Tofield Western Days article and photos ~ inside Battle RiverCrowfoot by-election meet the candidates continued from last week ~ information inside!
Annual Bull Bash full of excitement
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The stands and beer gardens were filled to the brim on the first day of Tofield’s fourth annual Western Days events, as the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) were back in town for the annual Bull Bash.
With 24 bull riders on the schedule and five junior bull riders there that night, the crowds anticipated a great performance and they were not disappointed. As it turned out, six of the bull riders did not make it out, so second rides were available for cowboys to try their hand twice. For this year’s champion, Aaron Roy of Yellow Grass, SK, his second ride scored him the win.
“They were short entries so there were eight open bulls. When this happens, if guys want, they can put their name down for double entry,” Roy told the Tofield Mercury following the Bull Bash.
Roy’s first ride, atop Cheeko, scored him 82.5 points but the leader at that point in the evening was Coy
Robbins with an 85-point ride.
Roy’s second ride on a bull named Holy Smokes scored him 86 points for the win.
Roy has been an active participant in rodeo sports since 1997, when he was 11 years old. When asked why he loves to ride bulls, he said it’s the excitement and risk of it all.
“It’s the adrenaline of the sport, and it's against all odds for us to stay on,” he said.
Roy started his rodeo career in steer riding throughout high school and college, as well as riding saddle bronc and team roping.
“I have three older brothers; two of them rode bulls, and one's a steer wrestler. It’s kind of always been in the family,” he said.
Roy is a three-year PBR Canada Champion, earning the title in 2008, 2010, and 2012.
The junior bull riding winner of the night was Rylan Deleff from Coronation, with a 72-point ride.
“The Tofield Bull Bash is a great event and I’m glad they put it on every year. It helps out every guy with their points,” Roy said.
At the Bull Bash on Thursday, August 7, Gilmar Santana scored an 81 point ride on a bull named Mended. KARI JANZEN PHOTOS
Jordan Hanson on Uncle Buck scored an 82 point ride.
Aaron Roy of Yellow Grass, SK was the champion of the Tofield Bull Bash, scoring an 86 point ride on his second ride of the night, on Holy Smokes. He scored an 82.5 point ride on his first go, on a bull named Cheeko.
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Aaron James Olson, 42, of Tofield was arrested and charged with a number of offences on Wednesday, July 30, including three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance.
As reported by Lacombe Police Service, a traffic stop was attempted on Olson on Monday, July 28 but he managed to evade police.
“On July 28 at approximately 12:44 a.m., Lacombe Police Service conducted a traffic stop on a white Dodge Ram truck on Highway 12 at 58 Street. The driver, identified as 42-year-old
Aaron Olson of Tofield, Alberta, displayed erratic driving behaviour and signs of impairment.
When officers attempted to conduct a vehicle search, Olson became non-compliant, physically assaulted two officers, and fled the scene at a high rate of speed.
“Officers deployed a Conducted Energy Weapon and OC spray during the altercation, but Olson managed to flee. His abandoned vehicle was later located near Ponoka and contained a quantity of suspected methamphetamine,” a social media post on the Lacombe Police Service page said.
Olson was then wanted on warrants for Assault
on Police Officer (x2), Resist Arrest (x2), Flight from Police, Mischief, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was arrested on Wednesday, July 30 in Ponoka.
“On July 30, the suspect, Aaron Olson, was observed by officers in a vehicle trafficking controlled substances at a property in Ponoka. The vehicle was stopped and Olson as well as his passenger were arrested,” Alberta RCMP said.
Olson and the vehicle were searched and $6,850 in cash, 90 grams of fentanyl, 112 grams of cocaine, 149 grams of methamphetamine, and a firearm were seized.
“Police then executed a search warrant at the
Ponoka residence and seized $1,360 in currency, 20 grams of Methamphetamine, Drug trafficking materials including scales and baggies, brass knuckles and ammunition.
“As a result of this operation, RCMP addition-
ally charged Olson with Possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance (x3), weapons offences (x3), possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, and possession of a weapon contrary to order (x3),” Alberta
RCMP said.
Olson was taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody with his next court date set for Aug. 1, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka.
Olson’s passenger, Continued on Page 5
BRSD welcomes new superintendent
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Battle River School Division (BRSD) announced last week that their new superintendent, Natasha Wilm, officially started in her new role on Friday, August 1.
“Ms. Wilm holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from the Uni-
versity of Alberta. She completed her Master of Education in Leadership from the University of Alberta in 2009 and most recently achieved a Human Resource Certificate from Bow Valley College,” a press release from the Division says. Wilm has worked for BRSD for 13 years, but first started teaching in 2001 in Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools.
“She has held various school leadership roles before moving into central office, first as Director of Learning; then, Assistant Superintendent - Human Resources. Throughout her career she has maintained support for culturally responsive and inclusive practices. She believes that every student deserves to feel accepted, welcomed, and valued for their unique strengths and diversity. As a leader, she listens deeply, acts decisively, and prioritizes collaborative decision making to support student learning and staff and student well-being,” the release says.
BRSD says that Wilm is excited for the opportunity to lead the Division and that she possesses a strong commitment to rural education and prioritizes trust, strong relationships, a passion for learning, and transparent communication.
“I am honoured to
2025/2026 TOFIELD SCHOOL REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
Timetables can be accessed on Power School.
If you have not received your timetable or cannot access it, please let us know.
Elementary and Junior High Students will receive an email from their homeroom teachers by the end of August to avoid any confusion on the first day of school (September 2nd).
There may be slight adjustments to supply lists to help support safety requirements.
Bookings for course changes for Grades 10-12 can be made over the phone by calling 780-662-3133 (emails work too).
The days we are booking course changes, new registrations and school tours are on:
Wednesday, Aug. 27th from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thursday, Aug. 28th from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Friday, Aug. 29th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Please watch Facebook and check our website tofield.brsd.ab.ca as information is coming in daily.
Mr Thompson, Dr Karen Gartner, & Mr Roe
serve as Superintendent of Schools/CEO for BRSD and look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place. With a focus on relationships and the distinct strengths of rural education, I am committed to working alongside staff, families, community partners, and the Board of Trustees to foster inclusive environments where all students can develop the knowledge and skills to thrive and achieve their goals,” Wilm said.
Wilm lives in the City of Camrose with her husband Jason and three children Hannah, 20, Marissa, 18, and Joshua, 15.
“She is an avid sports fan, has a love of reading, and enjoys spending time at the lake with her family. The Board of Trustees extends congratulations to Natasha,” the release says.
School Resumes Tuesday, September 2nd
C.W. Sears Elementary School will be happy to accept new registrations beginning Wednesday, August 27th @ noon.
Local leatherwork designer offers personalized items
Vanessa Poitras Staff Reporter
Butch and Vixen is a locally owned bespoke leather goods shop in Beaver County, a business that began in 2018, but something leathersmith Artemis Thew has being doing for the majority of (their) life.
“I have been making things for over 20 years
but I didn't start my business until seven years ago.
“I am the core/only creator. I use real leather; no synthetics. I also work with wax canvas and other quality textiles for liners and different projects,” Thew said.
The shop is, for the most part, online and available through some small shops in the city
but Thew is hoping to find a location to sell products in Tofield. The items the business designs include wallets, bags, and monogrammed keychains.
"I started the business after being encouraged by friends to sell online or at markets and my items were well received," Thew said.
"Our leather is all
Drug Trafficking Arrest
Continued from Page 2
Paige Tamara Ziegler, 29, of Drayton Valley was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance (x3), and weapons offences (x3).
Ziegler was also taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody with her next court date set for Aug. 1, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka.
“The occupant of the Ponoka residence, 45year-old Lauren Elliot Curtis, has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance, and possession of property obtained by crime under $5000. Curtis was taken before a Justice of the Peace and released with his next court date set for Aug. 22, 2025, at
the Alberta Court of Justice in Ponoka,” Alberta RCMP said.
“The collaborative efforts between multiple RCMP specialized teams has led to the successful arrest of a violent priority offender and the disruption of drug trafficking activities in Central Alberta. The targeted enforcement operation, involving the Wetaskiwin Crime Reduction Unit, Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (CAD CRU), K Air Services, Emergency Response Team, Ponoka RCMP, K RTOC and Police Dog Services, resulted in multiple arrests, seizures of illegal drugs, cash and a firearm.” says Cst. Tom Rutland.
“The RCMP remains dedicated to reducing violent crime and illegal drug activity across Alberta. Community members are encouraged to continue reporting suspicious activity, as their information is critical to
sourced from the food industry and we do our best to source from local suppliers. Because all work is done by us and
we strive to make good for the individual, we are open to special requests and design input," the Butch and Vixen website says.
Custom orders are a key part of this business, through social media or the website.
ongoing crime reduction efforts,” the Alberta RCMP media release said.
JOHN’S RANT OPINION
So I’ve just spent two weeks in my home province of Ontario. A couple of noticeable things … the Greater Toronto area has one of the best public transit systems I have every travelled on.
The subway is very clean and widely used. The GO Trains are very smooth, clean and efficient.
In fact it was quite enjoyable in a perverse sort of way cruising merrily alongside the heavily trav-
elled Highway 401 and seeing bumper to bumper traffic slowly inching its way along 12 lanes of traffic (six lanes each direction) while the GO Train happily passed the frustrated drivers probably steaming in the 30+ temperatures (closer to 40 if you added humidity.)
But the residents certainly don’t think like Albertans.
It’s almost like being on a different planet, but I can understand how their sup-
port for some programs comes about.
Having grown up in urban Ontario, in a suburb of Toronto, I was pretty used to the transit system. It required a good sized population, which the Greater Toronto area has, in order to be successful. And a 10-mile trip was considered a big trip. It required lots of planning. Which is why there is such support for electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles which use gas and electric-
Letter: Kurek weighs in
Dear Editor;
A lot has been said in these pages on both sides of the debate related to the future of Battle River-Crowfoot. First, to the people here, thank you for the overwhelming confidence you placed in me in the last three general elections. Your support has meant the world to Danielle and I, and every step of the way, we have worked to ensure you were represented and served, and I vowed to fight for the values that define this region and for a better Alberta and Canada.
It was for those reasons that I voluntarily resigned. It is clear that Pierre Poilievre needs to be in the House of Commons now, fighting for the same values he and I have championed for years.
Be aware of the electoral tricks we've seen before. The same "longest ballot" fiasco designed to confuse voters and only targets Conservatives is now on full display here, alongside distractions from those who are quick to insult who we are as rural Albertans.
Don’t be fooled. Pierre is an Albertan whose record speaks for itself. He has fought for the values that define this region for his entire career. He has been honest about how he will fight for Battle River-Crowfoot, bringing national attention to local issues. And while all of these other candidates and parties were disengaged or didn’t even know we existed in the last election, Pierre did. He may not have been on the ballot here, but he always took my call and fought for us.
The truth is that he is one of us, and he is the leader that Battle River-Crowfoot and Canada need.
I started as a volunteer in politics and am now volunteering again to help Pierre in this by-election because I believe that’s what’s best.
Contrary to some claims, I haven't gone anywhere and I plan to run again in the next General Election. But for now, I have cast my ballot for Pierre Poilievre, and I hope you will join me, so that on August 18th, he can be elected as our MP and continue fighting for us and for Canada.
