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.
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
Hoogenberg also mused that the water tower has been drained and refilled which may have also played a role. Councillors discussed the
Curlers honour memory of Keith Mitchell at annual bonspiel
BY BRETT PETERSON
The 4th Annual Keith Mitchell Memorial took place in Oyen January 24-26th. Ten teams entered this year’s event that included curlers from Saskatoon to Calgary, Vegreville to Buffalo and everywhere in between. Two draws took place Friday night, followed by a full day of curling on Saturday, concluding with the finals at 2:00 pm on Sunday. It was great to see the rink full all weekend not only with curlers, but people coming out to watch and support the curling club.
The results of the bonspiel are as follows:
1st A Event – Team Riley Carroll
2nd A Event- Team Merlin Peterson
1st B Event- Team Brett Peterson
2nd B Event- Team Jerry Logan
1st C Event- Team Ashley Herron
2nd C Event- Team Cal Logan
Without the sponsors and some hard work this bonspiel would not have been such a great success. This is always a great weekend of curling and support in our community to remember Keith Mitchell. We look forward to seeing you all again next year!
Reporter’s note: Keith passed away
October 5, 2021, at the age of 62 years, following a brief battle with cancer. Growing up in Francis, Sask., he was active in 4-H and curling. Keith’s passion for agriculture was evident in his 40-plus-year career in farm equipment. He spent the last nineteen years of his career with Rocky Mountain Equipment in Oyen as parts manager. In keeping with his beliefs, he asked that in lieu of “thoughts and prayers,” everyone could honour his memory by spending quality time with family and friends. To honour his request, the Oyen & District Curling Club began hosting a memorial bonspiel in his name in 2022.
Winners of the A event: from left, Skip: Riley Carroll, Third: Jared Carroll, Second: Janelle Carroll, Lead: Brett Bamber.
OYEN LODGE REPORT
Residents participate in “Backwards Day”
BY DIANNE SPATH
Hello, everyone. It’s hard to believe that January has come and gone already. We are now into February, the shortest month of the year. February is Heart Month—a time to raise awareness about the importance of cardiovascular health and an opportunity to focus on what we can do to improve our heart health.
Monday morning started with exercises, followed by dominos. Monday afternoon was bingo.
Tuesday morning was the regular bus run downtown and exercises. There was also a oneon-one scrabble game with a resident. Tuesday afternoon was pub day. Refreshments and snacks were served. Later in the afternoon, Taylor Neilson played the piano.
On Wednesday, Alberta Clothing was at the Lodge from 10:00 to 2:00. There was also a mini bake sale. Alberta Clothing is always very generous in giving
the Activity Coordinator gift certificates to give to the residents. These are usually given out on bingo days if they bingo on a certain number. Residents love getting discounts on their purchases.
Thursday morning, there were shuffleboard games. Thursday afternoon, Maximum Hearing from Hanna was at the Lodge to do a session regarding software for Beltone Hearing Aids.
Thursday evening, there was music by Rob Shields. Friday morning started with exercises, followed by horse races. In the afternoon, there was bingo. Friday evening, there was music by Jorgenson’s. Friday was “National Backwards Day,” and some of the residents dressed backward. It’s wonderful when the residents take part in some of the National Days, making the day more entertaining. Happy Birthday to Maxine Girletz on February 2nd. Have a great week, everyone. Stay warm and stay safe.
OPINION:
Government’s promise is like a 7-day weather forecast
BY JOAN JANZEN
Canadian comedian Rick Mercer created a funny skit years ago about Canada’s 7-day weather forecast promising +1 temperatures. In the skit, a weatherman says, “At Environment Canada, you’ll frequently see a +1 forecast somewhere near the end of our 7-day forecast. We put it there to keep you from going to dark places. We don’t really know if it’s going to reach +1. The 7-day forecast is kind of a sham anyway. Anything past five days is just throwing darts.” The narrator ended the skit by proclaiming: “Environment Canada: Cloudy with a chance of making stuff up.”
As I write this missive, it’s officially 0 degrees, but the 7-day forecast doesn’t look promising. Meanwhile, the forecast for our border security plan also looks uncertain as the government makes promises.
Ryan, host of Northern Perspective, observed, “The Liberals are promising $1.3 billion for a border plan that they can’t pay for.” After Parliament went to recess in December, Trudeau announced the $1.3 billion plan towards the border to prevent unlawful people and drugs from crossing the border.
The need for a plan became apparent on January 21 when Canadian authorities seized 835 kilograms of cocaine ($83 million value) in Toronto, marking the
“Anything past five days is just throwing darts..”
Rick Mercer
largest drug bust in the city’s history. It was linked to the Mexican cartel.
“The bottom line is, when Parliament returns, Trudeau is asking for money which needs a confidence vote. That would mean, as soon as Parliament goes back, the House would fall, and they would go to an election,” Ryan said. And that’s not the only problem with the proposed border plan.
David Krayden, host of the Stand on Guard podcast shared his discovery. “The promise for border security is $1.3 billion after six years!” David exclaimed. “In fact, it isn’t until well into the fourth and fifth year they really start spending the money.”
As an interesting side note, David compared the funds allocated to border security in 2025, which amounted to $81 million, while funds allocated for the gun grab amounted to $51 million. And in 2026, $144 million is allotted for border security, while $541 million is designated for the gun grab.
Meanwhile, Michelle Rempel re-
TO THE EDITOR:
called memories of her years as immigration critic. “Back in 2016, Trudeau said if you’re fleeing persecution in America (which they were not), come to Canada. Hundreds of thousands crossed that illegal border crossing from the U.S. into Canada and claimed asylum. The Liberals facilitated it, setting up formal structures at Roxam Road. RCMP were helping people with their luggage, and taxpayer dollars were used to put people up in motels,” she recalled.
During that time, she said immigration ministers referred to these people as “irregular” crossers and broke the immigration system by normalizing this behaviour. “If you come to Canada this way you can stay for years and years, was normalized,” she said. “Not only did they do it, but they vilified anybody who dared to call these people illegal crossers.”
Riley Donovan wrote an article suggesting Canada’s international student program is also problematic in that it is seen by many applicants as a back door to work and obtain permanent residency.
Nicholas Keung wrote in a recent article: “In 2023, Canada welcomed more than one million study permit holders, compared to 352,305 in 2015.” The article said the fast-growing international student program has been in the spot-
light amid aggressive recruiting by the post-secondary education sector, and by unregulated foreign agents.
Riley Donovan suggested the simplest way to reform the international student program would be to remove the right to work off campus and after graduation, and stop counting time spent as a foreign student for our citizenship’s physical residency requirement.
