August 5

I fail to understand those who aggressively defend the idea that the Children’s Library is doing the right thing by providing sexual images at carte blanche to kids without any warning to parents.
The absolute determination of those who want to ensure young children have direct access to images of sex is disturbing. You are not defending a healthy sex education. You are hindering it.

I honestly don’t even know what is being defended at this point. What I’ve heard so far is that we should not censor books for kids, which is false because kids’ books are censored all the time (i.e. racism), the books provided are age appropriate, also false, showing a seven-year-old how to masturbate is not age appropriate, and that the people who work at the library are great (which I’m sure is true, but has nothing to do with the issue).
Are there actually people who insist images of sexual penetration be placed where young children are? If so, yikes.

I might not be a doctor, a lawyer or a professor, but I do know garbage when I see it. A book showing a woman performing oral sex on a man and placing it on the shelf for a seven-year-old girl to pick up is garbage. I don’t need higher education to know that.

So, to the public, judge for yourself what you think is right. If this is moral and good, then by all means, introduce more of it. Why not include a fun book for kids to learn different sex positions?
But if you can see garbage for what it is, then don’t be afraid to speak up, write to the board, post on social media, call the MLA, do something to stop this nonsense that is being hidden behind the guise of “diversity”.

Jakob M. Weisser,
Camrose County

July 29

Make no mistake. A vote for anyone else besides Pierre Poilievre in the upcoming by-election is a vote for Mark Carney and the Liberals.

We have the opportunity to not only have the leader of the Conservative Party represent our riding, but also an Albertan who has always stood up for us regardless of who he speaks to or in what part of the country he is.

Pierre believes in a strong Alberta. I know he will defend our interests and our rural way of life. He will promote our oil and gas industry, defend our farmers and protect our right to own firearms.
It is unfortunate to see that some would try to exploit this by-election for their own personal gain. I can’t think of a bigger opportunist than Bonnie Critchley, who in a recent CBC interview even called herself a “palatable alternative.” A vote for Bonnie is a vote for the Liberals.

And to make things worse, in the same CBC interview, she called Battle River-Crowfoot a “backwater” riding. Shows you how much she thinks of us and this place.

I don’t want an opportunist representing me who is in it to make a name for herself. I want someone with a proven record of standing up for the West and fighting for all Canadians. And that, my friends, is Pierre Poilievre.

I’m proud of Damien Kurek for doing the honourable thing and stepping aside so Pierre could run here. I trust Damien’s words when he says, “Pierre Poilievre is a man of principal, character, and is the hardest working MP I have ever met. His energy, passion, and drive have grown our party and strengthened this movement beyond what we have ever seen before.”

Adrian P. Zinck,
Camrose

July 29

I encourage all Crowfoot constituents to reflect on voting traditionally. You have far better and local options. Poilievre is simply using your constituency as a stepping stone to advance himself. He knows nothing of your roots, needs and interests. Others do and they intend on living in your area to better understand, listen and serve your needs. Do not hire back a person who thousands of other Canadians fired. They know better now.

Nels Jevne,
Camrose

July 29

So let me get this straight: hardworking Canadian taxpayers will now be forced to pay over one million dollars so Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who just lost his seat in Ontario and who has not lived in Alberta for 25 years, can run in a by-election, which he is more or less guaranteed to win, just so he can keep getting paid $200,009 annually as a Member of Parliament.

Poilievre’s winning this by-election in Alberta, will also permit him and his family to continue living in an official stately government house (Stornoway), in Ottawa, which we, the Canadian taxpayers, are footing the bill for. It is also noteworthy that all of this comes on the heels of Poilievre spending decades whining about government spending. Unbelievable. So much for his ‘Axe the Tax’ mantra.

I would encourage everyone to vote for Bonnie Critchley instead. She is a rural, small town conservative, and a salt of the earth Albertan, who will tirelessly fight for us in Ottawa.

