March 10, 2026

I am a firm believer in the old phrase that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome.

According to reports, Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux has left the Conservatives and joined the Liberals. Jeneroux has represented the riding of Edmonton Riverbend since 2015. I do wonder what may have influenced his decision.

A move like this could spark discussion about whether voters should have the opportunity to weigh in through a by-election so they can decide who they want representing their area.

I remember December 17, 2014, when Danielle Smith crossed the floor to join Jim Prentice. In the following 2015 election, he lost that election to the NDP in 2015.

In my opinion, attempts to gain support from members of other parties raise important questions about how governments try to build a majority. Just something to think about.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

March 10, 2026

Following up on my recent comments regarding the Citizen Initiative Act, I think it is important for Albertans to understand why “fair play” is such a non-negotiable value for my family and the community we serve.

In sports, we measure leadership by results and integrity. Between my three Provincial Softball Championships and my son David Jacobsen’s record – including six Provincial titles as a player and seven championships with the Daysland Northstars – our family has been part of at least 16 championship teams. We know that you don’t get to the winner’s circle by ignoring the clock or changing the rules when you’re losing.

Today, David serves as the head coach of the Camrose Bruins. The fact that the Bruins are currently outdrawing the Kodiaks in attendance isn’t just about hockey; it’s about a community gravitating toward leadership they trust and a culture that respects the fans.

When questions arise about timelines related to the Forever Canadian petition under the Citizen Initiative Act, many Albertans are paying close attention to how the process unfolds. More than 404,000 Albertans signed the petition, and like my former players and David’s current fans – they expect the people in charge to have the same integrity we demand on the ice and the diamond.

Darlene Jacobsen,
New Norway

March 3, 2026

I have extremely missed the flyers from all the businesses. As a senior citizen, I am not on the computer to check, however, I have heard other complaints from people on the computer commenting they also miss the paper flyers.

I only receive Co-op and Canadian Tire and, as a result, that is what I tend to support. I would like to support other businesses, but without their flyers I don’t bother going in. Thank you, Booster, I look forward to it every week, great job!

Reta LeGear,
Forrestburg

March 3, 2026

Donald J. Trump notwithstanding one’s feelings, Canadians DO owe him a debt of gratitude for awakening our politicians and our collective Canadian psyche from decades of slumber, expediency and complacency. Since World War II, Canada has enjoyed living under the umbrella of U.S. military protection with NATO and NORAD and has relied upon Canadian non-value-added exports to the U.S. and elsewhere to maintain a comfortable standard of living.

Growing up on a small farm on the prairies, “being a good neighbour” was a maxim that everyone lived by for a sense of community and a necessity for mutual survival. Sadly, that basic principle has gone by the wayside across North America. In Canadian politics, there is a growing sense of regional selfishness and alienation within our national fabric.

Hopefully, PM Carney can restore Canadian pride and sense of unity in Canadian politicians and citizens alike to put aside political partisanship, regional complaints and engender a sense of cooperation to tackle decades long issues.

So…WHY is Canada on its back foot? Robert Bothwell, a historian who specializes in post-1945 Canadian history, cites a multitude of poor business decisions, a failure to support research and development in applied technology, questionable short-term policies by governing Liberal and Conservative administrations who focused upon national expediency and re-electability rather than long term sustainability.

Canadians should no longer rely upon our U.S. neighbours to exhibit “neighbourliness” and respect our sovereignty; PM Carney’s focus upon east-west initiatives must replace historical north-south priorities. It is timely to re-evaluate military alliances, defence spending, imports, value added exports, supply chains, energy sources, environmental protection, a national electrical grid, transportation, maritime sovereignty, seaports, self sufficiency in energy supplies, investment in R&D, review taxation guidelines for foreign and domestic investments, and reducing the power of oligopolies’ control as a means of making life more affordable for Canadians.

Prioritizing and solving some of these historical issues will result in short term pain but it is important to think “outside the box” and it is critical for Premiers to get in harness and pull in the direction of national interest for the sake of children/grandchildren.

Finally, it is ironic that a controversy surrounding a bridge named for Gordie Howe (whose rough “elbows” style of play) fits with the playbook for an “elbows up” stance in U.S.-Canada relations.

Lynn Clark,
Camrose

March 3, 2026

After working 20 enjoyable and rewarding years driving handicapped bus with City Transit, I felt that I had a front row seat observing the plight of AISH recipients in Alberta.

Recent decision made by our government make me wonder why is there such a lack of empathy towards the disabled and handicapped community. I suppose until someone is affected by a situation it is easy to look away.  Federal government recently gave AISH recipients $200 a month and Alberta government promptly lowered AISH by $200.

How can anyone survive on only $1,940 a month? or the $1,740 the government plans on lowering it to? An AISH recipient I recently spoke with had her rent raised from $287 a month to $570, an increase of $283. Where are the defensless, unfortunate souls supposed to find this money?

Ron Henschell,
Edmonton

February 24, 2026

Watching the Canadian Men’s Olympic Hockey Team during these 2026 Olympics with great interest and excitement made me remember the 2018 Olympic season in PyeongChang, South Korea. The NHL players were not allowed to compete in the 2018 Winter Olympics due to a series of disputes between the NHL and the IOC. It was decided that the 2018 team would be selected from Canadians who had played minor hockey in Canada or on college teams across North America.

Camrose had huge bragging rights that year, as not only was the village of Armena’s Karl Stollery selected for the Olympic team, but so was Mason Raymond from Cochrane, Alberta. Both had played for the Camrose Kodiaks! Karl had played for the Camrose Kodiaks AAA team from 2002 to 2004, then for four exciting seasons with the Kodiaks from 2004 to 2008. Mason Raymond was a teammate of Stollery on the Kodiaks’ team from 2004 to 2005.

Wouldn’t this be an opportune time to see some recognition from the Town of Camrose for these two former Olympians, who proudly brought home the bronze medal to Canada and to Camrose that year, at the Encana Arena where they had once played hockey together?

Karl Stollery has retired after playing for the Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils. He later played in the European professional hockey leagues (KHL and SHL) and finished his career in the Italian team of the ICE Hockey League (ICEHL). He has now settled on the fourth generation Stollery family farm near Armena, where he learned to play hockey on the skating rink his father would make every year over their vegetable garden. Time to retire his jersey to the rafters of the Encana Arena!

Bonnie Hoyer,
St. Albert

February 24, 2026

There is a petition currently circulating in Alberta to block coal mining in the Rockies. In 1976, the Lougheed government banned coal mining around the headwaters of rivers on the eastern slopes because it is just too risky. The Alberta government removed the ban in 2020, later reinstated the ban, but now has removed it again. With new coal mines being planned, the musician Corb Lund, who initiated the petition said, “Coal mines destroy the landscape, and release toxic chemicals into the air and water, which threatens fish, birds, wildlife, livestock and the water we drink.”

A poll by Leger Research for Livingstone Landowners Group in September 2021 found that 77 per cent of Albertans were concerned about the potential impact of coal mining on rivers and water in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes. Scientists have been clear that coal mining puts Alberta nature at risk. A University of Calgary report concluded that, “the financial gains of allowing a hypothetical coal mine in the Rockies eastern foothills would be outweighed by the drawbacks.” New coal mines make no sense.

