23,14

VOLUME 9.14

COMMON SENSE

IS IT REALLY

COMMON? page 23

RETIREMENT

PREPARE FOR HEALTH CARE

page 27

page 6

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Cover Brandon Victor Dixon: photo by Dario Calmese Notes From N’Kenge 6 N’kenge How to Get Taken Out of Family Court in Handcuffs 8 Scott Stenbeck

Alberta Celebrates Culture 12 Wendy Struck The Philosophy of Crestwood Dental Clinic 15 Elwin Kershaw

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 18-21

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Common Sense: genius 23 Scott Cowan Regulations

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& Orders 25 LaVar Payne

Published and Printed by Spotlight Magazine

Prepare for Health Care Costs During Retirement 27 Jackson Woodruff

Crossword 28 To Fix a Government 30 Drew Barnes

Disclaimer: No responsibility can be taken by Spotlight Magazine for any errors or omissions contained herein. Furthermore, responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this magazine is not the responsibility of Spotlight Magazine. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Spotlight Magazine. Comments are welcome.

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Spotlight Around the World - New

York

Spotlight on Tony Nominee Brandon Victor Dixon. London's Newest Star in the West End, London's Production of Scottsboro Boys! I'm excited to share the inside scoop of Brandon's life, what he's done on Broadway this year, and the multiple hats he wears including being a producer!

NOTES from

INTERVIEW WITH LONDON’S NEWSEST STAR, TONY NOMINEE BRANDON VICTOR DIXON! N'KENGE: When did you realize that you had this godgiven gift to sing and knew you had to sing and make thousands and thousands of people happy?

BRANDON: I've known that this is what I want to do with my life for as long as I can remember. My mother told me that I said it to her when I was 3 years old that I was going to be an actor and performer. Fortunately, I was in an environment with my school where we had a music class every day, we did 3 musicals a year and a Shakespearean play.

Later, people provided me with opportunities-scholarships, to study at Oxford in England.

I began to grow as I was performing, I saw that maybe I had a future outside of the bubble that I was in.

N'KENGE: After you returned to the States from England, tell us your journey when it came to getting your first Broadway show.

BRANDON: I went to Columbia here in the city primarily so I could audition for shows. Between waiting tables and trying to audition, Lion King was the first show that I booked, and that was a heroine process. I auditioned over the course of a year. I couldn't sing the big song when I auditioned. I was always hit or miss, 50/50. But they were very nurturing through the process.

Oddly enough, they said, “we're considering you for the show but we want you in yoga to get more flexible, we want you in Page 6

N’kenge

dance classes to become a more coordinated dancer. We want you to work on your body, continue to work on the songs, and the music.” They gave me a bullet-pointed list for the next 6 months.

N'KENGE: Amazing. Not everyone gets that in New York City. You then left Lion King and soon after, received a Tony Nominee in your role in your next show Color Purple. What happened after that?

BRANDON: After the Tony Nomination, one thing that changed was the kind of roles that I sought. I was going in for roles that were initially asking for actors of other races. So that was a change that happened.

I went to California for about a year and developed the Ray Charles show. I had a wonderful time out there working on that, and setting it in motion. Then I came back to the city and started to work on the Scottsboro Boys.

N'KENGE: How did you get introduced to Motown and playing the role of the legendary Berry Gordy?

BRANDON: Motown came during a hard period when I wasn't doing anything. I was supposed to have been doing several projects, that all fell through. I got a call from a mentor of mine, Director Charles Randolph Wright and he said, "Where are you? I'm coming to NY tomorrow; you'll never guess whose house I just left." Meet me at chipotle at

Cover photo by Dario Calmese

Photo Credit: Chiun-Kai Shih

7pm. Long story short, I did several readings and the show continued to grow and grow.

This is one show that really in every incarnation, took really specific steps forward. It became more and more real as time went on. We got to open about a year and a half ago. I'm still connected to the show, and all the people in the show. There are ripple effects from Motown that continue to course through my life, and that's a wonderful thing.

N'KENGE: Motown created a ripple of effect on other important avenues of your life such as wearing the hat of a producer now. Please tell us about how you became a successful producer while simultaneously starring in Motown?

all stressed -both as a man, and as a black man,- was ownership.

