add rule of law.
7. What drew you to represent the People’s Party of Canada?
They are a party that actually reflects my values and also would allow me to
ELECTION 2025 CANADIAN FEDERAL
7. What drew you to represent the Liberal Party of Canada?
To be active in the democratic process and my knowledge of the procedure and how to apply it to an election cycle.
8. Why do you think someone should consider voting for you and your party?
It is good to get new ideas to Ottawa in focusing on agricultural concerns and issues. Also, not to forget our towns and villages in tourism potential and economic benefits to our farming community.
9. Does your party have a plan for addressing President Trump and his tariff threats?
Get the tariffs removed ASAP and get a new free trade agreement that is enhanced and has protections against the parties violating the agreement as the US has just done. Being the catalyst for enhancing Interprovincial Trade. It shouldn’t be easier to trade with the US than other provinces. If we
vote my conscience or how my constituents want me to vote. It's the only party I know if that won't force their MPs to toe the line no matter what. 8. Why do you think someone should consider voting for you and your party?
We believe in our policies and don't charge them with the whims of opinion polls that seem to be manipulated by whomever sponsors them.
9. Does your party have a plan for addressing President Trump and his tariff threats?
If you take a moment to read over our policies at our website you will see that many of them would combine to increase our national security which is exactly what Trump is wanting to achieve with his aggressive negotiations.
10. Final Word: Is there any lasting message you would like to pass along to members of our riding as we head toward election day?
My final word is to simply ask voters
address that, it could add $200 Billion annually to Canada’s GDP.
10. Final Word: Is there any lasting message you would like to pass along to members of our riding as we head toward election day?
Get out to vote as it is very crucial to the health and vibrancy of our cherished democracy!
to actually research the person they are voting for. Not just look at the leader of a party. Our system actually gives a lot of power to an MP, but the way most parties are structured, MPs are under constant threat of being removed from the party and therefore not likely to be re-elected for the next term. We then end up with MPs more concerned about keeping their job than actually helping the country. Vote for someone you actually align with.
1. Tell us a little about yourself
BATTLE RIVER CROWFOOT CANDIDATE Q&A
I've called Alberta home for over half of my life at this point. Graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in Political Science. I am a Union Labourer with CUPE Local 37. In my free time I like to read books, go to the gym, and spend time with my friends and family.
2. Where do you currently live?
I live in southern Alberta, mainly Calgary, I was asked by members of the
NDP to run in Battle River - Crowfoot.
3. What is your political background?
I grew up in a political family back in Cape Breton where my family is originally from. I learned early on how politics is life or death for some people depending on the policies and programs that are introduced. While in school, I learned a lot about the NDP and its leaders like Tommy Douglas and Jack Layton and how they always tried to do what they could for regular people. I take great influence from them as well as my Catholic upbringing/teachings of helping out those who have less than others.
4. What motivated you originally to run as a candidate in the federal election? What keeps you motivated to continue?
I was motivated to run because I believe that every riding deserves to be hard fought. More rural ridings like Battle River-Crowfoot tend to be strongholds for conservative candidates, the NDP was originally founded by farmers and labourers and I think it would be a good thing not just for rural ridings but for Canadian democracy for these ridings to be as competitive as the more urban ones. I think every prospective MP should have to fight hard and earn every vote if they want to be on Parliament Hill one day.
5. As you see it, what are major issues facing the Battle River-Crowfoot riding and what types of changes would you advocate for as an elected member of Parliament?
I think some major issues facing Battle River- Crowfoot would be the economy and healthcare. With the Trump tariffs taking place, we need to do everything we can to support our farmers and agricultural workers so that they can still send their products to market and have ample buyers willing to pay good prices for their canola, wheat, barley etc.
I believe looking for more trade partners in places like Asia, Europe, and South America can help us stem the economic crisis the Americans are imposing on nations like Canada.
We also need to make sure that the money that provinces get from the Federal Canadian Health Transfer go towards publicly funded and delivered healthcare in Alberta. Privatization of our health system will lead to more health centres and hospitals being shut down in rural communities if private providers don't think they can make a profit in those areas. We need to redouble our efforts to preserve and expand our cherished public institutions that operate for the common good.
6. As you see it, what are major issues facing Canada and what types of changes would you advocate for as an elected member of Parliament?
Some major challenges facing Canada are the Trump tariffs and the need to be more self-reliant in these turbulent times for international economics. I'm no Liberal, and I don't agree with much that Prime Minister Carney has to say, but when he mentioned that we need to build one Canadian economy as opposed to 13 smaller provincial economies, that made sense to me.
We do need to remove trade barriers between our provinces to stimulate further economic development here at home. It makes no sense that a wine seller in BC can ship his product to South Korea easier than across the Rockies to the prairie provinces. We need to work with the provinces to remove these barriers so more Canadians can see the benefit of quality made Canadian goods.
With our trade partners influx. We need to do as much as we can do develop a more robust and resilient Canadian economy that can withstand economic attacks from other nations.
We need to make significant investments in energy infrastructure and domestic manufacturing so that not only can we create good paying jobs here in Canada but that we can keep them too. Industries like Hydrogen, renewables,
and potentially small modular nuclear reactors can be targeted so that we can continue to be the envy of the energy world.
7. What drew you to represent the NDP Party of Canada?
I've always had an interest in history and politics, reading up on the history of all the major parties is a passion of mine. I was drawn to the NDP because of what they stand for.
A party which looks after the interests of working people, providing programs and services to make sure no one falls through the cracks of life, one which advanced cherish institutions like universal healthcare. Despite not forming government at a federal level, the influence of the NDP has helped shaped our country for the better. I've always had a soft spot for the underdog.
8. Why do you think someone should consider voting for you and your party?
I think people should take a historical view of all the parties, I know it can be easy to focus on the here and now, but you can truly understand what every party stands for by looking at the things they have always fought for.
For the NDP, it's been workers rights, better pay and benefits for workers, stronger pensions so that seniors can live their retirement years in dignity, and expanding public institutions to make life more affordable. These are long-held values that have made New Democrats what we are today. They are values that drive us to push for better, because we know that better is possible for Canadians.
9. Does your party have a plan for addressing President Trump and his tariff threats?
Sort of reiterating my point from question 6, but lessening inter-provincial trade in Canada as well as making powerful public investments in Canadian infrastructure and manufacturing to strengthen our economy, create jobs, tough out any further economic hurdles and make sure no Canadian workers are left behind.
10. Final Word: Is there any lasting message you would like to pass along to members of our riding as we head toward election day?
I hope the people of Battle RiverCrowfoot view the platforms of all candidates and are able to be as informed as possible so that they can make the choice at the ballot box that most aligns with their views and values.
