Alberta
Red Deer loses beloved citizen, City Councillor, and iconic historian
Councillor Dawe remembered as true community leader
Michael’s family has informed us that he passed away on December 24, 2023, and at this time, we must honour his life, and all the good he contributed to this city and to those who surrounded him.
Michael was an insightful and thoughtful community leader who loved the city of Red Deer with his whole heart. He was devoted to the service of the city, and he made it his life’s work to tell the story of Red Deer and to share the rich history of this community with everybody around him.
His roots in this city run deep. He was a proud Albertan, and a proud Red Deerian. But even more important, he was a colleague and friend who will be deeply missed by not only The City of Red Deer and City Council, but by the many who knew and loved him.
Michael served at the Red Deer City Council table starting in 2017, but his time on Council isn’t his only foray into public service. He committed his life to public service, serving on innumerable boards and for many public organizations, including The City of Red Deer. In fact, Michael was one of the founding members of the Alberta Society of Archivists – an important organization committed to ensuring Alberta archives are championed in their communities. Michael truly lived the idea that “if you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life”. It was simply who he was. He was a public servant, a storyteller, an author, a councillor, a colleague, a community leader and most importantly, a friend to everyone who knew him.
Michael Dawe will be truly missed by me, and by his Council colleagues. I cannot express the loss we feel in knowing he will not join us at the Council table in January, and I also know this loss cannot compare to that which is being felt by his beloved family at this time.
Today, and as we step into a new year without him by our side, I invite our community to think about the many contributions of our dear friend Mr. Michael Dawe. On behalf of City Council and everybody at The City of Red Deer, I want to express our collective sorrow and to share our heartfelt sympathies with his family and friends. He will be sorely missed, and he leaves an indelible mark on our community that loved, and still loves him so much.
The flags at Red Deer City Hall will be brought to half mast, in the coming day, in recognition of Councillor Michael Dawe’s passing.
Mayor Ken Johnston
Alberta
Fortis et Liber: Alberta’s Future in the Canadian Federation
From the C2C Journal
By Barry Cooper, professor of political science, University of Calgary
Canada’s western lands, wrote one prominent academic, became provinces “in the Roman sense” – acquired possessions that, once vanquished, were there to be exploited. Laurentian Canada regarded the hinterlands as existing primarily to serve the interests of the heartland. And the current holders of office in Ottawa often behave as if the Constitution’s federal-provincial distribution of powers is at best advisory, if it needs to be acknowledged at all. Reviewing this history, Barry Cooper places Alberta’s widely criticized Sovereignty Act in the context of the Prairie provinces’ long struggle for due constitutional recognition and the political equality of their citizens. Canada is a federation, notes Cooper. Provinces do have rights. Constitutions do mean something. And when they are no longer working, they can be changed.
Alberta
30 million contraband cigarettes valued at $25 million dollars seized in Alberta
New release from Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC)
Record setting contraband tobacco seizures result from AGLC investigations
Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) recently concluded several investigations which netted two of the largest contraband tobacco seizures in Alberta history. The combined total of the contraband tobacco seized was 154,800 cartons of contraband cigarettes (30.7 million individual cigarettes). These seizures are a result of the work conducted by AGLC’s Tobacco Enforcement Unit with the assistance of provincial law enforcement agencies.
- In a January 2024 investigation, approximately 43,500 cartons (8.7 million individual cigarettes) were seized. This equates to $7 million in retail value with a provincial tax avoidance of $2.4 million. This included the seizure of 15,000 grams of contraband shisha.
- In April of 2024, 60 wrapped pallets were seized from a warehouse setting netting a total of 111,300 cartons of contraband cigarettes (22 million individual cigarettes) which equates to over $18 million in retail value with a provincial tax avoidance of $6.6 million.
- Criminal Charges are pending in both cases.
“These are significant contraband tobacco investigations involving individuals that are part of organized networks whose proceeds defraud Albertans millions of dollars in tax revenue. AGLC will continue to work with our partners to investigate and disrupt the individuals and organizations involved in these illegal activities as part our commitment to a strong contraband tobacco enforcement program in Alberta.”
- Gary Peck, Vice President, Regulatory Services, AGLC
“Contraband tobacco hurts law abiding businesses that follow the rules, and it costs Albertans millions each year from lost tax revenue. Our government is committed to keeping illegal tobacco off the streets and ensuring that the sale of tobacco products comply with the law.”
- Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
Over the last nine months, AGLC’s Tobacco Enforcement unit has seized an estimated 35 million contraband cigarettes and 115,000 grams of contraband shisha from across the province. The total potential lost tax revenue is estimated to be more than $10.1 million.
Contraband tobacco:
- is any tobacco product that does not comply with federal and provincial laws related to importation, marking, manufacturing, stamping and payment of duties and taxes;
- comes from four main sources: illegal manufacturers, counterfeits, tax-exempt diversions and resale of stolen legal tobacco; and
- can be recognized by the absence of a red (Alberta) or peach/light tan (Canada) stamp bearing the “DUTY PAID CANADA DROIT ACQUITTÉ” on packages of cigarettes and cigars or pouches of tobacco.
In addition to lost revenues that may otherwise benefit Albertans, illegally manufactured products also pose public health and safety risks as they lack regulatory controls and inspections oversight.
Albertans who suspect illegal tobacco production, packaging and/or trafficking are encouraged to contact AGLC’s Tobacco Enforcement Unit at 1-800-577-2522 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Under a Memorandum of Understanding with Alberta Treasury Board and Finance, AGLC enforces the Tobacco Tax Act and conducts criminal investigations related to the possession, distribution and trafficking of contraband tobacco products. In 2022-23, provincial revenue from tobacco taxes was approximately $522 million.
-
Alberta1 day ago
Pharmacist-led clinics improve access to health care: Lessons from Alberta
-
Alberta1 day ago
30 million contraband cigarettes valued at $25 million dollars seized in Alberta
-
COVID-199 hours ago
COVID Lab Leak: Over four later, EcoHealth Alliance funding is finally suspended
-
Canadian Energy Centre1 day ago
Trans Mountain completion shows victory of good faith Indigenous consultation
-
COVID-191 day ago
Healthcare workers obtain partial win against Bonnie Henry in BC Supreme Court
-
COVID-191 day ago
Elon Musk-backed doctor critical of COVID response vows appeal after court sides with medical board
-
COVID-192 days ago
Japan’s most senior cancer doctor: COVID shots are ‘essentially murder’
-
Health1 day ago
South Korean president declares low birth rate a ‘national emergency,’ plans new ministry to address it