So we formed our company Walkrunfly Productions. A lot of doors opened very quickly and we became co-producers of Of Mice and Men starring James Franco and Chris O'Dowd, and co-producers of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, with Neil Patrick Harris. We won a Tony for that one.

N'KENGE: Congratulations!

You're next venture is a project we talked about earlier that's taking you back to England.

BRANDON: Yes. After I failed to appear on Broadway in the Scottsboro Boys because I thought the Ray Charles Musical was coming to Broadway at the same time. The producers reached out to me to see if I was available to do it in London. You want to do great work with great people who appreciate it and London will do that. So I signed on.

I'll be flying out in 2 weeks to start rehearsals. To re-discover Haywood Patterson and to return to a role of this depth, is going to be a challenge.

BRANDON: It was so frustrating not always getting my way with Berry Gordy; I decided it was time to be my own boss. (laughs) No, I've been able to build a number of shows from scratch. Fortunately they've been shows that have grown from the development To watch the full interview, phase. Warren Adams and I go to Divakenge Channel on realized there was a natural YouTube! partnership, we realized it was time for us to formalize that symbiotic relationship and start working on our own projects. I've worked on projects about Sam Cooke, Photo Credit: Kat Hennessey James Brown, Ray Charles and now Spotlight's Celebrity Correspondent, Berry Gordy. One of N'Kenge is a Pop/Opera Singer and Originated the role of the things that they "Mary Wells" in Broadway's Motown:The Musical

Brandon Victor Dixon as Berry Gordy in Motown: The Musical

The Law

How to Get Taken Out of Family Court in Handcuffs

I

wasn’t sure how to title this month’s article. Another suitable header could have been “you aren’t the first person to think of that, quit trying to be cute”.

I think one of the challenging things about divorce and family law is not all opposing parties want to just sit still while their financial information is disclosed. The assets are fairly and equitably split. A support order based on the law, and the fact is rendered. No, quite often someone wants to hide assets to avoid them being split, or to minimize income. Income tampering happens both with recipients and payers of child and spousal support. In setting spousal support, the recipient’s income is relevant to the determination, as it is in joint and shared custodial situations.

I have been involved in several cases where it was the recipient of support that was hiding income. In the hopes of getting a larger support payment.

T

he alternate title I mentioned is applicable because none of these ideas are very new. At least not to someone who has practiced for as many years as I have in this area of the law.

The first line of defense in preventing people from hiding assets and income are the disclosure requirements contained in the notice to disclose. They include tax information, pay information, bank and credit card information, and corporate information. These items are Page 8

Scott Stenbeck

mandatory. The notice gets served on an opposing party.

Often with documents initiating a claim and they have thirty days to comply, prior with the notice coming before the Court.

If some partial compliance has occurred by then, the Court will often give more time. When compliance is refused, the Court can and does order Court costs.

I have even seen them order arrest. Consider One Justice that I appeared in front of on several occasions years ago, who unfortunately has since been elevated to the Court of Appeal.

It was fond of giving an order that a non-disclosing party would pay $100 per day in Court costs that their disclosure was outstanding.

That initial disclosure is then something that I comb through very carefully. I use it in conjunction with the ability to question for discovery and on affidavit. In our modern society, transactions and dealings leave little crumbs, a direct debit here, a withdrawal there. When I question, I am entitled to ask for undertakings for further material that is relevant. This gives me even more to work with towards truth finding.

When someone is trying to conceal assets and income, it is often difficult for them to remember what lie belongs where to cover the falsehoods they are being questioned. Very often verbal answers don’t match the documents. Which is simply another defense against nondisclosure and income hiding.

What about working “under the table”? Well, there are solutions for that too. I have in the past had opposing parties in industries that lend themselves to working for undeclared cash put under surveillance.

Then I question the party without telling them about the surveillance. I see if they admit to the several days my investigator saw them working.

Or the several customers that were seen coming and going.

As well, usually it is pretty easy to infer from lifestyle what a person has to be making.

From time to time I will get an opposing party that drives new cars, takes multiple trips a year, and lives in a mansion try to say that they make $10,000 a year.

I see through that pretty quickly, and so do most judges.

E

ven if an exact number cannot be ascribed to income, if it is obvious from an incongruent lifestyle or a party being “caught,” working for undeclared income. There is a process whereby I can ask a Court to impute income to a party, which means to just pick a number that is reasonable, even if larger than what they admit to earning. In that type of situation I may say that the other party works in whatever trade or occupation they work in, and supply some statistical evidence of what people in that line of work usually make. I just ask the Court to set their income at that level.

H

ow about putting assets in another party’s name, or

“selling” an asset to a friend to hold pending a divorce or family matter? Again, it’s been done before. We have what is known as “fraudulent conveyances” legislation that allows a Court to undo transactions that are done to avoid creditors, such as a spouse. A fraudulent conveyance is where someone sells or gives something to one person to avoid a claim from another person. These are also usually pretty obvious, especially when fair market value isn’t paid. For example, a person “sells,” their $20,000 vehicle to a friend. I am going to question and want to see if the $20,000 was actually paid, or if a lesser amount was paid, what was the exact figure. Even if I do not have a fraudulent preference undone, the doctrine of “waste” allows me to ask a Court to say that any shortfall in the transfer value of an asset comes out of the transferring party’s share.

I guess in conclusion I should probably comment about the title I did use to this article.

The Court has inherent jurisdiction to enforce its orders with appropriate sanctions.

Otherwise, if people don’t obey orders, things just become a circus. A number of years ago I had a Court grant an order for certain disclosure from an opposing party on a divorce.

He refused to provide it. The matter came to Court, and he was in the Court room. I asked that he be cuffed and taken into custody right there and held in cells until he signed authorizations to allow us to get the necessary disclosure. The presiding Justice agreed, and he was taken from the public area of the Court room by the Court and Prisoner Services officer, cuffed, and held in cells until he complied. Which didn’t take very long. I always tell that story when one of my clients asks me, “what if they refuse to give you the material you ask receive?”

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Art View

Alberta Celebrates Culture T

his is the time of year when once again Alberta celebrates culture across the province. Ninety organizations in 50 communities were selected as Celebration Sites for Alberta Culture Days on September 26 to 28, 2014. Culture Days began in 2008 as Alberta Arts Day to recognize the province’s art and cultural communities.

Now it is a well anticipated annual three day celebration. Last year over 1450 events took place. This year we can expect another exciting array of art, music, theatre, film video and literary arts.

A

lberta Culture Days website promises “Three Wildly Creative Days”. It made me consider how we relate wildness with creative people, pursuits and activities. At moments of consideration I can’t resist a quick referral to a dictionary. The Merriam-Webster Online dictionary’s definition of wild includes “not subject to restraint or regulation, going beyond conventional bounds”, and “indicative of strong passion.” These definitions often do apply to fiction writing, composing and painting. Creative arts often require risk taking, breaking boundaries, and passion. On the other hand it also requires focused study, disciplined practise and theoretical skills. Perhaps this dichotomy is why Leonardo DaVinci considered the arts a path to “whole brain thinking.”

This year’s Culture Days poster proclaims that “Culture Connects”.

And it’s true that artists of all disciplines search for ways to connect with individuals, certain segments of society and the wider public.

Their voices express messages of social and political activism, intellectual queries, personal experience or community identity. The Government of Alberta’s Cultural Policy states that culture connects us to our community, our province and to the world, and reflects who we are, how we think and treat each other, where we came from and where we are going.

C

elebrating Culture Days “gives a community a tremendous sense of pride”, says Medicine Hat artist Maureen Newton from

Page 12

Inspire Gallery. About Culture Days in Medicine Hat she says, “It is incredible to see how much it has grown over the past 7 years” and that the city “is blessed to have cultural anchors like the Esplanade and Medalta...and every little hidden gem in between. Promoting cultural activities makes the community thrive and expand.”

The three day event boasts events in all 50 celebration sites in addition to many other communities. In Airdrie you can attend Culture at the Creek featuring a main stage, an art pavilion, a photo booth, a crayon colouring wall, drama camp, a quilted clothesline, and an exhibit featuring an entire living room made of recycled plastic.

L

ethbridge is celebrating for the entire week of Sept 21 to 28 and includes a community cabaret, the Lethbridge symphony orchestra, their 11th annual art walk, live street performers, an artisan market, and a national book and magazine festival A highlight in Medicine Hat is the Downtown Art Walk Roving Reception where the public can enjoy an evening to stroll from location to location visiting art venues that feature live music and visual art exhibitions. At The Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre see Rory Mahony’s L O O P and Cree Métis artist Jason Baerg’s returning. Cactus Clay Pottery features hand-made pottery by Leslie Hirsch and original art by various artists. The Hive Artists’ Hub will present the 20/14 small works show featuring 20 artworks under fourteen inches by 20 diverse artists. The Clay Trade has unique pottery & ceramic sculpture and Inspire Studio & Gallery is exhibiting elephant photographs by Elaine Freedman and new paintings by Maureen Newton. Finally Remenda Designs Gallery & Studio features clay and metal work by Susan Remenda as well as up cycled jewelry and fine art.

Wendy Struck is a visual artist working and teaching at The Hive Artists’ Hub in Medicine Hat.

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The Philosophy of Crestwood Dental Clinic

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Crestwood Dental Clinic has a long history in this community.

The clinic was initially established in the 1970’s under the guidance of Dr. Cliff Hrankowski. The practice was set up with the goal of becoming an integral part of the community of Medicine Hat. Over the years the practice has grown considerably and has attracted new dentists who desire to carry on the traditions and philosophy of the founder of the office. The guiding philosophy of Crestwood Dental Clinic can perhaps best be summed up by our desire to provide the highest quality surgical, cosmetic and restorative and prosthetic dental care available.

This philosophy of treatment would not have has been possible without the aid of many co-workers in the dental profession and an office team with similar goals and desires. Our staff and facility combine to offer treatment on an individual, caring, and personalized basis in a relaxed and professional atmosphere. A unified effort by our healthcare team will enable us to achieve our goal of providing superior care to our patients.

Underlying this goal of serving the community has been the desire to provide Medicine Hat’s citizens with caring treatment that meets the needs of individuals from all walks of life. The heart and pulse of the clinic has been led by a desire to place our team at the disposal of our patients – no matter their status. Our philosophy has been exemplified by our wish to provide treatment to all, with integrity, guided by high moral and ethical standards.

This treatment philosophy lets us look at your long term dental picture, creating a plan that will allow for your mouth to be its healthiest now, and in the future. A comprehensive plan for ideal dental health blends the art and science of dentistry with everyday realities of lifestyle and personal attitudes about health.

Elwin Kershaw

Page 15

Spotlight Magazine and Joan Bateman of Gainsboro Studio, were honored to be invited to Mercedes Benz Swim Fashion Week in Miami Beach Florida. It is a huge thing to be invited. Since only a 150 or so photographers from around the world receive the distinction of gracing the media pit. Joan is fast becoming one of Canada’s top fashion photographers. This September will be her fourth year as house shooter for Couture Fashion in New York.

It is difficult to describe the ambiance of this show. Before attending I made the huge mistake of wondering how bikinis could be so different. There are numerous shows each day, for a week’s time. I could not have been more wrong. The collections are limited only by the individual designer’s creativity. Meaning each garment is as different and interesting as the last. Not to mention beautiful young women each displaying the grace of prima ballerina’s while walking the runways.

Every show draws celebrities too numerous to mention. Some of which are shown in the following pages. Miami Beach and the vintage Raleigh Hotel host this star studded event. The pool area and beach is transformed into auditoriums and runways.

If you were fortunate enough to be invited back stage as was

Spotlight Magazine, you would see a virtual whirlwind of activity.

Everything from hair stylists, and makeup artists, to the dressing area with clothing racks meticulously adorned with swimwear. All in bags labeled by the designer and individual models names inscribed.

The back stage is run like a well oiled machine.

Mercedes Benz Fashion is synonymous with precision. This is high fashion on steroids!

But you need invitations to attend shows from the individual designers. Everyone is a buyer, celebrity, or industry person in some capacity. Of coarse the front rows are VIP only.

The following pages are a vain attempt to offer a taste of the excitement. I can only toss a fleeting glimpse of what attending is about. But as a writer, I am impotent to recall enough adjectives to convey the feeling the audience experiences as models walk the runway. Being on the beach in 100 degree weather, and hurrying to the different venues, while snagging complimentary water bottles; just adds to the overall experience. I still get that rush, and enjoy meeting celebrities we see on our televisions. But at Mercedes all are VIP…or so it seems.

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Scott Stenbeck - Lawyer Gainsboro Studio ACI

Opinions

W P

By: Scott Cowan hy is it called common sense when there is so little of what you would characterize as sensible to be seen? Watch the news, or read a paper or magazine, I’m dumbfounded by the comments passing for intellectual.

oliticians, especially to the left of the spectrum, are especially protected by media. They can say or do almost anything, which suggests clues as to why we’re all in this mess.

Let’s start with the Toronto School Board. They can change curriculum reflecting base diatribe that would have gotten every member fired say twenty years ago. The sex education is pornographic by any standard. But because they’re academics, it seems they’re beyond judgment by parents. Taxpayers are treated as “unenlightened,” and dismissed. All for having the audacity to believe it’s up to families to discuss sex education with their own children. If strangers addressed the same topics with children on the internet, using much the same language taught in school, they’d be arrested as pedophiles. To suggest a grade one student doesn’t need such knowledge, can earn you a label of uncooperative. I don’t need teachers lecturing my children about oral and anal sex, or same sex, or that it is okay and normal to experiment with any of the same.

G H

od help anyone who smacks a little brat who’s misbehaving, on the bottom for disciplinary reasons! ave government workers become that much smarter in the past few years that we should concede such things, or has common sense simply evaporated?

L

et’s discuss my latest favorite topic of politics, Justin Trudeau. Is it common sense to elevate at best a privileged rich boy, whose only real job was that of a substitute drama teacher, to Prime Minister of our country? Would the Liberal party care anything about him if his last name was Smith? What if he was exactly who he is today, but his last name was Netanyahu? Poor Justin just never stops saying irrational things. It’s just too bad stupidity isn’t painful. When asked what was the most critical threat to global security he answered.

“I

ts violence and misunderstanding that leads to war. Due to resource depletion, economic uncertainty, and a lack of hope in Comments send to: scott-cowan@live.com

an ever smaller world where people feel less fairness.” (I deleted the umm’s and ahh’s and hesitation from the quote.) Not ISIS taking over Iraq and rendering mute, billions of dollars spent by America freeing the Iraqi people. Not the USA soldiers lost, or genocide of any who helped the USA in that effort. Those guys cutting off heads are just misunderstood! Not the massing of Russian troops on the border to take a country. Not Hamas shooting rockets into Israel, with the stated goal of murdering every last Jew in the only democracy in the region. Is it common sense to elect a man who says his favorite country is China? Because he admires their basic dictatorship that allows them to turn their economy on a dime?

But our media never calls him to account on these glimpses of his psyche, because this passes as progressive. Let’s not forget he openly confessed smoking dope and plans on legalizing marijuana in Canada. What would happen if Toronto mayor Rob Ford admitted smoking weed? Well that is different he’s a conservative.

A

s a child in school I remembered learning that everything Hitler was going to do was written before in his book, Mein Kampf. Why was the world caught off guard in the Second World War? As of this writing a home grown terrorist from Calgary was killed fighting in the Middle East. He sent videos home talking about how his comrades were coming for Canada and the USA to destroy us. The RCMP tracks numerous terrorist sympathizers. If only 20% of Muslims are radicalized that means almost 2,000,000 people are committed to our destruction. A plot to capture and behead our Prime Minister was foiled a short time ago. When are we going to use a little common sense regarding immigration and deportation?

Let’s ratchet our thoughts down in closing. I interviewed a student for employment with this magazine. He thought nothing of telling me he’d work for no less than $25.00 per hour, with guaranteed raises after 90 days. When I asked about experience, he showed me his school portfolio and grades. He had never worked outside of school, yet was absolutely convinced of his worth. He waxed on about how he’d never be taken advantage of by any capitalist business owner. I pointed out he had spelled his name wrong on his resume, and explained spelling was important in the publishing business. I tried to emphasize or interject some common sense and he abruptly left the interview. As he was leaving, I suggested he might want to open his own business. He replied I wouldn’t consider being part of the problem. I’m sure he is now marching with the “Occupy Movement.”

R

alph Waldo Emerson said, “Common sense is as rare as genius.”

Page 23

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Politics

REGULATIONS G

rain Handling and Transportation: I was recently in Saskatoon for an important announcement from the Honorable Gerry Ritz, regarding grain handling and transportation systems. Minister Ritz made the announcement as Minister of Agriculture and also on behalf of Minister Lisa Raitt pertaining to the coming into force of a series of regulations and an order in Council (OIC).

The Fair Rail for Grain Farmers Act (Bill C-30) was passed in Parliament and received Royal Assent in May of this year.

This Act will ensure that Canada's rail transportation network moves grain to markets in a timely and efficient manner; especially important following a record crop year for Canadian farmers.

Some of the measures that take effect immediately are as follows: • The passing of the OIC sets out the minimum grain volumes that the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and Canadian National Railway (CN) are required to move from August 3, 2014 to November 29, 2014.

• Regulations require CP and CN to provide additional data on grain movement to better monitor the overall performance of the rail-based supply chain.

• Regulations clarify the

ORDERS operational terms in a service level agreement that can be arbitrated by the Canadian Transportation Agency in support of commercial negotiations between shippers and railways.

• It also amends the regulation on "Railway Interswitching Regulations" by extending interswitching from the distances from 30 kilometers to 160 kilometers in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, so that all commodities can increase competition among railway companies and give shippers access to alternative rail services.

• The regulations also provide farmers with better protection through additional accountability for grain companies in contracts.

Order in Council: This OIC applies to the minimum amount of grain to be moved by both railways of 536,250 metric tonnes per week

by CP and CN. This also takes into account the one million metric tonnes of grain per week during the reduced capacity throughout the winter months.

Regulations features on transportation information: • Railway car cycle data on grain movement.

• Weekly traffic by tonnage, carloads, type of rail cars and corridor travelled.

• Rail fleet information for all rail cars used for grain transport, including cars loaded, empty, in storage, en route and bad order cars to name a few Regulations for Rail Level Service Arbitration:

These new regulations will specify what constitutes operational terms that may be brought to rail service arbitration. The Transportation Agency may consider incidents on a case-by-case basis, to determine when other terms are operational for the purposes of the Canada Transportation Act. Operational terms are outlined in the Regulations and include such items as furnishing rail cars, pick up times and transit times.

Regulations for accountability between producers and grain companies: Amendments to the Canada Grains Act provide the Canadian Grain Commission with authority to regulate provisions of grain contracts between producers and licensed primary and process elevators and licensed grain dealers.

These new provision address non-compliance for grain contracts between licensed grain companies and farmers that specify delivery time-frames.

This would allow for penalties for non-compliance of contracts between farmers and grain companies.

Refugee Health Care: I also want to touch briefly on health care for refugees and illegal refugees. The NDP and Liberal parties want you the taxpayer to provide these individuals with better "Health Care" than any other Canadian citizen right across Canada currently gets or is eligible for.

Now the Courts have indicated that you the taxpayer should provide these refugees with better health care than we Canadians are provided.

I understand that by the position they are taking, the NDP and Liberal parties are now encouraging more illegal refugees to come to Canada to take advantage of our very generous social services systems which include health care benefits. I do not support Canada providing any individuals with better "Health Care" than we Canadians are entitled to as Canadian citizens living and working in Canada. I continue to diligently and conscientiously serve the citizens in the Medicine Hat Constituency. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I welcome your calls, emails and conversations. I can be reached in Ottawa, or through my offices in Brooks, Taber or Medicine Hat.

LAVAR PAYNE - MP, Medicine Hat, Alberta

Page 25

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Finances

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A

Prepare for Health Care Costs During Retirement

s you save and invest for retirement, what are your ultimate goals? Do you plan on traveling the world? Purchasing a vacation home? Pursuing your hobbies? People often think and plan for these costs. Yet, too often, many of us overlook what potentially could be a major expense during our retirement years: health care. By preparing for these costs, you can help yourself enjoy the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned.

who are concerned about living longer and having to pay health care costs out of pocket later in life.

Many of us may ignore the impact of health care costs because we just assume provincial healthcare will pay for everything. But that’s not the case. Furthermore, provincial healthcare does not include the costs of long-term care, which vary by individual and can be considerable. So what can you do to help cope with these costs?

Here are a few suggestions:

Think about health care directives. If you were to become incapacitated, you might be unable to make health care decisions — and these decisions may affect not only your quality of life but also your financial situation, and that of your family. Talk to your legal advisor about establishing a health care directive, which allows you to name someone to make choices on your behalf.

Estimate your costs Try to estimate what your out-of-pocket health care costs might be, based on your health, your age at retirement, whatever supplemental insurance you may carry and other factors.

Health care costs during your retirement may be unavoidable. But by anticipating these costs, you can put yourself in a position to deal with them — and that’s a healthy place to be.

Know the key dates Things can change in your life, but try to identify, as closely as possible, the age at which you plan to retire. This will help you spot any coverage gaps.

Develop a long-term care strategy To meet long-term care costs, you could self-insure or purchase insurance coverage. To learn about long-term care insurance solutions, contact your financial advisor.

Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund

Invest for growth and rising income Health care costs typically rise as you move further into retirement, so make sure that a reasonable portion of your assets is allocated to investments with the potential for both growth and rising income.

Review your insurance options The purchase of long-term care insurance may offer flexibility and financial resources to stay in your home rather than living in a long-term care facility should you require round the clock medical care. Alternatively, if you live longer than expected you may need to consider the cost of healthcare at a later age and structure your financial strategy to take those considerations into account.

Annuities are one income generating vehicle to consider for those

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CROSSWORD

PUZZLE Across 1- Stretched out 5- Boris Godunov, for one 9- Tire (out) 14- Yes ___?

15- Detest 16- Apply, as pressure 17- Isn’t wrong?

18- Dash 19- Up ___ (trapped) 20- Blossom 22- ___ is human 24- Ox tail?

25- Membranous covering 29- Vacant 32- ___ she blows!

34- Spelunking site 35- Deep wound 36- Hindu loincloth 37- Single entity 38- Sight organs 39- Eagle’s home 40- Litter’s littlest 41- Closed 42- Feudal estate 43- Speed contest 44- I did it!

45- Type of gun 46- Greased 47- Underwriter 49- Circle segment 50- Fabric of jeans 52- Large lizard 56- Change a song 59- Still 61- Legal claim Page 28

29- Discharges 30- Perhaps 31- Pretended 32- Overwrought 33- Mezzo-soprano Marilyn 36- Small purple plum 46- Assn.

48- Male and female 49- Shoot for 51- Boy or man 53- Leeds’s river 54- Dresden denial 55- Med school subj.

56- Apt. divisions 57- Absorb, as a cost 58- Actress Farrow 60- Fleur-de-___

Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com (http:/www.bestcrosswords.com).

Used with permission.

62- Lobster state 63- Inter ___ 64- Met highlight 65- Male deer 66- For fear that 67- 1996 Tonywinning musical Down 1- Goof off 2- Seed cover

3- ___ uncertain terms 4- In spite of 5- Twice, a comforting comment 6- Gal of song 7- Rat-___ 8- Restoration 9- Bit of wisdom 10- Like afterschool activities

11- Thrice, in prescriptions 12- Before, of yore 13- Numbered hwy.

21- Dreyer’s partner in ice cream 23- More strange 26- Operated by hand 27- Show clearly 28- Took home

Answers on page 30

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Politics

To Fix a Government S eventeen months ago – on February 19, 2013 – Finance Minister Doug Horner announced a three-year salary freeze for public sector managers.

H

e called it quote “leading by example” – and said it was a symbolic move on the government’s behalf to get their spending under control.

S

ince then, this government has been besieged by what seems to be an endless parade of entitlement scandals afflicting politicians and top-level officials across government.

T I

hese have resulted in a Premier losing her job and public trust in this PC government hitting historic lows. f ever there was a time for this government to demonstrate to Albertans at least a shred of humility and respect for taxpayers, this would have been it.

U L

nfortunately, they have failed once again.

ast week, through an Order-in-Council, the PCs approved a salary hike for the highest-level government managers, many of whom are political appointees.

knowing whether we are getting value for money – but we’re giving him raise.

O B A W

nce again, this PC government is breaking another promise on what seems to be a never ending list of broken promises. ut they took it a step further this time.

dding insult to injury, the PCs have not only broken another promise, this time they tried to sneak it by Albertans. ith many Alberta families now enjoying summer vacation with friends and family, the masterminds in the PC leadership figured they could get away with giving senior appointees and insiders a big raise and no one would notice.

T A

hey were wrong. The PC culture of entitlement did not die with the Redford era. It lives on. lbertans can be assured the only way to fix it, is with a new Wildrose government.

T

hese include all deputy ministers, officials in the Public Affairs Bureau and all of Alberta’s foreign representatives- including Gary Mar.

A

s you will recall, Mar is already Alberta’s highest paid government employee – with total compensation last year of a staggering $560,000 – for which we have no way of

DREW BARNES MLA Cypress - Medicine Hat

THIS ISSUE’S

CROSSWORD

ANSWERS

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