In an article by Quinn Patrick, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said, “The current federal government has messed up the immigration system. What we see right now with respect to housing and health care is brought on by so many people being allowed in at one time that the system could not absorb it.” The City of Windsor was responding to the federal government expecting municipalities and provinces to support asylum claimants.
Stats Canada’s published statement from last November supports Mayor Dilkens’ claim. It reports the number of asylum claims has increased from 10,000 to over 200,000 during the past decade.
Overall, the government’s promise of a $1.3 billion border plan is beginning to sound like Environment Canada’s seven-day forecast of +1 temperatures in February.
Gee, Mr. Trump, Canada did not know that America was so short of cash. You should have let us know and we could have probably floated you a loan to keep your lights on in the White House until American gets great again, that’s what good neighbours are for. Just wanted to let you know your great neighbour to the north is always ready to help.
Letter to the Editor Policy
Robert Blagen Youngstown, AB
We welcome the opinions of our readers in the form of letters to the editor, as long as submissions do not include: • Profanity, vulgarity and/or obscenities • Slurs and/or personal attacks • Misinformation We reserve sole discretion to decide whether or not a reader submission will be published. We will not publish anonymous submissions or letters containing personal attacks. We reserve the right to edit or refuse all letters.
All questions regarding letters to the editor should be directed to: Your Southwest Media Group Attn: Kate Winquist Box 727, Kindersley, Sask. S0L 1S0 e-mail: kate@yourwestcentral.com
Pop89: At least you’re not seeing dragons
BY MADONNA HAMEL
My brother Doug is doing his morning word search exercises. He also moves his eyes along a wall chart image of a clock, then zigzags a pencil across a page, connecting letters to numbers. These exercises are supposed to help bring his some sort of stability back to his vision. They are recommended by optometrists who work with people who’ve had brain injuries though they’ve luckily never had one themselves. He looks up and says to me, gripping his pencil: If I could see, there’d be no stopping me.
Ironically, Doug has 20/20 vision, and the clearest blue eyes of anyone I know. It’s just that his brain doesn’t know that. So he has to develop new neural pathways. But please, if you run into him on the road, do not offer advice or explain to him the miracle of neuroplasticity, especially if you are “super” healthy, chirpy young person. “Just trying to help” is a common and understandable side effect of many illnesses and accidents - people feel compelled to relate to the unfortunate sufferer, for the hundredth time, their latest readings or over-hearings or hearsay from a friend of a friend.
We all want to make others feel better, I get that, but I’ve come to see that instinct as part of a deeper need to make US feel better. It’s a garbled and almost cowardly response to our own fear, pain and grief. We want the suffering person to feel better so we can feel better. Or at least, not awkward. It’s kind of like saying: please don’t remind me of my mortality. But we need to be strong enough to listen to THEIR fear and grief and sadness and grief.
My brother’s latest MRI is over a year old. The
DRUMHELLER RCMP
language describing the results is incomprehensible because, for one thing, it’s on faded fax paper, and another, it’s in Latin. So I did some research. “Encephalomalacia” is a softening of brain tissue. And Cortical necrosis in death of brain cells in the cerebral cortex. All a result of his stroke. Yes, but, what does that MEAN I yell at the piece of blurry paper. And, more important, for someone like my brother - who, before his stroke, was a self-employed carpenter and journeyman and foreman on construction sites - WHAT can I do about it?
Apparently, answering “What can I do?” is not the neurosurgeon’s skillset. Though a nice enough fellow, the man did not seem to feel the need to be reassuring or helpful after his brilliantly executed explanation of what was going on in my brother’s brain according to the latest Catscan. He shrugged and suggested “strategies”. Strategies? I thought, you mean like, compensation for loss? With all the hyped-up aforementioned vaunting of the powers of the brain’s neurons go-forit-spirit ability to forge new pathways he defaults to strategies? Wow. But, I kept my agitation to myself. Yes, I am a big sister, so I can be forgiven for overextending my vigilante tendencies. But I also know that people recovering from trauma need to feel a sense of personal agency. Still, it wasn’t easy watching my brother’s face go from confusion to bewilderment to blank stare.
The neurosurgeon who handled my brother’s case explained in intricate detail what happened to him and what he was probably seeing and not seeing. My brother could not see me sitting across from him because I was outside of his peripheral vision. And, he told the doc, he has subsequently viewed the world as if through, alternatively, a swirling kaleidoscopic, a snorkelling mask, a movie projector screening events on a bedsheet waving in the wind. The doc’s response? “Hey, at least you’re not seeing dragons! I have a patient who swears he’s being stalked by a dragon!”
Doug and I looked at each other and for a split second we were, to our credit, intrigued by the phenomenon and the idea of being followed by a dragon. But after we left the office we stared at each other and mouthed WTF? And then, now what?
Those were the early days of his diagnosis, so he still hadn’t gotten his head around - pun intendedthe whole event. And the neurosurgeon, in my estimation, though a crackerjack diagnostician, was sadly lacking in the kind of tenderness one needs when facing the shock of it all. If there was absolutely nothing to be done, I get it. But, almost two years later, amid the swirls and blur and tv static called vision, Doug has begun to make some sense of things. He can draw a clock on a page without writing all over my table. He doesn’t miss the stove when he sets the coffee pot back down. He’s taking a Jungian counselling course where he’s using all kinds of knowledge and insights gathered over his 62 years. His metaphors are getting richer, more detailed and creative. He reaches into parts of his memory that haven’t been touched by temporal lobe damage and finds associations and connections from a childhood full of fairy tales, from his twenties watching The Hero’s Journey, and reading and writing poetry. The change has been incremental - but it’s real. Even the remote possibility of such change should have been stated and encouraged.
I’ve been looking for stories by other sufferers of strokes and encephalomalacia. Stories of survivors rejoining the land of the living. It is essential to one’s healing to hear stories of people who chose NOT kill themselves because of the extreme existential isolation caused by vision chaos. Instead of “at least you’re not seeing dragons” docs could talk about facing the dragon of despair. Maybe mention the guy who went on to travel the world, fall in love, and buy a house on the beach after being shot in the head. Or the journeyman back at work, even though he had to remortgage his home to pay for various treatments. He never gave up.
Year-long drug trafficking investigation concluded
DRUMHELLER - In November of 2023, staff from the Correctional Service of Canada at the Drumheller institution reported to Drumheller RCMP that they located a package containing methamphetamine, cell phones, nicotine patches, and fentanyl. Drumheller RCMP General Investigations Section (GIS) officers initiated a drug trafficking investigation and located a drone near the Drumheller Institution believed to be used to smuggle the contraband into the institution.
