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Vol. 19, No. 19, Wednesday, April 3, 2024 www.LamontLeader.com
Poilievre packs them in at Axe the Tax rally MP Stubbs introduces popular Conservative leader BY JOHN MATHER Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre brought his Axe the Tax campaign to Edmonton March 27 and spoke to more than 3,000 supporters at the Edmonton Expo Centre. The large crowd, many wearing Axe the Tax t-shirts, were wildly enthusiastic as local area MPs and those hoping to become MPs canvassed among them promoting the benefits of ceasing the carbon tax. The carbon tax jumped to $80 per tonne from $65 on April 1st resulting in a consumer price hike of about three and a half cents a litre at the gas pump. Other costs will be affected by anything that uses transportation to get it Lakeland MP to markets, Shannon Stubbs
as well as the cost of heating oil, natural gas and propane were all set to rise. Before Poilievre took to the stage he was introduced to the crowd by Lakeland MP’ Shannon Stubbs, one of his key Alberta supporters. She began by stating the Liberal/New Democratic alliance currently holding and maintaining a majority government in Ottawa was a, “cruel, colluding, corrupt and costly” government, a description that garnered cheers and whistles from the crowd. “It’s great to see so many people here today to send Justin Trudeau a strong message – Canadians cannot afford this Liberal government’s left, right, and centre tax hikes. “It’s time to bring back some Common Sense leadership with Pierre Poilievre! “Across the country, we’re seeing huge crowds at events just like this. It’s clear Canadians are fed up with Trudeau’s out-of-touch government and Pierre’s momentum is only getting
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was joined on stage by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith at the Axe the Tax rally held in Edmonton, March 27. A large crowd of more than 3,000 came out to the Expo Centre to hear Poilievre rail against the Trudeau Liberals’ carbon tax scheme. stronger! “It’s going to take all of us to take down Trudeau and make sure Pierre Poilievre becomes the next Prime Minister of Canada!” Besides insisting the tax hike be cancelled, Poilievre, during his 45-minute speech, addressed many of his main talking points.
He talked about building more homes, eliminating the carbon tax, removing vaccine mandates to employ more doctors and nurses, opposing numerous bills such as the Online Harms Act and the "no more pipelines" act, stopping safe supply programs, and more. Continued on Page 6
Petition for Lamont County municipal inspection deemed successful BY JANA SEMENIUK A petition by Lamont County ratepayers, requesting an inspection into the governance of the county, was deemed successful by municipal affairs who sent an email to the group that headed up the petition efforts. Sylvia Holowach and Sada Gagnon said by email they were notified of the minister’s decision on Mar. 28. “The affirmation of the petition is the culmination of the efforts of many people who organized, collected signatures, and those who signed the petition. It is reassuring to know that all the work and effort was not in vain. When people participate in a democratic process, they are speaking. We
feel our voices were heard,” they said. “We continue to have faith in the process and are optimistic, as we await the next steps.” The group shared other results from the email; municipal affairs determined a total population count of 3,754 for Lamont County which meant 751 signatures, 20 percent of the population, were required. The group collected a total of 903 signatures, of which 844 were accepted as valid. Lamont County communications director Jay Zaal said Reeve David Diduck confirmed receiving a letter from municipal affairs and provided a quote for the Lamont Leader. “I can confirm Lamont County
received a letter from the Minister. While the petition has been deemed to be sufficient, prior to making a final decision on the request for an inspection, Minister McIver has asked ministry staff to conduct a preliminary review into the concerns raised by the petitioners,” said Diduck through Zaal. “Lamont County Council and Administration will fully cooperate with ministry staff as required to allow them to complete their preliminary review." Ratepayers, who have been unhappy with several aspects of the county council, including inflated staffing costs, dishonesty and revised land use bylaws, launched the petition effort
earlier this year attempting to ignite a municipal inspection to investigate. According to legislation, the group had 60 days to collect their required number of signatures and they did so, submitting it to municipal affairs Feb. 12. Minister Ric McIver appointed Nnamdi Njoku, with the department, as administrator to oversee the sufficiency of the petition which was determined valid on Mar. 28. In the minister’s email to the petition group, he said a preliminary review of the county will be conducted into the ratepayers concerns prior to determining if a municipal inspection is warranted. There were no timelines given for the preliminary review.