On April 12, 2024, a judge ordered the government to release over 6,000 records requested by a group of southern Alberta ranchers who had been trying to understand why the government rescinded the 1976 Coal Policy, but Alberta Energy and Minerals filed for an appeal of the justice’s decision in order to keep the documents from the public. So we don’t know why we are getting new coal mines.

I urge you to take action against this, go to the Water Not Coal website. Together we can protect the Alberta we love. It has been said that what a man gets after achieving his goals is not nearly as important as what a man becomes after achieving his goals.

Rob Hill,
Camrose

February 24, 2026

To the Signatories of the Open Letter, The Camrose Booster, January 20:

We want to pass on our sincere thanks to each of you. Having had the opportunity recently to discuss, as a group of NDP executive members, the importance of the rule of law as one of the key pillars of democracy, we are proud and grateful for the fact that you have each put your name to such a letter, demonstrating that independent thought is alive in our local community.

Your statements, referencing your belief that laws should not be changed arbitrarily to benefit a party in power, that no legal professional should operate above professional sanctions, and that courts must operate independently of political pressure or oversight, are timely and important. You also alluded to the fact that the human rights granted in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms should not be casually suspended by use of the Notwithstanding Clause.

As individuals from all walks of life, we firmly support your statements and we believe human rights exist to fundamentally protect ALL people, particularly those who are marginalized and powerless, and not just those people who agree with the sitting government.

To conclude, we applaud your integrity. We hope your letter gives people in Camrose, (and other cities) the courage to speak to their friends and neighbours about current events, having been encouraged by the words of legal professionals they know and trust. Our group discussed the implications of your letter and the potential harm that could come from complacency on this issue. We are very grateful that you chose to shine a light on the ways our judicial system is being manipulated in the pursuit of power.

Charley Boyd,
Grace Doucet,
Arlene Hendrickson, Margaret Holliston,
Pat Johnston,
Ellen Parker,
Tonya Ratushniak,
Linda Rowswell,
Camrose

February 24, 2026

This note is a very sincere thank you to Gerald Pilger for his guest editorial relating his visit to Uganda. I also know that recently one of the UCP MLAs visited Tanzania and climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and I would hope he would have the courage to share his experience of interacting with the locals and about the challenges faced by people in Tanzania.

Jagdish Patel,
Camrose

February 17, 2026

We would like to add our support and voices to those of Mr. Lynn Clark and to the group of citizens including Mr. and Mrs. Don and Marie Ruzicka whose letters were printed in the February 3 issue of The Booster. Thank you all for making your points so clearly and allowing those of us less able to do so to ride upon your coattails.

The alarming rise of Alberta Separatists have put the fate of our Alberta in our Canada to be very concerning. It is causing a great deal of fear for those of us in our mid-eighties.

In any responsible western nation, a leader, especially one who is considered as unstable as the one currently in USA, would be quietly assisted to receive the help he so desperately requires. Instead the Americans laud him and kowtow to him. This certainly questions their motives as well.

The Roman Empire fell, the Third Reich fell, the USSR fell and the wall crashed. The American Empire is rapidly becoming an international pariah state and careening wildly into a huge abyss.

Bonnie and Glen Freadrich,
Camrose

February 17, 2026

If I hope to make an informed, fact-based decision, should there be a referendum on Alberta separating from Canada, there are questions that I would need answers to. Following are some of those questions that keep me up at night:
Will I need a passport to visit family and friends in Canada?

Who will pay for establishing the infrastructure and populating the crossing site structures? There will be four borders that would need to be policed.
What would happen to Lloydminster?

While we may still be able to participate in the NHL, what happens to the Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League?
If Transport Canada owns the land for our two major airports and sets aviation safety and security standards, would these properties need to be purchased and will it be safe to fly?

What is the actual amount of dollars that the Canadian Government contributes to the province for shared cost projects such as schools, roadways and hospitals? If we presently rely on federal funding to assist in the construction of these projects, how and who will make up for this lost source of funding?

Will the Farm Credit Corporation (FCC), a federal crown corporation, be required to call in all the loans of farmers and agri-businesses in this new sovereign state? Since I am part of a farm operation, this is a crucial question, so I looked it up to determine what the impact might be should all the loans need to be paid back. According to FCC’s most recent annual report, FCC serves more than 102,000 customers nationwide and manages a loan portfolio of approximately $54 billion. Of that, roughly $9.6 billion is invested in Alberta alone. Further research revealed that the agri-food sector is a “major economic driver” for the provincial government and contributes over a billion dollars in annual tax revenue. What will be the impact if FCC loans are called in?

Will national charities, such as the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, continue to support researchers in our hospitals and will those researchers be able to continue their work here if they don’t have state of the art facilities?

Will we be forced to get annexed by the United States because we don’t have the money to survive independently?

Who will be our trading partners and how will we ship our products beyond our borders?

Although some may consider my questions trivial and irrelevant, I would appreciate honest, well-researched answers.

I am, after all, responsible in part, for the future of this province.

Marj Nahirniak,
Camrose County

February 17, 2026

I am writing to comment on Gerald Pilger’s column. He stated his outlook on separation and pointed out many things that are downside in a clear, unambiguous and practical way, mentioning subjects that are glossed over by too many pro-separatists. I wish to point out these are not all the downsides by any means. I could add to it, but for those who do not want to look into the practicalities, my word will mean little.

Much has been pointed out elsewhere. If one does not choose to look into it,  that is a pretty cavalier attitude to display to such a potentially serious subject.

Ken J. Sharp,
Ladysmith, B.C.

February 17, 2026

I’m responding to your ad in last week’s Booster,
which we look forward to receiving every week. It was very disappointing when we stopped receiving most of the flyers. We feel like the rural community doesn’t seem to matter to some of the businesses. Kudos to the few businesses that do appreciate our business. The bigger stores seem to think that everyone should get the flyers online now, sad that is because not all of us enjoy going online to look for flyers.

Thanks to The Camrose Booster for the few flyers that we still receive.

Rod and Denise Blatz,
Bawlf

February 17, 2026

Admittedly, I have lost track of who was the driving force behind the return of the dazzling tree lights to the trees on beautiful Main Street, Camrose, and by the same token, I am not sure who is ultimately in charge of changing the LED colours, or ensuring the lights  are strung properly and in peak operating condition, always. The front page of the
February 10th Booster reminded me of how valuable these lights are to bring recognition to the community and in particular to our prized downtown core. Each time we head to Main Street, we feel fortunate to be greeted with the appeal of these lights. Well done, Camrose!

Al Rostad,
Camrose

February 17, 2026

Admittedly, I have lost track of who was the driving force behind the return of the dazzling tree lights to the trees on beautiful Main Street, Camrose, and by the same token, I am not sure who is ultimately in charge of changing the LED colours, or ensuring the lights  are strung properly and in peak operating condition, always. The front page of the
February 10th Booster reminded me of how valuable these lights are to bring recognition to the community and in particular to our prized downtown core. Each time we head to Main Street, we feel fortunate to be greeted with the appeal of these lights. Well done, Camrose!

