Thanks to these amazing businesses and organizations that support Todayville throughout the year.

Abbey Platinum Master Built is a major Central Alberta Home Builder with an extensive portfolio of accomplishments in quality building from starter to luxury estates homes, renovations and commercial constructions. We offer one of the largest builder lot inventories with lots available in Blackfalds, Lacombe, Penhold, Red Deer and Sylvan Lake.

With Abbey Platinum’s experience as a custom home builder, acreages became a natural fit. Our Project management team and partners meticulous commitment to quality that’s shows in the wide variety of homes we build. We are the highest award winning builder in Central Alberta carrying such accolades as Renovator of the Year and 5-time Builder of the Year. Learn more.

Alberta Global Talent

As an employer, have you been looking for ways to increase your access to talented potential employees for your business? Even in the current economy it’s not always easy to find great employees. Especially as the baby-boomers retire and Canadians are not having enough children to take their place in the work force, we can expect demand for employees to increase. What if we could help you find employees with talent, a strong work ethic, and willingness to do a variety of jobs and to learn?

Central Alberta employers have reported positive impacts of adding diversity to their employee group. Learn more.

Alberta Podcast Network

The Alberta Podcast Network, powered by ATB, builds audiences for Alberta-made podcasts and connects those listeners to Alberta-based businesses and organizations. We pay our member podcasts to spread the word about ATB and our other sponsors. We also promote affiliated podcasts that are produced by our sponsors. And our network is set up so that our members cross-promote each other, thus building each other’s audiences and increasing the number of listeners, which helps our sponsors, too. Listen to some great podcasts from Alberta podcasters.

Alberta Pork Producers

We are one of 16 Commodity Marketing Boards and Commissions in Alberta. We are a non-profit organization representing all of Alberta’s hog producers with a democratically elected board of directors. We represent producers’ interests to the government, the industry, the media, the general public and other groups associated with the pork industry.

We currently collect a $1.00 levy on each market hog and $0.25 on pigs under 50 kilograms that are sold out of Canada. These funds are used for the research, development, growth and promotion of the Alberta pork industry. Learn more.

Alberta Sport Development Centre

The Alberta Sport Connection has established a network of Alberta Sport Development Centres (ASDC) across the province. The main purpose of the ASDC network is to coordinate and enhance services available to Alberta’s emerging athletes and coaches. These regional centres provide services to athletes and coaches residing in rural and urban areas allowing athletes to develop and train at a high level without leaving home. The ASDC Network supports the idea of a holistic training approach in order for athletes to reach their optimal athletic potential. By combining sport science applications with support from experts in areas such as nutrition, sport psychology and injury prevention, each centre helps coaches, parents and athletes build an ideal environment for enhanced athletic development and performance. Learn more.

Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame & Museum provides a family friendly interactive experience. You will be surprised by what you discover inside! Have fun, laugh, play and discover Alberta sports heroes together. The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is an interactive, hands-on celebration of Alberta’s sporting history. With over 7,000 square feet of exhibit space includes a multisport area with virtual baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and soccer, a 200 meter wheelchair challenge, a Treadwall climbing wall, the Orest Korbutt Theatre, Hall of Fame Gallery and much more. Learn more. Click here to watch videos of the 2018 Inductees.

BILD Central Alberta

Originally established in 1956 as a chapter of the Housing and Urban Development Association of Canada (HUDAC) to serve the needs of the local home building industry, the local association has enjoyed steady growth to bring us where we are today, an association of 160 plus member organizations. Learn more.

Black Creek Developments

In operation since 2014, Black Creek Developments Inc. has been defining the urban landscapes of Central Alberta.Based out of Sylvan Lake, our expert architects and building designers set the stage for our talented project managers and tradesmen to build refined commercial property that enables communities to grow and prosper. Our principles of building with integrity, superiority, and distinction makes Black Creek Developments the premier developer in Central Alberta. Learn more.

Black Wolf Custom Homes

Black Wolf Custom Homes is distinguished in the art of home building. With decades of industry experience and experts that have honed their craft, talent, and eye for braiding functionality and sophistication in the home, we are ready to build yours. With a Bauhaus philosophy, Black Wolf Custom Homes believes in the harmony of design and function. One should be able to move within their space with swiftness and ease in their day-to-day activities. Learn more.

