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Columns

limiting amount of newcomers
Letter: Immigration Minister's office clarifies response to Premier Smith on asylum seeker
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 ...
3h ago
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letter to the editor
Wolf Creek Public Schools welcomes students, staff and families Back to School
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...
Aug 24, 2024
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curiosity and understanding
Letter: Unleashing a vibrant tapestry: The Hindu Cultural Centre of Central Alberta
"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...
Aug 20, 2024
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Perry Goddard
New executive director at Safe Harbour
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...
Aug 19, 2024
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Columns

CTF
Alberta deserves a summer gas tax cut
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 ...
Jul 04, 2024
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plenty to look forward to
Letter: Central Alberta Chamber Orchestra looks ahead to 2024-25 season
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...
Jul 03, 2024
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Letter To The Editor
Op-Ed: Community Foundation of Central Alberta good for Central Alberta
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...
Jun 13, 2024
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a chance to reflect and say thank you
Op-ed: Reflections on the hallowedness of our war memorials
Allow me to preface what follows by saying that I certainly mean not to paint any particular demographic or group with one brush. I'm also only 35, so if this comes off as 'old man yells at cloud' or a 'get off my lawn' moment, I've got bigger problems. It was June 5 when I was driving through downtown Red Deer, past t...
Jun 12, 2024
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April 29, 2024
ABmunis calls Bill 20 a power grab by provincial government
Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) President Tyler Gandam presented the association's perspective on the provincial government's controversial Bill 20 at a virtual news conference on Monday. The following statement closely resembles President Gandam's initial remarks at the event.. "Bill 20 is an attempt by the prov...
Apr 30, 2024
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LETTER: Proposed bylaws include changes not presented to Red Deerians
If you are following Red Deer's land use bylaw review, you know changes are being proposed for residential, industrial, and commercial land uses. Red Deerians have been told that the rest of the land use zones will be reviewed in the next year or two. However, the new Bylaws propose serious and consequential changes to...
Apr 27, 2024
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Op-ed: The Alberta Recovery Model is restoring hope to those suffering from addiction
This submission is in response to Op-ed: Danielle Smith's Recovery Model is failing Albertans by the thousands--All of North America is in the midst of an addiction crisis that is tearing families and communities apart - and Alberta is no different. Addiction is a progressive disease that may lead to death if left untr...
Apr 20, 2024
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Op-Ed
Improving justice services for Red Deer families
The following is a Letter to the Editor submitted by Minister of Justice, Mickey Amery. "Alberta's government is investing $3 million in Budget 2024 to help people in Red Deer resolve family law issues. "At some point in their lives, many Albertans will need help from the legal system to deal with a family la...
Apr 18, 2024
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Op-ed: Danielle Smith's Recovery Model is failing Albertans by the thousands
Just months ago, residents of Red Deer were invited to weigh in at a public council meeting regarding the city's Overdose Prevention Site (OPS). OPS and Supervised Consumption Sites are frequently used examples of harm reduction, an approach to keep people who use drugs connected to health care and social services, and...
Apr 13, 2024
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"support our agriculture industry"
LETTER: Agriculture and Irrigation Minister urges preparation ahead of growing season
"Alberta's agriculture industry puts food on tables, creates jobs and contributes to our province's economy, growth and prosperity."As we prepare for what may be another dry growing season, our government is taking steps to support producers by ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to succeed.&...
Apr 06, 2024
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sustainability
Op-ed: Lodge review panel to help seniors age in their communities
Communities are better with grandma and grandpa in them. That is why Alberta's government wants to ensure that senior's lodges are vibrant community spaces that meet the needs of seniors across the province - from our smallest communities to our biggest cities.In my mandate letter from Premier Smith, I have been tasked...
Feb 26, 2024
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'Simply Not Interested'
Op-Ed: Albertans do not want political parties in local elections
The following official statement is issued on behalf of the Alberta Municipalities Board of Directors:"Albertans have heard rumblings for the last six months that the provincial government is considering introducing political parties to local municipal government and school board elections through changes to the L...
Feb 23, 2024
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letter to the editor
Wolf Creek Board of Trustees begins budget preparations
Wolf Creek Public Schools has begun its annual shift towards the task of budget preparations for the 2024/2025 academic year. This process is not just about crunching numbers; it's about strategically investing in our future - our students.Our budget is primarily supported by funding from the Government of Alberta, thr...