Al Rostad,
Camrose

February 10, 2026

Donald Trump’s statement that Canada needs the U.S.A. is interesting. Northeastern States and Midwestern States import electricity from Canada. The U.S.A. imports 99 per cent of its natural gas requirements from Canada.

Looks like U.S.A. needs Canada, otherwise it would be dark and cold in the U.S.A.

Tom Leithead,
Camrose

February 10, 2026

I read an article on January 20, by Joe Vamer, who wrote that praising Beijing’s “new world order” is a costly misstep for Carney and Canada. Vamer stated in his article, “When a Canadian prime minister praises the idea of a ‘new world order’ while sitting in China, he is not engaging in neutral diplomacy.

“He is endorsing language that carries an extremely specific meaning in Beijing. In the Chinese strategic doctrine, a ‘new world order’ is not about reforming globalization. Its real objective is to replace American power and to weaken western alliances and replacing Liberal norms with a hierarchical system built on state control and non interference that shields authoritarian rule.”

This is not good for Canada. Most Canadians are clueless of what this man is doing to our country. This is just something for all of you to think about.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

February 10, 2026

In his recent column, MP Pierre Poilievre rightfully highlighted the frustration rural Albertans feel regarding the CFIA’s proposed amendments to livestock traceability. As someone from New Norway who values the “land and legacy” of our agricultural sector, I share the concern over any “administrative nightmare” that puts red tape ahead of ranching.

However, a critical piece of data was missing from that column: The federation actually worked.
On January 10, 2026, following a massive pushback from 600 producers at a meeting in Innisfail, the CFIA officially announced a pause on the publication of these amendments to allow for deeper consultation. This is a significant victory for the livestock industry, yet it was omitted in favour of a “dog whistle” narrative that suggests we are helpless against Ottawa.

We don’t need more rage-farming; we need pragmatic solutions. While federal Conservative slogans call for “scrapping” traceability, those of us who live a conservative lifestyle know that robust traceability is what secures our billion-dollar access to global markets. Without it, one sick animal could lock out Alberta beef overnight.

The real solution isn’t to leave Canada or simply shout at it. The solution is for a pragmatic provincial government to step up. If federal health standards require expensive digital tags and scanners, the Province should provide the grants and technology to ensure our producers can comply without a financial burden.

We need to move past the “soap opera” of separatism and slogans. It is time for a “Progressive” approach to conservatism that protects the rancher’s wallet while securing the industry’s future. Alberta is “Forever Canadian”, not because we are weak, but because we are strong enough to speak up, hit the pause button, and change the rules to work for us.

Darlene Jacobsen,
New Norway

February 10, 2026

It seems that every other week there is a letter stating that Alberta would be better off economically if we separated from Canada. The separatists are just plain wrong. The British people were also told that they would be better off if they separated from the European Union. They were misinformed and are now a poorer country for their mistake. Alberta separatists like to point to the equalization payments that go to Quebec, conveniently overlooking the fact that Quebec was a “have” province until talk of separation turned Quebec into a “have not” province.

In July, University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe wrote an article first published in The Hub called “A separate Alberta would be a poorer Alberta.” His reasons are too numerous for this letter. I urge you to find the article for yourself. He concludes that separating would hurt all of Canada, but hurt Alberta the most. He calculates that an independent Alberta would be $20 billion/year poorer. Put another way, separation would cost every Albertan $4,000 each year. Many people already struggle with affordability. We don’t need separatists to make it harder for us.

In May, the CEO of ATCO Nancy Southern stated that just the talk of separating was already driving investment out of Alberta. Imagine how much harm a divisive petition campaign, or even worse, a referendum campaign, would do. Alberta separatism makes no sense, but there is a small segment of Albertans who will simply not accept facts. We need our political leaders to put an end to this nonsense before the separatists do any more damage to Alberta. All the Alberta government has to do is point to the success of the Forever Canadian petition and pass a motion in the legislature stating that the issue is closed – we are staying in Canada. Done, and we move on to issues that matter.

Rob Hill,
Camrose

February 3, 2026

We would like to publicly acknowledge and thank the Camrose lawyers who sent the open letter to The Booster. As the lawyers pointed out, we are living in unprecedented times where the provincial government rewrites rules and legislation as it suits them. The UCP have stripped powers from the Chief Electoral Officer so they can no longer check on government overreach. Premier Smith has invoked the Notwithstanding Clause multiple times, overriding individual rights and freedoms. In addition, the government has taken powers away from the Law Society of Alberta to hold the Justice Minister accountable all the while criticizing our courts and trying to undermine their legitimacy.

These actions by the provincial government are more than unacceptable – they are dangerous. We need a government that represents the people and protects our rights. The government’s job is to work for the people, something Premier Smith and the UCP seem to have forgotten.

Thank you to the lawyers for your courage and your call for citizens to take up the cause and let this government know we will not stand idly by while democracy is dismantled. We citizens endorse your letter and share your concerns and call for action.

D’Arcy and Jane Arial
Emily Coykendall
Lawrence and Denise Dufresne
Paula Marentette
Janet McGeer
Treva and John Olson
Tim and Ellen Parker
Maya Rathnavalu
Larry and Margaret Rathnavalu
Don and Marie Ruzicka
Nola Sharp
Craig Wentland,
Camrose

February 3, 2026

Recent events in the U.S. with ICE agents rounding up suspected illegals (denounced by neighbours) who are using unprecedented and excessive force is reminiscent of Hitler’s Brownshirts rounding up Jews in Germany in the 1930s. Two quotes come to mind...

‘‘We should always be aware that what now lies in the past once lay in the future.” – Historian F.W. Maitland (1850-1906).

 “First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out – because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me.” – Clergyman Martin Niemöller (1892-1984)

Hitler’s Propaganda Minister Goebbels and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller had both scapegoated an identifiable group based upon populist bigotry using disinformation to wage a propaganda campaign. Goering, Heydrich and Himmler concocted and implemented the Final Solution and Holocaust; the cabal of Border Czar Homan, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, et. al. are using similar procedures and propaganda,  hopefully with lesser consequences.
Hitler’s Foreign Minister Von Ribbentrop planned the invasion of a host of European countries and ultimately, betrayed Russia; is Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, a current back-channel envoy for the ‘‘western hemisphere of influence” Project 2025 plan between Trump and Putin to, ultimately, betray Canada? It is becoming increasingly evident that the Helsinki Summit in 2018 was the first step in Trump’s subterfuge to get out of NATO, seek revenge on Ukrainian officials, and develop alliances to support his personal quest to become the dictator of the West.

Is U.S. Attorney General Bondi’s legal advice to Trump merely subterfuge to find ways and means to legitimize Trump’s insatiable desire for power, perhaps following the playbook of Mein Kampf? Is what we are observing in Minnesota the U.S. modern version of Kristallnacht as the U.S. begins its descent into anarchy?

Thankfully, we have world leaders (and hopefully American voters) that have taken Niemöller’s warnings to heart and are ‘‘speaking out” and taking action.

