May 20, 2025

I can understand that by-elections are sometimes necessary; usually a by-election is called when the circumstances are dire (for example, the death of an elected representative). But wait a minute. We just had a perfectly good election, and there are no dire circumstances: a candidate was turfed by his own constituency and so he wants a second chance. Maybe he can find a riding with a more right-leaning electorate. If a miracle occurred and he lost again, would he be permitted a third shot at it? Why should taxpayer dollars be spent running elections for failed candidates?

A duly elected MP has stepped down in what has been called a “selfless” gesture. For the individual, perhaps. But for the Conservative Party of Canada, this is a selfish and shrewd maneuver, especially if it can get Canadian taxpayers to foot the bill.
I don’t like what’s going on here. I don’t want to be represented in Ottawa by Pierre Poilievre (who doesn’t know the riding), and I don’t want to pay for his second attempt at election.

John Olson,
Camrose

May 20, 2025

I deliberately did not vote for Damien (Kurek) because the leader of his party is Pierre Poilievre. Pierre is the most insulting political party leader Canada has ever had; he spent most of his time in parliament personally insulting his opponents instead of listening and talking to them.

On the campaign trail, he spent much more time spouting three simplistic word slogans than promoting his party’s platform (unless of course simplistic three word slogans are the party program–with no details, no structure, no funding plan, etc).

In my view, anyone would be a better Prime Minister, or leader of any political party, than him.  (I admit he is not quite as arrogant or as rude as that American, but he’s definitely a close second.)

I would be embarrassed to be represented by him in any official capacity, although it might be fun to see/hear him and Premier Smith in a cat fight. They both like to redirect our attention away from the problems they have caused by creating outrageous problems for others.

And please do not tell me they are both Conservatives.

Signi Bruner,
Camrose

May 20, 2025

In regards to the recent announcement of the legitimately nominated and elected Member of Parliament Damien Kurek stepping aside to allow Mr. Poilievre to run in a by-election, I wish to voice my concern.

Before I express my concerns, sincere thanks to Mr. Kurek for his service in representing this riding. I have heard from many of my friends that he always was willing to sit down and listen to constituents’ comments and concerns with sincere interest.

The concerns I have are, firstly, Mr. Poilievre is being “parachuted” into the area without broad consultation of the local CPC electorate. Plus, do the majority of this riding want to go through yet another election so soon? Secondly, as such,
Mr. Poilievre has no real understanding of this riding and the needs of this constituency. Thirdly, if he does indeed get elected as leader of the opposition, I fear he will have so many distractions that it will interfere his serving this constituency in a way it deserves.

It may seem, at first glance, to be represented by Mr. Poilievre to be beneficial and somewhat glamorous. Don’t be deceived by this unexpected so-called opportunity. This is more for Mr. Poilievre’s benefit.

Donna Hackborn,
formerly of Camrose

 

May 20, 2025

The Canadian flag wasn’t just designed–it was deployed. In 1964, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson introduced it as a stabilizing symbol in the face of growing Quebec separatism, civil unrest, and rising fears of American cultural annexation.

Pearson believed a new flag would reinforce Canadian identity, ease federal-provincial tensions, and give the country a unifying symbol. But former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker opposed the process–not the idea of unity, but the way it was forced through a divided Parliament without full consultation or consensus. That warning proved correct.

The Maple Leaf flag emerged from one of the most bitter debates in Canadian political history. It passed not through national agreement, but through political maneuvering and a narrow vote. There was no referendum. No cross-country consultation. It was imposed from the top down during a national identity crisis.

And yet, over time, Canadians embraced it. We wear it with pride on our backpacks, stitch it to hockey jerseys and wave it on Canada Day. The flag has come to symbolize civility, peace, and national character.

But symbols only unite people when they’re shared–and as Canada changes, we should ask whether our flag still reflects who we are.

Canada today is a country of over 40 million people, across 13 provinces and territories, with over 600 Indigenous communities and two official languages. We are a federation–a union–and yet our flag shows no sign of that internal makeup. There is no fleur-de-lis, no Indigenous imagery, no reference to Western or Northern Canada, no nod to Confederation or treaties.

This lack of representation might have mattered less had the flag been chosen democratically. But it wasn’t.

This isn’t an argument to discard the Maple Leaf, but it is a call to finally consult Canadians. The flag deserves consent.

Many countries design their flags to represent internal unity. The U.S. has stars for each state. Australia’s flag reflects geography and constitutional heritage. Canada’s design is abstract, simple–and silent on who we are internally.
The good news? Revisiting the flag doesn’t require a constitutional amendment or royal assent. Parliament can do it today by passing a new resolution. That could launch a public consultation–one that includes provinces, Indigenous nations and everyday Canadians. The result might be reaffirming the current flag. It might be reimagining it. Either way, the process itself would be unifying.

Let Canadians choose–together.

Brock Crocker,
Edmonton, formerly of Camrose area

May 13, 2025

I want to weigh into the discussion about our current MP Damien Kurek temporarily stepping aside in order to trigger a by-election so that Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre will be able to run for a seat in Parliament.

I had the distinct pleasure of serving the Battle River-Crowfoot constituency from 2000 to 2019 as their Member of Parliament. I also have the unique perspective of knowing both Pierre and Damien.

Pierre is one of the hardest working MPs that I have met. He listens to Canadians and has always stood for common sense policies that Canada needs and this region respects. This is the voice our country needs. I have known Damien since he was in high school starting to volunteer on my campaign, and I have known him to be a principled and ethical MP who has become an effective political voice for this region over three terms.

This last election was a tough one to lose. Even though we are disappointed, we increased our seat count by 25, received two million more votes than the previous election, and saw the Liberals attempt to steal many of the Conservatives’ main campaign commitments. The fact that Damien and his wife Danielle have decided to put Canada first by resigning his seat to allow Pierre Poilievre to run in a by-election is a selfless act of sacrifice in service to Canada. Pierre is the right Leader for the Conservative Party and needs a seat in Parliament, so he can hold the Mark Carney-led Liberals to account, and run once again to be our Prime Minister.

I want to share that as a former Battle River-Crowfoot MP, Stephen Harper cabinet minister, someone who knows both Pierre and Damien, and as someone who has called this region home my entire life, I fully endorse this and encourage the constituents of Battle River-Crowfoot who voted for Damien to fully support Pierre in the upcoming by-election.

Kevin Sorenson,
Former MP

May 13, 2025

When I found out that Damien Kurek is going to temporarily step aside to allow for Pierre Poilievre to run in an by-election, I was quite excited.

My good friend Kevin Sorenson was the MP for Battle River-Crowfoot since 1993. When Kevin retired, I was quite disappointed. But life does go on. When his office manager stepped up in 2019 and ran in the federal election and won, I was quite excited. Both men are very honourable and I support them fully.

When I heard about Poilievre, I was so angry to what happened to this poor man against 93 candidates. How ridiculous to even allow this to happen. I admire this man for the sacrifice he is making for our common sense party.

I also admire this man, Poilievre. I am so excited to have him as our MP. I might get to shake his hand. I am looking forward to having him elected in our riding so much. This is a good day for me. I am feeling so optimistic towards the future of our common sense Conservative Party. I cannot believe it. Poilievre our MP. This is so unbelievable. It is a dream come true.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

May 13, 2025

On behalf of the Bailey Theatre Society, I’m thrilled to recognize National Volunteer Week in Canada and to thank the volunteers of the Bailey Theatre. The theme of National Volunteer Week is “Together, we create ripples of change.” What an exciting slogan. Our volunteers don’t sit back and “ride the wave,” they create the ripples.

Thank you to all our volunteers for your devotion to our theatre. Thanks to the ticket takers, ushers, front of house people, 50/50 ticket sellers, hospitality cart attendants, popcorn poppers, photographers, changeover crew, tech volunteers, facility upkeep volunteers, recycling folks, bottle drive helpers, committee members and members of our board of directors. You help in so many ways and do it with your own special passion and enthusiasm. Ripple on.

Colleen Nelson,
President of the Bailey Theatre Society

May 13, 2025

Alberta alienation is real and dangerous. We are essentially a colony within federation, treated with disdain by both major parties: by the Liberals because they have virtually no seats here, and the Conservatives because they take our support for granted and have no competitors.

