Community
In Touch with MP Earl Dreeshen

By Earl Dreeshen
A lot has gone on since my last update locally, nationally, and internationally. I am pleased to bring you an update on some of those events.
US Missile Attacks in Syria
The United States fired 59 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Syria on April 6th in response to what it believes was a chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime that killed more than 100 people.
Holding Bashar al-Assad to account for his crimes against humanity is absolutely required and we must support our allies to achieve this end. My Conservative colleagues and I strongly support ?the efforts of the United States to prevent Syria’s military from launching further chemical weapon attacks. The global community cannot sit idly by while deadly nerve toxins are unleashed on innocent civilians.
Contrary to the Prime Minister’s beliefs, the United Nations Security Council has proven itself woefully ineffectual when it comes to resolving the Syrian conflict. Canada’s foreign policy must always be based on the principles of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Local Colleges Bring in Big Name Speakers
The past couple weeks we have seen our local colleges hold tremendous events with big name speakers that I was honoured to attend.
On March 24, Olds College held their annual Gala. The highlight of the night was the announcement of a record $16 million donation from the Werklund Agricultural Institute to specialize in smart and sustainable agriculture and business solutions. The event also featured one of my favorite football players and CFL legend Mike “Pinball” Clemmons.
On March 28th I was pleased to hear from the Canada women’s national soccer team head coach John Herdman at the Red Deer College Kings and Queens annual scholarship breakfast.
The tremendous work by both institutions is something that brings pride to the entire community. Their reputations give them the ability to bring in nationally recognized guests to Central Alberta and give us a chance to show off what we have to offer.
Mobile Office Update
The next Mobile Office will be in Olds on Wednesday April 12th from 10-12 noon at the Olds Town Council chambers. Following that, on April 19th I will be in Elnora at the Library from 10-12 and in Delburne at the Municipal Office from 1-3 pm. Please feel free to bring any questions or comments to me and my staff at that time.
Sincerely your Member of Parliament,
Earl Dreeshen
Community
Shelly Flint Appointed as New CEO of Westerner Park

Westerner Park, a distinguished agricultural society and premier exhibition venue in the heart of Central Alberta, is pleased to announce Shelly Flint as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This decision culminates a thorough and extensive search process, with the Board of Directors expressing their enthusiasm for the promising journey ahead under Shelly’s leadership.
Tyler Nightingale, President of the Board of Directors, shared his excitement about the appointment, stating, “After a comprehensive search, we are thrilled to welcome Shelly. Her extensive experience, skill set, and knowledge align seamlessly with the strategic direction of Westerner Park, ensuring a positive and enduring impact on both the organization and the community at large.”
Tara Lodewyk, Red Deer City Manager, added, “Shelly immediately connected with the mission of Westerner Park and the value it brings to the culture of our city and region. We are looking forward to working together and are confident in her leadership of Westerner Park.”
For the past two decades, Shelly has served as a senior executive, spearheading diverse teams within Alberta’s dynamic entertainment and finance sectors. Her tenure as the former CFO at the Calgary Stampede equips her with a distinctive insight into the intricacies of Westerner Park, enabling her to adeptly navigate its challenges and leverage its opportunities. Coupled with her roots in Central Alberta, Shelly is poised to steer the Park towards growth and long-term sustainability.
Shelly expressed her eagerness to join Westerner Park, saying, “I was thrilled at the opportunity to return to Central Alberta, where I grew up! Leading this purpose-driven organization will allow me to contribute to my community and affect meaningful change.”
Shelly Flint’s robust leadership, commitment to community, and extensive experience makes her an exceptional choice to lead Westerner Park into the future. The entire Westerner Park team eagerly anticipates the positive impact she will bring to this renowned institution.
About Westerner Park
Westerner Park is Central Alberta’s largest tradeshow, agricultural, sports, entertainment, and convention facility. A not-for-profit organization and agricultural society, Westerner Park typically generates $150 million annually in economic activity, hosting over 1,500 events and 1.5 million visitors each year.
Community
The Food Bank Wins

