August 14 Community Press

The Community Press

Campaign Trail

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

Pierre Poilievre is hot on the campaign trail, stopping on Forestburg over the weekend and then in Killam on Sunday, Aug. 10, at Battle River Implements. There, he spoke to a crowd of around 130 people.

Former Battle River-Crowfoot Member of Parliament Kevin Sorenson introduced Poilievre, and thanked everyone for coming on such short notice.

“I want to thank you for being here today. Today is Aug. 10 and on Aug. 18 we have an election here. We have eight days left, to work hard, to stay focussed. Eight days to get people out and get

TEXT ‘ABFIRES’ to 45678 to donate $10 to Red Cross for Jasper wildfire relie The Community Press office will be CLOSED Monday, August 5 for the Civic Holiday. We will reopen Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 9 a.m. and our next edition will still be published Wedneday. Aug. 7 Ad deadlines will be noon Tuesday, Aug. 6

them to the polls.”

He said Poilievre had been to Drumheller, Three Hills, Stettler, and Forestburg over the weekend.

Sorenson noted that there were people from all over Flagstaff County and Viking, in attendance.

He also thanked Terry Hamilton and the crew at Battle River Implements for allowing the use of the building for the event.

“We’re going to work hard over the next eight days because there is a lot at stake.

“Friends, the media are watching. Radio Canada is phoning, CBC is phoning. All of them are asking questions. What about the Longest Ballot? What

about Pierre Poilievre coming out to Battle River-Crowfoot? He’s going to answer all those questions for you tonight.

“But it’s important that we focus on the next eight days, and the important part is getting people out to vote. It is vital that we get people to the polling stations.”

Poilievre took the podium to a big round of applause. He started with a short biography, talking about growing up in Calgary with his parents, who were school teachers, who adopted him and raised him.

He talked about the family losing his home due to Liberal energy policies, and the impact on the economy, and the

impact of a “hostile Liberal Prime Minister.”

He talked about his journey into politics, and his desire to give people, “More freedom, less government, to leave more money in the hands of the people who earned it rather than the politicians who taxed it.

“To unlock the immense potential of our resources that could make us the richest people on planet Earth.”

He talked about the close general election, “We can’t give up, we can’t back down, we have to keep moving forward.” He said that’s why he’s running in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding. He says that having the leader of the

Continued on Page 30

Pierre Poilievre stopped at Battle River Implements in Killam on Sunday evening, where he spoke to and met with around 130 people, including local farmer Mabel Thompson, who shared a laugh with him.

LESLIE CHOLOWSKY PHOTO

Reports of election signs disappearing around Hardisty

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

Some residents near Hardisty have recently reported that some election signage, both at their home and along the highway, has gone missing.

The missing signs were noticed on Thursday, replaced on Sunday, only to have them gone again Monday morning.

The disappearances don’t appear to be confined to any one candidate, although some signs that were untouched in the incident

were Conservative Party signs for Pierre Poilievre, while the missing signs were for a number of other candidates.

Tampering with election signs is a criminal offence, and individuals caught stealing or damaging signs could face charges under the Canada Elections Act.

RCMP may also consider charges under the criminal code for Mischief Under $5,000, Theft Under $5,000, or even Hate Crime, depending on the circumstances, says Killam

RCMP Detachment Commander Sgt. Andy Wetzstein.

Elections Canada, the non-partisan agency responsible for the conduct of fair and free federal elections, urges any complaints about removed or vandalized election signs to be directed to the Commissioner of Canada Elections, who is responsible for investigating potential wrongdoing under the Canada Elections Act.

When the rules are broken, the Commissioner can take meas-

ures to enforce them.

Wetzstein adds, “We have not received any official police reports for theft of, mischief to, or hate crime against any election signage in our jurisdiction to date.

“Folks may not have reported the incidents to police. Most of the candidates are usually the first ones to know.”

Elections Canada has a link to the Commissioner’s office, and complaints about damaged or missing signs can be made online, and can also be done anonymously.

LOCATION: From Camrose g

●1992 CASE IH 9280 4WD tractor, 7,230 hrs., 375 hp. Cummins, 20.8-42 duals, 12F/3R, 4 hyd’s w/ return.

●1983 MASSEY FERGUSON 4880 4WD tractor, 7,631 hours, 320 hp. Cummins, 23.1-34 duals, 18F/6R partial powershift transmission, 4 hyd’s., big 1000 pto.

●1979 MASSEY FERGUSON 4880 4WD tractor, 12,453 hours, 400 hp. Cummins, big 1000 pto., 4 hyd’s., 3 pt. hitch , 18F/6R partial powershift, 20.8-38 duals.

●1974 VERSATILE 850 4WD tractor w/ Degelman 13 ft. dozer blade, 11,826 hours, 280 hp. engine, 12F/4R, 18.4R38 duals, 2 hydraulics w/ return.

●1975 CO-OP IMPLEMENTS D13006 2WD tractor, 6,204 hrs., 130 hp. engine, 12F/3R, 1000 pto., 11.00-16 fronts, 18.4-38 rears, 2 hydraulics.

●1963 COCKSHUTT 1900 2WD tractor, 99 hp. diesel, 6F/2R, 540/1000 pto, 2 hyd’s., 18.4-34 rears.

●1975 DAVID BROWN 995 2WD tractor, 4,933 hours, 62 hp. diesel, 12F/4R, 540/1000 pto., 3 pt. hitch, 1 hydraulic, 7.50-16.5L fronts, 16.9-30 rears.

●1975 WHITE 2-105 2WD tractor w/ Leon FEL & 6 ft. bucket, 7,135 hrs., 105 hp. Perkins diesel, 18F/6R w/ powershift, 20.8R38 rears, 540/1000 pto., 4 hyd’s.

●1970 CASE 970 2WD tractor w/ Ezee-On FEL & 7 ft. bucket, 95 hp., 6,873 hours, 540/1000 pto., 2 hydraulics, 10.00-16 fronts, 18.4-38 new rears.

●PARTS TRACTORS: Massey Ferguson 1505 4WD tractor, 1973 Case 1270 tractor, Ford 8000 tractor, & (2) Minneapolis Moline tractors.

TILLAGE & SEEDING

●1998 FLEXI-COIL 5000 air drill w/ 1999 Flexicoil 3450 tow between 450 bushel 3 compartment air cart, 57 ft., 8” spacing, Stealth 3” openers, monitor.

●CASE CONCORD 4812 air drill converted to NH3 applicator, 48 ft., 12” spacing, 11L-15 tires.

●1999 Flexi-Coil tow behind 3450 PARTS 450 bushel 3 compartment air cart, 16.5L-16.1 fronts, 18.4-38 rears.

●2009 BRANDT 7000 Contour Commander heavy harrow, 70 ft., 5/8” tines, 5 bar.

●1982 CI 807 cultivator w/ 3 bar harrows, 35’, 12” spacing.

●DEGELMAN R558 bat reel rock picker, 11L-15SL tires.

●FARM KING 60 ft. harrow drawbar, 5 bar, H78-15 tires.

●Seed drill mover, 25 ft., P235/75R15 tires.

