Nov 26 Lamont Leader

Bruderheim CAO out

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Bruderheim’s Chief Administrative Officer of three years, Phyllis Forsyth, has resigned.

Her resignation was announced during a special meeting of the council on Nov. 20 where Chief Operating Officer Dennis Tomuschat was then named interim CAO.

“We're here to accept Phyllis Forsyth’s resignation, which she did this afternoon,” said Mayor Ron Ewasiuk. “She is no longer an employee of the Town of Bruderheim.”

Deputy Mayor Dayna Jacobs noted that the special meeting to accept Forsyth’s resignation was called quickly with no time for the required 24hour notification to the public.

However, as stated in the Municipal Government Act, a special meeting may be called under these conditions with at least two thirds of council agreeing in writing.

Tomuschat said the special meeting was not streamed online due to technical difficulties.

In terms of hiring the new CAO, Mayor Ewasiuk said the council are wasting no time in recruiting.

“We plan to begin recruiting immediately and hope to have a permanent CAO in place for the new year,” he said in a later interview. “We thank former CAO Forsyth for her service and wish her well.”

The Town’s budget meetings will be posted to the website once they are set and the next regular council meeting is scheduled for Dec 17 at the fire hall for 7:30 p.m.

The Dec. 3 regular council meeting has been cancelled.

Ostriches cull protesters at Chipman

BY JOHN MATHER

passing by did honk their horns in solidarity with the group. 2 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, November 26, 2025

About 20 to 30 people came out to to Chipman Nov. 22 to protest the culling of ostriches at a B.C. Farm on the orders of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

While the group was organized via social media no one in attendance actually said they were an organizer. It was part of the Farm

Protest Canada, which saw much larger demonstrations across the country.

The protest is a direct response to the CFIA’s decision to cull more than 300 ostriches at the Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C. following an outbreak of avian influenza.

The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the

CFIA’s ruling has sparked debates on government transparency and animal welfare.

The nationwide convoys and city demonstrations were a visual display of solidarity and a call for policy changes.

While a release from the People’s Party of Canada said tractors, trucks and cars would be taking part, at Chipman

A small group of protesters turned out in Chipman Nov. 22 to protest against the ostrich cull in B.C. and in general about government over-reach. Wrapped in Canadian and Alberta flags and holding posters, they received friendly honks from passing trucks.

the group wrapped themselves in Canadian and Alberta flags and

waved at passing vehicles on highway 15. Many transport trucks

3:00 pm to 4:00 pm Family Bingo

3:00 pm to 7:00 pm People Choice tree/wreath judging: sponsored by Bruderheim Ag Society

Community Hall Ar ena Gazebo

4:00 to 6:00 Christmas Crafts, Photo Booth, Photos with Santa

4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Face Painting & Balloon Design

5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Fort Saskatchewan Community Band

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Refreshments and Melissa Young’s winning Chili served by Council/Staff

7:00 om to 9:00 om Family Dance with DJ Jody Carter

6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Public Skating with Santa & Brud the Bear with Hot Chocolate

Lamont County Emer gency Ser vices

12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Lamont County Emergency Service Santa Parade & Stuff a Fire Truck

7:00 pm to 7:10 pm

Christmas Light up with Santa at the Big Chair

Br uderheim Ag Society

1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Museum Tours - Walker School

May your days be merry and bright and your Christmas be filled with warmth and joy.

Opinion

Stifling free speech is too great a cost

BY JOHN MATHER

Let’s applaud Premier Danielle Smith’s  Bill 13 which will, if passed, ensure regulated professionals may freely express themselves while still being entitled to fair treatment by professional regulatory bodies.

It would apply to all regulated professions in Alberta, including occupations and skilled trades, even if there is a difference between the new act’s rules and other legislation that governs professional regulatory bodies.

And let’s also applaud Ottawa’s move to make changes to laws about greenwashing – making a false or misleading statement about the environmental benefits of a product – which will remain on the books, but the Liberal government says it will be making changes to give businesses more certainty about what runs afoul of the law.

The proposed amendments are contained in Bill C-15, an omnibus bill that seeks to implement certain parts of the 2025 Budget.

The onus will remain on businesses to substantiate that their products do what they claim, but they will no longer need to do that based on international standards.

That global benchmark, businesses claimed, was vague. The worry was that some companies would ditch worthwhile green initiatives because the burden of proof was so high and fuzzy.

Now why should I applaud these moves.

Because for too long these draconian measures, many instituted during the Trudeau era with his minions Stevan Gilbeault and Jonathon Wilkinson, and other heavy handed tactics had many professional associations putting limits on free speech.

Free speech is a democratic right! If you don’t agree with what someone says then move on.

Don’t like this column … stop reading and turn the page.

But everyone is entitled to have an opinion and the right to state it.

It is the same as we all have the right to vote for whomever we feel is most qualified to represent us.

There is never total agreement but the system works.

Much of this qualifying commentaries by professionals all began around the time of COVID.

CONTINUED

Many professionals with highly respected credentials disputed perceived government overreach on how the pandemic should be handled. Did everyone need a vaccine? Did vaccines even work? Was social distancing necessary? Did workplaces have to have employees work from home rather than come into the office?