Lynn Clark,
Camrose 

February 3, 2026

A few points to consider before we cast a vote for separation. First of all, what type of monetary system would we adopt? And what is the basis for the monetary gold or, heaven forbid, Bitcoin? If we lost the Canadian dollar, what would your assets be worth? How much would we stand to lose and we have to revive everything? Would the big banks still issue loans and mortgages in Canadian dollars? Or would Alberta not have access to Canadian dollars?
Our Canadian passports would no longer be valid anywhere in the world. Who would fund our new post office that we would require? Who would fund the Trans Canada, Yellowhead Highways, the federal parks, and our current police force? The RCMP would be gone (also thanks to Danielle Smith). Who would fund the international airports? What would happen to the federal full-time jobs? Those would be eliminated. Yes, we give many, in fact, several billion dollars in equalization payments to the poorer provinces, but we are supposedly making many more billions from resources, so if this is true, why is Alberta $82.9 billion in debt? A debt that is growing day by day.

Have we forgotten the billions we receive back from Ottawa for healthcare, education, sports, policing? Should we see another weather disaster, guess what? No military to help out. The railways are also under federal jurisdiction, so would they be compelled to haul our grain, coal and oil? I hear every day that we have no say in the federal politics because every election held is over when it reaches the Manitoba border. Well, people, guess where the population is? Yep! Quebec and Ontario, that is who dictates who goes into power.

Don’t forget that Conservatives have been voted in numerous times. We really have a lot to lose, so let’s think about the dire consequences of voting to separate.

Louis Hagel,
Camrose

January 27, 2026

The constitutional makeup of Canada is not designed for unity. Unity is comprised of fairness and balance. Out of the 343 seats in the House of Commons, Quebec and Ontario have 200. The remaining 143 seats come from the rest of Canada. This gives these two provinces the power to direct the affairs of Canada regardless of what political party forms the government.

Presently, this power is used to stifle the creation of wealth in Alberta while extracting 20 billion dollars a year in transfer payments. This does not inspire unity. It ferments the exact opposite. Those who support the continuation of such a system embrace unfairness and imbalance. The imbalance in the Canadian power structure could be rectified by reforming the Senate  – giving each province an elected, equal and effective voice. This would balance representation by population in the House of Commons. There is no interest in Ottawa in addressing the imbalance existing within our Constitution.

History demonstrates the human spirit strives for fairness and balance and ultimately will not be denied. Therefore, independence is a beckoning alternative.

Jack Ramsay,
Camrose

January 27, 2026

I would like to thank the Camrose lawyers who expressed their concerns about the actions of our provincial Government. There is an old protest slogan that says “Democracy Dies in Silence.” So it is time for me to come forward to voice my concerns about our UCP Government. To the concerns of the lawyers who wrote the letter I would like to add my concerns:

 A health care system in complete disarray that is failing to meet the needs of the citizens. Reduced and insufficient funding for education at all levels. Reduced support and outright attacks on the most vulnerable members of our community. Reducing or eliminating environmental regulations. Placing restrictions on renewable energy not imposed on the oil and gas industry.

However, my biggest concern is a government that seems to be open to Alberta separating from Canada – maybe not in words, but certainly in actions. The Alberta Separation movement should not be taken lightly. For the vast majority of Albertans who don’t support separation, it is our responsibility and duty to speak up.

I am calling on our MLA Jackie Lovely to publicly commit to Alberta remaining in Canada and to correct the misinformation being put forward by those who would see Alberta leave Canada. I will take your silence and the silence of your government as a vote for separation. I will not be silent in my support for Alberta and Canada.

Bill Sears,
Camrose

January 27, 2026

In a time when we hear horror stories of long waits, lack of help and service in our emergency departments all across the country and alarming results leaving families disillusioned and heartbroken, I had my own experience on January 16 in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Emergency Room (ER).

I arrived at the ER in distress and nervous, unable to get a good breath, I was attended to within five minutes of arriving. The triage nurse did her thing and I was in a room and in a bed post haste. I was seen by a doctor who was kind, patient and efficient. Tests were done and I was hooked up to a monitor that determined I was experiencing atrial fibrillation. Then followed blood work, ECG, CT scan, x-ray and more doctor’s attention. All the time I received kindness, reassurance and humour to ease the tensions.

Finally at 2:00 a.m. on January 17, Dr. Enias Mabhegedhe explained to me the decision was made to “shock” my heart back to a steady beat. He did this with exceptional patience and care. Within minutes, my errant heart was beating at a steady 67. I was later discharged with follow-up instructions. Within 24 hours, I was tended to, listened to and fixed.

To all the doctors, nurses, techs, cleaning staff and food preps at the hospital, a very big thank you from my grateful and, again, steady heart.

Wendy Hamer,
Camrose

January 27, 2026

I was born and raised in Alberta and have lived in Alberta for 58 of my 73 years. I own some shares in Suncor and TC Energy and South Bow Corp and stand to benefit from a coastal pipeline.
But I must take exception to the column – it is typical political claptrap.

He phrased his wording about a potential Pipeline to the Pacific carefully and ignored the other three projects in the MOU – the Pathways Project, nuclear generation of thousands of megawatts of Al computing power and the large transmission interties with B.C. and Saskatchewan.

It is not the Federal Government’s job to BUILD the pipeline – their role is to FACILITATE its construction. He must have missed the “private sector constructed and financed” detail. Did he even read the entire MOU?

I assume the “massive carbon tax” he refers to is the industrial carbon pricing of $130/tonne under Alberta’s TIER system  to which both Alberta and the Federal governments agreed.

He mentions “shovels in the ground” but there is no principal owner/operator, no design, no route, no budget, no schedule, etc., etc. He has no constructive suggestions to overcome the opposition to the pipeline from the province of BC, the Indigenous population, and the coastal fishermen/fisherwomen.

The MOU goes on to list eight Commitments made by Alberta, 11 commitments made by Canada and 17 joint commitments. The MOU ends with a section on an Implementation Committee responsible for delivering seven outcomes – four of them on or before April 1, 2026. Time’s a ticking. I would encourage people to read the MOU for themselves.

Don Cherkas,
Camrose

January 20, 2026

Your readers may recall that I shared a copy of my recent letter to Jackie Lovely, Camrose MLA, regarding the concerning state of health care in Alberta as a letter-to-the-editor in the January 13 edition of The Camrose Booster.

I did hear back from the MLA’s office – and in a rather timely way, too! However, it was Ms. Lovely’s assistant who responded, primarily referencing the government’s Acute Care Action Plan, which includes, quoted below:

Adding more than 1,000 new acute care beds in Edmonton and Calgary, including 700 new beds in Edmonton (350 each at the Misericordia and Grey Nuns hospitals).

Funding 50,000 additional surgeries to reduce wait times.

Increasing community and psychiatric care spaces.
Implementing a provincial neonatal intensive care strategy to support vulnerable infants.

Advancing a six‑priority framework focused on long‑term capital planning, workforce sustainability, and increasing flexibility for healthcare professionals.

I read the response several times, but couldn’t uncover many (any?) helpful details regarding the plan. A very partial breakdown regarding those 1,000 new beds is provided, but without a timeline. (I have since been told that these are probably not really new beds insofar as the government may, in fact, be reinstating 1,000 beds previously cut. I need to fact-check that one.)

