Redrawing Democracy
BY DAMIEN KUREK, MP Battle River - Crowfoot
A fair and independent review of electoral districts must be conducted to ensure equitable representation, a fundamental pillar of democracy. In Canada, this happens every ten years. For some provinces, this means redrawing the boundaries and nothing else. For others, with changing populations, it can include a change to a province’s number of ridings. Alberta is one of the provinces gaining seats in this decade’s redistribution.
This is needed to bring about fairness in the populations of each electoral district and across the country. After the last census, in October of 2021, an independent commission was formed, and the redistribution process was officially completed last month. I would argue there is still work to do to ensure fairness for Alberta in our national democracy, including senate reform. This redistribution process is a small step in the right direction, with the addition of three seats for the province of Alberta.
The redistribution process involves several steps, including public consultation. Proposals for new electoral boundaries are made public, and citizens and interested groups are given the opportunity to provide feedback. This stage is critical for transparency and local input, which is invaluable due to each district’s unique characteristics.
In Battle River—Crowfoot, many voiced our opinions during the consultation process. This shows democratic values, community engagement and representation at the heart of the process. Many constituents across the region shared their concerns with the original proposal. The independent commission listened to our concerns and in the end, the district remains largely the same.
However, there are some small changes; New Sarepta will move to the new Leduc Constituen-
cy, and the communities of Acme, Carbon, and Linden in Kneehill County will join us in this riding. While these changes won’t happen until after the next election, I wanted to make sure you folks know all the details of the future changes. I will be disappointed to lose New Sarepta, but I look forward to representing three additional communities in Kneehill County.
I am regularly asked when the next election will be. I, like so many, hope it will be soon. And let me assure you that my caucus colleagues and I vote “no confidence” continually and are working to show how out of touch the Liberals are with regular Canadians. Unfortunately, with the NDP’s support, the Liberals will most likely remain in power until the next fixed election date in October 2025.
Representing Battle River—Crowfoot over the last two Parliaments has been an honour. Each part of this region, from the City of Camrose to the towns, villages, hamlets, counties, MDs, and the Special Areas, all 53,000 square kilometres of this area of Alberta, shows the best of rural Canada.
I look forward to the next election where I will be honoured to once again represent the Conservative Party of Canada as the candidate in Battle River—Crowfoot and, hopefully, with Common Sense Conservatives and our Leader Pierre Poilievre, will win the election to bring home a nation that once again restores the promise of what Canada can be.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column, you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, text 403-575-5625, or e-mail damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with Damien by following him on social media @dckurek. If you are in need of assistance regarding a Federal Government program, or need assistance and don’t know where to turn, feel free to reach out to MP Kurek’s office.
Dawn Peers named as Principal of SCHS
Prairie Rose Public Schools would like to congratulate Dawn Peers on her acceptance of the position of Principal of South Central High School (SCHS), effective the 2024-2025 school year.
A long-time teacher with Prairie Rose Public Schools, Dawn began teaching in the Oyen area back in 1995 as a temporary ECS teacher in Acadia Valley. After filling in at Oyen Public School (OPS) for two years, she moved over to South Central High School (SCHS) where she has taught since 2002. In addition to teaching, Dawn has filled the positions of acting principal, academic advisor, ILT, and work experience supervisor. She has also taken a role in supporting the Badlands Baseball Academy students and families as they transition to South Central. Dawn holds a Bachelor of Education and Arts degree from the University of Lethbridge with a major in Physical Education and minors in Social Studies and Biological Sciences.
“I feel very privileged to be the new school principal at South Central. With the support of the dedicated SCHS staff and valued members of the Oyen community, we will continue to celebrate and explore the distinctive opportunities of our rural area and guide our students towards achieving excellence. In this new leadership role, I am excited to build on the strong foundation that empowers responsible and dedicated SCHS students through academics, sports and other school activities. South Central High School is a place where
great things happen, and I am thrilled to be part of it.”
The administrative re-configuration to a single principal and vice principal for OPS and SCHS started in 2022. Based on parent feedback, the decision was made to re-establish a single administrative position at both schools starting the 2024-2025 school year. Deanne Smigelski was announced as the new principal of Oyen Public School earlier this year.
“When I wake up, I expect things to be good. If they’re not, then I try to set about trying to make them as good as I can ‘cause I know I’m gonna have to live that day anyway. So why not try to make the most of it if you can?“
Dolly Parton
Dawn Peers
Damien Kurek
Find out first-hand how rewarding WORKING IN THE TRADES CAN BE!
