SNOW TODAY, GONE TOMORROW: The history book “Down Cereal’s Memory Trails” recorded a raging blizzard in Cereal and area on the night of March 5. The storm continued for two days, causing the west bound train to become snowbound just east of Oyen for days. On March 20th the first train from the west came through, although no train from the east had arrived. Ronald Barrack and Goldy Smith are pictured pulling Goldy’s tractor when the snow finally melted in 1951. PHOTOS “DOWN CEREAL’S MEMORY TRAILS”
Tanner Hnidey from Lloydminster, AB was the guest speaker at Sedalia Hall on January 31st. He was invited by the community group, Community Strategies for a Changing World to deliver a message of hope. FACEBOOK
Guest speaker delivers message of hope at Sedalia
BY JOAN JANZEN
Sedalia, a hamlet in southern Alberta, was a hub of activity on the last day of January when about forty people from surrounding communities gathered at the Sedalia Hall to attend a meeting. People from Consort, Oyen, Sedalia, Castor, Coronation, Hanna and Craigmyle came to the evening hosted by the group called Community Strategies for a Changing World.
The organizing committee, consisting of ten individuals, invited guest speaker Tanner Hnidey to address the audience. Tanner hails from Lloydminster, Alberta, and is an economist, freelance speaker, social critic and lay theologian. He is the editor of TannerHnidey.com where he regularly comments on political, ethical, religious and economic issues. Some of the people who attended had listened to his podcast and were somewhat familiar with the guest speaker.
Allan Chiliak, a member of the group’s organizing committee, said Tanner used biblical references to explain and compare political and ideological issues of today. “He spoke at length about how liberal policies are going to cause much more harm than good,” he noted.
As an example, Tanner referred to the implementation of the phrase “diversity is our strength”, which is used by all parties, and all levels of government.
Tanner acknowledged that, on the surface the phrase appears to be positive. However, from a historical perspective, one needs to ask, “What goals of any particular group of people have been achieved through diversity”? Instead, he surmised that diversity will only cause strife among the people it is supposed to serve.
On the other hand, he noted that historically various groups of people
achieved their goals when they were united and in agreement. Throughout history, unity of both direction and goals achieved the appointed end. He expressed the need for the same unity to be evident today.
Grassroots groups are forming across the country. These groups realize they have the same goal: to unite Canada. Allan noted the encouraging word delivered to the audience was, “Great things can and will only be accomplished by people or groups that have a united foundation or cause.”
Tanner suggested that something as simple and basic as following the Ten Commandments offers a solid foundation and guidelines for the success of our nation.
“It was a very strong message of hope, and he assured us it is not too late,” Connie Ness, a member of the Sedalia group, explained. Small groups like the one in Sedalia can make a big impact when each person becomes inspired and engages in conversation with the people they know.
After a lengthy question and answer session, people gathered into small groups, continuing the discussion. “No one wanted to leave,” Connie observed, and they didn’t start putting away chairs until 10:30, four hours after the meeting had begun.
Tanner’s second book was available for anyone interested. There were also samples of emergency backpacks, which Allan and Ramona Chiliak had brought. The backpacks can be used for emergencies on the road, and gave people an idea of what is needed to have on hand in such situations. This is especially helpful in rural areas.
Community Strategies for a Changing World is a local group of volunteers from the immediate area and is completely funded by donations.
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OPINION: Encourage your MP to lead by example
BY JOAN JANZEN
The story goes like this: A young construction worker was making fun of his older co-worker. Finally, the older worker had enough and said to the young man, “Why don’t you put your money where your mouth is”? I’ll bet a week’s wages I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that building that you won’t be able to wheel back.”
The young man agreed, and the old man responded, “All right, get in!”
In case you’re unaware, this is the definition of “put your money where your mouth is”: to show by your actions and not just your words that you support or believe in something.
Members of Parliament (MP) from every party continue to assure taxpayers, with their words, that they support and believe in fiscal responsibility while representing the well-being of their constituents. However, in April of 2024, their actions will be sending a different message.
On April 1 of this year, MPs, Ministers and the Prime Minister will receive automatic pay raises of approximately 4.2 percent. Kris Sims, the Alberta Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), recently discussed this topic with Andrew Lawton.
Kris noted a 4.2 percent increase is larger than inflation. She also said, “Their bills are paid, their travel is paid, their rent, mortgage ... the vast majority of that is covered courtesy of the taxpayer.” Kris and Andrew questioned
the necessity of such a salary increase and the message it conveys to Canadians.