Moreover, the response did not address my concern regarding how the addition of private health care within our public system will improve patient access and care rather than worsen it. I note mention of “increasing flexibility for healthcare professionals,” but am unsure of what that actually means. I suspect it is a veiled reference to previous announcements regarding private provision, and remain deeply worried that “increased flexibility” will result in increased pressure on our health-care professionals to work more, resulting in more burn-out. Exactly how will this “increased flexibility” improve patient care? Details, please, preferably backed by research.  In fact, what we really need if we are serious about patient care and preventing burn-out, is an increase in the number of health-care professionals and significant improvements in their working conditions.

We need to keep the conversation going, and continue sharing our concerns with each other and with the government. With that in mind, I encourage readers to contact the MLA’s office and also to attend the Friends of Medicare presentation with Dr. Paul Parks on Thursday, February 19, at 7:00 p.m., at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Centre for the Performing Arts.  Please Google as you need to register, although there is no cost.

Margaret Holliston,
Camrose

January 20, 2026

I read an article in the National Post, which came out in the January 15, 2026 edition, that Mark Carney didn’t meet with “Coastal First Nations”. He met with an environmentalist group by the name.
Coastal First Nations is an activist group endorsed by just eight out of approximately 70 First Nations on the B.C. coast.

When will Canadians learn that the Liberals cannot be trusted with telling the truth? Is Carney  continuing his bad habit of not being honest with us Canadians?

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose 

January 20, 2026

It was stated in Ms. Dee Patriquin’s letter, in regards to the federal transfer payments that “Alberta received $8,649 billion from the first two programs this year alone…” This amount does not make up for the years and years of fiscal unfairness and federal overreach.

To be clear: Albertans pay $60 billion in federal taxes annually. We get$27 billion back. Albertans ‘overpay’ in CPP at $3 billion a year and EI at $1 billion a year. It is a fact that right now, in this province, many educated young adults and youths cannot find a job. Owning a home for many is beyond their reach, and food banks are being accessed by middle-class families more than any other time in recent history.

At present our own federal government is allowing Bill C-69 to block our pipelines. Bill C-48 is a ‘west-only’ tanker ban and Bill-234 blocks our oil and gas and many businesses are still paying carbon tax.
Some people would argue that we are NOT land locked. I disagree. In 1904, Sir Clifford Sifton, minister of the interior of Canada, allocated Alberta as a subservient colony. Really??

We have been treated unfairly long enough! Something has to change. The Alberta Advantage has vanished. Let’s stand together for the future for our children and grandchildren.

Separation is not a dirty word, it is the only way to come out from under the pressure and injustice that is blocking us and our children’s future!

Who is with me?

Jacquie Munro,
Rosalind

January 13, 2026

In regard to the Community Bus on its many stops around the City and the safety of the bus and its passengers:

One of the stops is on 46 Avenue and 66 Street. Right now, it stops short of a busy intersection. Not only is there traffic off highways going north, or the traffic coming off the service road, it’s the traffic that turns off 66 Street to access, for the most part, Tim Hortons. To save a minute, they changed the route. The old stop was some fifty metres to the north at Peavy Mart, which is a lot better for the safety of all concerned. Also, where it stops now, there is an increase in upset drivers for stopping at the new location.

Also, some increase in signage on the back of the bus would be helpful. As a driver and one who rides the bus on occasion, I have noticed this issue.

Darrell Broen,
Camrose

January 13, 2026

Over the past few years, I have become increasingly worried about the declining state of health care in our province. I believe a large part of the problem rests with a shortage of physicians, especially family physicians. However, we also need other health care professionals, and we certainly need to invest more into public health care generally so that practicing in Alberta is appealing again.

After listening to CBC’s The Current the morning of January 6, I felt it was time to contact my MLA to express my concerns and request more information regarding our government’s plans with respect to health care. I share my letter, and will share any information I might receive when Ms. Lovely replies.

“Dear Ms. Lovely, as you may recall, I retired in July 2021 after spending over twenty years working with Camrose and District FCSS. Our paths crossed several times back then, and I continue to appreciate your support for FCSS programs, locally and across the province.

As a senior nearing 70 years of age, with a family history of heart issues, I am understandably concerned about health care in Alberta. I am shocked and saddened at the news that a man could die of a heart attack in a hospital emergency room having had to wait for a reported eight hours. I have high blood pressure; that could be me, one day. I fear others will have the same fate.

That said, I am slightly heartened on learning of the Premier’s recent announcement that the province will be investing in 1,000 hospital beds, which will ‘free up’ our hospital emergency rooms. CBC’s The Current referenced her announcement while covering the Edmonton death this morning. Unfortunately, CBC could not share details regarding these 1,000 beds, apparently because there are no details to share.

I would love to learn more about those 1,000 beds, and so decided to contact you. I respectfully ask you to provide the details regarding these promised beds. When? Where? Will Camrose see an increase in our emergency health care services?
Finally, on a related note, further details regarding the government’s plans to permit doctors to practice in both a public and a private capacity, at least in part to enhance accessibility, would also be appreciated. For example, what are the government’s plans to increase the number of doctors practicing in Alberta as a whole? What, specifically, will Alberta do within its broad jurisdictional capacity with regard to overall health care services and, especially, physician recruitment? What are the timelines, marketing strategies, indicators, educational supports (more university funding even), etc.? (Please focus on Alberta, as reference to the federal government is not really helpful in this regard.)

In other words, please also provide details as to how the transition to what is commonly called a “two-tiered” system will increase the physician numbers required to support such a system rather than undermine or decrease access to either public or private care. I am sure you will agree that permitting choice of practice does not, in itself, guarantee an increase in access. Yet we need increased access to prevent future tragedies like that emergency room death that is making the news.

Thank you for your attention. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and to sharing the detailed information you will provide in your response with my friends who are equally concerned about the future – their future – of health care in Alberta.

Margaret Holliston,
Camrose

January 13, 2026

This is a response to our MP Pierre Poilievre’s recent Facebook post congratulating U.S. President Donald Trump. It was truly embarrassing for the constituency and the Conservative Party of Canada to be congratulating the man who threatened Canada only a year ago with tariffs and annexation.
As ashamed as I am to be a constituent in your riding, I am glad that at least I have now seen where you stand before the next election.

Marnie Roberts,
Camrose

January 6, 2026

I live in the southwest corner of Camrose County, a few miles west of Bashaw. I am the third generation in my family to live and work on this land. We are currently in an appeal process for a proposed 20 acre data centre development on farm land near by. That is 20 acres of industrial machinery operating 24/7 near by peoples homes, families and livestock. The proposal is to use the heat generated by bit-coin mining computers to dry hay and grain in an adjacent facility. The County development office initially approved the project without consulting any residents in our area and we are lucky to have learned of it in time to meet the appeal deadline. The review meeting is at the beginning of January.

The company proposing the development is a multi-national organization with branches in Canada, the U.S.A, China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan. They are leasing the land for the proposed project from the Hutterite Colony near by who presumably deals with this company through the exporting of their grain commodities.