As the investigation progressed, Drumheller GIS obtained assistance from Several RCMP units including the Federal Policing Northwest Region’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime, Cold Lake GIS, Cold Lake General Duty, Digital Forensic Services, Forensic Identification Section, Firearm Support Services, the National Firearms Tracing Centre, and also from the Edmonton Police Service Robbery Unit.
On April 17, 2024, RCMP officers from the Drumheller GIS, Cold Lake GIS, and Cold Lake Detachment executed a search warrant on a residence on 8 Street in Cold Lake, Alberta. As a result of the search warrant, police located supporting evidence of drug trafficking into an institution; including drones and drone parts. Also located was a loaded handgun. On the same date, Drumheller GIS executed a search warrant on a vehicle, believed related, that was seized by the Edmonton Police Robbery Unit. Additional evidence supporting drug trafficking into an institution was
located; including cell phones and evidence of drone use.
As a result of this investigation, 39-year-old Chance Dunne, a resident of Cold Lake and 34-year-old Daniel Mcdonald, a resident of Edmonton, were jointly charged with:
• Conspiracy to Commit the indictable offence of Trafficking a Controlled Drug; and
• Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine.
In addition, Dunne and 26-year-old Charessa Slade, a resident of Bonnyville, were jointly charged with:
• Possession of a Prohibited Firearm;
• Possession of a firearm without holding a license; and
• Possession of a firearm knowing that the serial number on it had been altered, defaced or removed.
Additionally, Dunne is charged with:
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine; and
• Possession of a Firearm while being prohibited from doing so.
Slade was arrested by Cold Lake GIS on Jan. 21, 2025, and released on an undertaking. She is to appear in the Drumheller Alberta Court of Justice on Mar. 21, 2025.
Dunne is currently in custody on unrelated matters and is to appear in Drumheller Alberta Court of Justice on Mar. 28, 2025.
If you have any information regarding these matters, please contact Drumheller RCMP at 403.823.7590 or contact your local Police Service. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
An arrest warrant was issued for Daniel McDonald whom was arrested by Wetaskiwin RCMP on Jan.30, 2025, and awaits a bail hearing.
Chiefs aim for record third straight Super Bowl title
BY BRUCE PENTON
After a couple of surprising upsets in the preliminary rounds, including the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions falling in the first round, the Super Bowl matchup for this Sunday in New Orleans is a sports fan’s dream.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
Kansas City Chiefs will be going for a record third consecutive Super Bowl title against NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, who have won 15 of their last 17 games, including their impressive 55-23 thrashing of the upstart Washington Commanders and their phenomenal rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
KC and their much-ballyhooed quarterback Patrick Mahomes are slight favourites, but it would surprise no one outside of Missouri if Philadelphia prevailed. KC had a 15-2 regular-season record, which probably would have been 16-1 had they not rested many of their top players in the season’s final game, but their victories were underwhelming, to say the least. Coach Andy Reid’s team was 11-0 in one-score games, and they squeaked out another one in the AFC championship game against Buffalo Bills, 32-29. It was Kansas City’s fourth consecutive playoff victory over the Bills, who haven’t been to a Super Bowl since losing their fourth straight in 1994.
Mahomes is a master scrambler and leans on the running skills of Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt and a talented group of receivers, including tight end Travis Kelce, who is the most famous Chief of all due to his relationship with megastar entertainer Taylor Swift.
But the real reason the Chiefs win so many close games is because they have one of the best defences in the league. Defensive tackle Chris Jones, a three-time first-team all-pro, terrorizes opposing quarterbacks and defensive co-ordinator Steve Spagnuolo seems to know exactly when to blitz and when to fall back. Philadelphia, meanwhile, is probably the most balanced team in the NFL, with a potent offence led by running back Saquon Barkley and receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Barkley ran roughshod against the Commanders with 118 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Jalen Hurts, reportedly suffering from a banged-up knee, scored three
touchdowns himself. On defence, the Eagles have been especially strong, giving up the fewest points of any NFC team during the regular season..
The Eagles were hanging on for dear life against Los Angeles Rams in the divisional playoff game, up six points with a minute to go and facing a Rams’ team that had a third-and-two on Philly’s 13-yard line. One more Matt Stafford to Cooper Kupp TD pass would have killed the Eagles’ hopes. But Jalen Carter of the Eagles put a swim move on Rams’ centre Beaux Limmer and sacked Stafford at the 22-yard line. On fourth down, Carter’s pressure on Stafford led to an incompletion and a Philly win.
The win over Washington gives Philadelphia its third Super Bowl appearance in the past eight years. They defeated New England 41-33 in 2018 and lost to the Chiefs 38-35 in 2023. It’s safe to say that 2023 loss gives the Eagles more than just a little incentive to bring their A game to New Orleans on Sunday.
• Cheap shot from RJ Currie: “Shortly before retiring from the NHL, the Sedins visited kids at B.C. Children’s Hospital and played air hockey. And they kept playing — right until the puck flew into a corner.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Unlike a good neighbour, State Farm won’t be there. The insurance company decides that maybe, just maybe, spending millions on a Super Bowl ad wasn’t a good look for them after cancelling all those homeowners’ policies in California.”
• A. Worthtappen, on Bluesky: “Should’ve known the Detroit Lions were in trouble when people started calling them ‘America’s team.” Have you seen America?”
• Kyle Porter of Normal Sport: “Things that have stopped Scottie Scheffler over the last 12 months: Blade putter, Officer Gillis, homemade ravioli. (Scheffler needed surgery after cutting his hand making ravioli over Christmas.)”
• Baseball writer Mark Bowman of Atlanta: “Should the Falcons call the Dodgers to see if they are interested in Kirk Cousins?”
• Comedy guy Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver: “I love watching Wild games on TV. They do the announcements in both English and Minnesotan.”
• Rolfsen again: “Mark Davis of the Las Vegas Raiders fired his general manager. I thought if he was going to fire anyone, it would be his hairstylist.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Controversy has hit curling with several top-tier teams uniting against certain foam heads being allowed for use by World Curling. It’s not a doom and broom scenario, but
Congratulations the the South Central High School Scorpions on winning their home tournament over Kindersley last month. Back Row (L-R): CoachZack Zinck, Nolan Hill, Caleb Oickle, Bryce Fitzgerald, Rylan Capplet, Brandt Spencer, Austin Kitching and Coach Zach Hay. Front Row (L-R): Aidan Dean, Jonah Gajudo, Carsen Pearl, Luke Caskey
SUBMITTED
certainly calls for sweeping changes.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca
L.R. Webb
Chartered Professional Accountant will be in Oyen at the Oyen Liquor Mart February 19, March 5 & 19, April 2, 16, 30 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Please call
403-854-4045 to book your appointment.
Embrace the outdoors this Winter Walk Day!
