It's not often that a seasoned politician deviates from their carefully crafted talking points and says something that sounds authentic. So, my ears perked up when Premier Danielle Smith responded to a reporter's question at a November 21 news conference that was called to unveil the government's new roadmap to address...

Statistics Canada's August 2025 Labour Force Survey reveals troubling trends in the Canadian job market, particularly for young people. Published monthly, the survey provides critical insights into labour market conditions, guiding decisions by governments, the Bank of Canada, industries, and financial markets. The lat...

After much soul-searching and heartfelt consideration, I've made the bittersweet decision to retire from public life - and won't be running again in the upcoming October election. This was a difficult decision for me, as I count it one of the greatest privileges of my life to have served for over a decade as a City Cou...

As Parliament rises for the summer, I want to update the people of Red Deer on my work as your Member of Parliament.It has been an incredible honour to stand in the House of Commons on your behalf. When I stood on the floor of the House of Commons for the first time, it was with a deep sense of duty I felt to represent...

Honourable Mayor, City Councillors, and City Administration, Once again, the Woodlea, Parkvale and Waskasoo Community Associations are registering our serious concerns over how Administration is planning on informing, engaging, and gathering data from the public. This time our concerns involve the community engagement ...

I was honoured to represent the people of the Red Deer riding during His Majesty King Charles III's delivery of the Speech from the Throne, marking the official opening of the 45th Parliament. The presence of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty Queen Camilla was a meaningful and historic moment for all Canadians. Howe...

"Referendums are good, they give Albertans a voice when politicians do not listen to them.Referendums empower Albertans to decide on priorities important to them, as opposed to government telling them their priorities.Referendums are a check and balance on government.Referendums are good for Alberta.There is a law...

"My duty is to seek freedom and prosperity for Alberta families and individuals, their businesses and workers. That means speaking the truth even if some do not like it.What Canada was, is not important as what Canada is, and what it is becoming.Canada could be the most prosperous nation on the earth, but it is no...

An opinionated editorial (Op-Ed) has been published by Alberta's Interim Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sunil Sookram, regarding the recent Measles outbreak in Alberta; "Measles is spreading-not just in other parts of the world, but right here in Alberta. This disease, once rare in Canada thanks to measles vaccines, i...

Alberta's health care system is undergoing a major transformation. The province is moving away from a centralized Alberta Health Services model and creating four new provincial health agencies focused on acute care, primary care, continuing care, and mental health and addiction. The government promises this refocused s...

It's a bright, spring Tuesday morning in Red Deer, Alberta-the kind where everything seems okay, and anything feels possible. It's hard to believe that, on a day so warm and radiant, individuals are beginning a journey none of us would ever choose to experience: confronting sexual trauma.The doors of the elevator open,...

With wildfire season officially beginning on March 1, I want to talk to all Albertans about the importance of being prepared and proactive. Alberta has faced unprecedented wildfire challenges, and our government is committed to a three-pronged approach to wildfire preparations: prevention, mitigation and readiness to r...

As a mother of an autistic child, I am writing out of sheer frustration and desperation. My son was just removed from another daycare because they couldn't support his needs. This isn't the first time, and unless something changes, it won't be the last.Alberta claims to offer support for families like mine, but in real...

Political and industry leaders, academics, journalists, business experts and everyday Canadians are actively engaged in the necessary - and frankly overdue - exchange of ideas on the tools and tactics needed to secure our national economic and social interest in the face of external threats. Nothing focuses our minds l...

February 2 is usually highlighted by Groundhog Day, when furry rodents forecast if we will have an early spring. Since 1971, this day also serves as World Wetlands Day. Our wetlands perform many essential functions that are often overlooked.Wetlands provide safety benefits with an efficiency and resiliency often greate...

"Anyone who has experienced winter in Alberta knows just how important it is to have reliable power and heat every time you reach for the switch or the thermostat. For those living in the rural parts of this province, where energy options can be limited and the distance between neighbours vast, the stakes feel eve...

I have lived in Red Deer for 45 years and loved every year. So happy to be here.Having said that, I see things, patterns over time, that worry me. When I worry I dig deeper - I just need to understand.Budget 2025: Wow - a massive document. I can only imagine what it cost to build this document. Even more concerning - t...

CANADA'S DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM IS FAILING US Alberta is the best province in a nation in trouble. We see this in our current prime minister. Trudeau is reviled in Alberta and becoming more disliked by the rest of the country, finally waking up and becoming aware of the destruction he has inflicted upon all of us, which wil...

'Cuando la gente se muere (ay Dios mio)...' Translated to 'When people die (Oh my God),' the lyrics from Celia Cruz's 'La Negra Tiene Tumbao' have rung symphonically for the mother of a young Red Deerian killed in spring 2024. It's a song which René-Osmani Diakité had a special love for. Diakité, a...

"As we move into the vibrant month of October, it's the perfect time to pause and reflect on the incredible contributions of our educators. This month, as we celebrate World Teachers' Day on Oct. 5, we are reminded of the countless ways in which our teachers and support staff shape the future, nurturing, inspiring...

The following is a Letter to the Editor, submitted by Athana Mentzelopoulos, President and CEO of Alberta Health Services."It is important for me to provide clarity on the surgical program in Rocky Mountain House, and correct comments made about the program's future. Let me be very clear - there are absolutely no ...

Letter to the Editor, in response to: Welcoming Week events start in Red Deer as Premier Smith says no to more asylum seekers --The world is facing unprecedented flows of asylum seekers, and Canada is not immune to these trends. While we reimposed a partial visa on Mexico and are bringing forward integrity measures to ...

At Wolf Creek Public Schools we are excited to embark on this new school year. Whether you are returning or joining our schools for the first time, I want to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome on behalf of the Board of Trustees. The start of a school year is always a time for new possibilities, the promise of achievem...

"Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" means "The world is one family." Imagine a place where the rich tapestry of Hindu culture converges, where ancient traditions are celebrated, and artistic expressions flourish. A space that ignites curiosity, fosters understanding, and weaves together the vibrant threads of o...

I am Perry Goddard, and I am deeply honored to step into the position as the new Executive Director at Safe Harbour. Two weeks in, and I'm still learning the ropes-but I don't expect the learning to stop anytime soon. I am fully aware of the responsibility before me in carrying Kath's (Hoffman) incredible legacy forwar...

Thousands of people are hoping to hit the open road this summer and head to Drumheller to see the dinosaurs or to the Western Development Museum to learn about the olden days. There's just one problem: sky high taxes on gasoline and diesel. Before we blame Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his carbon tax that costs us ...

We are delighted to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the City of Red Deer and its wonderful residents for their unwavering support of the Central Alberta Chamber Orchestra. Your enthusiastic backing has been instrumental in making our recent season an extraordinary success, and we are excited about the future as we co...

Do you want to support charitable causes in our community? Do you want to pay less tax to government? If so, your Community Foundation of Central Alberta ("Foundation") can help! The name of our Foundation used to be the 'Red Deer & District Community Foundation', but at this week's annual general meeting...