October 1 Lamont Leader

Andrew to St. Paul drone flight could open up new markets and opportunities

BY JOHN MATHER

A new program supported by Alberta HUB and funded by grants will lay the groundwork for drones to be used in a variety of commercial operations in the Lamont County, Minburn area, and other areas served by theAlberta HUB.

As part of the program, a drone “night test flight” was lifted off from the Andrew Rural Academy Sept. 24, landing a short time later at the St. Paul Airport.

Alberta HUB obtained a SCOP grant from the province in 2024 to develop the drone-friendly ecosystem to enable advanced air mobility (AAM) activities such as beyond visual line of sight drone operations for drone-based delivery of goods, precision agriculture using drones, and support infrastructure development for electric aviation.

Bob Bezpalko, executive director of the Alberta HUB, said at the Wednesday launch of the drone was the first flight of its kind in Canada.

He said the HUB, an alliance for 48 communities in northeastern Alberta, are all working to attract investment to the region and the drone flight was one way of doing this.

Fort Saskatchewan MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk spoke to the small crowd about the Province’s involvement in the project.

“What we’re celebrating here tonight is more than just a drone flight, but the future of technology in Alberta,” she said.

“The Skyways project launch is also preparing the communities for the exciting new opportunities drone technology can bring.”

She said it could speed up delivery of goods, help farmers with better agriculture practices and to assist in emer-

gency situations.”

She added the work opened up opportunities for small airports across the province.

The flight was being completed through Alberta HUB member, AERIUM Analytics.

AERIUM is a full-service environmental consultant, drone manufacturer and drone service company with a proven track record in the implementation of drones into complex airspace, specifically, the integration of drones into airport environments.

This project will provide investment opportunities for our airports as well as for municipalities, First Nations and Metis Settlements across the region... for drone manufacturing, technology development in Smart Agriculture, Energy, Forestry, Fire prevention, Safety and Emergency Rescue.

For further value Alberta HUB joined the iART Alliance led by AIRmarket.

At the core of iART's mission lies a bold objective: to achieve routine BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations utilizing a proven aircraft within airport environments and RTM Airspace(s) for commercial objectives.

A spokesman said the test was initially begun when a small drone lifted off from beside the school, piloted by emergency services personnel from Strathcona County.

This smaller craft did a visual flight of the surroundings prior to giving the green light for the much larger drone to take off.

During its demonstration it was also used to spot a small fire which was quickly put out demonstrating its capabilities.

Once the okay was given the main flight took off.

The main drone would fly at an altitude of 300 feet.

“The plane follows the terrain, using a database downloaded into the

drone’s automatic pilot,” said Dave Kinniburgh, the mechanic with AIRmarket, who fixes all the drones the company flies.

He said when it came to applications for the drone, “the world is your oyster.”

He said they could be used for pipeline inspections as a much more fuel efficient method of doing this. It could be used for search and rescue with an infrared sensor attached. T he drones can be used for tracking animal  migration or for spotting wildfires.

The Andrew to St. Paul flight made three landings during its flight so its battery pack could be changed out.

Kinniburgh said three people operated the drone during its flight from a station in Edmonton. One was used to fly the drone while a second operated the camera which recorded the test flight and broadcast it to those watching from inside the rural academy.

He added operating the drone from an Edmonton location was to prove the system works, because “then in theory the drone could be operated from anywhere in the world.”

Andrew was chosen for the beginning of the test flight because it could form a corridor for unmanned flight operations.

The drone used on the maiden test flight weighed about 20 pounds. Test flights for Air Market take place in an area near the Josephburg Airport in Strathcona County.

“What we’re trying to prove here is Beyond Line of Sight flying which would open the industry to numerous opportunities.”

Approximately three hours after taking off from Andrew, the drone made a successful landing in St. Paul.

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The historic Chipman Hotel, first built in the late 40s, holds sentimental value to Chipman resident Terry Cossey.

It was the perfect place to hold his 80th birthday party on Sept. 28, bringing back plenty of memories for the lifelong resident.

“It’s unbelievable to think I got to 80,” he said, looking around at the dozens of family and friends who gathered to celebrate with him.

“I feel no more than 60.”

Cossey said he has been coming to the Chipman Hotel since the early 60s when he was 18 years old. The drinking age at that time was 21 and wouldn’t be lowered to 18 until 1971.

He said the hotel hasn’t changed much since he first became a customer.

“There used to be a pool table here but they hold banquets there now,” he said.

Cossey reflected on some of his more memorable years, including some time spent on Lamont County Council in the 90s as councillor in Division two.

Cossey and his daughter Carmen laughed

about one particular snowy winter where Cossey’s phone wouldn’t stop ringing.

“We had lots of phone calls to the house asking us when the graders were coming and they wanted to speak to Dad about when the graders were coming,” she said.

“After about the 50th phone call I finally said ‘he’s not home... he’s on the grader’.”

Dave Magee, Chipman Hotel owner, said he was happy to host Cossey’s party.

“Terry Cossey and the gang were one of my first customers when I opened 10 years ago,” he said. “I’m happy to accommodate them and I’m glad to have them as customers. They’ve been here a lot longer than I have.”

Cossey’s joy was evident as he moved from table to table laughing and joking with his friends and family. At one table, he and an old friend Terry Elder ribbed each other about school and growing up.

“We had a lot of good times,” said Cossey.

As the group moved through the banquet part of the hotel, filling their plates with a variety of hot appetizers, Magee

reflected on Cossey and his history in the area.

“If they're doing something like this, we want to be the ones to do it for them, because there is history of the whole family here,” he said. “It's nice to keep the tradition going at the Chipman hotel.”

Teachers reject new deal - strike set for next week

“Alberta teachers would have been receiving the highest pay in western Canada after taxes” - Finance Minister

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Alberta teachers will walk off the job next week after a vote that took place from Sept. 27 to Sept. 29 rejected the Province’s recent offer.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) reported that 42,592 teachers voted, with 89.5 percent (38,113) voting to reject and 10.5 percent (4,479) voting to accept.

ATA President Jason Schilling gave a press conference once the votes were tallied and said teachers will be on strike.

“My colleagues have spoken. Teachers will be on strike Oct. 6,” he said. The ATA represents 51,000 teachers across Alberta.

The new contract offer included a 12 percent pay increase over 4 years in addition to the promise of hiring 3,000 more teachers to address complex classroom conditions. The new contract also covered the cost of COVID shots for teachers.

Finance Minister Nate Horner was left scratching his head after the ATA rejected the offer. He said in a statement that he was very disappointed with the outcome.

“With two failed ratification votes, I am left questioning whether the union fully understands what their members are

seeking. If teachers did not want this deal, then why was it proposed by the ATA in the first place?” he said in a statement.

Horner said over 50,000 new students were added to the education system over the past two years and the investments were necessary.

“The deal also would have provided a wage grid unification which would have provided more than 95 percent of teachers even larger wage increases up to 17 percent. These adjustments would have resulted in greater salary increases for newer teachers to help address recruitment and retention issues,” he said.

“Alberta teachers would have been receiving the highest pay in western Canada after taxes.”

Meanwhile, ATA President Schilling said it’s not enough.

“It is literally the job of government, and despite their bragging of record spending, the UCP have failed to fund for enrollment and in growth, the government should be embarrassed to suggest that teachers should not expect an improvement of the working conditions and salary improvements,” he said.

“The memorandum of agreement does little to repair a decade where

teachers receive less than what they deserve for their workload increasing.”

Horner said announcements will be made over the coming days on supports to parents and students in the event of a strike.