●1967 CHAMPION 600B road grader w/ 14ft. blade & ripper, Detroit diesel, 14.00-24 tires.

●LIEBHERR 925 excavator.

●KOMATSU PC20-6 mini excavator trackhoe.

●Land Pride 10 ft. land leveller. ●(2) 3 pt. hitch mowers, 540 pto. ●2001 Amida AL5000 s/a light tower, 12,280 hrs. ●Onan generator & welder/ generator. ●(3) Heaters. ●Bush Hog post hole auger.

●Dynamometer. ●Shop tools. ●+ MUCH MORE!

●(2) NEW HOLLAND CR9070 combines w/ NH 76C 16 ft. p/u’s, (1) 2008 -2,510 eng. hours, 1,954 sep. hours, (1) 2007 -3,885 eng. hours, 2,710 sep. hours, Outback STX GPS & Hemisphere receiver globe, both have -NH

IntelliView II monitors, shedded, + MORE!

●1997 NEW HOLLAND TR98 combine w/ 13 ft. NH 971 p/u, 2,814 hrs., 30.5L-32 fronts, 16.9-24 rears, + NH 971 rigid straight cut header w/ 30 ft. bat reel.

●1991 NEW HOLLAND TR96 combine w/ Melroe 388 p/u, 2,761 sep. hrs., 3,731 eng. hrs., Redekop chopper.

●2007 CASE IH 2020 flex draper header w/ 30 ft. p/u reel & transport, plastic fingers, double knife.

●2004 CASE IH 2010 rigid draper header w/ 30 ft. p/u reel, double knife, single point hookup, no transport.

●2003 MACDON 962 platform header w/ 36 ft. split bat reel & transport, single knife drive, 9.5L-14 tires.

●1998 HONEYBEE SP36 draper header w/ 36 ft. p/u reel & transport, plastic fingers, single knife drive, single point hookup, ST225/75R15 tires.

●1995 HONEYBEE SP30 draper header w/ 30 ft. bat reel & transport, single knife, P205/70R15 tires.

●1998 JOHN DEERE 930 platform header w/ 30 ft. p/u reel & transport, plastic fingers, single knife.

●BERGEN t/a swather transport, 11L-15SL tires.

●Convey-All UH-22 Universal 22’ p/u header.

●(2) Swath rollers -(1)10 ft. & (1) 6 ft.

●2003 MACDON PRAIRIE STAR 4952 swather w/ 2004 Macdon 972 header, 30 ft. split p/u reel & plastic fingers, 3,298 eng. hrs., 2,327 header hrs., single knife, 500/70R24 fronts, 16.5L-16.1SL rears.

●1990 MASSEY FERGUSON 200 swather w/ 26 ft. UII p/u reel & plastic fingers, 3,302 hours, double swath, single knife, 16.5L-16.1L fronts, 9.5L-15 rears.

●1985 JOHN DEERE 590 p/t swather, 30’ bat reel.

●INTERNATIONAL 4000 swather

●2009 LODE-KING 58 ft. Super ‘B’ grain trailer, 28 ft. lead & 30 ft. rear, 79” high sides, roll tarp, 11R22.5 tires.

●1997 DOEPKER Super ‘B” grain trailer, 28 ft. lead, 31 ft. rear, 78” sides, 11R24.5 tires.

●1994 DOEPKER 31 ft. grain trailer, 11R24.5 tires.

●1984 DOEPKER 52 ft. ‘B’ train grain trailer, 26’ lead & rear.

●BUSH-HOG Loadcraft 40’ stepdeck equipment trailer.

●2006 SWS 30 ft. flat deck t/a dually trailer.

●1981 Tusco 28’ t/a dually step deck trailer w/ 4 reels.

●TRAILMOBILE Benedict dry van trailer.

●1985 Fruehauf 28 ft. water tanker hauling trailer w/ ±5000 gallon stainless steel tank, 11R22.5 tires.

●2011 SPRA-COUPE 7660 high clearance 90 ft. sprayer, 1,568 engine hours, 174 hp. Perkins diesel engine, 725 gallon poly tank, Raven SCS 5000 rate controller, Outback GPS, Automate sectional control, 6 speed powershift transmission, autosteer, 20” spacing, 3 way nozzle bodies, fence row nozzles, hydraulic tread adjust axles, 320/90R46 duals, fenders, deluxe air ride seat, A/C, heater, radio, shedded, excellent condition, 2nd owner. ●Crop dividers.

●2010WESTFIELD MK130-81 Plus Flex mech. swing grain auger, 13”, 81 ft., dual auger hopper flighting, 540 pto., ST235/80R16 tires.

●FARM KING 1385 mech. swing auger, 13”, 85 ft., single auger hopper flighting, 540 pto., 11L-15FI tires.

●2000 WESTFIELD MK100-51 mech. swing auger, 10”, 51 ft., dual auger hopper flighting, 540 pto., ST205/75R15 tires.

●SAKUNDIAK HD8-1400 augerw/ E-Kay hyd. mover & Honda 24 hp. electric start engine, 8”, 45 ft., P235/75R15 tires.

●BRANDT 835 auger w/ Kohler 20 hp. electric start engine, 8”, 35 ft., 235/75R15 tires.

●BRANDT 840 auger w/ Kohler 30 hp. electric start engine, 8”, 40 ft., P235/75R15 tires.

●SAKUNDIAK grain auger, 8”, 41 ft., w/ motor.

●PRO 10 ft. grain bagger w/ grain conveyor, 540 pto., LT265/75R16 tires.

●IBEC 1200N 7 tier grain dryer w/ auger.

●MORIDGE batch grain dryer, 540 pto.

●Assorted Bins -see website for details.

●2001 FREIGHTLINER Columbia highway tractor w/ sleeper, 1,406,704 km, 500 hp. Detroit diesel, 13 speed.

●1997 IHNavistar 9300 highway tractor w/ sleeper, 1,127,664 km, 470 hp. Detroit diesel, 18 speed.

●1997 IH Navistar 9200 highway tractor w/ sleeper, 1,316,041 km, 470 hp. Detroit diesel, 13 speed.

●1990 WHITE GMC highway tractor w/ sleeper, 1,464,560 km, 31,572 hrs., 475 hp. Cummins, 13 speed.

●1980 GMC General N9500 t/a truck w/ National 600A crane, 25,000 lb. lift capacity, spreader bar, 398,609 km, 4,377 hours, Detroit diesel engine, 13 speed transmission, 14/80R20 fronts, 11R24.5 rears.

●1997 MONACO DYNASTY CLASS ‘A’ 39’ motorhome 131,844 km, Cummins, A/C, generator, + MORE! ●2002 Dodge 2500 diesel truck. ●2005 GMC 3500 diesel truck. ●1990 GMC Sierra 3500 dually service truck, under hood compressor, 5.7L gas, 4X4. ●1999 Buick Century 4 door car, 189,153 km, 3.1L. ●2002 Cadillac Seville STS 4 door car, 176,408 km, 4.6L engine. ●2002 Volkswagon Jetta 4 door diesel car, 450,961 km.

Alliance fair brings technology and humour to visitors

Maggy McIntyre (for Diane Dammann)

Last Thursday, Alliance hosted its monthly market.