Sincerely,
Damien C. Kurek - Former MP for Battle River-Crowfoot
Box 150, Tofield, Alberta T0B 4J0 Phone 780-662-4046
E-mail: (Advertising): adsmercury@gmail.com (News): news.tofield@gmail.com
Canada just isn’t ready yet for compulsory electric vehicles
ity in this part of the country.
My sister and her husband have a hybrid SUV.
It’s a very pleasant vehicle and certainly saves them money. They also have a home covered in solar panels which adds up to considerable costs savings.
But in Alberta an eight hour trip to get the kids to a hockey tournament
when it’s -30C is more the norm.
Distance between communities in Alberta are great. And to a large degree it makes the efficiency of hybrid or electric vehicles problematic.
Now, where in Canada do we have the infrastructure to support every new car to be sold in 2035 and there after to be electric.
That’s a problem.
Also electric cars have been proven to not work as well in cold temperatures and when your travelling with small children you wants to stay warm in your cars. Cold weather is a nasty draw on the heating system of electric cars. I listened to an unbiased production of CBC (who else) about a person who drove his electric vehicle
Continued on Page 15
News from the Legislature Jackie Lovely MLA for Camrose Constituency
Over the past few months, I’ve had the opportunity to knock on hundreds of doors and speak directly with working folks, seniors, farmers and families across our community. Something I have found encouraging – and I consistently hear at the doorsteps – is that people are grateful for the care they’re receiving at our local hospitals, and they’re seeing real improvements in how health services are delivered here at home.
Health care professionals are doing incredible work in the Camrose Constituency. We’ve welcomed new doctors who are stepping up to take patients off waitlists, and I’ve heard countless stories of families finally getting the care they needed after struggling to find it in British Columbia and Ontario.
We’re fortunate to have not one, but two standalone nurse practitioner clinics right here in Camrose. Demand is high, with each nurse practitioner building a patient panel of 900 people in just a few weeks. This uptake proves the need for their skills and the trust Albertans have in our health care providers.
And let’s not forget the vital role that our pharmacists play. I know I have personally benefited from their expertise, whether it’s preparing prescriptions or receiving guidance without needing a doctor’s appointment.
United Conservatives understand the value of responding to local needs when it comes to the delivery of our most important services. That’s why we’re giving decision-making power back to the people who work in our local hospitals, not managers in faraway places like Edmonton. Beginning this fall, hospitals will shift to having management who work locally. This will deliver quicker decisions, better care, and less red tape. I know there are still some waiting for a family doctor, but I have faith in those doing the hiring. Our community is a desirable place to live, work and raise a family. For those healthcare providers who are feeling a bit stretched, thank you so much for the work that you do.
Alberta families work hard, and United Conservatives are focused on delivering what matters to them. Whether it’s health care, new schools, or cutting taxes, I’m here to make sure Camrose continues to thrive.
If you ever have questions or ideas, my door is always open.
Kerry Anderson Publisher Lisa Kuflay Manager
John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter
Kate Priestley Office Assistant Michelle Anderson Payroll Administrator
Crystal Moren Production Kari Janzen Reporter
Jackie Lovely, Camrose MLA
2025
CANADIAN FEDERAL
BY-ELECTION
Pierre Poilievre Conservative Party of Canada
Leslie Cholowsky
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre first introduced himself to our readers after the announcement that MP Damien Kurek would be resigning his seat and Poilievre would be running in his place.
Poilievre grew up in Alberta, in Calgary, and says, “I am not from Battle RiverCrowfoot, but I am determined to listen, learn, and work hard to understand and represent the values and interests of the people there. Farming, energy, national defence, hunting, and so much more are all keys to understanding and representing the people of the region.
“On all of these issues, I have spent my career fighting for the things that people in Battle River-Crowfoot hold dear.
“I was raised in Alberta. I am proud of my roots and care deeply about unleashing the potential of this province and in the rest of Canada by reversing Liberal anti-energy laws and quickly approving projects so we can get our energy to markets around the world.”
If Poilievre gains a seat in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding, he will continue to make his home in the official Opposition Leader’s resident, Stornoway, in the capitol. He said in May that, “I will be spending time in the region in different communities, but I will still be spending a lot of
Leslie Cholowsky
Michael Harris is a student leader and City Directors for Calgary for Students for Liberty. He says he has organized protests, policy discussions, and community events across Alberta. He’s a third-generation resident of Drumheller, all the way back to settlers of that region, by adoption.
He says, “I believe in limited government, personal freedom, and letting Albertans decide Albertan issues. I’ve spent my time not chasing political power, but challenging it.
“Because Ottawa isn’t listening to rural Alberta and it hasn’t for decades. We keep sending MPs who promise to fight for us, but they fold into party lines. I’m running to break that cycle. I want to end federal overreach, get rid of the policies that strangle our farmers and businesses, and return decision-making power to Albertans.”
He sees the cost of living crisis as the most pressing issue in Battle River-
BATTLE RIVER CROWFOOT
time in Ottawa working to strengthen our team and continuing to lead our Party.
“Damien has offered to work with me in prioritizing the issues of the constituents and I've asked him to give me weekly updates from the ground.”
In order to retain his status as the official Opposition Leader, Poilievre must be reelected as a Member of Parliament.
During a recent all-candidate forum in Camrose, Poilievre said during his introduction he’s grateful for the opportunity to lead Battle River-Crowfoot, “The region that feeds, powers, and protects this country.
“Feeds, through the great ranchers and farmers. Powers, through the ingenious energy workers, and protects through the brave soldiers at CFB Wainwright. It makes me proud to be an Albertan.”
Poilievre said, “There are a lot of shared values across this province and across this country. My Alberta values taught me about faith, family, and freedom, hard work, and helping your neighbours, and those values guided me to fight for the values of this region when I was the leader of this party and member of parliament over a couple of decades.”
Poilievre says he’s heard the local issues from Battle River-Crowfoot residents, “As I’ve gone from door to door, farm to farm and community to community, I’ve listened to the hardworking people of this riding who want their work to pay off and get government out of the way so they can simply live their lives.
“They're sick and tired of Ottawa telling Alberta to pay up and shut up.
“I bring national leadership to their local issues. We will fight the Liberal ban
Crowfoot (BR-C). “It’s being made worse by Ottawa’s bad policies.
“Supply management keeps food prices artificially high, hurting families and crushing young farmers. Federal taxes and regulations choke out small businesses.
“Ottawa dictates how Alberta can use our own natural resources. If we want lower prices, stronger farms, and a thriving local economy, we need to take back control from Ottawa.”
Harris did not run for office in the 45th General Election on April 28. He chose not to respond to our question about what motivated him to run in the by-election.
He says the most important issues facing rural Alberta in general, including BRC, are “Ottawa’s stranglehold on agriculture and energy.
“Farmers are trapped under supply management, forced to buy production quotas worth hundreds of thousands before they can even start.
“Our oil and gas industry is buried under federal red tape. And Ottawa still thinks it has the right to decide how we manage our land, water, and resources.
“The most important issue is freedom because when Albertans are free to work, trade, and grow, every other problem becomes easier to solve.”
Harris says his top priorities are to:
on gas-powered vehicles, protect firearms rights, toughen laws to lock up criminals, rebuild our military, and fight for Alberta to get the respect and fairness it deserves.
At the Camrose candidate forum, e went further, saying, “Cutting taxes, letting farmers have zero capital gains when they invest the proceeds in our communities; that is a local issue.
“Reforming prisons so that our guards down in Drumheller are safe; that’s a local issue that requires national leadership.
“Fighting against the Chinese tariffs on our canola, that is a local issue.
“These local issues require strong, national leadership and it would be the privilege of my life to provide both the local representation and the national leadership to the community.”
Poilievre says that he thinks the actions of the Longest Ballot Committee in creating a ballot of over 200 names is, “obstructionist and undemocratic. These aren’t real candidates. They aren’t campaigning. They aren’t engaging with constituents.
“This is a coordinated scheme to weaponize the ballot and disrupt our democratic process. And let’s be clear, despite claims to the contrary, it’s partisan. This blatant abuse undermines the integrity of our elections.
“That’s why Conservatives are calling on the government to take immediate steps upon the return of Parliament in September to address and prevent this kind of electoral manipulation in the future.”
In closing, Poilievre says, “It is with the greatest humility that I seek to represent the people in this incredible region. I am a born and bred Albertan, with strong
-End supply management so farmers can produce freely and families can afford groceries;
-Support Alberta autonomy so we can control our resources, trade, and agriculture without federal interference;
-Cut federal overreach and put money back in the pockets of Albertans by slashing taxes and red tape.
Harris also chose not to address how he or his party would deal with Trump’s Tariffs, nor make any comment on the Longest Ballot Committee’s actions in BRC for the upcoming by-election.
Nationally, Harris says he thinks Alberta should be an “equal partner in Confederation. “But now, we’re treated like a cash machine for Ottawa’s pet projects in other provinces.
“Equalization, federal control over our industries, and one-size-fits-all policy from Eastern Canada aren’t working.
“If Ottawa refuses to respect Alberta’s jurisdiction, we must take that jurisdiction ourselves with a referendum.”
He says further that, “Every other candidate is running to manage Ottawa’s power. I’m running to take it away from Ottawa and return it to the people of Alberta. I don’t owe loyalty to any big party, corporate donors, or political elites, only to the people of Battle River–
Alberta values.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
“Having a Party leader represent the riding is an opportunity to make the voices of the community heard nationwide. As leader, I can take the fight for farmers, oil and gas workers, firearms owners, soldiers, Albertans to the national stage.
“That means strong, forceful, representation for the people of Battle RiverCrowfoot.
“I led the effort to force Liberals to backtrack on their carbon tax, their hunting rifle ban and more. Now I am leading the fight for gas-powered vehicles, oil and gas, firearms owners and more. These common sense values are ones I have been fighting for my entire political career, so people know where I stand.”
Harris’s final message to voters is this:
“If you’re tired of high grocery bills, federal interference, and politicians who talk tough but vote with their party, then it’s time to send Ottawa a message.
“The other parties want to keep the system the same. I want to break it open. Let’s end supply management, stand up for Alberta autonomy, and make this riding a place where Ottawa’s overreach stops at the border.”
Crowfoot.”
Michael Harris Libertarian Party
Ahmed Hassan Centrist Party
Leslie Cholowsky
The Centrist Party candidate in the upcoming by-election is Ahmed Hassan. He says, “I'm a Canadian, an Albertan pharmacist, religious, and deeply rooted in the community.”
He says, “Although I am newer to the Battle River-Crowfoot community, I have been able to form a lot of local ties. The community is very welcoming and I'm actually planning to start my own clinic with other healthcare members to better the health care in the community and make sure that we’re doing our part as well.
“You will definitely be seeing a lot more of me in the coming days.”
Hassan says he’s held various leadership roles in the past with businesses and organizations like student unions and community groups. When it came to finding a political party to align with, he says, “To be completely honest, it feels like we've been kind of forced to choose between polarized, extreme wings of parties for the last 150 years or so here in Canada. As Canadians, we're not really either of the extremes.
