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The problem with Trudeau’s fiscal responsibility message

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:47 GMT

There’s only one problem with the federal government’s messaging about saving money: the feds aren’t actually saving money. “The foundation of our Fall Economic Statement is our responsible fiscal plan,” said Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.The mid-year budget update shows the government increasing spending by $15 billion this year. A far cry from Freeland’s March promise to find “savings of $15.4 billion over the next five years.”Next year, the government will increase spending by $30 billion. And that comes on top of an already ballooned baseline.The feds spent all-time highs before the pandemic. That means Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was spending more before the pandemic than the feds did during any single year during World War II, even after accounting for inflation and population growth.Freeland is trying to put Canadians’ minds at ease by claiming her deficits are “modest.” Canadians have heard this before.When running for prime minister in 2015, Trudeau promised to run a...

RCMP hosts Auto Theft Prevention Information Session

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:47 GMT

By Heather CameronSouthern Alberta NewspapersLocal Journalism Initiative ReporterOn November 22, the RCMP Detachment in Coaldale, Alberta hosted an Auto Theft Prevention Information Session and steering wheel locking giveaway event at the Coaldale Sportsplex.“The Coaldale detachment area has seen an increase in auto theft in the previous months and this event was held to provide information and resources about preventing auto crime to compliment ongoing enforcement efforts,” said Staff Sergeant Mike Numan, Detachment Commander of the Coaldale RCMP. “In Alberta Auto theft is one of the main drivers of crime. Most stolen vehicles are used to commit further crimes and thus increase the harm in communities. There are many ways to reduce and prevent thefts and the RCMP wanted to take this opportunity to discuss this.”The event, Numan said, involved members of the Coaldale Detachment and the Alberta RCMP. Community Safety and Wellbeing Branch engaging with citizens of the Coaldale Detachm...

Town of Picture Butte council meeting briefs from November 27

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:47 GMT

By Heather CameronSouthern Alberta NewspapersLocal Journalism Initiative ReporterThe following are select briefs from the Town of Picture Butte Council meeting that was held on November 27, 2023.Delegation from Southern AlbertaKanadier AssociationDan Doerksen from the Southern Alberta Kanadier Association gave a presentation to Council about what the Kanadier Association is and how it works. The Association, Doerksen says, is an umbrella organization, that is pretty much across Southern Alberta and is a group of community service providers that works to improve the health and wellness of the Low German Mennonite population in Southern Alberta. Doerksen says that as an organization, the Kanadier Association meets five times a year, plus the AGM, and has been meeting via Zoom since COVID. Doerksen also briefly recapped highlights from the year, stating that the big event that happened was on June 6, 2023 and that event was the SAKA Conference for Service Providers of the Low German Co...

Coalhurst Christmas decorating contest underway for 2023

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:47 GMT

By Nikki JamiesonSunny South NewsThe following are selected briefs from the regular Dec. 5 meeting of Coalhurst town council.Community Services ReportDirector of Corporate Service’s Mike Passey’s report included the following highlights:• There has been a focus has been the 2024 budget preparation. A preliminary budget document was provided to council during the Nov. 14 Committee of the Whole meeting, after which town staff has been putting the final touches on the Budget Consultation Survey and the Open House.• The Budget Survey went live on Nov. 22, and was opened until Dec. 4. Survey results will be presented to council at the Dec. 12 Committee of the Whole meeting.• The Nov. 28 Open House on November 28 had a Budget Consultation component where residents could come and learn about the budget and talk with Council. • The Government Finance Officers of Alberta (GFOA) organization held a webinar regarding reserves, which Passey participated in. • The town has been approved to host ...

Blankets for Canada needs 
Community assistance

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:47 GMT

By Heather CameronSouthern Alberta NewspapersLocal Journalism Initiative ReporterNancy Wade Panting, founder of Blankets for Canada, says that Blankets for Canada is currently in need of batting for their blankets as well as a single floor building because where they are right now, there are a lot of steps and the ladies that are carrying bags up and down those steps are in their 80’s.“We make blankets for any organization that takes care of people in need of shelter and warmth and our street people, and everything comes in free and goes out free,” said Panting. Founded in 1998, Panting says that Blankets for Canada is now 25 years old and supported by the generosity of the community, whether it be through cash or yarn and material so they can pay rent, insurance and registration fees to keep their status as a charitable organization, and pay for their materials. The organization, Panting says, is a national one and there are two main chapters in Alberta, Edmonton and Lethbridge, wi...