While Premier Danielle Smith advocates for antagonizing the federal government, there is a much more democratic and durable solution: proportional representation.

In the last election, the Conservatives won 34 seats in Alberta, the Liberals only two and the NDP one. Those are pretty stark numbers. But consider that the Conservatives only garnered 65 per cent of the total vote share, yet they secured around 92 per cent of the seats.

The Liberals garnered about 30 per cent of the total votes, but secured only five per cent of the seats. If you think the math seems off here, you’re right. And many of those Liberal voters, I bet, would have supported the NDP in a more representative system. That means you have 35 per cent of people in Alberta with no representation. Now that is alienation.

Say that you are happy that Liberal and NDP voters are isolated. Fair enough. But our current first-past-the-post electoral system hurts those on the right as well. Someone might wish to vote for the People’s Party, but why would they, if they know there is no way this party will earn a seat and represent them in Ottawa?

And why would a Conservative MP in Ottawa care about those more right-leaning voters? They know they have Alberta locked up, their real prize is Ontario and Quebec. They have virtually no incentive to represent Alberta’s interests in parliament.

We have an epic opportunity in Battle River- Crowfoot: ask Pierre Poilievre whether he supports proportional representation. My guess, he doesn’t, not because it is not fair, but because it will loosen his party’s grip on power. In this, he is no different than Justin Trudeau. I would gladly give Poilievre my vote, if he fights for electoral reform to give everyone in Alberta a voice.

Tony Scott,
Drumheller   
 

May 6, 2025

I almost called my older sister the other day. A dual citizen, she lives in busy mid-town Manhattan, west side, her home since 1970. Having the right aggregate of personality plus, a ruthless organizer, the gifted schmoozer who won’t take no for an answer, she contracts out as a special events coordinator. To her, nothing worth her attention exists outside of New York City. And like, I totally get it (pretend i’s a city).

I called her after the second plane hit the south tower. And in the chilling depths of COVID-19. She was stunned at the first and terrified of her fragility at the second. Born five years apart, there was no cultural scaffolding to bridge the divide, epochal shifts being the only real connect. Given the evisceration of her 401 (k), I figure it’s her turn to call me.

Americans have always been part of our national Dream. During their revolution, War of 1812, underground railway, gold rushes, civil war, Vietnam war and Trump 1 and 2, Canada provides a safe haven for dissenting Americans of all stripes. Their prolific tap roots, sunk deep by pioneers, their Canadian American progeny (est. population one million) entwined and indiscriminate of any border line.

I should get up early on Sunday (everyday can’t be Sunday) and give her a call. I know she’ll be at home with a fresh press of dark roast, reading the NY Times on her tab and listening to Yuja Wang rock a Steinway. It’s been way too long for us and there’s a lot to catch you up on. I love you, Sis. May God shelter her with His love and keep this lioness close to His side.

Andy Stephen,
Heisler

May 6, 2025

I would like to share with you my experiences since moving to Camrose 25 years ago. I chose Camrose because it was beautiful, had a lake, plenty of walking paths, trees, parks and it was clean. It reminded me of my home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

I will share some of them, I will not mention names, but you will recognize your friends and neighbours.
My realtor helped me find the perfect home within my budget. I then needed a contractor and found one of the best. He understood my projects and he and his helpers had fun getting the job done. I was also treated to a home-made, hot meal as we worked.

I decided one day to venture out for the perogy supper at the church, which I saw in The Booster. I got lost, but approached an elderly couple as they were getting into their car. I asked if they could help me and of course they said yes. They invited me into their house, read the paper and then gave me directions and said welcome to Camrose.

I then needed paint, supplies and visited the paint store where friendly helpful service was given. I chose blinds as well and another friendly person later treated me to a Freddy Fender song at my first Jaywalkers’ Jamboree.

I did some work at the CRE and had the best manager/boss ever. I also did yard work and housework, learned so much about plants from my clients.

My house painter and his family became my family. My house took on a new look, my pup also found friends.

The movers that I chose were helpful, friendly and did a professional job.

Over the years, I met neighbours who shared time, meals, helpful information over the COVID-19 time. I was able to share time with their teenagers and have baking sessions and lots of laughs.

We have a neighbour who would offer to drive us to the airport over the years, his response was “that’s what neighbours do.”

Recently, due to hospital stays these neighbours, friends and children all supported and helped by driving me to appointments, running errands and just being there for me.

I would like to end this by letting the people of Camrose know that you are “the best of the best” to share your kindness with others.

Darlene Brash,
Camrose  

May 6, 2025

As a parent of two young children and a family physician who provides reproductive care from contraception to supporting folks with unplanned pregnancy, I commend the Camrose Public Library for their valuable work providing sexual educational resources for children.

Thank you to Jakob Weisser for opening space for this vital conversation in your Letter to the Editor on April 22.

Parents are our children’s primary guide to learning about sex and ideally this happens through many small conversations and teachable moments. Commonly these opportunities arise unexpectedly, whether on TV, radio, Internet, conversations between kids or at the library. As parents, the most important thing we can do is remain open for our kids to ask us any question. If your child is curious about a book that doesn’t feel age appropriate, a simple answer might be “this book contains information about changes your body will make when it grows older” or “this is a book about sex; I am an important teacher for you about sex and can share more information to answer your questions on our drive home.” Providing simple, accurate answers  provides our kids with the information they need and keeps sex and bodies from being shameful or silenced.

Our library has an excellent collection of books on bodies, puberty, sex, and gender, allowing families to choose the ones most fitting for their kids at different ages. As parents, we always have a role in helping our kids select books that support their learning in alignment with our values, no matter the content. Sex is a normal, healthy part of being human and research shows kids who talk with their parents openly about sex are more likely to wait until they’re older to start engaging in sex and take steps to prevent pregnancy when they do eventually start.

For parents looking for further support on navigating conversations with our kids, resources include Yes, Your Kid by Debbie Herbenick, Sex Positive Talks to Have with Kids by Melissa Carnagey, as well as the website sexpositivefamilies.com.

Thank you to the Camrose Public Library for providing opportunities for parents to be active participants in our children’s sexual education with relevant, age appropriate resources and to The Booster for providing space for public discourse and conversation.

Dr. Charley Boyd,
Camrose

April 29, 2025

My wife and I were travelling at highway speed on a fairly busy provincial road when we saw up ahead a 40ish looking man waving to get vehicles in our lane to stop. Just days prior, we had a conversation about being on the lookout for ways to be generous to others in need. So, we stopped.

The man pleaded with us through a foreign accent, “I need cash; I have no cash to buy gas. I give (sic) you my phone, my t-shirt, my gold bracelet, but I need cash.” We repositioned our vehicle safely to the side of the road and the man walked around to my wife’s side. He repeated his pitch. A quick glance across the road at his (?) late-model SUV darkly tinted rear windows, a male passenger avoiding eye contact, created some questions in our minds. A lot of what he was saying didn’t add up.

I asked him, “Do you have a container to carry fuel?” He repeatedly said, “Yes, I can drive.” I asked again about a fuel container and he assured us he could drive. At that point, I/we should have driven away. But we didn’t. Still wishing to help, we gave him the only cash we were carrying; a $20. He protested, “I need more” and again offered his items. We told him we had no more to give and drove off.

As we continued on our way, we contacted the RCMP complaints department. A staff member politely recorded the details as we could remember them. We were assured by the staff member that was okay, but when we told her we had been offered his gold bracelet…she finished our sentence. She’d heard it before. Yes, this indeed was a scam. She thanked us for the call and assured us an officer would follow up with us.
We had felt hurried and flustered by the guy’s position on the highway and his overly dramatic request. We hadn’t felt safe where we were parked and wanted to leave as quickly and safely as possible, all the while still wanting to help.

An officer followed up on the complaint and called a few hours later, confirming the scam. Fortunately, it was only $20.

I am embarrassed to share this story, but hopefully it can serve as a public safety notice as well. It’s good to be kind and generous. It is also good to be cautious.

Brian Krushel,
Camrose

April 29, 2025

Canada’s National Volunteer Week (April 27 to May 3) is a particularly special one this year.

For the past few months, most of us have been helping our country and community stay strong, vibrant and united as we tackle the impact of actual, threatened and future tariffs. While these are concerning times, I have noticed a silver lining, a reminder of just who we Canadians really are.
Canadians are kind, compassionate, helpful, resilient folks ready to join together with “elbows up” when the going gets tough. We do this with relative ease, in part because so many of us have always helped out by volunteering. We are committed and we are engaged. We care about our neighbours, friends and communities.