2019 Canada Winter Games

From February 15 until March 3, 2019, Red Deer and central Alberta will welcome the nation for the 2019 Canada Winter Games. Featuring 19 sports, over 150 events and a major arts and cultural festival, the 2019 Canada Winter Games will welcome up to 3,600 athletes, managers and coaches and more than 20,000 visitors.

The 2019 Games will be the largest event ever hosted in Red Deer and central Alberta and one of the largest events to be hosted in Alberta in over three decades, since the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Learn more.

Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre

The Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre is a not for profit organization rooted in the protection and recovery of today’s most innocent and vulnerable – our children. Together with our partners and stakeholders – Central Region, Children’s Services, Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre, Alberta Health Services, Alberta Justice and Education by Alberta and the RCMP – we provide integrated services that ensure that a child can share their story, and have it safely heard. Our team of dedicated professionals provide a coordinated approach that supports the recovery of the children, youth and families affected by abuse, helping them to overcome adversity with the promise and possibility of a healthy future. Learn more.

Chatters

We offer professional salon services that are always on trend. At Chatters, we understand that your hair is your best accessory and that a cut & colour that truly flatters you is a must have. Our stylists receive the highest levels of training and are continually updating their skills with the industry’s top educators to give you the season’s freshest looks. We are a family salon offering services for ladies, men and children. Learn more.

Earl Dreeshen MP

Earl was most recently elected in 2015 as the first ever Member of Parliament for the riding of Red Deer – Mountain View. Previously, Earl served two terms as the Member of Parliament for Red Deer following his successes in the elections of 2008 and 2011. Currently serving as the Deputy Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food, Earl has prior experience as the Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology and as a Member of the Standing Committees on International Trade, Health, Public Accounts, Ethics, and Aboriginal Affairs. Learn more.

Ellis Bird Farm

Ellis Bird Farm is both a non-profit company and a working farm. It was established in 1982 to carry on the legacy of Lacombe-area conservationists, Charlie and Winnie Ellis, when their farm was purchased by Union Carbide Canada Ltd. At the time, Charlie and Winnie operated one of the largest bluebird trails in Canada and had established their farmstead as a haven for wildlife. Learn more.

Horse Racing Alberta

Horse Racing Alberta (HRA), is a private not-for-profit corporation that was established with the Alberta Governments proclamation of the Racing Corporation Act in 1996. The HRA was established to lead a racing industry renewal and to manage industry self-regulation. Learn more.

Jiffy Lube

Kennedy Wealth Management

Whether are looking to invest in order to build your financial future, or to secure what you have already earned, professional investment, estate, insurance, and financial planning advice is critical. Combining specific goals, such as maximizing retirement income, protecting principal, leaving an estate for your family, or just simplifying your life financially, takes experience, and training. The Kennedy Wealth Management Group, led by Rod Kennedy, devote themselves to fully understanding your comprehensive financial situation, life goals, and tolerance for risk, when creating and managing a strategy that is right for you. Learn more.

Kipp Scott GMC Cadillac Buick

Kipp Scott GMC Cadillac Buick is a family-owned business that has proudly served Red Deer, and all of Alberta, for 50 Years since first opening our doors in 1968. Treating our customers with respect has always been our number-one priority, and we believe when it comes to selling vehicles, honesty is the best policy. Rest assured we’ll do everything we can to make sure you leave our dealership 100% satisfied. Learn more.

One Eleven Grill

An inviting and stylish restaurant tucked into the heart of Red Deer just waiting for you to discover or rediscover. Opened on the first day of November in 2011, One Eleven has been thoughtfully and skillfully preparing delicious food and drinks for Central Alberta for years. Our passion is STEAK! We are committed to quality, serving only the very best locally-owned, grass fed Alberta Triple AAA Beef in both classic and unique cuts. Our warm, inviting ambiance is the perfect backdrop for everything from a romantic evening, a gathering with friends and family and even a quiet business lunch during the week. At One Eleven we’re committed to your total satisfaction and we celebrate the people and food of Red Deer and Central Alberta every day. Learn more.

Operation Teacup

It all started over a conversation about giving back. Before long Charlie MacDonald and Michelle Tetreault decided to combine passions for Canada’s military and Canadian Football and the idea for Operation Teacup was born. “Operation” Teacup is a worthy name for this day long endeavour because it takes the planning abilities of a military mission to pull it off. In fact… the military actually does help pull it off! Learn more.