“I am currently running under the Centrist party of Canada. I found that it is a party that is looking to break the polarization in the current Canadian political system and try to kind of find a way to unite Canadians. I believe we can do a lot of good in bringing Canadians back together.” To him, he says, “It feels like the current political parties have certain aspirations that do not necessarily match the aspirations of local communities.
“So that's what motivated me to run. I was planning to run in the general federal elections. I had actually even planned to form my own party.
“Then I met Dr. Rana, the current leader of the Centrist Party and we had long discussions about the Canadian political system. We discussed what's wrong with it and how we can potentially revamp it, and that's why I'm choosing to run under the Centrist's umbrella this time.”
When asked what the biggest issues he sees facing the region, he says, “Battle RiverCrowfoot is a farming agriculture communi-
Leslie Cholowsky
Sara Spanier is running as an independent candidate in the upcoming Battle RiverCrowfoot (BR-C) by-election. She says, “I’m not backed by any political party - my campaign is built on transparency, accountability, and delivering real change for rural communities.
“I was born in Calgary and left the city at age 23 with a Justice Studies diploma from Bow Valley College and a Bachelor’s degree in English from Vancouver Island.
“I returned to Alberta at 29 to build a life rooted in community.”
Spanier currently lives in the BR-C riding. “I’m deeply connected to rural life in Western Canada, and I understand the dayto-day realities people here face. While I was born in Calgary, I’ve lived in a range of Western Canadian communities, and I chose to come back to build something meaningful here at home.”
She calls herself an independent candidate with progressive conservative values. “I have no career politician background and no party affiliation. I believe politics should be about people, not party machines, and I want to
ty. We are all somehow affected by anything farming related.
“I have had a chance to speak with a few different community members prior to and during collecting my signatures to be able to get elected, as well as after, and it seems that there's definitely been price increases in certain resources, fertilizers and things, that are needed for the farming industry. Unfortunately the support from the local as well as federal governments has been deteriorating over the last few years.
“It seems that there's been more regulations added and it's not as easy to actually export your produce or to sell your produce. There's a lot of bylaws and stuff that are just making the farmer's life a lot harder.
“We should try to make our agriculture industry a lot more accessible and affordable and help out in whichever way we can.
“Now as an Alberta community, we do support our oil and gas industry.
“We stand with a united Alberta and Canada. We are against any sort of separation movements whether from Quebec, Alberta, or otherwise.
“We're just looking to see what our local community members need, whether it being health care or education and just making sure that they are well taken care of, that they get a choice in everything in how to educate their kids and what their kids are learning in school.
“And also just making sure that we're listening to them and just forwarding their voice on to parliament.”
Hassan says there are a few different and important issues Canada is presently facing.
“Unfortunately for a long time we have been a strong supporter of the United States and deeply involved and affected by their policy and policy changes.
“This is something that we definitely need to start looking at and re-evaluating. Also, Canadian manufacturing, oil and gas, as well as agricultural industries are currently deteriorating. We need to start spending a lot more on our infrastructure to make sure that the future generations are well taken care of.
“Honestly lately the biggest issue with Canada is the inflation. Issues like our relationship with the United States and how volatile our economy is to anything that the US President Trump says.
“It should really get us to re-evaluate what's upcoming and to reinvest in our actual infrastructure whether it being oil and gas, whether it being manufacturing, as well as
represent my constituents without being tied to party lines.”
Spanier did not run in the general election this past spring, saying, “I wanted to make sure that when I did step forward, it was with genuine, community rooted campaign, free from party influences or career politics. “I decided to run in this federal by-election because Battle River–Crowfoot deserves a real voice - not just a rubber stamp for a political party.”
She sees the majors issues in BR-C, and the changes she would advocate for as: access to health care, affordability, farmer support, rural infrastructure, connectivity, small business health, and community safety.
“I would work to:
•Bring doctors to rural areas through incentives like housing, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing training;
•Make food affordable by holding large grocery chains accountable, legislating against price gouging, and promoting food donation to cut waste;
•Improve rural internet and communications infrastructure so everyone has fair access.
•Support farmers with disaster relief, debt relief, and investment in local food systems.
Spanier says she sees key national issues as food affordability, fair representation, health care, balanced immigration, climate action, public safety, housing, fair taxation, trade, and economic sovereignty.
agriculture, to make sure the Canadians have an infrastructure, and they have alternate plans and alternate countries that we are able to trade with and export to.
“We also need to make sure that the tax cuts are actually appropriate at the appropriate level. So we want more tax cuts at the individual level, for the small earner, and more taxation for corporations and larger companies that will not be as effected as the individuals with higher taxes. Also we need to find a good balance in what's called the carbon tax.
“I understand that we definitely need to have a better future for our kids. We need to make sure that the environment is protected. But at the same time, we need to make sure that the carbon tax is being put on those that have the largest carbon footprint, being larger corporations and whatnot rather than the regular average Canadian that's been paying for carbon tax a lot more than they're receiving in carbon tax rebates.
“And we need to make sure that tax deductions and cuts are given more so to individuals rather than larger corporations.
With regards to recent Trump tariff threats, Hassan says, “Unfortunately over the last 150 years or so we have been huge supporters and followers of the US foreign policies and we have spent a lot of money, billions of dollars actually, over the years in wards as well as supporting affiliates of the US.
“This has definitely affected the Canadian economy in a negative way and deeply impacted us. With the upcoming tariffs and with Trump saying that we're the 52nd state of the US, it is unfortunate. We have been following them blindly over the last number of years. It is time for us to start looking at the Canadian future.
“It is time to re-evaluate our US relationship, maintaining ties, but at the same time not to the point where we're being impacted by their foreign policy. And then trying to find more ties with European Union and other export markets where we are able to export our exports and create newer business models and relationships that will make sure that Canada's future is well supported and is not dependent on any other countries.”
Hassan says he disagrees with the actions of the Longest Ballot Committee. “I know they have been involved in a few elections in the past. Although some people are saying there are affiliations with certain parties, I
“I propose to:
•Fix representation by reviewing electoral boundaries every 5 years, reforming voting, and respecting Indigenous voices.
•Strengthen health care by integrating foreign-trained doctors, supporting rural medical staff, and investing in facilities.
• Balance immigration with Canada’s housing, healthcare, and infrastructure capacity, while improving integration support.
•Adopt a fair climate plan that exempts families, taxes polluting corporations, invests in renewables, and rewards clean technology.
•Improve safety and justice with more rural policing resources, restorative justice options, and breaking the crime cycle.
•Address housing affordability by removing GST for first-time buyers, supporting modular builds, capping rents, and regulating negligent landlords.
•Make taxes fair with a simpler system, transparent spending, and rolling back the capital gains tax hike.
•Boost the economy & trade with strategic tariffs when needed (especially with the U.S.), investing in Canadian producers, and diversifying export markets.
Spanier says as far as dealing with US President Trump, her platform calls for targeted, strategic tariffs in response to protectionist US policies. “The revenue would go directly to support impacted industries and workers, while investing in Canadian food
believe they're just trying to show that they're not comfortable with what's to come. They're very scared about how polarized our Canadian system has become, about the division between Canadians, about the calls for separation of certain Canadian provinces. I do not agree with the way they're doing things. They're not making anything easier for the voters.
“I have spoken to a few different community members that have unfortunately told me that they have no trust in the Canadian political system anymore.
“And this is one of the main reasons why I chose to run and I chose to run under the Centrist party of Canada - to try to give people hope, to try to unite Canadians and make sure that we're reaching back to our Canadian values and our multiculturalism and just being together and not being divided or separated.”
Hassam adds, “I understand I haven't had a chance to meet all of you. I do wish that over the next few days I will get more people reaching out with ideas, support, and just telling me how I can help out and what sort of voices to bring to the parliament when I get there.
“It is not an easy journey. There's going to be a lot of issues that may not certainly pertain to other provinces or bigger political parties, but that do deeply impact the Battle River-Crowfoot community. I am planning to utilize a lot of petitions. I'm going to require a lot of signatures to make sure that issues affecting our community are addressed in the parliament.
“I'm looking for your support going forward in shaping our future for our kids and the future generations of Battle RiverCrowfoot and making sure that our healthcare, education, farming industry and everything that we need and require and aspire for is well taken care of.”
and economic self-reliance.”
Spanier says she agrees with healthy protest on issues like electoral reform, but thinks that the Longest Ballot Committee has crossed the line over into unhealthy protest by trying to force a 200+ name ballot.
Finally, Spanier says, “I want you to remember this: you deserve better.
“You deserve representation that’s real, honest, and grounded in your realities.
“You deserve a leader who truly listens and puts you first - not a party, not personal gain. This isn’t politics as usual; it’s an invitation to rethink rural democracy and take back the power that belongs to you.
“Together, we can make Battle River–Crowfoot a model for rural change in Canada.”
Sarah Spanier Independent
2025
CANADIAN FEDERAL FEDERAL
BY-ELECTION
Bonnie Critchley Independent
Leslie Cholowsky
Independent Candidate Bonnie Critchley says she is a fifth-generation service member, who served 22 years in the Canadian Army. Retiring from active military service as Master Corporal, Bonnie was the second woman in a Combat Arms unit, which she says brings a legacy of leadership, resilience, and public service to her campaign.
She presently makes her home in Tofield, where she and her husband have made their home for the last five years. Her parents live in Knee Hill County, where they’ve run an equestrian ranch for nearly two decades. “My connections to this community run deep. Simply put: I live here, my friends live here, and my family lives here. Battle River-Crowfoot is home.
“That’s why I’m doing this, I want to protect our home and our voice.”
Critchley says she chose to run as an independent because, she says, “I’m not a politician. I feel strongly that what Battle River-Crowfoot needs not another politician.
“Party politics, this whole red versus blue thing - is what’s led us to this point where Canadians and Albertans feel more divided than ever.
“Look at what this two-party system has got us: We’re in a culture of party politics that does not represent the interests of constituents because the very system MPs belong to doesn’t allow real representation to happen.
“If an MP can just be given marching orders by a party boss and told to vote against the riding’s interest, or if polarization has us voting against a good bill that would help our communities ‘Just because it’s from the other team,’ then is that really democracy? I don’t think so.
“Just look at this situation we’re in right now. We gave Damien Kurek one of the strongest mandates in the country, and now we’re footing a $1.9-million bill for a completely unnecessary by-election, ignoring the decision 85,000 of us made less than six months ago.”
Critchley thinks she has the skills to serve as a Member of Parliament, having spent her professional career in the military. “I’ve worked with troops all over the world. That requires collaboration and an ability to work across cultural, political,
BATTLE RIVER CROWFOOT
and organizational boundaries to get the job done and deliver results. I’ve met with dignitaries; everyone from military commanders to diplomats to members of several royal families. I understand how to represent the people I serve with dignity and professionalism. ...At the end of the day, my vote is not whipped like the Liberals or the Conservatives. My only bosses are the people of this riding, and I intend to serve them well.”
This is the first time Critchley has run for political office. “I never wanted to be a politician. My decision to throw my hat into the race was partially motivated by a real disappointment in Kurek, but also concern about what could happen to our communities and my neighbours.