Coalhurst passes 2024 borrowing bylaw

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:47 GMT

By Nikki JamiesonSunny South NewsAn annual borrowing bylaw has been passed for Coalhurst.During their regular Dec. 5 meeting, Coalhurst town council discussed a borrowing bylaw for 2024.Bylaw 448-23 – or the 2024 Annual Borrowing Bylaw – would allow for the town to borrow funds, as needed, to meet their expenditures throughout 2024. Under the bylaw, the town would be able to borrow up to $350,000.Under the Municipal Government Act, a municipality is permitted to borrow funds to meet current operating expenditures, provided they pass a borrowing bylaw allowing them to do so. As such, bylaws similar to this one are passed every year.Coun. Jesse Potrie asked if they needed to list the name of the bank, ATB, in the bylaw. The town’s director of cooperate services, Mike Passey, said while it wasn’t a requirement, it was “fairly standard” to do so.“I was looking at other budget borrowing bylaws, and they have, kind of who their accounts are with, that’s listed there,” said Passey. “In you...

Copperheads in third place after 1-1 weekend in HJHL play

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:47 GMT

By Garrett SimmonsSunny South NewsThe Coaldale Copperheads earned an exciting home win Saturday in Heritage Junior Hockey League but fell flat in a Sunday contest in Strathmore.A 1-1 weekend puts the junior squad firmly in third place in the South Division with 35 points, behind Medicine Hat’s 37 points and first-place Okotoks with 40 points.Saturday’s 7-6 shootout win over Airdrie featured a furious Coaldale comeback, as the Copperheads fell behind 3-0 after 20 minutes of play, and then trailed 4-0 early in the second period.Drew Constant started the comeback effort with a goal in the second to make it 4-1, as Rylan Bruns drew the assist. Nathan Verloop then made it 4-2 on a goal assisted by Caden Heins and Griffin McCulloch, as the teams went to the dressing room after 40 minutes.After Airdrie made it 5-2 early in the third, Brogan Booth responded for the Copperheads on a goal assisted by Kobe Fujita and Sean Burns.An Airdrie powerplay goal made it 6-3, as it looked like the Coppe...

Nobleford Christmas in the Park event on Dec. 15

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:47 GMT

By Heather CameronSouthern Alberta NewspapersLocal Journalism Initiative ReporterNobleford’s Christmas in the Park will take place on December 15 at the Centennial Park and the Community Hall from 6 to 8 p.m.“Christmas in the Park is a free fun event that brings community members together to celebrate the holiday season,” said Lindsey Jakober, HR Business Partner with AGI (Ag Growth International).During the event, Jakober says, community members can enjoy the fresh winter air, stay warm with a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider and connect with neighbours around one of the fire pits. Oliebollen (a Dutch pastry) and popcorn will be served at Centennial Park, while cookies will be served at the outdoor rink. New this year, Jakober says, FCSS has organized ‘Little Santa’ gifts, a photo booth, and the opportunity to meet Santa and his elf. “I am excited that FCSS has decided to join in the festivities this year,” said Jakober.Jakober adds that hayrides will be available to transport b...

Adirondack Thunder 'Teddy Bear Toss' game December 16

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:47 GMT

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- High score or not, this game should be a real barnburner. On December 16, the Adirondack Thunder will host their annual Teddy Bear Toss game against the Worcester Railers with doors opening at 6 p.m., and the puck dropping at 7. Tickets are available online or by calling (518) 480-3355. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! Fans are encouraged to bring a new, unused stuffed animal or teddy bear and hurl it onto the ice following the Thunder's first goal. Last year, 2,800 stuffed animals were thrown onto the ice, the current record, and the team is looking to top that number.The stuffed animals will be given as gifts to children and residents of area nursing homes and care facilities through the Salvation Army. The Teddy Bear Toss game will follow the 1 p.m. game between the Saratoga Springs Fire Department and Worcester Fire Department. Car crashes into Vermont Dollar General “I am always humbled by our fans ...

Extreme Music Awards announces 2024 nominees

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:47 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Extreme Music Awards hosted by Empire Live has announced their nominees for the inaugural celebration of heavy local music. The event will be held on January 13. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! The award show will honor the area’s best metal, punk and hardcore artists, while hosting special appearances from members of world-renowned bands such as Slayer, Exodus and Overkill. The 2024 nominees are detailed below: Extreme Music Awards 2024 NomineesBest Death Metal BandTyranizeSkinlessInvoke Thy WrathIntrusive Best Black Metal BandMaleficBlackbraidMorticideVile TyrantBest Doom/Goth/Stoner BandGozerIke's Wasted WorldGunther WeezulCarnwennanBest Power Metal BandAlloy Reign Frozen SunDeveriaThe Antarctican Best Progressive/Math Metal BandPsychomanteumThe Phoenix and The RavenMIRADeveriaBest Hair/Glam/Sleaze Metal BandJoe Mansman and The Midnight Revival BandThe EroticsUntaymedMystery GirlBest Thrash Metal BandHat...