The CAO also mentioned some good news regarding fire hydrant repairs: it appears the hydrants may not need repair, just some basic maintenance. Macdonald stated she was told the hydrants may only require some gaskets and O-rings and won’t require digging up the pavement.
After looking at the proposed operating budget Coun. Clark German complimented the CAO.
“I think you did an excellent job Elaine,” said German.
He also asked the CAO if she’d had a chance to look into the amount of water Big Valley actually purchased, but Macdonald answered she wasn’t able to do that yet.
German noted he felt the village should be as prepared as possible for water purchases because an unexpected and non-budgeted purchase could have a big financial effect on the village.
During discussion Coun. Amber Hoogenberg asked why numbers show the village’s water usage has dropped year to year.
Macdonald answered the village has had a couple of leaks repaired over the past few years.
Residents entertained with country music and comedy by The Popvich’s
BY DIANNE SPATH
Councillors discussed the municipal assessor, with Macdonald stating she was very happy with Big Valley’s assessor. The CAO stated the village’s assessor knows the job very well and meets all the requirements of the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
Mayor Dan Houle responded that in his opinion assessments in Big Valley may be a bit too low.
Hello, everyone. The Oyen Lodge would like to welcome Ray Bird. It looks like Mother Nature still wants to keep us on our toes with the weather. You know you live in Alberta when you get all four seasons in one week! The grass is starting to look green, and certain plants are beginning to pop up through the soil. Baby calves and kittens and other animals are appearing this month. Some crocuses have been spotted, spring is in the air.
German added that it does seem that Big Valley has a lot of properties assessed at the minimum value, with the CAO pointing out there are 37 in total.
Councillors unanimously approved the 2023 operating budget.
Monday, April 7th, started with exercises followed by a one-on-one scrabble game and Catholic Church with Father Rodell. In the afternoon, there was bingo. Monday, the residents wore green shirts to honour the legacy of Logan Boulet, a Humboldt Broncos player, to raise awareness and support organ donation.
Hoogenberg also mused that the water tower has been drained and refilled which may have also played a role.
Alberta Clothing and Avon were at the Lodge on Tuesday from 10-2. In the morning, there was the regular bus run downtown for shopping, and in the afternoon was an ice cream parlor. Before supper Taylor Neilson was at the Lodge to play piano.
Wednesday, there was Church with Catherine, and in the afternoon, the residents played shuffleboard. Dianne was away at the convention on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Thursday, the ATB Financial Bank was at the Lodge from 10-11:00, and the residents played cards. On Friday morning, there were horse races, and in the afternoon was card bingo. Thanks
to the staff for doing some of these activities with the residents while I was away.
Friday evening there was music by Jorgenson’s.
On Monday morning, April 14th, there were exercises, and in the afternoon, bingo was held. On Monday evening, the Lodge was entertained by the Popovich’s. Their theme was country, music and comedy were enjoyed by all.
Tuesday morning started with exercises, followed by the regular bus run downtown for shopping and dyeing Easter eggs. In the afternoon, there was a pub day, which included refreshments, snacks, and socializing.
Wednesday morning was Church with John. After Church, there was an Easter Egg Hunt. Plastic eggs full of chocolates were hidden everywhere for the residents to find, and then they
got to keep all the chocolate goodies that were inside the eggs. Wednesday afternoon was an Easter Tea, in which pastel colours of the cake were served with strawberry ice cream and chocolate easter eggs, along with coffee and tea, plus many Easter door prizes were given to the residents.
Thursday morning started with walking and horse races. The #1 horse, Poncho, was the big winner that day. In the afternoon there was shuffleboard.
Good Friday is a stat holiday so there are no office staff or activities. Friday evening there was music by Jorgenson’s. I hope everyone enjoyed the long Easter weekend with family and friends.
The Oyen Lodge would like to welcome Sharon and Pete Friesen to the Life Lease condos. Have a great week everyone.
OYEN LODGE
See more photos on page 2. PHOTO BY DIANNE SPATH
Temporary closure of Oyen Emergency Department
OYEN — The Big Country Hospital emergency department (ED) re-opened at 6:00 PM on Friday, April 18, and was to remain open until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, as physician coverage had been secured for this time.
The emergency department temporarily closed at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, and was scheduled to re-open on Tuesday, April 22, at 8 a.m. to provide 24-hour service.
The emergency department closure had previously been anticipated to last from 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, to 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22.
Acute care patients already admitted to the hospital prior to the temporary closure continued to receive care during this time.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is working to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need when they need it.
Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. If the ED at Big Country Hospital is not available, EMS calls will be re-routed to the Hanna Health Centre (113 km); Coronation
Centre
Health Centre (140 km); Brooks Health Centre (187 km); or Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (196 km). Patients seeking care can access emergency services at any one of these sites.
Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency, health-related questions. Individuals requiring non-emergency medical care are also encouraged to call their family physician.
AHS is thankful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff, and would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding during this time.
Alberta Health Services provides a range of healthcare services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide excellent, patient-focused healthcare that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
Health
(135 km); Provost
PHOTOS BY DIANNE SPATH
OPINION:
One of the most consequential elections in Canadian history
BY JOAN JANZEN
A golfer hits a ball, and it misses the green by inches. His partner says, “That’s called a son-in-law shot. It is not what you expected, but you will take it.” When Mark Carney became Canada’s Prime Minister, it felt a lot like meeting a new son-in-law for the first time, who you had never heard about before. He’s not what you expected, but you accept it because you have no choice.
Steven LeDrew commented on LeDrew’s 3 Minutes: “People don’t even know who he is. We have somebody who is from England, Ontario, Alberta.” He also gave a bit of a history lesson as follows:
History has shown that people who were elected as Prime Ministers were known to the people as cabinet ministers or premiers. In 1891, Sir John A. MacDonald died, followed by four Prime Ministers who had all been previously elected to office and were acceptable to the people. In 1984, John Turner, who the people previously knew as the Attorney General, replaced Pierre Trudeau. In 1993, Kim Campbell, who had been the Minister of Justice, was elected.