“We know that Mr. Poilievre’s focus is on winning the Prime Minister’s Office –and that’s fine – except when it’s at the expense of our right to be heard and represented in this country.
“We’re already not being heard in confederation, so having an MP who is not here in the community, advocating for the on-the-ground issues is just not okay with me.”
Critchley says she’s built her campaign on the issues she’s heard touring through the 52,000 square km of BR-C.
“The first thing I’m hearing at the door, almost without exception, is the cost of living. Hardworking working people in this riding are struggling just to afford the necessities of groceries, gas, and housing.”
She says that family farms, a cornerstone industry in the riding, is being “taxed all to hell, paying royalties on seed to some corporate monopoly and being told by a CEO in an air-conditioned Toronto office that if his combine breaks down during harvest, too bad, he’s out tens of thousands because Canada has no ‘Right to Repair,’ legislation.”
She points to monopolies in telecom, “where Canadians pay some of the highest prices in the world. Or groceries,” she adds, saying that the farmers growing the food end up with pennies on the dollar.
Critchley says as an Independent MP, “a deciding vote for a lot of legislation, I would be able to hold the Liberals to account and force them to give the Competition Bureau some actual teeth and funding to break up these corporate monopolies and put purchasing power and real choice in the hands of the people.”
Another issue for BR-C, she says, is dissatisfaction with Alberta’s place in confederation. “I don’t think anyone in this province takes separation lightly, and I am against separation, but something has to change in the way we’re treated out here.”
She says she’ll fight to make electoral reform a reality.
“As an independent, I’ll be a swing vote.” She says that means working to hold back legislation that tries to “kneecap our bedrock industries like oil and gas, but I’ll also be able to support legislation that helps develop and diversify our economy so that Alberta continues to be the strongest, most innovative, and important economy in confederation.”
Nationally, she says Immigration has been managed catastrophically. “I think most Albertans and Canadians believe immigration is not necessarily a bad thing, but we need to slow. It. Down.
“As a country, we have a responsibility to house and employ the people already here, and our housing supply, infrastructure, and employment simply have not been able to keep up.” She points to skyrocketing housing costs, even in rural towns.
Critchley says youth unemployment sits at 15 per cent, “There’s an entire generation that the Liberals have sold up the river. Then we wonder why there’s a mental health and addiction crisis in this country.”
She says that’s not just native-born Canadians but immigrants, too; “they’ve been sold a bill of goods when they can’t find housing or are stuck in low-paying jobs being exploited by multinational corporations.”
Critchley says she would advocate for a reduction in the size of government, and a freeze or cut to MP salaries.
Her third major point is, “There’s a productivity crisis in this country. We can’t get things done anymore. Let’s get an east-west pipeline built, let’s open up inter-provincial trade, let’s build things in this country again. I’m for cutting red tape to build national unity and not stoking divisions between my neighbours here in BR-C and across Canada.”
She says that ties into addressing Trump’s tariffs. “President Trump is a badfaith negotiator. We are not going to find stable, long-lasting agreements with a guy as hostile and volatile as Trump.
“This dust-up with the US has been the kick in the butt we needed to start bringing industry back to Canada instead of just shipping out raw materials at a loss. And we can do more than just bring refining back. We can build and manufacture lots of things here.
“Take pasta as an example. We’ve got the best wheat in world, and plenty of it is grown right here in BR-C. Well, if we take that wheat and produce the products that rely on it, our farmers will always have a dependable market to sell it to.
“Our navy needs serious upgrades. Let’s
MEET THE CANDIDATES
build more of those warships right here at home with Canadian steel, so we don’t have to worry about our industries being held hostage to the whims of a foreign government’s trade policy. It doesn’t take an economics degree to know that if we build more inside of Canada, we become more resilient to bad actors outside of Canada.”
Critchley says the Longest Ballot Committee has distracted from local issues during this by-election. “At the end of the day, people here support electrical reform. We’ve struggled under First Past the Post for generations. But this method of drawing attention isn’t advancing reform, it’s only doubling down on the toxic two-party dynamic.”
In closing, Critchley says, “Sometimes we have to hold our own team to account.
“The BR-C area is among the strongest supporters of conservatism in the country and has been for longer than most of us have even been alive. But just because we’ve been in the stands cheering, doesn’t mean we don’t expect them to deliver for us.
“After the Oilers lost the Cup in Game Seven in '23, we fired the coach. When something isn’t working, you don’t just double down because you love your team, you fix it.
“That is what this election comes down to: things in this country need fixing, and whether it’s the Flames or the Oilers on the ice, the management needs to change. Handing our riding – our voice – to a parachute candidate from Ottawa is not fixing that management. It will deliver the same results it always does, with even less to show for it.
“People feel cheated by the government, our institutions, by all of the things they once felt they could trust. As rural voters, we know if there’s one thing you can still trust in, it’s your neighbours and your community.
“So, I’m asking that you, the people of BR-C, send one of your own to Ottawa on Monday, Aug. 18. If you do, I will use my voice, but our words, to tell Ottawa they work for us and not the other way around.”
Caribou Publishing reached out to all serious candidates in the upcoming Battle River-Crowfoot By-Election for the opportunity at an interview by telephone or email. We are thrilled at how many candidates made themselves available for interview and thank them for their time. Although some answers were longer than others, we asked each candidate the same questions in the interest of fairness. We will post all interviews from this week and last week online on our websites starting Thursday, August 14. Election Day in Battle River-Crowfoot is on Monday, August 18. Visit elections.ca to find out more information.
2025
CANADIAN FEDERAL
BY-ELECTION
Katherine Swampy New Democratic Party of Canada
Leslie Cholowsky
NDP Candidate in the upcoming Battle River-Crowfoot (BR-C) by-election is Katherine Swampy. She is a mother of five biological children and has also raised her two brothers-in-law, nephews, and nieces. She is a Business Development Senior Manger supporting Indigenous women in businesses. She is an Indigenous leader, advocate, and academic. She served as a Band Councillor for the Samson Cree Nation (SCN) for six years but left as she ran to become a Member of Legislative Assembly of Alberta, and ran to become a Member of Parliament for Canada.
Swampy was also a public servant working for the Canada Revenue Agency for 11 years. She stays active on provincial and federal politics continuing her advocacy and is active on numerous boards and committees.
She dances and teaches young girls not just how to dance traditional dance but also how to sew traditional regalia. She counsels suicidal youth, and has been an advocate for women’s rights, MMIWG, Indigenous Peoples, the environment, and LGTBQ2+ rights.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Economics and minor in Political Studies, a Master of Public Policy Administration, a Master of Philosophy, and is currently completing her PhD. Swampy lives in Maskwacis, She adds, “I also used to go to school at the U of A, Augustana Campus, and I’m in Camrose often for shopping, dental appointments, and regular day-to-day errands for life.”
She says she “used to be a Conservative,” when she was younger, “but because our
Jonathan Bridges People’s Party of Canada
Editor’s Note: Jonathan was unavailable for interview at press time, but the following was from a Q&A conducted in April for the General Election.
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.
BATTLE RIVER CROWFOOT
conservative parties changed and evolved, I no longer felt like I belonged when I started advocating for LGTBQ2S+ rights. As I grew in my social advocacy, my values aligned more with NDP.” Swampy ran in the last General Election as an NDP candidate for Wetaskiwin-Leduc.
She says, “I believe it’s important for Indigenous people to run for office so that we have a voice and meaningful representation.
“We must play an active role in pushing for policy change and systemic reform by raising awareness and influencing decisionmakers.” She says running for office can lead to meaningful changes in policies, laws, and practices that address systemic inequalities and injustices.
As she’s travelled on the campaign trail through BR-C, Swampy says, “Many of the farmers I’ve spoken with have asked me to advocate for the return of the Canadian Wheat Board. Several of them have also expressed serious concerns about the 44,000 abandoned oil wells in Battle River–Crowfoot.
“They worry that, instead of holding the wealthy oil companies accountable, the public will end up paying the price through increased taxes.
“Others have raised concerns about the ongoing drought in their regions, and the growing threat of wildfires, which are becoming more frequent and severe.
“Community safety has also come up, particularly around the rise in drug use and addiction, which is leaving many residents feeling vulnerable. Several people have urged me to advocate for better health care services in smaller and rural communities.
“Another common concern is the possibility of Alberta separating from Canada. Many residents have asked what that would mean for their Canada Pension Plan, access to doctors and health care, Child Tax Benefits, and other federal supports. There is a lot of uncertainty, and people deserve answers.
“Lastly, youth in our riding have voiced concerns about the monetization of TikTok.
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 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
They want the Canadian government to advocate for Canadian users to be paid fairly - at the same rates as users in other countries.
“I will continue to advocate for all these issues that people in our communities have brought forward. Their voices matter, and they deserve to be heard at every level of government.”
Nationally, Swampy says the major issues are: “Affordability, the national Budget/deficit, local Economy and jobs, Environment, Health care crisis, Housing crisis, Indigenous Relations, Management of Natural Resources, Mental Health and Addictions services, Public safety and crime, Taxation, Supports for Small businesses, Agriculture, and Seniors.”
She says the NDP has a plan to remove GST from essential items that families rely on, price caps on essential groceries, and to build high-quality homes that families can “actually afford.”
She says as part of the current trade war with US President Trump, the NDP “has been pushing for a bold plan to Buy Canadian and Build Canadian.
“We will fight for every job, including those in the public sector.” She says over 2 million Canadian jobs rely on the country’s trade relationship with the US, and “We must take action to safeguard them.”
Swampy says Canada needs, “Bold action on climate change that brings Canadians together instead of driving them apart. She says that includes ending the consumer carbon tax, shifting responsibility to the biggest polluters; eliminating subsidies to profitable oil and gas companies, making homes more energy efficient through plan to retrofit millions of homes, and making it more affordable to buy zero-emission vehicles.
“Also investing in clean energy, energy efficient and affordable housing, electric public transit, and creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs.”
Swampy says Canada must protect its natural resources, its air, water, and forests, and “not just exploit our oil and gas reserves.”
values and also would allow me to 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 to actually research the person they are voting for. Not just look at the leader of a party.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
She says that during trade talks with President Trump and the US, “We will never sell out Canada, our water, or our health care. We will stand up for workers.
“We all agree that Canada needs to retaliate. Where we differ is on our plan to support workers. We will: meaningfully improve EI making it more generous and easier to access for workers, and; bring a bold Build Canadian-Buy Canadian plan to build the infrastructure we need – homes, highways, healthcare. Using Canadianmade resources to build what our communities need, keep people working, and stimulate the economy.”
Swampy says that the Longest Ballot Committee pushed for electoral reform, and, “It sounds like their protest was successful as every candidate pushed for electoral reform.
“New Democrats believe in proportional representation and it’s what we’ve always pushed for..”
In closing, Swampy says, “Thank you so much for making me feel welcome in all of your small communities.
“I appreciate the opportunity to run in this by-election, and I’m so grateful to be allowed to advocate for the issues the people of Battle River-Crowfoot want spoken up about. I just have so much gratitude for everyone in the riding.”
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.
Ashley MacDonald Green Party
Leslie Cholowsky
Green Party candidate Ashley MacDonald lives and works in Red Deer as a mental health worker, with the vulnerable population there. He has years of experience working alongside people living with addictions and mental health concerns, working with the unhoused population.
