September 15, 2026

The fifteenth Annual Armena Community Market took place on September 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside at Armena Anniversary Park. It featured local artisans and farmers selling their home baked, crafted, grown and raised products while also being entertained with live music from a variety of local musicians.

Kids’ entertainment included a bouncy castle, face painting, rock painting and lawn games. A concession was on site serving up beef on a bun and homemade pies. It was a great day to come out to Armena to catch up with new and old friends alike while supporting our local small businesses and the host of the event, the Armena Athletic Association.

We had such a great turnout to our market even with the rainy weather, and it was all due to the fact that we were on the front page of The Camrose Booster, so I wanted to say thank you again! We definitely drew in people from outside our community who normally wouldn’t come to events in Armena.

Kim Wetsch,
Armena

September 15, 2026

As a three-time provincial championship fastpitch softball coach, I know how standard competition works: when you play by the rules and win a game at provincials, you advance. Unless a tournament is clearly structured as a double-knockout format before the first pitch – where every team knows the rules going in – officials don’t force you into a “loser’s rematch” against a team you already beat.

​And this was no squeaker. When over 400,000 Albertans signed the Forever Canadian petition, we won that issue by a blowout margin of over 100,000 signatures. We organized, followed the law, put the score on the board, and settled it. For our government to take those verified signatures and treat them as an excuse to drag us back to the ballot box for Question 10 is deeply offensive. You do not force victors to replay a game they won handily just to manufacture political friction.

​I stand in the same tradition of pragmatic, law-and-order governance represented by our own former MLA, Justice Minister, and Agriculture Minister, Verlyn Olson. He understood what responsible government looks like: protecting rural economies, upholding the rule of law, and making tough decisions – not running multi-million-dollar survey campaigns to avoid taking personal responsibility.
​What makes this entire exercise truly surreal is the sheer operational disconnect:

​Disrespecting harvest: forcing a 10-question, hand-counted vote in mid-October during peak harvest shows a complete disregard for rural life in Camrose.

​The bureaucratic contradiction: Elections Alberta is short tens of thousands of workers. To fill the gap, the province is recruiting non-citizen temporary residents to hand-count ballots for Questions 2, 3, and 4 – questions asking voters whether to restrict public services for those exact same non-citizens.

​Betrayal of public privacy: beyond the operational chaos, extreme political actors like David Parker and his Centurion Project illegally deployed a database containing the private names and addresses of nearly three million Albertans – a massive breach now facing court injunctions and police investigation. Taking zero accountability for these radical fringe elements while asking citizens to participate in another province-backed exercise is unacceptable.

​Our government holds a majority in the Legislature. They have the authority to govern, yet they are running an expensive opinion poll to avoid taking ownership of policy.

​MLA Jackie Lovely needs to step up, represent the practical realities of our agricultural community, and call on leadership to stop this referendum.

Darlene Jacobsen,
New Norway

September 1, 2026

I wanted to reach out and send a very sincere thank you for the support of The Camrose Booster in promoting our Family Fun Day and Market, and especially for featuring our event in the August 18 edition of The Country Booster.

We had an absolutely wonderful day and saw a record turnout for the event. We heard from so many people throughout the day who had seen the event advertised in The Booster, and there is no doubt that the exposure you provided played a significant role in helping us reach people beyond our immediate community.

For a small community like Hay Lakes, having that kind of support and coverage means so much. A tremendous amount of work went into planning the day, and seeing so many families, visitors, vendors and community members come out and enjoy it made it incredibly rewarding.

Thank you for helping us get the word out, for supporting our community, and for being so wonderful to work with. Please know how genuinely appreciated your contribution to the success of our event was.

We are very grateful!

Beth Ogilvie,
Hay Lakes

September 1, 2026

Rural families should know that the federal apprenticeship support first announced as an $8,000 payment has quietly grown into a much larger program. Ottawa has confirmed several expansions since Prime Minister Carney’s early announcement, and none of it has been reversed or delayed.

The biggest change is financial. Apprentices now receive a $400‑per‑week top‑up during their mandatory in‑class technical training. Over a standard 40‑week training cycle, that adds up to $16,000. On top of that, anyone who completes their apprenticeship and earns a Red Seal receives a $5,000 completion bonus. For rural apprentices who often face long travel distances, seasonal layoffs, and higher living costs, these supports matter.

The program has also been folded into a national skilled‑trades plan aimed at bringing 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal workers into the labour force. This includes modernized exams, digital logbooks, a national apprenticeship number, and expanded training capacity at union centres. Employers who hire first‑year apprentices can qualify for wage subsidies up to $10,000, which helps small rural shops take on new trainees.
This is good for young people because it lowers the financial barriers that keep many from entering the trades. It gives them a clear path to a stable career without taking on heavy debt, and it helps rural youth stay in their home communities instead of leaving to find opportunity elsewhere.

In short, the original $8,000 announcement was only the starting point. The federal government has since confirmed larger payments, stronger incentives, and a broader strategy to rebuild the trades workforce. Rural readers should be aware that these supports are active, expanding, and available now. As always, confirm details with official government sources. Finally!

Ken Riley
Bassano, AB

August 25, 2026

Public backlash and organized protests against artificial intelligence data centres (AIDC) have surged across North America due to projected massive water consumption, skyrocketing electricity bills, and a lack of public consultation.
But what about questions relating to the front end need/demand for data centres (DC)?
Currently, in a typical home, video streaming uses the most internet bandwidth (Netflix is 35 per cent of total). Other major bandwidth consumers include large game downloads and updates, continuous cloud backups, security cameras, and video conferencing. Simple tasks like reading email, browsing websites, music streaming, actual on-line game play uses very little bandwidth.
Canadians need MLAs and MPs to cooperatively enact legislation and policies to protect our youth, promote responsible, necessary computer and internet usage, protect unsuspecting and non-tech savvy users and account for using our tax dollars wisely.
Can we have confidence that they will act in our best interests to address a myriad of concerns about AIDC, internet usage and regulations, etc. versus surrendering to self-serving populist forces?
What is the REALITY of the hype surrounding the Artificial Intelligence (AI) bubble as many international market economists are warning of the AI and the technology bubble bursting?
What are the driving forces for more DC? Heightened expectations of investors? Is AI the most recent form of corporate (government subsidized) welfare for the rich and powerful? For politicos to attract investment?
Many countries are reining in the powers of telcos; it is timely for Canada to follow suit and hold accountable Canada’s telcos, who operate as an oligopoly. Telcos whose telemarketing practices, exorbitant fees, intrusion upon one’s privacy, irritating popup ads, and support of websites that use third party cookies to track users that increase the risks of fraud, scams, and hacking.
Canada lags far behind other countries with respect to internet regulation and does not have a single standalone “malware” law nor a single, dedicated federal law explicitly targeting internet third-party cookies.
Is the frivolous fluff
of social media like
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube etc. REALLY necessary? Time management, addiction to gaming, and cyberbullying are major struggles for our youth.
Is it a wise decision to allow sports and online gambling to compete with bricks and mortar casinos given the much higher risk of youth becoming “problem” gamblers online?
Is the cryptocurrency
“experiment” a basic need to be supported by DC? An objective comprehensive cost-benefit analysis is in order.