Elk Island Public Schools notified parents Sept. 29 of the imminent strike and promised more updates as information becomes available.

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Communities in Bloom Bruderheim meeting a success

BY JOHN MATHER

It was a full house as provincial members of Communities in Bloom held its provincial meeting in Bruderheim, Sept. 20.

Communities in Bloom is a collection of volunteers who not only beautify their towns and villages through planting flowers each year, but they also install park benches, create hiking trails, develop parks and generally make their communities much more pleasant to live in.

“I was really pleased with the conference,” said Irene Talaga, Mundare’s Communities in Bloom chair and longtime councillor.

“Bruderheim did a really great job of hosting it.”

During the day, there were also tours of Bruderheim and several outside activities.

“We had the racing pigeon association of Edmonton come out and talk to us, and there was a working dogs demonstration, and we had an accordion player from Smoky Lake who came out entertained the meeting with some German music,” said Sherry Cote, provincial chair of Communities in Bloom, who brought the conference to her own community of Bruderheim.

During the second session attendees were invited to ask questions and get advice from other attendees on what programs and ideas worked for them.

Cote said she received many positive comments back on this session with attendees stating they found it so informative.

She added keynote speaker Dora Berry’s presentation on how Communities in Bloom volunteers and gardeners in general act as the stewards of the land and forests around us.

She said those tending

to gardens not only contributed to the health and wellness of the environment, but to their own health and wellness too.

Cote said Communities in Bloom is unique in Alberta because some of the local groups are organized as societies, while others have just a few elderly volunteers who receive assists from their municipalities through work in kind and grants.

“Other groups might be set up where they get total buy-in from local businesses and other community groups,” added Cote.

“We are just such a diverse organization.”

Some of the smaller groups had to hold bake sales and other small fundraisers just to attend the conference.

But attend they did, coming from Taber, Coronation, Sturgeon County, Elk Point, Calmar, Bon Accord, Devon, Calgary, Didsbury, Edmonton, Mundare and of course Bruderheim.

She said the diversity in the types of groups is because it is hard to find a program that neatly fits every community so each community sets up in a way that best works for them.

She said in Calmar the group had built several parks on reclaimed land which had extensive infrastructure under the ground which could never be reused for anything but parks.

The two attendees from Calmar told the meeting that even when they held their regular meetings, they brought their young children with them, so the kids learned of environmental stewardship and the value of volunteering from an early age.

Cote added the volunteers generally look after the flower planting dur-

ing the spring months and cleaning the beds during the summer, but if they have municipal buy-in then the municipality does any heavy lifting of planters and generally would assist with watering or planting trees and building parks and playgrounds..

Municipalities would also develop walking trails and parks, after Communities in Bloom had raised funds or received grants for the project.

Afternoon sessions at the day long conference included topics such as Heritage and Cultural Conservation, and a session on obtaining grants.

“I’m passionate about the program,” said Cote. I know that it shows how volunteers can make a big difference in their communities.”

Continued on Page 15

MAYOWSKI, Evelyn

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Evelyn Mayowski on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the age of 84 years.

Evelyn is survived by her children, Dwayne (Tracy), Glenn (Debbie), Melvin (Jaqueline) and

Kevin; grandchildren, Jennifer, Brandy, Sarah, Cody, Chrissy, Chelsea, Courtney, Jesse, Justina, Danielle, Brandon, Melanee, Brooklyn and Matthew; many beautiful great-grandchildren; sisters, Pauline Orlando and Helen Tymchuk; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Victor; and parents, John and Mary.

Evelyn raised four boys with strong hands and a stronger heart, living and labouring on the farm she called home.

A private family funeral will be held.

Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com.

Park Memorial Lamont 780-895-2157

Family-Owned Funeral Home And Crematorium

BY HAZEL ANAKA

At the risk of coming across as Debbie Downer, I do need to get some worries off my chest. I watched Vassy Kapelos interview the federal Acting Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) Jason Jacques on Sunday morning on Question Period. This role is neutral and non-partisan and provides independent financial and economic analysis of government policies and election promises. I prefer this guy over his predecessor because he simplifies the complex into understandable terms and concepts. When he says that if the government continues on its current course, Canada will be insolvent, I listen. We can all grasp that word even if exactly how that would look or feel is blurry.

Many Canadians

FROM WHERE I SIT: Looking Grim

voted for Mark Carney because of his resume and the general assumption that he’s financially literate, experienced, and grownup. For now, people seem willing to give him more time to make good on his election promises; despite the cheesy sports analogies, missed deadlines, and seemingly pointless globetrotting. When you say Canada is Elbows Up and people believe you, your actions had better reflect the promise. When he backtracked and withdrew some of the retaliatory tariffs on US goods, he was accused of being soft and caving. Well, it seems he also canceled several more without notice or explanation to the Canadian people. That worries me. Maybe there was a legitimate reason, a business case for doing so but concealing the fact is suspicious.

Maybe he’s not as inexperienced as a politician as we were led to believe. He never passes up a photo op, loves to travel the world, can dish it out during question period, will award plum post-election appointments to those Trudeau-era colleagues

Lamont

Deborah

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he wants gone, and will publicly express faith in a cabinet minister caught with his foot in his mouth (at least until the first cabinet shuffle which will give him cover to punt him out). Sadly, none of this is new in politics regardless of which party is in power.

I just thought we were getting someone fresh and new and untainted by the seamier side of public life.

In the meantime, Justin has a life dating a celebrity and being a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle. I just hope his eventual biographers capture in all the gory details just what damage he did to the country during his reign.

Now, let’s get to Canada Post. I have no

doubt that labour unions have played a role in improving working conditions for people in the past. But, for the life of me I cannot understand how these postal workers do not see that their employer is on life support. If they can’t understand that the world and mail/parcel delivery has radically changed and that they need to adapt to stay competitive, this will not end well. Can anyone explain to me why rural route mail delivery still exists in 2025? Can anyone explain to me why seniors and others in the city are adamant about retaining to-the-door mail delivery if it’s helping the company go under? If you can get to the grocery store, liquor store, bingo hall, and

walk your dog, you can probably make it to the neighbourhood mailbox. And if you can’t, an exemption exists for those who truly need it. Your personal right to get your paper pension cheque in a stamped envelope hand-delivered to your door does not trump the country’s overall need for a solvent, efficient, affordable mail service for businesses. Canada Post no longer has a monopoly yet they continue to act like they are the only show in town. Does anyone get the same volume of mail they did five or ten years ago? We don’t. If the union thinks anyone is on their side in this latest walkout, they haven’t been reading the room. The anger and lost income from last fall’s

From the files of the

strike at the busiest retail and charity donation season of the year has not yet been forgotten or forgiven. With the additional cost and uncertainty of US tariffs and an impending recession, the last thing business needed was another postal strike. And don’t get me started on the state of world unrest. How is it that so many world leaders seem to have mental illness, power lust, delusions of grandeur? Has there been any point in history when so many lunatics were in power at the same time? Has there been any point in history when more regular people were suffering globally than right now?

Globally, nationally, locally the future’s looking pretty grim from where I sit.

Lamont Leader

Bruderheim

Opinion

Gun grab shows Liberals care about urban voter not western hunters

BY JOHN MATHER

Once again the Federal Liberals have demonstrated they work for the large urban centres of Canada, but have a complete lack of understanding of rural lifestyles in the country.

Of course this refers to their latest attempt at a gun buyback program which rapidly developed into a fiasco last week.

As first reported by the National Post, they obtained an audio recording of a private conversation between Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree and a tenant in a building he owns.

In it, the minister says he can’t “explain the logic” of the gun “buyback” program, which aims to confiscate an estimated 180,000 privately owned firearms.