It is this Canadian spirit that especially inspires me during National Volunteer Week this year.

When I retired four years ago, I was invited to serve as a volunteer on two local boards, the Bailey Theatre Society board, and the Camrose Public Library board. What a joy this has been.

Volunteering is great. I have met new people, contributed to my community, continued using my skills, kept my brain and body active, and had a lot of fun to boot! I have learned so much around the CPL board table and watched amazing shows while helping out at the Bailey.

For the past two years, it has been my privilege to serve all the Bailey volunteers as their volunteer coordinator. Who knew I could almost succeed at scheduling, one of the hardest tasks I encountered during my working years! With so many awesome Bailey volunteers, it’s not hard to fill the slots, and it’s a delight to work a shift alongside them, as well as our amazing Bailey staff.

This year, amidst a rough global storm, I am incredibly thankful that I am a volunteer, working with other volunteers, to help our community, and even our country, stay strong and vibrant.
I am especially thankful for my volunteer colleagues and friends who are part of our wonderful welcoming public library, and our heritage happening Bailey Theatre. I join my colleagues on the Camrose Public Library board and the Bailey Theatre Society board in celebrating with you.

I also want to extend my thanks to all our Camrose and area volunteers. There are so many ways to volunteer. I’m grateful for all of them, and for all of you, too.

Margaret Holliston,
Camrose

April 22, 2025

At a time when the general public is distrustful of science, mainstream media and politicians, it was heartening to read the timely article by Anne McIntosh in the Second Thought column. Her analysis and interpretation of inferential statistics and polling helps diligent readers sort out fact from fiction within the “noise” of the surrounding political hogswallow.

I would also add that reputable pollsters use valid standardized, stratified random sampling; namely, if 20 per cent of the population are females between the ages of 20 and 30, then the poll randomly selects 20 per cent of the sample strata as females between 20 and 30 years of age and so forth. Similarly, if our population distribution is 10 per cent of males over the age of 65, then the random sample would consist of 10 per cent male over 65 years.

Stratified random sampling ensures that the poll results can then be extrapolated to the population in a valid manner. The standard confidence interval is 95 per cent, which means that one can be certain that the sample results are correct within a narrow margin 95 per cent of the time…excellent odds for decision making.

The Alberta UCP has a penchant for polls that rely upon a method of people selecting themselves by phone in, write in, phone in town halls or online polls. This methodology provides meaningless results that are a waste of money, totally misleading and, a cynic might conclude, to support or legitimize a political agenda.

Don’t be fooled when uninformed (statistically naïve) editors, politicians and opinion writers make reference to the results of such polls.

Lynn Clark,
Camrose

April 22, 2025

We are in the middle of a federal election. The customer carbon tax has been lifted as of April 1. My power bill has gone down by $70.  The fuel has gone down by 39 cents.

However, groceries are still high. The other bills are still going through the roof yet our wages are not keeping up with inflation which this federal Liberal government has caused over the past nine years.  A person still has to have three jobs just to pay the basic bills. Borrowing to pay bills such as rent has become the norm.

Rent has risen past 30 per cent of one’s income over the past nine years. Something has to happen to help the average struggling Canadian. I am looking for a change of our federal government in Ottawa to happen on April 28. Get out and vote. We all need to cast a vote in order to help us save this country. If nothing changes, we could become a third world country.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

April 22, 2025

I am the father of four children who love to read. Well, at least the ones who can read love it. Each night the readers get 20 minutes in bed to read before lights out.

We don’t allow much screen time. The rule is if they want screen time, their room needs to be cleaned and their daily chore needs to be done. Once they have completed that, they can have 20 minutes of a computer game.

I am so happy they love to read and my five-year-old often gets frustrated that he has not yet mastered the skill.

They love to choose new books, but we have had to forgo them going to the Camrose Public Library due to the amount of sexual content offered in the children’s section downstairs.

“Offered” is probably not the right word. “Encouraged” would be more accurate. I was completely flabbergasted when I saw the book entitled It’s Perfectly Normal on display, at the Camrose Public Library, to encourage kids to read it.

If you don’t know this book, look it up. It is a graphic illustrated book of sexual interactions between men to men, woman to men, woman to woman, and self pleasure for my seven-year-old to look through. It is so graphic that you don’t even need to be able to read. The pictures show everything.

Since then, we have seen many other sexualized books promoted on the shelf displays. Books such as The Bare Naked Book, which is a “fun” illustrated book of naked people. We have had to make it a family rule that our children cannot wander the children’s library. We mostly just use the online system and pick them up at the front.

I am a firm believer that it is our job as parents to teach our children about sex, at the proper age. Why the library feels it is their job to promote a full sexual education to my seven-year-old is, at minimum, disturbing.

Jakob M. Weisser,
Camrose County

April 8, 2025

Over the past year, the issues which those who suffer homelessness has greatly increased. The attitude of this City council has been disgraceful and very unacceptable. My manager from the building which I clean, asked the City. Their answer was very disturbing. “We rather do nothing because we do not want these people to feel comfortable.”

There are 75 homeless people here in Camrose.   This is a municipal election year, which means we, as Camrose citizens, should make this an election issue.   Landlords and businesses have spent thousands of dollars to keep their customers/tenants safe. The response from the City Police has been to chase these people out of these areas and telling them to keep moving. This is a real moral concern for our community.

We need a homeless shelter, but most importantly, we need more affordable housing. The rentals are getting ridiculous and most of us have to have three jobs just to get by. In June, my rent is going up again. The cost of living has gone up, while our wages have not caught up with the cost of living. If this keeps up, we might all be homeless. I do wonder what the City would do about that if this did happen.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose
 

April 8, 2025

In the March 25 Camrose Booster, a writer asks “Why has Pierre Poilievre not gotten his security clearance?” A quick search of the Internet will tell you why in Mr. Poilievre’s own words.

As a minister in the Harper government, he did have security clearance. I can’t imagine that, in the years since, he has committed an offence so serious that he would be denied security clearance.

Mr. Poilievre states that he has a constitutional duty as leader of the opposition to hold the government to account. Security clearance would give him access to sensitive security documents, but then he cannot divulge any information about what he has seen. Even Thomas Mulcair, former leader of the New Democrat Party and for a few years leader of the opposition, agrees with Mr. Poilievre’s decision.

When our country is facing serious economic and social issues, surely we have more important questions that need to be answered than why the leader of the opposition does not currently have security clearance.

Gail Schulte,
Camrose
 

April 8, 2025

Canada will not become the 51th state of the USA and neither will any of our provinces.

Feelings towards this end is motivated by the inherent unfairness existing within the Canadian Confederation. Canadians have often witnessed a new government elected before votes are counted in western Canada.

The federal government, through the force of law, demands resources from western Canada to augment the standard of living for those in areas where the economy cannot sustain that standard.
It is a federal policy that demands Alberta transfer billions of dollars each year to Ottawa. This policy, as unfair as it may appear, is justified on the basis of compassion—that is only fair for the wealthy parts of Canada share its wealth with the less wealthy areas.

The unfairness of this policy is magnified when the means to produce Alberta’s wealth is attacked and jeopardized by federal law. The federal government’s attack on Western Canada’s oil and gas industry is an a example of this–unjustified in part on the premise that the consumption of fossil fuels is the cause of climate change (which is being abandoned by many as the falsity of the climate models are being exposed).

The majority of Albertans and western Canadians will continue to accept these unfair conditions as long as they can pay their bills, put food on the table and gas in their vehicles. However, when they can no longer do this their attitude will change.
Federal powers watch this condition closely and appears to be the reason Mark Carney has stated he will abandon the carbon tax to ease the burden on Canadian families.

Alberta independence has been a sentiment with a minority of voters for years. That sentiment will not grow because of the unfairness of the position of the west in Confederation—it will grow when the loss of livelihood of the individual and family becomes untenable—caused by laws and policies forced upon them by the federal government.

Jack Ramsay,
Camrose

April 1, 2025

I was quite disappointed and very unimpressed with a letter which Rob Hill wrote in the March 25 edition of this paper.  I have one question for you, Mr. Hill. Which job are you saying that Mark Carney is applying for? All of  his experience, which is impressive, is perfect if he was applying to be the finance minister.