Lynn Clark, 
Camrose

August 25, 2026

I did apply for the provincial gas rebate and received $100 into my account. I find this rebate to be a complete joke.
I personally work seven days a week for three jobs just to barely pay our bills. I work part-time for a taxi company here in Camrose and I spend more on fuel per month than a one time payment of $100.
In my view, this rebate really is too small to help make life more affordable.
When will our governments be serious to really help make life more affordable by maybe reducing the cost of fuel at the pumps? This would save people like myself a lot of money as a result making life more affordable.
This is just something for all of you to ponder.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

August 4, 2026

Last month in June there were student protests outside of the high school and along the main road by the high school.

The result of these protests was the start of an investigation into these serious concerns which was brought out to light by these protests. The Police investigated and found a group chat which were attacking females online.

There has to be a better system in place to monitor such online activity. This is very disturbing to see happen in our society.

I would like to thank all those who took the time to bring this to the attention of the police and to the School Board as well to the society as a whole. Your brave actions, I hope, will bring about positive change to this very important issue.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

July 21, 2026

The avenue in front of my house was closed from June 9 to 25. The road, not the sidewalks. In that time, I faithfully received a copy of The Booster. That’s three if you want to check your calender.

“How many Canada Post workers did I see?” you might be asking yourself for some strange reason. Well here’s a hint, read the subject line.

The actual score was Booster – 3, Canada Post – 0. Was there ever any doubt? Thank you to the very lovely woman who delivers my Booster and loves my cat. And a big shout out to the woman who helps her and indeed to all who work at our community paper.

Miles Degenstein,
Camrose

July 21, 2026

Camrose is home to many seniors in the central Alberta area. We are fortunate to have many amenities and activities for our well-being and enjoyment. What we are lacking, though, is better access to some specialist health services.

There are clinics and/or mobile units in the city for several key issues. For example, heart health, MRI, men’s health, and mammography. They are either self-appointed or on referral from the doctor. However, other specialists needed in our community include urologist, ophthalmologist, dialysis, pacemaker checks, and diabetes care. These and possibly other specialist support are needed for persons who live in this and the broader outlying communities.

The stress, expense, time involved, and in many cases, transportation issues are all factors which have a negative effect on someone’s health and well-being. Most of the specialties listed could be serviced through mobile clinics.

Our provincial government has started the process of making our system more efficient. The above additions would certainly be helpful for us, and I am sure for other rural communities. It is very possible that some appointments which are made in larger centres are missed because of one or more of the factors listed above.

Funding for the training, and equipment needed for these services would need to be provided by the appropriate government department. There are hundreds of persons in this area who would benefit by having these services more convenient.
If you share this concern, please send your comments to our MLA Jackie Lovely. It is expected that she will understand the support and convenience of these additions.

Delphine Murray,
Camrose

July 21, 2026

Once again, government has shown little regard for Canadian history and traditions. The federal government is planning the unthinkable – halting jet-powered aircraft performances of the nationally-loved 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Snowbirds of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The intention of Carney’s government is to replace the Canadian designed and built Canadair CT-114 Tutor jets with propeller-driven aircraft, the Swiss-built CT-157 Siskin II.

That would be a giant step backwards. I am sure the Siskin is a fine aircraft and could serve the Royal Canadian Air Force well as a pilot trainer. How ironic it is that the government plants to revert to aircraft named as Siskins! Canada’s first aerobatic team was formed in 1929 and comprised of three British-built Armstrong Whitworth Siskin biplanes that were developed as fighter aircraft after the First World War.

If the federal government replaces the Tutor jets with Siskin trainers, Canada will be the only G7 country with propeller-powered aerobatic teams. The Snowbirds at present, rank with the other six high-performance jet teams from Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan, Germany and the United States.

The move to change to the Siskins is considered with complete disregard to national history, heritage and tradition. It would be like asking the RCMP to abandon their horses of the Musical Ride and switch to Shetland ponies or burros and perform at children’s petting zoos.

John Chalmers,
Edmonton

July 14, 2026

I’m all in favour of governments investing in economic opportunities but this west coast pipeline is just politics. Last year, Mark Carney said a pipeline will only happen if the private sector pays for it, but now it seems taxpayers will pay. We are told $35-44 billion, but this new pipeline has much larger pipe and more powerful motors than the TMX, so I think we will pay much more.
Part of the deal was that the oil industry would install a carbon capture and storage system but The Hub expects we’ll pick up $20 billion in cost for that too. (New West Coast pipeline could cost over $100 billion in overruns, raising concerns about ‘Laurentian Capitalism’ spreading to Alberta). And The Hub expects there will be about $100 billion in cost overruns.
If this project makes sense, the private sector will take it on. The reality is that this pipeline makes no economic sense. Smith says that the oil will be sold to the growing market in Asia, but she knows that the Asia market is shrinking. The main Asian country with refining facility for our heavy sour crude is China, and China is installing renewable energy quickly to eliminate the need for imported oil. China says their oil consumption will drop this year by 5 per cent. (PetroChina forecasts Chinese oil consumption will drop 4.9 per cent this year – Reuters). It is shrinking, not growing. If there is any market for our oil by the time the pipeline is finished, we will be competing with Saudi Arabia, who provide most of the heavy crude to China now.
Unfortunately, according to the Pembina Institute (West Coast Pipeline Deal Is a Massive Gift to the Oil Industry, Alberta – Energi Media), Saudi Arabia can produce heavy crude profitably for as little as $5/barrel, but for the oil sands the break even point is about $35/barrel.
To transport Saudi oil to China costs about
$2/barrel and for Alberta oil its about $18/barrel. It appears that the only way any oil will move through that pipeline is if it is heavily subsidized by taxpayers.
It appears to make no sense, so why are we doing this. Well, some separatists say we should vote to separate to send Ottawa a message.
I think they have got their wish. Carney appears to be willing to throw a ridiculous amount of Canadian taxpayers’ money at this to show that Ottawa can satisfy Alberta. And Smith seems willing to throw a ridiculous amount of Alberta taxpayers’ money at this to show that she can get Ottawa to do what she wants.
In my opinion, the big winners – oil companies (many foreign). The big losers – Canadian taxpayers. It should be interesting to see how this plays out.

Rob Hill, Camrose

July 14, 2026

How does one sort through the myriad of information/noise that permeates our lives and make sense of the craziness in news feeds at home and abroad?
We boomers are thankful to have grown up and lived, loved and worked in the best of times. Raised with the traditionalist values of our parents, we enjoyed a comfortable, prosperous, healthy and unencumbered lifestyle during peaceful times.
However, we must concede that our well-grounded lifestyle has become more chaotic of late.
We reflect (lament perhaps? upon life “BEFORE…”
BEFORE … The internet completely transformed society by access to global knowledge, collapsing communication distances, and revolutionizing how we work, learn, and shop
BEFORE… the downside; namely, narrative from vested interest groups posting mis/dis-information, fraudsters, conspiracy theories, “alternate facts” from politicians, cyber bullying, loss of privacy, the need for ad blockers, foreign ownership of media, youth addicted to videogaming, etc. and last, but not least, the downside of AI.
Twenty-first century societies are a multigenerational mix characterized by people attached to their cellphones by an umbilical cord (myself included); a society that has morphed into getting its information in 30-second sound/video bytes often circulated by social media friends or as a subscriber to a group.
What would one of Canada’s most well-known philosophers, Marshal McCluhan, say about the 21st century? He died 10 years before the internet and social media came on stream.
McCluhan’s work was a groundbreaking study in media theory in the 1960s; he was dismayed by the way in which people approached and used TELEVISION, (the newest) media at that time. The media themselves, not the content they carry, should be the focus of study – popularly quoted as “the medium is the message”.
Another visionary who died before the internet was educator Neil Postman who provided advice to educators and parents to assist in arming our youth. Postman’s 1969 address, “Bullshit and the Art of Crap-Detection,” pioneered the notion of crap detecting, the critical ability to analyze, question, and see through propaganda, media manipulation, and misinformation
So…the solutions to our dilemma?
Government regulations to limit social media access for youth has not worked in Australia as tech savvy youth have already bypassed the regulations.
It is unrealistic to expect profitable social media giants like Meta, to regulate themselves.
Leaving only… parents and teachers to limit screen time and content and engender a built-in “crap detector”. Is there hope?