By the time I arrived later in the day, the crowd was beginning to thin, but I was told that plenty of goods had already been sold.

It featured a Bench Fair - a charming local tradition, more common here in Alberta than I was used to before moving to the province.

It’s a friendly competition where locals showcase their making, baking, and growing talents, all in good spirits among friends, family, and neighbours.

Entries ranged from squares and pies to pickles and condiments. There were also categories for knitting, scrapbooking, woodworking, photography, and even poetry.

Some of the winners were Oliver Befus in the children’s category, Olivia

Applegate in the junior division, and Diane Dammann in the adult category. Doug Parks, Caleb Felzien, and others were also in on the action.

Kudos to the kitchen team for a yummy mealI’m still dreaming about that mac and cheese!

There was a sign-up sheet for line dancing lessons.

If you didn’t get your name on it, just give me or Diane a shout - we’d love to get you signed up. And hey, you could catch my fiancé Jesse busting a move in the next month or so!

Alliance has been buzzing with visitors lately.

Clare, Matt, Abigail, and Ella Butler traveled all the way from East Sussex, England, to spend time with the Applegates. Barry and Stephanie Elliott, along with their daughters Paisley and Poppy, caught up with cousins Carol Nicholson and Henry Thomas.

From Calgary, Melissa

Left: Doug Park of Alliance won first place in the Adult Limerick category at Thursday’s Alliance Market Bench Fair. A school-days writer picking up the pen again, he says, “Even though Alliance is a small town, it has a variety of people that make it interesting to live here.”

The winning limerick says “There once was a man from Alliance, who’s wife tried to keep in compliance, he would sneak out for a beer, driving his old John Deere, just to show his defiance.”

Maslak and her daughter Eavinana stopped by the market to say hello. Rick and Tara Fossen from Galahad were also around, sharing the recent passing of their dad Ron.

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the Beingessner Family’s Annual Pig Roast - a milestone 25th celebration. With over 100 guests, the feast was incredible, the entertainment unforgettable, and the atmosphere alive with laughter and joy. More visitors were also in the area for this, including Allan and Sunny who travelled from Calgary - they were the beloved former owners of Alliance Valley Inn. Jesse mentioned he remembers attending the same event

about 15 years ago with his grandparents. I’m really hoping we’ll be able to go again next year.

Jesse and I are settling into the community and making connections with

people our age and older.

Though I still ask for advice now and then, everyone’s been wonderfully welcoming and helpful.

Recently, the ladies at the Credit Union went out of their way to assist me, leaving a lasting impression. We truly appreciate the warmth and generosity as we make this place our home.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS

Estate of John Wesley Oberg; aka John Oberg who died on February 27, 2024

If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by September 15, 2025

with Duncan Craig LLP

Attention: Kayla Thompson at 2800, 10060 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3V9

and provide details of your claim. If you do not file by the date above, the Estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.

FARMLAND WITH YARDSITE FOR SALE BY TENDER

The following property located in MD of Provost No. 52 (approximately 13 miles from Hardisty, 4 miles from Amisk) is offered for sale by tender, subject to the restrictions, reservations and non-financial obligations in the existing Certificates of Title:

PARCEL 1

THE NORTH EAST QUARTER OF SECTION TWENTY FIVE (25) TOWNSHIP FORTY ONE (41) RANGE NINE (9)

WEST OF THE FOURTH MERIDIAN CONTAINING 64.7 HECTARES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS. EXCEPTING THEREOUT: .806 HECTARES (1.99 ACRES) MORE OR LESS, AS SHOWN ON ROAD PLAN 7908AG

EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS AND THE RIGHT TO WORK THE SAME 130 +/- cultivated acres, 30 +/- pasture acres and yard site containing house, 40x60 Quonset, 20x40 shop, various sheds, pipe corrals and waterers.

PARCEL 2

MERIDIAN 4 RANGE 9 TOWNSHIP 41 SECTION TWENTY FIVE (25)

ALL THAT PORTION OF THE SOUTH EAST QUARTER NOT COVERED BY ANY OF THE WATERS OF LAKE NO. 3 AND LAKE NO. 4, AS SHOWN ON A PLAN OF SURVEY OF THE SAID TOWNSHIP SIGNED AT OTTAWA ON THE 28TH DAY OF APRIL A.D. 1905, CONTAINING 62.8 HECTARES (155.30 ACRES) MORE OR LESS.

EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS AND THE RIGHT TO WORK THE SAME 150 +/- cultivated acres, 10 +/- pasture acres. Access only through NE 25-41-9 W4.

No adjustment for 2025 property taxes which have been paid in full by the seller.

Any successful purchaser will pay the cost of any “gap title insurance” necessary to complete this transaction.

Tenders in sealed envelopes marked “Granger Tender” with the tenderer’s GST number and accompanied by a bank draft payable to Andreassen Borth in trust for 5% of the amount of the tender, must be delivered before 12 noon on September 2, 2025 to the office of Andreassen Borth at PO Box 727, 5014 – 50 Street, Killam, AB T0B 2L0, phone 780-385-3670.

Interested parties must bid on both parcels as a package. Tenders will not be opened in public.

Any successful purchaser will allow the seller to complete auction sale on the subject property which starts October 1, 2025 (online). Any successful purchaser will permit the seller and any auction purchasers access to the property to remove purchased items up to October 15, 2025.

SE 25-41-9 W4 has a Cleo Energy surface lease for which no rental was paid in 2025.

Surface lease will be assigned to any successful purchaser.

The balance of the purchase price shall be paid to Andreassen Borth on or before September 26, 2025. Tenders are irrevocable and shall remain open until dealt with by the offices of Andreassen Borth. If a successful tenderer does not complete the purchase after acceptance of that tender, their deposit shall be forfeited. The highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. The owners reserve the right to reject any and all tenders.

Deposits received from unsuccessful tenderers will be returned to them as soon as possible.

For further information call Clayton at 780-888-1441.

Oliver Befus was the winner of the most points in the children's division at the Alliance Bench Fair and received a cash prize from Diane Dammann after the fair.

OPINION

Dear Editor;

Battle River Pipes and Drums LETTER TO THE EDITOR LETTER THE 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

Word has reached the Flagstaff Scottish Club/Battle River Pipes and Drums executive of the disappointment regarding the Band not being able to participate in the Sedgewick Canada Day Parade (we, too, were also disappointed that we could not be there).

Since our band is comprised of members from Flagstaff County and beyond, we have experienced the wonderful problem of, at times, overwhelming numbers of requests for our services.

Unfortunately, there will be times when we will be unable to accommodate them all. Last July 1 (2024), the Band attempted to attend both the Sedgewick and Alliance parades by splitting the Band. The result was not to the Club’s or Band’s performance satisfaction.

At our next executive meeting it was recommended by the band’s Pipe Major that we do not attempt this plan again due to the fact that it leaves the Band susceptible to being short members in one or both of the locations.

Therefore it was agreed that the Band would now take a “first requested, first served,” approach for 2025 Canada Day, and then alternate between the two towns starting in 2026.