“This small group of Liberals changed that,” Steven said. “But people are saying these are tough economic times; we need someone who knows all about the economy.”
Brian Lilley from the Toronto Sun
weighed in on the topic on Bridge City News. “The fact that you have a PhD in Economics doesn’t mean you’re immune to bad ideas. And Mark Carney has a lot of bad ideas in terms of leaving natural resources in the ground, not building pipelines, and keeping emission caps in place.”
The Prime Minister has also publicly stated that they are announcing a plan to fight crime, to protect Canadians and to build communities that are safe, secure and strong. He continued to explain this will be accomplished by limiting people’s speech. Once you lose your ability to speak freely it is very difficult to get it back and it hinders you from addressing important issues.
Clyde Nichols reported on a recent happening on his podcast. Megan Murphy, a former leftist who was running as a PPC candidate had her bank account frozen. When she inquired at the bank she was given a number to call. She was then told the person who she needed to talk to was on vacation for two weeks and would get back to her on their return. “She wasn’t a big threat,” Clyde concluded.
Brian Lilley continued to say, “Carney is registering in offshore tax havens and avoiding billions in taxes while running a very successful company that he recently moved the headquarters to New York. So don’t tell me you’re captain Canada and avoiding taxes by moving your headquarters to the US.”
TO THE EDITOR:
Dear editor at The Oyen Echo, Everyone needs a safe, decent, affordable place to call home.
But for too long, our housing system has felt like an unfair game rigged against us all. Rents are skyrocketing, mortgage rates are unpredictable, and buying a home is beyond reach. In our own community, there just isn’t enough housing for it to be affordable for all.
And our community isn’t alone— Canada has a housing crisis. Now, in the face of Trump’s trade war, it’s more important than ever that we work together to protect all of us.
I’ve joined a campaign that I think more people should know about. The Housing Canada Coalition is made up of leading housing organizations from across the housing continuum. They’ve
figured out that even though they provide different kinds of housing, it’s crucial they work together for solutions. So, they’ve built a 10-point plan to create a housing safety net and build a better system that works for everyone. The solutions are urgent and can really make a difference in this crisis.
I encourage everyone to read about it and become an advocate for housing this election. You can go to endthehousinggame.ca to learn more and join the campaign.
Together, we can end the unfair housing game and build a fair, resilient housing system in Canada that works for everyone.
Sincerely,
Judith N Brooke Medicine Hat, AB
Letter to the Editor Policy: Submissions must not include profanity, vulgarity and/or obscenities, Slurs, personal attacks or misinformation. We reserve sole discretion to decide whether or not a reader submission will be published. We will not publish anonymous submissions. We reserve the right to edit or refuse all letters.
kate@yourwestcentral.com oyenecho@telus.net
Steven LeDrew also had more to say about the Canadian Prime Minister. “Speak to people in Britain, and they say Carney doesn’t know about the economy. Read Carney’s book. I think you’re going to find out we have been fooled.”
Joe Warmington from the Toronto Sun said in an online interview: “Remember, that behind the scenes with Trudeau it’s always been Carney. Everything you hated about the Trudeau government, you’re going to get again if they get a majority government. And he doesn’t even hide it. I hope Canadians are smarter than that.” Sometime after April 28th we’ll find out if they are.
Speaking of April 28th, Project Confederation made the following report on where the individual parties stand on several issues:
The Liberal Party plan to eliminate the consumer carbon tax; however Carney said he plans to hike the industrial carbon tax. Conservative Party plans to scrap both carbon taxes. NDP plans to scrap the consumer tax but keep the industrial tax. Green Party say they will switch to 100% clean energy and People’s Party will cut both taxes.
The Liberal Party will keep the emissions cap in place. Conservatives plan to repeal the oil and gas emissions cap. NDP will keep the emissions cap. Green Party have criticized the cap for being too soft. People’s Party want to abandon unreal-
istic emissions targets.
The Liberal Party will not repeal Bill C-69 (the no more pipelines Bill). Conservatives have pledged to repeal Bill C-69. NDP support keeping Bill C-69 in place. Green Party say they will stop all new fossil fuel projects. People’s Party will repeal Bill C-69.
The Liberal Party will not change equalization payments, and both Conservatives and the NDP made no promises regarding equalization payments. The People’s Party wants to reduce equalization payments.
Brian Lilley made the following observation on Bridge City News: “You’ve got one group of voters who are obsessed with tariffs, and you have another group that are saying my big issue is affordability. Rising crime is not a result of tariffs, neither is our broken immigration system. Rising unemployment numbers predate tariffs; lower standard of living predates tariffs,” he observed. “If you want to fix what’s broken don’t vote for the Liberals, because Liberals still advocate for the same policies.”
All the recent news reports agree on one thing: the federal election is one of the most consequential in Canadian history.
The views expressed by columnists are their own and not necessarily the view of Your Southwest Media Group.
Pop89: Slow-breaking news from The Subtle World
BY MADONNA HAMEL
Today is one of those “That’s enough, shut ‘er down” days. And by that, I mean enough with the doom-scrolling, the gawking at the latest “fast-breaking,” hard-hitting” news! I didn’t move to the vast, open, quiet, dark, mysterious prairie to drag the world with me. Nor to re-live my past life as a daily reporter and researcher, struggling to stay on top of the most “relevant” stories of our day. A past wherein producers –thank God, not all of them – warned: “You are only as good as your next story.”
I came to Val Marie, on the edge of Grasslands National Park, because I was exhausted. Because my “kick-ass” approach to both my work and my life was backfiring. I was kicking myself faster and closer to an early grave.
