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Your Independent Local Newspaper Established in 1918 VOLUME 104: ISSUE 21
www.tofieldmerc.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2022
Activist deeply disappointed by Naslund re-sentencing Helen should not spend another day behind bars: Matthew Behrens MOUSH JOHN Editor
For longtime activist Matthew Behrens, who coordinates ‘Women Who Choose to Live’ network, Holden resident Helen Naslund’s re-sentencing has been deeply disappointing. “As someone who has worked a good deal with prisoners and detainees – especially in the
refugee/immigration and extradition contexts – I began seeing more and more cases of women criminalized and jailed for defending their right to live when there were so few resources available to help them escape the terror of their abusive relationships,” he said from his Ottawa residence. “The writings of women like Ann Jones, Lee Lakeman, Angela
Davis, Bell Hooks, Elizabeth Sheehy, and Susan Faludi were hugely influential in my own learning journey.” It was this experience, along with his journalistic background, which resulted in him covering issues related to male violence/femicide extensively; working with and supporting plaintiffs in class action sexual assault/harassment law-
suits against the RCMP and Canadian Forces; and organizing court and financial support for women who have been criminalized for surviving/defending themselves, that led him to reach out to Naslund in 2017. “I reached out to Helen Naslund in 2017 when I first read the details of Continued on Page 17
TOFIELD’S CALE HELFRICH PART OF WARRIORS U13 GOLD MEDAL TEAM MOUSH JOHN EDITOR
Tofield’s Cale Helfrich was a part of Strathcona Warriors U13 Tier 1 (Red) team as they won gold beating Sherwood Park, 6-4 at the Edmonton Minor Hockey Week. Speaking to why Helfrich chose Strathcona this year, he said that he wanted to step up and was looking for something more challenging. “I had a great experience with Tofield Minor Hockey and loved playing with my friends, but I wanted more opportu-
nity for growing as a player,” he explained. “I also moved to this team because all games that I play are in and around the Edmonton area, within the one-hour radius of where I live, unlike Tofield Minor Hockey where you have to drive to faraway places such as Edson and other communities!” The Warriors played Sherwood Park first, beating them 6-2. Their second game they lost in OT to Spruce Grove, 5-4. In their following game Continued on Page 9
BRSD hopes teachers will be given consideration before new K-6 curriculum is implemented MOUSH JOHN EDITOR
As Alberta gears up for a new kindergarten to Grade 6 curriculum, the province is seeking advice from education system leaders, teachers, and curriculum experts who will help set the course for its implementation. Battle River School Division (BRSD) Superintendent Rita Marler said, “We are hopeful that the revisions address the concerns expressed such as
ABOVE: Strathcona Warriors U13 Tier 1 pose for a group picture after their gold medal win at the Edmonton Minor Hockey Week. INSET: Tofield’s Cale Helfrich pose in his team jersey. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
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Activist, advocate, and independent journalist Matthew Behrens in support of Helen Naslund. An Ottawa resident, Behrens said he became aware of Naslund’s case through the news coverage monitor he does for his network – Women Who Choose to Live. SUBMITTED PHOTO
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age appropriateness. There is a steep learning curve for teachers prior to implementing a new curriculum, so we hope consideration will be given to the extra load teachers have already been carrying.” Marler stated that students and teachers have had multiple challenges in the last couple of years, so consideration before implementing it would be highly beneficial. Continued on Page 16
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