Since Alliance was the first to contact the Club/Band at the start of this year, next year we will be in Sedgewick for Canada Day.

Since the band started in 2019, we have been amazed at the support and encouragement we have received from all we meet, so as an organization, “TAPADH LEIBH,” (thank you) from the bottom of our hearts.

Ian Malcolm - Club President Dan Fee - Vice President

Kari Fox-Newby - Secretary Anna-Marie Brown - Treasurer

Please exercise your democratic right and privilege and VOTE

If there’s anything I could say to our readers this week it would be to ask them to exercise their democratic privilege to vote in next week’s by-election.

We and the candidates have been working hard over the past few weeks, us trying to pin them down for a few minutes for an interview, which we were granted by all but one of the ‘legitimate’ candidates. They’ve been hot on the campaign trail, some more than others, but most at least trying.

It’s more than we’ve seen in recent general elections, and it’s how it should happen in every election, and by-election. Diversity in candidate selection is healthy. It means there are people out there who care about their country, their riding, and their community. They are engaged. We can appreciate their efforts and applaud them for it even if we don’t agree with their points of view or political leanings. Respect doesn’t cost a thing, but it buys a whole lot.

LESLIE CHOLOWSKY

& Distributed every week at Killam, Alberta P.O. Box 99, Sedgewick, Alberta T0B 4C0 Phone 780-385-6693

E-mail: (Advertising): production.cp@gmail.com, (News): newsroom.cp@gmail.com

99, Sedgewick, AB. T0B

Well hello folks. I hope you are enjoying our seasonal summer weather for August.

made it a bit chilly for the swimming lessons.

Kids were definitely happy to go wrap themselves in a big towel and bury themselves in the hot sand to warm up. The second week was a lot chillier.

case they fall off a boat or a dock. Lots of the kids complained and were not a fan of this challenge but learned a valuable lesson and they all completed the task. What an important lesson and you bet they will remember this.

delivering the swimming equipment every morning and picking it up at the end of lessons. It made the job for the instructors and helpers

much easier. It was a great turnout of kids for another year of swimming lessons at Hardisty Lake. Hope to see you next year and

keep this important program running. Have a great summer kids.

Take care from Justine Matthews.

Hardisty Lake swimming lessons another big success Heisler Elks donate to Daysland Golf Course

Our recent downpours of rain has made our flowers perk up and look so full and healthy. The large round, stone flower pots on main street and around town look fabulous. They look so welcoming and colourful.

Kudos to the Town of Hardisty and their dedicated employees, who keep them looking so healthy.

Our Hardisty Thrift shop has had positive reports since we added Friday opening from 6-8 p.m. This allows the folks that work day shifts to come and peruse our unique little shop.

We have such a dedicated group of volunteers that sort, decorate, and sell our wonderful donations to all of you. We are a little piece of heaven! Come check us out.

My daughter-in-law was a swimming instructor at Hardisty Lake again this year. She really enjoyed teaching and wrote up the following report.

Hardisty Lake swimming lessons ran the past two weeks from July 28 to Aug. 8. There were about 40 kids registered over the two weeks. The majority of the kids were from the surrounding areas but a few from farther away.

They would stay at Grandma and Grandpa’s cabin for the week or camp down at the lake with their families.

Lessons taught at the lake follow the same criteria as those taught in a regular pool setting, except you have to face different physical challenges and more real life situations - weather being a big one.

The first week was beautiful weather with the sun shining, but with the water being cold and a slight breeze which

The kids were such troopers, some kids shivered the entire lesson but were still willing to do the tasks that the instructors asked them to do.

The instructors and their assistants were not fond of the chilly weather either but everyone prevailed.

Another challenge that made lessons a bit more difficult were the boats on the lake making big waves. The kids had lots of fun bobbing up and down but it did make some of the teaching tasks more difficult.

The instructors have added another challenge over the last few years. Kids must now learn to swim fully clothed. This means wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and some even wore socks! The idea behind this is to have the kids feel what it is like to swim fully clothed in

Kids learned a lot about the safety of swimming in a lake and the vast difference compared to a pool. They learned to always swim with a buddy and always wear a lifejacket on a boat or if you they are unsure about the depth of the water.

Each instructor had helpers who were invaluable. They assisted with all the children, especially kids that needed a bit of extra help in the water. They ensured the kids all had fun yet learned at the same time. The whole teaching team, instructors and helper assistants, made for an enjoyable two weeks of lessons, a great team effort!

We have great appreciation for the Hardisty Lake staff for always keeping the beach and the bathrooms neat and tidy for everyone, and for

The Heisler Elks recently made a sizeable donation to the Daysland Golf Club. Pictured above from left is Heisler Elk’s Exalted Ruler Mac Weller presenting a cheque for $15,000 to Daysland Golf Club member Justin Zimmer.

KILLAM DENTURE CLINIC

PRICING

$20/wk for the first 35 words 45¢ for each additional word 4 Papers 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

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.

FOR SALE

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

Please contact Bob Stuart at 780-385-4224 or Dan Lemire at 780-781-0954, or email: hnotp@hotmail.com 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

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

*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

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. ————————————————

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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 SERVICES

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**.

CLASSIFIEDS

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Medical Taxi Service

Personal Taxi Service to Edmonton and Back -$175

•Office Hours Mon-Fri 9-5

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•Pick up and Drop off at your door

•Top Notch Service! •Includes up to 4 Hour Wait•Locally Owned and Operated. 587-987-7810

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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 SERVICES Painting

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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PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

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Ethan Neufeld Student Reporter

The Alberta RCMP  welcomed new Deputy Commissioner, Trevor Daroux, on Thursday, Aug. 7.

Former Deputy Commissioner Rob Hill announced his retirement this past March. Hill had 37 years of federal public service under his belt, with 27 years with the RCMP.

Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux is in his 37th year of policing, having served as a Deputy Chief with the Calgary Police and joined the RCMP in 2017.

He has held a variety of operational, investigative, and administrative roles. His passion lies in working through a multi-disciplinary lens to address the root causes of crime and social disorder.

When accepting his new role, Deputy Commissioner Daroux expressed his focus on supporting RCMP employees in Alberta by supporting new innovations and improving relationships with Albertans through community outreach.

“I’m honored to step into the role as the Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP,” says Daroux.

“Throughout my time with the RCMP, I have seen first-hand the positive impact our dedicated employees make every day. We’re not just responding to crime,

we’re responding to people, and that means engaging with the communities we serve.”

As Commanding Officer, Deputy Commissioner Daroux takes on the responsibility of leading Alberta’s provincial police service, keeping track of nearly 4,200 employees across 113 detachments; serving more than 1.5 million Albertans.

“Deputy Commissioner Daroux’s extensive operational experience will be a tremendous asset to Alberta and its people,” says RCMP Commis-

sioner Mike Duheme.

Daroux has expressed his care and appreciation to each community by sending out a personal letter to all municipalities. In them, he says, “People are at the heart of everything we do.

“That includes the dedicated employees on the front lines and behind the scenes, the citizens we serve, and the communities and governments we proudly partner with.

“None of our work is possible without the commitment, support and collaboration of people.”

A Sincere Thank You!