I’ve written about this before, how it seems this new generation of young women seem to be enhancing a desire to ape male modes of behaviour, claiming that to be a feminist is to be a “Bad Ass,” “kicking ass” where-ere we go. But, as I read the latest clever columns by bright young minds, the language and perspective strike me more as “Smart Ass.” Maybe it takes a Smart Ass to be a Bad Ass. In fact, the the political-ideological spectrum of the reporting world these days seems to be either “smart-assery” on the Left, or “kiss-assery” on the Right. Where are the sane, informed, considerate, intelligent, nuanced, committed brave voices? How long must we stomach virtue-signalers and the sycophants?
The Buddhists say: “Honesty without compassion is cruelty.”We seem to have cruelty coming at us from all directions. The cruelty of the Right may be more blatant: Witness the ruthless carelessness with which immigrants are being victimized while the President jokes and laughs with “cool” dictators and promises
The Oyen Law Office of Niblock & compaNy llp
will be open commencing at 1:00 p.m. Ashley D. Herrmann in attendance on Wednesday, May 7th, June 4th, June 25th, July 23rd
For appointments call 1-800-245-9411 or 1-403-526-2806
I’m in trouble when I don’t start the
morning with a cup of tea and a quiet moment of contemplation. Today, despite the meadowlark outside my window, I went straight to my computer, driven by a compulsion to check the headlines.
his “fans” that America will return to being “a country full of people who look like us.” But the Left is not much better. It showboats victimization, exchanging one victim for another as today’s top story becomes tomorrow’s lost story, tumbling into a news cycle churning new headlines every couple of seconds.
I’m in trouble when I don’t start the morning with a cup of tea and a quiet moment of contemplation. Today, despite the meadowlark outside my window, I went straight to my computer, driven by a compulsion to check the headlines. The first thing to appear was another reference to Canada as the 51st state. The writer was being sarcastic, she didn’t mean it. But this kind of glib and flippant reporting put her neatly outside the realm of humanity. It allows her, and reporters like her, to avoid the pain of the plight of her fellow humans.
Irony is not a luxury we can afford. Glibness, flippancy, and sarcasm is all part of an ironic stance taken by those unable to take risks, or discern between reality and entertainment. In an era where “reality” is supposedly “relative”, we fall into making it up as we go along, fashioning a kind of Bespoke Reality.
This is why I moved here: Because nothing says Reality like breaking down in -40-degree weather, -52 with the windchill, and having a local rancher rescue you. Or losing your cell phone along the riverwalk when you bent down to pee, necessitating a jog to your friend’s house to borrow a flashlight. (As hap-
The prairie farm dog
BY MARJORIE GIRARD
When I was a kid growing up on the farm in a little area in east Alberta we always had a dog a, Collie, the only respectable dog you would have on the farm these days. Our dogs were called either Rover, Lady, or Lassie. It was kind of like the royal family where there are only certain acceptable names like George or William or Harry for males and Mary, Ann or Elizabeth for girls. So it was in those days for the pedigree names for the farm dog who was a much loved member of the family.
Please call Oyen Lodge to register
Your choice of any weekdays
Often one of the kids would be seen sitting on the step with their arms around the dog’s neck and the dogs head on their shoulder. At such intimate times, no words were needed but the love being expressed was pure and far beyond what mere words could convey. So faithful was the 4-legged companion that he followed closely on the heels of whoever happened to be on a mission that moment. It could be that the mission was to head to the barn to milk the cows or maybe just to the outhouse where he would wait patiently while one did their business and as they would emerge he would be on his feet ready and eager for the next adventure.
He never complained and was always satisfied with his pay which occasionally was an extra scrap of meat, a few
pened to me, recently) I grabbed the flashlight, told him to call me in ten minutes, and ran back to comb the grass, cacti and coyote pellets in the dark. Amidst the scanning and combing, I encountered a skunk. She backed away, slowly, as did I, just as I heard the faint melody of my phone ringing. There it was lost in the grass. I looked up at the sky to say thanks in time to see a falling star.
I moved here eleven years ago after reading about The Desert Mothers and Fathers - men and women who left the urban environments of Alexandria and went into the desert, seeking stillness, silence and solitude. They went to “live in vulnerable communion” with their God, their sisters and brothers, and the desert. Mary Earl writes about them: “In stark contrast to the continuous indulgence of gluttony that is our cultural norm, the desert mothers remind us of the virtues of fasting, not only from food but from frenetic activity, from anger, from hurtful speech, from arrogant and mean-spirited behaviour.”
The poet Rilke also reminds me why I’m here: “You are not surprised at the force of the storm - you have seen it growing….Now you must go out into your heart as onto a vast plain….the sky remains. It is what you have.” He reminds me that urbane witticisms fall short when trying to truthfully bear witness to the world.
Yesterday I hiked The Butte to catch the crocuses in bloom before they fade. Witnessing their delicate mauve petals opening to catch the sun is the real breaking news, what I call the Slow-breaking News from the Subtle World. At a recent storytelling event, I played a newscaster delivering Slow-Breaking News Subtle news that is deeply personal and local and real and relevant to our immediate lives.
Truthfully, what is most important to you? It’s easy enough to discern. What’s the first thing you talk about when you meet with a friend? The weather. What crops need planting or equipment needs fixing? Where are your grandkids playing, and in what tournament? What you’re making for supper? Who just went into the hospital? Who’s moving? Who branding? A recipe or culinary discovery like Robin Kerr’s homemade salsa, for sale at the local store. Don’t let the newscasters on your computer decide what Reality is for you, don’t let them rob you of the Real News happening right here, all around you.
words of praise or a couple of loving pats or strokes. His love was of the purest nature and his loyalty was unwavering to his human family. Every night he lay outside the back door like a sentry and was alert even when he slept to anything unusual which could be coyotes howling in the distance or someone driving into the yard. There was no need for burglar alarms in those peaceful idyllic days in the country. There were no burglars and had there been the dog would have alerted the whole household before the burger ever got near.