Grab your toque, put on your boots and get active this Wednesday, Feb. 5 for Winter Walk Day.
Winter Walk Day is a province-wide initiative promoting outdoor activity during the winter months. Since 2006, on the first Wednesday of February, Albertans bundle up and head outside for a 15-minute walk, individually or as part of a team with their friends, family, classmates and co-workers.
“Winter Walk Day is the perfect opportunity to get outside, get active and enjoy the beauty of our Albertan winters. I encourage you to join me in lacing up our boots, stepping outside and embracing the fresh air this Winter Walk Day.”
Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport
In 2024, more than 146,000 Albertans participated in Winter Walk Day. This year, the event aims to engage even more participants, highlighting the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle throughout the year. Albertans are encouraged to get involved by registering their office, school, family or themselves and sharing a photo of their winter walk on social media using #WinterWalkDay.
Alberta’s government proudly supports Winter Walk Day in partnership with Safe Healthy Active People Everywhere (SHAPE), the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) School Patrol, Ever Active Schools, Alberta Blue Cross, Fitness Alberta and the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association.
Brooks RCMP execute search warrants after drug trafficking investigation
BROOKS - On Jan. 30, 2025, Brooks RCMP along with the Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit conducted a vehicle stop and executed two search warrants as a result of a drug investigation. Officers conducted the vehicle stop in the area of Sunny Lea while two residences were searched on Maple Drive and Greenbrook Road. A significant quantity of illicit drugs were located in all three locations.
As a result of the searches Brooks RCMP seized approximately:
• 183 grams of cocaine – est. Street Value $18,350
• 55 grams of methamphetamine – est. Street Value
$3,300
• 700 tablets of dilaudid – est. Street Value $14,000
Brooks RCMP have charged a 58-year-old female and a 37-year-old female with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
The undemocratic Liberal leadership race
BY DAMIEN KUREK Battle River - Crowfoot MP
I, alongside many Canadians, watched on January 6th as the Prime Minister announced his resignation. While I am glad he is leaving, he did so, in line with his legacy, in the most politically self-preserving and undemocratic way imaginable.
It was the start of a new year like none other. What should have been a relief to Canadians, with widespread agreement, an election was needed, and the hope we could see a change to a commonsense governance return to Canada. To begin fixing the challenges we face, but instead became yet another one of Trudeau’s violations of Canada’s democracy and his desperate cling to power.
Justin Trudeau announced his planned resignation as the Liberal Party leader and said that he will stay on as interim leader until the next leader is chosen. But here is the catch: until a leader is chosen—which is supposed to happen by the end of March—he has prorogued parliament.
The Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister, prorogued parliament (temporarily pausing and resetting the agenda of the current parliamentary session). Members of Parliament are locked out of the House of Commons for debates, which makes us unable to do our jobs until the next session begins. While this tool has been used in the past to help bring stability to our
nation, Prime Minister Trudeau, supported by the NDP, did this at a time when our economy faces an existential threat of tariffs from the United States. This is akin to economic vandalism. Every Liberal MP in power today, and every potential Liberal leadership contender fighting to become an unelected Prime Minister, helped Justin Trudeau break the country over the last 9 years and actively worked to pass into law the job-killing, inflationary carbon tax (a tax that front-runner Mark Carney has championed his entire career and even endorsed in his book). All the candidates supported a law quadrupling the tax over the next 5 years, supported Trudeau’s out-ofcontrol spending, debt and immigration, and policies that have doubled the cost of homes, censored your speech, taken away your freedoms, are taking firearms from law-abiding firearms owners while at the same time passed soft on crime policies causing chaos on our streets.
Today, because of the damage done by the NDP/ Liberals, Canada feels broken. And the proof is that 41% of Canadians are worried someone in their household could lose their job, 50% are worried about their ability to repay their debts, and 50% are now $200 or less away from not being able to pay their bills—an 8% increase from last year.
Canadians deserve a Carbon Tax election now. The prorogation has done nothing but paralyze Canada, making MPs unable to fight and stand up for their constituents. An election would allow citizens to stand up and fight for their rights to a democratic and fairly elected government. This is why Pierre Poilievre, my Conservative colleagues, and I are not giving up. As your representative, I will remain committed to holding the NDP/Liberal Government to account, forcing an election at the first opportunity, and will run again with a plan and team to bring home a government that will not only make life affordable for Canadians but will help bring back the values of democracy, freedom, and prosperity that our great country is founded on.
Damien Kurek
Town of Oyen Library: Booknotes
BY DAYNA WILSON, MANAGER
FICTION:
Alaskan Blackout & The Wrong Rancher / by: Joanne Rock
Consider Me / by: Becka Mack
The Corsican Shadow / by: Dirk Cussler
Countdown / by: James Patterson
Just Once : A Novel / by: Karen Kingsbury
Let’s Call her Barbie / by: Renele Rosen
Loose Lips / by: Kemper Donovan
Shoestring Theory : A Novel / by: Mari Costa
The Mirror / by: Nora Roberts
Murder in my Back Yard / by: Ann Cleeves
Play with me / by: Becka Mack
Private Scandals / by: Nora Roberts
Random in Death / by: J.D. Robb
The Sacrifice / by: Shantel Tessier
Tale of the Heart Queen / by: Nisha Tuli
The Truth about the Devlins / by: Lisa Scottline
The Undead Complex / by: Courtney Smyth
Unravel Me / by: Becka Mack
We are a Haunting / by: Tyriek White
Where the Creek Bends / by: Linda Lae Miller
Wrecked / by: Lauren Asher
JUVENILE FICTION:
Transformers Earthspark / by: Ryder Windham
The Black Death 1348 / by: Laren Tarshis
Carrefour Curse / by: Dianne Salerni
GRAPHIC NOVELS:
DogMan : Big Jim Begins
An Elephant on my Chest / by: Lucia Zamolo
Kaiju no.8 vol. 10 / by: Nao Matsumoto
Kaiju no.8 vol. 11 / by: Nao Matsumoto
Jujutsu Kaisen 21 / by: Gege Akutami
Jujutsu Kaisen 20 / by: Gege Akutami
Indiginerds : tales from modern Indigenous life / by: multiple Authors
Robert Jordan’s The Whell of Time. The Great Hunt Vol. 1 / by: Robert Jordan
NON-FICTION BOOKS:
Baseball Superstars / by: Percy Leed
The Christmas Baking cookbook / by: various authors Dinner for Vampires : Life on a cult tv show / by: Joie Lenz
He/She/They : How we talk about Gender and why it matters / by: Schuyler Bailar
Hunting Tales : A Timeless collection of Hunting Stories / Multiple Authors
The Pasta Bible : Guide to choosing/making/cooking Italian Pasta / by: Jeni Wright
Restoring Prairie, Woods and Ponds / by: Laurie Lawlor
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles : The Last Ronin Lost Years
Through Hell to Dunkirk / by: Henry LaFalaise
The Walk : The 5 essential practises of Christian Life : A Youth Study book / by: Josh Tinley
PERIODICALS: People Magazine
SERVICE OPTIONS:
The library is currently open as usual, but we have added a curbside service option as well. If you prefer to pick up materials this way, please call ahead or email to let us know which day to put them out. If you are unable to come out to the library due to physical conditions we can do deliveries within the town limits. Please just give us a call at the number listed below.