In 2020, an MP’s salary was $178,900, and their current salary is $194,600. A Minister’s salary in 2020 was $264,400 compared to today’s salary of $287,400. The Prime Minister’s salary in 2020 was $357,800 compared to today’s salary of $389,200.
“What’s really annoying is we’re not hearing enough MPs speaking up against these pay hikes, including some of the usual suspects that we would be expecting to speak up about these automatic pay increases,” Kris observed.
Andrew responded, saying, “This is the problem with automatic increases; politicians can say I didn’t vote for it because there’s a law that automatically increases their pay on April 1.”
However, if we look back a decade or so ago, we see that the federal government stopped automatic MP pay hikes from 2010 to 2013 in response to the 2008-2009 recession. So it can and has been done.
“They create law. They are legislators. This is not forced upon them unwillingly,” Kris said. “They could stop this tomorrow if they felt like it, but that is not happening.
Apparently, they just don’t feel like it. It’s always bad when they take pay hikes, but especially now when people are struggling.”
Kris said while grocery shopping, she watched a young mom put items
back on the shelf as she was obviously picking and choosing what she could afford to buy. Kris also noted that a lot of people in the private sector took pay cuts during the past few years. However, they are the people paying for the politicians’ hikes in pay. And politicians have not missed a pay increase over the past three years.
Andrew reasoned that it’s been said if you want to attract good people into politics, there needs to be some kind of compensation. “But how should this be dealt with?” Andrew asked his guest.
Kris said you deal with it as minimally as humanly possible. “Let’s start from the ground up ... in local politics,” she suggested. “Unfortunately, you’re seeing in local city halls in places like Calgary, the mayor is being paid more than the premiers. That was never the role of local government. Local government was always staffed by people who were invested in their neighbourhood, or had already worked most of their lives and now had time to give back. That’s why we call it public service. It should not be a career goal of a fouryear undergrad person. It starts at that level of entitlement.”
She continued to say, “We want to see MPs really walk the talk. If they want to truly save taxpayers money they should lead by example. They should donate all their pay raises. They should also say - as soon as my team is in power I’m going to stop these MP pay increases. That is something we want to see coming out
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As for compensation attracting good people to politics, Kris suggested people ask if they’re getting good value from the wages paid to their federal politicians. “I venture to guess the answer is usually ‘no.’ So are we attracting good people to politics?” Kris asked.
Franco Terrazzano from the CTF said in a recent report, “MPs should know better than to give themselves raises while their constituents are worried about rising mortgage payments and are struggling to feed their families. It’s not rocket science: MPs should do the right thing and stop their upcoming pay raise.”
However, if they choose to go ahead and receive their pay raise on April 1, I have an alternative suggestion. Like myself, you might be receiving daily or weekly emails and phone calls from political parties asking for donations towards their fundraising campaigns. I think their individual pay raises, which range from $8,100 to $16,000 (depending on their position), would significantly build up their “war chest and fund their communications infrastructure and large-scale election efforts.” Those are words taken from a donation request. It’s time for politicians to put their money where their mouth is. And it’s time for Canadians to tell their local MPs they want them to lead by example. After all, April Fools Day and April 1 pay raises are quickly approaching.
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Happy Bucking New Year - December 31, 2023
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Sanctioned by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association, this bull riding event with $20,000 added money brought together the best bull riders and bulls in Canadian rodeo. Thanks to stock contractor Legend Rodeo (manager Travis Jordan) and subcontractors Wayne Vold Rodeo (Nanson Vold), Cody Strandquist and X6 Lindsey and Vinee Carlier.
The long round with 25 bull riders and the short round with 8 bull riders saw Chad Hartman lead the long round with 87.5, William Barrows 86.5, Beau Gardner 85, Garett
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Green 83.5, Callum Miller 81 and Coy Robbins 80. The Finals saw Beau Gardner’s spectacular 89-point ride on X6 Ranches (Lindsey & Vinee Carlier) 810 Night Stalker and Garrett Green’s 86.5 making the only two qualified rides. The average winner, Beau Gardner took home a cheque for $7200.
Two people who went above and beyond with hard work, organizing and innovative ideas were Dave C. and Cheryl B. They sold VIP tables, found sponsorship for 20 Hi Hog picnic tables and pre-sold numbered seats, as well as long and short round bulls twice.