Lynn Clarke, Camrose

July 7, 2026

There are two issues in the public consciousness that need to be commented on.

First, wait a minute… there. It took me 2 minutes to type the text of the Corb Lund petition and our government maintains that there is not time to add the question to the October referendum. Unless they come up with a compelling reason for not being able to add the Corb Lund question, I would be forced to be of the opinion that they are either incompetent or corrupt. I wonder which of these they would prefer me to choose?

It seems to me that the Alberta government is afraid of the outcome of the Thomas Lucaszuk “Forever Canada” petition, successfully completed with over 400,000 signatures. Why else would we have heard nothing about how they planned to deal with it? In contrast, it also seems to me that they have embraced the much weaker, and, at this point, unapproved separatist petition which only required 178,000 votes as a result of the government’s deliberate step to make petitions easier to achieve.

What’s more, the government is suggesting that over 700,000 Albertan’s want a petition. The premier is counting the Lukaszuk 400,000 in this number in spite of the fact that Lucaszuk specifically did not want his question to be a referendum. Instead, he wanted the question to be put to all Alberta MLAs, so the public could see how each member of the government felt about remaining in Canada.

Furthermore, the petition could not be used in a referendum, because the question was never vetted for constitutionality. Granted, there is some question about this, because Lucaszuk’s language suggests he would like a referendum “Therefore, we as represented by the signatory and applicant below, propose a referendum on the following question: ‘Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?’. On the other hand, he never selected the “constitutional referendum” box on the petition submission form.

In any case, somehow the petition has disappeared for months into “committee”. It’s clear to me that the last thing this government wants is to be pressured into revealing its stance on the Forever Canada question. Its handling of this issue speaks volumes…

Second, for years Canadians have looked aghast south of the border at the rampant practice of gerrymandering, which provides a distinct unfair advantage to the party in control of the process. In Canada independent commissions have handled federal and provincial redistricting since the 1950s and 1960s, ensuring boundaries are drawn based on population equality and community interests rather than partisan advantage.

And yet, we now learn that the UCP is rejecting an independent electoral boundaries commission’s majority report, which cost over a million dollars to produce. Instead, they have established a new, UCP-dominated committee to redraw provincial electoral maps. Oh, and by the way, instead the original report, which was written after a year of public hearings, including more than 1,140 submissions, this hand-picked panel will have NO PUBLIC INPUT and will work behind closed doors. To me, this smacks of the UCP doing whatever it can to tilt the electoral playing field.

I wonder how many other Albertans were as horrified and angered as I was to learn how readily and completely this government has embraced outright cheating to demonstrate their desperation for preserving their power?

Furthermore, I would like to hear our own MLA’s thoughts on these issues. I realize her government has put her in what I hope she sees as a difficult position, but it would be interesting to see just how far her voiced loyalties extend.

Timothy Parker, Camrose

June 30, 2026

I have also been concerned about the misguided Alberta separatists co-opting the provincial flag for corrupt purposes. It is a cheap trick, like not creating a new political party, that demonstrates their unworthiness. Perhaps we’ll need a new provincial flag when it’s all over.
It is heartwarming to see the number of patriotic citizens who are currently displaying the Canadian flag in support of national unity. However, I notice that many of the flags being sold are knock-offs that don’t conform to official dimensions. The official length-width ratio is two to one, so three by six flag is correct but a three by five flag is not.
The official flag also looks better so it’s worth the effort to find one.

Wayne Hansen, 
Edmonton

June 30, 2026

I read with interest the front page of the June 23 issue of The Camrose Booster.
While I join with all Canadians in bemoaning the recent announcement that the RCAF Flight Demonstration Team - the beloved Canadian Snowbirds - will be placed on pause, I write to suggest that there is a depth to this story beneath the surface.
I have lost count of the number of times I have watched, spellbound, the Snowbirds’ performances. Just the sound of the nine ship team approaching show space evokes deep emotion within, not to mention tears to my eyes. The Snowbirds have established themselves as an icon of Canadian unity throughout their storied fifty-five year history. It is no wonder so many of us wish there would be no pause in their schedule.
However, the Canadair CT-114 aircraft that has comprised the team has reached its service limits. Numerous parts for the aging fleet are no longer available or at least, difficult to come by. Components, especially those which ensure the safety of the pilots such as the ejection systems, are outdated.
I would refer readers to Episodes 105 and 106 of “The Pilot Project Podcast” in which host  Bryan Morrison and former Snowbird Commander Lieutenant Colonel Maryse Carmichael (Ret.)  discuss at length the reasons behind the pause. L-C Carmichael applauds the pause in view of the realities behind it. Pilot safety and aircraft longevity are the primary concerns driving the decision.
Public reaction, understandably, has been swift and largely negative. But can a sixty-three year old airframe be expected to fly forever, given the extreme maneuvers that are part of the Snowbirds’ routines? And at the potential expense of human lives?
A quiet and smooth transition is in the works to replace the Tutor with the new PC-21 or Siskin II aircraft, and yes, this transition will take several years. In the meantime, Canadians will miss the spectacle of nine red and white aircraft flying over Parliament Hill on July 1, not to mention the inspirational performances throughout show season from sea to sea to sea. But anyone who has ever strapped into any aircraft knows that safety is the overarching concern.
A well intended “No Pause” postcard campaign may express our love for the Snowbirds, but it falls short of understanding the complexities of, and the need for, a well-planned pause.

Brian Krushel, 
Camrose

June 30, 2026

Now I would consider myself a happy person and am grateful for all of the blessings and goodness that life has bestowed upon me. The unfortunate reality is that life is hard. Even at the best of times life can be consuming. The daily grind of work, the battle to pay the bills, do laundry, try to be the best parent possible, eat right, exercise and the list goes on. Then throw in the inevitable conflicts at work, a broken down vehicle, a washing machine that needs replacing and life gets even more complicated. Then throw in the real blows such as an unexpected death, job loss or cancer scare and it can feel as if life is too much to handle.
Have you ever looked at someone and thought that they had it all together? That their life must be so easy and if only you had what they had? The reality is that we all struggle. We struggle to survive in our own worlds. We struggle to be happy, to enjoy the little things in life and not dwell on the daily grind. Every parent is struggling to do it right, not everyone working with you knows exactly what they are doing and people everywhere are constantly grieving for those who have passed away in their lives no matter how long ago.
In no way can this letter convince you not to worry about things, but what I am hoping is that we all check in on each other. Ask your friends and family how they are doing. If you know someone is struggling in life, offer to help them. Give them a call, send a text or give them a hug. Even if someone appears to be doing well, check in on old friends and family to truly be sure that they aren’t struggling with life.
For those of you who are struggling with life, talk to someone. Whether it is a spouse, friend, co-worker or a health care provider. No one needs to feel that they need to go about life alone. The world has become so busy and so complex that it is almost impossible to always have your life in order. Just as you would ask for help lifting something that is too heavy, one must do the same when it comes to your mental health. Let’s all help to take care of each other.

