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Alberta

Red Deer MP’s drill the federal government on vaccine mandates and the plan to eliminate Western Canada’s oil and gas industries

Published

3 years ago

2 minute read

Red Deer’s MPs have been flexing their opposition muscles this week.  Earl Dreeshen and Blaine Calkins found themselves in the middle of some tense exchanges during question period and in committee meetings.  Emotions in Ottawa have been high for months as a number of issues seem to be reaching the boiling point.

Regarding vaccine mandates and covid restrictions, Canada finds itself among only a few countries on the planet which has not dropped travel restrictions against its own citizens.  MP Blaine Calkins offered a stinging rebuke and a pointed question which Liberal MP Adam Van Kouverden replied to by quoting a recent study by some Canadian scientists who set out to defend vaccine mandates with mathematical modelling which showed vaccinated people are at more of a risk when they interact with unvaccinated people.  It’s obvious from the exchange that it will take a lot more heat from the opposition to start to change the Liberal / NDP government’s covid response.

Calkins has posted the exchange on his facebook page and introduced it with this statement, “The NDP-Liberal vaccine mandates are nothing more than a punitive policy meant to punish those that they view as holding unacceptable views. It’s way past time to follow the science, to follow the lead of the provinces and our international peers and get rid of these harmful mandates.”

Calkins also posted a short video to explain an incredible situation developing which ‘could’ result in fraud charges against the Prime Minister for accepting an illegal vacation to an Island owned by The Aga Khan.

Meanwhile, in a committee meeting regarding fossil fuel subsidies Earl Dreeshen called for an end to attacks on Alberta’s oil can gas industry.  Dreeshen posted this comment with his video. “The Government’s plan to eliminate oil and gas is dangerous. There is no actual solution for Canadians who don’t have the luxury of excess wealth and no real plan underneath their ideological promises.”

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After 15 years as a TV reporter with Global and CBC and as news director of RDTV in Red Deer, Duane set out on his own 2008 as a visual storyteller. During this period, he became fascinated with a burgeoning online world and how it could better serve local communities. This fascination led to Todayville, launched in 2016.

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Alberta

Premier Smith moves to protect Alberta in International Agreements

Published on October 23, 2025

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Protecting Alberta’s jurisdiction

The International Agreements Act ensures Alberta’s jurisdiction is protected and decisions that shape our future are made right here at home.

This legislation draws a clear line: international agreements that touch on provincial areas of jurisdiction must be debated and passed into law in Alberta.

Alberta, not Ottawa, will decide how international agreements that affect provincial matters apply in the province.

“As we return to the legislature, our government is focused on delivering on the mandate Albertans gave us in 2023 to stand up for this province, protect our freedoms and chart our path forward. We will defend our constitutional rights, protect our province’s interests and make sure decisions that affect Albertans are made by Albertans. The federal government stands at a crossroads. Work with us, and we’ll get things done. Overstep, and Alberta will stand its ground.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

While the federal government has the power to enter into international agreements on behalf of Canada, it does not have the legal authority to impose its terms on provinces. The International Agreements Act reinforces that principle, ensuring Alberta is not bound by obligations negotiated in Ottawa that do not align with provincial priorities.

Bill 1 was introduced by Premier Danielle Smith following the fall 2025 speech from the throne as part of Alberta’s commitment to defend its sovereignty within a united Canada.

Key facts

  • If passed, the International Agreements Act will replace the International Trade and Investment Agreements Act.
  • The new legislation would expand its scope beyond trade and investment to include all areas of provincial jurisdiction.
  • Currently, there is no formal agreement or requirement for the federal government to consult provinces when negotiating international treaties.
  • Quebec’s Act respecting the exercise of the fundamental rights and prerogatives of the Québec people and the Québec State came into force in 2000.
    • International agreements do not apply in Quebec unless approved by the national assembly or the provincial government.
    • Quebec must give clear consent before any international agreement takes effect.

Related information

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Agriculture

From Underdog to Top Broodmare

Published on October 23, 2025

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WATCH From Underdog to Top Broodmare (video)

Executive Producers Jeff Robillard (Horse Racing Alberta) and Mike Little (Shinelight Entertainment)

What began as an underdog story became a legacy of excellence. Crackers Hot Shot didn’t just race — she paved the way for future generations, and in doing so became one of the most influential producers the province has known.

The extraordinary journey of Crackers Hot Shot — once overlooked, now revered — stands as one of Alberta’s finest success stories in harness racing and breeding.

Born in humble circumstances and initially considered rough around the edges, Crackers Hot Shot overcame long odds to carve out a career that would forever impact the province’s racing industry. From a “wild, unhandled filly” to Alberta’s “Horse of the Year” in 2013, to producing foals who carry her spirit and fortitude into future generations.

Her influence ripples through Alberta’s racing and breeding landscape: from how young stock are prepared, to the aspirations of local breeders who now look to “the mare that did it” as proof that world-class talent can emerge from Alberta’s paddocks.

“Crackers Hot Shot, she had a tough start. She wasn’t much to look at when we first got her” — Rod Starkewski

“Crackers Hot Shot was left on her own – Carl Archibald heard us talking, he said ‘I’ll go get her – I live by there’. I think it took him 3 days to dig her out of the snow. She was completely wild – then we just started working on her. She really needed some humans to work with her – and get to know that people are not scary.” — Jackie Starkewski

“Crackers Hot Shot would be one of the top broodmares in Albeta percentage wise if nothing else. Her foals hit the track – they’re looking for the winners circle every time.” — Connie Kolthammer

Visit thehorses.com to learn more about Alberta’s Horse Racing industry.

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