And after COVID, it continued with people questioning, and quite legitimately, because it all falls under free speech, transgender stories, 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, and other medical procedures.

Now some of these opinions, posted usually on some social media site, are posted with no basis of fact. Others offer supporting documentation for the arguments. And then there supporting documents opposing those said arguments.

Highly qualified professionals can have varying opinions, but professional associations moved into an area where they decided that the association’s prevailing interpretation on any subject was accurate and any dissension from this viewpoint wouldn’t be tolerated.

Psychologists, nurses, doctors and teachers have all been sanctioned under these rules.

This sanctioning has led to some losing their jobs, credibility and their social standing.

When I come into work, I abide by the rules of my workplace and other professionals should correctly be required to do the same.

However, when these same people are “off the clock” whatever they say in conversation or by sharing their personal thoughts on social media should not result in them being disciplined.

Unless of course the speech is threatening, a misconduct involving professional boundaries, using a professional position to harm an identifiable person, or  certain sexual misconduct.

After that, if you don’t like an opinion or statement, move on.

The greenwashing laws made companies have to verify their statements in accordance with set international standards.

But on the other side of that coin environ-

mentalists could say whatever they wanted. There were too many double standards at play.

And then there’s Winnipeg-Centre NDP MP Leah Gazan who took curtailing free speech to the ultimate when she proposed a Federal bill to amend the Criminal Code to classify “Indian Residential School denialism” as a form of hate speech.

“My bill would apply to anyone who condones, downplays, justifies or denies the Indian residential school system in Canada,” she said in an interview with Broadview,  an independent Canadian magazine providing coverage on spirituality, justice, and ethical living.

“But I want to be really clear: I’m not talking about legislating kitchen-table conversations. I’m talking about folks like Tom Flanagan, who wrote Grave Error (a 2023 book that alleges the abuses experienced by residential school survivors were exaggerated and did not constitute genocide.)”

She went on to say  Flanagan and others who made statements regarding residential schools were disseminating disinformation.

This even though in the case of the Kamloops Residential School, not one body has been exhumed to prove the atrocities did occur.

Now, I’ve no doubt there were some abuses at some of the residential schools in the years they existed. There are too many stories to say it is all false.

But I’m also a firm believer in “show me the proof” and that hasn’t happened in the Kamloops case.

So there has to be two sides or more to the story.

And that’s free speech. Nobody is forcing anyone to believe any opinion.

That’s up to each individual.

When you quash free speech, you ultimately quash democracy and I certainly don’t want to see that happen.

I like to research and make up my own mind from the reams of material that can be made available through first person voices, libraries both bricks and mortar and online.

But let’s stop trying to curtail free speech in the causes of wokeness and political correctness.

The cost is just too high.

BY HAZEL ANAKA

A few weeks ago, I started a self-imposed moratorium on thrifting. To be sure we’re all on the same page I define thrifting as the acquisition of old or new old inventory through second-hand stores, auctions, garage sales, antique shops, and online sales. This decision has been a long time in the making. Yet there was no ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ moment. It just seemed like it was time. There’s a dirty little secret among paper lovers/crafters about how much we love books, papers, and other supplies that we see potential in. We want to divert things from the landfill; to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. We see a challenge in repurposing things. We hate paying full retail. We love oddities and

FROM WHERE I SIT: In Your Corner

curiosities; we love nostalgic items, items of exceptional value, and others that many would deem junk.

In our own circles when we talk to our likeminded friends and colleagues, we compare hauls, we talk in shorthand, we agonize about the diminishing space to store these treasures, and we lament that we’ll never live long enough to use it all. Haul videos make up a lot of some channel’s content. We all love watching these videos and sharing our scores with our viewers. Before Trump threw a grenade into the CanadaUS free trade situation, I sold surplus items to mostly American customers. My two Canada Only sales have been disappointing but I haven’t given up. Even sharing surplus goodies with friends across the border is no longer possible. Most of us have a series of bags or boxes where we set aside things to gift because we know what our friends want.

I was having trouble reconciling my talk with my walk. I was finding it increasingly difficult to pretend I didn’t understand the cause of and

solution for my dilemma. If less stuff is going out the door (and would be for the foreseeable future) I needed to stop the inflow. I needed to, what we call it in the biz, “shop my stash” for my own projects.

It has been surprisingly easy to do so far. I didn’t set a goal of not shopping for so many days or months. Like recovering alcoholics, I’m doing this one day at a time. When it no longer serves me to avoid shopping, I’ll begin again. Over the past several years, I had already become more discerning when I realized that for nearly everything, there’s ‘more where that came from.’ I didn’t need to buy something at any price or condition because I’d never see it again. Or, consider this, I could live without it altogether. Aside from storage challenges, another downside of possessing too much of anything is keeping track of it, remembering you own it, and being able to find it when you need it. No small feat.