Oh yes as a companion he was of the highest in quality and as a loyal friend he was unsurpassed.
Guerrero, Jr.’s signing highlights a solid April
BY BRUCE PENTON
After a miserable lastplace finish in the American League East in 2024, the trajectory arrow is pointed straight up for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
Let’s start with spring training. The Jays posted an 18-10 record and wound up as the No. 1 team in the Grapefruit League circuit, perhaps a harbinger of things to come. Then, after the first two weeks of the season, they found themselves right in the mix in the A.L East, splitting a four-game series with Baltimore Orioles, a team many had pegged as a potential World Series contender, and then sweeping a three-game set against Washington.
And while those early results were encouraging, the cherry on top came in the first week of April when the Jays announced they had extended their marquee player, first baseman Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., with a contract that will undoubtedly make him a Blue Jay for life.
The deal was for 14 years and $500 million, not Ohtani or Soto money, but the offer was enough for Guerrero to jump at, and to end the persistent talk about him leaving the team this year, either via a mid-summer trade, or as a free agent at the end of the 2025 season.
Guerrero, Jr., who has averaged 31 homers and 100 runs-batted-in during his six-year career, had issued a fairly strong threat to the Jays about his future, as we paraphrase: “Either sign me now with a nice, expensive contract extension by Feb. 18, or I’ll say goodbye.
I will not negotiate during the regular season.”
The Blue Jays’ braintrust, however, couldn’t risk losing their franchise player, the face of the team, so rather than heavy negotiations, they simply put forth the $500 million figure and Guerrero, Jr., said yep, sign me up for that. His contract calls for more than $35 million U.S. per year and it should make him and his family happy. Also happy will be the millions of Blue Jays’ fans across the country, who hope the team’s front office will build another contender around its newly-signed centrepiece.
Team-mate Bo Bichette couldn’t have been happier to see his friend sign the long-term deal. “Super excited for him,” said Bichette to a Sportsnet reporter. “Something that he wanted, something the organization wanted. Seems like it’s going to be a good marriage.”
Newly acquired pitcher Max Scherzer sees the signing as a message to fans about the front office’s plans. “You don’t sign him like that unless you think you’re going to win,” said Scherzer.
Meanwhile, first-month reviews for the Jays have been great. George Springer was leading the league in hitting, and Bichette appears to be bouncing back after a so-so season last year. Free-agent infielder Andres Gimenez was leading the team in homers and Anthony Santander, who signed as a free-agent after a 44-homer season with Baltimore last year, was sure to get hot.
This year’s Jays may not replicate the success of the 1992 and ’93 World Series champs, but they’re definitely moving in the right direction.
• Comedy guy Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver: “Philadelphia 76ers said they used artificial intelligence to help sign over $600 million in player contracts last year. AI stock plummeted 20 per cent on the news.”
• From golf website The First Call Extra: “After a
protracted slump, Max Homa fired longtime caddie Joe Greiner a week before the Masters. The player can’t fire himself, can he?”
• A post from Twitter, forwarded by Jack Simpson, on the Great 8’s record-breaking 895th career goal: “Alex Ovechkin did something unbelievable today. He got the entire hockey world to watch an Islanders game.”
• Reecey Pierce, on X, after the Masters’ Tuesday night Champions dinner: “Everyone just wants to know if Cabrera and Scottie swapped prison stories.”
• Torben Rolfsen again: “The Masters’ Sunday, the only day of the year outside of St. Patrick’s that anybody wants to be seen wearing a green sport coat.”
• One more from Rolfsen: “The Dodgers placed Blake Snell on the 15-day injury list with shoulder inflation. Oh no, now they’re down to only eight great pitchers in their rotation.”
• Comedy guy Alex Kaseberg: “Scientists have resurrected dire wolves that became extinct 10,000 years ago. Now they will try to resurrect the NBA’s 17-64 Washington Wizards.”
• Headline at the Beaverton.com: “Rogers CEO says joy of torturing Canadians with garbage hockey broadcast worth way more than 11 billion dollars.”
• From the late ex-Major League Baseball manager Tommy Lasorda: “There are three types of baseball players: Those who make it happen, those who watch it happen and those who wonder what happens.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “I recently drove in St. John’s, Newfoundland, on a highway named after local skip Brad Gushue It was great: No matter how many mistakes I made, it was someone else’s fault.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Alberta builds bigger and better
Leads the country in housing starts so far in 2025, building 18 per cent more than last year’s
Alberta is starting the year strong, leading Canada with the highest number of housing starts in the country from January-March 2025, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Despite making up less than 13 per cent of Canada’s population, Alberta built more than 25 per cent of all housing starts in the country so far this year. The latest data released by CMHC reinforces that Alberta continues to show strong success in increasing its housing supply after a record-breaking 2024, which will help make housing more attainable for Albertans across the province.
Alberta’s government recognizes the need to build more homes as the population continues to grow. That’s why the province has been working to break down barriers and empower its housing partners to get more shovels in the ground faster, and the numbers are clear evidence that Alberta’s efforts are working. Despite Ontario and B.C. receiving far more federal housing dollars than Alberta, their housing starts are down 38 per cent and 30 per cent compared to last year, while Alberta’s housing starts are up by 18 per cent.
“Our government is working tirelessly to make the dream of home ownership a reality for Albertans. We are clearing the way for more homes to be built faster to help Albertans find housing that meets their needs and budgets. After a record-breaking 2024, today’s housing starts numbers are just more proof that Alberta’s plan to build homes is working.”
Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
Alberta’s government continues to support builders and encourage new residential housing construction by cutting red tape, incentivizing housing construction and supporting innovative strategies to
build homes faster than ever. By taking action to help increase the housing supply, Alberta’s government is driving down costs and helping address the shortage of housing as more people call Alberta home.