Macklin and Rosalind big baseball winners this season

Summer Killam ER closures continue to be frequent

Leslie Cholowsky Editor

Physician shortage is being blamed for further temporary closures at the Killam Health Care Centre Emergency Department (ED).

The ED will be closed Wednesday, Aug. 13 from noon until Thursday, Aug. 14 at 8 a.m. then will be closed from

Thursday, Aug. 14 from noon to Friday, Aug. 15 at 5 p.m.

Covenant Health says this is a temporary measure. Patients should call 911 if they have a medical emergency.

Daysland Health Centre and Viking Health Centre Emergency Departments remain open and available.

BRBL PHOTO

The Macklin Lakers are three-peat winners of the Battle River Baseball League, who joined the league in 2023. They played the Veteran Bulls in a best-of-three playoff series, coming out ahead after an exciting game three on Wednesday, Aug. 6.

Forestburg celebrates summer and turning 106!

LESLIE CHOLOWSKY and SUBMITTED PHOTOS

On Saturday, Aug. 9, Forestburg held their summer celebration. It all started with a breakfast hosted by the Fire Department at the hall, and then spilled out to the end of Main Street. There were all kinds of activities for the kids in the park with bouncy houses and at the library, plenty of food, a jail and bail, coffee and pie with the seniors, and even a visit from Sparky the fire dog. Battle River Railway also sponsored a train ride for the cost of a cash donation or food donation to the Flagstaff Food Bank (with BRR matching all cash donations). There was birthday cake at the Station, too, with plenty of takers as the village celebrated its 106th. The Wanda School and the Museum were both open, and firefighters helped a local business celebrate a very special grand opening (more on that next week.) There was also live music and an outdoor patio at Many Horses Saloon.

Two Killam RCMP Constables, Cst. Brett McFarlane, and Cst. Callum MacQueen, came to Forestburg Saturday to have some fun, along with Flagstaff County Peace Officer Skyler Zelinski. Rumour is, though, at least one of them got into a little “trouble” and had to be bailed out by local MLA Jackie Lovely. It was all for fun, part of a fundraising ‘jail and bail’ event in the Park. Before Lovely could bail out the constable, another rumour says she, too, was behind bars for “politics!” At left: Forestburg Councillor Elaine Fossen, Cst. Brett McFarlane, an unfortunate prisoner waiting for bail, Cst. Callum MacQueen, and Peace Officer

JACKIE LOVELY PHOTOS

Skyler Zelinksi.

Lougheed Fair has agriculture at heart

LESLIE CHOLOWSKY PHOTOS

The Lougheed Fair, is at its heart, a celebration of rural life and agriculture, as it has done for over 100 years. Starting with a pancake breakfast that served over 150, to a parade that celebrates the people in the region, to the fair itself, along with the car show, a cattle show and the horse show, with plenty of other things to do at the ball diamonds, museum, and Field House. It’s the best of all things ruralcelebrating the agricultural community; its past, present, and future..

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We are now accepting Listings for this Sale. Any items prelisted by September 10th will be included in our Sales Posters, Newspaper & Radio Advertising, Web Page & Social Media.

Selling equipment to all four Western provinces and the Northern USA.

Scavenger hunt in Sedgewick lots of fun with great local prizes

The Flagstaff Summer fun wagon returned to Sedgewick last week for a scavenger hunt. There were fun, rhyming clues, which were cryptic enough to be interesting but clear enough that even young participants could decipher them.

The clues took participants to a number of spots around the Ball diamonds, Rec Centre, and school.

At the conclusion of the hunt, participants received a gift card for an ice cream

cone at Jodi‘s Pantry. Well done, summer fun hosts! Check their ad to catch the summer fun wagon near you! Flagstaff Family and Community Services is also in desperate need for more Care-a-van drivers. Please consider if this is something you can help with.

Sedgewick Lake Park is hosting a camp critter hunt. Once you find a critter, or all, and post on your social media with the right hashtag, you will get entered for a draw to win a family pool pass for the 2026 season. Happy hunting!

Helen's Garden outside of Sedgewick has plenty of garden vegetables ready! Be sure to check out the

classified ads for details.

Sedgewick Golf Course is hosting an Adult and Child tournament in September. A great opportunity to share your love for golf with your kid. Contact the clubhouse for details.

The Lougheed Ag Society and their many volunteers put on another fantastic annual fair. Congratulations to another event well done and thank you to everyone who contributed. Read more elsewhere in this paper.

The ‘100 Women Who Care Flagstaff County’ have their meeting coming up on Tuesday, Aug. 19. It will be exciting to see who gets to present and which organizations get to

An open and welcoming group where community members can connect, share their experiences, and support one another. Together, we explore healthy coping strategies, gain meaningful insights into the grief journey, and find strength through shared understanding and mutual support. Meets Mondays - 4:30 -

go home with the funds. There will be four presenters, and two organizations splitting the pot. You can join at any time. This meet will be held in Forestburg. Stay tuned to hear about the results.

The Annual Movie in the Park is coming up as

well. It's kind of an ‘end of summer’ event and it has crept up pretty quickly to be honest. They are showing Moana 2 and combine the movie with an incredible line up of activities. It's fun for the entire family and a great way to visit with your community.

This year's event is hosted by the village of Alliance. We'll see you there! If you have an upcoming event or news to share, please let me know at sedgewicknews@gmail.com and don't forget to support your local paper!

We offer customizable farm insurance coverage to protect your livelihood. From hobby farms to large-scale productions, we offer packages that work best for you.

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Laura (Maxine) Carter was born February 28, 1940, at Hardisty. She was the first child of George and Bernice Leslie of Merna.

She passed away August 5, 2025, at the age of eighty-five, at the Killam Healthcare Centre.

She attended school in Gretna, Merna, and later Sedgewick before attending the University of Alberta. She came back to Sedgewick and taught for two years before marrying Harold Carter on July 12 1960. The couple farmed in

OBITUARIES

the Kinsella area for 55 years. Here they welcomed the addition of nine children; family always held a special place in her heart. Over the years they built a new house and expanded the farming operation while raising the kids and getting them to of all their activities and sports.

She took great pride in her garden, canning and freezing the produce as well as wild fruit. Needlepoint and other sewing projects were another source of enjoyment, making crocheted outfits for each new child and grandchild.

She was a long-time member of the Metropolitan Ladies Club, Royal Purple, and the Lougheed Fair Board.

In 2015 they moved off the farm to Sedgewick where they resided before

Laura (Maxine) Carter

she moved into the Killam Healthcare Centre in 2024. They had just celebrated their 65 anniversary July 12 just a few short weeks before her passing.

Maxine is survived by her husband Harold, sons Paul, John (Sandra), and daughters Laura (Gail), Marian (Derek), Dianne (Jon), Nancy (Donald), Ellen (Derek), and Kathleen (Robert), as well as 17 grandchildren. Ian (Ashley), Robin (Bryce), Matthew, and Nathan Carter; Quinn (Amber), Nicole (Garrett), and Jared Johnson; Ethan, Tyler, and Aaron Gress; Emma, Ryan, and Trent Saunders; Madison and Cole Ott; Nicholas and Amelia Prybysh; and one greatgrandchild, Henry Johnson.