The speed and professionalism of this event was due to the crew’s abilities in front of and behind the chutes and those handling stock outside. Announcers, timers, secretaries, and sound and music people added to the evening. The opening ceremony was beautiful. Entire families were involved in every aspect, from setting up and tearing down, welding on the handling system to make it safer and faster, finishing on the new picnic tables, kitchen, bar, selling tickets, 50/50, Calcutta and live auction, steak supper and doing what needed to be done. This was a team production. Non-BCAS members and members worked together to make it work with community pride.
We were blessed with beautiful weather, great advertising, programs and posters, sponsors and spectators, making this financially and community-wise a successful event with about 750 people in attendance. We are sorry we couldn’t mention everyone’s name, but when so many do so much, it’s difficult. Please know we are thankful for everything everyone did to make this a successful community event.
- Submitted by Co-Chairman Randy Girletz
Co-chairmen of this Big Country Agricultural Society event
Dave Cordick (right) and Randy Girletz (centre), present Beau Gardiner with his winning cheque for $7200.
When a pause is not a pause: submissions still accepted in Alberta’s pension plan consultations
BY GEORGE LEE, LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER
The Macleod Gazette
A deadline approaches for Albertans to again have their say on leaving the Canada Pension Plan, this time by completing and submitting the Your Pension, Your Choice workbook.
A public engagement panel struck by the government is accepting submissions of the 18-page workbook until Feb. 28, the same day the legislature resumes after breaking for Christmas.
The NDP opposition, meanwhile, continues to hold in-person town halls, something the engagement panel has so far not done. Your Pension is Yours town halls are slated for eight communities.
The panel announced in early December that it was putting consultations on hold, pending the receipt of financial information from the Office of the Chief Actuary of Canada. The actuary is arriving at its own calculation of what an Alberta withdrawal amount would be.
Earlier, a provincial government-commissioned report from the firm LifeWorks estimated Alberta would be entitled to $334 billion or 53 per cent of base Canada Pension Plan assets. The calculation is disputed as too high by the Alberta opposition, by elected officials from outside Alberta and by the CPP Investment Board. The investment board estimated that CPP would owe Alberta about 16 per cent of the fund.
Despite the public engagement pause, press secretary Savannah Johannsen of Alberta Treasury Board and Finance confirmed that the panel is still collecting comments and opinions from Albertans, via the workbook. Those who complete the workbook can submit theirs electronically by using a fillable online form or emailing them, by posting them, or by dropping then off at any MLA office.
Find the workbook and submission details at www.albertapensionplan.ca.
Federal Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party of
Canada entered the Alberta pension plan fray late last year. In a statement urging Albertans to stay in the national plan, he said that as prime minister he would “protect and secure the CPP for Albertans and all Canadians.”
No province or territory has withdrawn from the CPP since the federal government established it in 1965. Quebec operates its own plan and never opted in.
The opposition house leader characterized consultations by the engagement panel as a meandering and crewless ghost ship. Christina Gray, NDP MLA for Edmonton-Mill Woods, said the panel’s consultation has been “drifting, aimless and seemingly abandoned by this government.”
In a member statement to the legislature, she called on the provincial government to “leave the CPP alone.”
The engagement panel has held no in-person town halls so far. Telephone town halls heard from 150 pre-screened Albertans, said Gray, “and now silence.”
But supporters of continuing to investigate a provincial plan called it a way to keep money in the province at no cost to Albertans.
Jason Stephan, the UCP MLA for Red Deer-South, said workers could save $1,000 or more each year under an Alberta pension plan. “That can be a very big deal for Albertans,” said Stephan, who like Gray sits on the legislature’s standing committee on Alberta’s economic future.
The legislature rejected an NDP motion to compel the government to abide by results of a pension referendum on the idea. But the legislature passed the Alberta Pension Protection Act without the amendment, and it came into force before Christmas.
The government’s online overview of the act says it does what the opposition asked for: “The Alberta Pension Protection Act guarantees the government won’t launch an Alberta Pension Plan unless Albertans vote in favour of it in a referendum.”
But the act itself doesn’t say that. A lieutenant governor’s order calling for
the referendum would detail whether results are binding, the act says.
The online overview continues: “The act also guarantees that Albertans would pay the same or lower contribution rates and receive the same or better benefits as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). It also ensures the assets transferred to Alberta from the CPP would only be used to set up a pension plan and operate it in the best interests of Albertans.”
Consultations so far through the engagement panel comprise an online survey, telephone town halls and the workbook. More than 760,000 Albertans participated telephone town halls, says the province’s website. About 94,000 Albertans completed an online survey, but critics said it lacked objectivity and failed to ask whether respondents favour an Alberta pension plan.
In the workbook, an option exists for respondents to select one of a range of answers from “definitely not” to “definitely” when asked whether they support moving to an Alberta pension plan.
NDP Town Halls
The NDP is accepting registrations now for more town halls. They are:
• Drumheller, Feb. 9, 6 p.m.
• Calgary South, Feb. 11, 2 p.m.
• Calgary North Central, Feb. 24, 11 a.m.
Interested Albertans can register for any of the NDP town halls at www.albertasfuture.ca. Also on the site is a survey that asks: “Should Alberta leave the Canada Pension Plan?” Options are yes, no and unsure. Those who select yes or no are given space to expand.
where credit is due,” said Notley.
But she noted during Question Period that Finance Minister Nate Horner has not attended NDP town halls and that she finds it unusual that he gets second-hand information about them.
Horner said: “There is no endgame here other than having a conversation with Albertans about something that the federal government has made clear to me. . .is totally the right of a province to consider. Knowing that, we’ll continue with our engagement.
“The first round is complete. I look forward to meeting with the panel to talk about next steps. This is a complicated idea, admittedly, brought to us by the Fair Deal Panel. It has great potential and promise for Albertans. We look forward to having the conversation.”
The Fair Deal Panel made its final report to the province in May 2020, recommending ways to strengthen Alberta’s voice in Confederation. One idea was the exploration of an Alberta pension plan.
Your Pension, Your Choice Workbook
As its name suggests, the Your Pension, Your Choice workbook encourages Albertans to do some homework, primarily by reviewing the LifeWorks report and the workbook’s discussion notes. It’s also made up of nine questions or requests for comments, plus three demographic questions.
Opposition Leader Rachel Notley told the legislature before Christmas that two NDP-organized town halls had 85 and 90 per cent of attendees against Alberta withdrawing from the CPP, based on shows of hands. At the Red Deer-South event, UCP MLA Jason Stephan attended—“I’ll give credit
Included in the workbook are explanations of how CPP works and the advantages and risks if Alberta leaves it. It describes the mechanics, costs and potential savings of leaving and instituting a replacement plan, Alberta’s place in CPP, and how government oversight of public pension plans works.
Most of the questions are open-ended and require written responses, like: “Does the size of Alberta’s asset share matter to you and, if so, why?” and “If Alberta exited the CPP and started an APP, how would you want the pensions assets managed?”
Oyen Lodge News
BY SARA HEATH
Hello everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather; it sure has been nice for residents to get outside for a walk around the building. We are crossing our fingers that there will be no more cold spells in the upcoming weeks before spring arrives.
This week at the lodge, we have started to prep for Valentine’s Day; our arts and crafts group has begun to paint some vases with reds and pinks. We also started mak-
ing homemade roses out of ribbons, which have turned out nicely! The snow melted a lot this week, so residents can go out for walks in the mornings. The start of a new month means that we are also celebrating all the birthdays this month, of which we have quite a few for February. As always, we throw in a game of bingo and horse races every week, as well as our favourite card game, Phase Ten.
We hope everyone else has a wonderful week.
Sara Heath
Viva Vitality: Winter wellness – move more, sit less!
BY LISA DOYLE
As the winter season blankets Southern Alberta, staying as active as you typically do may present a unique set of challenges. Whether contending with icy conditions and cooler temperatures or simply seeking inspiration for activities, there are numerous ways to integrate physical activity into your routine, regardless of the season.
Sustaining a healthy level of physical activity is essential for a well-rounded and vibrant lifestyle. The Canadian 24Hour Movement Guidelines emphasize the importance of adults aged 18 to 64 engaging in a minimum of 150 minutes
of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week. This weekly target can be achieved through smaller 10-minute sessions that easily fit into everyone's schedules. Moreover, the guidelines also advise integrating strength training into your routine a minimum of twice a week, emphasizing major muscle groups. Additionally, all movement matters and there is a focus on incorporating several hours of light physical activity, including standing, into your daily activities. Individuals aged 65 and above have similar guidelines as adults, with the additional inclusion of balance exercises to proactively reduce the risk of falls.
Some benefits of following the 24-
Hour Movement Guidelines include:
• Improved energy levels
• Increased strength and fitness
• Improved mood
• Better sleep
• Reduced risk for chronic diseases
• Reduced risk for premature death
Unlock the joy of staying active, even in winter! Check out the list below for inspiration on effortlessly weaving physical activity into your life. Your fitness journey should be enjoyable, not a chore. Explore new community activities and discover exciting additions to your daily routine!
Some examples of ways to integrate activity into your daily routine include:
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