He volunteered to be the Green Party Candidate in this by-election. Previously he has run provincially for the Green Party, in 2023, has served as the president of the Green Party of Alberta, and in the general election this spring he ran federally for the Green Party in Red Deer, coming in fifth place with one per cent of the vote.
He says the Green Party is the one that best fits his ideals. “I feel we have become bogged down in election cycles, with nation-building falling to the wayside for cheap political gains that only serve the corporate elites of our nation. We need leaders with true vision and determination.
“We need people in the House of Commons who will look to the future and not be bogged down in the past and ignore the reality that surrounds them every day.
“I envision a Canada where everyone’s voice counts and not just on election day. We need a Canada with leaders who listen to our voices and our needs, not just those of the lobbyists and blockaders.”
MacDonald sees many major issues in Battle River-Crowfoot, he says, “This riding has been ignored by the Liberal Party because they know they will never win the seat and by the Conservative Party because they believe it is a sure thing for them.
“You need real leadership that will address the
infrastructure needs of this community, someone who will invest in all roadways and not just those connecting cities to highways. Rural citizens deserve more than a dirt road that has not been upgraded in decades.
“To keep rural communities strong for the long haul, we need targeted investment in local industries. This means supporting local renewable energy projects, building stronger regional food systems, protecting farmland through land trusts, and providing direct support to farmers, keeping rural economies resilient and rooted in the land.
“Food insecurity is on the rise, and shortsighted government policy has prioritized corporate profits over the welfare of labourers, animals, and all Canadians who just want to feed their families safely and affordably.
“We need to strengthen local and regional food systems and farmer protections. Build and expand food processing, storage, and distribution infrastructure. Increase Canada’s food self-sufficiency by replacing one-third of food imports with locally produced food and create a system of regional food hubs.
“We also need to reinstate the Canada Land Inventory, ensuring accurate tracking of agricultural land use, soil health, and farmland conversion to prevent loss of agricultural land. As your MP, I would support farmer-led seed banks, seed exchanges, and community land trusts to prevent corporate control over essential agricultural resources.”
MacDonald talked about a physician shortage, in the region and nation. “As your MP, I would fight for removing the red tape that prevents medical personnel trained overseas from setting up shop in your neighbourhood. We can streamline the credentials process and get them serving your needs quickly.”
Nationally, MacDonald thinks Canada is facing a myriad of major issues “that the old way of
Fall Machinery Consignment Auction
doing things will not solve.”
He talks of a need to diversify our trading partners, to “create a barrier to the shenanigans of President Trump. We do not need to be dependent upon the US; they have shown themselves year after year to be an unreliable partner.”
Macdonald also says there’s a need for electoral reform. “The Green Party of Canada has been calling for electoral reform since our founding.
“We had a chance in 2015, but the Liberal government of Justin Trudeau threw away any chance of it being successful with his choice of minister and lack of communication with the country on the matter.
“We need to modernize the system by introducing proportional representation and convening a citizens assembly on democratic renewal to examine crucial reforms like online voting, lowering the voting age to 16, and, quite possibly, mandatory voting.”
He says that Canada needs to fight for political finance and foreign influence protections. “Restore the per-vote subsidy for political party funding and reduce donation limits to curb foreign influence in elections. Strengthen financial transparency,” he says, to reduce reliance on private donors who could act as conduits for foreign interests.
He also advocates ending costly private consulting firms, ensuring that core governmental functions and services are delivered by professional, experienced public servants.
MacDonald says the Green Party has a plan to address Trump’s tariffs and policies, saying, “We need to establish national strategic reserves of Canadian resources to protect against US trade disruptions, stabilize domestic markets, and strengthen Canadian sovereignty.
“We need to ban the export of unprocessed resources and ensure Canadian oil, minerals, timber, and seafood are refined, processed, and value-added before export, creating Canadian
jobs and reducing US leverage over our economy.
“We should begin by applying export taxes on key Canadian resources that the US relies onsuch as oil, gas, uranium, aluminum, potash, and natural gas - and cut ties with US companies tied to the Trump administration.
“We can help Canadian workers by strengthening the protections against foreign takeovers and by investing in East-West trade infrastructure, such as improving rail, roads, and energy transmission lines to strengthen internal markets and reduce reliance on US exports.”
MacDonald is not a fan of the Longest Ballot Committee, but agrees that electoral reform is needed. “This First-Past-The-Post does not work. Electoral reform is needed to secure a healthy democracy.”
In closing, MacDonald says, “Vote! Vote your conscience. Do not vote out of fear. The two major parties ignore this riding in their own ways. Send them a clear message on election day and tell them how you feel about having to do this all over again because someone does not want to get a new job.”
Bylaw #1358 – Land Use Bylaw - Text Amendment
Location: Hwy #16 & Rge Rd 185 (1 Mile East of Hwy 834) South Side of the Road Phone: (780) 208-2508 Office
Aaron Olson - (403) 913-9644 - Allen Olson - (403) 783-0556
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Rimbey & Hwy #16 East, Alberta - License No. 165690 Email: abolson@telusplanet.net - Website: www.allenolsonauction.com H #16 E S Y S O 10 C O 13 15 , 2025
The Council of the Town of Tofield proposes to amend Land Use Bylaw #1316. A public hearing to consider the proposed amendment will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chamber. You are invited to attend the Public Hearing to express your views or listen to the deliberations.
If you wish to speak at the Public Hearing please register in advance by contacting Jeff Edwards at (780) 662-3269 or email: jedwards@tofieldalberta.ca. Anyone wishing to submit a written representation may do so by providing the submission to Jeff Edwards at the Town offices or emailing the submission to jedwards@tofieldalberta.ca on or before 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
If you have any questions about these proposed amendments, please contact the Town office at (780) 662-3269. You may also view the proposed bylaw at the Town Office, 5407 – 50 Street, Monday to Friday, during normal business hours.
Bylaw #1358 Land Use Bylaw Text Amendment
The purpose of the text amendment is to delete the R-MH, Residential – Modular Home Park district in its’ entirety and replace it with the R-MH – Residential Manufactured Housing District which will allow for manufactured housing to be sited within the Tofield Mobile Home Community. This proposed district is specific to Block X, Plan 5457AH.
Jeff Edwards, Chief Administrative Officer Town of Tofield PO Box 30 5407 – 50 Street Tofield, Alberta
Holden Legion annual pig roast Poilievre in Tofield for Western Days
The Holden Legion held their annual pig roast on Saturday, August 9. President Ernie Rudy said over 120 people attended, but he figured that they still had enough food to feed another 20 people or so. The money raised from the roast goes towards the cost of utilities for their building, and Rudy said they also support the sea cadets
KARI JANZEN PHOTO
Phone
Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking
The Beaver County Chronicle
Patricia Harcourt
With the dry weather this summer creating. the conditions for wildfires in Alberta, and across the country, this year’s 2005 Open Farm Days theme is most appropriate: “Water, the lifeblood of every farm.”
This year, people are invited to “come meet your rural neighbours,” with dates set for Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Aug. 17.
Alberta Open Farm Days is called a “province-wide open house,” and an “incubator for agri-tourism and rural sustainability,” according to the Farm Days website.
“We bring Albertans together through educational and experiential agriculturally-based activities to learn about where your food comes from,” explains the website for the provincewide event.
This will include some farm-to-table style culinary events held around the province using Alberta farm products.
And these days the emphasis has turned to supporting Alberta food producers with this being Local Food Week to coincide with the upcoming weekend’s Open Farm Days.
Albertans can enjoy rural life throughout the province during this time as farms, ranches, and agri-tourism operators bring people together to participate in educational, agricultural-
based initiatives and learn where their food comes from.
The Alberta government has released information under the brand, “See the farms, taste the flavours,” stating: “Alberta is known around the world for producing premiumquality great tasting food with the highest standards of food safety, animal care, biodiversity and environmental stewardship.”
So everyone is being invited to support Alberta food producers during Local Food Week and participate in Farm Days activities.
Open Farm Days is the perfect time to showcase hard working farmers, ranchers and food processed for this province, Canada and the world.
That could include picking fresh fruits and vegetables at a u-pick farm, buying locally grown products or taking part in activities to learn about where the food we eat comes from. So there are many ways to support local producers and processors this week and beyond.
“This week, Albertans can help celebrate the farmers and entrepreneurs that put safe, high quality food on our plates,” said RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.
Sigurdson also stressed that the Open Farm Days’ theme (of water being the lifeblood
of every farm is “recognizing the essential role water and irrigation have in our agriculture sector and for the entire province.”
These special events help to continue the growth of agri-tourism. It’s increasing popularity has many travellers seeking authentic experiences such as farm to table dining, culinary adventures and farm stays.
They help support local economies by driving business to local shops, restaurants and nearby attractions.
Open Farm Days theme ‘Water, the Lifeblood of every farm’
The province funds local agricultural societies to help them support Alberta Open Farm Days to aide in the growth of agri-tourism and culinary tourism on a local basis and across
the province. “Alberta’s rural and agri-tourism sectors play a vital role in the continued growth of our economy,” says Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport.
“Initiatives like Open Farm Days showcase Alberta’s rich agricultural heritage and invite visitors to discover the unique experiences, innovative farms and Continued on BCC4
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WHATSHAPPENINGINOURCOMMUNITY
BookClub Location:RossCreekCommunityHall,531041RgeRd191 RuralbookclubthatmeetsthefirstTuesdayofeachmonth.Meetings runfrom7PM-8PM,allageswelcome!
TofieldAA -Thursdays,8-9PM BasementofBardoLutheranChurch,473757Ave,Tofield. VikingAA -Wednesdays,8PM,Zoomoptionalsoavailable. GoldenValleyLutheranChurch,532756Ave,Viking. https://area78aa.org/meetings/147-3
Submityourevent/s,meetingsand/orgatheringstotheeventscalendaronthewebsite! Justheadtothewebsite,undertheExploremenuclickonCountyRegionEvents Calendar.WehavepartneredwithGoEasttosharelocaleventsonourwebsite!
DEVELOPMENTPERMITS
ThefollowingDevelopmentApplicationshavebeenAPPROVED(except whereotherwisenoted)bytheDevelopmentAuthorityundertheprovisionsof LandUseBylawNo.98-801,subjecttotherightofappealtotherelevant appealbody-SubdivisionandDevelopmentAppealBoard(SDAB)orLand andPropertyRightsTribunal(LPRT).
APPEALDEADLINE AppealBody ApplicationNo. Applicant Landowner Location Development
SEPTEMBER10,2025 LPRT 020020-24-D0041 ANNEKLINGEBIEL DANEBOHUSH Lot3,Plan7621240inSW8-50-20-W4 DiscretionaryUse–HorseBoarding(EquestrianFacilityand RodeoArena)
Anypersonwishingtoappealanapplicationmaydosoby servingwrittennoticeontheprescribedform(stating reasonsfortheappeal)totherelevantappealbody.For informationonhowtoappealcanbefoundourourwebsite under Services>Planning&Development>Appealing PlanningDecisions Furtherinformationregardingtheabovedecisionsmaybe obtainedfromtheCountyOffice,Ryley,Alberta.