She was predeceased by her daughter Louise (died in infancy) and brothers

Care-A-Van Drivers Needed

Drivers must present a clean Driver’s Abstract and a Criminal Record Check. Drivers are paid per diem depending on time driving. Call Stacey at FFCS for more information at 780-385-3976 or apply in person at the FFCS Office in Killam, at 4809 49 Ave

The Care-A-Van is available for all residents within Flagstaff County for medical appointments to the city or closer, if there’s a need for transportation even within the region. Clients cover only the cost of fuel and parking (if any). Drivers are volunteers, and the client is not responsible for paying or tipping the driver.

Terry and Ken. The family would like to thank the staff of the Killam Health Centre for their care and attention shown to Mom during her stay.

Funeral service will be

held at 2 p.m. at the Sedgewick Anglican Church Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

Donations in Maxine’s memory can be made to STARS or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Fee and Sons Funeral Home and Crematorium Killam Helping families and their Communities for over 100 years feeandsonsfuneralhome.com

Employment Opportunity

Program Support – FIRST Seniors Choices Program Part-time Contract | 14 hours/week - 1 year Contract.

Flagstaff’s Informed Response Sharing Team (FIRST) is seeking a compassionate and organized individual to join our team in supporting the Seniors Choices Program. This role focuses on enhancing the quality of life for seniors in Flagstaff County through direct participant support, administrative coordination, and community outreach.

Key Responsibilities:

•Assist seniors in accessing program services, resources, and supports.

•Maintain accurate records and handle related correspondence, database management.

•Help plan and coordinate workshops, social events, and activities.

•Engage in outreach to promote the program and connect with local organizations.

•Support volunteer recruitment and program resource management.

•Assist with applications for federal/provincial support programs and social prescribing.

Closing Date: August 15, 2025

To Apply: Please email your resume to Stacey McLennan, Director at director@flagstafffcs.ca.

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1925-2025

A farmer slipped away quietly late one Sunday evening with his son by his side. His last harvest -and it was a big onewas finished and safely in the bins.

Donald (Don) Cookson was born on the family farm south of Lougheed, Alberta December 14, 1925. For parents Thomas (Tom) and Elsie (Renshaw) Cookson, he was the second of three children, between older brother Ernest and little sister Rosemary. He passed away August 3, 2025, in his room at the Killam Long-Term Care Centre. He was just four months away from his 100th birthday, a goal he tried hard to reach.

Taught to read by his grandfather John Renshaw at the age of four, he completed his formal education at the oneroom Cambridge School,

OBITUARIES

Donald (Don) Cookson

a mile and a half down the road.

There he began his life-long love of sports. From his father he learned the art of farming with horses and threshing crews. With his brother away in World War II, Don, still a teenager, began the transition to farming with tractors and combines.

On November 15, 1944, with harvest over, he married a Hardisty girl, Verona Loreen Bitzer, his partner for the next 60 years. Together they expanded the farm, raised three daughters and a son, and were very active in the Cambridge and Lougheed communities.

In 1980 they moved from the farm into Lougheed where Don continued to live until moving to long-term care last year. Even after he cut back on farming to establish a cattle-buying business, he remained involved from seeding to harvest, making his final trip with grandson Jeff to inspect the crops a few weeks before his death.

He grew up playing baseball, softball, and hockey, but his number one sport would always

be curling. His prizes and trophies filled the house, among them an electric lamp even though the house did not yet have electricity.

As they grew older, Don and Verona fell in love with the game of horseshoes. They spent their summers travelling to tournaments throughout Alberta and beyond, often taking a truck full of grandchildren with them.

Always a competitor, Don surprised his family and probably himself in 1968 by running for the Progressive Conservative nomination in the federal Battle RiverCamrose constituency. He did not win, but it spiced up family life with several years of political excitement.

After Verona died, he moved to an independent seniors apartment and spent much time collecting old furniture and fashioning it into new tables and bookcases to display at the Lougheed Fair and furnish the homes of his grandchildren.

Don was predeceased by wife Verona (2005), father Tom (1975), mother Elsie (1987), brother Ernest (2020),

sister Rosemary Jack (2021), and sons-in-law Greg Martin (1992), Bob Rosiechuk (2012), and David Edey (2019).

He leaves his three daughters, one son, 14 grandchildren, 21 greatgrandchildren, and another great-grandson expected soon.

The family includes: daughter Donna Cookson Martin of Edmonton (Margaret Glidden [Roy] with Abbey [Ben], James Martin [Sarah] with Oaklyn and Bryer, Philip Martin [Ann] with Brielle and Austin, Elizabeth Martin (Ian March) and Andrew Martin (Hayley) with Leon); daughter Sandra Rosiechuk of Lougheed (Jeff Rosiechuk [Sandy Otto], Collin Rosiechuk [Jessica] with Dillon [Rachel] and Landon, Laurie Skori [Ross] with

Colton, and Todd Rosiechuk [Tyrion] with Cooper, George and Matt]; daughter Wendy Edey of Edmonton (Mark Edey [Tracey Robertson] with Carys and Lewis, Ruth Haley [Derek] with Ben, Evan and Clara, and Lawrence Edey; son Allan Cookson (Nancy) of Oliver BC (Jake Cookson [Pamela] with Jayden, Jessie and Jorden, and Ryan Cookson).

He also leaves two brothers-in-law, Donald Bitzer (Carol) and Laurel Bitzer (Betty), sister-inlaw Eunice Cookson, and a century’s worth of relatives and friends.

Don’s harvest is off the field and in the bin. But his legacy of faith, hope, and love will go on for generations. What more could a good farmer ask for?

A Memorial Service for Don will be held on Saturday August 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Lougheed Community Hall in Lougheed, Alberta. Please join the family for a time of fellowship and refreshments following the service.

Donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Lougheed Cemetery Fund, the Lougheed Curling Club, St. John’s Anglican Church, Killam Continuing Care, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Fee and Sons Funeral Home and Crematorium Killam Helping families and their Communities for over 100 years feeandsonsfuneralhome.com

It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Ivan Darud on August 2, 2025, at the Killam Long Term Care, at the age of 91.

Ivan was born on February 17th, 1934, in Viking, Alberta, to Ole and Mary Darud. He was raised on the farm northeast of Viking in the Maple Lodge District. The family also included his siblings, Kathleen, Halvor, Freddie and Dianne.  He received his schooling in Poplar Hill and Maple Lodge districts northeast of Viking.  Ivan married Elsie Smolski on October 27, 1962.

Ivan Darud

Ivan was a spacer on the pipelines and in the fall of 1966, they moved to Edmonton. He was employed with Porta Test Engineering, eventually Ivan and Elsie moved back to Killam in June 1971. Ivan continued to pipeline and carpenter with Herb Steil until he started working with RyCourt Oilfield Services.

In 1985, Ivan started his own oilfield services company called D’s Oilfield Maintenance and sold out in 1991. Ivan worked part time with Wallace Oilfield Service of Sedgewick and eventually retired fully.