Chris Zarski, 
Camrose

June 23, 2026

In response to the letter from George Shostak, June 16, 2026, and his reference “the next generation losing hope in ever owning their own homes or being able to build some financial secure savings for themselves” as one excuse for separation is without merit. The next generation with their motivation, ingenuity, and strength of character will have a very bright future in Canada.

There have always been tough times and those times are what shape people to become creative, ingenious, motivated, and positive. Tough times do not last. Tough people do.

I encourage our youth to never lose hope. Your future is what you make it. My generation survived the tough times, and yours will, too. The best place on the planet to achieve your dreams is Canada.
Do not be fooled that owning your own home is what counts as success. In the European Union only 68 per cent of people own their own homes. That number drops to 45 per cent or less in Germany and Switzerland.

Many young people view home ownership as a financial and time-consuming burden, and thus are not interested. The next generation will decide for themselves what is best for them as previous generations have done.

The world is in turmoil now, but that will end.
Jobs will be plentiful and our youth will handle them well. They will find a way to achieve financial security.

Currently, there are young people still living with their parents, often while waiting to secure good paying jobs. Multi-generational living is not new to many Canadians. This type of arrangement can be very beneficial for all concerned.

Separating from Canada will not improve the situation for our youth. Our youth will improve their own situations. They are capable of great things. My best wishes to you on the journey called life. It is worth every minute, hardships or no hardships.

Edith Read,
Camrose

June 23, 2026

Hard-working families in Alberta need to understand what the American two-tier healthcare system actually looks like, because the direction the UCP government is taking resembles the early stages of that model. In large parts of the United States, a small number of large corporations own hospitals, clinics, labs, surgical centres, pharmacies, insurance companies, and physician groups. They control the entire chain of care, from the first appointment to the final bill. When the same corporation owns both the insurance plan and the hospital, it sets the prices, decides which treatments are covered, and keeps all revenue inside the same organization.

Insurance companies employ physicians whose job is to review claims and find reasons to deny coverage, even when the attending doctor has prescribed the treatment. Millions of Americans have no insurance because the fees are too high, and some die because they cannot afford care. Even those with employer plans pay hundreds of dollars a month in premiums, plus deductibles that can reach several thousand dollars before insurance pays anything. A single emergency can bankrupt a family. Despite these costs, the American system delivers no better outcomes. On a per capita basis, it costs roughly twice as much as Canada’s public system, with much of the money going to corporate overhead and administrative departments dedicated to denying claims.

Alberta is now moving in this direction. The UCP government spent years pushing down public sector physician income through technical billing changes that reduced earnings for the same work. Family doctors were hit the hardest. After suppressing public pay, the government is introducing a dual practice model that allows physicians to work in both the public and private systems. Dual practice drawing doctors into the private tier is a reasonable and evidence supported prediction based on what has happened in other countries. It is not yet a proven outcome in Alberta, but the pattern is well documented elsewhere. When a private tier offers higher earnings, physicians tend to shift more of their time toward it, leaving fewer hours available in the public system.

Readers should also understand that some of these statements describe systemic incentives rather than literal rules. In both the American system and in any emerging two tier structure, outcomes are shaped by how organizations respond to financial pressures, not by explicit instructions written into legislation. These are structural truths about how healthcare markets behave.

Middle class families need to understand that two-tier healthcare does not protect them. It exposes them. It turns them into customers in a marketplace where corporations decide what care they receive, how long they wait, and how much they pay. The American system did not appear overnight. It was built step by step, through the same kinds of policy choices Alberta is now making. The efficient public system chipped away bit by bit over the last 46 years by those wanting a piece of the healthcare financial pie.

Ken Riley,
Bassano

June 16, 2026

I am writing to express my concerns about the upcoming process to hold referendums on an annual basis.

I do not see any value in this process to the citizens of Alberta. I do believe in the democratic process but have found that in Alberta that process is not always honoured. I specifically refer to the binding referendum held in 2019 where a majority, albeit slim, voted against Alberta moving to permanent Daylight Savings Time (DST). Now a few years later, the government has made the decision to move ahead with this plan anyway.

As someone who was in the majority voting against DST, I feel that my democratic rights have been violated. Let me be clear. I did not vote against DST because I feel that we need to change clocks annually, but rather because I feel that we should be looking to the scientific evidence that indicates the most advantageous to our health is to stay on Mountain Standard Time (MST). When the recent decision to stay with DST was made, you, Premier Smith, indicated that you prefer to have daylight later into the day. That is hardly a valid reason when there is documented evidence in support of remaining on MST and a binding referendum result in which a majority of Albertans voted no!

What will happen now with an election every year where special interest groups divide the population by petitioning for everything and anything to force a referendum?

You have proven by your actions on the DST issue that you are prepared to go against the majority vote if it does not suit you, so what is the point? The cost of these referendums will be the same if not more than a general election, essentially quadrupling the expenses of running our “democratic” process. I feel that money could be better spent on healthcare, education and social programs.

Run your provincial campaign on what your true platform is, and I will accept the results. Privatizing healthcare, decimating the education system and demoralizing our marginalized citizens was not something you promised in the past election and now you are holding referendums to create a smokescreen to hide behind. If the results are not what the government wants, you have proven we can expect the results to be ignored a few years down the road anyway.

Where is this province headed? The richest province with the lowest minimum wage, clawing back money from AISH recipients, privatizing healthcare and trashing education. Not something to be proud of and perhaps this has something to do with the fact that we have the lowest satisfaction in the country.

We need to look at ourselves to ask why. And I’m sorry, but Justin Trudeau is not, nor ever was responsible for your level of personal happiness, and he is no longer in any government position.
Let’s see some positive things happening in the province now that an unfortunate war has improved the government coffers so much!

Patricia Johnston,
Camrose

June 16, 2026

We are living in exciting and history making times! Should Alberta remain in Canada or take a path leading to its own sovereignty. As a senior, I have lived through some interesting times in Canada and as I listen to the next generations losing hope in ever owning their own homes or being able to build some financial secure savings for themselves I too think it is time to re-invigour the Alberta pioneer spirit and become a free nation on our own!

Our current political structure concentrates immense power in the Prime Minister’s office. It marginalizes our voices through an unequal electoral map. We all know on election day that usually the outcome has taken place before our polls close at 8:00 p.m. We rely on an unelected, unaccountable Senate who can be appointed as young as 30 and can stay till they are 75 years of age. And as we have just experienced from appointed Liberal judges in Alberta, they can quash the separatist petition with a stroke of the pen.

Also the number of voters per electoral riding is not equal. Federal policies such as Bill C69 are direct attacks on our (Alberta’s) core industries.

