Alberta
The Day After
Well our respective leaders have expressed their concerns both for Alberta and Saskatchewan to our Prime Minister.
Premier’s Kenney and Moe both informed Mr. Trudeau of issues that must be resolved to help our provinces get back on their feet. The problem for us though is how much can Trudeau give without offending eastern Canada or the environmentalists. the big ticket items are: cancel the carbon tax, renegotiate equalization, and to let us build pipelines.
We all know that the carbon tax isn’t going away. I suspect Trudeau has spent millions of tax dollars on carbon offsets in his many attempts to sell himself to the world as a climate saviour. The Paris accord meetings alone cost us millions, never mind all the rest. Unlikely he backs down on this and angers his environmental friends.
If equalization is renegotiated in our favor, the cash flow to eastern Canada will have to shrink or stop altogether. This would send the budgets of those provinces into deficit territory fast, especially Quebec as they are the largest recipient. I don’t think we’ll get much political support down east for this idea as much as we might want it. Trudeau will not jeopardize the support he so desperately needs from the BQ to keep his agenda rolling.
How about building the Trans Mountain pipeline. Now that Trudeau has nationalized it, perhaps he’ll actually try to get it built. I can see SNC Lavalin consulting on the project, oops never mind that joke; it’s quite likely though that Trudeau uses it to his best advantage.
Allowing this one pipeline to be built, and at the same time assuring his supporters that no more pipelines will ever be built again due to Bill C-69 and Bill C-48, might be just what he needs to placate Albertans (for a time) and the environmentalists. Owning it, he can always force a shut down of production, so sort of a win all around for him.
The global investment community already knows that Canada is closed for business. Unless the government gets out of the way, the only pipelines built in our future will be done by the federal government. They will control our oil production forever. Trudeau’s plans for Phasing out the Oil Sands is already underway.
As I’ve said before, Independence for Alberta is the only reasonable option I see left to us. Everything else leaves us at the mercy of a system of government that exploits us, and keeps political power firmly vested in the east.
Once we’ve overcome the sentimental reasons to remain at the mercy of Ottawa, and embraced the logic of taking control of our own affairs, we can become an Independent nation. After that we can move forward working together as equals.
After our success, we can reach out to neighboring provinces to join us in our new nation, with a constitution that is based on Liberty, equality, and individual rights.
I really do hope that we can bring all western provinces on board, and maybe our eastern friends will change their ways, develop their economies and stand on their own two feet.
Some day, Alberta truly will be Strong and Free. In the course of us creating this new nation, we could possibly save all of Canada.
Click here to see Norman Wiebe’s post “What Now?”
Alberta
Alberta school boards required to meet new standards for school library materials with regard to sexual content
Alberta’s government has introduced new standards to ensure school library materials are age-appropriate.
School libraries should be safe and supportive places where students can learn and explore without being exposed to inappropriate sexual content. However, in the absence of a consistent standard for selecting age-appropriate library materials, school boards have taken different approaches, leading to concerns about safeguards in place.
In response to these concerns, and informed by feedback from education partners and the public, Alberta’s government has created standards to provide school boards with clear direction on the selection, availability and access to school library materials, such as books.
“Our actions to ensure that materials in school libraries don’t expose children to sexual content were never about banning books. These new standards are to ensure that school boards have clear guidance to ensure age-appropriate access to school library materials, while reflecting the values and priorities of Albertans.”
The new standards set clear expectations for school library materials with regard to sexual content and require school boards to implement policies to support these standards.
Standards for school library materials
Under the new standards, school libraries are not permitted to include library materials containing explicit sexual content. Non-explicit sexual content may be accessible to students in Grade 10 and above, provided it is age-appropriate.
“Protecting kids from explicit content is common sense. LGBTQ youth, like all children, deserve to see themselves in stories that are age-appropriate, supportive and affirming – not in material that sexualizes or confuses them.”
School boards must also regularly review their school library collections, publish a full list of available materials and ensure that a staff member supervises students’ access to school library materials. School boards will have to remove any materials with explicit sexual content from their school libraries by October 1.
School board policies and procedures
All school boards must have publicly available policies that align with the new standards for selecting and managing library materials by January 1, 2026. School boards can either create new policies or update existing ones to meet these requirements.
These policies must outline how school library materials are selected and reviewed, how staff supervise students’ access throughout the school day, and how a student, parent, school board employee or other member of the school community can request a review or removal of materials in the school library. School boards are also required to clearly communicate these policies to employees, students and parents before January 2026.
“A robust, grade- and age-appropriate library catalogue is vital for student success. We welcome the ministry’s initiative to establish consistent standards and appreciate the ongoing consultation to help craft a plan that will serve our families and communities well.”
“Red Deer Public Schools welcomes the new provincial standards for school library materials. Our division is committed to maintaining welcoming, respectful learning spaces where students can grow and thrive. Under the new standards for school libraries, we remain dedicated to providing learning resources that reflect our values and support student success.”
