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