CANDIDATE ORIENTATION CANDIDATEORIENTATION
ThinkingaboutrunningforCouncil?Joinusfora Pre-ElectionOrientation designedforanyoneconsideringaruninthe2025MunicipalElection.Learn whatitreallymeanstoserveyourcommunity-fromrolesand responsibilitiestotimecommitmentsanddecision-making. Choosethedateandlocationthatworksforyou: •Sept2–VikingSeniorsCentre •Sept3–RyleyCommunityCentre •Sept4–TofieldCommunityHall Allsessionsrunfrom 6–8p.m. |Lightrefreshmentsprovided
LedbymunicipalexpertsStrategicSteps,thissessionwillcover: Councilroles&responsibilities Decision-making&governance Servicedelivery&partnerships Workload,expectations&balance Commonchallengesandhowtoavoidthem
Those interested f rom both urban and rural settings are welcome! No registration required! Get prepared informed and inspired to lead SAT AUGUST HOLDEN COMMUN 4919 - 49 Ave HO
SATURDAY AUGUST16,2PM HOLDENCOMMUNITYHALL 4919-49Ave.HOLDEN,AB
For more info: Dave 780-720-5839 or beaverhillplayers17@gmail com
CONSTRUCTIONUPDATEFORTHEFOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
Thesoilstabilizingfortheroadbasewithsoilcementisnowcomplete.We willsoonbestartingthefirstlayerofchipsealandtheremaybedelaysas workcrewsdirecttrafficinordertoworksafely.Therewillbemanyloose rocksafterthechipseallayerisappliedandspeedlimitswillbereduced ontheseroadsonceopeneduntiltheprojectiscomplete.
Duringthisconstructionphase,portionsoftheroadmaybeclosedto allowcrewstoworksafelypleaseuseanotherroute,detourswillbe postedorbecautiouswhenyouneedtodrivethroughconstruction zones(localtrafficonly). BeaverCounty'sgoalistoprovideahealthy, injuryfreeworkenvironmentforallemployees,contractors,visitorsand generalpublic.Alreadythisyearwehavehadpeopleexceedingthe postedspeedlimitthroughourconstructionzones,endangeringstaff, contractorsandthepublic.
Therearepotentialhazardstothepublicandvehiclesduringthe constructionprocess.Thiscanincludeheavymachinery,dustormud,road materialsuchasgravel,asphaltcoatingsandrockchips.
Weapologizefortheinconveniencethatroadmaintenanceand upgradingcauses,butthesameroadsthatreceivethemosttrafficalso needthemostmaintenance.Thank-youforyourpatienceand understandingduringconstruction.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecall theBeaverCountyServiceCentreat780-663-3730.
Overthesummer,Countyconstructioncrewshavebeenworkingto upgradethefollowingroads: KingswayEstates BeaverCreekEstatesNorth50514RGERD202 RGERD200fromSecondaryHWY630toHoopersDriveand CampgroundEntrance WhisperingHills RGERD200betweenHWY630&BlackfootGrazingReserve Entrance TWP492Approximately1.72kmseastofRGERD170
Theselocationswillsoonbegintoreceivethesecondlayerofchipsealand theremaybedelaysasworkcrews'directtraffictoworksafely.Therewill bemanylooserocksafterthesecondchipseallayerisappliedandspeed limitswillcontinuetobereducedontheseroadsuntilthefinalsweepis complete.BeaverCounty'sgoalistoprovideahealthy,injuryfreework environmentforallemployees,contractors,visitors,andgeneralpublic. Therearepotentialhazardstothepublicandvehiclesduringthe constructionprocess.Thiscanincludeheavymachinery,dustormud,road materialsuchasgravel,asphaltcoatingsandrockchips. Weapologizefortheinconveniencethatroadmaintenanceand upgradingcauses,butthesameroadsthatreceivethemosttrafficalso needthemostmaintenance.Thank-youforyourpatienceand understandingduringconstruction.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasecall theBeaverCountyServiceCentreat780-663-3730.
Hard-SurfaceLocations Constructedinthefollowingphases: Phase1(P1): Cement, Phase2(P2): ChipSeal1stLift, Phase3(P3): ChipSeal 2ndlift, Phase4(P4): FinalsweepofChips. KingswayEstates-501
RgeRd202betweenTwp502&504
WhisperingHillsEstates-51308 RgeRd195
RgeRd200fromHwy630to BlackfootGrazingReserve Entrance
Twp492approx.1.72kmseastof RgeRd170
Twp490betweenHwy857&Rge Rd142
Rd120
TwpRd512fromRgeRd191toHWY 834 Aug25 Sep3
ShoulderPulls(LocationTBD)
Backsloping(locationTBD) Oct2 Nov1
BridgeReplacement(RGERD171 fromTWP484-490 Jun26 Jul26
Gravelling Mar13 Dec22
DustControl-1stApplication May13
Overthecomingweeks,TWPRD512fromRGERD191toSECHWY834 willundergoasignificantroadrepairtoadurable,all-weatherhard surface.Thisimprovementincludesstabilizingtheexistingroadbasewith soilcement,followedbytheapplicationoftwolayersofchipseal.Although thisprocessdiffersfromtraditionalasphaltpaving,residentsandmotorists willenjoyasimilarfinishedsurface-dust-freewhendryandmud-free whenwet.Duringconstruction,sectionsoftheroadmaybetemporarily closedtoallowcrewstoworksafely.Detourswillbeclearlymarked.Please planalternaterouteswherepossibleordrivecautiouslyifyoumusttravel throughtheconstructionzone(localtrafficonly).BeaverCountyis committedtomaintainingasafe,injury-freeworkenvironmentforallstaff, contractors,andthepublic.Wekindlyremindalldriverstorespectposted speedlimitsinconstructionareas.Excessivespeedposesaseriousriskto workersandothersinthearea.Constructionsitescanpresentpotential hazardssuchasheavyequipment,dust,mud,gravel,chipsealmaterials, andotherdebris.Weurgeeveryonetostayalertandtravelwithcare.We appreciateyourpatienceandunderstandingasweworktoimproveyour roads.Theseupgradesareessentialtomaintainingsafeandreliable infrastructureinhigh-trafficareas.Formoreinformation,pleasecontact
Grain safety important to remember as harvest nears
Patricia Harcourt
The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is again raising awareness about the importance of prioritizing safety when working around grain with the fifth annual BeGrainSafe Week, taking place Aug. 11-17, 2025.
The public safety campaign is part of CASA’s BeGrainSafe program, which launched in 2017 in response to increased
Open Farm Days
Continued from BCC1
local business that lie outside the province’s top tourist destinations.”
During Open Farm Days host farms will open their gates to tours, and participants can buy Alberta grown products. Many hosts also organize culinary experiences featuring some of the finest chefs in rural Alberta.
“These farm to table experiences are a unique way to enjoy fresh, homegrown dishes while supporting the livelihoods of local ag operators,” the participant is promised.
Blair Lebsack, chef and co-owner of RGE RD and the Butchery states: “A lot of locally grown ingredients really resonate with Albertans and Canadians,” he said.
“Our wheat and Alberta beef are known around the world, helping to highlight Canadian cuisine.
“I love working with local producers who skillfully cultivate what the land can offer us.”
Local Food Week takes place from Aug. 11 to 17 to encourage the buying of local products as a way of supporting our producers.
This year, more than 155 Alberta farms will host Albertans during Open Farm Days.
The province has an ongoing “Buy Local” initiative that encourages
grain entrapment fatalities.
The BeGrainSafe program provides prevention education, rescue training for firefighters, and on-site workplace training to heighten awareness about grain hazards.
According to Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting data, there were 27 fatalities due to asphyxiation from grain or soil on Canadian farms between 2011 and 2020.
consumers to eat, drink and buy local as a way of showing that support for its agriculture and food industry.
This summer, Albertans can support local producers and processors at more than 150 farmers’ markets and meet the people who make, bake or grow food.
In fact, Alberta is Canada’s biggest producer of honey, beef, and processed potatoes, and the second biggest producer of wheat and canola. The province is also “a substantial exporter of oats, barley and pork.”
More than 1.5 million arable acres are irrigated within Alberta’s 11 irrigation districts with an additional 300,000 acres irrigated through individual or private irrigators.
The Open Farm Days water theme is an important one, as the land being irrigated in these 11 districts produces 28 per cent of the provincial agricultural gross domestic product.
And irrigation infrastructure also provides water to processors, intensive livestock operations, 50 towns and villages, wildlife habitat and recreation facilities in southern Alberta.
This brings us to the fact that an estimated 21 million travellers from the U.S and overseas are interested in experiencing agri-tourism in Alberta over the next two years alone (Source: Destination Canada’s 2023 Global Traveler Research Program).
“Grain entrapment is a significant safety risk anywhere that grain is stored - and it can happen in the blink of an eye,” says Sandra Miller, CASA’s Executive Director.
“But while grain entrapments often have devastating outcomes, they are preventable through proactive safety measures.
“That’s why the BeGrainSafe program is committed to providing essential grain safety
training and resources to Canadian farming communities in order to highlight the hazards associated with grain and, ultimately, save lives.”
Longtime safety champion Corteva Agriscience, a proud supporter of the BeGrainSafe program for several years, is the presenting sponsor of this year’s BeGrainSafe Week.
“Safety is a core value at Corteva and we’re
proud to partner with CASA to raise awareness about the importance of grain safety in our farm communities,” said Loralee Orr, Vice-President, Canada Commercial for Corteva.
“By supporting local first responders and initiatives like BeGrainSafe, we can help protect those who work in agriculture and ensure they get home safe every day.”
In support of BeGrainSafe Week,
CASA has developed various resources, including infographics and safety advice articles, with information on how to be safe around grain. These resources are available for both the media and the general public to download and share to help spread the message about grain safety.
To access these resources and for more information, visit casaacsa.ca/BeGrainSafe-Week
10am Gates Open with Artisan Vendor Village, Old Time Demonstrators, Kids Zone, Food Trucks Clan Tents and Craft Liquor Tasting.
11am Welcome Performance of Battle River Pipes and Drums with Visiting Pipe and Drum Bands
12pm 2 Stages of Music and Dance Entertainment, Heavy Events with Local and Professional Competitors, Scottish Beastie Demonstrations
3:30pm Live Auction of Highland Steer
4pm Closing Mass Band Ceremony
5pm Ceilidh Begins with our Opening Entertainment 7pm Cabot's Crossing Begins
RCMP Report
From Monday, July 28 to Sunday, August 10, Tofield RCMP responded to 62 calls for service which included one 911 Act, two Abandoned Vehicle, one Animal Call, three Assault, two Assistance to Canadian Police Non RCMP, one Assistance to Provincial Agency, one Break and Enter – Business, one Break and Enter – Other, one Criminal Harassment, one False Alarm, two Fraud over $5,000, two Fraud under $5,000, one Mischief damage to property, one Driving with no insurance reported, two No Pursuit - Flight from Police, one Obtain Credit Card by Fraud, one Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration, one Driving while Prohibited, 14 Driving/Traffic Complaints, two Off Road Vehicle Acts, two Other Provincial Statutes, one Theft Over $5,000, three Theft Under $5,000, one Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, three Suspicious Person/Vehicle, one Theft of Car, one Shoplifting, one Theft from Motor Vehicle, three Traffic Collision, one Trespass at Night, and four Wellbeing Checks.