In the first place the minister, as any other politician whether federal, provincial or municipal, should know that these days nothing they say is private with the prevalence of audio devices on cell phones and video recordings on cell phones.

Any information captured on these devices usually gets uploaded to social media outlets putting the speaker in between the proverbial rock and a hard place.

But the Liberals are trying to pacify their urban voter bases with this misguided program.

As the then deputy chief of the Toronto Police Service stated before the House public safety committee in 2022, Myron Demkiw said that 86 per cent of guns used in crimes in Toronto during the previous year had been illegally imported from the U.S.

A more recent Statistics Canada report found that in 2023, the perpetrators of 91 per cent of all solved homicides involving firearms did not have a valid license and the Ontario Provincial Police has already said it will not participate in Ottawa’s $750million gun confiscation scheme. A National Post survey of 60 municipal police forces across the country found that many of them also do not plan on enforcing the new rules.

And Mark Campbell, president of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, noted that, “The impact of long guns that are owned by community members who lawfully own those guns aren’t part of the overall priority issues when it comes to crime involving the use of firearms.”

What the Liberals can’t understand is that many rural people and Inuit and indigenous people hunt.

For some it is a traditional way of life, for others it might mean the difference between having some meat to eat during the winter months or going hungry because of the high cost of groceries.

Opposition to Ottawa’s continued targeting of legal gun owners is even stronger in Western Canada. A couple years ago, the Government of Saskatchewan preemptively attempted to stymie the Liberals’ confiscation scheme by passing legislation requiring RCMP and others participating in the program to receive a license from the provincial government.

CONTINUED

The Canadian Association of Shooting Sports came out strongly in support of Alberta Premier DanielSmith’s refusal to have Albert police enforce the Liberal program.

“Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is taking decisive action to protect the rights of responsible gun owners and those who exercise selfdefence. In updated mandate letters, Smith directed Alberta’s Justice and Public Safety Ministers to prioritize defending the lawful and safe possession of firearms and the right to self-defence.

This move comes in direct response to the federal Liberal government’s so-called “assault-style” firearm buyback program—a term and policy the CSSA rejects as misleading and arbitrary.

Justice Minister Mickey Amery reaffirmed Alberta’s position, stating that the Province’s justice ministry already instructs Crown prosecutors not to pursue charges against otherwise law-abiding citizens for simple possession of federally prohibited firearms.

Amery is exploring additional legal options to protect Albertans from federal overreach. Alberta is also strengthening guidelines to ensure homeowners can reasonably defend themselves without fear of prosecution.

Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis announced that Alberta will bar Canada Post and private couriers from transporting seized firearms within the province, highlighting the safety risks of moving live firearms through the mail.

“The premiers know exactly what they’re doing and it boils down to this: they will not allow Ottawa to take guns from law-abiding

citizens in their provinces,” said Calgary Herald columnist Don Braid in a recent column.

“The premiers have been preparing for this battle for years, ever since ex-prime minister Justin Trudeau started talking about restricting and seizing weapons, with a vast list of prohibitions.”

Smith now escalates it further by promising to set up a Provincial firearms licensing system.

Gun licences are federal.

In 2024 there were about 2.5 million permitholders. That hardly seems restrictive, but Smith sees it as another intrusive federal power.

“We’re working right now on what a legislative framework for an Alberta firearms licence would look like, and we’re going to find out,” she said.

If that happens, Alberta would claim virtually complete control over firearms in the province, with the core goal of respecting owners’ rights.

The politician now in charge, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, discredited the program with his recorded private admission that local police wouldn’t be able to enforce it, and the whole thing was all about pleasing Quebec.

But Prime Minister Mark Carney stated he still has complete faith in the minister.

That smacks of some of the stupidity of the Trudeau years when Liberals minister went wild with ridiculous statements, conflicts of interest and outrageous ignorance of the west yet Trudeau kept them in cabinet.

Carney needs to rebuild trust across Canada by getting rid of these flunkies.

20 years of the Lamont Leader

The first edition of the Lamont Leader was printed two decades ago, and this week’s paper marks the end of year 20.

The first Leader was on October 3, 2005. The newspaper is part of a small local chain called Caribou Publishing. The group already had two newspapers in Beaver County and one in Flagstaff County when the idea of a weekly paper in Lamont County came about in 2005.

“Our newspaper in Flagstaff County was opened in 1908,” said long-time publisher Kerry Anderson, who has owned every paper in the chain longer than any person in history.

“Flagstaff County consists of a number of small towns with none dominant, a major farming community, and a very strong county government.”

When it was pointed out to Anderson that Lamont County was very similar, he took a drive through the area.

“The only town I had ever been through before was Bruderheim, and when I drove through Lamont to Mundare, Chipman to Andrew, it reminded me of our situation in Flagstaff County.”

The first thing Anderson did was compare populations, decide on a location, set up a financial projection, and pick a name. Then he went to both the county meeting and had a sit-down with then Lamont Mayor, the late Fred Pewarchuk.

“Fred warned me that a weekly paper in Lamont County had been tried before, several times and failed.”

Anderson heeded the warning, while also discovering that there was a Redwater paper called the Farm and Friends claiming to be from Lamont, and a paper out of St. Michael called the Triangle.

Both were unhappy with the competition.

“Had I known there were already two papers claiming to cover the news of the area, I might not have started the Leader,” said Anderson. He explained that neither of those competing papers met the standards of the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association or the Canadian association, which was the main reasons he didn’t know they even existed.

“I had a young lady working for me in Viking as a student reporter who was quite exceptional and mature, winning a provincial award for her work at the Weekly Review while in high school - Sheryl Winczura. She was available after finishing school and agreed to commit a year to working in

Lamont with the goal of establishing a weekly newspaper.”

It was a slow-go at first for the startup publication.

“Sheryl did a good job finding interesting news, which we eventually found out was not unusual for the Lamont County area.”

The Hazco sulfer plant proposal was hitting its stride, with as many people opposing it as in favour of the controversial business for the area. Conflict erupted.

Then there was the Town of Lamont CAO incident.

“I got a call from the Toronto Star once the CAO was arrested for wrongdoings. The reporter asked me if corruption was common place in these small towns in Alberta.

“I had to straighten him out. I said the CAO wasn’t from the area, and small town councillors would be Lions Club members, or Legion members or Royal Purple members if they weren’t councillors. Sometimes they are both or all.

“These people are basically volunteers, they don’t get paid that much and they want to help out. Mostly they are community minded. Do-gooders, if you please.

“That was one of our first major stories,” said Anderson. “But many more were on the way.”

One of the first things the publisher noticed was how complimentary the people of the area were.

“We still weren’t getting much for revenue but if we had a dollar for all the compliments - things would have taken off sooner.”

Eventually Lamont County got on board with the Leader and agreed to take a full page every week. “Once the

county began advertising with us, it was a saviour to be truthful. Council was cooperative and Al Harvey was the CAO and we got along very well.”

Anderson said the newspaper went through quite a few staff over the years including several reporters.

“Columnist Hazel Anaka began writing for us in the early days and remains a weekly writer even today. She has a different take on things than the rest of the writers and I like that ying-yang dynamic,” said Anderson.

In 2010 the Leader put together a 50th anniversay tribute section for the trainbus collision of 1960 that took 17 young lives. “We won a national award for our efforts.

“Super proud of that issue, it was so important to so many people. Another would be the 100th Anniversary issue of the Town of Lamont in 2007 I believe, where I worked with prominent locals and historians Kent Harrold and Jessie Saruk. We met many times and they supplied so much information to our cause; and I think it ended up being one of the most important things we had done at that point.”