If he wants to continue being the prime minister of Canada, he better show that he can lead our country through these difficult times for the next four years. Mr. Hill, you wrote, “He could literally get any job he wanted in financial circles anywhere in the world,” a quote by Don Drummond, a former TD Bank chief economist who also said, “Carney is a giant on the international front.”

My second question is how can the role of prime minister and the role of financial advisor be the same? May I remind you that Carney has no experience as a political person. Will you hire the bookkeeper of a company as the CEO of a company? The Liberals might have been fooled into voting this man with only 150,000 of the 400,000 possible voters within the Liberal membership. Does this bother you that something is going on behind the scenes? Your reasoning for why Carney is the perfect selection in my view is out to lunch along with the rest of the Liberal party who placed this man at the helm of their sinking ship.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose
 

April 1, 2025

Thank you, Mr. Hoff, for your thought provoking take on the election of Mark Carney to the position of Canada’s 24th prime minister and for voicing your concerns about the future of our country.

It is unclear what you mean exactly by “woke ideologies” of French Canadians and the Great Lakes hub threatening western Canada. I have never fully understood the meaning of the word woke, nor how the word itself has come to be used so pejoratively by so many people. I did some digging and have learned that woke has its origins in early to mid-century US vocabulary among Black Americans, referring specifically to racial discrimination. UBC political science professor of race, ethnicity and politics, Dr. Terri Givens explains that woke originated as a term of vigilance. Growing up black in Spokane, Washington, Dr. Givens explains that woke meant “we need to wake up to the fact that discrimination is happening to us.” Unfortunately, the term has since become a “blunt instrument of the right.” Woke is now used mockingly when referring to broader social issues such as sexism, poverty, white supremacy and challenges facing LGBTQ people, to name a few (www.cbc.ca/news).

Are these the woke ideologies that you are referring to, Mr. Hoff? I would be more concerned about the enthusiastic endorsement of Trump’s hate-filled, anti-woke ideologies by Alberta’s premier, and the leader of the CPC. These are the real threats to the future of Canada. Elbows up, Mr. Hoff.

Janet McGeer,
Camrose

April 1, 2025

According to the Oxford Canadian Dictionary, “carnage” is “the killing of many people, animals, usually with much bloodshed.” The letter does not explain why such a cruel and ridiculously inappropriate adjective should be applied to our new prime minister.

The letter claims that while Mark Carney was governor of the Bank of England (2013-20), the value of the British pound (vs. the US dollar) fell from 1.55 to 1.30, a drop of 30 per cent. No. A drop of 0.25 from 1.55 is 16 per cent, about half of what the letter claims.

The letter claims that when Carney became governor of the Bank of Canada (2008), the Canadian dollar was about on par with the US dollar, but when he left the Bank of Canada (2013) the Canadian dollar had shrunk to about 0.70. According to xe.com, the Canadian and US dollars were about on par during the whole time Carney was governor of the Bank of Canada [with the exception of time of the financial crisis (2008-09)].

Currency exchange rates are set by supply and demand.  The money market is a whimsical, but potentially high-stakes, game played by rich people who could be doing much more socially useful and beneficial things with their money. The Bank of Canada/Bank of England/etc. takes actions, including providing information, that attempt to influence–but do not determine–the relative strength of its country’s currency. As the letter indicated, the currency exchange rate cannot be said to be the result of the bank’s, or its governor’s, actions. The slight decline of the value of the British pound occurred primarily during the economic upheaval caused by Brexit and may well have been minimized by bank governor Carney.

John Olson,
Camrose

April 1, 2025

Imagine you as being the person to diligently save up a down payment for a home, or using your retirement savings to methodically search for and choose a quiet residential-zoned neighbourhood in a residential park-like area of the City of Camrose for your next stage of life. Now imagine the day when the City notifies you with their intent to rezone the desirable and peaceful area you call home to allow multiple Atco-style trailers to be moved into your neighbourhood for up to a ten-year period.

Such is the case for many people/families in their chosen Elizabeth Heights Park area of Camrose. Now, think of the vehicle impact to you and your neighbours with student drop-offs/pickups by students and from staff who use vehicles daily. (Please note that your own prized neighbourhood could be equally chosen for rezoning from Parks and Recreation District to an Industrial District). Can you see how your property would be less desirable for resale, or everyday living?

CSCN is poised to move multiple trailers into the Elizabeth Heights Park residential area of Camrose during summer 2025, from Sherwood Park, for the purposes of their temporary school. These trailers would remain in place until funding can be successfully sourced to build a permanent school; location and timeline uncertain.

This rezoning of this area (or any other area of the City) does not stop at the prospect of oilfield style, industrial-looking trailers, dozens of students and usual school-day traffic. Post rezoning of this area, or potentially yours if Elizabeth Heights Park doesn’t become the approved “home” for this initiative, opens the door for a place for slurpies, a pub on the corner, another pizza place or, as a current Camrose resident, use your own imagination and insert other future possibilities here.

I contest that the onus should be on City council and administration to allow this school to be situated on land already zoned for such an initiative.

If you agree with logic, or want to support logic, protect your own residential neighbourhood from being rezoned for CSCN’s ambition, or simply feel the need to learn more yourself on this matter, please attend the information session at City Hall at 5 p.m. on April 7. Or call any Camrose council member. The clock is ticking on this important community matter.

Richard Riexinger,
Camrose 

March 25, 2025

I am not a member or supporter of any of the major political parties. I don’t like any of them. However, I do value intelligent political discussions, as long as they are based on facts. In the March 18 Booster there was a letter that was a rant against “Carnage” Carney and given how far wrong this writer was on solar panels, I thought I should check some facts. It turns out that the writer’s statement that during Carney’s time as governor of the Bank of Canada, the Canadian dollar collapsed is just plain wrong. So I dug further, and discovered that Carney has a pretty impressive resumé. Carney got a scholarship to study economics at Harvard and, even though he was playing on the varsity hockey team, he graduated with high honours, allowing him to get a scholarship to study at Oxford, where he got a Master’s degree and a PhD.

Then his career in the business world skyrocketed.  In 2004, he was named as senior associate deputy minister for the department of Finance Canada, which is an advisory role to the minister of finance, the global financial crisis hit in 2008, he had been in the role of governor of the Bank of Canada since 2007 in the Conservative government of Stephen Harper and, when the financial crisis hit in 2007, he made him governor of the Bank of Canada.

“He’s handled the financial crisis brilliantly,” said Donald Guloien, chief executive officer of Manulife Financial Corp. Chris Ragan, associate professor of economics at McGill University said, “I’m going to give him an A+.”  Carney was named “Central Bank Governor of the Year 2012” by the editors of Euro- money magazine. (Who knew there was such a thing?) During the financial crisis, Carney was named one of Financial Times “Fifty who will frame the way forward.” In May 2011, Reader’s Digest named him “Editor’s Choice for Most Trusted Canadian.” Former TD Bank chief economist Don Drummond said Carney is “a giant on the international front. He could literally get any job he wanted in financial circles anywhere in the world.”

Harper thought so highly of Carney that he asked him to be finance minister. Carney turned Harper down. In 2013, Carney was made governor of the Bank of England, the only foreigner ever to hold that position. There he managed the British economy through the difficult times of Brexit and the beginning of COVID-19.

Rob Hill,
Camrose

March 25, 2025

Dave Gosse wrote a very thoughtful letter which was published in the March 18 edition of this paper. I agree with Mr. Gosse fully what he has written about Mark Carney. I would like to add what he wrote about Mark Carney by writing three questions which I wrote indirectly to the Liberal party through the Edmonton Sun. What sort of mind altering drugs are you on, Carney and are they legal in Canada? My third question is why in heaven’s name does the Liberal party think that Canadians want the same people who advised Trudeau back for another four years? Trump wants him as our leader. After all he wants Canada as a 51st state. Carney has moved his Canadian business from Canada to the United States. Actions do speak louder than words.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

March 25, 2025

A recent letter to your column suggested that if the Liberals are re-elected that many westerners may opt to join the United States. As I watch the government south of our border descend into chaos and autocracy I have to ask “Why?”