For many people, shopping, whether in the second-hand world or the finest boutiques, is recreation, escapism, a

Lamont and Area

LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145

Rev. Deborah Brill

SUNDAY

thrilling hunt, a distraction. There is an adrenalin rush when we find IT. Saving money, hitting a sale, or earning loyalty rewards, offer justification. “It was only a dollar; there was a $5,000 rebate; do you know how rare this thing is?” It also is a comfortable habit. Removing that from a day in the city has left me a bit at loose

ends. Now I can go in later, come home earlier. There will also be more money in my jeans because despite the lower prices, these purchases add up. This stop thrifting decision has led me to a deep clean, a purging, a donating, a reorganizing. Order and calm will soon be mine! This decision of mine is being met with jokes,

admiration, support, skepticism, and ‘yeah, I need to do that too’ comments. Luckily, I’m at that age where what anyone thinks of me is no concern of mine. I will keep you posted as this experiment continues. In the meantime, if there is any behaviour you’ve been considering changing, know that I’m in your corner, from where I sit.

From the files of the Lamont Leader

AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm Bruderheim

olangels.ftsask@caedm.ca www.olafortsask.caedm.ca

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Leader article triggers Valentine Cup memories of superstar Bobby Hull

Nobody knew the Golden Jet was coming

BY JANA SEMENIUK

An article in last week’s Leader about the 50th anniversary of Lamont’s upcoming Valentine Cup, including how NHL legend Bobby Hull attended the event one year, triggered warm memories for Bruderheim’s new mayor Ron Ewasiuk.

Ewasiuk, only 20 years old at the time, remembered the exciting night the ‘Golden Jet’ unexpectedly showed up.

“It was the coolest thing,” said Ewasiuk. “Especially when you’re a kid.”

Bobby Hull was a legend in the NHL and nicknamed the Golden Jet for his speed and blonde hair. He played professional hockey from 1957-1980 scoring 610 goals in his time with the NHL.

Meanwhile, Ewasiuk started playing in the Valentine Cup when he was 14 years old.

“We didn’t have Nintendos back then, we just played hockey,” said Ewasiuk.

He said he will never forget the night Hull appeared at the Valentine Cup awards banquet in 1981 to present the trophy.

“It was out of the blue, and no one knew he was coming. There were 400 people in the hall, and everyone’s mouths hit the floor when we saw him. Everyone was in complete amazement,” said Ewasiuk.

“He (talked) about his experiences, and he was very well spoken. It was the greatest experience of the Valentine Cup that I can remember. I got a photo taken at the presentation, and I’m smiling at all my friends and Bobby Hull, being the true professional, looked straight forward as the picture was snapped.”

Although Ewasiuk said he can’t

Memorial Service

Lamont Chipman Bus Train accident

remember everything Hull said during the presentation, some things stuck in his mind all these years later.

“He had signed the $1 million contract with the Winnipeg Jets and he said ‘my ex-wife made me a millionaire. The only problem is I had three’ –that one stuck in my mind. Any young kid trying to make it to the NHL would just dream about meeting a hockey legend of any team,” said Ewasiuk. “It was neat and so cool.”

Ewasiuk said he saw Hull one more time a few years later in 1984 at an autograph signing event and couldn’t wait to see if the Golden Jet remembered his time in Lamont.

“I presented him with this picture, and he remembered the night he came to Lamont. According to my sources, he was approached by some local people who ran into him at a cattle dealing event and they asked him if he would show up to Lamont. Sure enough, he did – for a case of beer and a bottle of whiskey,” said Ewasiuk, adding Hull shook his hand and signed the photo.

Today, Ewasiuk keeps the signed photo framed at his home in Bruderheim. Hull died in 2023 at the age of 84.

Meanwhile, Ewasiuk said he is happy to see the tournament lasting as long as it has, being one of the longest running amateur hockey tournaments in Canada.

“We kind of figured it would last, because it’s an especially fun tournament,” he said. “We got a bit spoiled after (Bobby Hull) came. Next year we wanted Wayne Gretzky but it didn’t work out that way.”

The upcoming Valentine Cup tournament 50th anniversary is scheduled for Feb. 10-15 in Lamont.

WACKO, Edward John

September 11, 1930 ~ November 18, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Edward John Wacko at the age of 95 years.

Ed will forever be treasured as a devoted husband and an extraordinary father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Even during his years of declining health, the presence of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren could still bring a sparkle and a smile to his deep blue eyes.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Leona (née Eleniak); children, Gail and Ken (Patty); grandchildren, Brooke (Tyler), Drew (Kimberley), Rachel, and Brett; great-grandchildren, Vera, Gemma, and Aidan; and sister, Rose (Arnold) Lorenz, along with extended family and many dear friends.

Ed was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary (née Olekshy) Wacko; parents-in-law, John and Frances (née Serink) Eleniak; brother, Bill and wife Solveig, and their children, Linda and Leona; brother, Jim and wife Verna; sister-in-law, Vivian Eleniak; and cousin, William Wasko and wife Clara. Divine Liturgy was held at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Lamont, Alberta. Ed will be laid to rest in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Home Instead caregivers who helped Leona care for Ed, allowing him to remain home for as long as possible. We also thank the compassionate staff of the Lamont Health Care Centre for their kindness in caring for Ed and supporting Leona, and offer sincere appreciation to Dr. El-Hajj for his gentle and dedicated medical care.