Please check out Bonnie’s website: www.bonniecritchleyindependent.com

Sheila Petroskey,
Camrose

July 29

To rebuild or double-down? This question plagues professional sports teams and also seems to fit with partisan politics. People feel a strong sense of loyalty to their team and their party of choice. Which makes sense, but does it hold up in broader context?

To use a hockey analogy: Poilievre had an open net and whiffed, sealing the UCP’s defeat and eliminating them from the playoffs. Now it’s the off-season and he’s desperate for a fresh contract.

This reminds me of the Oilers of my youth with Doug Weight and Ryan Smyth, who were talented and hardworking, but the team isn’t winning the Cup if either is your best player. The Oilers went with a rebuild that eventually landed them McDavid and Draisaitl, who were a few bounces away from being champions these past two seasons.

So, this raises the question: Is Poilievre a snake bitten wunderkind with the obvious potential to win it all? Or is he simply not “the guy”?

Tyler Sehn,
Camrose

July 29

Response to Jakob Weisser’s letter entitled “Children’s Library” in the July 15, 2025 edition of The Booster:

I was shocked to read that there are books in the children’s section of the Camrose Public Library that contain explicit sexual content (anal sex, masturbation). I appreciated this letter as I don’t know what percentage of the public is aware of this. I wasn’t aware, and I know many others who are not aware.

This is pertinent information for the public to know. Adults are able to use their discernment to decipher whether to open a book or not. Children have not yet developed this skill.

Summer Dhillon,
Camrose

July 22, 2025

It seems to me that this “wonderful” country that we live in jails the wrong people. We send grandmas to jail for supporting the rights of the unborn, we send pastors to jail for worshipping God, we send truckers to jail for “mischief” and the list goes on. I could make a long list of indiscriminate government decisions as well.
And speaking of  long lists, this Long Ballot Committee is one that should be jailed for real mischief in trying to ruin voting rights and privileges.

This new Canada is just plain tiring and going in the wrong direction. As a senior, I truly hope that for my children and grandchildren that the referendum is soon and that Albertans will realize that Canada is beyond repair and we need to think of their futures and become separate and sovereign. It may take hard work and maybe some short term  heartaches, but it will be worth it for the future and hope of our children.

George Shostak,
Camrose County

July 22, 2025

I’ve never been involved in federal politics before. Like many in our riding, I’ve always voted Conservative and trusted that our values were being represented in Ottawa. That trust was earned–especially by Damien Kurek, a local farmer and MP who understood our way of life. He lived here, worked here, and won over 82 per cent of the vote last April because he was one of us.

But now, things feel different.
Damien has stepped down, and Pierre Poilievre, who lost his seat in Ontario, has been parachuted into our riding for the upcoming August 18 by-election. He’s never lived here. He doesn’t know our land, our challenges, or our values. As Bonnie Critchley put it, “He doesn’t know Jack” about the people of Battle River-Crowfoot. Bonnie does.

She’s a 22-year military veteran, a farmer, and a local. She’s running as an independent–not to serve a party, but to serve the people. Bonnie inspired me to get involved because she’s grounded in the same conservative values I grew up with: hard work, personal responsibility, and community loyalty.

This isn’t about party politics. It’s about local representation. About choosing someone who knows what it means to haul water in winter, fix a broken fence, and fight for rural Alberta.
If you’re a conservative voter who feels this riding is being taken for granted, I urge you to take a closer look at Bonnie Critchley. She’s not here to play politics–she’s here to represent us.
Let’s send Ottawa a message: Battle River-Crowfoot is not for sale.

Terry Morley,
Camrose

July 22, 2025

Thank you for the Booster Banter!  I look forward to a good laugh every week!

Gordon Beer,
Alliance

July 22, 2025

After reading the back and forth of letter writers’ concerns about the availability of books depicting themes of human sexuality in the Camrose Public Library, I feel the need to point out a serious source of misinformation at the core of the initial letter writer’s claims.