I love Canada. I moved from Manitoba to Alberta in the ’70s under Peter Lougheed’s government. I believe that Lougheed loved our country too, but stood firmly for provincial rights. I also believe that Pierre Trudeau had a vision for the country as an economically and energy independent country and bungled negotiations with the province, badly. A man ahead of his time.

That said, this dispute has led to talk of separation in some circles, more recently fueled by social media “bots” funded by foreign interests and amplified by followers. It has also led to extreme partisanship where voters do not always look at the facts but tend to support the political party they always have. Unfortunately, today’s CPC party is nothing like yesterday’s Progressive Conservative Party.

I hope voters will look long and hard at the character of the candidate they vote for. I believe that honesty, decency, showing respect and compassion are all qualities we need in a leader. Party leaders also need to have a long-term vision for our country. We need friends that have our backs so that we can rebuild our military quickly.  We need a plan to stabilize and grow our economy, with new infrastructure and new markets. I also want a leader that will look out for the interests of all Canadians; seniors, the vulnerable, immigrants and indigenous people, the working class as well as the wealthy. Government needs to work for everyone. I want someone willing to work across party lines for the good of our country and in the best interests of us all.

Further observations: Mark Carney has been portrayed as part of Justin Trudeau’s government; he was not. Carney was a financial policy advisor to the Liberals. Advice given is not necessarily advice taken. Why has Pierre Poilievre not gotten his security clearance? What will happen in the event that he becomes our next prime minister and requires security briefings? And why is he not talking to the press? He and his team are selective in who is included at his events and the questions he is asked only come from “friendly” media outlets.

Delphine Doerksen,
Ferintosh

March 25, 2025

Everyone is feeling it now. The gnawing anxiety of an uncertain  future, the abrading dissonance of betrayal, unresolved anger, terminal exhaustion from the whip-sawing and endless parade of talking heads weighing in with their opinions. It’s life during war time.

Let’s be crystal clear. A predatory America has always been expansionist and always will be. They covet what isn’t theirs and if they can, they’ll take it. We’re now living in the rabid, slobbering jaws of a new Manifest Destiny.

Oh, there’s a lot of the blame game of how we painted ourselves into a corner (over-opiated by the easy play), the finger-pointing and airing of the grievances, but thankfully all that becomes meaningless now. A swing and a whiff.

Canada will persist as a sovereign nation and a beacon of light in a very dark world (RIP Alan Kurdi). Our country offers a promise of hope for the dispossessed, persecuted and marginalized. Let’s pull together, put aside our petty differences, keep working on our long-standing problems and sort this out. We have the grit, critical resources and talent to do this, for we must.

Andy Stephen,
Heisler

March 18, 2025

The City of Camrose has given first reading to consider rezoning Elizabeth Heights Park (West of 66th Street and South of 44th Avenue) from Parks and Recreation District to Institutional District to construct a temporary school.

My understanding is that Elizabeth Heights Park will remain designated as municipal reserve. However, there is no guarantee that the zoning will revert back to Parks and Recreation once (or if) the temporary school relocates again. If the park gets redistricted to institutional, it may be subject to other permitted or discretionary uses in the future–assisted living facility, community facility, government services, retail store, utility structure, bar/pub, restaurant to name but a few.

If you, or your family or friends, use this park or enjoy it in any way with the original Parks and Recreation designation, I encourage you to attend a drop-in style open house on Tuesday, March 18, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Rose City Baptist Church, 6406-44B Avenue, Camrose, to gather more information. (If you are reading this letter after the open house, it’s not too late to voice your opinion.) In addition to attending the open house, consider sending comments via email to legservices@ camrose.ca or by mail: City of Camrose, Legislative Services, 5204-50 Avenue, Camrose, AB T4V 0S8, no later than March 31.

I also encourage you to attend the public hearing (in person or virtually) scheduled for April 7 at 5 p.m. at Camrose City Hall, when second and third readings may be considered.

Even if you don’t make use of this particular green space, but you care about any green space in Camrose, consider attending these meetings and/or writing letters to voice your questions and concerns. If rezoning can happen to this park, it could happen to any park.

Carol Green,
Camrose

March 18, 2025

If the ‘pundits’ are correct, our new Prime Minister is Mark “Carnage” Carney, the eco-socialist bank governor. Mr. Carney has had a rather interesting career. Contrary to reports of his “brilliance” as an economic manager, a closer look at his record raises questions.

His five years as Governor of the Bank of Canada (2008-13) culminated with the collapse of the Canadian dollar. When he was appointed, the CAD was hovering around par with the USD, in his final year (2013) it dropped to .93 and continued to drop until it settled around .70 (2015). About a 30 per cent drop in value.

Carnage Carney then moved to the Bank of England (2013-20) where a similar pattern emerged. In 2013 the GBP was around 1.55 USD. By 2020 it had dropped to 1.30, and in 2022 it was at 1.11 USD. About a 30 per cent drop in value.

It would be difficult to prove that Carnage Carney was directly responsible for the collapse of the Canadian dollar and the British pound, but former British PM Liz Truss, who worked closely with Carney for years, thinks he was.

For many years, at least since 2020, Carnage Carney has been an unofficial advisor on economic policy and development to Justin Trudeau. If you are hoping for change, you will not find it here. Like Trudeau, Carnage is a committed globalist, net-zero carbon extremist, and socialist ideologue. If anything, Carnage Carney will live up to his nickname and cause even more damage.

Dave Gosse,
Camrose

March 18, 2025

In response to Dave Gosse’s letter in the February 18th edition of The Camrose Booster: I do agree with Mr. Gosse on one thing: that most traditional Canadian news media is dominated by big corporate interests (besides CBC). The majority are owned by (American) Post Media, while the other major player is Canadian Woodbridge (Thompson family).

Yet the Conservative party and Pierre Poilievre, want to defund the CBC, an organization that is the envy of many countries for its independent journalism. I don’t agree that traditional news media can’t be trusted. Journalists have a code of conduct and facts are facts. Editorials can be slanted, but we always need to be alert for biases.

Most of the younger generation get their news on-line these days and from who knows what sources. And once you start reading publications that slant a particular way, algorithms feed you more of the same. And social media is another factor. American dominated and often hate filled with foreign and domestic “bots” and paid influencers I believe it is the number one threat to our democracy.

Look what has happened in the USA with Elon Musk and X. So, what do we do about it? I have started reading articles on Substack, some from journalists and other pieces by political scientists, politicians and thinkers. One Stack is called “Letter from a Maritimer” and they have posted a very thoughtful read called “Securing the Future of Canada’s Media.” Too long for me to summarize, but it certainly offers some good ideas as well as a call for action. I urge people to read it.

I also don’t agree with Mr. Gosse’s view that Mark Carney is “an agent of globalism.” Let’s face it, we live in a world of international trade. We can’t close our borders and expect to counter Trump’s threats against our businesses, industries and our sovereignty. We can loosen our ties to the USA by boycotting American goods, stop travelling to the States, protect our food and water supply and our farmers, and look to reliable world partners in the UK, the EU, Asia, South and Central America, Australia and NZ. And who is better placed to get us there than Mark Carney? He is an economist and has contacts worldwide. He understands how the corporate world works, where corporations get their power and how to take it away from them.

Delphine Doerksen,
Camrose

March 11, 2025

Everybody knows we are living in an age of disinformation and we need to be alert so we’re not taken in when it comes our way.  The subject of an earlier letter was coal mining, until it went off on a bit of a tangent into climate change denial.

The letter seemed to be about coal mining on the eastern slopes, but referred to the four Teck mine sites on the western slopes in BC and claimed the rivers and valleys were “pristine.”  Not quite. For example: It’s taken the Ktunaxa Nation 12 years to convince the US and Canadian governments to convene the International Joint Commission to look into the pollution (especially selenium and calcite) in the Elk and Kootenay Rivers caused by the mining of coal.

The letter said that renewable energy sources require far more land than coal mining, and claimed that a 2,000-kilowatt solar farm would occupy 80 square kilometres (about 20,000 acres; that’s 80 km x 1 km, or about 9 km x 9 km, not 80 km x 80 km as claimed in the letter!).  But, I’ve got a 332 square foot 5.3-kW solar array on the roof of my house; expand that to 2,000 kW and we’re up to almost three acres (nowhere near 20,000 acres).