In lieu of other tributes, donations in Ed’s name may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta (alzheimer.ca/ab/en) or the Lamont Health Care Centre. Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through parkmemorial.com.

Park Memorial Lamont 780-632-2000 Family-Owned Funeral Home And Crematorium

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Six additional recall petitions approved by Elections Alberta

BY JOHN MATHER

Elections Alberta has approved six more recalls of provincial MLAs to proceed after meeting initial requirements.

The six include five cabinet ministers and the Speaker of the House, Calgary Fish Creek MLA Ric McIvor.

The others are: Advanced Education Minister Myles McDougall, associate

Multiculturalism Minister Muhammad Yaseen, Indigenous Affairs Minister Rajan Sawhney, Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson, and Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally.

Recall petitions had previously been approved by Elections Alberta for Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, who represents Calgary-Elbow,

deputy Speaker Angela Pitt, who represents Airdrie-East, and Grande Prairie MLA Nolan Dyck.

The new recalls target four Calgary ridings, Highwood, and Morinville-St. Albert.

According to the website Operationtotalrecall, the initial paperwork has been submitted to recall Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely, while Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville

MLA Jackie ArmstrongHomeniuk is still listed as targeted.

A Facebook page dedicated to the ArmstrongHomeniuk recall campaign does remain active.

Most of the recall campaigns are stating the government’s use of the Notwithstanding Clause to end the teachers strike, issues with healthcare, and lack of community accountability as the main reasons for the recall campaigns.

To be successful, each petition requires the signatures of 60 per cent of the number of votes cast in the riding during the 2023 general election.

For each of the six petitions, the petition applicant has until Feb. 22 –when the petitions are due – to collect signatures from residents, who must have lived in the respective riding for three months before the

date they sign the petition.

The petition applicants can now register canvassers, who must have lived in the riding in which they’re collecting signatures for three months before canvassing.

Premier Danielle Smith and her UCP caucus have argued the petitioners aren't using the recall system appropriately, describing the concerns being raised as disagreements over government policy rather than accusations of serious wrongdoing.

"The question then becomes how does someone who does not even vote get talked into leading a recall?" Nally wrote.

It's a long, multi-stage process, but if all nine MLAs are defeated in constituency votes, Smith's government would lose its majority status.

The UCP has 47 members in the 87-member house. The Opposition NDP has 38, and two former United Conservatives sit as Independents after being estranged from the governing caucus earlier this year.

The premier has said she's talking to caucus members and other officials about making changes to the province's Recall Act.

Nally, the minister of Service Alberta, said in a statement to the chief electoral officer in response to his petition that he believes the constituent looking to remove him "acts as a proxy" for an activist group pushing for an early election call, and cited voting records he had obtained that he said showed the petitioner didn't vote in the 2023 general election.

Maschmeyer’s Goldeneyes get OT win in first game

BY JOHN MATHER Bruderheim’s

Emerance Maschmeyer backstopped her Vancouver Goldeneyes to their first ever victory in a thrilling overtime win against the Seattle Torrent 4-3 on Nov. 21.

A huge crowd of 14,958 took in the game at Vancouver’s Pacific Coliseum.

Seattle opened the scoring with Julia Gosling taking a pass from Anna Wilgren and Alex Carpenter at 14:40 of the first period.

Vancouver’s Sarah

Nurse scored the first goal in franchise history with an unassisted marker at the 17:41 mark of the first but Seattle retook the lead 90 seconds later when Gosling potted her second of the game from Hilary Knight.

After a scoreless second period, the Goldeneyes tied the score when Gabby Rosenthal put the puck past Torrent goalie Corinne Schroeder from Abby Boreen and Claire Thompson.

Seattle came back and

took a 3-2 lead when Hannah Bilka scored at the 13:47 mark from Danielle Serdachny and Emily Brown.

The score stayed that way and with Maschmeyer pulled for an extra attacker late in the third, Thompson beat Schroeder with assists going to Brooke McQuigge and Jenn Gardiner.

That put the game into overtime and at the 1:36 mark Goldeneye Abby Boreen’s shot proved to be Vancouver’s winner with an assist going to

Tough weekend for Elk Island Wild teams

KERRY ANDERSON

These are some of the results from Minor Hockey League games held recently. (Please note that scores and scoring is taken from the websites, and some game scores and scoring is dependent on proper league entries). If any players or teams are missing from the report please notify me at kam-

cjm@gmail.com with the player name, team and website.

Elk Island U11 Wild (5-6-0) dropped a 7-4 game at Hughenden on Sunday, scoring all their goals in the first period when they gained a 4-0 lead prior to seven unanswered Jets goals. Braden Roy scored twice (2g 1a), while Alex Holt and Colbin King also

connected. Tristan Jonker picked up an assist.

Elk Island U13 Wild (4-5-0) dropped a 4-3 game at Lloydminster on Sunday. Scoring for Wild were; Sawyer Wytrykush, Kayden King and Ellie Poirier. Assists went to; Mary Sobkow (2a), and Raiden Crough.

Teresa Vanisova.

Maschmeyer faced 26 shots in the game while Schroeder saw 27 shots come her way.