I spoke with the County development office and they provided no evidence of how this sort of development helps our community. As far as I can tell the only people benefiting are the shareholders in this massive, absentee company, that has no roots in our community and will feel none of the negative consequences, and the County getting whatever tax revenue this project develops. That is not a good enough reason for me.

Year by year our countryside becomes increasingly industrialized. An agricultural landscape should be a place where work and leisure coexist not a place to be mined for the profit of people in offices hundreds or thousands of miles away. I am not anti-industry but as someone who cares deeply for my home I am allowed some discretion in what that industry looks like. I encourage everyone to look into the effects these data centres have on human health and the health of our eco systems. There is a big push going on in Alberta to develop this industry and if we sleep through it, we could lose the beauty, health and peace of the places we live and work and raise our families.

Brennan Wierzba,
Camrose County

January 6, 2026

It is very hard to read and hear about someone who died while waiting for care at an Edmonton hospital. We, as people here in Camrose, are so fortunate to have such dedicated doctors and professional medical staff who keep us safe when we have to visit an emergency room. One thing which we do not have is a large population like Edmonton has.

Our emergency room has the same issue like the ones in the larger centres. The ones in the rural towns are struggling to keep their emergency rooms open. They also struggle to attract doctors. This is not just a provincial government problem but the Federal government also has some of the blame. Both levels of governments do have to work together to solve these problems. The amount of money is not the problem.

Management of how AHS handles the money is the issue. Public health only is not the solution. Mismanagement by government crown corporations is the problem. We need a balance of private health companies which are funded by the government and government run health agencies funded by the government to make this work.

This is just something to think about.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

January 6, 2026

The recent letter downplays Alberta’s outsized contributions to Confederation while overstating federal benefits.

Alberta’s high incomes, fueled by energy, mean no equalization payments and far higher federal taxes paid than services received–net contributions of $15-27 billion annually in recent years, totalling over $244 billion from 2007 to 2022.

The $8.6 billion in Health and Social Transfers for 2025 to 2026 is standard per-capita funding; it doesn’t offset the massive outflow. Equalization is largely funded by high-contributors like Alberta.
Federal “support” via Trans Mountain came at huge taxpayer cost (over $34 billion) after years of policy delays that blocked market access.

Job losses in oil stem partly from federal carbon policies and regulations, while cost-of-living strains hit Alberta hardest.

Albertans subsidize the rest of Canada. When fiscal imbalances, blocked development, and provincial rights are ignored, separation deserves serious discussion. True cooperation demands reciprocity, not one-way transfers.

Paul McKinstry,
Kingman

December 30, 2025

Paul McKinstry’s recent letter to the editor prompted a fact check on his rationale for Alberta separation. First, federal transfer payments are based on federal taxes that fund three major transfer programs: the Canada Health Transfer, Canada Social Transfer, and Equalization. These programs support health care, social, education, and other programs under provincial control, and not ‘Vancouver condos.’ Alberta received $8.649 billion from the first two programs this year alone, based on federal data. Separation would require Albertans to replace that funding from a smaller population.

Alberta doesn’t receive equalization payments because our average provincial tax revenue is higher than the national average, which reflects our higher per capita income. Equalization tops up provinces below the national average. Our tax revenue from income tax and petroleum royalties puts us above the national average. In fact, Alberta now has the highest average individual income in Canada according to Alberta’s Economic dashboard, and income has increased steadily since 2021. On average, Albertans are benefiting under the existing system, but we’re experiencing cost-of-living increases that affect all Canadians.

Lastly, declines in petroleum employment link mostly to industry automation, not federal policy. Alberta’s oil production has increased from 2011, as have export sales helped by federal support for the TransMountain pipeline. Decarbonization, which the current federal budget supports, could add jobs. In contrast, provincial renewable energy policies have driven away investment. Times are changing at a global level, which affects the federal and provincial realities. Cooperation and innovation by all Canadians, not separation, are needed to build our future.

Dee Patriquin,
Camrose

December 30, 2025

He went straight to the point: “Your blood count has reached the threshold. You will start chemotherapy next week Thursday.” I was in shock. I recall thinking, “There must be some mistake. You’re likely reading someone else’s chart.” I protested that I could not start treatment that day due to a work commitment. So he allowed a one-day delay. I started the next Friday instead.

That was two years ago. I’ve just completed treatment number twenty-four. And the nurse at our local Cancer Clinic informed me that I’ve been assigned another twenty-four cycles – another two years worth of treatments. This is very good news. It means that my body has responded very positively to the medications and for the most part, my condition is stable.

So I’m writing this to express deep appreciation for the amazing care I have received through Alberta Health Services. I’m grateful for an observant family doctor who noticed that something was slightly ‘off’ in a routine blood test and referred me to the Cross Cancer Institute.

That resulted in the early detection of multiple myeloma – cancer of the bone marrow. The doctors and support staff at the CCI have been amazing. Even though they see thousands of patients each year, it feels like I’m the only one in their care. “My” oncologist-epidemiologist gave me his personal cell phone number and told me I could call him any time. Whenever we talk, our conversations are warm and personable. He asks me about my family and keeps me informed about his son’s speed skating career.

I am also very grateful for our local Cancer Clinic. Until my diagnosis, I had no idea how privileged Camrose-area cancer patients are. We have an amazing medical team right here at St. Mary’s Hospital. I receive my infusions and injections there, so no need to drive to Edmonton. When I attend the Clinic, it’s like walking on to the set of the ’90s TV series Friends. Everybody knows my name! If I have to wait for a few minutes, the hospital chaplain stops by to express his support.

In addition to being an out-patient, I spent several days as an in-patient at St. Mary’s Hospital. Despite a very busy day at the ER, the doctor listened attentively as I shared my story. When our visit was nearing completion, I thanked him for the time he spent with me. He replied, “That’s what I’m here for.” The care I received throughout my stay was superb.

And while I’m at it, I’ll add a comment about my brother’s experience. Just over a year ago, he had a heart attack. He was rushed by ground ambulance from Peace River to Grande Prairie and then transferred by air ambulance to the Cardiac Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. He couldn’t say enough about the exceptional people who helped him achieve a full recovery.

Add to all of the above the incredible support from family and friends – especially the prayers of our tiny grandkids.

As Albertans, we have heard many concerns about AHS. I, for one, continue to be amazed and ever so grateful for what we have in our publicly funded health care system.

Brian Krushel,
Camrose

December 23, 2025

I’m writing to thank  The Camrose Booster for your efforts in the last two editions of your paper to encourage readers to shop locally. I really took notice when you listed the businesses (large corporations like Amazon and Wayfair) that were noticeably absent from the 2025 Kinsmen Radio Auction’s list of donors. Kudos to all of the local businesses who stepped up and made a donation so that the Kinsmen Club will be able to carry out their great work. We need to make sure that these businesses continue to survive and thrive as their support in our community is invaluable.

I understand that a city the size of Camrose may not be able to provide all the goods and services that we need (or think we need) but, when you look a little closer, it is very impressive to see what we can find locally. After reading your effective messaging, I was motivated to head to Main Street to buy a new case for my phone and received excellent service. I also stopped and bought some ‘made in Camrose’ Soap that I am excited to give to a friend this Christmas. And recently, on the recommendation of a sales person in a local store, I discovered a seamstress who was able to replace the zipper in my old favourite coat at a very reasonable price. Just think how if every shopper in Camrose and area were to make even a handful of extra local purchases that would add up to make a noticeable difference to the health of our economy.