Furthermore, renewables, like wind and solar, can be compatible with agriculture; also, the renewable installation stays put, unlike coal extraction, which depletes one area and expands to mine another.  The Elk Valley mines in BC already have a footprint of about 113 square kilometres (as of a few years ago) and are expected to expand beyond that. In Alberta, coal companies have leases to explore, and potentially mine, 1,880 square kilometres of land. The land disturbed for coal exploration and development is immense in comparison to renewables.

The letter’s comments about atmospheric carbon dioxide are so preposterous I don’t really know what to say. Sure, 0.04 per cent doesn’t sound like much, but Earth’s atmosphere is pretty big and there are lots of carbon dioxide molecules to allow the sun’s visible wavelengths in but prevent some of the resulting infrared radiation from leaving, and this causes increasing temperatures. The carbon tax cannot “tax us into poverty” because it is set up to refund the tax to those who cannot afford it; even I, who could afford it, get back, I’m sure, more than I pay.

Everybody knows that “do your [own] research” is a euphemism for “don’t trust/believe science.” I say, if you can’t trust/believe science, who can you trust?

John Olson,
Camrose

March 11, 2025

Danielle Smith promised to fix Alberta Health during her campaign of almost two years ago. That hasn’t gone well.

Albertans have every right to expect their government to fully support public health. However, the UCP uses Alberta taxpayers’ money to sign contracts with private providers. I have heard reports that doctors are moving to private clinics, while operating spaces in hospitals are underused.
Now, the UCP has  fired the entire health board for the second time as well as the CEO. The firing came at a time when the CEO was going to the Board to discuss concerns regarding practices used to secure contracts as well as whether there should be a report to RCMP.

Serious allegations have been brushed off by Danielle Smith and her Minister Adriana LaGrange  who deny any wrongdoing. Premier Smith wants us to believe she had no idea what was going on in Alberta Health Services, in spite of the fact that she was supposed to be fixing it.

The Premier has hired an unnamed private party to investigate complaints. The unnamed party will report to the Premier. This is not appropriate as allegations are directed at the Premier herself.
In the meantime, Peter Guthrie, Minister of Infrastructure has stepped down. He raised concerns regarding the Government of Alberta procurement practices across all departments including Alberta Health Services. He recommended that LaGrange step down.

The idea that an unnamed party will investigate and report to Smith is not acceptable. We need a public inquiry to conduct a full investigation and provide full details and transparency to Albertans. In the meantime, Minister LaGrange should step down.

Arlene Hendrickson,
Camrose

March 11, 2025

If the recent polls accurately indicate Canada’s future government, I am forced to consider that Mark Carney may be our next Liberal Party leader.
If the next election proves this to be true, I predict that the western separatist spirit will react with a vengeance.

Once again the French Canadians and the Great Lakes hub will form the majority of government positions and dictate to the west all of their woke ideologies that predictably keep us economically and culturally to having minimal influence nationally.

In the wake of Donald Trump’s references to Canada as the 51st state, might it be possible that western Canada feels a greater kinship to the mid-west and western States than it does to the east. If Trump were to offer us some incentives would we in the west find his ambitions of annexation more palatable.

If the west were to go, would Quebec hold fast to Ontario? Unlikely. Nor would the Atlantic provinces stand by and suffer complete dominance by Ontario. In other words, Canada would be splintered four ways.

My warning to Canadians, especially those in the greater Toronto area, nationalists who wrap themselves in Canadian flags and boo the American anthem, is that if they want Canada to remain as is, they’d best make sure that we elect a Conservative government.

Ken Hoff,
Camrose

February 25, 2025

Regarding Ms. Walker’s concerns about coal mining on the eastern slope of the Rockies, I would like to thank her for raising the issue and commend her concern for the environment.

The eastern slope is beautiful country, I have driven through there dozens of times in the past few years. So is the western slope through the Crowsnest Pass and into Sparwood. The mountains, rivers and forests are wonderful.

From the entrance to the Crowsnest Pass all the way through to Sparwood is coal country. Four huge open pit coal mines employ nearly 5,000 people. The valley and river are pristine. Modern mining and reclamation methods mean we can access resources in a manner that preserves the environment and provides high paying jobs for Canadians.

Consider also the Genesee Power Station and coal mine. The generators have been refitted for natural gas and the mine site has been rehabilitated. Genesee earned the Alberta Chamber of Resources’ 2019 Major Reclamation Award for its comprehensive land reclamation plan, that includes the re-establishment of wetlands and natural creek bodies and the development of wildlife corridors, as well as restoring multiple end-use capabilities similar to those that existed prior to mining.

Compare this relatively minor imposition on the environment with a 2,000 kw solar farm. It would require nearly 80 square kilometres (20,000 acres) for the solar panels. An area that would stretch from Camrose to Edmonton and just as wide. The land cannot be ‘reclaimed’ unless we dismantle the solar farm, it’s a permanent installation.

Finally, despite what you have been told, carbon is not a pollutant. Carbon is the single most essential necessity of life. Without carbon there is no life. The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is .04 per cent and has virtually no impact on global temperatures. However, our fear of CO2 has given our government an excuse to tax us into poverty and regulate us into slavery. Rather than encourage development and thousands of high paying jobs they frighten us into submission. Do your research and see for yourself.

Dave Gosse,
Camrose

February 25, 2025

I just wanted to give you guys a big shout out. Firstly, you produce a great local paper, but even in these frigid temperatures, my paper showed up. (Yes, I could read online, but there’s something about sitting down with a paper and a coffee.)

So kudos to your delivery people and staff in general.

You are appreciated.

Mike Enright,
Camrose

February 25, 2025

This letter is about Pierre Poilievre’s directives and it is intended for anyone who has been adversely affected by addiction, or knows someone who has. I imagine this touches a large number of your readers. In view of Mr. Poilievre’s stated approach to fentanyl users, I urge them not to give this man the power to carry out his plan.

In a 2022 article in the National Post, Mr. Poilievre stated that people struggling with addiction belong in treatment, not prison.

Yet more recently, he has referred to safe injection sites as “drug dens” that a conservative government would eliminate.

One way of telling whether a government actually cares for drug abusers is to see their policy regarding saving their lives. Every time a health professional staffing these sites administers a necessary dose of Narcan, that is another life saved to add to the large total number of lives saved in these sites.

You can draw your own conclusions about whether Mr. Poilievre actually does care about these individuals.

Currently, he has stated “that anyone caught trafficking, producing, or exporting over 40 mg of fentanyl” would be classified as a “fentanyl kingpin” and receive a mandatory life sentence in prison. 40 mg is about the size of half an aspirin tablet. An article by Mo Amir in the Feb 11 Tyee (incidentally I urge everyone to read the Tyee) describes the typical drug dose process in the lower East side of Vancouver.

Users often pool their resources to acquire a dose, which is typically about 250 mg. They then distribute parts of this dose amongst users. This practice means that virtually every person using drugs there would be sent to prison on a mandatory life sentence as a fentanyl kingpin because they “dealt” over 40 mg of fentanyl.

This recalls a time when in the USA unbelievably harsh laws were passed by various states between 1956 and 1969. For example, in some states the possession of a narcotic, including marijuana, led to a mandatory sentence of 20 years in jail, with no possibility of parole or probation.

In distinct contrast, in Virginia during this period, the crime of first degree murder carried a mandatory minimum sentence of fifteen years, and rape was punished by a mandatory minimum of 10 years.

Let me finish by challenging those supporting him to counter this letter and defend this policy.

Tim W. Parker,
Camrose

February 25, 2025

I have watched Danielle Smith’s negativity toward and refusal to even shake hands with Justin Trudeau. She claims her attitude shows strength and that she is standing up for Albertans.

As we  approach threats of tariffs from US President Trump, attention turns to  the TranMountain pipeline first proposed in 2012. Neither Steven Harper nor provincially elected conservative parties (including the UCP), were able to get the project off the ground.

Rachel Notley was roundly criticized by the UCP for negotiating with the Justin Trudeau government to build the Trans-X Pipeline. They claimed she was in his pocket.

It was the Liberal government, investing tax payer money from all Canadians, who bought the pipeline and paid for construction. Notley and her government proved they were not in the pocket of Trudeau, rather they left Albertans with an ace in our pocket, as we now have the option of a pipeline to tidewater in response to US aggression.