The Goldeneyes next action is tonight, Nov.26, when they play Maschmeyer’s former club the Ottawa Charge in the nation’s capital.

On Nov. 29 they will face the New York Siren in the Big Apple.

Tonight’s game is broadcast on TSN while the Saturday game will be televised on Sportsnet.

Women’s Healthcare Clinic Opens in Bruderheim

by Melissa MacIntosh- Young Bruderheim residents now have improved access to women’s healthcare with the opening of a new free clinic connected to the Sherwood Park Primary Care Network (PCN).

The service is supported through the Town’s in-person virtual clinic partnership and adds an important layer of accessible, community-based care for local women.

The new clinic includes access to a nurse practitioner who provides a range of women’s health services such as routine medical exams, PAP screenings, contraception guidance and prescriptions, STI testing and treatment, and overall primary care. The addition of a nurse practitioner means residents can receive timely, personalized attention without needing to travel out of town for basic or intermediatelevel care.

2025 Winter Machinery & Feed Consignment Auction

Andrew Rural Academy board meeting attended by worried families

Parents concerned with new administration and lunch program cutbacks - children love the school

BY JANA SEMENIUK

A school board meeting for the Andrew Rural Academy charter school on Nov. 18 attracted at least 20 parents and residents, looking for answers to questions around several items of concern, including staffing, communication and the school’s lunch program.

As the meeting got underway, questions immediately arose around the departure of the school’s project manager Stan Zabrick and principal Brian Dewar.

“That’s personnel. We will not discuss confidential information. That’s against the law,” said Vice Chair Kylie Rude.

The school announced on their social media earlier that day that teachers Terrance Prusak and Tracy Messer were appointed as the new principal and assistant principal respectively. The school has also undergone more changes in the position of Superintendent.

Initially in May, educator Natalie Rose was hired as superintendent before resigning her position in July, when former Elk Island Public Schools principal Sharon Maclean then stepped into the role on a temporary basis. Recently, the board hired Joey Bouchard to become the new superintendent.

According to reports, Bouchard has previously served as assistant superintendent with Grande Yellowhead Public School division, CEO/Superintendent at New Humble Community School, and as curriculum consultant in French wellness education with the ministry of education for the Alberta Government.

Additionally, Bouchard also coached and managed hockey teams at the Junior, Major Junior, College and University levels.

Meanwhile, parents brought other concerns

to light including the lack of a publicly available budget for the school. Board Chair Jason Tkachuk said the budget was public information and all parents need to do is ask for it, however parents said there was no contact information for any board members on the school’s website.

“Your website is blank,” said one parent.

Other concerns included a recent cutback to the school’s hot lunch program. While the program initially promised to serve hot lunch to students every school day, the program has since been cut back to three days a week.

Vice Chair Kylie Rude said in the end, the school could not afford the full program.

“It was a tough call. We didn’t want to but we don’t have the funds to pay for it,” said Rude.

“We’re working on it.”

Additionally, another parent said one student who hit her child was not disciplined because there were no policies in place.

Superintendent Bouchard said this was true and he is working on the issue.

“I have started creating policies,” he said. “There weren’t any policies when I came in.”

Other parents expressed concerns with trades education replacing STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education at the school. Board member Merwin Haight defended the introduction of trades as working along-

side the STEM program.

“Yes, this is a STEM school. And yes, to answer your question, dealing with trades, what part of trades does not involve science, technology, engineering or mathematics?” he said.

The atmosphere of the meeting became less heated as the evening wore on, with parents eventually admitting their children were very happy at the school and they only want to see the program succeed.

“The only reason parents are getting emotional is because they love the school,” said one parent. “They want it to succeed, and they’re worried it’s not going to end that way.”

“I have two kids that are very happy to be here,” said another parent, while one more said her children were also “very happy with the school.”

In a later interview, Vice Chair Kylie Rude said the school has gone through a number of hiccups in the first few months and still working out issues.

“We've really had to deal with things that we never knew would come with the territory,” said Rude. “We expected some of it some of it unexpected. I’ve spent a lot of time away from my family but it’s for the betterment of the community and my family.”

Rude said the board will keep working on better communication with parents moving into the future.

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Adopt Someone Special Help bring joy to those in need by providing a surprise gift. Each $17 sponsorship provides a gift wrapped Mary Kay Mint Bliss foot lotion, and fuzzy socks! Sponsor 3 or more at $15 each. Contact Sonya Martens 780-240-4605 www.marykay.ca/smartens TM47-50p

CARD OF THANKS

A sincere thank you for all who came personally and online which made my 99th birthday party so special.

On Saturday, the residents of the Lodge enjoyed birthday cake and ice cream in my honour.

On Sunday, Golden Valley Church found family members and special friends, reminiscing of years past. Many happy memories were enjoyed.

My heart was touched to see family and friends from far and near. Your friendships are so important in my life.

More birthday cake and ice cream and a table of Norwegian delicacies and other treats were enjoyed.

Thanks girls, it looked great.

What a wonderful way to spend time with dear friends. Photo opportunity caused a lot of laughter, me wearing a banner which read “99 Fabulous.” Thanks also for the lovely gifts.