In his various letters, Mr. Weisser has consistently raised concerns about his children accessing material he deemed sexually explicit while “freely roaming” the library as a justification for removing a list of books from the library shelves.

The worm at the core of this claim is Mr. Weisser’s straw man mischaracterization of how libraries function and the role that librarians play in managing their collections. He seems to portray library settings as some kind of anarchic place where children roam free like wild creatures, fully unsupervised in what materials they access.

Moreover, he completely erases and mischaracterizes the important work activities librarians engage in every day in researching, assembling and managing the various information collections they make available to the public.

In Mr. Weisser’s portrayal, he mentions very little, if any, discussions he held with the library over their collection practices and seems to imply that the people who work in libraries do not play any active role in managing or assisting children with the information they access. Because of this presumed lack of oversight, he demands parental control over library holdings.
As a parent who regularly visits our library and has taken advantage of the wonderful programs available there, I instead want to thank the staff at the Camrose Public Library who work diligently to make our library a safe space for children where they feel protected from victimization or bullying.

I also want to acknowledge the work they put into assembling their collections and let them know I trust their judgment, expertise, and hard work in making information and ideas available to the public. Libraries are an invaluable public resource that need to be celebrated, not attacked, diminished or dismantled to serve one particular political agenda.

Sean E. Moore,
Camrose

July 15, 2025

I am writing this letter in regards to our north side of the tracks. I am wondering what the City has planned for us. As our area is growing, we have 39 new homes going up on the north side, plus a new big apartment going up on 53 Street.

We have the steel plant, Camrose Airport, Whistle Stop, Braim Subdivision, churches, businesses and many dwellings close by and outside of our area.

The concern I have is what if we have a major fire, someone needs an ambulance right away, or need the police to come out for some reason in a hurry?
The concern is the long CP Rail line going by in which the trains have ALL the crossings tied up, so if we need help, nobody can help us as ALL the emergency personnel and equipment is on the south side.

So I’m just wondering what the City has planned for now and the future as we keep growing.

Margaret Sydora
Camrose
 

July 15, 2025

I liked Damien Kurek, and I think I am going to vote for Bonnie Critchley in this by-election.

Hear me out: the Liberal Party is three votes short of a majority right now. Historically they have negotiated with the NDP for those votes and not the Conservative Party. In this specific by-election, a Conservative vote changes nothing, but an Independent conservative can impact federal policy, forcing them to make compromises to get legislation passed. The NDP did this last time, and now it could be our turn.

I don’t know much about Bonnie aside from that she says she is local, she has conservative views, and will represent the will of us here in Battle River-Crowfoot. I think that combination is exactly what we need to make Alberta’s needs heard.

That said, feel free to look into her yourself. https://www.bonniecritchley independent.com/

Mark Warkentin
Camrose

July 15, 2025

I would like to respond to Margaret Weir Andreassen’s letter which was in response to my previous letters regarding the sexual content in our Children’s Library. I appreciate that she has responded as she is currently listed as a Camrose Library board member, allowing better insight from a decision maker.

Being that my past two letters have been specifically regarding the sexual content in our Children’s Library, discussions on books provided in the adult section of the Library would be irrelevant to my previous letters so I will assume she is referring specifically to the Children’s Library in her comments.

She says, “The freedom to read is a cornerstone of a strong democracy.”

I do not grant unhinged freedom for my children to read whatever they want. This would be true for books, magazines and the internet. They are children.

How is the freedom for my seven year old to read about anal sex and how to masturbate a cornerstone of a strong democracy?

My own right, however, to read what I choose and also to govern what my children read is a cornerstone of democracy. Let’s not confuse an adult’s right to choose what they consume to that of a child’s. “...Mr. Weisser, telling me what I, or others in our community, should read…”

I’m not sure what she is referring to here. This discussion is regarding what is socially appropriate to present to children in a public setting. Not about what adults choose to read or even what they allow their own children to read. Please do not imply that I said something that I never did.