Proverus LLP

ProVerus LLP was formed with a particular focus on the needs of owner-operated businesses in Central Alberta. By making your business our specialty, we can offer more of what you need. With a strong blend of experience and education, we offer a unique combination of contemporary professional skills and traditional, time-honoured values. Learn more.

Pursuit Physio Therapy

Our clinic is designed to help you achieve your health goals. Our team is works towards your success and recovery. Leanne Schlachter and Nicki Julien are the owners of Pursuit Physiotherapy. Pursuit Physiotherapy opened in September 2006 after identifying a need for a better delivery of care in Red Deer. Part of this plan includes booking adequate time for comprehensive assessments allows us to formulate an individualized treatment plans. Learn more.

Red Deer Christmas Bureau

We at the Red Deer Christmas Bureau believe in sharing our culture and tradition with other members of our community. Even though some of our clients have never experienced a traditional Christmas celebration we believe everyone should be able to enjoy fellowship, friendship and family during the holiday season. Learn more.

Red Deer Hospital Foundation Festival of Trees

Start your Christmas season off right! Whether you’re looking for activities for the entire family or something fun to do with that someone special, the Red Deer Festival of Trees is Red Deer’s premier Christmas community fundraiser, kicking off the Christmas season! Every year the Westerner transforms into a Christmas wonderland for all to enjoy. Learn more.

Red Deer Orthodontics

Dr. Cheba is a certified specialist in orthodontics and the owner of Red Deer Orthodontics. He grew up in Calgary and attended the University of Calgary for his Bachelor of Science, so he is no stranger to Alberta. Dr. Cheba was accepted into the dental program at the University of Manitoba, and after graduation remained in Winnipeg to practice general dentistry in a large group practice for five years. In 2009, Dr. Cheba returned to the University of Manitoba for his postgraduate program in orthodontics. Learn more.

Red Deer Public School District

School boards help shape the future of our communities by governing the education of young people. As citizens of your community, school board trustees make strategic decisions about the direction, delivery and quality of public education. As people entrusted with the care and education of children, we are responsible and accountable to parents and the community at large. This accountability means it is important to stay in touch with community stakeholders. By doing so, we are in a better position to understand and reflect in our decision making what all citizens value and want from their local public schools. Learn more.

Red Deer Regional Catholic Schools

In our schools, students are offered a Catholic world-view. They are being prepared to go out and transform the world in light of the Gospel. Our schools are also places of great diversity. Students of all intellectual, cultural and faith backgrounds are welcome. Our faith permeates the entire life of the school. Parents entrust their children to us and we take this very seriously. Our schools are safe and welcoming. They offer academic excellence along with many extra-curricular programs. Our teachers are committed to engaging students in their learning and forming them to become life long learners and critical thinkers. They are being given the knowledge, freedom and confidence needed to reach their full potential. Learn more.

Red Deer Regional Hospital Lottery

Watch a story about last year’s winner of the dream home lottery.

Riverview Insurance Solutions

Our personalized approach is what sets us apart from our competitors. We care deeply about our client’s welfare and pride ourselves on being the stabilizing factor in this ever-changing world. We take the time to get to know you and learn what you expect from your coverage and what you expect from us. From there, we will present you with several options and educate you on the pros and cons of each to assist you in making an informed decision. Learn more.

Rotary Club of Red Deer

Our differing occupations, cultures, and countries give us a unique perspective. Our shared passion for service helps us accomplish the remarkable. WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT? Our distinct point of view and approach gives us unique advantages. Learn more about Rotary International. Learn more about Rotary’s 2018 Citizen of the Year

Safari Salon and Spa

Safari welcomed its first guests in 2003 with a goal of creating a truly exceptional luxury experience for residents in Red Deer and Central Alberta. Our team visits luxury spas all over the world in an effort to continually improve what we do. We want our guests to feel like they are on a mini vacation each and every time they visit. Our customer surveys tell us we hit the mark on a very consistent basis! Learn more.

Scott Subaru

Scott Subaru is committed to providing the highest levels of customer service through our unsurpassed knowledge of the Subaru vehicles we sell and service. Our staff of automotive professionals takes pride in representing the Subaru brand and are specialists in the innovative design, advanced technology, and superior performance that the brand represents. Safety and engineering is at the centre of a totally fulfilling Subaru driving experience. Learn more. Find out about their new dealership, Canada’s first Passive Haus.