News release from 100 Women Who Care
The room was buzzing with energy and connection on Monday night – what a great way to kick off the fall with a full-house!
Thanks to everyone who joined us, with a special thank you to the 14 new members and their friends who encouraged them to join. There were also a few ladies simply checking out the vibe and we hope to see them again.
We had three excellent, engaging presentations from:
- Judy-Ann Wybenga – Red Deer Food Bank Society
- Jean Stinson – Red Deer Action Group Society
- Lisa Smith – Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre
Congratulations to Judy-Ann! Our donations are going to the Red Deer Food Bank Society for their Community Kitchen initiative. We sure hope we get two big cans on the donor board. (Inside joke, ya had to be there! )
There are two ways to make your donations to the Red Deer Food Bank through the Red Deer and District Community Foundation:
- Mail a cheque to the Red Deer & District Community Foundation at 4901 48 St #503, Red Deer, AB T4N 6M4. Please write “100+ Women RD” along with “Red Deer Food Bank” in the memo line.
OR
- Use this link or QR code to donate – just be sure to note Red Deer Food Bank on the online form. If you can, please consider adding $4 to your online donation to cover the Foundation’s processing fees. Simply click on the link to do so – no need to add it to your donation.
https://www.canadahelps.org/
The Red Deer and District Community Foundation manages our donations and ensures that they arrive all present and accounted for to the recipient charities. Erin Peden, Executive Director of the RDDCF (and 100+ Women member) gave us an enlightening date on the amazing work happening at the Foundation. It sure had both of us thinking about ways we can support it more.
Thank you Jody Wianko for the update from CMHA. Our donation helped more that 340 people since April.
Kim Mortimer, The SnapHappy Photographer, was everywhere in the room getting great action shots. The sample above from April’s meeting shows what a fun, yet serious, group we are. It’s so great having you at the meetings, Kim. And for bringing friends!
There is so much happening in Central Alberta! Here are a few of the community announcements:
We asked and these gals delivered! Jillian donated a beautiful autumn arrangement and two tickets to the Mustard Seed’s Bowls for Bellies event. Shelley donated a $100 gift certificate from her family business, Twisted Steel Blacksmithing. Annamarie donated a gorgeous fresh bouquet on behalf of Hucal and Edwards Orthodontics.
We asked and you delivered! The Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter and Safe Harbour Society are very grateful for the generous donations of toiletries and personal care items.
It was great to see so many people arrive early to socialize and a number that stuck around after the meeting to keep the evening’s energy going. Thank you to Mary Warrener, Samantha Sheridan and Gail Bellanger for all their help at the registration desk, collecting and counting ballots, and generally keeping us organized. Thanks also to everyone who assisted with the post-meeting clean up. We hardly had to lift a finger and it gave us a chance to visit a few of you.
And lastly – aargh – EMAIL ISSUES! We have heard from many of you that you’re not getting our emails, so we took some time before sending this out to restructure our email list. Fingers crossed that it worked! Please respond to the read request. This will help us gauge who is and who isn’t getting the emails. Please compare notes with your 100+ Women friends, too, by asking if they received this email and letting us know if there are still gaps. Our apologies to everyone who hasn’t been in the loop and we that this is rectified “toot sweet” .
NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27.
With so much gratitude to all of you,
Cindy and Susan
-
Brownstone Institute2 days ago
Yes, You Are Being Manipulated
-
Bruce Dowbiggin2 days ago
If You Don’t Hear From Me, It’s Because I Don’t Hear From You.
-
COVID-192 days ago
‘Freedom Convoy’ trial resumes with questions for mayor’s chief of staff
-
Alberta2 days ago
New app uses AI to help Calgary medical students practise interacting with patients
-
Alberta2 days ago
Smith says despite difficulty with Ottawa, Alberta has allies in Trudeau cabinet
-
International2 days ago
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy set to address Parliament Friday
-
Justice2 days ago
CP NewsAlert: Quebec man given 15 months in jail for fomenting hatred against Jews
-
Energy2 days ago
Top warming talks official hopes for ‘course correction’ and praises small steps in climate efforts