Love to all, it was a great day.

Eunice Gulbraa

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COMING EVENTS

—————————VIKING HEALTH CENTRE AUXILIARY CHRISTMAS MARKET

Thursday, December 4 11 am to 5 pm

Viking Community Hall

Lunch available for purchase Great Christmas ideas, Crafts, Baking, Gifts, Décor & more

To reserve table, call Kim 780-385-0902

46/48c

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Christmas Senior Supper at the Viking Senior Centre

Sunday, December 7

Doors open 5 pm. Supper at 6pm. $25 per person.

Following entertainment and cards to play. Call by December 1 to RSVP at 780-336-2678.

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Round Hill Christmas Market Monday, December 8 from 5-7pm at Round Hill Community Hall

For a table call or text Terry 780-678-6131 TM47-48c

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DaysArts presents as part of their 2025-26 Concert Series

John Wort Hannam

Wednesday, December 3 at 7:30 pm. Daysland Palace Theatre

For more information and tickets contact Sharon 780-374-2403 email info@daysarts.ca

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You are invited to attend the Sedgewick SDA Church's Annual Christmas Concert "There Was A Baby" December 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Luncheon to Follow Blue Sign - 42031 - RR 131 Come let us adore HIM!

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Soup, Sandwich, & Dessert

Please join us on Thurs. Nov. 27 11am-1pm

$13/person

Hamburger or chicken noodle

For takeout or delivery call Susan 780-288-1099 before noon on Wed. Nov. 26. Tofield Golden Club 5004-54 Ave. Tofield, AB TM46C

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Killam Christmas as the Crossroads Main Street Killam Friday, December 5 Parade of Lights at 7pm.

COMING EVENTS

Killam Baptist Church

Christmas Supper and Program, Sunday, December 7th at the Killam Community Hall. Doors open at 5pm, Supper at 5:30pm. Special guests "The Farmer and Adele" will bring a program of Western Gospel music. All ages welcome. For tickets, please call the church 780-385-3607

GALAHAD LIONS CLUB

Turkey BINGO Monday Dec 1st

Galahad Agriplex at 7:00 PM 15 Go-Go Bingos, 1 Bonanza, 1 Door Prize. Master Card $5.00

Toonie Clothing Sale. Friday, Nov. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29 from 9 a.m. to Noon. Daysland United Church

Sedgewick Farmers Bonspiel Dec 9 - 12th.

Late afternoon/evening draws with meals provided. Mens/Ladies/Mixed welcome! Call (780) 385-4501

FOR SALE

Steel Seacan Storage 10ft x 40ft, 3 Double Doors White. Year 2024. No Rust nor Damage. Original Owner. Seacan condition will compliment all Yardsites Located: Lamont / Bruderheim $9,800. Ph: 780 940 2984 39/51p

Saskatoons, frozen, 4 litre bags, $25.00. Call or text 780-893-5490. Delivery possible.

FOR RENT

Small Commercial Room For Rent

Perfect for hair, esthetics, lash, office etc.

Own parking, separate back entrance. Bathroom for you and clients, water access in room. Minimum one year. 4912 52 Ave TOFIELD, AB Message if interested. Please text 780-672-4033 TM45-46P

HELP WANTED

The Round Hill Ag Society is looking for a Facilities Caretaker. Full details are available at www.RoundHillHall.ca. Applications may be sent to RHAgSociety@gmail.com

Closing date Dec. 6, 2025 TM47-48c

REAL ESTATE

½ Section Pastureland NE 35 & NW 36-41-10-W4 located south of Hardisty in the Battle River valley at RR 101 & TWP RD 420. Fenced, cross-fenced, mix of seeded and tame grass with large dug-out, pumping system, full power on site with gravel revenue. Call Mike Golka REMAX River City 780-914-9889 MLS#’s E4447511 & E4447499 tfnc

SERVICES

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com.

Painting

Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749

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Be prepared for winter power outages.

GENERAC Generators It’s not just a Generator, it’s a Power Move. Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase - valued at $535 Call 587-803-3600 to schedule your free quote! ————————————————

EXTRAORDINARY VILLA IN OSOYOOS, BC, breathtaking lake views, just 3 minutes from town. Vacation in Canada's warmest destination. Or for warmer weather, two luxurious 5-star resort units in Phoenix, Arizona. Call Doug: 306-716-2671. ————————————————

Donated barn undergoes new roof

BY JANA SEMENIUK

A vintage barn, donated to the Lamont AG Society, underwent its first upgrade last week when the roof was replaced.

AG Society president Terry Eleniak said the board realized the upgrade would need to be done immediately to preserve the rest of the barn.

“Before it deteriorates, we wanted to make sure that that we preserved it,” said Eleniak. “The timbers and the wood in there is almost like brand new, and that's just why it was really imperative that the building committee brought us forward, and we made the decision to do the roof immediately, just to preserve the loft and pre-

serve the wood before it starts to deteriorate.”

The nearly 100-yearold barn was donated to the AG Society by county resident Kelly Mitchell who purchased property where the barn sat.