Staff at the Leader include long time employees: Sylvia McDonald (since 2009) now part-time, office manager Crystal Moren (since 2017), reporter John Mather (since 2018), reporter Jana Semeniuk (since 2019) and Aileen Bilodeau, now in her mid-90s and still helps on mailing day.

“Melissa MacIntosh-Young is a contributor now also. She is a citizen reporter who helps cover events.”

In a 2024 reader survey, 92.9 percent of Leader readers thought coverage was fair from town to town to village to county. Almost 93 percent throught the Leader reported without fear or favour.

“I think when John and Jana came onboard that we really took off with regards to news and local politics,” said Anderson.

“It’s also nice when I am replacing Crystal on vacation, that customers are so quick to comment on her helpfulness and great service. That’s really true of everyone, from reporters at events to Sylvia delivering the papers.

“We have a great staff that cares about the community and the difficult job of reporting what is happening fairly and without bias.

“That’s hard to find these days.” Watch for the 20th anniversary BBQ upcoming at the Leader office.

NOTICE OF Advance Vote

Local Authorities Election Act (Section(s) 35, 53, 74)

Local Jurisdictions: Village of Chipman Province of Alberta

NOTICE is hereby given that an Advance Vote will be held for the filling of the following offices:

Office(s):Number of Vacancies Councillor(Three)3

Voting will take place on the 8th of October, 2025 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Voting station will be located at:

The Village of Chipman Administration Building 4816-50th Street

Chipman, Alberta

In order to vote, you must produce identification for inspection. The identification must be one or more of: one piece of government issued picture identification that establishes both your name and current address or one authorized under the Elections Act that establishes your name and current residential address.

Dated at the Village of Chipman in the Province of Alberta this 1st day of October 2025.

Keiron Willis, Returning Officer

8

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Except current mayor, new Bruderheim candidates vie for public support at forum

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Bruderheim Community Hall was buzzing with activity on Sept 24 as eight of the nine candidates, running for council and mayor positions for the Oct. 20 election, came out to have their voices heard.

Approximately 30 people came out for Bruderheim’s Meet the Candidates event, which was moderated by Colin Fagnan, executive director for the Fort Saskatchewan and District Chamber of Commerce.

Fagnan introduced the

candidates for council; incumbents Dayna Jacobs and Arlie Young, as well as newcomers Andrew Styles, Lesster Quiajno Acosta, Gina Peters and Luis Diaz.

Current Mayor Karl Hauch, who is running for a council seat instead of the mayor chair this term, did not attend.

Fagnan also introduced the two candidates for Mayor; current councillor George Campbell and newcomer Ron Ewasiuk.

The council candidates had two minutes to deliver their opening remarks while the candidates for Mayor had three minutes.

Mayoral candidate Ewasiuk, who has lived in town for more than 30 years, said he is ready for a change.

“Change is what I'm all about right now. I don't like to go into a situation where you have a

problem and not a solution. My solution is to do something about it, be here and try to represent the people and give the town back to the people.”

Mayoral candidate Campbell said he has lived in town for 57 years and spent the past 12 on council.

“I'm here to represent all of you, the town and people within it. One of my biggest concerns is sustainability of the town. Sustainability begins with how we keep what we have together and maintain

growth at the same time. I am a great believer in maintaining.”

The candidates for council also delivered their opening remarks starting with newcomer Andrew Styles. Styles said he has lived in town for seven years and wants to see the town grow.

“I've taken a keen interest in council because I care about this town, and I'd like to see it grow and flourish. I'd like to see business growth and business partnerships.”

Newcomer Luis Diaz said he is retired from the military and he and his family fell in love with Bruderheim.

“I learned the importance of putting people first, and that's the kind of commitment I'd like to bring. I'm running for council because I believe Bruderheim deserves leadership that listens

and takes action.”

Incumbent Deputy Mayor Dayna Jacobs said she has an interest in resurrecting the youth council and wants residents to feel supported.

“I want Bruderheim to be the kind of place where neighbors look out for each other, where kids have opportunities to play and grow, and where families feel supported.”

Newcomer Lesster

Quiajno Acosta said he has been in town for three years and he wants to create an environment where people feel listened to by their council.

“I don’t think that’s happening right now. The big thing on my campaign is listening so people can feel supported and backed up by their council.”

Newcomer Gina Peters said she has lived in Bruderheim for 21 years where she and her husband raised six children. She shared the story of how the school was nearly shut down many years ago and the experience stuck with her.

“The entire town rallied, and I knew that I had made the right choice of coming to Bruderheim. That people pull together when it's important, and I want to be a part of it. I really look forward to hopefully working with all of you and getting to know you.”

Incumbent councillor Arlie Young said he is a huge supporter of the local businesses and non-profit groups in town and wants to be an ear for the residents.

“I want to listen to the residents. That's what I'm here for. I’m looking forward to this on council and I do have hope in this town.”

Young first came to council in a byelection in 2023.

Moderator Fagnan gave the candidates their first question around how they will keep costs manageable for residents while understanding the town’s need for revenue, in addition to

supporting local businesses.

Mayor candidate Campbell said federal and provincial grants help keep the town funded while mayor candidate Ewasiuk said the town has to get control of their spending.

Council candidates gave their answers with Young starting off. He said he agreed the town’s budget needed to be looked at while keeping local businesses included in event planning to help them stay connected with residents.

Peters admitted she wasn’t savvy with

details on the town’s budget but was eager to learn in order to give a more thoughtful answer.

Additionally, Peters said she wanted to see more supports for seniors and hoped to partner with Lamont in possibly attracting another doctor to the town.

Quiajno Acosta said he felt the same as Peters in not knowing more details but wants to curb waste in the budget, figure out what isn’t working and create a responsible plan.

Jacobs said she wants to work on helping Bruderheim become a more welcoming com-

munity to help attract developers as well as more businesses to town.

Diaz said he wants the revenue in Bruderheim to grow responsibly while limiting the burden on residents and small businesses.

Styles said many costs are fixed by the province and that taxes can’t be lowered, but increases could be minimized with thoughtful budgeting.

The final question was how the candidates would approach regional partnerships and collaborations.

Continued on Page 9

New council vows to listen to public

Continued from Page 8

date Ewasiuk referenced the recent public hearing on the rezoning of the former hemp facility and said he would always listen to residents when it came to partnerships.

Styles said he wanted to build on what partnerships the town already has while Mayor candi-

Quiajno Acosta said he wanted to look at what other towns are doing to figure out best practices along with the new council, while Young said he would welcome regional partnerships with open arms as long as it benefited the town.

Peters agreed with Quiajno Acosta in wanting to see what other municipalities have done to partner with organizations that benefitted their town.

Mayor candidate Campbell said he values honesty, integrity and cooperation in partnerships and has faith that the Heartland will help the town prosper, while candidate Diaz said teamwork and strong relationships with neighbouring municipalities would strengthen the community.

Jacobs agreed with

Diaz and felt smaller communities would do better working together, and gave several examples of Bruderheim partnering with neighbouring towns in the timing of their events and sharing equipment for ball tournaments.

Meanwhile, in Bruderheim’s last election in 2021, all seven councillors, including the mayor, were acclaimed to their positions with no competing candidates. This term, after lowering the number of council positions from seven to five in 2023, there are seven candidates running for four council positions and two candidates running for one mayor position. Election Day is Oct. 20.

Walk to be held in St Paul honouring Charlie Kirk

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The horrific assassination of author and talk radio host Charlie Kirk in Utah Sept. 10 sent shockwaves throughout the entire world, including Alberta.

