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Alberta

Opinion writer Norman Wiebe says no matter who wins the election it’s time for the Republic of Alberta

Published

6 years ago

6 minute read

For a Freer Alberta

I continually hear a lot of talk concerning vote splitting during this Federal election campaign. This problem is one we’ve faced before and yes, suffered from. Do you vote your principles and values, or do you vote for the blue jersey regardless of what it’s become.

We destroyed the federal PC party once before when we turned Reform in Western Canada. We voted our principles and against corruption. We struggled with the fact that the good guys who stood on principles couldn’t seem to win in our federal electoral system, so compromises were made, a merger was done, and then we conservatives got our win.

After a CPC victory federally, we learned that it didn’t really help Albertans much anyway because even the most accomplished and intelligent politician couldn’t achieve the kind of changes required to free Alberta.

It seems to me that the dollars that flow through Federal transfers to eastern jurisdictions are a vital part of the vote buying process, and no one appears to be willing to risk messing around with that.

This process of transferring vast sums of wealth from one region to another is what helps every party to increase their chances of staying in power. If enough dollars are directed to those eastern jurisdictions, then possibly those votes are inclined your way, and this is what works against Alberta.

Ottawa takes from us no matter what party sits at the helm, and redistributes our wealth to buy votes for the next election. Some federal governments are less bad than others, but no matter what, Albertans are plundered by them all.

The concept of creating a new nation in Alberta is not new. Decades have passed since the last time we had a Trudeau aggressively attacking our economy, and in my opinion, this time must be the last. We have been robbed to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars, denied our rights to move our products to market, and little will change under the current system of government.

We might get a pipeline built, and some small amount of relief, but the plunder will continue unabated. It’s certainly far worse under a Trudeau, but no matter who is PM, Albertans are often collateral damage to the political parties seeking favor from eastern jurisdictions.

So is the solution to not vote split and simply endure a less awful situation, or vote your principles and risk a really awful result. I guess I have always made the choice of hope over fear, of principle over compromise, but now I see only one choice.

I think it’s time we dispose of always choosing the lesser of two evils. I believe it’s time we chart our own course, take control of our own destiny and create a new nation that will be a shining example of how things can be done the right way.

We can shed the bad choices of future Canadian federal elections, and make something new. A government that is accountable and responsible. That is closer to the people it serves and follows the guidelines laid out by the peoples constitution.

A constitution that would guarantee our rights as individuals, as equals, protect the people and our property. Not a constitution that would rob from those with no political power, or discriminate based on your DNA.

We can establish a modern state that would be the envy of the world. Free markets, free trade, and a strong economy. A place where competition is the norm, monopolies and corruption are not given opportunity or support. Where transparency of government is a given, and politicians are held to a higher standard, not given a free pass.

Where freedom and liberty are core values not to be tampered with. Where charity and generosity are truly virtuous, and not seedy tools of corrupt government officials. Where merit is rewarded and cronyism crushed.

This is easily within the reach of Alberta, and our friends and neighboring provinces if they wish to join us. The only thing it requires is the will of the people to shed the fears and doubts our detractors constantly push. To ignore the anger of those who stand to lose access to our wallets, and those who imply we are property, and have no right to self determination.

I say it’s time for us Albertans to do the right thing, to create a new nation; not only for us, but for our children and future generations to come.

Norm Wiebe is a Financial Advisor and political policy enthusiast. He and his wife Lera, live in Red Deer with their two children. Norm uses facebook to promote ideas, so look for him there. https://www.facebook.com/norman.wiebe

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Norm Wiebe is a local Financial Advisor and political policy enthusiast. He and his wife Lera, live in Red Deer with their two children. Norm uses facebook to promote ideas, so look for him there. https://www.facebook.com/norman.wiebe

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Lacombe meat processor scores $1.2 million dollar provincial tax credit to help expansion

Published on July 5, 2025

By

Alberta’s government continues to attract investment and grow the provincial economy.

The province’s inviting and tax-friendly business environment, and abundant agricultural resources, make it one of North America’s best places to do business. In addition, the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit helps attract investment that will further diversify Alberta’s agriculture industry.