Notley got the job done to the economic advantage of Albertans and she got it by working with the Liberal government and the province of BC. Strength is the ability to see a problem and work the way to a solution.

I encourage Smith and her party to abandon the Alberta First attitude and work with the feds, our provinces and  our territories to stand together in support and allegiance to our country, Canada.

Arlene Hendrickson,
Camrose

February 18, 2025

Besides CBC, almost all news, entertainment and information come from four private companies, and their stock is owned by major Canadian banking and business oligarchs.

These are the “established media.” In my opinion, these media oligarchies have been shaping news to their own advantage and to our detriment. I no longer trust them.

The established media are painting Mark Carney as the “saviour of Canada” and heir apparent to Justin Trudeau. They say Mr. Carney can stand up to the “American Bully,” Trump. They say Mr. Carney will reverse Trudeau’s pernicious policies and rebuild our country. But who, exactly, is Carney?

For decades, Mr. Carney has been an agent of globalism, the movement that promotes transnational bureaucracy and undermines national independence. Is this the man who will keep Canada free?  He is a founder and co-chair of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero, an organization committed to halting economic development. Is this the man who will build the Canadian economy?

Since 2020, he has served as a senior advisor to Trudeau. Both Carney and Trudeau subscribe to an extreme anti-development ideology. They have both done untold harm to Canada. Carney supported and praised Trudeau’s carbon tax (until he didn’t). He applauded the Liberal government blocking $157 billion in energy investment (until he didn’t). He has shaped and supported the Liberal agenda (until he didn’t).

This is not the resume of the man who will build a strong Canada and defeat the American bully.

Dave Gosse,
Camrose

February 18, 2025

I am writing to express my extreme distaste for the UCP’s recent lifting on the ban of coal exploration in the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains.

Coal mining is an outdated practice, and is extremely harmful to the environment. Never mind the fact that we get most of our drinking water from the Rocky Mountains, which coal mining will serve only to pollute. We are in the midst of a climate crisis, and the UCP is dragging its feet in every possible way to deny the reality of our situation.

Fossil fuels are not renewable resources, and we are overconsuming them in every sense of the word. Nature does not overuse resources for fear of ecological collapse. We are the only species that takes more than nature can sustainably offer, and we are certainly not exempt from its laws.

It is the time to look towards renewable energy, perhaps in the form of solar or wind power, not archaic energy in the form of fossil fuels. To see the UCP take such a drastic step away from progress is wholly disheartening, and it goes to show that what they care most about is the lining of their pockets, not the wellbeing of this fine province.

In summation, I encourage you to write to your MLA to tell them why you do not support coal exploration in the eastern slopes.

Gabrielle Walker,
Camrose

February 11, 2025

As countries retreat and borders harden, the recent pandemic shows us the folly of thinking we can seal out the world, especially when it comes to diseases that have threatened humanity for millennia.

While the new zeitgeist seems to keep everything and let the other guy rot, decades of public health has shown us we are all in this together, regardless of how much razor wire lines our borders.

As governments retreat from the international stage, funding for GAVI, the international vaccine alliance, is coming due.

It’s critical that Canada does not founder in our long role of providing medicines and vaccines to the world’s poorest. The cost of this funding is paltry when compared to that of diseases left to run riot across the world, in lives lost and the inevitability of another pandemic.

Nathaniel Poole,
Victoria, BC

February 11, 2025

As the temperature drops, there are a number of people living here in Camrose who do not have a place to live.

Last year, there was an attempt to get a warming centre set up, however, City council has rejected that idea stating that the areas offered were not zoned for that purpose.

 Homelessness is not going to go away. This is an issue which our City council needs to address and solve.

My question to the mayor is, when will the City council look at setting up a homeless shelter, which will look after all of Camrose’s homeless needs and not just abused women and youth under 24 years old?

We cannot send them all to Edmonton or to Wetaskiwin. There has to be some sort of accountability here in Camrose.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

February 4, 2025

In 1976, then-premier Peter Lougheed enacted a policy limiting coal development on the eastern slopes of the Rockies because open pit coal mining has a terrible track record of polluting rivers and the rivers originating on the eastern slopes provide all our water needs across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Albertans supported this common sense precaution.

Then quietly, on Friday afternoon before the long weekend in May 2020, the UCP government released a statement saying that they had rescinded the 1976 policy. Documents have since shown that the government was in talks with foreign coal companies about rescinding the 1976 policy for months even as they were keeping those talks secret from Albertans. As opposition to opening the eastern slopes to coal mines grew from environmentalists, cities, rural communities and farmers, the government announced that they would hold hearings to determine what Albertans really think. Do you think they should have held hearings before they rescinded the 1976 policy?

Albertans paid $2 million for the hearings that told the government the obvious: that Albertans were united in their opposition to open pit coal mines on the eastern slopes and the 1976 policy was reinstated. The whole mess stinks of incompetence and waste and looks like government corruption. I am not saying that this actually is government corruption because I am not wealthy enough to be sued. But I am being sued. Along with all Albertans, I am being sued for $16 billion by the coal companies because our government first gave them and then took away an economic opportunity. Does it seem unfair that Albertans have to pay for the government decision that we had no input or even any knowledge of?

Now our government is again reopening the eastern slopes to coal mining. We should be outraged. When rivers are polluted and the coal companies close up shop and move away, the costs to our children will be much more than $16 billion.
The government has severely messed up. The mess will cost us a lot, but whatever the cost, we must protect Alberta’s rivers for our children. I suggest that we all contact our MLA to let her know how we feel. Make an appointment to see her in person. And we should remember this waste, incompetence and what looks like corruption at the next election, because we get the government we ask for.

Rob Hill,
Camrose

February 4, 2025

I’ve heard reporters ask, “Why is Trump threatening Canada when 90 per cent of the drugs and criminals are crossing through Mexico?” I can answer that in two words, “Justin Trudeau.” Mr. Trump and Mr. Trudeau have a history and Mr. Trudeau has made clear his disdain for Mr. Trump.

Trump appears willing to work with anyone, like them or not. He’s a pragmatist. If working with Trudeau will get him a secure border, so be it. But Trudeau is an ideologue. Trudeau is committed to the post-national ideology of open borders and unrestricted migration. He won’t cooperate under any conditions.

Rather than suggest, “Let’s work together for a secure border,” Trudeau has made it clear he doesn’t want secure borders. As an open borders ideologue, I have no doubt Trudeau climbed up on his self-righteous soapbox and told Trump, “You’re not the boss of me!”

And now Trudeau, who once described Canada as the “first post-national state” with “no core identity,” has wrapped himself in the Canadian flag and declared war on the US. We are expected to sacrifice our future on the narcissistic altar of his personal ambition.

Shame on those politicians who hope to profit by imitating his fake patriotism. Ontario Premier Doug Ford is already planning to convert this fake crisis into another election. This is a stupid, malicious tactic, which will only serve to injure an already wounded Canada. Ford and Trudeau will never pay a price for their political opportunism. That price, as always, will be paid by us.

Truly, patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.

Dave Gosse,
Camrose

February 4, 2025

Over the past few months, all what we Canadians have been hearing is about are the tariffs which USA President Donald Trump wants to put on Canadian lumber and on our auto industry.

Now, Trump declares that there is nothing which America needs from Canada. He has stated that Canada has a weak military and depends on the United States for protection. We as a nation spend less that two per cent on NATO military spending.

One thing we as a province could do is to open more refineries so we do not have to depend on the states to refine our oil. In my view Canadians as a whole like to be too dependant on our neighbours to the south. Maybe we should grow up and become more independent from the United States.

Lorne Vanderwoude,
Camrose

January 28, 2025

My dream of a “former Prime Minister” Justin Trudeau was a little premature. His fake resignation and prorogation of Parliament has allowed him a couple more months in office and further opportunity to destroy our once great country.

Few people realize that Mr. Trudeau and the Liberal Party have been systematically destroying Canada.  It sounds absurd, and it took a very long time for me to come to this realization, but I believe it is true.

At one time I just thought they were stupid, because they kept making stupid decisions. Then I realized that those decisions are only stupid if you want the best outcomes for Canada. These are not stupid people. Many of them are highly intelligent, highly educated, professionally accomplished people. So, if they are not stupid, and they are consistently making decisions that are harmful to our country, they are malicious. They want to destroy the wonderful country that our forebears laboured so hard to build.