While vigils were organized in Edmonton and Calgary, Katie Henry, a 24-year-old university student in St. Paul, wants to honour him another way.

On Oct. 4, Henry, along with her friend Mike Parenteu, will hold a walk in Kirk’s honour.

“I was in utter shock and disbelief,” said Henry when she first learned of Kirk’s killing.

“We wanted to show support to Charlie’s wife and two young children that lost their dad.”

Kirk, 31, was holding a public event at a Utah college, of which he had become famous for over the years. Kirk often held public events at colleges

and universities inviting students to debate their ideas with him with the adage of ‘If you disagree with me, come to the front of the line’.

Kirk held conservative

values and was known for his respectful manner while debating students.

On Sept. 10, 22-yearold Tyler Robinson climbed to the roof of a nearby building and shot

Kirk in the neck from over 400 feet away.

According to reports it was later revealed Robinson engraved messages on the bullet casings such as ‘Hey fascist! Catch!”. Robinson was also in a romantic relationship with a man who is transitioning to female.

Meanwhile, Henry said the walk is important to not only honour

Kirk’s memory, but also as a reminder of the importance of free speech.

“This is not about political views. The day we lose the ability to discuss opposing opinions, with respect, is the day we turn to violence like Sept. 10,” she said.

“He stood up for what I believe, stood against the exact problems that are still being dealt with

at universities today. It’s not so much about education and learning to think for yourself, it’s about making sure you write in the way your professor thinks and believes so you can pass the course which is often left sided.”

The walk will take place 1 p.m. starting at the St. Paul Tim Hortons. Henry said everyone is welcome.

Fall East Central Machinery Consignment Auction

Sale Starts on October 10th, 2025 - Machinery Ring Closes October 14th, 2025

Livestock Ring Closes October 15th, Miscellaneous Ring Closes October 13th, 2025

Hwy #16 & Rge Rd 185 - Online Auction - Lamont Sales Yard: (780) 208-2508

Location: Hwy #16 & Rge Rd 185 (1 Mile East of Hwy 834) - South Side of the Road

Local cemetary gives cremated remains permanent home

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Hackett Cemetery, near the Lamont Trout Pond, has a new structure that gives cremated remains a permanent home.

United Church board member Tom Hrehorets said the cemetery’s new columbarium has separate spaces that can hold urns for up to 24 different people.

“More people are going with cremation than the traditional burial. It’s probably a bit cheaper than traditional burial,” he said.

According to Canadian Funerals Online, Hrehorets explanation rings true. CFO said a traditional funeral, with a burial, could cost approximately $10,000 while a simple cremation starts at approximately $1,200. In addition to the cost savings, CFO said having a cremation allows more time for planning celebrations of life.

Meanwhile, Hrehorets said using the columbarium is similar to a tradi-

tional burial in that the minister will come to perform a ‘graveside service’.

“They would come from the church for the ‘in-urnment’ and this will be thier final resting place,” he said. “As it fills up, we will get another one.”

Hrehorets said the space is permanently sealed up once the remains are placed inside and a plaque sandblasted with the decedent’s information fixed on the outside. He added that it’s important for cemeteries to offer space for cremated

remains by way of a columbarium.

“I think it's a very good thing to have for the cemetery, because it's good to offer that service to the people when it comes time to for burial or in-urnments,” he said.

Hrehorets said the columbarium was installed one month ago and plans are in place to inscribe Biblical scriptures on the sides and eventually add a bench to make visiting loved ones easier.

“We’re also working on getting more trees put in,” he said. “It will look really nice here.”

Ottawa’s EV gamble just cost canola farmers billions

BY CONRAD EDER

Economic policy is more like gardening than engineering. You can shovel all the money you want into trying to grow coconuts in a Canadian winter, but you’ll achieve far better results—and feed many more people—by planting potatoes in the spring and letting nature run its course.

For Canada, that means embracing policies that create fertile ground for all businesses to compete, innovate and serve consumers.

Ottawa, unfortunately, prefers to play God with the weather. What began as economic tinkering has triggered a cascade of interventions now devastating Canada’s canola industry.

Rather than letting the market determine Canada’s strengths, federal and provincial politicians decided they knew better, wagering $52.5 billion to lure EV

and battery manufacturers to Canada.

Massive public subsidies were placed on a handful of firms and technologies.

This wasn’t just about jobs: it’s part of Ottawa’s broader push to pick “green economy” winners—betting billions to force EVs, batteries and clean tech into global competitiveness.

From EV subsidies to tariffs to canola retaliation, Canada’s policy missteps are piling up— and taxpayers are footing the bill

Canada must stop betting the farm on political hunches and let competitive markets do the cultivating.

The Parliamentary Budget Officer delivered a sobering assessment of this boondoggle: it would take 20 years for taxpayers to break even on these subsidies—and only if nothing goes sideways.

Well, you know what

they say about best-laid plans.

After committing billions, Ottawa faced an awkward truth: Chinese manufacturers were eating our lunch, offering EVs at lower prices, thanks in part to their own subsidies. Instead of reversing course, Ottawa hit the panic button and slapped a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese EVs.

Let’s be clear: this wasn’t about national security or consumer protection. It was about salvaging one of the largest industrial bets in Canadian history.

Yes, some sectors require targeted oversight to protect privacy and safety. EVs aren’t one of them. Their risks can be managed with technical regulations.

But the tariffs do real damage by blocking affordable EVs and denying Canadians the right to judge for themselves.

Predictably, China did-

n’t take the tariffs lying down. In March, Beijing slapped 100 per cent duties on Canadian canola oil. In August, it hit canola seed with 75.8 per cent tariffs, effective-

ly shutting out Canadian farmers from a $4.9-billion market.

Ninety-five per cent of canola fields are in Western Canada. Canola is Canada’s top crop export, supporting tens of thousands of Prairie jobs and generating over $29 billion annually.

Continued on Page 24

Communities in Bloom meeting

Continued from Page 4

The provincial conference marked the second time the provincial body had gathered in Bruderheim.

Cote said the first happened prior to the Covid pandemic and there hadn’t been a provincial meeting for several years after that.

Cote said she hopes to see the organization get back to regular annual meetings and she was encouraged when a couple of different communities stepped up following the Saturday conference to say they would be interested in hosting next year.

“The feedback is people want the meetings to continue,” said Cote.

“People said they had talked to other communities before but they hadn’t met them in person.

“And they liked that we had some vendors and a silent auction during the meeting and they want to see that continue.”

Following the demonstrations and tour of Bruderheim, the group sat down to a German themed dinner.

VOTE

Lynn Huxley for Lamont Town Council

• Over 29 years experience working with the public. Helped develop innovative programs and in-services for various populations.

• Proven ability to do teamwork.

• Was President of Lamont Curling Club for 3 years, bringing back Junior Program and Women’s League. Organized Mix/Rec league for over 5 years.

• Volunteered 2 years with Lamont County FCSS as a Town Volunteer Board Member

• Already participates in Town of Lamont events.

For

By Melissa MacIntosh-Young

Al Harvey

Town of Lamont Council x

Experienced - 40 years of senior municipal management

Proven leadership with Council Active listener-trained in mediation, community facilitation and tribunal operations

A member of the community - my wife and I, our children, and grandchildren have lived here since 2006

On October 20 between 10 A.M. and 8 P.M. at the Lamont Hall please cast your vote for Al Harvey and permit me to continue serving the community as a member of Town Council.

Seniors Crib tournament draws more than locals

JANA SEMENIUK

The Bruderheim Seniors Club crib tournaments are creating a buzz in the crib world and attracting teams from more than just the town of Bruderheim.