Beretta Farms is the most recent company to qualify for the tax credit by expanding its existing facility with the potential to significantly increase production capacity. It invested more than $10.9 million in the project that is expected to increase the plant’s processing capacity from 29,583 to 44,688 head of cattle per year. Eleven new employees were hired after the expansion and the company plans to hire ten more. Through the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit, Alberta’s government has issued Beretta Farms a tax credit of $1,228,735.

“The Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit is building on Alberta’s existing competitive advantages for agri-food companies and the primary producers that supply them. This facility expansion will allow Beretta Farms to increase production capacity, which means more Alberta beef across the country, and around the world.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

“This expansion by Beretta Farms is great news for Lacombe and central Alberta. It not only supports local job creation and economic growth but also strengthens Alberta’s global reputation for producing high-quality meat products. I’m proud to see our government supporting agricultural innovation and investment right here in our community.”

Jennifer Johnson, MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka

The tax credit provides a 12 per cent non-refundable, non-transferable tax credit when businesses invest $10 million or more in a project to build or expand a value-added agri-processing facility in Alberta. The program is open to any food manufacturers and bio processors that add value to commodities like grains or meat or turn agricultural byproducts into new consumer or industrial goods.

Beretta Farms’ facility in Lacombe is a federally registered, European Union-approved harvesting and meat processing facility specializing in the slaughter, processing, packaging and distribution of Canadian and United States cattle and bison meat products to 87 countries worldwide.

“Our recent plant expansion project at our facility in Lacombe has allowed us to increase our processing capacities and add more job opportunities in the central Alberta area. With the support and recognition from the Government of Alberta’s tax credit program, we feel we are in a better position to continue our success and have the confidence to grow our meat brands into the future.”

Thomas Beretta, plant manager, Beretta Farms

Alberta’s agri-processing sector is the second-largest manufacturing industry in the province and meat processing plays an important role in the sector, generating millions in annual economic impact and creating thousands of jobs. Alberta continues to be an attractive place for agricultural investment due to its agricultural resources, one of the lowest tax rates in North America, a business-friendly environment and a robust transportation network to connect with international markets.

Quick facts

  • Since 2023, there are 16 applicants to the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit for projects worth about $1.6 billion total in new investment in Alberta’s agri-processing sector.
  • To date, 13 projects have received conditional approval under the program.
    • Each applicant must submit progress reports, then apply for a tax credit certificate when the project is complete.
  • Beretta Farms has expanded the Lacombe facility by 10,000 square feet to include new warehousing, cooler space and an office building.
    • This project has the potential to increase production capacity by 50 per cent, thereby facilitating entry into more European markets.

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Alberta

Alberta Independence Seekers Take First Step: Citizen Initiative Application Approved, Notice of Initiative Petition Issued

Published on July 5, 2025

By

Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer, Gordon McClure, has issued a Notice of Initiative Petition.

This confirms a Citizen Initiative application has been received and the Chief Electoral Officer has determined the requirements of section 2(3) of the Citizen Initiative Act have been met.

Approved Initiative Petition Information

The approved citizen initiative application is for a policy proposal with the following proposed question:

Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?

The Notice of Initiative Petition, application, and statement provided by the proponent are available on Elections Alberta’s website on the Current Initiatives Petition page.

As the application was received and approved prior to coming into force of Bill 54: Election Statutes Amendment Act, the Citizen Initiative process will follow requirements set out in the Citizen Initiative Act as of June 30, 2025.

Next Steps

  1. The proponent must appoint a chief financial officer within 30 days (by July 30, 2025).
  2. Once the 30-day publication period is complete and a chief financial officer has been appointed, Elections Alberta will:
  1. issue the citizen initiative petition,
  2. publish a notice on the Current Initiatives Petition page of our website indicating the petition has been issued, specifying the signing period dates, and the number of signatures required for a successful petition, and
  3. issue the citizen initiative petition signature sheets and witness affidavits. Signatures collected on other forms will not be accepted.

More information on the process, the status of the citizen initiative petition, financing rules, third party advertising rules, and frequently asked questions may be found on the Elections Alberta website.

Elections Alberta is an independent, non-partisan office of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta responsible for administering provincial elections, by-elections, and referendums.

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