Ivan and Elsie spent the following decades traveling, holidaying, fishing, and camping. Ivan was known to have a good time with family and friends. He enjoyed his yardwork and gardening.   Ivan especially enjoyed the snowbird years with Elsie as they travelled to Yuma.

In Loving Memory of Karl Oskar Roger Larson

November 27, 1952 –August 2, 2025

Karl Oskar Roger Larson was born in Camrose, and lived each day to the fullest.

Known for his warm spirit and genuine kindness, Karl truly believed, “He knew no strangers, only friends he hadn’t met yet.” His life was a reflection of that belieffull of connection, generosity, and love.

OBITUARIES

Ivan is survived by his wife Elsie, brother Halvor, sister Dianne (Jack) Dennett, predeceased by his parents Ole and Mary, brother Freddie, and sister Kathleen (Ernie) Golka.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Timothy Hanton and the staff at Killam Long Term Care for their compassion and care during Ivan’s stay.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday August 9, 2025, at 5 p.m.  A luncheon at the Killam Senior Center will follow.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made to Killam Continuing Care (Killam Long Term Care) or Killam Cemetery.

Arrangements by Fee and Sons Funeral Home and Crematorium Killam Helping families and their Communities for over 100 years feeandsonsfuneralhome.com

Karl Oskar Roger Larson

In 1973, Karl married the love of his life, Bonnie Campbell. Together, they built a beautiful life on the family farm, raising their three childrenRobin, Karla, and Jesseand instilling in them the values of hard work, faith, and compassion. Among his greatest joys were his grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart. In a touching final gift, Karl saw his youngest granddaughter the day before Jesus called him home.

Karl leaves behind his beloved wife Bonnie, and his children and grandchildren: Robin (Beth Nyuli) and their sons Noah, Ben, and Jude; Karla (Andrew Breitkreuz) and their children Kasey, Lane, and Nikki; Jesse (Julia Doell) and their children Wyatt,

Lena, and Elora.

He is also lovingly remembered by his brother Lloyd (Maureen Koehli), sister Jenny (Norman Rutz), and his mother-inlaw Faye Campbell, along with many extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 15th at 2:00 p.m. at the Daysland Catholic Church. All who knew him are welcome to join the family for fellowship and refreshments following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Circle Square Ranch, Halkirk - a place dear to Karl’s heart and important in our family's lives.

Weber Funeral Home office@weberfuneralhome.ca www.weberfuneralhome.ca

Tofield 780-662-3959

Camrose 780-672-3131

Robert “Gary” Scheler

Gary Scheler was born on November 28, 1943, in Forestburg, AB, the first son of Hardy and May Scheler.

He passed away August 7, 2025, in the Daysland hospital after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 57 years,

Carol, his son Rob (Heather) grandchildren Derek, Curtis, Jared, and Grace, and one great grandchild, Parker. Sisters Betty Henderson, Pat (Stan) Brennan, Carol (Dave) Schmaltz, Peggy (Dennis) Prehn, Donna (Murray) McKay and brother Tim (Daniel) Scheler; brothers-in-law Jim (Gwen) Brennan and Keith (Jean) Brennan and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was predeceased by his son Rick Scheler, his parents Hardy and May Scheler, brother Douglas Scheler, father and

mother-in-law Alan and Dorothy Brennan. A come and go celebration of Gary’s life will be held between 1 and 4 on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Forestburg Community Centre. Memorial donations can be made to the Daysland Hospital Foundation or STARS Air Ambulance.

Arrangements by Fee and Sons Funeral Home and Crematorium Killam

Helping families and their Communities for over 100 years feeandsonsfuneralhome.com

Ronald Laverne Fossen

Ronald Laverne Fossen was born to Joy and Tena Fossen in the Galahad hospital on May 25, 1947, and passed away at the Daysland Hospital on August 6, 2025, at the age of 78 years.

He is survived by his four boys, Clint (Magali),

Dan (Fay), Wayne (Brandee), and Rick (Tara); eight grandchildren Leonardo (Marcela) Tovar, Laura (Chris) Kemp, Jayce, Calder, Mason, Kaycee, Baylee, Rigby; and six greatgrandchildren Camila Tovar, Santiago Tovar, Gabrieal Tovar, Enmanuela Tovar, Zayden Kemp, Zendaya Kemp; siblings Orville Fossen, Joyce (Fred) Forster, Sandra (Keith) Lassu, Barry (Pauline) Fossen, Kathy (Edward) Peake; as well as many extended family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Joy and Tena

Fossen, sister Gwen and husband Doug Matier, and sister in-law Shirley Fossen.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Forestburg Community Centre. Memorial donations in memory of Ron may be made to the Pleasington Historical Society, or STARS.

Arrangements by Fee and Sons Funeral Home and Crematorium Killam

Helping families and their Communities for over 100 years feeandsonsfuneralhome.com

Virginia Frances Zwack

(February 12, 1930August 2, 2025)

Virginia Frances Zwack of Camrose, Alberta, passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the age of 95 years. Left to cherish her memory are her children Barb, Dan, Ed (Debby), Thomas (Colette), Richard (Donna), Calvin (Elaine), Marilyn (Rob)

Hyde, and Sharon (Ward) Baskett; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters Betty Jenkins and Marilyn Kueber; along with numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, greatnephews, and greatnieces.

Virginia was predeceased by her husband Orville; parents Ed and Frances Kueber; brothers Jim, Eddie, and Ernie; sisters Agnes Hilker, Eileen Dunham, and Margaret MacGregor; and greatgrandson Bergen Feddema.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Virginia's memory may be made to the Camrose Foodbank.

To send condolences, please visit the website: www.burgarfuneralhome.com

Burgar Funeral Home

Camrose & Daysland (4817 51 Ave, Camrose, Alberta T4V 0V4) in care of arrangements. 780-672-2121. “Dedicated service since 1906”

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, 3605 50th Street, Camrose, with Fr. Kris Schmidt as celebrant.

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 nationbuilding 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 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 on - such 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.”

Campaign

Continued from Front

party as your member of parliament “is a trade off. Of course a leader has to share his time with the whole country. But on the flip side, the issues that you bring to me, I can amplify with the biggest megaphone around.” He says that most of the local issues need national leadership. He talked about the EV issue, which will eventually ban gas and diesel-powered vehicles, and his plans to overturn that legislation.

“Just like I led the national effort to overturn the consumer carbon tax, which was also a local issue in a western rural community like this.”

He says pipelines are a local issue, because most of them will start in Hardisty.

“There are literally billions of dollars and thousands of local jobs that depend on fighting to legalize pipeline construction by repealing C69, to legalize oil shipping off the North BC Coast by repealing C48.

“Get rid of the industrial carbon tax on our energy sector, the energy cap, and unlocking the immense power of oil and gas.

“Those are issues that require national leadership, but they are a local importance to the people here, the people, in the small towns, across this region, whose paycheques have been shrinking as the industry has been suffering.”

Poilievre said that

firearms rights are a local issue with a national focus. “Fishing and hunting is no longer your recreational pleasure. It’s actually the source of most protein and ends up on a place because the food prices have gotten so high.”

Poilievre said, “It’s almost like they want to ban people from living in a rural setting,” speaking of Liberal policies against farming and resources.