Alberta also lacks a constitutional veto over federal structural changes, unlike Quebec, which leaves us to be legally vulnerable to federal overreach.

Yes, it will NOT be easy, but anything good is never easy and it may cause some short term struggles but just as our forefathers endured, so shall we.

WE could control local energy and eliminate federal carbon taxes and pipeline restrictions. We can protect our provincial culture where local laws will match our unique western heritage and values. We will do direct global trade (and no, we are not landlocked, our neighbours to the south would be open and we can and will negotiate with neighbouring borders. We can also improve local services by keeping our wealth and bringing HOPE back to the next generations.

For our children and grandchildren, we can and will be excited to take this challenge on and not wait to be told that we will own nothing and be happy.

George Shostak,
Camrose County

June 9, 2026

Mammas – don’t let your babies grow up to be LITTERBUGS.

The year is 2026 – garbage adorns our ditches, county roads and highways ditches.

When did it become acceptable to “deposit” fast food containers and garbage bags on the County roadsides? Every kind of alcohol container is also dropped off on the roadsides.

Landowners have their barbed wire fences decorated with all kinds of plastic garbage, farmers’ fields are loaded with every kind and colour of plastic and paper which settle alongside the fence.

Who goes to pick the garbage for them? The 4-H kids and parents used to do a clean up in spring – maybe we all should do that and keep our province clean. Maybe enforcing littering fines would help. Let’s work together and keep Camrose beautiful.

Darlene Brash,
Camrose

June 2, 2026

The separatism issue is a mess. Part of the problem stems from the disinformation separatists are getting from social media. And part of the blame goes to our premier who is doing nothing to correct the false information. People have been led to believe that if Alberta votes in a referendum to separate, then Alberta becomes independent. Not true.

At any time Alberta can ask the federal government to change the constitution to remove Alberta. However, Indigenous people would have to agree to give up their treaty rights, which they have said they won’t do. And Albertans would have to give up our rights under the Canadian constitution, which many of us won’t agree to. And if by some miracle we get to an agreement with the federal government that overcomes all hurdles (extremely unlikely), 7 of 10 provinces making up 50 per cent of the population would have to agree to remove Alberta and the chance of that is basically zero. Alberta simply cannot separate and Danielle Smith knows that.

All this talk of separating accomplishes is to create anger, division and uncertainty and that is bad for us all. Smith should make it clear that a separate Alberta would be a poorer Alberta.

The people of Britain were told that they would be wealthier if they separated from the EU but now Britain is 12-18 per cent poorer than if they had stayed part of the EU.  Economist Trevor Tombe calculated that all Albertans would be $4,000/year poorer if Alberta became independent. The major Chambers of Commerce are saying the talk of separating is already causing investment to turn away from Alberta. Good luck getting the private sector to fund and build a pipeline as long as there is talk of separation.  Separatist leaders say we would be wealthier if we separated from Canada but that is false.

Now we will have a referendum to determine if we want another referendum. Even if we vote overwhelmingly to stay in Canada in October, that is not the end of it, because Smith and the separatists are appealing the court decision that the separatist petition is unconstitutional. If, after a few years the Supreme Court rules in Smith’s favour, Elections Alberta will approve the separatists’ petition and we are into another referendum.

Rob Hill,
Camrose

May 26, 2026

AI (artificial insemination) has been used by the beef and dairy farmers in Alberta since the 1950s and has been a huge boon to our agriculture economy.

The “other” AI was developed in the mid 1960s by Weizenbaum at MIT as he explored the interaction between humans and machines. The next few years will determine whether artificial intelligence is (i) a boon or (ii) a boondoggle requiring a massive re-think. Creating a Federal Ministry of AI was an important first step as Canada charts its digital future.

Until now, politicians have been noticeably silent on the wholistic impacts of AI on unemployment, the expanding need for HUGE amounts of energy and water consumption used by data centres, and most importantly, the potential for AI to run amok in frauds, scams, spreading of disinformation, and intrusion into one’s privacy. A cynic might argue that AI is intended to make people socially inept, dumbed down and compliant with authority.

Since the ’70s, AI employed large databases and produced apparent benefits in both the service and the wealth generating sectors of our economy. Later, AI merged with the internet and migrated into the market place as the corporate sector now uses AI in marketing (both wanted and intrusively unwanted forms) coupled with the use of chatbots to replace human to human contact in customer support. Meanwhile, online shopping for goods and services has decimated the small business sector making it difficult to compete successfully with the mega corporate sector. Executives deem shareholder profits to be more important than customer service/satisfaction OR their corporate social responsibility to employ people rather than cost saving robots, chatbots, automated checkout tellers, etc.

AI is beginning to undermine confidence and generate mistrust for voters, consumers and the general populace in our traditional institutions by employing “mis” and “dis” information as we struggle to differentiate fact from fiction. In addition, AI is creating a real dilemma for teachers/university professors; how does a teacher assess a student’s REAL intelligence when students use generative AI? Plagiarism and copyright violation will become commonplace.

Hopefully, visionary leaders will emerge to develop effective AI policies which will most certainly require a collaborative effort of educators, parents, government and the private sector to counteract the adverse effects of AI.

Well thought out restrictions, such as banning social media for those under 16, might be a good start.

Lynn Clark,
Camrose

May 26, 2026

Our drinking water is at risk. The Alberta government has plans to expand coal mining in the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains. The Eastern Slopes contain the headwaters for over 90 per cent of our province’s drinking and irrigation water.
Coal mining contaminates water with arsenic, lead, mercury and selenium (to name only some of the dangerous chemicals). Selenium is a notorious contaminant that bioaccumulates to levels toxic to fish, birds, amphibians, mammals such as elk and bighorn sheep, and humans.

In humans, health issues caused by selenium include nausea, fatigue, irritability and reproductive issues. If coal mining is expanded in the Eastern Slopes, our water will be poisoned. There is no known economically practical, or proven scalable method to clean the water after contamination. Contamination will be in our water for decades, and possibly centuries. Take a look at what happened in B.C.’s Elk River watershed, from the Elk Valley coal mines.

If the government pushes this through, it isn’t only the water of Albertans that will be affected, but the water of millions of other Canadians. Alberta’s headwaters flow north into the Arctic Ocean and east/northeast into Hudson Bay. What happens here affects our family and friends downstream.
To add insult to injury, the mining company isn’t even Canadian, it’s Australian. No amount of economic gain is worth this huge and long term damage.

For the sake of our water, mountains, air, lungs, wildlife, ranchers, cows, tourism... I hope you take action by signing the Water Not Coal petition. There are many signing locations, dates and times across the province. This petition must be signed in person, and can be signed until June 7. If there isn’t a signing location near you, please reach out to Water Not Coal as some of the canvassers are willing to travel.

Leah Daoust,
Camrose

May 26, 2026

The cost of living is higher than my wage coming in per month. I now have to pay my rent in two installments with a hundred dollar late fee. Here in the city if it was not for the churches, there would be no food bank or soup kitchen.

Governments on any level are not interested in helping people like me who are making hard choices of what to pay or what not to pay. I sure hope things improve soon.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

May 19, 2026

It is good that there has been a few weeks of discussion around the effects that Bill 28 may have on our public libraries, however, I have seen almost no one talk about the actual text of the bill. Now that this bill has been passed, it is even more important that people understand what it actually does and what the dangers are.