Through AG Society board member Jason Glover’s company KG Enterprises, in addition to help from Terry Carter, the barn was moved on the back of a trailer one kilometer to the AG grounds on Oct. 30.

Eleniak said future plans for the barn include concession, office and storage space, in addition to future plans of creating a possible venue for weddings and other events.

“But that’s pie in the sky,” said Eleniak.

“That’s our long-term objective.”

In the short term, Eleniak said the society is looking to have the barn in shape before the annual Bullarama event taking place in May.

“What our intent is, is we want to utilize that barn, prior to Bullarama,” said Elenaik. “So we're working behind the scenes on getting some quotes on pouring a cement pad and making it the final location. That's why it's sitting on blocks right now.”

Eleniak said it cost the society $18,000 to have the roof done.

Meanwhile, Eleniak said as long as the AG Society continues to get public support they will continue to deliver great events.

Workers from a Vegreville roofing company replaced the roof on a vintage barn last week that was donated to the Lamont AG Society in Oct.

Cenovus purchase of MEG Energy a good fit

BY JOHN MATHER

Cenovus completed its purchase of MEG Energy on Nov. 13, making MEG Energy a subsidiary of Cenovus.

Cenovus is a significant player in the Alberta Industrial Heartland where it operates the Bruderheim Energy Terminal.

The facility provides vital transportation options for Cenovus’s oil products and is located midway between Bruderheim and

Lamont. Cenovus is also a producer of oil and natural gas in the region and engages in community investment initiatives such as supporting Lamont County FCSS programs.

MEG Energy owns a parcel of land and operates the Stonefell Terminal in Lamont County, which connects to the Access Pipeline and serves its Christina Lake operations.

While MEG’s primary operations are in the

“We are really active and want to become more active. We want to show the community that their hard work is showing and we want to acknowledge it,” said Eleniak.

“We put a lot of money back into the AG society over the last couple of years and as long as the community rallies behind us financially or in kind we will continue to do what we are doing. The AG society is there for the community.”

southern Athabasca region, their presence in Lamont County is centred on the terminal and associated infrastructure for transporting its thermal oil to market.

A spokesman for Cenovus told the Leader in an email the Christina Lake asset will continue to run and be called Christina Lake North.

“The addition of MEG assets and people will have an immediate positive impact on Cenovus,” he reported.

Bruderheim to hold Coffee with a Councillor events

Land acknowledgement still under discussion

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Bruderheim council will be hosting Coffee with a Councillor events in the new year, mirroring similar past events hosted by neighbouring Lamont County.

The idea was brought forward by Bruderheim councillor Lesster Quijano Acosta during the Nov. 19 council meeting, and said he wants to see more open dialog with the community.

“The benefit is (its) going to develop some open dialog, community engagement and accessibility,” said Quijano Acosta. “It’s part of the whole transparency that we ran our campaigns on.”

Councillor Quijano Acosta said the event

would be informal and hopefully involve some of the local businesses as hosts for the sessions. He said he looked at how Lamont County managed their events and felt it could be done in Bruderheim.

“What I found is not all councillors (are) there all the time. It's very informal. There is no mediator, there is no timeline. It's just literally coffee with a councillor,” he said.

“They come, they talk to you, you talk to them. Nothing official, but the communication with the Town is open.”

Deputy Mayor Dayna Jacobs made the motion to create a coffee talk event with the residents of Bruderheim which

was carried unanimously. No dates have so far been set for when the first Coffee talk will be.

Other motions carried included for administration to create a policy to include Town events onto the Town’s calendar in addition to retired or resigned council members each receiving $20 per year (on council) as a gift.

An additional motion carried unanimously was for administration to draft a new Procedures Bylaw for council’s approval. Changes in the bylaw will include the new start time for council meetings of 7:30 p.m. instead of the previous 7 p.m., updating the public hearings section to refer to an updated ver-

sion of the MGA (Municipal Government Act), and to remove the land acknowledgement portion of the bylaw. The amended Procedures Bylaw will be brought back to council for discussion and approval at a future meeting.

Bruderheim Councillor Lesster Quijano Acosta speaks to the council about holding Coffee with a Councillor events during the Nov. 19 council meeting.

Busy day ahead as Lamont Light Up Saturday

BY JOHN MATHER

It’s shaping up to be a busy Saturday in Lamont Nov. 29.

While it’s an all day party, the highlight of the Lamont Winter Light Up will be the throwing of the Lights extravaganza at the Lamont Municipal Building at 5 p.m.

Santa Claus himself will be on hand to throw the switch and right after there will be a fireworks display.

At the conclusion of the fireworks, there will be an adventure bus tour to view the Christmas decorations throughout the community.

Before Santa turns on the large lights display at the municipal building, residents are invited to come down to the parking lot where there will be firepits and free kubie burgers. People are also invited to take part in a

carol sing at the same time.

Earlier in the day people are invited to go to the New Horizons Seniors Centre in the Beaverhill Pioneer Lodge to get their photo taken with Santa Claus.

At the Lamont Hall there will be an afternoon of music with piano and dance recitals. Steve Tower will be singing and playing his guitar from 12:30 until 1 p.m.