Poilievre took some questions from the crowd, where he talked about issues and concerns from over taxation, to home prices, to slashing inflation, reduce the size of government, reduce rural crime by toughening up laws.

He talked about increasing product development and production in Canada and stopping the practice of putting new money in the economy.

He talked about making big changes to the capital gains taxation, where people who reinvest in Canadian companies and businesses won’t pay capital gains. He says he wants to keep the lifetime capital gains exemption in place, and encourage people to reinvest in Canada. He talked about corporate investment moving from Canada into the US, and how he wants that flow to reverse by improving capital investment into Canada.

He also wants to eliminate GST on home purchases.

Poilievre talked about plans to pay down the national debt, which he says

A INDE VOTE FOR ALBERT PENDENCE

currently sits at $80,000 per person, and talked about bringing in a “dollar for dollar law that says every dollar of new spending will have to be matched by a dollar of equal savings, by law, so that no one can ever bring forward this kind of debt again.”

Poilievre then met with individuals who wanted to have their photos taken or ask him a question.

He asked everyone to post the photos on their social media accounts and encourage their friends and family to vote, either Monday, the last day of advance voting, or at the polls on Monday, Aug. 18.

Former MP Kevin Sorenson introduced Pierre Poilievre during his visit to Killam on Sunday, Aug. 10 at Battle River Implements, then later got a family photo in with Poilievre with daughter and son-in-law Kristin and Matthew Schmidt and their children.

Flagstaff Scottish Club shares a love of culture, connection and a good pipe tune

Tartan, Tunes, and Tradition

From the sound of bagpipes echoing down main streets to Highland cows grazing at local festivals, Scottish heritage is alive and thriving in Flagstaff County - thanks in large part to the Flagstaff Scottish Club and its musical wing, the Battle River Pipes and Drums.

At the helm of it all is Ian Malcolm, president of the Flagstaff Scottish Club and sergeant of the pipe band. "We like to think of ourselves as a cultural group of likeminded people that want to bring awareness of the Scottish culture into the Flagstaff and Battle River Region," Malcolm explains.

A Heritage Reignited

The roots of the club trace back to 2008, when Ian and his wife Karen hosted their first Robbie Burns Dinner in Sedgewick in partnership with the local Legion. The response was overwhelming. "It really just took off from there," he says. “People got on board. We had lots of people that wanted to explore their Scottish roots and heritage.”

By 2019, that momentum had grown enough to formally launch both the club and the Battle River Pipes and Drums. With a clear mission to “promote the Scottish culture, heritage, and customs,” they began teaching bagpipes and drums to anyone willing to learn.

Today, the band’s youngest student is just seven years old, and the oldest around 45. “We've probably got seven people learning that aren't quite ready for the street yet. But we’ll be working with them until they’re ready to perform in parades,” Malcolm says with pride.

Open to All

While rooted in Scottish tradition, the club is far from exclusive. “You certainly don’t have to be Scottish to be part of this group,” Malcolm emphasizes.

“If you enjoy it, we would really enjoy having you come.”

The inclusive spirit is reflected in their free instruction model. All that's required to get started is a minimal investment in a practice chanter or drumsticks. Lessons are free, with the hope that learners will eventually join the band on the street.

Weekly practices are held Monday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. where the focus is just as much on community as it is on music. “Everybody supplies a little snack or a little meal. We all sit around at a table… everybody gets a chance to talk and listen,” Malcolm says.

“It’s a good way to make a connection.”

Signature Events

Throughout the year, the club brings Scottish culture to life through a trio of cornerstone events:

Robbie Burns Dinner (January): A celebration of the famed Scottish poet, hosted annually on or around January 25. It’s part of a global tradition recognizing Burns’ contribution to music and verse.

Tartans and Tunes (April): A free, family friendly event that features performances by the band, singing, and a showcase of Scottish spirit. “It’s an event for the whole family,” Malcolm notes.

Gathering of the Clans Highland Festival (Summer): Their biggest event, modeled after traditional Highland Games. “We have lots of pipe bands come, Highland dancers, and heavy event athletes who throw the caber… that’s the big tree,” he laughs.

In keeping with the agricultural heart of Flagstaff County, the festival also includes Scottish animal breeds - Clydesdales, Highland cows, Shetland ponies, and Scottish terriers.

“This year, we’ve been really graced to have Roger and Judy Farrier donate the Highland steer to the club,” Malcolm adds. The animal will be auctioned at the festival.

Performing with Purpose

The Battle River Pipes and Drums perform at local parades, funerals, Remembrance Day services, and other special events.

“It’s a real honour to play at somebody’s funeral… or for Remembrance Day. It’s just heartwarming,” Malcolm shares.

The band, which includes members aged 15 to 72, recently achieved a significant milestone - being invited to open the RCMP Musical Ride in Camrose and perform at Spruce Meadows’ tattoo performance in Calgary.

For Malcolm, these invitations represent more than recognition. “Just being asked… is a feather in our cap. Not everybody can say that.”

Looking Ahead

The club's future depends on the continued involvement of younger generations. “We always are trying to recruit young minds and young people to come,” Malcolm says. “We don’t want to become like the dinosaur and just fade off.”

To stay relevant, they’re leaning on members with digital skills and fresh ideas.

“We’ve got a couple of good people... they’re so good on the phones and computers and stuff,” he adds with a chuckle.

The club also continues to push for new performance opportunities - possibly at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre in Camrose or the historic Bailey Theatre.

Ties That Bind

For Malcolm, the drive to share Scottish culture is personal.

“My grandparents came from Scotland,” he says. “We’ve really embraced our Scottish heritage.”

That heritage, he notes, is deeply intertwined with Canada’s own history.

“If you look back at Canada, really, the Scots developed Canada… through the Hudson’s Bay Company and Northwest Company years,” he explains.

It’s a legacy reflected in local faces too. “Eric McBrien, from south of the lake, wears a kilt every day. He’s an Indigenous gentleman that really follows his Scottish side of his roots.”

A Community Effort

Malcolm credits much of the group’s success to local support.

“The county… does so much to promote this club and band. Helping us financially as well,” he says.

“There’s such a high number of Scottish influence and heritage in this Flagstaff region.”

That community support is evident in the energy that surrounds every gathering, every parade, and every weekly practice.

“It’s rewarding - that’s the perfect word,” Malcolm says.

To learn more or get involved, search Flagstaff Scottish Club or Battle River Pipes and Drums on Facebook or visit their website.

“Just send us a message,” Malcolm says. “Somebody will get back to you.”

Because in Flagstaff County, you don’t need to have a clan name or wear a tartan to be welcomed with open arms - just a shared love for culture, connection, and a good pipe tune.

Check out the video on The Community Press website: www.thecommunitypress.com

ON AUGUST 18 VOTE FOR PIERRE POILIEVRE

FOR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP

ON LOCAL ISSUES:

• Reversing the Liberal ban on gas and diesel vehicles

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• Unleash our oil and gas sector with pipelines and low taxes

• Zero capital gains taxes for farmers & small business owners reinvesting here

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• , energy workers and a fair deal for Albertans