This former soldier chooses patriotism ‘and’ independence

I consider myself a patriot, I served in our military, I love my country and only wish the best for everyone. I was raised in a time when we were taught to always treat people with respect, and that they would reciprocate. I believe that this thinking is sort of timeless, so I suspect most Albertans would say they think the same way.

Unfortunately when it comes to government, and Alberta’s place in confederation, this hasn’t been the case. Albertans have given so much to our federal government in the way of the blood of our soldiers, the fruits of our labours, and all of this with only the expectation to be treated with respect in return.

As soldiers I like to think we held onto the highest ideals of what being a Canadian was. Canadian soldiers throughout our history have established a reputation for all of us to benefit from. A reputation of selfless individuals who stand on principle, honour, and willing to risk their lives in defence of those ideals.

I saw as my brothers came back from military actions overseas, who were and are still, treated in a manner that is so disrespectful that it makes me ashamed of what my country has become. I have mixed feelings, of sorrow in realizing the dream of what Canada was supposed to be has been abandoned by our political leaders, and at the same time disgust for those people, especially our Prime Minister. A man who has demonstrated time and again that he has no honour and although he holds the office of PM, I have nothing but contempt for the man.

This combined with the disregard I see him treat all Albertans with, is far too much to accept, and when faced with a moral dilemma, I always do my best to choose the side of right. This is how I was raised, this is how the Army helped to fashion me as a young man, and these aspects of my character will never change.

I don’t believe that we can continue with a system of government that is immoral, and think that we can make something good come out of it. Corrupt systems encourage corrupt people and practices. Vast sums of money have been used to secure votes in past federal elections, all for the sake of securing power.

Obviously ex soldiers are not a huge voting block, nor do they have a powerful lobby. They are however deserving of our respect as individuals, and shouldn’t have to take the government to court to receive benefits that were promised.

This is just another example of how our government seeks to please specific demographics. Those groups who can motivate or secure large blocks of votes, or garner massive amounts of media coverage in support of specific policies, or in support of the ruling party; they all get the personal attention of Trudeau.

I resent it when it’s mentioned that to suggest independence for Alberta is unpatriotic. My loyalty to the crown, or the flag, or my brothers in arms is strong, and is based upon my core loyalty to my family, friends and community. I can’t just sit idly by and watch as lives and families are destroyed all around me by bad government policy, and say nothing.

I know it is my duty that I must speak out against the injustice’s all Albertans are suffering through, and lend my voice to the many others that feel the same. When a government has become so corrupted that neglects it’s core responsibilities to disabled vets, or it discriminates against any region or group of people, then it is the duty of every citizen to work to replace that government.

To me the good of the people of Alberta is more important than our traditions, our national symbols, our laws, our government and especially our leaders. If they will not stand up for our families, our livelihoods, our future; then they are worse than lost, they are despicable.

The old uniform that still hangs in my closet brings back many memories and fills me with pride. Not that I did anything special, but pride in that I was blessed to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder among men of strong conviction. Men who understood the meaning of duty, honour, and sacrifice. Men who share a bond of brotherhood that most people never experience.

If Mr. Trudeau thinks that we Albertans will simply accept our lot in life, that we are no threat to his hold on power, and are for all intents and purposes irrelevant except for how he desires to use us; then I think it’s time that we show the world what Albertans are really made of.

We can and should chose self determination, stand up for ourselves, and become a free and independent nation. A nation that can become the envy of the free world. A nation that will help our neighbours break free from fear and embrace their own independence and chart their own destiny. A nation that does the right thing, and takes care of it’s own.

It’s time for us to stand up and do the right thing. It’s time to truly make Alberta Strong and Free.

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Norman Wiebe

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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This former soldier chooses patriotism ‘and’ independence

Opinion / 6 years ago

A Future of Possibilities is on the Horizon

Alberta / 6 years ago

The Day After

Agriculture

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

Published on July 5, 2025

Government of Alberta

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.

Related information

Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit

Alberta

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

Published on July 5, 2025

Government of Alberta

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

The proponent must appoint a chief financial officer within 30 days (by July 30, 2025).
Once the 30-day publication period is complete and a chief financial officer has been appointed, Elections Alberta will:

issue the citizen initiative petition,
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
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.