The conversation has been focused almost exclusively on whether children are, or could be, accessing materials that some people deem inappropriate. In reality, that conversation has been misguided. The text of the bill does not list or reference any type of materials to be restricted. What this bill has done is create a tool that allows a single person to restrict a person’s ability to access, use or borrow public library property. It also creates an inspection force to police library compliance, authorizes those inspectors to access any and every aspect of public libraries including library user information, and criminalizes anyone who gets in their way.

It is concerning that this bill puts this power in the office of a cabinet minister, a position that may change hands any time there is a cabinet shuffle. This has potential for constantly changing regulations that would be confusing and incredibly expensive as libraries use our tax dollars and would need to change their operations with every new directive.

While it may be true that the current minister of municipal affairs may use this bill to first restrict children and youth access to books, movies, video games, and even computer use that meet his personal definition of explicit materials, the bill puts no limits on what he or any minister under any future government may do with these new powers, and I don’t think we should trust any single person with this much control.

Public pressure will need to be ongoing if we are to protect our ability to make our own decisions about what we can all access, and to protect our private information and our excellent public institutions, and our tax dollars.

Elliot Harder,
Camrose

May 19, 2026

Danielle Smith made a comment on a radio program indicating that she would like to be able to “direct judges”. I am so happy that several senior judges have taken the unusual step of responding to her comment with a public statement.

It is not possible to overstate the importance of the concept of separation of powers to maintaining the democratic lifestyle in which we live. If we value our democracy, we need to understand the nature of the protections which the separation of powers enable.

It is the job of the legislature, of which Danielle Smith is a member, to enact and modify the law in the best interest of the general public which voted them into power. It is the job of the judiciary to interpret those laws and to ensure that those laws do not violate our constitution. If we allow the elected members of government to begin to control the judiciary we lose the protection of the law against misuse of elected authority. For someone who values the protections provided by our democracy, the suggestion that elected officials “direct judges”, dangerously undermines the authority of the judiciary. For that reason, it is difficult to believe that our premier would make a statement that clearly would be a violation of our democracy as we know and live it.

Why would Danielle Smith make such a statement? Does she not understand the significance of the concept of separation of powers? That is hard to believe but perhaps she truly does not have that understanding.

Alternatively, our premier may really not respect the structure of our democracy. Elected officials are perhaps subject to a “loss-of-humility” syndrome. That is to say, they come to believe that they really do know what is best for all people. Perhaps Danielle Smith really does believe that she has the ability to understand and interpret the law, and to make legal decisions, better than the judges of Alberta. That would reflect blind omniscience, and certainly a total lack of humility.

In either of the possible explanations above, we seem to be in real trouble with a leader who reveals a wish to control the judiciary. The sympathies of our leaders are a real threat to our democracy. We need to take that seriously. It is easy and dangerous to become complacent about democracy. Democratic processes need to be considered, reflected upon, valued, and respected or we can lose them.

Thank you so much to the senior judges of Alberta and anyone who speaks out to protect our democratic way of life.

Marvin Miniely,
Camrose

May 12, 2026

Charley Boyd wrote a very interesting letter on Bill 28. She suggested that this bill should remove the proposed government over reach on public libraries here in Alberta. She figured that Bill 28 is largely about censorship.

One aspect of this bill in my opinion is the fact that sexual material be kept out of the hands of young children. I, as a young child, was very interested in the human body and other functions of the human body. Bill 28 is more about keeping children safe from things they should not read or see until they are able to handle these subjects.

Just something to think about.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

May 5, 2026

A huge shout out to The Camrose Booster for the impressive Spring Home and Yard Guide which was delivered with the April 28 issue.

It was really interesting to see, in one easy read, the wide variety of services we have in this community. I found myself thumbing through the publication three times. It was because of the ads in this Guide that I made my decision as to which greenhouse I will be heading to in the coming days and weeks for my annual shopping spree for bedding plants and spring planting supplies.

Good work, Booster crew.

Doug Preston,
Camrose 

May 5, 2026

With high school graduation season upon us, I wanted to thank the “village” who helped get my graduate to this point in her life.

Thank you to my parents, in-laws and family for all of the support needed to raise a child – babysitting, advice and being a role model for the parents we strive to be. Thank you to our day home and day care workers; you are saints whose patience and genuine love and care for children did not go unnoticed. Thank you to the elementary and junior high teachers who helped mold our little ones into young adults; you managed little people’s emotions, their many firsts, many fears and all of their triumphs in those early school years. Thank you to the high school teachers who instilled a passion for learning that will steer them in the direction that they will go on to next. Thank you to the coaches and activity leaders who gave up evenings and weekends to guide them in their artistic and athletic endeavours.

To the parents of her peers: thank you for being part of the journey and raising your children in ways to challenge, embrace and support our child along the way. To her peers, friends, villains and everything in between: thank you for teaching her lessons in life, friendship and being there for her when she needed you. To the City and province; thank you for providing the facilities to allow her to explore what she loves and to allow her to find her passions over the past 18 years.

The journey into adulthood is the next step and we are excited to see where all graduates will go next.

Chris Zarski,
Camrose

May 5, 2026

It is imperative that Bill 28 remove the proposed government overreach on public libraries in Alberta.

Eric Klinenberg in Palaces for the People (2018), champions libraries as vital “social infrastructure,” not a luxury, that must continue to be freely accessible to all people without restriction.

For a government that often won’t transparently release information on its own decision making or financial records, granting power to an inspector to review collections, services and operations of every library is hypocritical. It is antithetical to a core tenant of the conservative value of reducing “red tape.”

Libraries are staffed by professionals with extensive training in curating collections. Government staff, particularly elected ministers, do not have this skill set and should not dictate library operations. This opposes the core tenant of “strong local governance” the UCP upholds. Libraries should be most strongly shaped by their local community’s needs rather than provincial politicians.

Libraries are a core pillar of democracy that cannot be eroded. There has been a slow attack on library infrastructure with underfunding over decades. Perhaps most critical in this proposed legislation is the crushing requirement of paperwork and human resources to comply with new regulations despite no new funding. As our local library director stated in The Booster, “there is no fat to trim.”

While no details have been provided about what books would be restricted, Bill 28 is largely about censorship. The existence of a Library Inspector will prioritize fear and control of knowledge above professional standards, community needs, and freedom of information which ultimately risks indoctrination and government controlling which stories shape our future.

Camrose Public Library conducts itself with the utmost professionalism, respect, efficiency and responsiveness to community needs including formal and informal channels to review collections. The provincial government must respect the critical importance of libraries remaining independent, locally governed, and freely accessible.

Charley Boyd,
Camrose

May 5, 2026

I do not know how many people know this, but the University of Alberta is planning to destroy a beautiful pipe organ, built in 1978, to replace an earlier organ that was a memorial to the brave men and women who fought and died, to keep our country strong and free, in two World Wars.

It is worth at least $3,000,000 by today’s standard. Even if there is not an Organ Program at this time, it does not mean there will never be a use for it, and it is an important part of our history. Don’t you know that, if we don’t remember and learn from the past, we are doomed to repeat it!

Youth of today are so very quick to forget the past in their hurry to meet the future. Without the past, there is no future. This was tried in 2019 and halted because of a 20,000 signature petition.

 Please stand up and stop it again. Where there is a will, there is a way!