Last fall, Alberta’s government launched the Stop Housing Delays online portal for developers and local authorities to help identify areas that are preventing fast and efficient residential construction. This portal serves as a ‘snitch line’ on red tape and will help the province identify and address barriers to housing construction, like municipal gatekeepers, so that Alberta can get homes built as quickly as possible.
To address homebuilding hurdles, Alberta’s government has updated the provincial building code and established a construction codes working group in
November. The province is also attracting investment by ensuring that Alberta continues to have the lowest overall taxes in Canada, with no provincial sales tax and the lowest corporate tax rate.
“An 18 per cent increase in housing starts in the first quarter of 2025 shows that Alberta’s builders and developers continue to respond to the growing demand for housing. As an industry, we remain committed to working closely with the Government of Alberta to identify barriers and unlock housing opportunities that will enable us to deliver more homes for Albertans.”
Quick facts
Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools is pleased to announce Chloe Dick as Principal of Assumption Roman Catholic School.
Mrs. Dick earned her Bachelor of Education Degree through Mount Royal University in Calgary. She is currently working toward completing the Leadership Quality Standard (LQS) course through St. Mary’s University in Calgary and is eager to continue growing through ongoing professional learning.
Mrs. Dick has been a full-time classroom teacher since graduation and is wellversed in the dynamics of multi-graded classrooms. With experience teaching all core subjects, a wide range of electives, and involvement in extracurric-
ular activities, she brings a well-rounded perspective to school leadership. Additionally, Mrs. Dick has been actively involved in piloting the new social studies curriculum, collaborating with colleagues to adapt and refine it to best meet the needs of students while aligning with educational standards. High-quality teaching practices and nurturing students’ faith are at the heart of her educational philosophy.
Since joining Assumption, Mrs. Dick
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
April 27 - May 3, 2025
Please join us on APRIL 28, 2025
5:00 to 7:00 PM
The FCSS Community Centre, Main St., Oyen
Please join us as we recognize the important contributions you, as volunteers, make to our communities. We want to thank you for all your hard work. Come enjoy, connect and celebrate with others in the community.
Scott Fash, CEO, BILD
Alberta Association
• Housing starts for January – March 2025 compared with January – March 2024
• provincewide: 11,470 compared with 9,744 (up 18 per cent)
• Calgary: 6,271 compared with 5,385 (up 16 per cent)
• Edmonton: 4,095 compared with 3,487 (up 17 per cent)
• In addition, through Budget 2025, Alberta’s government is investing $1.2 billion into affordable housing over the next three years, which supports the construction of more than 6,300 new affordable housing units.
• Since 2019, Alberta’s government has invested almost $851 million to build nearly 5,300 affordable housing units and close to 900 shelter spaces. This includes projects the government has committed to, that are in progress and that are complete.
• Together with its partners, Alberta’s government is supporting $9 billion in investments into affordable housing to support 25,000 additional low-income households by 2031.
New Principal at Oyen’s Assumption Roman Catholic School
has taken on several leadership roles, including the Physical Education Lead, Indigenous Lead, Technology Lead and Faith Lead.
These experiences have allowed her to develop strong relationships within the school and to support staff and students in a variety of capacities.
“I feel truly blessed to take on this new leadership role at Assumption. I’m committed to making education our top priority while nurturing students both academically and spiritually. I’m passionate about fostering a culture of high expectations, and belonging, and I believe strong relationships are the foundation of great learning. My goal is to maintain the strong traditions of Assump-
tion while ensuring every student feels supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Thank you for the trust and support you have shown me throughout my time here. I look forward to all the great things we will accomplish together,” she said.
Superintendent Dr. Andrea Holowka shares, “Mrs. Dick has been a highly respected and skilled educator within the Assumption Roman Catholic School community for many years. The meaningful relationships she has built, along with the strong instructional and leadership capacities she has developed, will serve her well as she steps into the role of principal. With deep roots in the school and a steadfast commitment to faith-filled education, Mrs. Dick is well positioned to provide strong spiritual and academic leadership for the entire school community.”
Mrs. Dick will begin her new position in August.
Chloe Dick
Jason Nixon
Exporting energy, importing opportunity
Matt Jones, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, will participate in a trade mission to Michigan, Ohio and Illinois from April 21 to 24 to strengthen economic relationships and champion Alberta’s competitive advantage. The minister will meet with key U.S. officials and business leaders to advance Alberta’s position in a critical trade corridor for energy, agriculture and more. This mission will fuel positive Alberta-U.S. relations, keeping the mutually beneficial relationship running like a welloiled machine.
Minister Jones will be joined by one government staff member. Mission expenses will be posted on the government’s travel and expense disclosure page.
Alberta’s government is committed to working with its national and international partners to advance shared interests that can lead to new opportunities for people and businesses in Alberta and around the world.
Quick facts
“Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois are key trade partners, driving Alberta’s energy exports and economic growth. This mission is an opportunity to continue our government’s advocacy in the U.S. with business leaders and government officials across the Midwest.”
Matt Jone
s,
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade
Alberta and the U.S. share a powerful trade relationship that generates hundreds of thousands of jobs on both sides of the border. This long-standing relationship ensures economic prosperity and energy security. Michigan, Ohio and Illinois were chosen for this mission due to their high trade volumes, direct ties to Alberta businesses, and insights from the Alberta Chicago Office, all of which support job creation in Alberta and the Midwest.
Alberta’s competitive tax rates, skilled workforce, rich resources and cutting-edge research pipeline create the ultimate business environment. Alberta is where smart investments lead to undeterred success.
• Illinois is Alberta’s top state-level export destination with C$66.7 billion worth of exports in 2024 and imports worth $3.7 billion.
• The top five Alberta exported commodities to Illinois in 2024 were crude oil ($63.8 billion, 95.6 per cent), petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons ($1 billion, 1.6 per cent), polymers of ethylene ($555 million, 0.8 per cent), polymers of propylene ($276 million, 0.41 per cent) and fresh or chilled beef ($239 million, 0.36 per cent).
• Alberta exports to Michigan were C$7.3 billion in 2024 and imports were $165 million.
• The top five Alberta exported commodities to Michigan in 2024 were crude oil ($5.8 billion, 79.3 per cent), petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons ($695 million, 9.5 per cent), polymers of ethylene ($265 million, 3.6 per cent), non-crude petroleum oils ($151 million, 2.1 per cent) and fresh or chilled beef ($90.1 million, 1.2 per cent).
• Alberta exports to Ohio were C$6.3 billion in 2024 and imports were $521 million.
Show your Alberta side. Buy Local
Global uncertainty is threatening the livelihoods of hard-working Alberta farmers, ranchers, processors and their families. The ‘Buy Local’ campaign, recently launched by Alberta’s government, encourages consumers to eat, drink and buy local to show our unified support for the province’s agriculture and food industry.
The government’s ‘Buy Local’ campaign encourages consumers to buy products from Alberta’s hard-working farmers, ranchers and food processors that produce safe, nutritious food for Albertans, Canadians and the world.
“It’s time to let these hard-working Albertans know we have their back. Now, more than ever, we need to shop local and buy made-in-Alberta products. The next time you are grocery shopping or go out for dinner or a drink with your friends or family, support local to demonstrate your Alberta pride. We are pleased tariffs don’t impact the ag industry right now and will keep advocating for our ag industry,” commented RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.
Alberta’s government supports consumer choice. We are providing tools to help folks easily identify Alberta- and Canadian-made foods and products. Choosing local products keeps Albertans’ hard-earned dollars in our province. Whether it is farm-fresh vegetables, potatoes, honey, craft beer, frozen food or our world-renowned beef, Alberta has an abundance of fresh foods produced right on our doorstep.
Quick facts
• This summer, Albertans can support local at more than 150 farmers’ markets across the province and meet the folks who make, bake and grow our food.
• In March 2023, the Alberta government launched the ‘Made in Alberta’ voluntary food and beverage labelling program to support local agriculture and food sectors.
• Through direct connections with processors, the program has created the momentum to continue expanding consumer awareness about the ‘Made in Alberta’ label to help shoppers quickly identify foods and beverages produced in our province.
Matt Jones
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“Having investments” isn’t the same thing as financial planning. We believe a real financial plan adapts and grows alongside your life - and includes investments, tax opportunities, estate and legacy planning, and more. Do you agree? Let’s talk.
403-664-8311
Damien Kurek only candidate to attend All Candidates Forum
BY DIANA WALKER
The Royal Canadian Legion #208 and Big Country Agricultural Society hosted an All-Candidates Political Forum in the Legion Hall, Oyen, on April 10.
Kerry Molzan, Vice President of the Big Country Agricultural Society, welcomed more than 35 Oyenites and people from the surrounding communities before turning the microphone over to moderator David Eaton, past director of Big Country Agricultural Society and past chair of Applied Research Extension Council of Alberta.
Five candidates are seeking election in Battle River-Crowfoot (in alphabetical order): Jonathan Bridges – People’s Party of Canada; Douglas Gook – Green Party of Canada; Damien Kurek – Conservative Party of Canada; James MacKay – New Democratic Party; Brent Sutton – Liberal Party of Canada. Damien Kurek was the only candidate to attend; Jonathan Bridges sent his regrets. The others could not be reached as no contacts were supplied on the Elections Canada page, although attempts were made to contact them through other methods.
David Eaton read the rules and regulations and said a more informal format would be followed with only one candidate in attendance. Catherine Holland, as the timer, indicated when each speaker’s time was up. Damien fielded a broad range of questions from the lively crowd.
Tyler Chiliak and Bob Kacso set up their equipment enabling the event to be Live-Streamed on the Oyen
Echo Facebook page. Thirty-five to 50 people logged in to view all or part of the forum. Over 4100 people have since logged in to view the forum on both the Oyen Echo Facebook page and website. If you were unable to attend the event you can view it at https:// www.oyenecho.com/candidates
BCAS members Sharon Dahl, Betty Walker, Linda Bingeman, Cheryl Ball and Diana Walker provided lunch enjoyed while informal visiting continued.
ACADIA MUNICIPAL LIBRARY
Find the remaining Easter Eggs by April 24th
BY TRICIA FISCHBUCH Library Manger
Hop down to the library for one last chance to find some Easter Eggs! So far 24 people have found 53 eggs. Will you be next? Thursday April 24th is the last day.
Another puzzle has been completed and a new one
has been set out. Feel free to work on it anytime you’re in!
This week’s new books are Gothictown by Emily Carpenter (adult fiction) and Will the Pigeon Graduate? by Mo Willems (picture book).
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body and prayer is to the soul.” —Matthew Kelly
April is Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month
One organ donor can save up to eight lives and one tissue donor can dramatically improve up to 75 lives. April is National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month – a time to honour those who have given the gift of life and to share your donation decision with those who need to know.
How to act on your good intentions
A deceased person can donate organs such as lungs, heart, kidneys and liver – and/or tissues such as eyes, skin, bone and tendons. If you’re interested in leaving these gifts, please register your decision online at GiveLifeAlberta.ca or in person at a motor vehicle registry office. Donor cards don’t exist anymore; if you have signed the back of your Alberta Health card in the past, you are asked to join Alberta’s registry in one of the ways above.
Albertans are also encouraged to share their wishes with their loved ones. Generally, if someone is eligible to donate at the time of their death, the Give Life Alberta donation team will check the registry and inform their family about their donation decision. It will then be up to their family to decide if they’d like to proceed with donation or not. Many previous donor families have found that decision was easier if they knew what their loved one wanted.
Sharing your donation decision
Donation discussions don’t need to be grim. The national award-winning Give Life Alberta public awareness campaign All the Ways portrays creative ways one could tell their family they’d like to be a donor; for example in the form of a cake, a card or even a t-shirt. Families could also spark the conversation by watching public awareness videos and real-life donor
and transplant recipient stories on GiveLifeAlberta.ca
Constant need for organs and tissues
While Alberta marked another record year in 2024 – with 317 deceased organ and tissue donors — there are more than 500 people waiting for life-saving transplants in our province. Last year, 33 people on the wait list died.
For contact information and to learn more
National Immunization Awareness Week
EDMONTON — April 21-30 is National Immunization Awareness Week and Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reminding those living in Alberta to get immunized.
With measles cases identified in Alberta, the best protection is to ensure you are up to date with your immunizations. The MMR-Var vaccine is given as part of Alberta’s routine immunization schedule for children and is free. It protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (varicella).
If you have questions about immunizations or immunization status, talk to your healthcare provider or call Health Link at 811. Use the Find a Doctor tool provided by Alberta’s primary care networks to find a provider accepting new patients near you.
To book an appointment for an immunization:
• Call Health Link at 811 for booking information.
• Call Health Link at 811 or use the Find Healthcare search tool to find an AHS public health centre close to you. Select “hospitals and facilities,” then choose the facility type by searching “public health centre.”
• Find a Community Health Centre using the community health centre search tool.
If you are unsure of you or your child’s immunization history, text “vaccine record” to 88111 or call Health Link at 811.
There are steps you and your child can take to make immunization appointments more comfortable before, during and after. Visit Commitment to Comfort | Alberta Health Services for more information.
Visit ahs.ca/immunize for further information on routine childhood and adult immunizations.
Classifieds
Alberta Health Services provides a range of healthcare services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide excellent, patient-focused healthcare that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
COMING EVENTS
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HEALTH
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SERVICES
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Myrna passed away peacefully at the Drumheller Health Centre on January 23, 2025, with her loving daughter Krista by her side. She passed at the age of 82 after a lengthy illness.
Myrna was born in Kentville, NS, on August 16, 1942, to Alfred “Fred” and Olga (Barkhouse)
Weare. Myrna worked for many years with the Royal Bank of Canada and, in later life, obtained a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Re-
gina in Saskatchewan. She had many hobbies, but her passion was gardening and baking goodies for family at Christmas.
She is survived by her daughter Krista (Dolliver) & Robert North; step-grandchildren Griffin & Avery North; brothers Alfred “Ed” (Vearl) Weare of Burlington, ON; John (Carol) Weare of Dartmouth, NS; foster sister Linda Sawler of Aylesford, NS; foster brother Andrew (Hope) Cotters of Kentville, NS and many nieces & nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Arthur ”Joe” & Rita Weare of Southampton, ON. Cremation has taken place, and interment will be held at a later date next to her Mother, infant sister and Grandmother in Oak Grove Cemetery, Kentville, NS.
Alberta RCMP launches province-wide non-emergency line
– Your Alberta RCMP is recognizing the hard work of its Operational Communications Centres (OCC) and their operators during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, running April 13-19. OCC operators are the first point of contact for the public when seeking assistance from the police, in both emergencies and non-emergencies. They work day and night, 365 days a year, and are essential for ensuring public safety.
As a part of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the Alberta RCMP is happy to announce that individuals in Alberta will now be able make non-emergency police reports by calling 310-RCMP, or 310-7267. The new function is designed to streamline the reporting process, optimize early stages of investigations, and reduce unnecessary calls to 911.
“310-RCMP was created to help eliminate confusion about which detachment someone should call if they experience a non-emergency that doesn’t require police attendance,” says Chris Spence, director of the Operational Communications Centre in Alberta. “We encourage people to report non-emergencies as this helps us focus frontline efforts on high-priority calls and deploy resources in areas that need it most.”
RCMP Police Dispatchers determine when a non-emergency call should be dispatched to a detachment directly or to the Alberta RCMP’s Call Back Unit (CBU). The CBU is a unit made up of police officers whose primary duty is to respond to and investigate files that do not require scene attendance by police officers. CBU officers will contact complainants and investigate the occurrence. If, during the investigation, there is need for further investigation they will contact detachments or specialized units.
Long-distance charges do not apply, and no area code prefix required. The number is accessible to all Albertans within the province with a phone line or an active mobile phone with a cellular signal.
Non-emergencies:
• Do not pose an immediate or potential threat to life or public safety.
• Include crimes that have already taken place prior
to being discovered.
• Often do not require police attendance, but do require police response.
Examples include but are not limited to:
• Minor motor vehicle collisions.
• Break and enters that already took place.
• Scams in which money or personal information was not transferred or provided.
• Lost property.
• Property damage under $5,000.
• Theft under $5,000.
While these types of reports are important, they are not an emergency.
Ways to report non-emergencies:
• Call 310-RCMP (7267)
• To report online, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. Alternatively, visit www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ab and select Online Crime Reporting under quick links.
For more information on how to report both emergencies and non-emergencies, please visit the Alberta RCMP website.
Reaching across the Pacific to expand our markets
Premier Smith will visit Japan and South Korea to grow Alberta’s energy, agriculture and other markets in Asia
While in Japan, Premier Smith will meet with government officials, importers and energy and agricultural sector leaders to position Alberta as the partner of choice to meet Japan’s growing demand for energy and food security.
In addition to making new inroads for Alberta in Japan, Premier Smith will head to Gangwon State, South Korea, to further entrench Alberta’s longest-standing sister province relationship. Premier Smith’s stop in Gangwon comes on the heels of last year’s visit to Alberta by Governor Kim Jin Tae of Gangwon State, Republic of Korea, to reaffirm this relationship and celebrate its Golden Jubilee.
“I am excited to head to Japan and South Korea to advance work under Alberta’s memorandum of understanding with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security and celebrate the success of our decades-long twinning relationships with Hokkaido, Japan and Gangwon State, South Korea. I will be taking this opportunity to strengthen the mutually beneficial
ties rooted in these agreements, identify new opportunities for collaboration across our resource, agri-food and technology sectors and underscore Alberta’s position as a global leader in secure, reliable and responsible energy development.”
Danielle Smith, Premier
Japanese investment in Alberta’s energy sector over the years has helped fuel the province’s economy and support jobs for Albertans. As Japan looks for ways to secure and diversify its energy supply, Alberta is in a prime position to help them meet this need by supplying everything from oil, natural gas and hydrogen, while boosting collaboration in developing our energy and natural resources.
With this year marking a landmark 45 years of Alberta’s successful twinning relationship with Hokkaido, meetings with Japanese officials and private sector leaders will also focus on opportunities to strengthen our robust ties in agriculture and agri-food, while building on our long history of cooperation
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807 - 9th St. W. Kindersley, SK
We try our best to keep events up-to-date, but if you see an error or have a cancellation, please let us know!
ALSASK
- Drop in Pickleball every Tuesday 8:00 PM at the Alsask Rec Centre. All ages are welcome.
CEREAL
- Cereal Cottages Coffee on Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:30 AM
- Quilting Club weekly Wednesdays 10:00 AM - 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
- Cereal Playground most Tuesdays 10:00 AM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
EMPRESS
SATURDAY, MAY 10
• Empress & District Fine Arts, Cultural and Leisure Society Plant & Pie Sale 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Empress Community Hall.
• Empress Community Yard Sales 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. More than 10 families! Don’t miss it!
SUNDAY, MAY 18
• Empress & District Historical Society
in sports, culture and educational exchanges.
While in South Korea, Premier Smith will meet with government officials and private sector leaders to build on decades of co-operation and strengthen our links in sustainable energy development, energy and agrifood export growth, technology and innovation, investment attraction and more. Premier Smith will also showcase Alberta’s strengths and offerings in sectors where Alberta and Korea show natural synergy and promise for mutually beneficial growth. Major Korean companies have also made a number of substantial investments in Alberta with several establishing Canadian headquarters in Calgary. This mission will serve as a launch pad for attracting even more investment to our province.
Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.
Quick facts
• Canada and Japan have been members of the Comprehensive and
Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement since 2018.
• Bilateral trade between Alberta and Japan totalled more than $3.0 billion in 2024.
• In 2024, Japan was Alberta’s third-largest export market, with Alberta’s exports to Japan totalling almost $2.7 billion, and energy exports making up almost $1 billion of that total.
• The Republic of Korea, known informally as South Korea, is an important economic partner for Alberta.
• Bilateral trade between Alberta and South Korea totalled about $1.5 billion in 2024.
• Alberta’s total exports to the region in 2024 totalled $1.2 billion, and consisted primarily of energy, nickel, meat and wood pulp.
• Several major South Korean energy companies have Canadian headquarters in Calgary, including KOGAS, Korea National Oil Corp and SK Eco-Engineering.
presenting ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY: Window to the Cosmos at 2:00 PM Empress Train Station. No charge. Smokies $5 each. Everyone welcome.
SATURDAY, MAY 31
• Empress & District Fine Arts, Cultural and Leisure Society Arbor Day Celebration “Plant A Tree With Us!” 12:00 - 2:30 PM. Worm Composting Workshop at 12:30. Tree Planting 2:00. Join us for lunch.
- Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society Craft Monday 1:00 PM at Empress Community Hall Craft Room. Everyone is welcome and coffee is always on!
- Classic Movie Night every Tuesday at the Empress Community Hall at 7:00 PM. Bring your blanket & lawn chair. Popcorn, chips, candy, pop, water and hotdogs available in the canteen! Free Admission. A different classic film each week. Sponsored by Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society. - Empress & District Fine Arts, Cutlure and Leisure Society presents Snarples Thursdays 7:00 PM. No entry fee. Great opportunity to see old friends, make
some new ones and learn a new card game. Empress Community Hall (314 Centre St.)
- Game Night Saturdays at 7:00 PM at the Community Hall. Come join us for a night of fun and excitement. Play games and hang out with friends and family.
OYEN
TUESDAY, APRIL 22
• Crafting and Socializing at the Oyen and District Seniors Rec Center (50 plus). Come and Go or stay for the day. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Bring your own project and a bag lunch. $20 membership for the year or $5 drop in fee. Contact Cheryl Getz 403-664-8688. Other upcoming dates are: May 13th.
FRIDAY, APRIL 25
• Fun Night for members and their guests at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre 7:00 PM until Midnight. Games and Socializing. BYOB and Snacks. Call Lynda 403-664-0908 or Beth 403664-2462 for more information.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 26 & 27
• Wilson School of Dance presents their annual recital, Oyen Legion. 7:00 PM
Saturday evening, 2:00 PM Sunday afternoon. Adults $15; Students $5. MONDAY, APRIL 28
• National Volunteer Week is celebrated April 27 - May 3. Please join the Oyen Family & Community Support Services for a free dinner from 5:00-7:00 PM at the FCSS Community Centre on Main Street to recognize the important contributions that you, as volunteers, make to our communities!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
• Regular Pot Luck and Meeting for the Oyen and District Seniors (50+) at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Pot Luck at 6:00 PM and Meeting at 7:00 PM. Call Lynda 403-664-0908 or Beth 403-664-2462 for further information.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers.
- Community Choir every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Evangelical Missionary Church. The choir will perform at the Ecumanical Good Friday Service on April 18th.