Later, Orthodox Vocal Choir will entertain and then the Fort Saskatchewan Fellowship Baptist Church will be singing a variety of Christmas carols.

The afternoon of entertainment concludes from with performances from the Fort Saskatchewan Community Band.

Also in the Lamont Hall from 12 until 4:45

p.m. will be the Lamont style Festival of Trees.

At the Lamont United Church there will be a perogy and sausage lunch from 12 until 2 p.m.

A dog biscuit decorating and cat toy workshop will take place in the Lamont Hall foyer and the Animal Rescue Group will be in the Servus Credit Union foyer during the same time period.

There will be the annual Fill the Bus in the Lamont Foods parking lot from noon until 4 pm with all donations going to the County of Lamont Food Bank. A Mitten Tree will also be in the parking lot. Donations from the tree will be given to the Bissell Centre in Edmonton to support the homeless.

For the third year, the Just for Kids Christmas

Store will be in the Lamont meeting room at the arena as well as many other activities throughout the day.

Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Community Programming

Reminders and Other Items of Interest - See lamontcounty.ca/news for news posts/updates.

Do you have a business within Lamont County and want to be included in the digital Business Directory

ectory? ed

Complete your free application at lamontcountynow.ca/business-directory. Local businesses operating within Lamont County, including those with a Lamont County Business License, are added to the directory once approved. If you have any questions, contact Ec. Dev. at 780-895-2233.

The County of Lamont Food Bank is accepting Christmas Hamper requests until Dec. 8.

Please call (780) 619-6955 and leave a message to request a hamper.

Tax Installment Payment Plan Program Reminder (TIPP: lamontcounty.ca/tipp) - Lamont County offers taxpayers the ability to pay their property taxes in monthly installments by pre-authorized withdrawals rather than as one single payment in June. Sign up before Dec. 31. Friendly reminder, any outstanding 2025 unpaid taxes are also due by Dec. 31 to avoid penalty. As we enter the holiday season, it’s important to remember shop local to support our communities.

SNOW ANGELS Needed! Learn more at: lamontcounty.ca/ departments/community-services /fcss/community-programs or call 780-895-2233.

Reminder: you can report road conditions or service needs with a Service Request at lamontcounty.ca/servicerequests (all phone, email & online submissions are entered into the same queue, online submissions may addressed faster during peak events and when phone lines are limited/extremely busy).

For e-transfer: elkislandcatering@hotmail.com

St. Michael (Ag. Society) Christmas Party – Dec. 6 from 1-4 p.m.

Community Events

Bruderheim Community Pancake Breakfast – Dec. 6 from 8-11 a.m. Everyone is welcome. $10 per plate and 6 and under are free. Proceeds to Bruderheim Seniors Centre operations.

Christmas Turkey Bingo - At the Zhoda Community Centre on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome and no dabbers are required!

Christmas Light Up & Kids Christmas Store (Lamont) on Nov. 29. Events include free Christmas Skate & Christmas store from 12-3 p.m. Bruderheim Under the Starry Glow, Let the Magic Flow – Nov. 30. Santa Claus Parade - Fort Sask. – Dec. 6 at 4:15 p.m.

Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman

Current CALC, FCSS & KFRN activities include:

KFRN: Baby Talk (NEW!): Wed. mornings in Bruderheimsignup.com/go/NPZtKCb

CALC: Bon Appetit Bingo for Seniors (in Andrew): Nov. 27Registration required.

CALC: Canadian Firearms Safety Course (Non-Restricted) – Nov. 29. Register with Dan - 825-439-5208. Cost is $140 for ages 12+.

FCSS: Youth Centres in Bruderheim, Chipman and Mundare (excluding holidays & Fall/Winter break). Registration/waiver required. FCSS: Parents & Tots – In Lamont (Mon.) & Mundare (Wed.). Contact Community Services for info.

For full menu, VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/ communityprogramming

FCSS: Fitness Fun for Older Adults (Oct. 16 to Dec. 4) – email michelle.a@lamontcounty.ca for info.

Meals in Motion: DECEMBER menu posted (lamontcounty.ca/community-programming).

Seniors’ Coffee: 10-11 a.m. (Wed.) in Andrew, & (Thurs.) & Mundare. Join FCSS for coffee, conversation, snacks, & assistance with seniorrelated supports. Seniors Coffee is also held in St. Michael (Thurs.) from 10 a.m. to noon.

REGULAR

* See Lamont County’s calendar for local community events, public meetings & other important dates lamontcounty.ca/eventscalendar (VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming or scan the QR code above for full posters, dates and linkscontact Community Services for information & registration or call 780-895-2233).

COUNCIL AND Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meetings To access current COMMUNITY

The public is welcome to attend any scheduled meeting in person or virtually). Meetings start at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers/Lamont County Admin. Bldg. (unless otherwise noted).

Next Regular Council Meeting: Tuesday, Dec. 16 | Next ASB meeting: Wednesday Dec. 10 lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes | lamontcounty.ca/agendas-minutes-asb

Please Note – inFocus is also available for viewing online at: lamontcounty.ca/communications (for those wanting to view the weekly submission as full-sized PDF and to access hyperlinks).