“Our society will be diminished if we move down the path of censorship.”

No censorship for Children’s Libraries? Zero? This will diminish our society? Does this hold true with books promoting hate? Does this hold true with pornography? I would HOPE that there is some sort of censorship to what is read to children in the Public Library! Or any public setting for that matter!
I, “a vocal minority”, would appreciate some degree of censorship if I am to allow my children to roam freely in a public setting meant for kids!

I did very much appreciate one comment from Margaret’s letter that was on point and very applicable to this discussion.

“There are four copies of It’s Perfectly Normal in the regional system, including one in the Stettler adult non-fiction section."

Putting books with illustrated sexual intercourse in the adult section of the library instead of the kids. There’s a good idea.

Jakob Weisser
Camrose County

July 8, 2025

July 2, 2025 was a very important day for this riding of Battle River-Crowfoot. There are Conservatives who do not think that Pierre Poilievre is capable of understanding the issues of this riding.

They feel that since he lost his seat in his riding in Ontario that he should resign. The Liberals are a very corrupt party who will do anything to win.

Carney thought he had destroyed Poilievre and that his corrupt practices would keep the Liberals in power. We, as Conservatives, must get our leader back into Parliament to defend Alberta against this corrupt anti-Alberta government.

Liberals cannot win or we could lose our province.     These people are wrong about our leader. He will win the next election and be our next Prime Minister.    Time will tell if I am correct.

Lorne Vanderwoude
Camrose

July 8, 2025

After reading Jakob Weisser’s letters to The Booster published April 22 and June 24, I decided to read the books Mr. Weisser objects to.

The Bare Naked Book was written by Canadian author Kathy Stinson in 1986. It has been around for many years. It was revised in 2021–both the text and illustrations were updated to make it more current.
I found it to be a delightful, inclusive book. It dealt with people of different shapes, ages, sizes colours and gender, and all body parts.

I have shared it with family and friends. I have read it to my granddaughter.
I would encourage readers concerned about Mr. Weisser’s comments to borrow and read this book. The illustrations reflect the diversity of people we see in our communities, at the pool, the gym and the beach.
Having said that, I completely respect Mr. Weisser’s choice to not read this book, and to not share it with his children. That is his choice, and I am happy he is free to make that choice.

I also tried to borrow the other book Mr. Weisser took issue with–It’s Pefectly Normal–only to find that it is not part of the Camrose Public Library collection. As regular library users know, the Camrose Public Library is part of the Parkland Regional Library system. There are four copies of It’s Perfectly Normal in the regional system, including one in the Stettler adult non-fiction section, and three copies in other collections.
To date, I have not been able to read this book, as it is still on order.

In Canada we have a right to intellectual freedom and to have access to books and other expressions of knowledge.

The freedom to read is the cornerstone of a strong democracy. I would be disappointed to see our provincial government, or a vocal minority of people in a relatively small advocacy group, or even Mr. Weisser, telling me what I, or others in our community should read or think.

We need to critically assess the comments and criticisms being made about our libraries and schools, and the books in them.

Our society will be diminished if we move down the path of censorship and banning of books, due to pressures brought to bear by small but vocal special interest lobby groups.
The opinions in this letter are my own, and are written in my personal capacity only.

Margaret Weir Andreassen,
Camrose

July 8, 2025

With the collapse of the postwar global order, Canada scrambles to redefine itself on the world stage. Mostly this is about trade and military buildup. But there’s a critical factor that’s been absent from news cycles, and that’s our role to fill the chasm left by the abandonment of the US in the arena of global development.

Too often foreign assistance is met with platitudes about spending the money here, and our needs come first. But this simplistic notion is blind to the fact, as we’ve seen all too clearly in the last few years, that Canada doesn’t exist in a self-sufficient vacuum.