We have new books! Enjoy Now or Never: Thirty-One on the Run by Janet Evanovich in adult fiction and Thriving Beyond Fifty: 111 Natural Strategies to Restore Your Mobility, Avoid Surgery, and Stay Off Pain Pills for Good by Will Harlow in non-fiction. February is Love Your Library Month. Come in and jot down why you love your library and we’ll enter your name into a draw for a chance to win a sweet treat!
Another Story Walk has arrived and will be posted at the arena. Families can walk and read Winter Break Wipeout by Gilles Tibo for the next 3 weeks. Join us for a bookmark craft! All ages are welcome to drop in during open hours February 11-13 to decorate a Valentine-themed bookmark.
An after-school movie is planned for Tuesday February 25 at 3:30; title to be determined. As always, free juice and popcorn will be provided.
We hope everyone has been enjoying the perpetual puzzle. It’s almost finished and once it’s completed we’ll put out a new one.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Read for 15 Challenge. We didn’t place this year but there’s always next time! Cremona Municipal Library took home the trophy and title of Alberta’s Most Readerly Community with 67% of their population reading for 15 minutes on January 27. In total, 25 communities participated, representing 263,981 Albertans!
“The library is an arena of possibility, opening both a window into the soul and a door onto the world.”
- Rita Dove
Alberta RCMP completes another year of Operation Cold Start
EDMONTON - From Jan. 20 -24, 2025, your Alberta RCMP, along with law enforcement agencies across the province, participated in Operation Cold Start. Operation Cold Start is designed to work with the public to reduce theft of idling vehicles during colder conditions.
Law enforcement agencies checked unattended, idling vehicles to see if keys were in them, and whether or not they were properly secured. This gave the opportunity to educate vehicle owners on how to keep their vehicles safe during winter months.
“This campaign was a great chance to meet with community members and remind them that as temperatures dip, leaving a vehicle unattended can lead
to it being stolen by opportunistic thieves who can then travel to commit additional crimes,” says Cpl. Mike Black of the Alberta RCMP’s Auto Theft Unit. “By following simple tips, such as using a remote starter, remaining in the vehicle as it warms up, and remembering that vehicles with push starts can be driven without a key present, theft of vehicles can be reduced.”
During the campaign, the Alberta RCMP noted there were 504 unlocked vehicles left idling with keys in the ignition and 1,277 locked vehicles left idling with keys in the ignition. Officers interacted with 625 vehicle owners and provided 1,128 information pamphlets.
4 strategies for retaining your employees
Acres: 798
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
strategies
FURTHER DETAILS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING REID A. WILKIE AT 403. 664.2812 OR REID@SMITHHERSEY.COM
1. Focus on communication. Communicate openly with your employees. Listen to their concerns and be open to new ideas. Let them know they’re heard and that you take them seriously.
1. The land is located approximately ½ mile E of highway 899 and 5 miles north of Sibbald
3. Offer benefits. Ask your employees what your company could improve and add these to their benefits and perks. For example, you could include group insurance,paid holidays, yoga classes, flexible working hours and telemedicine.
As the job market becomes petitive, it can be challenging employees. Here are four keep your talent.
2. The land is comprised of approximately 798 acres of Special Areas grazing lease fenced as one unit. It maintains two dugouts, one well, multiple springs, one dam and has been minimally graz ed in the past several years. The existing set of cor rals located on the property are included.
2. Think about development. Employees often quit because of a lack of advancement opportunities.Therefore, provide training so your employees can develop their potential,avoid boredom and take on new challenges.
4. Get out of the office. Create opportunities for your employees to socialize and have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve around work. Use the opportunity to celebrate their successes.
1. Focus on communication. openly with your employees. their concerns and be Let them know they’re take them seriously.
3. Bids must be submitted to Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law by 4:00pm no later than February 20th, 2025
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment.Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
4. Bids must be accompanied by a certified cheque , bank draft, or electronic transfer to Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law equal to five (5%) percent of the bid price as a deposit. All unsuccessful bidders shall have their certified cheque, bank draft, or funds returned to them.
2. Think about development. ten quit because of a lack opportunities.Therefore, so your employees can tential,avoid boredom challenges.
5. If a bid is accepted and the bidder does not proceed with the sale, the deposit of the bidder will be forfeited to the owner of the Parcels.
6. All bids must be unconditional. All bids received shall constitute an unconditional offer to purchase the land.
Whether you already work in information technology (IT) or are just starting studies,here are three qualities essential your success.
7. The balance of the bid price will be payable and the purchase and sale transaction will be completed on or before March 14, 2025, subject to registration of the assignment with Special Areas. The Buyer and Seller shall equally divide the Special Area’s assignment fee.
8. Property taxes and surface lease revenue will be adjusted as of the closing date. Each party will be responsible for their own legal fees.
1. ANALYTICAL SKILLS As an IT employee, you’re often solve problems. Consequently, you joy challenging yourself and looking novative solutions.You must also rently curious to stay updated with technologies in a constantly evolving
9. The Parcels are sold on an “as is, where is” basis with no representations and warranties being provided by the owner. Bidders must rely on their own research and inspection of the Parcels to confirm acreage, condition, taxes, and other particulars.
10. The owner will not be obligated to accept the highest or any bid submitted for consideration.
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS IT specialists must be able to communicate with their colleagues and clients.This
Please forward all tenders and inquiries to : Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law In Person Deliveries to Smith & Hersey Agribusiness Law LLP – Thursday Each Week in Oyen 2771 Box Springs Blvd, NW, Medicine Hat, AB
It’s rare to get your dream job on try.Therefore, if you’re offered an vel position, it’s necessary to ask it’s a good idea to accept it. Here tips to help you decide.
WHEN TO ACCEPT
NOTICE - FOR SALE BY TENDER
4 strategies for retaining your employees
The Owner, Vernon Brockmann and Debora Brockmann will accept offers (by tender only) to purchase the following lands located in Special Areas 3 in the Province of Alberta:
DEEDED CULTIVATION:
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it can be challenging to retain your employees. Here are four strategies to help keep your talent.
SE-18-30-2-W4 (157.05 acres) – 100 acres in cropland
NE-30-30-1-W4 (159 acres more or less) in hay
SW-8-32-1-W4 (159.50 acres more or less) in hay
1. Focus on communication. Communicate openly with your employees. Listen to their concerns and be open to new ideas. Let them know they’re heard and that you take them seriously.
NW-34-31-1-W4 (155.05 acres more or less) in hay Surface Lease registered against these lands is being discharged.
DEEDED PASTURE:
2. Think about development. Employees often quit because of a lack of advancement opportunities. Therefore, provide training so your employees can develop their potential, avoid boredom and take on new challenges.
3. Offer benefits. Ask your employees what your company could improve and add these to their benefits and perks. For example, you could include group insurance, paid holidays, yoga classes, flexible working hours and telemedicine.
Descriptive Plan 1612461 Block 1 Lot 1 (being a Portion of NE-21-31-2-W4) containing 122.98 acres more or less with one spring fed dugout. These lands are subject to a Restrictive Covenant in favor her Majesty the Queen in right of Alberta restricting the use of the land by no breaking or cultivation of the entire quarter.
4. Get out of the office. Create opportunities for your employees to socialize and have fun in a context that doesn’t revolve around work. Use the opportunity to celebrate their successes.
What does it take to be happy
Do you know people who always seem to be in a good mood at work, even on Mondays? If so, you might be wondering what their secret is to happiness. The recipe for feeling fulfilled at work varies, but certain key ingredients include:
at work?
GRAZING LEASE #83674 contains the following portions of land in 3 quarters due to railroad: Portion NE-21-31-2-W4 containing approximately 2.25 acres more or less of grass in good condition
Portion SE-21-31-2-W4 containing 40.46 acres more or less with grass in good condition.
Employee retention also depends on effective recruitment. Therefore, use a specialized agency to start your talent search today.
NE 21 and SE 21 portion of lease are fenced with deeded pasture described in Descriptive Plan 1612461 Block 1 Lot 1
Portion NW-21-31-2-W4 containing 42.02 acres more or less is currently in hay.
CULTIVATION LEASE #5223 contains the following lands:
NW 13-31-2-W4 containing 153.59 acres more or less. Approximately 80 acres in cropland and remainder is pasture.
SW 24-31-2-W4 containing 4.23 acre more or less) is pasture.
Pasture portion in NW 13 and SW 24 fenced together for total of approximately 77.82 acres.
Tenders submitted must be on the Terms of Tender form which shall form the contract between the successful bidder and the Owner. Any bids which are not on the Terms of Tender form will not be considered.
The Terms of Tender form can be obtained from:
Vernon & Debora Brockmann (403) 676-2777 or cell (403) 664-0831
Email: vdbrock5@netago.ca OR Pritchard & Co. Law Firm, LLP
• Feeling confident in your role. Having the necessary skills and tools to perform your job improves your sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
trusting relationships, which are essential for feeling happy at work.
Whether you already work in information technology (IT) or are just starting your studies, here are three qualities essential to your success.
1. ANALYTICAL SKILLS
• Building good relationships with colleagues. Being part of a caring and supportive team fosters
As an IT employee, you’re often required to solve problems. Consequently, you must enjoy challenging yourself and looking for innovative solutions. You must also be inherently curious to stay updated with the latest technologies in a constantly evolving field.
Grazing Lease For Sale in
Special Areas #4
NE-23-35-01-W4
SW-25-35-01-W4
• Avoiding stress. Working in a safe environment that minimizes unnecessary stress significantly improves your overall well-being.
sional responsibilities and personal activities like childcare and hobbies promotes overall well-being.
you must be good at conveying your ideas, making yourself understood and finding the best moments to do so.
3. ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
If you want to thrive in IT, you must have exceptional organizational skills. Depending on your job, your colleagues may regularly interrupt you and require you to switch gears constantly. Therefore, you must be well organized and able to multitask to keep up with your workload.
How to welcome a teleworking employee
Tenders shall be marked “Brockmann Land Tender” and sent to or delivered prior to 12:00 noon MST on February 28, 2025 to:
Pritchard & Co. Law Firm, LLP
201,430 – 6th Avenue S.E. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 2S8
2. COMMUNICATION SKILLS
SE-25-35-01-W4
NE-25-35-01-W4
IT specialists must be able to communicate with their colleagues and clients. This means
NW-24-35-01-W4
• Being recognized for your achievements. Feeling valued for your successes boosts your self-esteem and motivates you to excel in your work.
• Having opportunities for advancement. The ability to move up the career ladder or take on new and stimulating responsibilities enhances your commitment to the company and fosters a sense of belonging.
Do you have these qualities? If so, you have everything you need for a long career in this promising field.
• Receiving a fair salary and benefits. A job that meets your financial needs and allows you to save for projects or treat yourself is a must.
It’s rare to get your dream job on the first try. Therefore, if you’re offered an entrylevel position, it’s necessary to ask yourself if it’s a good idea to accept it. Here are some tips to help you decide.
NE-24-35-01-W4 28 acres each pt NE-25-35-29-W3 & pt SE-25-35-29-W4 Leo Kolman Box 613 Macklin, SK S0L 2C0 1-306-753-2667 or cell 1-306-753-7244
WHEN TO ACCEPT
• Receiving relevant training opportunities. Access to ongoing training helps you break up the daily monotony and develop your skills.
WHEN TO REFUSE
• Maintaining a good work-life balance. Striking the right balance between profes-
If the job is related to your area of expertise and allows you to use and develop your skills, it may be worthwhile. The job may let you
Do any of these elements make you feel that your company or job leaves something to be desired? Talk to a career expert.
If you sincerely doubt that you’ll enjoy your everyday tasks, the job probably isn’t for you. The same applies if most of your skills and educational achievements don’t apply to the job and won’t contribute to your professional development. Finally, it may be best to refuse the position if the salary is significantly lower than your expectations or if the company has a high turnover rate.
Where are you from? Bindloss, Alberta Billets: Dale & Tricia Rolheiser What do you love most about the Badlands Baseball Academy? Being
favourite MLB team? Toronto Blue Jays
Ag Hall of Fame inducts visionaries, opens new exhibit
Alberta honours three visionary leaders, inducting them into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame
The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame was created in 1951 to recognize outstanding contributions in shaping the progress and prosperity of Alberta agriculture. Since 1951, 144 men and women have been named to the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame for their innovation and unwavering dedication to the ag industry.
On Jan. 29, the 41st induction ceremony took place at the Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin, honouring three outstanding Albertans. In addition to the induction, a permanent exhibit at the Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin has been opened, which will showcase both new and former inductees, as well as the rich history of agriculture in Alberta.