Highlighted occurrences include that on July 27, at 11 a.m., Tofield RCMP responded to a domestic assault in Beaver County. Members attended and learned that a female had been assaulted by her
boyfriend. The boyfriend was arrested and charged accordingly. The victim is being supported by victim services.
On July 28, at 3 p.m., Tofield RCMP were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle parked on Range Road 191. Members attended and located a female in a stolen vehicle. The female also had several warrants for her arrest out of Edmonton. The female was arrested, taken before a Justice of the Peace, and was remanded into custody for a later court date.
On July 29, a resident of Tofield reported that she received a call from CSIS advising her she needs to pay $45,000 for her retirement funds. The resident realized that something wasn’t right and attended the RCMP detachment to report this attempted fraud.
On July 31 at 4 p.m., RCMP responded to a reported assault at the Tofield Esso. Members attended and it was determined no assault had taken place.
On August 1 at midnight, Tofield RCMP responded to a male at the Tofield Esso harassing an employee. The male was arrested and charged with harassment.
On August 1 at 1:30 p.m., members responded to a single vehicle collision at the intersection of
Range Road 193 and Township 512. Members learned the vehicle lost control while driving which resulted in the driver and passenger receiving injuries.
On August 2 at 4 a.m., RCMP responded to an alarm at the Holden Foods. Members attended and learned that a truck had backed into a large storage shed but never gained entry to the building.
On August 7 Tofield RCMP received a complaint from the Ryley CN yard reporting a theft of metal with a value of over $20,000.
On August 7 Tofield RCMP received a report of a Sea Can being broken into at a residence in Beaver County. Nothing was stolen from the Sea Can.
On August 9 a resident of Ryley reported that overnight her vehicle was stolen.
On August 9 at 10:30 p.m., RCMP responded to a domestic assault in Beaver County. As a result of the investigation a male was charged with assault.
Under Traffic Enforcement, there was one Summons for No Insurance,
Assaulted female among Tofield RCMP
Tofield boy plays in Brick hockey tournament
Cassandra Lundbek Staff Reporter
For the Nugent family of Tofield, the recent Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament in Edmonton in July was the culmination of three years of dedication, sacrifice, and support for their son's dream.
Ryland Nugent, a 10year-old forward, proudly wore #96 for Team Brick Alberta, a squad of top young hockey talents from
across the province. His participation in the prestigious tournament was a testament to his hard work, and a family effort that has revolved around this goal since he first watched the tournament and decided he would be in it.
“We went to the Brick two years ago and watched it, and ever since he started watching, he's wanted to play in that tournament. That was
kind of what exposed him to it and created the passion and desire to want to play there,” said Ryland's father, Paul Nugent.
Team Brick Alberta demonstrated its competitive strength throughout the tournament, winning five of the seven games played. Ryland, a leftshooting forward, played a significant role in the team's success. He tallied four points over the seven games, scoring two goals
and assisting on two others. His standout performance was further highlighted when he was named the Most Valuable Player for one of the games, a moment he cited as one of his most memorable from the entire experience.
His mother, Diana Nugent, described the emotional moment.
“I was crying. It was the best experience ever. It was so much effort and so much work with the driving and things that we had to do. It was worth it,” she
said. The tournament's intense atmosphere provided Ryland and his teammates a once-in-a-lifetime experience playing elite hockey.
“From joining the team to the end, the way they treated the kids and honoured the team was nextlevel. They brought in Edmonton Oilers and Alumni pro hockey players for a big dinner and breakfast, and CTV News was there. It made the kids feel like they were really at the next level. To be a part
of that was a huge honour and an experience we've never had before when it comes to hockey,” said Paul.
Ryland talked about how players don’t get much time with the puck, so quick passes are critical. His advice for kids going into the tournament:
“Hard work and be relentless on the puck. If somebody takes the puck from you, go right back at them and take it back.” What will get them there, he says, is to “Work hard and
Continued on Page 21
Ryland and his parents Diana and Paul show the display of memorabilia from Ryland's experience representing Alberta at the Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament in July.
Village of Ryley makes donations to local groups through Clean Harbours Community Enhancement Grants
KARI JANZEN PHOTOS
Pictured above: Tristina Howse of the Ryley Slo-pitch league accepted the $3,500 cheque from the Clean Harbors Community Enhancement Grant, pictured with Village of Ryley Mayor Stephanie Dennis and Deputy Mayor Lyndie Knockleby..
Pictured right: L-R: Karla Janzen, Holden Rural Academy Board Secretary, accepted a cheque from the Clean Harbors Community Enhancement Grant in the amount of $15,000, pictured with Village of Ryley Mayor Stephanie Dennis and Deputy Mayor Lyndie Knockleby.
Ryley School Educational Assistant Tanya Kushnir accepted the school's $30,0000 cheque from the Clean Harbors Community Enhancement Grant, pictured with Village of Ryley Mayor Stephanie Dennis and Deputy Mayor Lyndie Knockleby.
John’s Rant
Continued from Page 6
across the country.
The only area where he had any issues, he claimed, was in northern Ontario, where the distances between communities are fairly great. There, said the driver and owner of this Chevy Volt, electrical outlets to charge his vehicle were tougher to find.
But he had a few apps on his phone which guided hime to charging stations along his chosen route.
Well driving along the Trans Canada Highway you will find a number of fuel stops which are built to accommodate electric cars with charging stations.
And in larger communities some commercial outlets and shopping malls also provided charging stations.
But this driver stuck to the main roads.
Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and B.C all have miles and miles of back roads which provide spectacular scenery and a more pleasant, relaxing drive as opposed to racing along
those freeway sections of the Trans Canada highway system.
It is now twinned across Alberta on both the Yellowhead and Highway 1 along the souther part of the province. But not so in B.C., Saskatchewan and Manitoba. There are freeway sections, but also two lanes sections.
I wouldn’t trust myself or my family to take any side trips on rural highways in the west in an electric car.
I could probably survive in the hybrid, but for me gasoline or diesel powered vehicles are still the way to go and will be for the foreseeable future.
So hopefully Mark Carney will show he’s a leader and cancel the Trudeau mandate to have all electric vehicles by 2035.
With the Terrible Trump Tariffs and high costs, the major car manufacturers are backing away from electric vehicle production.
They have discovered the sales just aren’t there –there isn’t any market for them.
Now, what that will do for those heavily Trudeau-
Doug Ford subsidized battery plants in Ontario I don’t know.
But I do know Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance and the Trudeau government hadn’t been known this philosophy.
I do hope Carney, even though he’s surrounded himself with former Trudeau minions, will put the 5P’s into practice.
If you must move to an all electric vehicle plan, and it likely would work in a heavily populated area,
Alberta celebrates 75 years rat-free
Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter
Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, celebrated the province’s 75th year rat-free with a statement by way of press release on July 14.
“Rats are a worldwide menace that destroy property and spread disease. For three quarters of a century, Alberta has proudly been one of the few jurisdictions on Earth to live without the pest. We owe that reputation to our Rat Control Program, established in 1950,” Sigurdson stated in the release.
“We have a zero-tolerance policy for rats. If we spot an infestation, we quickly eradicate it. As a
result, we’ve prevented millions of dollars in damages to farms and homes and ensured deadly diseases stay out of our province.”
The status of ‘Rat-free’ does not actually mean no rats, according to the province’s website. It states that “Alberta’s ratfree status means there is no resident population of rats and they are not allowed to establish themselves. It does not mean we never get rats. Small infestations occasionally occur but when found, the rats are isolated and eradicated through proven control methods.”
According to the historical book ‘Alberta in the 20th Century,’ Alberta was recognized
as the only rat-free province as early as the 1940s, but that was about to change.
Norway rats, by far the most common, were making their way back into the province on the eastern border. Females who reportedly mature by three months, could go on to bear six or seven litters a year with five to fifteen babies in each one. They are not only clever, being able to find their way into nearly any food source, they can also reportedly eat up to 50 pounds of grain a year.
Then there are the diseases. According to reports, rats can carry bubonic plague, typhus, dysentery, rabies and trichinosis. The thought of an infestation was
enough to put the fear into everyone.
One man came forward who was a formidable opponent to the rat. Napoleon Poulin, from Winnipeg, had his own pest control business and learned early on to hate rats.
“They ate my puppy dog in a grain shed when I was 8,” he reportedly said. “I’ve been killing them back ever since.”
Poulin signed a major extermination contracted with the province in 1952. Years earlier, Poulin discovered a sweet-smelling light blue arsenic powder that could eradicate the toughest rodents. He named the substance ‘Poulin’s Rat Doom’ and used it in Alberta. For
two summers, Poulin and his team lived in trailers and spread 70 tons of Poulin’s Rat Doom under 8,000 buildings and on 2,700 farms.
Unfortunately, while the arsenic was effective at exterminating the rats, it had the unintended consequences of poisoning livestock and pets.
Poulin’s program was discontinued in 1953 while the province developed their own Rat Control Program, evolving into what it is today.
After Poulin’s contract was finished, the province was once again declared rat-free. Soon, however, the rat population began to increase. It was recorded at 600 infestations in 1959 before steadily decreasing to
150 by 1980 and zero by 2003.
According to the Province’s website, Alberta’s borders mostly provide a natural barrier to rats, who depend on the presence of people to survive. To the North, Alberta is protected by boreal mixed-wood forest, the West by the Rocky Mountains, and the south by open relatively unsettled short-grass prairie. The East, however, provides a route of invasion for rats along sparsely populated rural areas. Alberta’s rat-control zone is 600 km long and 29 km wide from Cold Lake to the Montana border. Today, it’s illegal to keep a rat as a pet in Alberta.
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16,000 readers
COMING EVENTS
MEIER 2-DAY LIVE ON-SITE
AUCTION for Grant Yeske, Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24
10am #409, 67325 Churchill Park Rd., Lac La Biche, AB.
Selling Bobcat S300, Trucks, Classic Cars, Trailers, ATVs, RVs, Oil Field Buildings, Full Mechanics Shop, New Mopar Parts, Engines, Lawn Tractors, Attachments, Firearms, Sportsman Items, Antiques. Visit www.meierauction.com
VBS is happening again this year, hosted at Viking Alliance Church This is open to all children who will be going into kindergarten, all the way through to kids who will be going into grade 6 this Fall. There is no cost. It will be running this year from August 18 to 22
To register, visit vikingalliancechurch.com and go to the VBS 2025 page. We look forward to seeing you there!
COMING EVENTS
SUMMER SALE!
$500 Off a pair of hearing devices! Free remote control!
Can be combined with government funding from AADL of $900 Benchmark Hearing Centre Main Street Daysland Phone 780-374-3748 Or book online! benchmarkhearingcentre.ca
High Noon on the Prairies
An annual reunion/get-together for veterans.
All Veterans Welcome! Aug. 18-21 at Hardisty United Lake Church Campground
Please contact Bob Stuart at 780-385-4224 or Dan Lemire at 780-781-0954, or email: hnotp@hotmail.com
CLASSIFIEDS
COMING EVENTS
Gathering of the Clans Highland Festival 2025 Sedgewick, Alberta at the Recreation Grounds
Saturday, August 23 Gates open at 10 am. Heavy events, artisan vendors, demonstrators, pipes and drums, highland animals, kids zone, food trucks, and much more.