Expert Security Solutions

Keeping your family and home secure is our first job. Unlike other systems that rely on your cable or phone connection, Alarm.com systems have a dedicated cellular connection. Internet or broadband down? No problem. Power outage? We’ve got you covered with battery backup. Phone line cut? Not an issue. Learn more with this article from Todayville.

Speedpro Signs

Welcome to Speedpro Signs Red Deer! At Speedpro Signs we excel at providing solutions to your marketing challenges. Identifying your needs and offering innovative solutions that are efficient with your budget and will exceed your expectations is what we do best! Whether you are looking for a basic sign, a product that you have never seen or a full service installation display; we are the creative professionals that will meet your deadlines within budget. Learn more.

Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off

Christine Moore, event co-chair, says: “On behalf of the Sheraton Celebrity Dance Off 2019 Cabinet, I am delighted to announce our partnership with the Friends of Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. With roots going back to 1904, this group of dedicated volunteers have fundraised to support the care and comfort of patients at our hospital. Over the last 38 years, they have raised over $7 million. They exemplify everything about volunteerism and giving back to the community. They are the unsung heroes of our hospital. Learn more.

St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino

Located just five minutes from the Canadian Rockies International Airport in southeastern British Columbia, St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino features a full-service, three-diamond hotel with 125 rooms and suites, the Casino of the Rockies, and a Les Furber-designed, championship golf course. Our Resort also offers the best dining in the Cranbrook and Kimberley region with our signature St. Eugene Smokehouse, and pub-style options at our golf and casino restaurants. Other amenities include our brand new spa and the Health Club containing a fully equipped gym, outdoor pool heated year round, relaxation pools, sauna and steam room. The beautiful Spanish-colonial-styled Resort you see today was once the St. Eugene Mission, a residential school for First Nations youth. Today, we employ approximately 250 people and have become an entertainment destination for people across North America. The owners and associates at St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino are proudly devoted to sharing our First Nations culture as well as the history of our magnificent Resort. Learn more.

TD Mortgage Diane Prospero

I am available outside of normal banking hours, including evenings and weekends, to suit your schedule. Whether you are purchasing a home, looking to transfer a mortgage or refinancing an existing mortgage to consolidate debt, I can help you find the best mortgage solution. Whether you are a first time home buyer or a seasoned homeowner, I am committed to making your mortgage experience comfortable and easy.

A resident of Red Deer County, I serve Central Alberta and surrounding areas and have a true understanding of the community. Learn more.

The Lending Cupboard

TLC is a unique non-profit organization operating in Red Deer and serving a growing number of communities in Central Alberta. We loan more than 1400 pieces of medical equipment and aids to daily living each month. We are supported by volunteers who contribute more than 11,000 hours each year. In 2018 we served in excess of 10 thousand clients. Learn more.

Tommy Guns

With 70+ locations across Canada and the world, our guests come to us to look and feel their best. Our renowned Hot Towel Shaves, unique styles, and relaxing head massages are the epitome of male grooming. Learn more.

Vellner Leisure Products

This is a 3rd generation family business which began in Red Deer with H.T. Vellner and father J.R. (Bob) Vellner in 1951 and has helped RV enthusiasts from around the world to enjoy the healthy family fun of the RV Lifestyle. We are dedicated to maintaining the tradition of fair and honest dealing and to remain in the forefront of an exciting industry built on a foundation of family values and healthy outdoor recreation. Please enjoy our site and come back often as we continue to offer new and exciting products and information to enhance your RV experience. Learn more. Watch this cool timelapse of Vellner’s setting up at the 2018 RV Show at Red Deer’s Westerner Park.

Volleyball Alberta

Westerner Park

Since 1891, Westerner Park has been a place for Central Albertans to gather and celebrate community events. Westerner Park is both an agricultural society and registered not-for-profit. We invest all of our earnings back into the improvement of our buildings, our grounds and our amenities. Each year, Westerner Park generates more than $150 million in economic activity, more than 1.5 million visitors come through our gates to celebrate over 1,500 unique events. From weddings and banquets to hockey games and agricultural shows, we continue to be there as Central Albertans join to share in their most memorable moments. It’s our legacy, and it’s always in mind as we work to ensure Westerner Park remains Central Alberta’s “destination for celebration” for generations to come. Learn more.

If you’d like to be one of our great partners and enjoy the benefits of having your stories told and your ads carried on todayville.com, please contact us.