Journeyman or 4th Year Plumber
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- Competitive Wages
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ACADIA VALLEY
FRIDAY, MAY 10
• Acadia Valley Rec Club is hosting a free Movie Night “Taylor Swift Eras Tour.” Show begins at 6:30 PM at the Acadia Valley Community Hall. Free Admission, Popcorn and Juice, Kids under 10 must be accompanied by a guardian. All “Swifties” welcome! Bring your best voice and dance moves.
SATURDAY, JUNE 15
• New Brigden Hall Fundraiser. An evening of food, fun, friends and entertainment at the Acadia Valley Hall. $65 per ticket. Steak Supper, Entertainment, Silent Auction, Live Auction, Dance. Contact Coleen Blair at 403-6649687 for advance tickets. Monetary donations can be transferred to: newbrigden@gmail.com or check out www. givesendgo.com/nbcommunityhall
- Adult drop-in Volleyball Wednesdays 7:30 PM at Warren Peers School. Contact Marie 403-664-8589 for more info.
ALSASK
SUNDAY, MAY 19
• First CFS Alsask Radar Dome Tour of 2024! Tours at 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Please pre-register by emailing info@civildefence.ca. Entry will be a donation of your choice. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour and wear closed toe shoes. Each tour is 1 hr and 45 minutes.
- Drop-in Pickleball 7:00 PM at the Alsask Rec Centre. All ages are welcome. $5 drop-in fee.
- Free Fun Learn Different Line Dances. Monday nights 7:00-8:00 PM at the Alsask Rec Centre. All welcome.
BUFFALO
AUGUST 16-18
• Buffalo Rodeo Daze. Stay tuned for further details!
CEREAL
SATURDAY, JULY 27
• 3rd Annual Cereal Mud Bog. Stay tuned for details.
- Monday Night BINGO. Every Monday except holiday Mondays. Doors open at 6:30 and Bingo begins at 7:30 PM. (April to end of November).
- Wednesdays - Cereal Quilting Club 10 AM - 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre
- Thursdays - Chase the Ace progressive raffle every Thursday 7:00-9:00 PM at the Cereal Hotel & Bar. Chance to win TWICE each week. Ace Jackpot could grow up to $7000! Must be at least 18 years. Winning ticket must be present to win. Cash ticket purchase on site only. AGLC #669949
EMPRESS
SATURDAY, MAY 11
• Empress & District Fine Arts, Cultural and Leisure Society “Empress Community Garage Sale” 9:00 AM3:00 PM. Catch diverse and amazing finds from our 100+ residents. Then join us at the Empress Community Hall for our annual Plant and Pie Sale and enjoy a delicious breakfast (9:00 - 11:00 AM) or BBQ Burger or Hotdog (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM).
JULY 19-21
• Save the Dates! Village of Empress 110 Year Celebration. More info to come.
HANNA
Hanna Senior Circle
- Wednesdays 1:00 PM Cards (Spades)
- Thursdays 1:00 PM Cards (Five Hundred)
NEW BRIGDEN
SATURDAY, JUNE 15
• New Brigden Hall Fundraiser. An evening of food, fun, friends and entertainment at the Acadia Valley Hall. $65 per ticket. Steak Supper, Entertainment, Silent Auction, Live Auction, Dance. Contact Coleen Blair at 403-6649687 for advance tickets. Monetary donations can be
transferred to: newbrigden@gmail.com or check out www. givesendgo.com/nbcommunityhall
OYEN
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8
• Oyen Public School Family Activity Night - Hide ’N Seek/ PE Games (Grade JK-3 families) 5:45-6:30 PM. (Grades 4-6 families) 5:45-6:30 PM.
FRIDAY, MAY 24
• Fun Night at Seniors Centre for Members of Oyen and District Seniors and their Guests. Games and Socializing. BYOB and snacks. 7:00 PM - Midnight. Call Beth 403 664 2462 for more information.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29
• Regular Pot Luck Supper and Meeting at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Supper at 6:00 PM. Meeting at 7:00 PM.
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 - SUNDAY, JUNE 9
• District 4H Show & Sale at the BCAS Crossroads Centre
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
• Car Show / Bike Rally
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JULY 12 & 13
• Indoor Rodeo at the BCAS Crossroads Centre
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
• Open Farm Day at the BCAS Crossroads Centre
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 & 21
• Ranch Rodeo at the BCAS Crossroads Centre
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers.
- Drop in Pickleball Mondays 7:00-9:00 PM at South Central High School
SIBBALD
SATURDAY, JUNE 22 & SUNDAY, JUNE 23
• The Sibbald Community Club is hosting a Quilt Show as a fundraiser for the community. There will be Quilts & Hand Crafts, Vendors, Door Prizes, Raffles, Games, Food & Beverages. Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM at the Sibbald Community Hall.