Feb 01, 2024
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buffalo lake area is one such area
Op-ed: Canada's wetlands need to be conserved and restored
Friday, February 2 is World Wetlands Day. While many of these beautiful places are frozen over this time of year, this occasion gives us a chance to reflect on their importance and the never-ending services they offer to set our own communities up for a hopeful future. Canada is home to one quarter of the world's wetla...
Feb 01, 2024
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letter to the editor
Letter to the Editor: In response to downtown property owners threatening to withhold property taxes
The below letter is submitted in response to the article entitled 'Property owners in downtown Red Deer threaten to withhold property taxes until plan for shelter is revealed and OPS removed', published Jan. 26, 2024 on rdnewsNOW.com--Dear Editor,I write to address the concerns raised by nearly 40 property owners in do...
Jan 27, 2024
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Op-Ed
No farms, no food: Statement from Minister Sigurdson
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson issued the following statement on Dec. 29, 2023, recognizing the importance of Alberta agriculture during the holidays: "No farms, no food. It's that simple. "The holiday season is full of festivities, from Christmas carolling and lighting the Menorah to sle...
Dec 29, 2023
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Letter To The Editor
Investment and economic growth in 2023: Minister Jones
Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones issued the following statement recapping highlights from Alberta's economy in 2023:"Alberta showed tremendous economic strength in 2023. We continue to lead the nation in growth while creating jobs and welcoming billions of dollars in investment to our province. Alber...
Dec 27, 2023
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Letter To The Editor
Wolf Creek Public Schools' Board looks forward to second half of school year as holiday break begins
"The holiday season is upon us and it's a time for reflection and to take stock of how far we have come. In Wolf Creek Public Schools, we've made significant strides in enhancing educational opportunities for our students. "Our implementation of a common report card across grades K-9 is a testament to our com...
Dec 22, 2023
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"Taking action on drought in Alberta"
Minister Schulz shares op-ed on current drought situation
The Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, the Honourable Rebecca Schulz has written an opinion editorial on the current drought situation in the province. In a released statement, Press Secretary for the Minister Ryan Fournier says the op-ed highlights what actions the government will be taking in the coming yea...
Dec 13, 2023
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Op-Ed
Gaetz Memorial United Church 'disappointed' in Catholic trustee's Pride related 'brainwashing' comments
Dear Editor, We are writing to express our disappointment in the behaviour of Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools Trustee Monique LaGrange. She recently posted an image to her personal Facebook Story comparing young people celebrating gender and sexual diversity to young Nazis. The caption said, "Brainwashing is br...
Sep 12, 2023
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stay in the know!
EDITORS' NOTE: Prepare to lose access to local news on Facebook, Instagram & Google
By now many of you have likely heard about Canada's Online News Act - formerly known as Bill C-18. The new law calls for big tech companies to compensate media outlets and aims to make a more level playing field when it comes to online advertising - a revenue stream many of our local newsrooms within Pattison Media rel...
Aug 01, 2023
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Letter To The Editor
Op-Ed - Councillor Higham reacts to Council Code of Conduct findings
Have we become a community incapable of rigorous, respectful discussion in the public square? Have we become so insulated in our siloed mindsets that we cannot abide a narrative or opinion different from our own?These are questions I've pondered after last week's finding against City Councillor Kraymer Barnstable that ...
May 26, 2023
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Crops & Bees
Team Alberta Crops releases election priorities
By Reg Warkentin, Government Relations and Policy Manager, Team Alberta Crops Team Alberta Crops developed election priorities to help candidates understand the issues important to Alberta producers of crops and bees. Alberta farmers represent less than one percent of Alberta's population yet contribute billions to Alb...
May 16, 2023
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SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS FOR THE MAYOR
This Month with Mayor Ken Johnston: April 2023
Welcome to 'This Month with Mayor Ken Johnston,' a special monthly feature on rdnewsNOW.com.Going forward, we invite you, the readers, to submit questions to us by messaging us on Facebook or by emailing news@rdnewsnow.com-Email subject line: 'Ask the Mayor' -Deadline: 15th of the month -Question should pertain to even...
May 11, 2023
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