Quick facts
- The new standards will apply to public, separate, francophone, charter and independent schools.
- The ministerial order does not apply to municipal libraries located within schools or materials selected for use by teachers as learning and teaching resources.
- From May 26 to June 6, almost 80,000 people completed an online survey to provide feedback on the creation of consistent standards to ensure the age-appropriateness of materials available to students in school libraries.
Related information
- Ministerial Order
- School library standards engagement
- Reference Materials: Content warning: this document contains graphic content that may be disturbing to viewers and is not appropriate for young viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
Regional health councils give Albertans a voice
Albertans want a health care system that reflects where they live and adapts to the unique needs of their communities. As part of the province’s health care refocus, Alberta’s government committed to strengthening community voices by providing more opportunities for Albertans to bring forward their local priorities and offer input on how to improve the system.
The regional advisory councils, made up of 150 members from 71 communities, will advise Alberta’s four health ministries and the newly refocused health agencies: Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta and Recovery Alberta. Each council will explore solutions to local challenges and identify opportunities for the health system to better support community decision-making.
“By hearing first-hand community feedback directly, we can build a system that is more responsive, more inclusive and ultimately more effective for everyone. I am looking forward to hearing the councils’ insights, perspectives and solutions to improve health care in all corners of our province.”
“Regional advisory councils will strengthen acute care by giving communities a direct voice. Their insights will help us address local needs, improve patient outcomes and ensure timely access to hospital services.”
“A ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach does not address unique regional needs when it comes to mental health and addiction challenges. These councils will help us hear directly from communities, allowing us to tailor supports and services to meet the needs of Albertans where they are.”
“Every community has unique needs, especially when it comes to seniors and vulnerable populations. These regional advisory councils will help us better understand those needs and ensure that assisted living services are shaped by the people who rely on them.”
Members include Albertans from all walks of life, health care workers, community leaders, Indigenous and municipal representatives, and others with a strong tie to their region. About one-third of members work in health care, and more than half of the council chairs are health professionals. Almost one-quarter are elected municipal officials, including 10 serving as chairs or vice-chairs. Ten councils also include a representative from a local health foundation.
Council members will share local and regional perspectives on health care services, planning and priorities to help ensure decisions reflect the realities of their communities. By engaging with residents, providers and organizations, they will gather feedback, identify challenges and bring forward ideas that may not otherwise reach government.
Through collaboration and community-informed solutions, members will help make the health system more responsive, accessible and better able to meet the needs of Albertans across the province.
“As Primary Care Alberta works to improve access to primary health care services and programs across Alberta, we are grateful to have the opportunity to tap into a dedicated group of community leaders and representatives. These people know their communities and local needs, and we look forward to learning from their experiences and knowledge as we shape the future of primary care in Alberta.”
“The regional advisory councils will help to bring forward the voices of patients, families and front-line providers from every corner of Alberta. Their insights will help us plan smarter and deliver care that’s timely, effective and truly local. We look forward to working closely with them to strengthen hospital and surgical services across the province.”
“Nobody understands the health care challenges unique to a community better than the people who live there. The regional health advisory councils are made up of those living and working on the front lines across the province, ensuring we are getting the perspective of Albertans most affected by our health care system.”
“Alongside Recovery Alberta’s staff and physician team, these regional advisory councils will build upon the high standard of mental health, addiction and correctional health services delivered in Alberta.”
Indigenous Advisory Council
Alberta’s government continues to work directly with Indigenous leaders across the province to establish the Indigenous Advisory Council to strengthen health care services for First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities.
With up to 22 members, including Indigenous health care workers, community leaders and individuals receiving health care services, the council will represent diverse perspectives across Alberta. Members will provide community perspectives about clinical service planning, capital projects, workforce development and cultural integration in health care.
Related information
Before Trudeau average annual immigration was 617,800. Under Trudeau number skyrocketted to 1.4 million annually
FDA requires new warning on mRNA COVID shots due to heart damage in young men
News Jeffrey Epstein did not have a client list, nor did he kill himself, Trump DOJ, FBI claim
“This is a total fucking disaster”
-
Also Interesting2 days ago9 Things You Should Know About PK/PD in Drug Research
-
Business2 days agoCannabis Legalization Is Starting to Look Like a Really Dumb Idea
-
Bruce Dowbiggin2 days agoThe Covid 19 Disaster: When Do We Get The Apologies?
-
Media2 days agoCBC journalist quits, accuses outlet of anti-Conservative bias and censorship
-
Business2 days agoCarney government should recognize that private sector drives Canada’s economy
-
Alberta2 days ago
Fourteen regional advisory councils will shape health care planning and delivery in Alberta
-
Alberta2 days ago
Alberta school boards required to meet new standards for school library materials with regard to sexual content
-
Business1 day agoUN’s ‘Plastics Treaty’ Sports A Junk Science Wrapper