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Lloyd Lewis

www.todayville.com

President Todayville Inc., Honorary Colonel 41 Signal Regiment, Board Member Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award Foundation, Director Canadian Forces Liaison Council (Alberta) musician, photographer, former VP/GM CTV Edmonton.

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Alberta

Poilievre easily wins Alberta by-election, will return to Parliament this fall

Published on August 19, 2025

Todayville

From LifeSiteNews

By Clare Marie Merkowsky

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre won the Battle River-Crowfoot by-election in Alberta with 80.4% of the vote, securing his return to Parliament.

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has won the Alberta by-election, securing his seat in Parliament this fall.

According to August 18 results from Elections Canada, Poilievre has won the Alberta federal riding of Battle River-Crowfoot by-election with 80.4%, or 40,548 votes, which will allow him to stay on as party leader and return to Parliament.

“Getting to know the people in this region has been the privilege of my life,” Poilievre told a crowd at a victory party in Camrose, Alta. “In fact, I’ve had a hell of a lot of fun.”

During the April election, Poilievre lost his Ottawa seat to his Liberal rival, a seat he had held for decades. As a result, he did not return to Parliament but chose to remain as party leader. Conservative MP Andrew Scheer has been acting as party leader in his absence.

Shortly after, Conservative MP Damien Kurek officially resigned as an MP in Battle River-Crowfoot riding in a move to allow Poilievre to run in the by-election.

The Battle River—Crowfoot riding covers over 52,000 square kilometers of east-central Alberta and is considered one of the safest Conservative strongholds in Canada.

During the by-election, a group called the “Longest Ballot Committee” helped register protest candidates against Poilievre, just as they did in his former Ottawa-area Carleton riding in April’s election. The tactic was meant to confuse voters and reduce the number of people who voted for Poilievre.

Poilievre’s return follows months of speculation that he might lose the by-election and Conservatives would elect a new leader.

The Conservative leader is known for waiting to make strong statements until after the public reacts. In fact, in February, Poilievre muzzled his own MPs from speaking about Alberta’s ban on “transitioning” kids, only to come out days later in favor of the move after public support for Alberta’s policy rolled in.

Despite his statements in favor of the pro-family movement’s opposition to puberty blockers, he has refrained from pledging any action if he were elected prime minister, choosing instead to insist that such matters are best left under provincial jurisdiction.

Alberta

“Back in the saddle” Poilievre’s words after winning the Battle River-Crowfoot byelection

Published on August 19, 2025

Todayville

News release from the Leader of the Opposition

Thank you very much to the great people of Battle River- Crowfoot. If I stand before you here today, it is by the grace of God and the good generosity of so many people. The first of which I must start with is my incredible wife, Ana. Ana, you have been an incredible rock for our family. You’ve been the glue that has bound us all together.

And to my kids, Valentina and Cruz. My kids have been incredibly patient and understanding as dad has been on the road a tremendous amount over a long period of time. Especially little Valentina, I haven’t seen in a while, but I want them to know that we do this work for them and for all of Canada’s kids.

Thank you to the incredible Damien Kurek, whose gracious sacrifice has made this moment possible. He and Danielle have been filled with kindness and generosity to us.

The story that most captures the essence of the Kurek family happened at a tragic moment in their life. Last harvest, Damien lost his best friend and his father right in the middle of the harvest, and of course, this was a heartbreaking moment for him. He had spent his childhood basically being mentored by this gentleman who had taught him everything he knew.

But then he had to ask himself, how are we going to get the crop off 6,000 acres and the leader of all of this work was no longer with them. Suddenly, dozens of combines from across Battle River-Crowfoot appeared at the Kurek farm and scattered out into the fields and brought home the harvest. Without asking for anything in return, these incredible neighbors, friends and people perhaps they didn’t even know, showed up to give a helping hand.

This was bringing in the harvest in more than one way. For the Kurek family has planted the seeds of friendship across this region for over a hundred years. The seeds of those friendships came home in that beautiful harvest on that day. That epitomizes the great people of Battle River-Crowfoot for whom I am grateful that I will have the chance to be their humble servant.

To fight every day and in every way for the people in this region who feed, power and protect all of Canada. These are the farmers, the tradespeople, the soldiers, the prison guards, the entrepreneurs and so much more. Through drought and depression, through booms and busts, they’ve come through it all and they’ve never stopped.

But this incredible region and its amazing people have suffered terribly over the last 10 years. I have seen the main streets that have been hollowed out and the trades workers who are underemployed because there is just not the work as the federal government has attacked the oil and gas sector and favoured foreign producers.