Their recent tournament on Sept. 27 drew teams from around the area including Sherwood Park, Edmonton and Legal.

The event had 24 teams of two enter to play 10 games with a break for a provided lunch after the fifth game. Teams battled for the top spot, accumulating points to get as close to the perfect score of 1210 as possible. Each team earns points in each game to a maximum of 121 for a win.

The winner of Saturday’s tournament in first place was Georgette Lambert and Ray Gaunier from Legal with 1,176 points win-

ning $275. Second place winners Frank and Dennis (no last names recorded) who were only one point behind with 1175 while third place winners Lorna and Terry scored 1171. Second and third place prize amounts were not available.

Senior’s Club volunteer Janice Bisch said

overall the event was a success.

“For sure it was (successful). We would have had it full but other things were going on today,” she said, adding the club holds two crib tournaments per year.

“Hopefully it will help the (Senior’s Club) stay open.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

With deep sorrow we announce the death of Helene Page, who passed away peacefully in Airdrie on August 12, 2025 at the age of 85.

Her ashes will be scattered at Forestburg Cemetery at noon on October 4, 2025 in a small ceremony attended by family. All are welcome to attend.

37-39p

COMING EVENTS

New Musician Open House at Battle River Pipes and Drums Band Camp. Introductory lessons for pipe chanter, and snare, tenor, or bass drums.

Saturday, Oct. 14 from 2 to 3 p.m. Please RSVP to info@flagstaffscottishclub.com or call Ian for more info at 780-390-0096.

39/40c ————————————————

Order Fall Potatoes and Carrots!!! East of Sedgewick, off Highway 13, turn north on RR122, then go north 3 miles. Helen Tanton - 780-888-6800 28tfnc

Are you ready for a change in your life?

Register for Change it Up at Flagstaff Community Adult Learning in Killam - a free 8 week program that will help you achieve your personal and employment goals. Whether you are ready to reenter the workforce, find more fulfilling work or need skills for dealing with personal difficulties or life situations, this is a course for everyone in all ages and stages of adulthood.

Text or call Treena at 780-385-1936 or email her at flagstaffconnector@gmail.com to register or find out more. Starting this October. 38/39c

COMING EVENTS

—————————-

EDMONTON COIN SHOW & SALE - October 18/19, 2025,  Saturday 10 am - 4:30 pm, Sunday 10 am - 3:00 pm.  Lions Centre; 11113 - 113  Street, Edmonton. Free market evaluations. Dealers from across Canada * Auctions * Displays * Watches * Family friendly!  edmontoncoinclub.com/shows

Variety Vendor Markets in Hardisty and Killam. Discover local businesses, crafters, and hot/cold food.

Killam United Church

Tuesday, October 7, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Apply with Tiffany 780-280-0690 37/38c

FOR RENT

Storage Unit For Rent in Killam

Inside private warehouse building behind Community Press office. Security cameras on site, building heated in winter. Upstairs units available, approx 8’ x 12’. Back alley access only. $99/mo. with $100 damage deposit. Or pre-pay for 6 months for $495 (1 month free) or pre-pay for 1 year for $990 (2 months free).

Rental contract required. First month due at signing. Call/Leave Voicemail for Ally 780-385-6693 or stop by The Community Press office on Main Street in Killam.

FOR SALE

S-70 Bobcat For Sale

89 hours w/sweeper $31,000

Call Rick at 780-385-4054. 39/40p

FOR SALE

Multiple Items For Sale GREAT PRICES!!!!!!

Located in Viking, AB Chop Saw & Stand $300

Electric Mower $250

Scroll Saw $120

Air Tools

$200

Golf Clubs $500

Plus many more toolssome never even used! Call Victor at 587-306-3806

37/39p

Here are the tomatoes that are available at Brian’s Market Garden now: Oxheart tomato: $3.50 for a bread bag; or $4 for a flat box. Old Brook - $3.50 for a bread bag; or $4 for a flat box, and Roma VF Red - $3 for a bread bag; or $3.25 for a flat box. Also Sweet Million Cherry tomatoes - $2.75 for a bread bag; or $3 for a flat box.

Call 780-678-0053 to book. 39/40c

Dobro Guitar For Sale

Custom made by Paul Beard of Beard Guitar in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Comes with custom Fibreglass Carrying Case, Guitar High Chair, Bracket to support the guitar when standing, table mount on back of chair to lay guitar down to tune/play standing up, books, tabs, cds. Asking $6,200. Call Darrell at 780-916-2318

39/40p

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 FOR SALE

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WHITE SPRUCE TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzymes injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 25. One-time fuel charge: $150 - 225. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. albertasprucetrees.com.

Helen Bruha

1923 - October 2, 2014

Frank Bruha 1910 - December 4, 2003 God's Love is Eternal, Your Family's Love is Forever. Your loving family.

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

MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. 403-543-0927; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca

service station, gas pumps, globes, oil cans, Red Indian, White Rose, Buffalo, Husky, Ford, GM, Dodge, Tire signs, Coke, Pepsi, etc. Call 306-221-5908.

OCT SENIORS SPECIAL! 10% MORE ON ALL CASH PAYOUTS. SILVER Coins, Canadian Coins, GOLD coins, chains, rings...We buy them ALL! Silver flatware, tea sets, all things silver, Canadian Mint sets. We come to the privacy of your home, no fees! Call Joy or Ted 1-825-966-4373.

Two contest Lamont County Division Five council seat

BY JOHN MATHER

Neil Woitas will have a challenger in the Oct. 20 municipal election as he seeks a third term as Lamont County’s Division 5 councillor.

Natasha Phair, a Division five resident since last November will take Woitas on for the seat.

Phair is a business woman with a business in Sherwood Park. She added she’s also a professional tattoo artist.

It was the rural lifestyle that attracted Phair and her family to the area last fall.

“Just the community itself attracted us,” she said. “It’s a lower population, more rural communities so it’s not congested.”

She decided to run for council because she feels her generation should start taking on a leadership role.

“I want to put the people first,” she said. “The residents of the community are our most important commodity.

“We need infrastructure improvements, while at the same time keeping the taxes low.”

She added more industry has to be attracted to locate in the are but ”we must prioritize putting the people first.”

She points to the Bitcoin mining facility located between Hw 45 and Highway 15.

“We must make sure it doesn’t cause any environmental disruptions.”

She said she wants to ensure all environmental assessments are properly conducted when it comes to new industries locating in the county.

She feels three of the most common issues the County is facing right now are aging infrastructure, going after unpaid taxes from oil and gas companies, and the environmental risks around the area.

She said she was concerned about the environmental risks to the division when the wildfire raged south of Redwater earlier this spring.

“We could see the flames from our property,” she said. “It was a bad one.”

She said she would like to see mandatory measures brought in such as having fire extinguishers mounted on ATVs, four by fours and side by sides, basically any off-road vehicle that rides in the wild parkland areas.

She said she had followed the fire billing debates that happened in the County earlier this year.

“I think when the fire billing information was first presented there was a lot of misunderstanding by the public.

“I would like to see clearer communication between, council, administration and residents so everyone can understand exactly what is going on.”

She adds the old fire bill didn’t have a cap and the amended version does has a $10,000 cap on it.

“We need more clarity and transparency,” she said. “And that’s where a lot of the misunderstanding comes from. I understand bylaws are written in legalese but the majority of us don’t speak legalese so it must be presented in a way that’s understandable to everyone and that leads to transparency.”

Phair, 40, and married with four children ranging in age from two to 19, said she has been doing door to door knocking in the evening, but admits she does find many locked gates.