Evening entertainment starts at 5pm Dance with Cabot’s Crossing starts at 7pm. Overnight camping available and a donation breakfast Sunday morning. Advance gate admission and tickets to the Ceiliedh (dance) are available now at flagstaffscottishclub.com/gotchf-event
FOR SALE
27/32p
Carrots, Potatoes, Beets, Beans Are Ready!!! East of Sedgewick, off Highway 13, turn north on RR122, then go north 3 miles. Helen Tanton - 780-888-6800
28tfnc
Garage Sale, Friday, Aug. 15 and Saturday, Aug. 16. Friday 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 5607 49 Ave, Killam, AB 31/32p
WORD SEARCH
*1989 8460 COMBINE - 2901 hours; *1984 860 Massey Combine - 2367 hours; *885 Massey Swather - 18 Ft. UII Header, Crop Lifters - 2636 hours. Ph: 780-829-2270; email: jlinhondo@gmail.com.
ARDENT Wood Stove to dismantle; Made in Canada. $3,000, will consider offers.
Three-car carport, new, 30' by 36' to be moved from Andrew; please call for viewing/photos 780-888-7011 or 780-888-2600
32/33p
2006 Chrysler Sebring Convertible. 158,250km Rebuilt Status. 2 new front tires. $4,500 obo. Power windows, locks, seat - needs windshield, 400km on oil change. Text me at 587-500-6087 31p
BLS Fresh Garden Products
The following will be available soon: peas, beans, cucumbers, cabbages, dill. For other products please text 780-860-2672. In the Bruce area.
TM32-35P ————————————————
Equipment for Sale
1999 John Deere 566 Round BalerTwine only. 23,877 bales Call Roger at 780-385-1070 30/32p
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Champion 8000w/10,000 Dual fuel generator with CO Shield. Operates on either gas or propane. Like NEW (only has 1.5 hours run time on it) Comes with all cords, attachments, etc. Call or text: 780-385-0354. Asking $1,000.
30/32p
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4 month old Hens. Mixed breed Australorp, Plymouth Rock Columbian Rock Hens. Started to lay eggs. $18.00 a bird. More information phone or text 780-632-9881. LL32p
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS
Estate of Joseph MARYNOWICH who died on November 27, 2019. If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by September 9, 2025 and provide details of your claim with: Public Trustee at: 4th Floor, 10365 - 97 Street Edmonton AB T5J 3Z8 Phone: (780) 427-2744 Fax: (780) 422-9136
If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have. ————————————————
CAUGHT YOU LOOKING PLACE AN AD IN THE CLASSIFIEDS. JUST $20/WK.
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Josh Post REALTOR ® The Foundry Real Estate Co. Buying? Selling?
Let's Find the Fit for You! Call/Text 780-238-7694
Town & Country
Guardian Drugs - Killam
We have: •a colour photocopier.
•cold pop and fresh snacks.
•a great selection of giftware, houseware, fragrances, clothing, toys, games, plush animals and more. •a big selection of greeting cards. •stationery. •seasonal gifts
•vitamins, minerals, supplements
•free gift wrapping
•prescription service 6 days a week.
General Contractor
Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and Gasfitter. Bathroom Renos & Tile
New to the Area.
30 plus Years of Experience.
Dave 403-999-8464
Mike & Dave RV Inc.
Service, Storage, Parts. Call us today! 780-415-5015 or visit our website: www.mdrv.ca
**Located just 11 kms North of Tofield on Highway 834**. ————————————————
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
Drywall Taping/Ceiling Texturing
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
NOTICES. EVENTS. ANNOUNCEMENTS. THANKS. MEMORIALS. SALES. RENTALS. REAL ESTATE. GIVE AWAYS. & MORE!
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
Hakim Oberg Law
ALA HAKIM OBERG
Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public Based in Forestburg, AB 5004 - 49 Ave.
(Professional Centre, 2nd Floor) Please call for appointment. 780-238-6938 ala@hakimoberglaw.com www.hakimoberglaw.com
Hawkeye Custom Corral Cleaning Hawkeye Ag Inc is your complete solution for corral cleaning. We also provide services in the agriculture space: land clearing, pen rebuilding, aggregate for small and large farm operations. Based out of Lamont. 780-718-7479
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Brick Hockey Experience
Continued from Page 14
to help him reach his goal. By focusing on Ryland's development and skill, they avoided the politics and money grabs offered throughout the last year leading up to the competition.
“Don't chase the carrots that are dangled in front of you thinking you have to do everything that is put before you to have the opportunity to make the team. There were a lot of things offered before the tournament that were just,
in our opinion, money grabs, so we didn't chase them,” said Paul. “If you just work hard and focus on your kid’s development, if he's good enough to make the team, he will make the team based on his tryouts alone and nothing else. Nothing else matters except for the tryouts."
Paul stressed the importance of parental support without adding undue pressure. He acknowledged the intense environment surrounding elite
youth hockey.
“Don't be hard on them because they're already under a lot of pressure that they put on themselves. The coaches during the tryouts are going to pressure them as well to see how they handle it, so your job as a parent needs to be to support and not to put more pressure by giving them the talk after a game or a practice. They're going to make mistakes, but the coaches know the kids are going to make mistakes. It's
how they respond to the mistake after, so as a parent, don't expose their mistakes further in the car ride home.
“Just support them. That's the best advice I could say because they're already under too much pressure as 10-year-olds.”
Ryland described his experience at the Brick tournament as fun and hard. It was a significant step in his hockey journey, offering crucial exposure as a player. Paul noted that the
tournament has already opened new doors for his son, leading to more opportunities and invitations to play with other teams in big tournaments. This experience has been a significant validation of Ryland's talent and a glimpse into what the future might hold. Looking ahead, Ryland has already set his sights on an ambitious new goal: "Making the WHL." The tournament, Paul explained, has set Ryland "on a good path for his hockey journey
Tofield Western Days brings people to town
Kari Janzen and Cassandra Lundbek Staff Reporters
The Tofield Agricultural Society’s fourth annual Western Days brought the crowds into town from Thursday, August 7 to Sunday, August 10 for a weekend chock-full of events and entertainment for people of all ages.
Things kicked off at the Tofield Sportsgrounds
Thursday night with a food truck fair, which featured Starvin’ Marvin’s, Scoopz Ice Cream Hut, Tasty’s Truckin’ Good Eats, Venture Eats, and a mini donut truck. Face painting, bouncy castles, inflatable archery and axe throwing, and a petting zoo were also set up for families to enjoy prior to the Bull Bash.
Main street Tofield was closed for the Tofield and District Chamber of Commerce’s Promenade Friday night, which provided much entertainment for all who attended. The fire department had
several units parked for kids to explore, the Tofield Golden Club had a barbeque, there were wagon rides, live music, free popcorn, face painting, glitter tattoos, market vendors, food trucks, bubbles, the Sour Moose brought out Lilo and Stitch, a mechanical bull, bouncy houses, Backyard Balloons who made balloon animals, a petting zoo, and pony rides.
The Promenade is sponsored by many local businesses and organizations, which makes all activities free of charge.
The slack rodeo was also held Friday night, where overflow rodeo entries took place.
Despite a rainy start, the community of Tofield gathered on Saturday for the pancake breakfast in the Tofield Arena. The event ran from 9-11 a.m. and saw a good turnout. Inside the arena, volunteers kept the food coming. Victor Dueck and Wade Sware were busy flipping eggs, while
Mayor Deb Dueck, along with Caylee Edwards, Brenda Chehade, and Jeff Edwards managed the buffet table. The Tofield Fire Department managed to stay dry under a tent, manning the pancake grill for the crowd. The breakfast successfully fed community members and weekend competitors, kicking off Saturday's festivities.
The Western Market was held in the Arena meeting room Saturday afternoon, and following the Saturday rodeo performance, live band Slow Walkin’ Walter performed for the rodeo dance.
The unofficial results from the rodeo are as follows:
Bareback: Morgan Frail, 63-point ride.
Bull Riding: Hudson Cockrum, 75.5.
Junior Barrel Racing: First place Maggie Cartwright with 14.953 seconds, second place Shay Brett, 15.270 seconds, and third place Jayda Songhurst, 15.389 seconds.
Junior Bull Riding: First place Levi Robbins, 73.5 points, second place Hudson Cockrum, 69.
Junior Steer Riding: Blaze Torkelson, 73, second place Ryder Topolinski, 71.5, third place Brady Bignell, 70.
Ladies Barrel Racing: Amanda Crowe, 14.984 seconds, second place Ashlyn Johnston, 15.114 seconds, third place Aimee Cripps, 15.170 seconds.
Novice Horse Riding: Chet Meston, 66 points, second place Kyle Vancleave, 63 points, third place Shaye Guinand, 52 points.
Pee Wee Barrel Racing: Jhett Corr, 15.497 seconds, Taydee-May Bezjack, 15.905 seconds, third place Quinn Fortin, 15.933.
Saddle Bronc: Kolt Fraser, 72 points, Trey Stone, 69 points, third place Quinn Tallmadge, 62.5.
Steer Wrestling: Garrett Zieffle, 4.2 seconds, second place Bryce Kul-
backi, 5.1 seconds, third place Lance Fraser, 5.3.
Team Roping: Caleb Fawcett and Matt Fawcett, 6.2 seconds, and tied for second place were Koby Ziemmer and Kody Potts, and Randon Ross and Cole Brain at 6.9 seconds.
Tie Down Roping: Cody
Brett, 9.8 seconds, second place Murdock Keith, 10 seconds, third place Colt Van Straten, 10.2 seconds.
The Tofield Ag Society’s three 50/50 raffles brought in $11,515, with half the proceeds going towards the operation of the Tofield Arena.
KARI JANZEN PHOTOS
down his
but was given an additional 10 second penalty because he broke the barrier, exiting too soon.
Accompanying the food truck fair on Thursday, live music, bouncy castles, archery, ax throwing, a petting zoo, and face painting entertained families prior to the Bull Bash.
Cody Brett of Silver Valley, AB successfully tied down his calf in 9.8 seconds in the Tie Down Roping event.
Wild Ponies. KARI JANZEN PHOTOS (unless otherwise indicated)
L-R: Town of Tofield CAO Jeff Edwards, Councillor Brenda Chehade, and Caylee Edwards were ready for the next round of breakfast-goers. CASSANDRA LUNDBEK PHOTO
The Buckshot Bandits presented the Tofield Western Days sponsors.
Shaye Guinand of Lac La Biche scored a 52 point ride in the Novice Horse Riding event.
Emily Sjursen of Tofield sang O Canada before the Bull Bash and both rodeos.
Chad Gulick of Wetaskiwin successfully tied
calf in 9.5 seconds
ON AUGUST 18
VOTE FOR PIERRE POILIEVRE
FOR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ON LOCAL ISSUES:
• Reversing the Liberal ban on gas and diesel vehicles
•
• Unleash our oil and gas sector with pipelines and low taxes
• Zero capital gains taxes for farmers & small business owners reinvesting here
•
•
• , energy workers and a fair deal for Albertans
