
Columns

alberta lawyers
Op-ed: Rule of law under attack
Democracy and the rule of law in Alberta are under attack. As the unified voice of 400 defence lawyers across Alberta, the Alberta Coalition of Defence Counsel (ACDC) is sounding the alarm. Our members dedicate their lives to ensuring government actors are accountable for the ways they exercise their power. The Alberta...
Mar 03, 2026
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Red Deer Polytechnic and Nova Chemicals
Op-ed: A future-ready trades system is built together
Lindsay Engel (pictured above) is Vice President, Academic and Student Experience, at Red Deer Polytechnic and Rob Thompson (pictured above) is Vice President of Manufacturing West at NOVA Chemicals' Joffre Site. They co-chair the Central Alberta Trades Strategy. --At a time when the need for a ski...
Feb 27, 2026
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Op-Ed
The homeless are not "Those People"
"Residents of Red Deer have been privy to numerous conversations about the state of homelessness right now, especially with the upcoming City Council vote on whether to rezone the property at 7740 40 Avenue for Project Nexus. There are terms of generalisation - such as "them" and "those people"...
Feb 17, 2026
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Op-Ed
Project Nexus Concerns
"I'm writing to express my most severe and earnest concern over the proposed Project Nexus shelter that is being proposed at the address of 7740 40 Avenue. I'm a working professional, resident of Red Deer for 8 years, and recovering addict/alcoholic for 14 years.The location proposed for this project cannot be a m...
Feb 17, 2026
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Columns

Op-Ed
Sylvan Lake's Healthcare Attraction and Retention Team (HART) 2025 in Review: Our Continuing Focus
By: Sylvan Lake Healthcare Attraction and Retention Team "The Healthcare Attraction and Retention Team (HART) exists to advocate for and support the consistent operation of Advanced Ambulatory Care (AACS) for a minimum of seven hours daily between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., ensuring reliable access to essential hea...
Feb 11, 2026
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a voice in the dark
Op-ed: Sendero Crisis Line-at risk to end after 40 years of service
When Someone Reaches Out, We AnswerAt any hour of the day or night, someone in our community reaches for a phone with shaking hands.They may be reliving a sexual assault.They may have just experienced sexual assault.They may be carrying pain that has lived in their bodies for years - or generations.They may be telling ...
Jan 22, 2026
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Op-Ed
Red Deer needs a better homeless shelter
"Red Deer is not too big, not too small, centrally located in the dynamic Calgary-Edmonton corridor, in Alberta, the best, a land of freedom and prosperity.We are blessed with parks and trails anchored by our beautiful Red Deer River, with nearby lakes and the West Country, recreational playgrounds. Many are choos...
Jan 13, 2026
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Op-Ed
Looking Ahead Together: Introducing the Wolf Creek Board of Trustees
"As 2025 comes to a close and we look ahead to the year before us, this is a moment of reflection, renewal, and renewed commitment to the students, families, and communities we serve across our division.Public education is at its strongest when it reflects the voices, experiences, and values of the communities it ...
Dec 23, 2025
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community culture development fund
Letter: Thanks to Mayor Jefferies and City of Red Deer council members
On behalf of Red Deer Arts Council, we extend our sincere thanks to Mayor Cindy Jefferies and our City Council for their decision during budget deliberations to increase the Community Culture Development Fund (CCDF) - Development Category by $150,000 for the next three years. This investment sends a clear and meaningfu...
Dec 23, 2025
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erin peden
Letter: Looking ahead to 2026 with central Alberta's community foundation
Dear Friends,As the year comes to a close, I have been reflecting on how incredible 2025 has been for the Community Foundation of Central Alberta. I am genuinely grateful for the people I have met, the stories I have heard, and the collective energy that has shaped our work. Central Alberta continues to amaze me with i...
Dec 22, 2025
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OP-ED
Notwithstanding Clause is good for Alberta
"Alberta is a land of freedom and prosperity.Government has the duty to protect freedom of individuals and families.The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms ("Charter") is to be a check and balance on misuse or abuse of power if government seeks to improperly limit or take away the very rights and fre...
Dec 08, 2025
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conditions are untenable
Op-ed: It's time to move beyond promises, says teachers' association
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...
Dec 04, 2025
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tough go out there
Op-ed: Canada's youth face a challenging job Market, says MP Bailey
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...
Sep 22, 2025
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announcement
Op-ed: Councillor Vesna Higham won't seek re-election, shares final thoughts
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...
Aug 27, 2025
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house of commons
Op-ed: MP Burton Bailey on 'delivering results' during first weeks in office
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...
Jul 07, 2025
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"divisive disregard"
Op-ed: Community associations concerned about transparency from council on housing decision-making
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 ...
Jun 10, 2025
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burton bailey
Op-ed: Red Deer MP responds to Speech from the Throne
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...
May 28, 2025
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Letter To The Editor
Op-ed: Referendums are good for Alberta
"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...
May 23, 2025
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OP-ED
Op-ed: Jason Stephan -- Unity for Albertans
"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...
May 07, 2025
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Measles Outbreak
Alberta Interim Chief Medical Officer shares Measles Op-Ed
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...
May 07, 2025
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highly trained individuals
Op-ed: Alberta's health overhaul needs a human connector: Community Health Workers
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...
Apr 22, 2025
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OP-ED
Op-ed: Providing support among the storm at Red Deer's Sendero Centre
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,...
Mar 21, 2025
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10 ACTIVE FIRES AS OF FEB. 28
2025 wildfire season begins: A letter from Alberta's Forestry and Parks Minster
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...
Mar 01, 2025
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from a mom mayor
Letter to the Editor: Families deserve better support for children with disabilities
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...
Feb 21, 2025
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Post-Secondary Investment Needed
Letter to the Editor: RDP President Stuart Cullum
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...
Feb 08, 2025
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often overlooked essential functions
Op-ed: Wetlands at work: Building resilient communities
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...
Feb 02, 2025
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Letter To The Editor
Rural Electrification Associations strengthen Alberta's rural utilities
"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...
Dec 05, 2024
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letter to the editor
LETTER: A resident's food for thought on 2025 Red Deer budget deliberations
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...
Nov 19, 2024
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What's Trending
April 26, 2026
The BIG Pursuit fundraising kicks off for Big Brothers Big Sisters
13m ago

march 14
Podcast: You're invited to Big Brothers Big Sisters Lacombe and District's 'A Night Among Stars'
funding boost
Red Deer Public Schools to add 11 classroom complexity teams
22h ago
Workers in demand
Skilled trades industry is on the rise in Alberta, according to Energy Job Shop
22h ago

feds must re-evaluate, says mayor
Podcast: Lacombe Mayor Thalia Hibbs addresses closure of Research and Development Centre
Baragar’s District Intelligence
Red Deer Public enhances transparency with new platform
22h ago
Four central Alberta projects
Provincial government announces funding for new high schools in Sylvan Lake
Mar 05, 2026