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Commentary – Work with your local elected officials

Richard Froese Now that the new municipal councils and school boards have been elected and sworn in for a four-year term, it’s time to move forward. Councils and boards can accomplish many positive things by working together with residents and…

November 1, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

The View From Here – At the halfway point in his mandate, Trudeau’s “sunny ways” have lost their luster

Tom Henihan The old adage, “the more things change the more they seem to stay the same,” may be applied with some truth as the Liberal Government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reaches its two-year mark. Two years ago…

October 27, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

Letter – Reader takes issue with ‘Red October … in the landfill’ commentary

To the Editor: Why is it that Donald Trump supporters don’t want to admit a theory that is coming into more and more commonplace acceptance – that is there is no real right wing and/or left wing divide in politics?…

October 26, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

The Situation Room – Cyber-security watchdog warns of potental WiFi security flaw

Mac Olsen It’s always important to be vigilent about protecting your computers, smartphones and tablets with the latest anti-virus software and updates. However, one cyber-security watchdog is warning about a potential WiFi security flaw. The National Post had a story…

October 26, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

Commentary – School boards should offer education, not tokenism

Tom Henihan Under most circumstances, any show of goodwill is welcome and beneficial if that display of respect or kindness is genuine. If expressed as a vain demonstration of one’s own virtue then it is exploitive and selfish. The Toronto…

October 25, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

The View From Here – Taxing employee discounts is a heartless proposal that targets the working poor

Tom Henihan Considering the generous compensation many high earning individuals receive and the options they enjoy to shelter, divert and sprinkle those financial dividends to avoid paying taxes it seems mean spirited when the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) proposes taxing…

October 21, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

The Situation Room – Voting, civic duty abound where public office is concerned

Mac Olsen As a reporter, I’m always on the outside looking in. But now, I will be on the inside as well, as I have become a member of the council for the Village of Donnelly (by acclamation). I look…

October 19, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

Commentary – Winning and losing the game

Jeff Burgar The hand wringing over what went wrong isn’t quite over. The shoulder shrugging that it doesn’t mean very much isn’t quite over. Some people now say they got so few votes is because people hate them! Some people…

October 19, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

The View From Here – Marijuana’s transition from illicit drug to legal substance is quickly entering the mundane

Tom Henihan The Government of Alberta has announced a tentative outline for the sale and consumption of legalized marijuana. Most of what is proposed is predictable, following the same restrictions that already apply to alcohol and tobacco, such as the…

October 13, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

The Situation Room – A salute to first responders, who risk and serve for all of us

Mac Olsen This week is National Fire Prevention Week, with lessons and tips about how to prepare, and deal with, fire and other hazards such as carbon monoxide poisoning. Look on Page 8 of this week’s Express for a photo…

October 12, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

Commentary – Red October … in the landfill

Mac Olsen A century after the Red October Revolution, I am satisfied with the collapse of the Soviet Union – and that its communist government has wound up in the landfill. But what a surprise it was to witness the…

October 12, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

The View From Here – Politicians and private citizens are equally responsible for upholding civility in public discourse

Tom Henihan During a Union of British Columbia Municipalities conference held in Vancouver recently, a clinic presented by lawyer Kathleen Higgins, discussed the growing trend of incivility towards members of municipal councils in British Columbia. Members of municipal governments from…

October 7, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

The Situation Room – Vegreville faces prospect of losing federal jobs, just say no!!

Mac Olsen The federal government has lots of money for urban investments, such as research money for prestigious universities, but federal jobs in rural Canada don’t seem to matter. The chickens have come home to roost for Prime Minister Justin…

October 6, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

Commentary – Winter is coming

Katrina Owens Winter is slowly making its way round up here in northern Alberta, however it seems like other parts of Canada don’t yet need to brace for the cold. I personally would take colder temperatures over hot and sticky…

October 5, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·

The View From Here – In Hollywood, being an habitual liar is pardonable if you can entertain and boost ratings

Tom Henihan Lies diminish all endeavours; they poison all relationships in both private and public life, as deception is always an abuse of someone’s trust and goodwill. Telling lies is shameful but allowing for human frailty, we occasionally succumb to…

September 30, 2017 · by Admin2015 ·