Joyce Schmidt,
Ohaton

April 27, 2026

The petition campaign to prevent new coal mines on the eastern slopes of the Rockies is progressing well in Camrose. Across Alberta, canvassers have until June 10 to gather 178,000 signatures. That’s a lot so the dozen canvassers in Camrose are working hard. We are engaging residents in positive, respectful conversations and many residents are happy to sign the petition in support of a healthy Alberta.

There is no economic case for these new mines. In 2021, the University of Calgary School of Public Policy did an economic analysis and concluded the jobs and financial gains of allowing new mines would be outweighed by the economic damage to tourism, agriculture and other business. This didn’t even take into account that these foreign companies will pack up and go after ten or twenty years, leaving us with an expensive mess to clean up.  New mines just don’t make sense.

In June 2025, Alberta government scientists determined that fish in Oldman Reservoir are so poisoned from selenium leaching from mines that have been closed for decades that the fish are not fit to eat. They concluded that any further mining will cause the fish populations to collapse completely. There are two new coal mines being planned at the headwaters of the Oldman River. One, the Grassy Mountain mine, was rejected as too risky by Alberta environment regulators, federal regulators, the Alberta court, and the Supreme Court; yet it is still on track to be developed. The water from the Oldman River is the water folks in southern Alberta drink. It’s not just the Oldman River – all the rivers in Alberta are at risk. Why would we want this?

If you want to know more about this issue, including the location of signing events, go to the Water Not Coal website.

Rob Hill,
Camrose

April 27, 2026

Alberta is seeing a steady erosion of democracy and it’s a concerning trend.

Bill 25 introduces sweeping changes to education that weaken the local elected authorities like school boards and instead take decisions to a higher government level, often leaving the communities that elected these officials behind.

Bill 28 expands provincial authority over utilities, allowing the government to direct and restructure service providers—reducing local control over essential services like water and electricity. This bill also initiates more centralized control over how library services are administered. Changes to Alberta’s electoral boundaries raise serious concerns about political influence and democracy. These lines would be redrawn under political influence, not independent oversight.

Each of these actions work to concentrate power at a provincial level. Democracy doesn’t disappear overnight, it erodes piece by piece. Albertans should be paying attention.

Lisa Trach,
Camrose

April 27, 2026

May 1 is National Physicians’ Day. I only became aware of this last year. I came across their website while sending an annual April birthday greeting and retirement (finally) congratulations to a lifelong friend of my twin brother and I, for now 70 years. He had been a dedicated ER doctor for well over 40 years. This is part of an excerpt I sent him from that website last April.

“National Physicians Day serves as a poignant reminder to pause and recognize the tireless dedication and unwavering commitment of physicians across Canada...by fostering a culture of appreciation...we honour the invaluable contribution of physicians.”

I managed to send him a text while lying in an Intensive Care Unit myself. This sentiment not only applies to my friend but also to my own family doctor here in Camrose.

During a trip to the U.K. last April to visit our dear little granddaughter and family, we all quickly came down with severe colds. By week’s end mine had become pneumonia that was diagnosed at the Oxford University ER. When we returned home the next week I had a scheduled appointment with my doctor at the Smith Clinic. He immediately sent me to the ER at St. Mary’s Hospital and I was admitted that afternoon.

By evening my condition worsened and, in his expert opinion and thoughtful treatment, I was transferred by STARS air ambulance to the Red Deer Hospital ICU where I was heavily sedated, intubated/ventilated and spent most of that weekend with my mortality in question. I woke up on Sunday to my granddaughter holding my hand, bedside and a yearlong recovery ahead. I spent the next three weeks in Red Deer (where ironically my friend had been a respected ER doctor for 10 years) and was transferred back to St. Mary’s Hospital for another three weeks under the remarkable care of some great nurses, excellent hospital staff and my family doctor, who visited daily without fail to check on my condition and progress.

If not for his experience, knowledge and genuine concern, I may not be writing this simple note of acknowledgement. My family doctor literally saved my life. He is a credit to his profession, as are so many of our doctors here in Camrose.

“Happy National Physicians’ Day” to all this Friday. How do you even begin to say thank you? It’s taken a year but throughout I have been so grateful for; God’s mercy and grace, my family and church prayers, my dear wife’s love and support, and to Dr. Nichol for his committed care and honourable character. Thank you! With much gratitude and sincere appreciation.

Richard Lewis,
Camrose

April 27, 2026

I just read your article about Alberta removing the time change, with permanent daylight time. Daylight Time at our latitude is just silly. It’s light in the summer and dark in the winter. The medical community recommends Standard Time to keep our circadian rhythm in balance, which improves health. The Western time zones are already skewed westward.

Saskatchewan moved the time zone to the Alberta border, bringing de facto Daylight Time to them already, so staying on Standard Time keeps them a bit more balanced. Alberta moved the time zone to the B.C. border, so our western communities are also in de facto Daylight Time.

Permanent Daylight Time means we Camrosians would be sending our kids to school in the dark in December and January.  Add almost another hour of morning darkness for our westernmost communities. I think we should stay on permanent Standard Time.

Stephen Kristenson,
Camrose

April 21, 2026

Are you feeling politically homeless here in Alberta? Good question.  Back in the day, I used to vote for the Alberta Social Credit Party.

They were in the centre of the political system. Oh I get it.

Most of the great politicians are long dead. Ernest Manning is also long gone. I would vote for the old Social Credit Party. But they are long gone. I am very disappointed. We need more choice.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

April 14, 2026

There seems to be backlash to the new Bill 25 which the UCP has put forward. I remember when I was going to school back 40 years ago, we had the strap and we also had prayer in our school. The school was neutral.

Now 40 years later, things have changed. It is sad that the government has to remove politics and ideology from out of the classroom. This should never have entered in the first place. Parents should be the ones educating their kids at home when it comes to politics and ideology. Not the politicians.

This is just something to think about.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

April 14, 2026

The phrase, “A fool and his money are soon parted,” is a quote coined by Thomas Tusser, a 16th-century English poet and farmer who offered practical wisdom on the virtues of hard work, individualism, and thrift. In summary … A foolish person is rarely a good steward of their money.
Given modern day financial mismanagement by many governments at many levels, I am certain that Tusser would agree to update the phrase to … “governments and taxpayers’ money are soon parted.”

My recent criticism of government mismanagement of the Heritage Savings Trust Fund for the past four decades did not include an analysis by Dr. Trevor Tombe and Colleen Collins. Dr. Tombe is an economist at the University of Calgary and a member of the Alberta Next panel while Colleen Collins was an economics advisor to Premier Peter Lougheed in the late 1970s, and recently served as vice-president at the Canada West Foundation, an economic think tank.

They estimate that the Heritage Fund could have been worth C$575 billion by 2020 had the Government of Alberta followed guidelines adopted by the Norwegian government. The Norwegians did not pilfer funds from their Government Pension Fund Global assets to balance their budget, as they limited withdrawals to 4 per cent of the Fund. The Norwegian Fund is valued in excess of $1.12 trillion and is one of the largest investment funds in the world.

Given such a simple solution, it is difficult to reconcile the Smith government’s recent pronouncement of projected growth of the HFOC Fund to $250 billion by 2050 when the Heritage Fund could have reached $575 billion six years ago with prudent Fund management.