This is the truth here in Battle River-Crowfoot and in many communities across this country. Over the last 10 years, Liberal policies have sent crime, immigration, housing costs, inflation spiralling out of control. Now, they promised recently that things would be different, but under Mr. Carney and his 157 days in office, they’ve only gotten worse.

There have been many announcements and meetings, many photo ops and a lot of jazz, but not a lot of results. He sent everyone home for a summer vacation. He sent them home even though the deficit is spiralling out of control, inflation is up, elbows are down, no resource projects are underway, and the housing crisis worsens as builders can’t afford to build and buyers can’t afford to buy.

That’s why us Conservatives have our work cut out for us. This fall, as Parliament returns, we will not only oppose out-of-control, Liberal inflation, crime, immigration, cost of living and housing prices. But we will propose real solutions for safe streets, secure borders, a stronger and sovereign country with bigger take-home pay for our people. We’ll put Canada first and we will do so in a way that will make our country self-reliant and make our people capable of earning paychecks that buy affordable food and homes in safe neighbourhoods.

We are going to be ready to work with any party to get these results. We need stronger take-home pay for our people in Battle River-Crowfoot, and across Canada, because people can’t afford to live. They tell me the same story everywhere I go: Canadians now spend 42 percent of their income on taxes, more than on food, clothing and shelter combined, and Mr. Carney’s deficits are actually bigger today than the ones that Justin Trudeau left behind.

More money for bureaucracy, consultants, foreign aid, corporate welfare, fraudulent refugees; less money in the pockets of the people who earned it. We will push to cut waste and cap spending so that we can bring down inflation, debt and taxes. We believe that Canadians deserve low taxes and bigger paychecks so that food and homes are not luxuries, but once again, the things that people can take for granted. You work hard for your money. It’s time that your money started working hard for you.

Transportation is one of the biggest costs to get around in this country. It’s a big country, a cold country. How many came here in their electric car today? Not many. Anybody driving from Provost or Oyen in your electric vehicle? And yet, in six months, Mr. Carney expects to have an electric vehicle mandate imposed with $20,000 per vehicle taxes applying to any vehicle above his mandated quota. This is a direct attack on rural life and on the cost of living in Canada. It will wipe out our auto sector.

It is not an exaggeration to say that the majority of communities in Battle River-Crowfoot, and across rural and remote Canada, would not exist if an electric vehicle mandate were in place. That is why Conservatives are going to mount a massive pressure campaign at dealerships, at auto plants, in communities across the country and on the floor of the House of Commons to stop the electric vehicle mandate and allow Canadians to buy the car or truck of their choice. You should be back in the driver’s seat.

We need safe streets again. Even in rural communities, where Kevin Sorenson tells me they used to leave the doors unlocked. Now people don’t feel so safe in rural communities. On farms, the thieves are showing up and siphoning gas and stealing copper. More dangerous and violent drug offences are happening everywhere.

Conservatives will push for laws that lock up violent offenders, ban drugs, treat addiction, and make our communities safe to raise families and for seniors to retire. We’ll also protect the lawful licensed, trained and tested firearms owners. Having a hunting rifle in rural communities is not just a matter of recreation; it is a way to feed your family.

We will secure our borders by putting an end to the Liberal open borders experiment of mass immigration, which has been a disaster. Over the next several years, we need to have more people leaving than coming so that citizens in Canada can afford homes, can find jobs and healthcare again. Conservatives welcome lawful, orderly immigration, but it has to be done in our national interests, with the right people and in the right numbers. In other words, we will fight to restore an immigration system that puts Canada first.

Most of all, we need to restore the sovereignty of our country. Our nation has become far too dependent on one export market, and increasingly, the Liberals are losing two trade wars: one with China and one with the US. Since Mr. Carney took office, $60 billion of net investment has fled the country to escape high Liberal taxes and brutal anti-development policies. This has weakened our economy and our negotiating position against other countries that want to take advantage of us. Those investors are taking their money to other places that have lower taxes and more favourable treatment. Meanwhile, US and Chinese tariffs have actually worsened since Mr. Carney got elected. That was the election that he ran on getting a better deal.