What happens around the world has a direct impact on our economy and indeed our very health.

Helping the development of emerging countries into robust trading partners, with stable democratic leadership and the capacity to fight emerging diseases, is to our own benefit. The alternative is to push these states into the arms of hostile regimes.

Along with a greater military presence in the world, it’s critical that Canada also adopts a greater humanitarian stance through foreign assistance.

Nathaniel Poole,
Victoria, BC.

June 24, 2025

My previous letter regarding the sexual content in our children’s library was positively received from many and I have even been approached on several occasions with “thank you, someone needed to say something.”

Although, I have heard a few comments in conflict. One being a direct response to my letter from Dr. Boyd where she thanked the Library for “providing opportunities for parents to be active participants in our children’s sexual education with relevant, age appropriate resources.”

Really? Putting a book on display that shows drawings of oral sex is an age appropriate resource for my seven-year-old? And this provides me an opportunity to what? Explain what these two men are doing? I would rather not, but the Library has already encouraged him to read the book so now I have to try to explain what is happening instead of gradually guiding him through the years.

She continues on, giving a list of additional books “for parents looking for further support on navigating conversations with our kids.”

I also commend the Library for providing material for parents to navigate sex education with their kids. But this is exactly my point, these books are for parents. Which in my opinion, books that are written for parents should be given to parents, not kids.

I find it completely ludicrous, the notion that we should not install any guardrails on sexual content that is provided to children in our library system. Do we not publicly accept the importance of ratings on movies? As a parent, would you be happy if you found your kids have been watching sex on a show designated for eight and under?

If you’d like to see what explicit content school libraries provide in an unregulated library system, go to the Government of Alberta’s website. But make sure to read the two warnings offered before you view the content.

“Warning: This link contains graphic content that may be disturbing to viewers and is not appropriate for young viewers.”

I find it interesting that a strong warning is given to adults to view children’s books.

Jakob M. Weisser,
Camrose County

June 24, 2025

I read the informative article submitted by the RCMP in the April 15 edition of The Booster regarding rules of the road and school bus safety. I wholeheartedly agree with the article’s emphasis on the paramount importance of our children’s safety, especially during their commute to and from school.

I’ve noticed that Camrose school buses are equipped with alternating flashing lights, stop arms, and crossing guards (the  arm on the front bumper).

This leads me to inquire why these safety devices are seemingly not deployed within the City of Camrose itself.

The closing paragraph of the article states how seriously the Alberta Government, local law enforcement and our school boards  take the safety of our school bus riders.

Bernard Miller,
Camrose

June 24, 2025

I’m writing this letter to the Battle River School Division as a follow up to a conversation we had at the celebration to mark the opening of the accessible playground at Jack Stuart School.

At the time of the celebration, some community members raised their concerns with me that individuals or corporations who made a donation for the playground equipment were not able to be equally publicly recognized on the signage. These individuals conveyed to me that they are frustrated by what they feel is a lack of appreciation stemming from your school division’s policy to not provide any recognition for their donation.

I write this letter to you to ask that you consider rescinding the rule that prohibits recognizing donors.

While I understand that some on the board may have issue with corporations being recognized, I ask you to bear in mind that this policy of refusing to formally acknowledge generous donors will disincentive these people from giving their money for your school division’s playgrounds. As I’m sure that both the board and myself share a common interest in ensuring the best for the children in Alberta, I implore you not to potentially disincentive donors and risk losing critical funding for accessible playgrounds for your students by refusing to remedy this policy.

Jackie Lovely,
Camrose MLA

June 4, 2025

Mr. Pierre Poilievre has served under three Prime Ministers; recent contributors to The Camrose Booster have expressed concerns about his leadership qualities and his understanding of the needs and priorities of Battle River-Crowfoot (BR-CF), while others have provided unbridled support.
It is critical that voters get to know their candidates in any election.