Take, for example, US President Donald Trump’s threat of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports. What the Canadian news media have failed to report is those tariffs are conditional on Canadian government stopping the flow of illegal migrants and drugs across our border. I don’t know about you, but I happen to think a secure border is a good idea. Not only will it help to protect our closest neighbour and largest trading partner, but it will protect us as well. Yet Trudeau and his party, along with nine out of 10 premiers, have decided that it is better to enter a trade war with the United States than it is to stop the flow of contraband and undocumented migrants across our border.

From my perspective, this is stupid. From Trudeau’s perspective, it seems to be a good idea. But what can Canadians expect from a trade war with our closest neighbour and largest trading partner, especially when that trading partner is the single largest economy in the world?  It will be a disaster for our economy, for all of us and for our children. Yet Trudeau and nine out of 10 premiers have decided to pursue this policy, rather than secure our border to stop the flow of contraband products, drugs, and human beings. Kudos to Premier Danielle Smith for having the backbone to stand up for all of Canada by opposing this suicidal madness.

Dave Gosse,
Camrose

January 28, 2025

Until this point, I’ve never felt compelled to write to The  Booster with concerns that I’ve had about my community and how it’s being managed.  But I’m writing today to express my disappointment and concern over the delayed opening of Blessed Carlo Acutis Catholic High School.

Being a ‘born and raised’ Camrosian (with two children in Grade 8 and Grade 11 at Our Lady of Mount Pleasant High School), I was excited to hear about the new Catholic high school finally coming to fruition and the benefits it brings to our community.  Unfortunately, the repeated delays in the project’s timeline have left myself and many other parents feeling lost, frustrated and disappointed.

I understand that in a project of this size delays do occur, but the constant push-backs have made it extremely difficult for families, teachers and school administration to plan for the future. The lack of a clear and definitive opening date has created uncertainty, particularly in students (like my kids), who are looking forward to attending the new high school in September 2025.

As a community, we’ve had no reliable information or a clear understanding of the new high school’s status. Instead, we’re forced to try and find some semblance of truth in a pool of rumours, half-truths and innuendos about ‘infighting’, ‘back-room deals’ and ‘finger pointing’ regarding the delays in the school’s opening. As a city, we should pride ourselves on a commitment to education and providing our students with a top-notch facility.  The impending delay in opening the high school not only affects the students, but has a ripple effect on all of Camrose. These now very public issues reflect poorly on our reputation as a city. Our City manager, our mayor and our City council look unprepared, unprofessional and unserious, as they’ve struggled to find solutions to ultimately getting this school open. I have serious doubts that they’ve considered the concerns of our community and are too obtuse to see how this whole affair is an embarrassment to Camrose’s reputation. I pray that all groups involved can still find a solution to getting this project back on track. I hope that rather than being viewed as villains…our City manager and council can re-focus on finding a solution to this boondoggle and how they’ll be remembered when their time in civil service is over.

Dr. Davin Wilcox,
Camrose

January 28, 2025

The 1988 federal election was the last in Canada to be fought over a big, overarching, national idea–in this case, free trade with the United States. It featured a gripping and passionate televised debate between John Turner and Brian Mulroney, who would ultimately become PM.

Turner’s impassioned argument that free trade with the US would undermine our economic independence and make us vulnerable to capricious policy makers in Washington. While some would argue that 30 years of tighter economic integration was worth the price we must now pay; economic observers on both sides of the border must now admit Turner was right as the USA benefitted to a much greater degree than Canada...as was Pierre Elliot Trudeau when he warned.

“Living next to you [the US] is in some ways like sleeping with an elephant. No matter how friendly and even-tempered is the beast, if I can call it that, one is affected by every twitch and grunt.”

Like the US is about to learn, elections have consequences. Even if they are not immediate. Not the first time Canada has been outsmarted...Canada paid 75 to 80 per cent of the cost of upgrading the St. Lawrence Seaway in the late 1950s and received 10 per cent of the benefit.

Mulroney and Pat Carney’s signed NAFTA which demolished Canada’s ethical pharmaceutical industry who packed up lock, stock and barrel and left Canada. Mulroney also sold Connaught Labs to a private investor (including the patent rights to insulin) for a pittance. Connaught Labs was one of the three top virology labs in the world along with the Pasteur Institute in Paris and the Lister Institute in London. Some 35 years later, any wonder Canada was not able to compete producing an anti COVID-19 vaccine?

Trump’s tariffs are no more than a tax because the USA needs the money and sly old Donald sold it as an MAGA slogan and Hilary’s “deplorables” were easily fooled. Gives all new meaning to the expression…“Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice shame on me.”

Lynn Clark,
Camrose
 

January 14, 2024

Canadian Citizens are demanding an election.

The Liberal party can try all kinds of tricks like proroguing/asking PM to step down/leadership race or whatever trick they think will change their future, but the consequences will just keep getting more severe.

The parliamentarians, senators, civil servants, bureaucrats, judges and contractors all made choices to defraud, deceive and lie to Canadian Citizens. Citizens are becoming more outraged so they will vote accordingly and call for criminal charges with full recompense.

Duane Keller,
Edmonton

January 14, 2025

As the 2024 Kettle Coordinator for The Salvation Army, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who contributed to the success.

To our dedicated volunteers, your selfless commitment and countless hours spent ringing bells and spreading holiday cheer have made an incredible impact on our community. Your enthusiasm and kindness did not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful for your time and effort in making this campaign a success.

We would also like to express our deepest thanks to everyone who generously donated to our Kettles. Your contributions play a vital role in supporting our programs and services throughout the year, ensuring that we can continue to help those in need within our community. Your kindness and compassion are truly appreciated.

A special thank you goes out to the local stores who graciously allowed us to set up our kettles on their premises. Your support of our mission and willingness to partner with us during the holiday season made a significant difference, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of your community spaces.

I am thrilled to announce that not only did we meet our ambitious goal of $95,000, but we exceeded it. Thanks to your combined efforts, we raised a total of over $112,000 during this year’s Kettle Campaign. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without your unwavering support and we are incredibly thankful for your contributions.

Together, we have made a positive difference in the lives of many individuals and families in Wetaskiwin, and for that, we commend you. As we move into the New Year, we look forward to working alongside you to continue our mission of serving those in need.

Thank you once again for your generosity and support. Wishing you all a wonderful and blessed New Year.

Amanda Billings,
Kettle coordinator
The Salvation Army, Wetaskiwin 

January 7, 2025

With Donald Trump taking power and political and economic chaos in Canada, 2025 may be a difficult year. These are my thoughts to help me so I hope they might help you. It’s impossible to predict how it will all end but each of us can do a few things.

The first is hunker down, don’t borrow or spend recklessly. If Trump puts tariffs on Canada then things will become more expensive so you’ll need your cash. Things can get even worse if Ottawa, with Ontario and Quebec approval, taxes energy and that may really cripple the Alberta economy. Albertans need to understand that this will pass. The oil will still be here and if the Conservatives are elected, things may improve. Also, the US needs our oil and they won’t want to pay more for it.

The second is to stay calm. Canadian politics will be crazy for a while and the media will go into an even bigger frenzy. Remember Alberta is Canada’s golden goose and even though the East doesn’t like the goose poop (emissions) they do like the golden eggs (transfer payments). Canada has changed because oil is Canada’s major export by far (about $400 million every day), but Ontario and Quebec have the populations to elect the federal government and they want the money. Albertans need to support our provincial government and we need to use the Quebec model. This means bringing every responsibility and service we can under the provincial government. Albertans need to be united.

The third is to try to enjoy the break. The Justin Trudeau government has caused great damage and it will take time to repair it.  In the meantime, be happy with the things you have and enjoy them. For those of us that remember the early 1980s with Trudeau senior and the NEP, times were hard, but Alberta recovered as strong as ever. Unemployment may rise but if we share with the unfortunate we can get through this. Alberta’s oil production has doubled since 2010, so even if production falls 50 per cent we need to remember 2010 was not that bad a year. The world today uses more oil than ever so, in time, our turn will come.

Fourth and lastly, don’t worry. What Canada does will have no impact on climate change so here we have to accept the choices of the rest of the world.

Tony Hladun,
Camrose