Dr. Tombe’s economic insights offer considerable food for thought…topics include the CPP, a proposed APP, equalization formulae, inflation, economic decline, post COVID economics, food prices, demographics, greenhouse gas emissions, productivity, provincial trade barriers, US-Canada trade, supply chain management and Alberta separation.

A final nugget for those signing the “Withdraw from Canada” petition to consider…his conclusion, “A separate Alberta would be a poorer Alberta”. Just sayin’.

Lynn Clark,
Camrose

April 7, 2026

The optimistic picture painted for the former Heritage Savings Trust Fund (HSTF) by MLA Lovely requires rigorous scrutiny; HSFT assets now reside in the Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation (HFOC). Hopefully, Albertans will see a return to Premier Lougheed’s financial vision coupled with fiscal management that has been sorely lacking during the past four decades.

Initiated by Premier Lougheed in 1976, the HSTF started at $1.5 billion and is now $32 billion in 2026 (with projected growth to $250 billion by 2050). From 2022 to 2026, $5.6 billion was added using borrowed $4 billion. From 1976 to 2020, $18.7 billion was deposited in the HSTF, but more than $45.8 billion (including interest), has been withdrawn (pilfered, according to the Globe and Mail)) into general revenue to balance the budget by Provincial governments.

In grade 10, my math class teacher summarized the lesson on simple and compound interest by saying, “If you remember ONE thing from this class…do NOT spend the interest on ANY investment.” Hmmm!

Dr. Globerman, senior economist at the Fraser Institute, has raised warning flags concerning the working (and unclear) relationship between the HSTF, the HFOC and AIMCo. AIMCo manages many Albertans’ pensions and consistently underperforms on investments; AIMCo’s “brain child” investors report a 7.5 per cent return on investment compared to typical 16 per cent ROIs by individuals using their financial advisors.
The Alberta government announced the HFOC will operate akin to a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). SWF best practices require strict independence of the HFOC’s ongoing investment and operational activities from government interference.

Globerman’s concern is the financial danger posed by SWFs investing in favoured domestic industries/companies running the risk of corruption and industrial policy objectives that typically result in sub-par investment returns. SWFs are forbidden or restricted from investing domestically and should be carried out by legally separate companies. He is concerned that HFOC’s mandate statement seemingly goes beyond generating returns, “with the government adding that the HFOC will financially support areas that matter to Albertans, such as technology, energy and infrastructure.”

Recent firings of many senior government officials, appointees and public board members in many departments underscore the need for freedom from political interference.

What could possibly go wrong?

Lynn Clark,
Camrose

April 7, 2026

With the Middle East catastrophe unfolding in grim detail, it’s only natural to despair at all the death and suffering, but that makes it even more important for Canadians to focus on the good that is still being created, and can be created in the future.

Soon the World Bank will likely look to renew funding of the Global Financing Facility (GFF). The GFF is an amazing mechanism which works with low-income countries to turn small grants into huge returns, building communities, strengthening economies, and saving lives. And it works.

While so much good has been undermined of late, here’s a chance for our federal government to set the example for other countries to follow suit with GFF funding, and prevent countless maternal and child deaths around the world.

Nathaniel Pool,
Victoria, BC

April 7, 2026

The new Parks 100 year commemorative plaque on memorial monument should read:

Miquelon Lake was the 4,500-year-old finite glacial headwaters of Beaver Hills watershed.

In 1926, Premier John Brownlee, et. al., terminated this unique ecosystem, Calgary Power unilaterally diverted the flow in the opposite direction for social engineering including razing Beaver Hill Lakes and cooling the Camrose power plant that used Coal from Stoney Creek Colliery owned by Frank Farley then warden at Miquelon Lake.

Dennis Fenske,
Camrose

March 31, 2026

I do not know to what extent the Battle River Watershed Alliance has knowledge of the planned data centres. The residents of Olds, for example, first heard about the planned data centre there, on 320 acres, on the radio. Data centres use phenomenal amounts of water; it is frightening to us that with all the talk about care of our water, this is not being translated into having open discussions about water used by data centres. Although some data centres claim that the majority of the water is recycled (i.e. 85 per cent), the rest is permanently contaminated.

We have heard a figure of around 45 data centres planned for Alberta, the majority near Edmonton, Calgary and towns closer to those two cities.

Karin MacCarthy,
Camrose

March 31, 2026

In my letter published in the March 10th edition of The Camrose Booster regarding leadership and the Forever Canadian petition, I made a clerical error while listing my family’s sports records.

​I stated my son, David Jacobsen, had 13 championships; however, he has earned six provincial championships in total. As my letter was founded on the principles of integrity and not changing the rules, I felt it was only right to be the first to correct the score.

​My family remains proud of our championship titles and our commitment to the values of honest leadership.

Darlene Jacobsen,
Camrose 

March 31, 2026

I am writing in response to some of the “jokes” contained in the “Booster Banter: St. Patrick’s Day Edition” in the March 10 issue. While much of this content consisted of lighthearted, harmless comments about clover, good luck, and Riverdance, half relied on stereotypes of Irish individuals – who were frequently labelled with the homogenizing names Paddy and Murphy – as stupid, inept, unable to care for themselves, and (in one case) addicted to alcohol.

Attitudes such as these about Irish people underpinned centuries of often-brutal colonization of the Irish by the English up to the twentieth century, and these deeply rooted prejudices followed Irish immigrants to Canada and other countries, often leading to further marginalization in their new homelands.

In 2026, I think most Canadians would agree that statements poking fun at any ethnic or racialized group are unacceptable. We have learned that such “jokes” are often used in an attempt to make hurtful and outmoded attitudes more palatable to an audience.

I by no means ascribe this intention to The Booster staff. However, I do think we must all consider the impact words have and be vigilant in recognizing, and not perpetuating, stereotypes or prejudice in any form.

Deanna Mason,
Camrose

March 31, 2026

We all are concerned about Alberta separation, but calling separatists “ignorant and racist” is fear mongering and promotes hatred. I challenge everyone to look up some pro-separation sites, like “Fairness Alberta” and “Alberta Prosperity Project” then read them with an open mind. They are thoughtfully written by lawyers, businessmen, professors, etc.

Some people claim we have not tried to negotiate. Look up the Triple E Senate Reform from the 1980s; The Firewall Letter written to Ottawa in 2001, the referendum against equalization. Did you know that the equalization formula has a requirement to be reviewed every five years?

In 2018, the federal government decided to ignore that until 2029! There are many other examples of federal overreach.

If enough signatures are gathered, we have a referendum. There will be more discussions. If it is successful, new negotiations will begin. Probably not a complete break, but maybe more equitable treatment.

Ontario and Quebec have 200 seats out of 343 in the House of Commons, 48 Senators to the West’s 24 and six judges out of nine in the Supreme Court. How else do we get Ottawa to negotiate? If we do nothing, then what?

Joyce Schmidt,
Ohaton

March 31, 2026

I personally do believe that Danielle Smith is being played by Mark Carney. It would be a good idea if our premier should not agree to any new industrial carbon emissions without having something in return for example cancelling Bill C-69 or Bill C-49. Remember Bill C-69 is the Impact Assessment Act and  Bill C-49 is the bill which amended the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord.

I read about this in a different publication in the letters to the editor section. This is just something for all of you to think about.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

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