“I am honoured to welcome three new inductees to the Agriculture Hall of Fame. They have helped to raise awareness of the vital role of agriculture and were essential to the early development of our province. This year, I am thrilled to open the Ag Hall of Fame exhibit, a permanent space to celebrate the legacy and innovations that shape Alberta’s agricultural industry.”
RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame inducts up to three Albertans every two years. The 2024 inductees are being honoured for their advocacy, leadership and pioneering spirit in advancing the province’s agriculture and food industry. The inductees are:
• Dr. Kee Jim, from Okotoks, for his innovative, da-
ta-driven approach to feedlot cattle health, effective disease protocols and strengthening Alberta’s cattle industry.
• Blair Roth, from Lethbridge, for his visionary role in developing pulse crops as a dryland farming option, shaping early agronomics, variety selection and marketing strategies.
• Manfred Kanehl (posthumous induction), from Parkland County, for his outstanding contributions and advancements to animal welfare and food safety within the Canadian egg industry and for pioneering the Start Clean – Stay Clean onfarm food safety program launched nationally and still in use today.
Classifieds
Permanent exhibit: Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame and Century Farm and Ranch Award
Alberta’s government has proudly opened an exhibit to showcase the province’s proud ag history and honour the men and women who made agriculture innovation and growth possible. The permanent feature includes the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame and Century Farm and Ranch Award exhibit.
The exhibit will be permanently housed in the grain elevator at the Reynolds Museum and will preserve and celebrate the stories, milestones and legacy of Alberta’s agricultural history. The exhibit includes:
• Two interactive displays that provide access to biographies, photos and videos of Hall of Fame inductees.
• A large-scale display that includes banners and wall mounts combining text, imagery and design elements that showcase the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame and Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award programs.
“I’m excited that the Reynolds Museum is celebrating Alberta’s agricultural history by showcasing the Albertans who shaped it and spurred the sector’s innovation and growth. I hope all Albertans have the chance to visit this exhibit and learn the inspiring stories of these outstanding individuals.”
Tanya
Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women
CLASSIFIED AD RATES (20 words or less). $10.00 plus GST. Additional words are 20¢ each. Deadline is Friday noon. 306-463-2211
COMING EVENTS
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction. com or Visit Us @ www. switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details.
GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 500,000 Alberta readers weekly. Three options starting at $269, $299 or $599 to get your message out! KEEP people in the loop with over 75 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780-434-8746 www.awna. com.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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SOUTHERN ALBERTA NEWSPAPER GROUP is looking for Mailroom evening staff. Lots of room for advancement within the company. Email rturner@ abnewsgroup.com for more information.
www.awna.com; email classifieds@awna.com.
SERVICES
START 2025 WITH AN ADVENTURE. In DESPARATE need of two Veterinarians in Yellowknife, NWT. Population 20,000 - approximately same number of small animals. Please call Pat at 867-4447479.
NEWTEC IRRIGATION. Looking to Hire: Travelling Salesperson. Agricultural Experience Preferred. TOP WAGES. Please call for more information: 306-260-9575.
FOR SALE
BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach 75 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903;
Charlton
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PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228; www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca. Employment Opportunity
CRIMINAL RECORD?
Why suffer employment/ licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed?
Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com
CRIMINAL RECORD?
Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Why be embarrassed?
Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540.
Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame Exhibit at Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.
Frances Marilynn Gibbs
December 23, 1937 – January 22, 2025 • High River, Alberta
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Frances Marilynn Gibbs; beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Fran passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and service to her family and community.
A celebration of life will be held at the High River United Church, on March 1st at 1 P.M.
Oyen Briefs
BY DIANA WALKER
Condolences to Marilyn Lehman, Don and Mindy Good and Glen Good on the death of their aunt Viola (Good) Roth of Edmonton (youngest sibling of Lloyd, Beulah and Edgar) on January 16, 2025 at the age of 85 years. She was born in Empress and grew up
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice, or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, which was a cause close to Fran’s heart.
She will be deeply missed, but her spirit and kindness will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
To email the family condolences, please go to https://www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com
on a farm near Acadia Valley.
Sympathies of the community is extended to Lorraine (Warwick) Weller whose husband Ken passed away on January 22, 2025 due to cancer of pancreas, diagnosed July 2023. Celebration of Life Service will be Sat. February 22, 2025, 1- 4 pm at the Al Azhar Shrine Center, Calgary. A full obituary will be forth coming.
Sixty-four people braved the blowing snow and wind gusts January 24 to take in the first Soup and Sandwich of 2025 at the Oyen United Church. Folk came from as far as Pollockville.
Oyen RCMP provides update on hit-and-run incident in Bindloss
BINDLOSS – The Oyen RCMP has informed the community that the individual involved in the recent hit-andrun investigation has come forward to the detachment. After conducting further interviews and reviewing the evidence, authorities believe that the collision was unintentional. The young driver, along with their family, made efforts to locate the dogs’ owner after the incident.
The investigation began following a report of a hitand-run that resulted in the deaths of two dogs. On
January 26, 2025, at approximately 10:00 a.m., a white sedan travelling westbound on Railway Avenue in Bindloss was seen accelerating and swerving off the road, striking and killing two white Great Pyrenees dogs. The sedan then fled the scene, continuing west on Railway Avenue. It sustained significant damage to the front end from the collision.
The RCMP appreciates the public’s support in this ongoing investigation.
Oyen RCMP welcomes community engagement
BY JOAN JANZEN
OYEN - The Oyen RCMP Detachment is inviting local residents to submit any comments, suggestions or concerns they may have. Sgt. Mike Brown, Commander at the Oyen Detachment will be accepting input from members of the community regarding policing issues in the detachment area until March 31st, 2025.
After reviewing all the correspondence he receives, he will respond to the concerns as presented and publish the responses in the Oyen Echo.
This recent endeavour is an effort to enhance policing services, bring the gap between the RCMP and residents, while working together to promote safer communities. Input from the community will help the detachment in these efforts.
OYEN RCMP
Interested individuals can participate by phone the detachment at 403-664-3505 or email Michael.brown@ rcmp-grc.go.ca. Or they can submit their concerns using regular mail: Attention: Sgt. Mike Brown, Oyen RCMP, Box 539, Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0.l
Serious motor vehicle collision
OYEN - On Jan. 30, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Oyen RCMP responded to a serious motor vehicle collision. A motor vehicle travelling East on Highway 570 struck a motor vehicle travelling North on Highway 41. A passenger of one of the vehicles sustained serious injuries and was transported via Halo to Medicine
Hat. Drivers of the motor vehicles were treated at the Big Country Hospital in Oyen for minor injuries. The highway was temporarily closed while first responders attended to the scene. An officer with the Alberta RCMP’s collision reconstruction program attended to assist with the on going investigation.