I understand why your paper is called The Camrose “Booster”. Well done!

Mardell Olson,
Armena

December 23, 2025

The Carney government recently cut billions in funding global health, when we had already long fallen short in funding health aid around the world. Canadians’ typically rosy view of their generosity doesn’t fit the facts: Canada has always been at the bottom of the G7 in terms of aid funding.

It might seem pragmatic – when you’re in the economic hole you don’t give away money. But a good metaphor is living in a house with roommates, many ill with diseases like Ebola, Drug-resistant TB, and yellow fever. The house is full of moans and hacking coughs, but since you have your own bedroom and you feel fine, you don’t worry about what everyone else is dealing with. That you once caught COVID from them and it almost killed you, that’s history.

You say it’s too expensive to help your roommates? How much did COVID cost? Reducing funding for global health is like putting in earplugs so you don’t hear the coughs.

Nathaniel Poole,
Victoria, BC

December 23, 2025

It is poetic justice when someone gets hoisted on their own petard; the UCP Recall Act, estimated to cost taxpayers more than $10 million, allows eligible electors to petition to remove elected officials between elections. Autocratic, ideologically-driven bills like the Justice Statutes Amendment Act are a contradiction from a government that purports to favour small “hands off” government and one that listens to constituents.

Problematic MLAs? Just turf them at the next election by voting for competent MLAs that represent one’s beliefs and values. No referendum, Premier Smith; call an election.

It is important to remember that Justin Trudeau is gone, the Reform/Alliance cabal of Manning, Harper, Day, Poilievre, Kenney, Scheer, Ambrose, et al. accomplished nothing in advancing the interests of western Canada while they served in the House of Commons for two decades.

The central issue in the next provincial election is the capability and record of Alberta politicians … NOT misdirected anger at Federal Liberals/Ontario Conservatives/Quebec Bloc.

Sadly, Albertans must reconcile the angst of having to choose between the polar opposites of “too far left” and “too far right” on the provincial political spectrum. Hopefully, independent MLA Peter Guthrie, the leader of the Alberta Tory Party, can garner support as they align themselves with the centrist policies and fiscal accountability of Lougheed era Conservatives.

The anachronistic policies, fiscal mismanagement and cronyism of the UCP are mind boggling. Instead of much needed public inquiries, reports like the Wyant Report are currently withheld. Auditor General Doug Wylie has been stonewalled amid denials of wrongdoing by the UCP as investigations by the RCMP and Alberta’s Chief Electoral Office proceed with little or no cooperation by the UCP.

Smith’s agenda of dumping the RCMP and CCP comes directly from Preston Manning’s 20th century musings which were NOT part of the UCP’s pre-election platform.

Financial miscues, poor decisions, cronyism and questionable commitments total more than $20 billion that include investment losses at AIMCo, Keystone XL, meds from Türkiye, coal mine settlements, Sturgeon Refinery, DynaLIFE, overthrowing K-12 curriculum changes, excessive grants to MacEwan University and Charter Schools, Alberta Next panels, sinecure (do nothing) committees for cronies, COVID 19 spending, privatized health care plus research $$ to support a host of unproven environmental boondoggles.

Lynn Clark,
Camrose 

December 23, 2025

Floor crossing is not a new concept in Canadian politics. I see the trickling of Conservative MPs crossing the floor to join the Liberals. March 6, 2015, the Edmonton Journal reported the largest floor crossing by any opposition party in Canadian politics. Danielle Smith, along with eight MLAs, joined Jim Prentice for exchange of key roles in his government and enforcement of candidates in certain ridings. Now, in the election of that year, the NDP won crushing Jim Prentice’s Conservatives.

Now, if history does repeat itself, I wonder if the Liberals will be crushed by another party to win government. I am thinking of the Federal NDP party. This might sound impossible but it was impossible for the NDP to win here in Alberta but because of floor crossing allowed by the government, they just sealed their fate. Just wondering.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

December 16, 2025

For the last few years we’ve been constantly hearing about the cost of housing and how it needs to be more affordable. The funny part about this is that the same people who caused the spike in housing valuations are the same people who say they have the solution. What a joke!

Think about it. The homeowner doesn’t want the value of his house to go down. He’s seen a 200 to 300 per cent increase  in value just since Covid started. The realtor doesn’t want the price to go down, because then so does their commission. The bank and CMC don’t want the house prices to go down because they would get less interest on the loans. The realtor blames the appraiser for the rise, but they’re both guilty of the inflationary rise in prices.

Since common sense says prices won’t come down, how do you make house prices affordable? When I was in the housing business in B.C., we convinced then Premier Bill Bennett to offer a one-time grant for new housing starts to first-time buyers, seniors and divorced people. CMHC then came out with a grant as well for the same people allowed to get it. It didn’t lower prices necessarily, although it did in the modular home industry. What it did was reduce the amount of money a purchaser needed to buy a house. It was a limited time offer, but it saw a huge amount of home purchases in a very short period of time.

In today’s market, if you use $350,000 as an average condo price in Camrose or Edmonton, and eliminated the GST for the purchasers and did a $5,000 provincial grant and a $5,000 federal grant, the estimated payment at 4.69 per cent would be approximately $1,920 per month according to the TD Bank mortgage calculator.

This amount is roughly what people are now paying in rent. The difference is, with the $10,000 federal and provincial grants, the down payment is cut in half.

What would be the biggest hurdles, you ask? Well, having both levels of government work together would be the first miracle required. Where would the funds come from? Start by cutting the cost of government via a reduction at both levels of government in the number of civil servants employed. Next would be to cut immigration and use those savings to provide the grant money at the federal level. There are many easy ways to fund this money. B.C. proved it during the Bill Bennett years. I’m sure to some this seems a fantasy, but nothing else is working and what I have stated has a proven track record and did work. What have we got to lose?

Ron Harder,
Camrose

December 16, 2025

The Liberal Minister of industry, Melanie Joly finally is agreeing to release the contract which the Federal government has with Giant Auto Stellantis.
In front of the special committee who was made up of members of parliament of different political parties, Joly claimed that Stellantis blocked certain parts of the contract to be released to the committee by their request.

Stellantis first of all refused to attend this special committee meeting but later wrote a letter stating that they never restricted anything from the committee. The question was asked what was the Liberal government hiding?

Now Melanie Joly has agreed to release the full document since it was clear that the contractor did not block anything from being released.

This certainly does question how honest this government is and whether Canadians should trust this government to lead our country.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose
 

December 16, 2025

Thank you, Canada Post Camrose, for making the Letters to Santa program extra special this year. My children were delighted to receive a response from Santa at record speed this year. When they opened their personalized envelops, there was glitter, snowflakes and stickers. Wow! Each letter had a fun little write up and a personalized PS message referring to their individual letters they sent in. They were blown away! Thank you for spreading a little extra Christmas magic this year.