She adds she understands the rural crime concerns in the county and her property has a locked gate, security cameras and dogs.

“I’ve seen information in regard to that and I do understand the concerns, but I feel my family is proactive in our security.”

She feels more people should have surveillance cameras and she would like to see better police response times but understands it would have to be brought up at

the provincial level.

She added she would like to see a local network set up similar to the Facebook group that warns of suspicious vehicles and does a blanket email to everyone in the network.

For Phair she would like to see a texting network because “not everyone has Facebook.”

She doesn’t plan any open houses because she’s doorknocking.

She’s more than happy to talk to anyone who reaches out to her at 780257-9207 or at n.phair45@gmail.com

“I do look forward to meeting everyone as the campaign moves forward.”

For Woitas it will be his third run at a council seat.

“I’ve  been a thorn in the side of management, because I think there are too many mangers and not enough workers in our County,” said the 63year-old.

“I’m not stopping this fight if I’m re-elected.

”For the last four years it’s been the same battle,” he adds. “There’s more managers now than we’ve ever had in the history of Lamont. Everybody seems to get the title of manager.”

He adds that when they look at a balance sheet it also shows large amounts of money being spent on contractors.

In addition Woitas states there are ongoing road and drainage issues he would like to see get resolved eventually.

He points to drainage issues along the township road running parallel to Elk Island National Park on the north side and Range Road 204 south of Highway 45.

“There’s too much traffic on it and we need to control the speed.”

He adds a couple of roads north of Highway 45 need attention as well. He said the water pipeline from the North Saskatchewan River  into the Industrial Heartland area between Bruderheim and Lamont “will happen when it happens” but the money

is in place and the engineering is well underway for the water intake and reservoir on the North Saskatchewan.

“We got our government grant along with Sturgeon and Strathcona, who all got equal amounts of money.

“We put our money into the water intake and we’ll look at a pipeline when we have a commitment from industry.

“The County alone can’t build the pipeline,” he explained. “We’ll need to have commitment from industry to move that ahead.”

He added there were some “iron in the fire” but he knew of no one beating the door down to locate in the County just yet.

“As the farmers say, ‘You don’t buy a combine until you need it,’ so we’ve got to have a wait and see attitude.

“But at least we’ve got the approvals for the water intake and it will be all ready to go.”

Woitas, who has had some battles with his fellow councillor’s over the years said he will work with whoever gets voted in.

“I work for the whole County,” he said. “I will represent Division 5 and when the ratepayers put people from the other divisions in as their council representatives I’ll work with them.”

Woitas will campaign by hosting an open house meet and greet.

“With all the crime and stuff going on I’m not going to drive around in an unmarked vehicle,” he said. “You run into a lot of closed gates.”

He added by publicizing his phone number and email address people can reach out he’ll go out and see them with an appointment.

The Canada Post strike has also impacted him because he can’t do a mailout of a flyer.

“I’m open to phone calls any time unless I’m in a meeting,” he said. “My open house will be next week but I haven’t booked a hall yet.”

Continued on Page 21

Woitas has challenger for Division 5

Continued from Page 20

He said he wanted to start in the later afternoon and go into the early evening so he can meet with as many people as possible.

Woitas is a fifth generation farmer on his land north east of Bruderheim.

“My great grandparents came over from Ukraine in 1897,” he said. He added the sixth generation Woitas would arrive in March of next

year. He still lives within half a mile of the original homestead.

Woitas had to have a heart valve repaired, and this year it had to be replaced with a mechanical valve.

“I had open heart surgery,” he said. “And I healed really good.

“I’m feeling really good and have a clean bill of health. I do sometimes have a nap for an hour or two in the afternoon.”

People can reach out to Woitas at 780-916-4727 or email at NRWoitas@gmail.com

RCMP cleared in death of Fort Saskatchewan woman

BY JANA SEMENIUK

A report released from ASIRT (Alberta Serious Incident Response Team) on Sept. 18 cleared RCMP officers of committing an offense in the death of a Fort Saskatchewan woman.

Kassandra Gartner, 47, was driving her Chevy Tahoe in South Edmonton Feb. 24, 2024 when she drove over a police spike belt.

The spike belt was in place to help capture a male suspect who fled police in a U-Haul truck.

After Gartner’s vehicle hit the spike belt at approximately 9:40 p.m., she pulled over and stepped outside to examine the damage and was hit by the fleeing U-Haul after it also drove over the spike belt.

The U-Haul did not stop and crashed outside of a convenience store shortly afterwards. Gartner died at the scene.

ASIRT investigators examined whether the threshold for criminal negligence was met by officers in deploying the spike belt, but concluded the suspect’s dangerous actions necessitated the spike belt’s use.

According to reports, ASIRT Acting Executive Director Matthew Block wrote that using the spike belt was what a reasonable officer would have done and it was the

suspect alone who was responsible for Gartner’s death. No grounds were found to charge any of the officers.

Meanwhile, Peter Richard Ashby, 35, was arrested in Wainwright a few days after the incident and charged with dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, flight from police, two counts of assault on a police officer with a weapon, and failure to stop at an accident-causing death in relation to the incident.

Ashby was a prolific offender who was also wanted on warrants from Edmonton, Saskatchewan, and Parkland County related to driving while prohibited, break and enter and theft.

Gartner was the Executive Director for the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank and left behind a husband and three daughters.

CBC spending soars while viewers tune out

BY KRIS SIMS

Remember the classic sci-fi movie The Blob, where the creature keeps getting bigger, oozing over everything, oblivious to the screams?

That’s the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Instead of feeding on townspeople, however, the CBC feeds on public money. In 2023, it announced layoffs and budget cuts.

According to a CBC/Radio-Canada press release in December 2023, “The Corporation will also be reducing its English and French programming budgets for the next fiscal year, including approximately $40 million in independent production commissions and program acquisitions.”

Yet taxpayer costs still went up—from $1.3 bil-

lion in 2022-23 to $1.4 billion in 2023-24. Despite claims of tightening its belt, the blob keeps expanding.

Documents obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, a non-profit watchdog advocating for lower taxes and government accountability, show CBC replaced its muchcriticized bonuses with something even costlier: record-high raises.

Last year, CBC drew fire for paying $18.4 million in bonuses, including $3.3 million to 45 executives. Former CEO Catherine Tait was grilled about it in committee and on CBC’s own airwaves.

Even Friends of Canadian Media, a CBC supporter, weighed in. In an email to its supporters, the group said, “This decision is deeply out of touch and unbefitting of

our national public broadcaster.”

The corporation scrapped the bonuses and earned favourable headlines—then quietly approved $38 million in pay raises for 2024-25. The hikes went to 6,295 employees at an average of $6,000 each, with no pay cuts. In comparison, raises cost $11.5 million the year before.

Those raises are only part of the story: the bigger issue is how much of the payroll is now concentrated at the top.

This year, 1,831 employees earn six-figure salaries—$100,000 or more—costing about $240 million, an average of $131,060 each. In 2015, there were 438 six-figure earners costing $60 million.

That’s a 318 per cent increase in less than a decade.