At approximately 6:00 p.m., Oyen RCMP responded to a head on collision between a semi truck and motor vehicle near the intersection of Highway 895
and Railway Avenue in Oyen. The driver of the pick up truck crossed over into the oncoming lane and struck the transport truck. Speed and weather was not a factor in the collision and both drivers did not receive any injuries. The driver of the pick up truck, a 58-year-old resident of Oyen was arrested for Impaired Operation of a motor vehicle on scene. The pick up truck was impounded, the driver was issued a Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) for impaired driving along with two additional violations under the Traffic Safety Act.
Oyen RCMP would like to thank the Acadia Valley and Oyen Fire Departments, Alberta Health Services, Halo, Emcon, staff at the Big Country Hospital in Oyen along with the General Public for their assistance.
Diana Walker
New Parkland Institute research finds child care affordability, accessibility, and quality still falling short
EDMONTON - In the wake of the January 30th announcement by the Alberta government of $15-a-day child care rates to take effect in April, a timely new report from Parkland Institute analyzes the state of child care in the province and examines Alberta’s implementation of the federal $10-a-day child care program. Written by researcher and Child Care Now Alberta chair Susan Cake, the report — Raising Alberta: Making $10-a-Day Child Care Work in Our Province — offers actionable recommendations to address the challenges that threaten the program’s success.
Can $10-a-day child care work in Alberta? Some aspects of the program are already showing promise, with progress on lowering parent fees and expanding licensed spaces. Yet there are still significant gaps in affordability, accessibility, and quality, and while the program requires a concerted effort from all levels of government, the province has considerable room to enhance its role.
“Currently, the federal government is the main funder of Alberta’s system by a substantial margin,” says report author Susan Cake. It remains to be seen whether the recent announcement will bring the province to a 50-50 partnership with Ottawa, or how Alberta’s funding will complement the federal funding and be used to support the development of a universal, affordable, and high-quality child care system for all Albertans.
Beyond offering affordable child care to all families who need it, ensuring quality is another crucial issue. “With most care now being government-funded, it is a key government responsibility to ensure that all available choices are of high quality,” says Cake. “But instead of striving to improve quality, Alberta has been moving toward less regulation and a reduced policy focus on excellence.”
The distinction between what the province calls “core” and “enhanced” child care services — with
BUFFALO
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
• The annual Valentine’s Day Extravaganza will be held at the hall. Doors open at 6:30 PM and “Digging Fun” starts at the same time. Music begins at 8:00 PM. Come out and enjoy this family event.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28
• Buffalo Ag Society presents Jake Mathews in concert at the hall. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Show starts at 7:00 PM. Tickets purchased for the December show will be honoured and you can get tickets from Ag Society members.
CEREAL
- Cereal Cottages Coffee on Tuesdays 10:30
- 11:30 AM
- Quilting Club weekly Wednesdays 10:00 AM
anything deemed ‘enhanced’ resulting in extra charges for parents — is one way the government appears to be steering the program toward a two-tiered system, where higher-income families have access to superior services while others must settle for basic care. Quality is also a concern when we consider that, unlike other provinces, Alberta’s legislation does not require childcare providers to follow any set curriculum.
A robust, well-trained child-care workforce affects both the ability to expand the number of providers and the level of service they offer. Several of the report’s recommendations focus on improving Early Childhood Educator (ECE) development and management. “Alberta has one of the lowest requirements for ECEs in Canada,” explains Cake. For instance, daycare facilities can hire the majority of their staff from ECEs who are accredited through a 54-hour online orientation course. The Alberta government also wants 16- and 17-year-olds working in child care facilities “under adult supervision,” suggesting that older children may be deemed capable of caring for younger children.
Many of the issues hindering child-care expansion and quality can be addressed at the provincial level, such as fixing the funding formula and tying finan-
cial support to quality standards. Collaborating with municipal governments and school boards could also optimize space creation, and resources like a childcare database and a centralized waitlist would help connect families to available spaces and reduce wait times. Cake concludes, “By addressing funding challenges, prioritizing quality, supporting workforce development, and ensuring accountability, the $10-a-day child-care plan can work in Alberta, benefiting the communities, workers, families, and, most importantly, Alberta’s children.”
Summary of key report recommendations
Increase Provincial Funding: Increase the provincial government funding so that it becomes a 50-50 partner with the federal government in Alberta’s early learning and child-care sector.
Mandate a Curriculum Framework: Mandate the curriculum framework Flight: Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework for all providers receiving government funding.
Incentivize Quality Through Grants: Redesign the government grants and the parent subsidy system to focus on incentivizing quality, which could be based on Alberta’s prior Accreditation Program.
Implement Workforce Supports: Implement a wage grid, pension, and workplace benefits for Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) to encourage them to stay in the sector and further develop their skills.
Create a Child-Care Database: Develop an online database that allows parents to find child care, including an interactive map of care, current capacity, vacancies, and quality measures.
Move Away From the Cost Control Framework: Abandon the proposed Cost Control Framework, which could increase parent fees through additional charges and incentivize operators to cater to higher-paying families.
- 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
- Chase the Ace weekly Thursdays 7:009:00 PM at the Cereal Hotel
- Cereal Playground most Tuesdays 10:00 AM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
EMPRESS
TUESDAY, MARCH 11
• Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society 2025 AGM. Memember Meeting 1:00-2:00 PM at the Village of Empress Community Hall. Membership is $5 / year. Join us.
SATURDAY, MAY 10
• Empress & District Fine Arts, Cultural and Leisure Society Plant & Pie Sale 10:00 AM2:00 PM. Empress Community Hall.
• Empress Community Yard Sales 9:00 AM3:00 PM. More than 10 families! Don’t miss it!
- Game Night Saturdays at 6:00 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
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
• Regular Pot Luck and Meeting for Oyen and District Seniors (50+) at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Supper at 6:00 PM and Meeting at 7:00 PM. Call Lynda 403-664-0908 or Beth at 403-664-2462 for more information.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 & 8
• Oyen & District Curling Club annual Ladies’ Bonspiel. To enter call Jackie (403) 664-0157.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 & 16
• Crossroads Beef Expo Pen Show, Youth Show, Brisket and Wine Mixer Tradeshow. Hosted by BCAS.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28
• Oyen United Church Soup and Sandwich 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Adults $15, Kids 6-12 $5, under 6 Free.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. - Fun League Curling. Tuesday evenings. Enter teams to Jackie Dick 403-664-0157. - Cash League Curling. Wednesday evenings. Enter teams to Brett Peterson 403-664-8868. - Sturling League Curling. Thursday at noon. Enter teams to Jerry Logan 403-664-6001.