I would urge voters in the BR-CF riding to visit the government website that tracks how every MP votes on every bill. https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/votes.

Check Mr. Poilievre’s voting record on raising the minimum wage, the First Home Savings Account program, $10 a day childcare, children’s food programs at school, the child benefit, dental care for kids, COVID-19 relief, middle class tax cuts, the Old Age Security Supplement, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, initiatives to make housing affordable that were to address Canada’s housing crises seven times from 2006-19, raising the retirement age, cuts to OAS/CPP, environmental protection bills, aid for Ukraine, to name a few.

Constituents deserve to be represented by an MP who votes in accordance with constituents’ wishes, not being told how to vote by a party whip.
His voting record on the above issues does not reflect (my) conservative values; in addition, he has vowed to (i) “wield the notwithstanding clause” thereby taking our charter rights and (ii) defund the CBC…plus others.

Can Canadians afford Mr. Poilievre? In addition to his salary, his office spent more than $8.8 million that included $7.1 million for staff salaries. His office expenditures were more than double the next highest party leader, who was Justin Trudeau.

Some contributors have described him as “principled and ethical”; it is important to remember that he was the author of The Fair Elections Act that was little more than thinly-disguised voter suppression such that even his own party would not support without substantial revision.

Is it possible that he knows Pierre Poutine, the infamous, mysterious character behind the robocalls scandal that plagued the Conservative Party of Canada?

Before the CPC lures conservatives (like myself) back into the fold, they will have to remove the remaining vestiges of the Reform/Alliance cabal. Forty years of Reform/Alliance/CPC leadership have done little for western Canada; maybe it is time to adopt an alternative strategy, namely, choose to be “inside” the governing tent.

Or…alternatively, a CPC leadership review in advance of the by-election could be the first step.

Lynn Clark,
Camrose

June 4, 2025

I am a boomer and at times I tend to forget things, but I certainly have not forgotten what the past number of years under the Liberal rule has done to what used to be a Canada to be proud of.

And it seems that all that was needed to keep them in power is to scare us from the Orange Man down south. And it’s interesting that during the campaign, the carbon tax is removed and, low and behold, did you notice it’s back on again?

Our costs keep rising and they are just going to print more money. But never fear, the great legacy media, which we pay for, states that it’s a new and improved government that has come in and will solve all. Don’t listen to the every day citizen, listen to us, they say. More homes being built, we will be an energy power, but we don’t need more pipelines, we need to take a summer vacation and not worry about a budget, just trust us. Oh...and you will own nothing and be happy.

And Pierre needs to stop with the slogans and get on the offense and fight for what is left of Canada, or maybe Alberta should just become Alberta free.

George Shostak,
New Norway

May 27, 2025

Like so many homeowners in the municipality of Camrose, I received my 2025 property tax assessment this week. Having been warned about upcoming tax increases, I opened my letter with a certain sense of dread.  I was horrified. The property taxes on my small 1950s home have gone up 30 per cent.

I went to City Hall to ask why. Their reason was simple: assessed value. Due to the current housing crisis, houses for sale under $300,000 have become shockingly scarce. Property values are going up, and my home’s value with them. It should be a good thing. Instead, the City council has turned it into a crushing burden for working families.

Each spring, nearly every house on my street floods. According to my neighbours, they have for 30 years. Improper draining from the alley pours into our basements. It’s the City’s responsibility, yet every year we pay the damages.

In Camrose, if the street outside your home is repaved, it does not come out of the City budget. It is charged to the homeowners. Tens of thousands of dollars billed directly to the families, and they are given two options: Pay outright or add it to their mortgage.

Two examples of a disturbing trend. So I ask the council, what are our taxes paying for? Not our drainage. Not our streets. How will we withstand the cost of repairs to our homes from your negligence?