Jane Beck,
Camrose

December 9, 2025

By signing the latest Memorandum of Understanding, Premier Smith has committed Alberta to a net-zero emissions target. Let’s look at some facts: Global CO2 emissions are approximately 40,000 megatonnes annually and they continue to increase. Since 1992, politicians have met and pledged to reduce carbon emissions but none of these promises have borne fruit. Countries, including Canada, have not met their targets and will probably not meet them in future. So Canada’s net-zero policy means we are trying to lead the world to a place it’s not going, and Canadians are being made to pay a price with nothing in return. In 2023, oil and gas production released 200 megatonnes of carbon, which is only 0.5 per cent of global emissions. So, even if we shut down all oil and gas activity (and freeze in the dark), we would have no real impact on global emissions. Believe it or not, the US leads the world in absolute CO2 emission reduction, and they are not focused on net-zero.

So with the MOU, let’s just look at one example and that’s the Pathways carbon capture project. This is a $16.5 billion (up to 60 per cent taxpayer money right now, but wait for the final numbers) project that will capture up to 12 megatonnes of CO2 that will be injected because CO2 has no commercial value other than as tax. That is only 0.04 per cent of global emissions, so it’s basically nothing. What else could $16.5 billion buy?  It could build housing, hospitals, schools and infrastructure. The average Canadian family spends about $17,500 annually on food so it could feed nearly a million families for a year.

So what should we do? Our politicians should set aside their ideology and grandstanding and do what is best for Canadians, and that is to stop trying to impress the rest of the world and to build a strong and resilient economy. We should look at the transition to alternate energy as an opportunity and not a punishment.  Impoverishing ourselves will not help - just look at the failure of British and German economies, our friends in net-zero. That said, when countries make realistic commitments that they meet, we should do our part. But we should not be leaders on the road to poverty.

Tony Hladun,
Camrose

December 9, 2025

This is a response to Jackie Lovely’s “Recall Petitions” column. I feel compelled to respond to this article and have lots to say but will contain it to two points.

Jackie states, “Recall legislation was introduced to remove elected officials for serious proven misconduct or sustained failure to represent local constituents” (emphasis added). I am curious if Ms. Lovely considers stripping Canadian citizens of their Charter rights an example of “serious proven misconduct” because forcing teachers back to work did just that-teachers do not have full Charter rights for five years thanks to the UCP legislation.

These are rights that are supposedly guaranteed by our constitution. To very poorly paraphrase Martin Niemöller, it doesn’t typically matter to people what happens until they come for YOU and impacts YOU directly.And it appears they are prepared to trample the rights of anyone if needed. Just watch.

She also states, “Misusing recalls risks undermining our democratic institutions and distracting from what matters most to Albertans” (emphasis added). At the recent UCP annual meeting they spent a lot of time talking about separation from Canada, taking more rights from vulnerable people like trans kids or people using AISH, a provincial police force, and banning third trimester abortions. My favourite was trumping up the MOU Danielle Smith signed with Ottawa to build a pipeline most people believe will never be built. Or travelling to Mar-a-Lago to hang out with the American version of themselves.

None of these things seem to be pressing issues for most Albertans when the cost of living is still most people’s priority. The problem the UCP will continue to face is an educated and vocal public. When the only weapon you legally have left is recall petitions, guess what?  You’re going to get recall petitions. I guess the other option would be to actually listen to your constituents instead of following a radical on the right.

Bob Jonson,
Camrose

December 9, 2025

The assessment that Premier Danielle Smith cannot possibly “win” all her simultaneous “culture wars” is a sound one, rooted in the political reality that she simply does not have enough political capital–public support, resources, or political goodwill–to fight every battle against every opponent she has created.

A government engaging in multiple, divisive conflicts–from federal relations, firearms legislation, and healthcare to social policies–strains its bandwidth and invites broad opposition. The list of groups arrayed against various UCP policies is extensive and includes:

The separatist wing: a unique and challenging “culture war” exists internally, where the UCP faces pressure from hardline separatist groups (like the Alberta Prosperity Project) and members within its own party. This faction views recent negotiations with Ottawa as concessions, creating an impossible dynamic of simultaneously fighting federal overreach and internal demands for outright separation. The Government of Canada, NDP, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Amnesty International, legal experts and constitutional scholars, First Nations, such as the Onion Lake Cree Nation, gun control advocacy groups (PolySeSouvient, Coalition for Gun Control), healthcare advocates, doctors, and nurses, the education sector (teachers, parents, support workers), LGBTQ2S+ communities and advocates and various public interest and disability advocacy groups.

This broad coalition is fueled by a strategy that prioritizes ideological conflict over stable, inclusive governance. While a culture war energizes a political base, it alienates the moderate majority and drains necessary political capital for sustained success.

Ultimately, governance requires tangible outcomes that benefit all citizens. The current strategy risks voter fatigue and diverts attention from essential provincial responsibilities. When facing such widespread opposition across a spectrum of issues, a political victory on all fronts is an impossibility. Albertans deserve governance grounded in reality, not perpetual conflict.

Darlene Jacobsen,
New Norway

December 2, 2025

The Operation Christmas Child (OCC) Shoeboxes have been filled, and our hearts are full as well!  A BIG THANK YOU to each and everyone of you who helped pack over 1,800 shoeboxes in Camrose and area (that’s over 200 more shipped to Calgary than last year). That does not include shoeboxes shipped online because you still can order a box at packabox.ca until December 31.

Glenda Strauss and the OCC Team,
Camrose

December 2, 2025

Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Adriana LaGrange said recently that the Alberta government is committed to “ensuring that under no circumstances will any Albertan ever have to pay out-of-pocket to see their family doctor or to get the medical treatment they need.”

How can she say that?!  Right now, (some) Albertans are paying out-of-pocket for medical treatments they need. If a second tier of private health care comes into existence, her claim won’t be true then, either. Insurance companies are (figuratively speaking) drooling over the possibility of providing coverage for health care.  Who will pay those insurance premiums? Albertans (those who can afford to buy insurance) will be paying those premiums out of pocket.

I am bamboozled by the government’s plan for staffing a private health-care system! The plan would allow medical staff in the public system, under certain circumstances, to practise in the private system. The public-system medical staff are already overworked (and underpaid, and under appreciated by the government)! How can a second health-care system be staffed by poaching from the first, which is already understaffed?!

A properly funded, competently administered, adequately staffed public health-care system does not need “help” from private health care. Let’s fix the problems with the public system and forget this whole private business.   Last I heard, the majority of Canadians/Albertans do not want privatized health care.

John Olson,
Camrose

December 2, 2025

What is happening to the United Conservatives when it comes to their recall legislation is in fact a repeat of what happened to the Social Credit in 1937. Bible Bill (William Aberhart) had become so unpopular that in his riding his fellow voters had collected enough signatures, which was 66.6 per cent of the voters, to force a by-election.

That was the number Aberhart had come up with. Before this could take place, the Social Credit Party quickly reversed the recall legislation so that the Premier would not be embarrassed. If that by-election would have gone ahead, the Premier would have lost that election. I do wonder if Danielle Smith will take a page out of William Aberhart’s play book on how to deal with a recall legislation going against their party, with 14 recall MLAs? Will this be another repeat of 1937?

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose