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Remembrance Day Ceremony

Under sunny skies but cold tempera tures, many people attended the Remem brance Day Ceremony which was held at the Vermilion Cenotaph, as well as the Vermilion Legion.

The outside portion of the ceremony was shortened due to the cold tempera tures, but still had a reduced march, the playing of O Canada, and wreath laying by special dignitaries and families.

Once the ceremony moved inside the colour parade was performed, prayers and benediction were recited by Legion Chap lin Gordon Hills, as well as a speech by Vermilion-Wainwright-Lloydminster MLA Garth Rowswell and Town of Vermilion Mayor Greg Throndson. Attendees who did not lay wreaths at the outside ceremony also had the opportunity to lay wreaths at

the indoor cenotaph.

MLA Rowswell expressed his grati tude for being included in the ceremony and recognized the sacrifices made by those who served, continue to serve, and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our past and current freedoms.

“Good morning ladies and gentlemen, it’s good to see you here and it is my privi lege to be with you on Remembrance Day to honour our past and present service members. Each year we stand together on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in silent tribute to honour those who served our country in times of war, conflict, and peace,” commented Rowswell.

He also recognized the more than 2.3 million Canadians that have served throughout the nation’s history and the

more than 118,000 who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

“As we commemorate Remembrance Day I am so pleased to see so many Alber tans wearing the sacred symbol of remem brance the Poppy. I am especially encour aged when I see young people wearing the poppies; I trust that in wearing the poppy they have learned the significance of the symbol in school,” said Rowswell.

He noted that fewer than 30,000 Veter ans of the 1 million Canadians that served in the Second World War are still living and hopes that in the short time they still have with us that they are able to teach the grim lessons of war.

“We have time today to learn and to remember and to say thank you, there fore on behalf of myself, Premier Danielle Smith and all the MLA’s of the Legisla

ture I thank the Veterans and those who continue to serve. Lest We Forget,” said Rowswell.

Town of Vermilion Mayor Greg Thron sdon then took to the podium to speak, make recoginitions, and reflect.

“It is more than a pleasure to here to speak to everybody. We have proved to ourselves time and time again as a town that no matter what Mother Nature may bring to us people will still come out in this weather and it is a wonderful sight to see how we support our vets, and we are here to remember the people that have given everything for us to be here to today safely,” said Mayor Throndson. He went on to state profound proudness in a young cadet who showed his determination to brave the cold weather to do his part in the ceremony. Continued on page 2

Top photo, Royal Canadian Legion members from Branch 11 during the Remembrance Day Ceremony that was held at the Vermilion Legion Branch. Bottom photo, members of the Vermilion Cadet Corp at the Remembrance Day Ceremony. Photos Lorna Hamilton

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Continued from page 1

“There was a young fellow I want to mention and acknowledge. This morning he was standing with the flag at the ceremony and he would not give that flag up even though he was froze solid, his dedication for standing there was a true symbol of a person who just will not give up and I want to give huge credit to that young man,” commented Throndson.

Throndson spoke of his plea sure going to Vermilion Elementary School the week prior and how it was humbling to see the little children listening and learning and reciting poems that brought back old memo ries for him.

“When I went to school in Clandon ald we always had a ceremony every Remembrance Day and we have to

Remembrance Day Ceremony

remember to teach our young chil dren of why we are here and who we are paying tribute to and why it is a big thing we really have to remember. It brought back old memories of me reciting the poem Lest We Forget and I hope we all remember that and take the time to read it as it really makes a lot of sense,” said Throndson.

President of the Vermilion Royal Canadian Legion Garry Zayac thanked everyone who braved the weather, the members of the Poppy Campaign, the kitchen help and Breanna for looking after the refreshments and anyone who played a part in organizing the day’s ceremony.

“I would like to recognize and say a real big thank you to the Veterans here today, these guys need a huge thank you,” commented Zayac.

Lions Club Prime Rib Dinner

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

The Vermilion Lions Club held its second prime rib dinner, dance, and silent auction fundraiser on Novem ber 12 at the Regional Centre. A 50/50 draw was also held to help support an indoor playground.

The supper included prime rib, salad, vegetables, baked potatoes, and an assortment of desserts, which was prepared by Nick’s Restau rant owner, Nick Perakis. Individual tickets for the event were $70 while tables of eight were available for $500 and included two bottles of wine per table with proceeds being donated to STARS, Town of Vermilion Toddler Playground Project, Walking Through Grief, and other Lions projects.

Lions member Barry Clampitt provided a brief history on the Lions club and said, “The Lions are men and women who volunteer their time for humanitarian causes throughout the world and local communities service projects and raising funds. We try to help those in need whenever a need exists. Our motto is ‘We Serve.” He mentioned that there are two play grounds being built next year, one in the west end and the one at midtown. “The one we are contributing to is the old midtown park,” said Clampitt. Clampitt also recognized individuals from the Walking Through Grief Soci

ety that were on hand to help with clean-up. He also thanked the table sponsors and individual sponsors as well as the cash donations.

Mayor Greg Throndson was in attendance and spoke on the play ground project.

“It’s nice to come out tonight and see such huge support for our town with projects like this,” commented Throndson. “We have 12 playgrounds in town and we do have to maintain these playgrounds and we do have to be progressive and start upgrading as we go.”

Throndson mentioned the many health and life benefits of playgrounds, and spoke on the cost related to main taining and establishing playgrounds.

“The lifespan of a commercial play ground depends on many factors including the quality of the structure, the amount of use, and damage from severe weather, generally a commer cial playground needs replacing every eight to 10 years, our newest play ground which was installed over in Pilkieville was constructed in 2018, and the oldest one is in Brennan and that is over 20 years ago. There is one toddler playground for ages 2-5 at the old outdoor pool playground. After much conversation with the commu nity members Toddler Park has been identified as a need for the commu nity,” said Throndson.

Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Cadet Corp, RCMP, Sherrifs department, and special dignitaries performing the March to the Cenotaph. Photos Lorna Hamilton

Vermilion Lions Club members at the Prime Rib Dinner. Photo Lorna Hamilton

Wreaths and poppies laid at the Cenotaph.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Ken Sabatier Discusses Military Life And Remembrance Day

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Ken Saba tier grew up in Vermilion, and from 19811986 he was a proud member of #2645 Vermilion Army Cadet Corps. Sabatier graduated from J.R. Robson High School in 1986 and was accepted into the Officer Cadet Training Program in the Canadian Army and started his basic training in January of 1987 in Chilliwack, BC. Upon his graduation as an Armoured Officer, he took command of his first Troop in Cyprus in 1990. Throughout his career, he completed overseas tours in Croatia/ Bosnia (1995) and Bosnia again in 1997 and 2003, and Afghanistan in 2011. Ken retired from the Canadian Forces after having served 10 years with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (RC) and 16 years with the Fort Garry Horse, and 38 Cana dian Brigade Group in Winnipeg. He currently resides in Manitoba.

“Most of my tours lasted between sixeight months, except Afghanistan which was 11 months, and returning home from a tour sometimes felt like returning from the dead. When you are gone your family has to adjust to living without Dad, and both you and your family change while you are away for that long,” explained Sabatier. Sabatier went on to explain how it felt when he became a civilian after retiring in 2014.

“I didn’t really become a civilian until I fully retired in 2014, and this was the hardest transition as I was no longer surrounded by friends who had shared my experiences and stresses. It was isolating because so many things would

trigger thoughts, stresses or challenges from the past; but if you spoke about them at work your civilian workmates couldn’t relate at all, and it was like talk ing to people from a different planet, so I just shut up. Eventually, though those past experiences get shrouded by time, and thankfully now when I talk to people I am just Ken, the guy who manages an Agriculture Inputs business, not Ken the veteran,” commented Sabatier.

Except for his first tour in Cyprus Ken has been married with a family and spoke in regards to the hardships tours can have on a family. especially during the beginning of his career.

“In 1995 and 1997, there still wasn’t email direct to home so one had to rely on letters and sporadic phone calls. Email though for the subsequent tours really made a difference in staying somewhat connected,” said Ken.

Sabatier has been married to his wife Deanna for the past 30 years and has two sons, one daughter, and one grandson, he explains that his marriage survived because he married an incred ible woman who could run the family and was patient and loving enough to deal with all the stresses of reuniting time and again.

“The stress these tours had on my family was probably the toughest thing about the tours, otherwise it just felt like me doing a job I was trained for and enjoyed doing (for the most part),” commented Sabatier.

Ken continued to explain how tours affect families and when asked what his advice would be for those currently serv

ing with families, he responded that he could, “write a book on how tours affect families, as they are as much heros as the ones that serve, and I am amazed mind made it through intact.” For advice Ken’s own words says it all. “Don’t isolate yourself, every family who has a soldier deployed experiences all the same anxieties, and it is good to share the challenges you will go through. There are well-known psychological ups and downs from pre-deployment, mid-tour leave, to post-deployment and knowing these ahead of time can help your family mitigate the highs and lows. My wife and I discovered this during the final two tours. Community support for any family whether it is mother, father, wife, or kids helps even if the ones being offered help don’t accept/need it, offers to help with childcare respite, shovelling a walk or dropping by for coffee help. For myself, my Christian faith played a very big role in holding it all together.”

In regards to Remembrance Day Ken shares that is a day of melancholy and it is a day that for him involves sharing emails, video chats with a collection of old Army colleagues who have dispersed around the world. He appreciates the ceremonies communities have, but for him, he has a hard time going himself.

“War is horrific and in Bosnia/Croatia in 1995 it was in full display. Myself, I don’t even like thinking or talking about it too much. Not because it isn’t important to share, but because it brings up emotions one trains themselves to keep buried except on certain occasions where you allow them to come out. It is the deep friendships you make in those times that I focus on, and not the events you took part in or witnessed. I don’t regret doing

any of it, it made me much wiser than I would otherwise be, but there is nothing glorious about war, it always is horrific. But sometimes it’s necessary, and if it is necessary fight as hard as you can to make it as short as possible.”

In Loving Memory

How sweet the memory still. But death has left a loneliness, The world can never fill.

He bid no one a last farewell, He said goodbye to none.

His hand we could only hold, Until his time was done. The heavenly gates were opened wide. A loving voice said “COME”

“Forever in our hearts,” Anita

Sons: Jeremy & Jeffrey "ETERNAL MEMORY"

Chili Cheese Chips

Dawn Hames Columnist

Here is a great recipe for entertain ing, or just hang ing out, watching a movie or the game. It is great done up on a baking sheet and will easily feed four people. I have included a recipe for cheese sauce, but you can also just use 2 – 3 cups cups of shredded cheese instead.

Chili Cheese Chips

Chilli Meat Topping

1 pound of ground meat

1 onion chopped

2 cloves garlic finely chopped

2 tomatoes

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup beans, (navy such as beans and tomato sauce)

1 tablespoon sriracha hot chili sauce.

Brown the ground meat until

cooked, add the onion garlic chopped tomatoes and seasoning. If you substitute a hot sauce such as Franks Red Hot instead of the srira cha sauce you may have to reduce the salt. Cook 5 – 7 minutes until the onions and tomatoes are soften and the spaces have blended.

Assembly

1 bag of taco chips of your choice

1 tomato chopped 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese

On a baking sheet, spread out the taco chips, top with the chili meat

Prairie Wool

Helen Row Toews Columnist

Do you know where you live?

Are you the sort of person that gets lost in their own backyard, or do you know where you’re situated at all times? While I wouldn’t say I’m solidly in the latter group, I do usually know where I am, how I got there, and in which direction I dwell. Naturally, there are always exceptions to the rule. Take this Saturday when I waited for my husband to inspect a rack of

reduced-price blue jeans. He always waits patiently for me to shop, so I made no protest as he endlessly pilfered through piles of pants, check ing size, cut, and price. I stood close to the man, watching funny videos on my phone until I finally looked at him in annoyance, wondering what was taking so long, and realised I’d been supportively hovering beside a scant ily clad mannequin for almost ten minutes. Not that Tom often hunts for November bargains in his underwear. It was purely a case of me not paying attention to my surroundings.

This past week, during the snow storm, I drove a bus for another driver who became ill. I took over without knowing the route but felt no qualms about it since I knew the children.

“It’ll be fine,” I said confidently. “The kids will tell me where they live. No problem.”

However, it was a problem. By the time we left that afternoon, warm conditions and freezing rain had turned roads into skating rinks. Snow fell relentlessly, and visibility was

Santa Anonymous

poor. To top it all off, the wiper blade on the driver’s side was all gummed up with snow and ice. Repeatedly, I leapt from the bus to bash it free against the window.

Then, horrors, I learned one vital, life-altering fact—many of the kids did NOT know where they lived.

This became painfully evident toward the end when only one little boy hunched directly behind me, and two little girls perched on the oppo site side. In vain, I asked for any slight indication of where they might reside: a landmark, a sign, a fence, or maybe a few lousy evergreens growing by the road. Nothing. Did they perhaps live on the hills of Big Gully?

“Yes!” cried one little girl, bounc ing up and down in her seat. “We do, we do.”

“No, you don’t,” said the boy flatly. He sighed with loud exasperation. “You live over there.” I caught the movement of his arm as it pumped briskly in a direction only they could see.

“We don’t either,” the other girl

topping, tomatoes, and cheese. Bake at 400 degrees until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Cheese Sauce

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 cup milk

1 cup aged cheddar cheese

1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients except cheese and cook until thickened, stir in cheese. You can use this cheese sauce as a dip or poured on the meat sauce on the Chili Cheese Chips instead of the cheddar cheese.

reproachfully yelled. “I guess I know where my own house is.”

“I see it,” the first girl screeched, leaping to her feet and jabbing a mittened finger to the right. “Turn here!”

“Don’t turn!” hollered her sister. “She’s wrong.”

By this time, I didn’t know who was talking or if anyone knew where the heck they lived.

I eased off on the fuel, and we began to decelerate slowly since a sudden slamming of brakes, in a bus, on glare ice, is frowned upon not only by me, but the Northwest School Divi sion, and the Saskatchewan Safety Council aren’t keen on it either.

I pulled into a likely-looking drive way amid shouts of, “This isn’t it” and “Whadya doin’ here?”

Good times.

However, I must report that, in the end, everyone safely and happily made it to their respective homes. And, by golly, if I ever get asked to do it again, I now know where everyone lives.

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

The Vermilion Allied Arts Council (VAAC) presented Luke McMasterIcons of Soul in the Lakeland Alumni Theatre, Lakeland College on Sunday, November 6 and the performance was a great hit even with the unexpected delay of the show.

“VAAC would like to extend thanks to our ticket holders who were able to switch their plans to attend in the evening rather than the afternoon. Unfortunately, the group of four had flight difficulties, from Toronto, only to arrive in Edmonton at the time they were due to perform! Thanks to a very efficient phone out system, our team was able to reach most attendees to make them aware of the situation,” commented Caroline MacMillan.

McMaster is a Toronto-based singer, songwriter, and producer who has taken his Motown- influenced style and added it to his signature pop sound fused with contemporary R&B.

Luke McMaster-Icons of Soul

MacMillan commented that even with the unexpected delay Luke, Aran, Selena and Austin put on an energetic and well- polished performance that had familiar Motown favourites such as Groovin, Sitting on the Dock of the Bay, I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) as well as Supreme songs sung along to, with originals intertwined throughout the show.

“There were humorous and emotional video clips of Luke & Aran’s time with legends like Lamont Dozier and Felix Cavaliere were shared. Aran, co-writer of many originals with Luke, accompa nied on the baby grand piano. It was said that the piano hasn’t sounded so good! Such a treat! Throughout the evening Selena, impressed us with tremendous licks on her electric guitar and her amazing voice! Keeping them on beat, Austin’s drum playing was tight yet loose, full and bright. A highlight was the duet she & Luke performed -

Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing Baby Returning for their encore, spurred by a standing ovation, we were treated to 3 songs,” said MacMillan.

Attendee Leslie Bensch echoed the same sentiment saying, “I went to my first Allied Arts show to see Luke McMaster and the Icons of Soul, I expected it to be good, but I was wrong; it was excellent!”

She went on to express how the sing ing and music were so amazing and that the group had a variety of songs that provided some thing for everyone.

“The evening was so relaxing and enjoyable, I recom

bring your kids, bring your parents. The Vermilion Allied Arts now has a new life-long supporter. If you think I am exaggerating come to the next show and you will know I am not,” exclaimed Bensch.

MacMillan also noted that if you missed this finger- snapping, toetapping, head- nodding show, you should take in the Luke McMastersIcons of Soul when they come to the Vic Juba Theatre in Lloydminster in February of 2023.

Murder on the Battle River Express

Photo Greg Haslehurst Photography

Men’s Shed

Carol Coleman, Town of Vermilion FCSS Submitted

Vermilion could become the next community to start a Men’s Shed initiative! Providing men an exciting new outlet to enjoy the company and camaraderie of other men, regardless of age, social status, occupation, or income.

Started in Australia in 1997 and now popular world-wide, Alberta already has 11 Men’s Sheds. Cold Lake recently hosted a province

wide conference to help communi ties start Men’s Sheds. The Vermil ion Shed community information meeting is hosted by FCSS (Family Community Support Services) with Town of Vermilion and County of Vermilion River.

Men’s Sheds are simply a safe space for men with time on their hands to gather to just hang out and be with each other, to work on hobbies, play cards or do some thing for the community.

Men commu nicate differently than women, and Wayne Warner, chair of the Cold Lake Men’s Shed committee, noted that as you get older, sometimes

you don’t have those same connec tions you had while working.

Upon retirement, a person often finds his friends were just work mates and that social interaction is lost. Over the years, friends might have moved, or for whatever other reason aren’t there in your circle of people you converse with anymore.

Men’s Sheds were initially intended for a 55+ clientele. But as it’s grown, the focus has shifted, and men 18 to 101 attend. The age difference is overcome by the comradery itself. As older members tend to help younger people with projects and problems and younger men help the older guys with technology.

“Passing on those skills, tips, and experience is a very important

element of what this is all about,” Warner said.

The secret is getting a few men with common interests, finding a space to gather, a coffee pot and some ideas. After the Cold Lake Conference communities like Smoky Lake, Andrew, County of Greenview, Grande Cache, Airdrie, Cochrane, and Lethbridge showed interest in starting Sheds. The Lac La Biche Lions Club committed to starting a Shed.

Many men believe the Men’s Shed has given them a new lease on life, something positive to look forward to and a good feeling about giving back to the community.

Find out more about Men’s Sheds 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 23rd at Vermilion Regional Centre, (5702 College Drive).

Photo submitted

Ag For Life Brings Back Feed Your Future Workshop This November

Ag For Life

Submitted

Discover the Possibilities – Step Into a Career in Agriculture!

CALGARY – Alta. – Agriculture for Life (Ag for Life) is proud to announce the return of Feed Your Future, a series of virtual workshops designed to showcase the many opportunities available in agricul ture and STEM.

Agriculture is a big part of Canada’s economy, accounting for one in every eight jobs and employing over 2.3 million people (Statistics Canada, 2021). The industry has a multitude of diverse jobs in a number of disciplines. Feed Your Future aims to promote young women in science, technology, engineering and math —

showcasing ways to advance in education, opportunities for networking, entrepre neurialism and collaboration in the agricul ture and agri-food industry.

Participants will hear from industry lead ers and distinguished professionals, as they explore topics of networking, leader ship and personal brand development. All while being exposed to the vast diversity of roles tied to agriculture and food produc tion. The virtual half-day event is set to take place on Nov. 24, 2022 and is available to female students in grades 9 to 12 and postsecondary, for no charge.

“A career in agriculture can take on many forms,” says Luree Williamson, CEO of Ag for Life. “With this event, we are providing insights and tools in order to help

young women zero in on a career that best suits their passions. Agriculture has some thing for everyone, it’s all about finding the right fit!”

For more information about this event and to register please visit www.feedyour futurecareer.ca

Ag for Life aims to foster through educa tion, an understanding and appreciation of agriculture and its fundamental connection to life.

About Ag for Life Ag for Life (Agriculture for Life) has the mandate to deliver educational program ming designed to improve rural and farm safety while building public understanding around the agricultural industry.

Ag for Life is made possible through the

funding and commitment of companies that employ almost 20,000 people in more than 350 Alberta communities. Founding Members include AdFarm, Glacier Farm Media, Nutrien, Rocky Mountain Equip ment and UFA Co-operative Limited. Find out more at agricultureforlife.ca.

Town Forum

Angela Mouly Reporter

The Town of Vermilion hosted a Public Forum on November 8, and had a surplus of information displaying their draft budget. Staff and council enjoyed visiting with residents, and residents enjoyed learning that overall they pay approximately 59.9 per cent for infra structure and planning, 32.9 per cent for community services, and 7.2 per cent for general government.

Director of Finance, Brian Leibel,

said there are a lot of positives includ ing the transfer to reserves. The over all proposed increase to property tax is 8%, but he said that breaks down to 2% each for insurance, utilities, reserve, and summer staff, etc. The utility rate increase is largely from the new waste water treatment building.

“Building a savings account for the future is very important for our commu nity. The less debt we have means the less tax. Provincial funding is also reduced, so the transfer to reserves will help the residents in the long run,” said Leibel.

They also had discussions on the projects that were cancelled in order to help reduce the burden on taxes and several reduc tions in corporate services. For exam ple, the Beckie Scott Trail rebuild was put on hold saving $130,000, and two half ton trucks (each $70,000) were also removed from the budget.

He said they received a lot of questions which was good, and they were able to help people under stand what can be done and what was out of the town’s control (for example requisitions for the library or Vermilion & District Housing Foundation, etc.)

CAO Kevin Lucas said, “I am very impressed with the community engage ment we have received this year.”

He said everyone is feeling the econ omy’s effects and looking at how they could run their house more efficiently. The Town has done the same within their departments by not silo training their staff and encouraging departments to help each other. Departments are utiliz ing different solutions to see how they can maintain current practices without negatively impacting the Town’s service level.

Manager of Economic Development, Mary Lee Prior, mentioned the town has been working with Alberta HUB and Invest Alberta to encourage further industrial activity in the community.

“We are also looking at how to get visitors from our downtown corp to stop and tour the college or the park. Travel Alberta says you double your dollars spent in town if you get an overnight stay,” said Prior.

With Travel Alberta now looking at developing new tourism development zones throughout the province, Prior along with a group of other economic

development officers from Northeast Alberta sit on a committee and have a say. Vermilion also has a seat in tour ism within two groups #SkiNorthAB and #TakeItToTheLake. The #TakeIt ToTheLake group (Town of Vermilion, MD Bonnyville, Metis Crossing, Atha basca County, Lac La Biche County) were awarded $170,780 through Prairi esCan’s Tourism Relief Fund to develop a visitor corridor development plan and deliver training to tourism operators and employees. They will be working with Tourism Cafe’ for the next two or three years to promote the area.

“Through The Tourism Cafe’, secret shoppers have noted how great our businesses are at being advocates for keeping the visitors in Vermilion and recommending other businesses in town. Through all tourism streams, I’ve had several people say that Vermilion punches higher than it’s weight; mean ing it operates like a city,” said Prior.

The town she said, continues work ing with local and regional organizations to spread the message throughout the province and beyond that Vermilion is an ideal tourist destination.

And Harlene’s not the only Frye keeping secrets. Sammy Jo refuses to tell her family she’s moving even though all her bags are already packed. As if that isn’t enough, Dewey can’t figure out why people keep on asking him to give his sister away and busybody Ozella Meeks has somehow ended up as the wedding coordinator. Will the Fyes be able to get Harlene down the aisle in one piece? A bighearted comedy about family Southern style.

Mayor Greg Throndson visiting with the public. Photo Angela Mouly

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Career Training

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Feed and seed

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serviCes

Alberta School Bus Driver Shortage At Crises Level. Our Children Could Be Left Out In The Cold This Winter

Alberta School Bus Contractors’ Association

Submitted

Government regulations and lack of funding is a big part of the problem

CALGARY, AB, Nov. 10, 2022 /CNW/

- Every day there are 146,000 Alberta school children and their parents who rely on buses to get safely to and from school.

“Every day, there are fewer busses available and fewer certified operators to drive them.” says Mark Critch, presi dent of the ASBCA.

The major crises presently, is the shortage of certified drivers, with areas in the province reporting up to 30% less drivers than are required for adequate service.

Where are all the certified drivers? Bus drivers must complete the Alberta Ministry of Transportation’s MELT driver training certification, which ensures that drivers are qualified and competent to drive. The 3 to 4 week course is manda tory for new drivers, costing applicants up to $5000. They are unpaid for the duration of the course and application process. Following the course, there is a waiting period for scheduling a road exam. There are delays due to a short age of certified instructors, as well as delays in the processing of certifi cates. Altogether, it can take up to six weeks of unpaid training time before a prospective driver can even get behind the wheel. Certified drivers will be look ing at a part time job paying as low as

$16.50/hour; and will be taking on the responsibility of driving kids to and from school in all types of road/weather conditions.

With the shortage of school busses and drivers, Alberta children are being put at serious risk. If a school bus is late, or worse doesn’t show, for what ever reason (driver shortage, bus short age, inclement weather), kids are being impacted by having to wait outside, in various weather conditions. They are at risk of losing valuable learning time, which will impact them for years to come.

“One bus that is 30 minutes late daily, carrying 40 kids, equals 1200 lost minutes per day. Multiply this by 200 buses across the province and that is

240,000 lost instructional minutes per day” says Mark Critch, ASBCA

The Alberta Ministries of Educa tion and Transport could easily work together to solve this issue.

They can reallocate the funds that are desperately needed to fund and assist school bus contractors and their driv ers. Financially incentivize people to consider getting trained to become a neighbourhood school bus driver. Who should be expected to pay $5000 for a course, to certify them for a part-time job paying minimum wage?

About ASBCA

Alberta School Bus Contractors’ Association has been in existence since 1958. It has over 85 members and repre sents more than 4,100 school buses.

for the next available course. For more information please contact the Director of Transportation, Garth Rapson at garth.rapson@btps.ca.

Please note: You will also need a current medical.

The Course cost of $4,800.00 for the MELT 2S Course can be subsidized by BTSD if sponsored by one of our BTPS Bus Contractors.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Grader Operator

EMCON SERVICES INC., a progressive Road & Bridge Maintenance Contractor in BC, Alberta and Ontario, is looking for a fulltime grader operator in Vermilion or Dewberry. This is a union (AUPE) position.

Our teams perform a large variety of road maintenance related tasks such as installing, repairing and maintaining signs, guiderails, fences, ditches, culverts, but the primary function for the winter season is driving plow trucks.

Quali cations include:

• Must be pro cient in operating grader to blade and maintain roads

• Operate Grader on public roadways, safely and e ciently, with continuous awareness of surroundings.

• Perform routine maintenance and safety check to ensure smooth operation of the grader.

• Valid Class 5 for Grader Operator, class 3 preferred

• 24/7 on call in winter season

• Pre-employment drug screening

Quali ed applicants are invited to submit résumés, along with photocopy of driver’s licence and an up-to-date driver’s abstract: Emcon Services Inc.

Fax: 780 449-0574

Email: jobs.alberta@emconservices.ca

BTPS

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Buffalo

Squeeze

Public Schools – Board Of Trustees Meet With MLA And

The Board of Buffalo Trail Public Schools collab orates with partners in its governance work and are champions of rural education. On November 9, 2022, the Board had an opportunity to meet with local MLA, Garth Rowswell, Mayor Bruce Pugh, and Bryan

Perkins from the Wainwright Rotary Club to discuss shared priorities and advocate for rural education. The Board supports and promotes rural education at every opportunity.

This was a great opportunity to ensure that our educa tion partners are aware of our successes and also our challenges. During the meeting, the attendees had an

opportunity to hear about the Board’s #1 Capital Plan priority which is a new elementary school for Wain wright. Our Capital Plan is on our website under Reports. The Trustees also shared many celebrations of our BTPS students. The Board had an opportunity to express its gratitude to the MLA for the government’s funding of the Transportation Fuel Subsidy that has been passed along to BTPS bus contractors during this difficult economic time.

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