I have your answer. We won’t. We will stop maintaining our homes. We won’t be able to. More houses will fall into disrepair as families make the choice between fixing them or heating them. More homes will be abandoned, torn down in favour of corporately-owned apartment complexes. Seniors will lose their gardens. Our children will grow up without back yards or water fights. Perhaps that’s what the council wants. Corporations don’t mind taxes.

Or, we will leave. Our working class will simply move away. We will lose our teachers, our nurses, our mechanics, our service workers, to places with more reasonable living expenses.

The council would turn Camrose into either a ghost town or a slum. We can’t let them.

I have applied to the provincial ministry of Municipal Affairs and asked that they look into this issue. I have spoken to our MLA, Jackie Lovely. If your story is like mine, I encourage you to do the same. Make yourself heard.

Jamey J. Wiebe,
Camrose

To the people concerned that Pierre Poilievre is using our constituency for his benefit or to the detriment of Damien Kurek, understand this is a common occurrence in Canadian politics and the technique was used by the Liberals to remove Chandra Arya and install Mark Carney as the nominee in Ottawa prior to the last election.

The only difference is that the Liberal situation was hostile. Canada uses a party system so as much as you may like (or dislike) an individual nominee, the reality is that they are still part of a party and need to work for us from within that party-the individual’s voice is often muted anyway.

To the people concerned Poilievre is too loud or too arrogant or too rude, remember his job since 2022 has been leader of the opposition and, in our parliamentary system, this person is supposed to loudly criticise government policy and be a voice of  everyone who does not agree with the government and in the 2021 Canadian election that was the voice of the 33.7 per cent of the population that voted Conservative.

Since only 32.7 per cent voted Liberal, it seems important to have a loud and consistent voice holding the scandal-laden government to the fire.

A bigger concern should be western separatism because as much as we in the west feel alienated, it will be impossible to get the other provinces to sign off on us leaving. Plus a majority of people do not want to go.  To me, the bigger concern is that the Liberals will never offer us anything since we won’t vote for them and the Conservatives don’t need to offer us anything since we will vote for them anyway.  Chew on that for a bit.

Bob Jonson,
Camrose
 

May 27, 2025

The group supporting Alberta leaving Canada claims this will be beneficial for Albertans.
I do not understand two things. First, how would it be possible for a newly independent Alberta, a landlocked country, to both deeply annoy the country surrounding it and still gain increased access to tidal waters? Second, how does Alberta leave Canada, but Albertans retain Canadian passports?

Paula Marentette,
Camrose

May 27, 2025

Damien Kurek earned his seat. Whether you agreed with his politics or not, you can’t deny the mandate, 82 per cent of Battle River-Crowfoot voters, sent him to Ottawa, again, with a clear message: we trust you to represent us. He earned it.

Just four days later, he stepped aside to make room for Pierre Poilievre. He took one for the team, but was it rural Canada’s team? That’s not democracy. That’s not representation. That’s party machinery asking voters to step aside while it rearranges the furniture.

I don’t write this as a partisan. I’ve supported Conservatives and Conservatism most of my life, like my father and his father before him. I still believe in responsible government, strong communities and local accountability. But I also believe that when a candidate earns the trust of their riding, that trust should mean something–even when the party has other ideas.

Poilievre didn’t win here. He didn’t run here. He hasn’t spent time learning the needs of this riding, or showing up for its people. In fact, his own Conservative riding–just down the road from Ottawa–fired him for not showing up. And yet, voters in Battle River -Crowfoot Alberta, are now being told to accept him as their voice in Ottawa–sight unseen, no questions asked.

You don’t have to change parties to push back on this. You don’t have to change your values.

I’ve written a longer piece exploring what this means not just for Battle River-Crowfoot, but for rural democracy and representation more broadly. It’s not an attack. It’s a reminder: that representation is supposed to flow upward–from community to Parliament–not the other way around.

To read the full article, visit https://tinyurl.com/BRC-Decision.

Wayne Horton,
Northern Ontario

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