• W4-19-54-11-SW Plan 1026758 Block 1 Lot 2 Lamont County. 75.12 acres in the Lamont County 55 acres ± in cultivation. Price: $330,00

• W4-19-57-15-NW East Half Lamont County 78.01 acres with 45 acres ± in hay. Nice building site. Price: $280,000 TOWN OF LAMONT

• 5119 48 Ave, 5121 48 Ave, and 5116 47 Ave Lamont AB 3 commercial lots 50' by 100', 65' by 100', and 30' by 100' Price: $200,000 VILLAGE OF

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Phone: 780-895-2233 | Toll Free: 1-877-895-2233 | LamontCounty.ca | LamontCountyNow.ca | info@LamontCounty.ca | Fax: 780-895-7404

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

(VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming or scan the QR code above for full posters, dates and links - contact Community Services for information & registration or call 780-895-2233). Current CALC, FCSS & KFRN activities include:

1. KFRN: Grace in Progress: Oct. 16 in Lamont. signup.com/go/bWCPKUc

2. KFRN: Cooking With Your Littles: Bruderheim (Oct. 16) & Andrew (Oct. 15). signup.com/go/mONJOJX

3. KFRN: Family Activity Night: Oct. 30 in Mundare from 5-7 p.m. FREE.

4. KFRN: Connecting Generations: Halloween Party on Oct. 31 from 10-11:30 a.m. signup.com/go/WcqxyRM

5. KFRN: Baby Talk (NEW!): Bruderheim on Wednesday mornings from 10-11:30 a.m. signup.com/go/NPZtKCb (Connect, share experiences and insights).

6. CALC: Bon Appetit Bingo for Seniors (in Andrew): Starts Oct. 14. Registration req.

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

8. FCSS: Youth Centres in Bruderheim (Tues.), Chipman (Mon.). & Mundare (Weds.) excl. holidays & Fall/Winter break). Registration and waiver required.

9. FCSS: True 2 You (Girls Grades 5/6) – From Oct. 16 to Dec. 11.

10. FCSS: Flex for Boys (Grades 5/6) – From Oct. 15 to Dec. 10.

11. FCSS: Parents and Tots – Programs in Lamont (Mon.) & Mundare (Wed.). Contact Community Services for more information and to volunteer: 780-895-2233.

12. FCSS: At Home Alone (Ages 10+, Nov. 13): Register: dayna.j@lamontcounty.ca

13. FCSS: 55+ Crafternoon (Oct. 6, Bru.) $15. Register: michelle.a@lamontcounty.ca

14. Meals in Motion: Ordering Deadlines Oct. 2 and Oct. 16.

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

See Lamont County’s calendar for local community events, public meetings & other important dates lamontcounty.ca/eventscalendar

Registration Renewal Reminder

If your last name or company begins with the letter S, remember to get your registration renewed by the end of October! Reminders: alberta.ca/vehicle-registration-expiry-date-chart.aspx Brought to you by the Elk Island Traffic Safety Partners.

Community Events and NEWS

er! Community Programming

Community events: Bruderheim Seniors Centre - Community Pancake Breakfast – Oct. 4 from 8-10 a.m. ($10 per plate).

25th Year of the Andrew Garlic Festival (October 11) – Parade, Supper, Dance, Market, Fireworks & other events - andrewagsociety.com Deutschland Days (Bruderheim) – October 18.

Zhoda Community Centre Family Dance and Social (October 19).

Zhoda Community Ctr. Motanka Doll Workshop in Mundare (Nov. 2). Rainbow Club Perogy Supper (Andrew) – Oct. 21. See lamontcounty.ca/news for all recent news posts and updates.

Regular Council AND Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meetings – attend virtually or in person

Next Regular Council Meeting: Tues., Oct. 28 (Org. Mtg.) | Next ASB meeting: Meetings start at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers | Wed., Oct. 8 lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes | lamontcounty.ca/ agendas-minutes-asb |

See full menu: montcounty.ca/ communityprogramming Se e

Please Note – inFocus is also accessible online at: lamontcounty.ca/communications (to view full-sized PDF & access hyperlinks).

Western Canada’s canola farmers are the latest victims of misguided government industrial policy

Another trade war, another lose-lose. Canadians pay more for EVs. Chinese consumers pay more for food.

And now, predictably, agricultural lobbyists are seeking Ottawa’s help. The government—having started the fire—has responded with $370 million in biofuel incentives and expanded financial support for canola producers. More subsidies. More distortion. Another Band-Aid for another self-inflicted wound.

Ironically, Canada’s farm sector already receives substantial support. Now it’s receiving even more just to survive Ottawa’s protection of a separate subsidized industry. That’s the trouble with industrial policy: helping one sector often means hurting another. And taxpayers get the privilege of fund-

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ing both. There’s a better way forward: it doesn’t involve doubling down on mistakes. The solution is to stop the engineering and let the economy breathe. Lower taxes. Fewer regulations. Neutral infrastructure investment. These create the conditions for businesses to rise or fall on merit. That’s how innovation flourishes: through competition, not cabinet-level favouritism.

It’s not hard to follow the dominoes. EV subsidies triggered Chinese tariffs. Tariffs triggered canola retaliation. Canola retaliation now triggers demands for bailouts.

One attempt to pick winners has manufactured a long list of losers.

Had Ottawa stuck with free-trade principles, Canadians could’ve had

more affordable EVs, taxpayers would’ve saved billions, and canola farmers would still have access to their top export market.

Instead, we get a chain reaction of policy “fixes,” each one compensating for the damage done by the last—each one digging the hole deeper. When governments try to engineer economic outcomes, citizens foot the bill. The real lesson? Governments are great at creating problems. Markets are better at solving them. If Canada wants a prosperous economic future, it must stop betting the farm on political hunches and let competitive markets do the cultivating.

Conrad Eder is a policy analyst at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.

Phone: 780-895-2233 | Toll Free: 1-877-895-2233 | LamontCounty.ca | LamontCountyNow.ca | info@LamontCounty.ca | Fax: 780-895-7404

Reminders and Other Items of Interest

2025 Municipal Election: Vote in your Division on Oct. 20 (or advance polls on Oct. 10 or 11) – lamontcounty.ca/municipal-election Office Closure (for Stat. Holiday): Lamont County buildings are closed October 13 for Thanksgiving. Buildings were also closed Sept. 30 for National Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Lamont County is Hiring: Temporary Casual opportunity for FCSS Youth Facilitators; open positions for a Heavy-Duty Mechanic and Lead Mechanic in Public Works; and an Administrative Assistant for the Office of the CAO and Corporate Services. Learn more and apply at lamontcounty.ca/careers.

Reminder to be respectful of farmers’ crops and do not trespass on farmers fields (with recreational equipment such as ATVs, dirt bikes and snowmobiles). As a reminder, it is harvest season! Farming equipment may be travelling on Lamont County roads. Exercise due care and caution to keep our roads safe.

ASB’s annual Photo Contest starts October 1. See lamontcounty.ca/photo-contest to submit your amazing photos!

The first Council meeting of the 2025-2029 term is October 28 – the annual organizational meeting.

Did You KNOW? ...

The purposes of a Municipality

(Sec. 3 of the Municipal Government Act) are:

(a) to provide good government;

(a.1) to foster the well-being of the environment; and (a.2) to foster the economic development of the municipality.

(b) to provide services, facilities or other things that, in the opinion of Council, are necessary or desirable for all or a part of the municipality;

(c) to develop and maintain safe and viable communities; and

(d) to work collaboratively with neighbouring municipalities to plan, deliver and fund intermunicipal services.

Lamont County works with other levels of government to provide and fund these services. This includes a division of responsibilities – e.g., the province is responsible for highway clearing & maintenance, and both the provincial and federal governments provide assistance for programs. The province is responsible education taxes within a municipality (i.e., collected by the municipality on behalf of the provincial government – the Government of AB sets this rate).

lamontcounty.ca/communications (for a wanting to view larger posters or to access hyperlinks).

GRAVEL HAUL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 17 at 4 p.m. See Policy 5108.25 /