Conservatives will fight to put Canada first and we will work with anyone from any party. We continue to extend our hand to Mr. Carney and say that we want to work with any party to put an end to the tariffs and get a fair deal for Canada. In fact, we are proposing solutions. Nonpartisan solutions that will help strengthen Canada’s hand. For example, we propose a Canadian Sovereignty Act to take back control of our economic destiny.

This act would legalize pipeline construction, rapid mine approvals, LNG plants, nuclear plants. It would get rid of the industrial carbon tax, the EV mandate. It would ensure that Alberta could continue increasing its output of oil and gas. It would pave the way to get pipelines built right across this country, and it would eliminate capital gains tax when you reinvest your profits here in Canada to bring back hundreds of billions of dollars in investment.

This is an idea I hope the Liberals will steal because our purpose is Canada. It’s a plan that will mean that we dig mines, lay pipe, open ports, unleash the might of our workers and the genius of our entrepreneurs in a bigger, more powerful, free enterprise economy that puts Canadians back in charge of their lives. These steps will save you money, restore safety in your streets, secure your borders and strengthen your nation’s sovereignty.

These are based on common sense. Getting back to basics, things I learned a lot about when I was travelling around the great communities of the region of Battle River-Crowfoot. And I have to say, some might’ve thought it was a burden for me to come right off the campaign trail in a national campaign and go straight to knocking on doors, to travelling throughout a region of 56,000 square kilometres. But I’ll tell you something, it was not a burden at all. This has been a privilege.

Getting to know the people in this region has been the privilege of my life. In fact, I’ve had a hell of a lot of fun. Whether it’s been at the Bronc matches or the rodeos or walking into a parking lot and some guy I don’t even know walks up and offers me a big bag of beef jerky. It doesn’t happen in the city. Or another guy says he’s got a four-wheeler and he tells me I can tear around town at it all by myself – he trusts the city boy to do that – I don’t know what he was thinking. But I really love the people of Battle River—Crowfoot. They’re the kind of ‘what you see is what you get’, give you the shirt off their back, tell it like it is, common sense people.

And they reinforced a lot of lessons that all of us in politics have to learn and relearn and relearn again: humility and hard work, loyalty and love. You see the people in these communities, they fight their own battles, but they’re always ready to stop and help a neighbour or a friend. They know how to stretch a dollar. And most of all, they know, in the words of the great Paul Harvey, how to bail together a family with the soft, strong bonds of sharing.

It reminded me of all of these things, and they also reminded me that the road to success is never a straight line. And most of all, you should never give up in hard times. That, whenever hardship strikes, you need to stand up and keep on going, and if you care about something, you don’t give up on it when things get difficult or you suffer a setback.

These stories that were on the faces of the people I met: the woman suffering from cancer who had just overcome days of radiation treatment, who showed up at my town hall in Stettler to tell me to keep going. I say to her, ‘you don’t give up, so I don’t give up.’

The waitress I met in the same town who told me she also works as a teacher and a ranch hand, but has no money left at the end of the month somehow having three jobs. Because she doesn’t give up, I won’t give up.

Or Patty, a female prison guard who works at the Drumheller penitentiary and who was tied up and viciously assaulted by a violent criminal, and told me that she wasn’t afraid because she was too busy thinking about the job that she had to do to protect her fellow prison guards. My message to her is, you don’t give up, so I don’t give up.

To Bill Bauer, who turned a hundred years old in Acme. He was born and raised in a sod hut in rural Saskatchewan and lived through the Dust Bowl and the depression, all to move to Alberta and start generation after generation of family here in this wonderful region. Because he doesn’t give up, I don’t give up.

To the great people of the special areas whose ancestors were told a century ago, including Damien’s great-grandparents, that they’d never be able to farm on that land – too tough and too dry. And yet on the homestead signs that you drive by on the highway, those old names are still there, and their great-great-grandchildren are still making those fields blossom. They never gave up, so I will never give up.

Because as my mother who’s here today taught me, when you get knocked down, you get up and you keep on going. If you believe in what you’re doing, you march forward. So I say to all of the people, not just in the great region of Battle River-Crowfoot, but right across this country, to anyone who has been knocked down but has got back up and kept on going, you haven’t given up, so I won’t give up.

Together, we will work together, we will fight together, we will sacrifice together to restore the opportunity that our grandparents left for us so that we can leave it for our grandchildren. So that we can once again restore a country that is strong, self-reliant and sovereign. That is the country we’re in this for. That is why we stay united. That is why we go forward. May God keep our land glorious and free. Thank you very much.