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Calkins … Currently (for January)

Published

8 years ago

11 minute read

In 2017, we will be celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday.  There are plenty of events happening all over Canada and in Central Alberta.  If you have any event and you would like it published here in Calkins…Currently or on any of my social media outlets, please contact me by replying to this email and I will be sure to help spread the word.  I am looking forward to visiting as many events as I am able as we celebrate all year long.

Carbon Tax = A Tax on Everything!

carbon tax

Prime Minister Trudeau and his government will be imposing a national carbon pricing scheme on all jurisdictions across Canada by 2018, despite having promised to work collaboratively with provinces and territories. In fact, while the PM announced his plan in the House of Commons, provincial and territorial environment ministers were blindsided during a simultaneous meeting held in Montreal.

Under the Conservative Government, we fought hard to keep money in the pockets of hardworking Canadian families – this Liberal scheme will cost Canadians more than 11 cents per litre when they fill their vehicles and the carbon tax will cost the average Canadian family $2500 a year.

My colleague, Shannon Stubbs, Member of Parliament for Lakeland and Official Opposition Deputy Critic for Natural Resources is sponsoring petition e-585 that was initiated by Bernard Hancock, an oil and gas worker from Vancouver, BC currently employed on a rig near Grande Prairie, who has struggled to find work during the downturn.  It is crucial that we stand up to the Trudeau government and show united opposition against this tax that will make life more expensive for all Canadians.

If you agree that Prime Minister Trudeau is wrong to unilaterally impose this job-killing, cash-grabbing tax, please sign this petition and please take the time to share and promote this petition.

 Canada Summer Jobs – Employers

The 2017 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) application period for employers is from December 7, 2016 to January 20, 2017.

Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative. It provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees to create summer jobs for students between the ages of 15 and 30.

The application form as well as the applicant guide are currently available at www.canada.ca/canada-summer-jobs. You can submit your application online, by mail or in person at any Service Canada Centre.

We encourage you to submit your 2017 application online. By doing so, you will benefit from a fast, easy-to-use, and secure way of applying as you will:

  • have access to the Canada Summer Jobs application 24/7, from any location, allowing you to complete it at your convenience;
  • ensure your application is received immediately by Service Canada;
  • receive an instant acknowledgement confirming that your application has been received; and,
  • avoid postal delays.

There are two systems available to enable you to apply online:

  1. Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS): If you already have a GCOS account, please use this online platform to submit an online application; or
  2. CSJ online application form.

 Are You Ready for Canada’s 150th Birthday?!

What are you doing for Canada 150 in your classroom or in your group?

Experiences Canada 150&Me is a federally-funded Signature Canada 150 Initiative offering an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young Canadians to join in a national conversation about the future they want for their country.

Canada 150&Me starts by inviting youth ages 14-19 to answer the simple question, “What is the greatest challenge or opportunity facing Canada for your generation?”   They can reply online using whatever creative media they choose – video, music, written word, or visual art.  It’s an ideal way to integrate Canada’s 150th celebrations into any classroom.   Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2017.

If you are between the ages of 14 – 19, you could be selected as one of the first group of 150 youth offered the chance to travel and experience a week of amazing cultural and educational activities, joined by like-minded youth from across Canada, at one of four Regional Experiences Canada150& Me Forums in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Montreal or Halifax.  Each regional event will be themed on one of the broader topics the youth themselves have identified as the most important with the intention of inspiring them to convert a passionate interest into a life-long commitment to community engagement.

The second leadership group of 150 youth will be chosen to travel to Ottawa, to represent their community, share their ideas with government and business leaders, and throughout the rest of the week, take on key volunteer roles in the Canada 150 celebrations.  This will be a Canada Day to remember!

For more information on this exciting program, go to http://www.experiencescanada.ca/150.

Compassion Project – A Better World Canada

The head offices of A Better World Canada are located in Lacombe, Alberta, but for more than 25 Years, Eric Rajah and his volunteers have been making a difference around the world.  In recognition of Canada’s 150th Birthday, Eric and a Better World have launched the Community Compassion Project which encourages people to show compassion and make a different right here at home.    A Better World Canada offers a variety of ways people can show they care and encourages all participants to submit their acts of kindness through their website, emailing [email protected], or by phoning 403-782-0325.  If you use social media, you can follow along with the hashtag #compassion12.

Family Literacy Day – a Nationwide Reading Contest

Family Literacy Day is on January 27, 2017.  Families are encouraged to report reading for 15 minutes as part of Family Literacy Day.  Last year several communities participated in a contest to see which communities read the most on a per-capita basis.  Last year the community of Donalda won the competition, but from what I understand the riding of Red Deer – Lacombe has several communities participating in this event.  For more information on Family Literacy Day, visit the website by clicking here and if you are wondering if your community is participating the in the Read for 15 Challenge, contact your local library.

Calkins 2

Forum for Young Canadians

Would you like to contribute to the future of your community and your country? Are you interested in decision-making and politics? Forum for Young Canadians offers a fun and exciting opportunity to meet other engaged students. Take part in an incredible week behind the scenes of the world of federal politics on Parliament Hill. For nine months, Forum will support you in your effort to make a difference. You will learn to communicate, collaborate and transform your ideas into meaningful community action. Find below some of the exciting activities that take place during the sessions. On top of all these meetings and discussions, you’ll also have the opportunity to get to know your fellow participants through social events.  If this sounds like something for you, click here for more information and to apply. 

Action for Happiness

Action for Happiness, Blackfalds, encourages members to create more happiness in their community while promoting sharing, helping out others and getting to know others friends and neighbours in the community.  Members are Blackfalds’ children ages 2 and up.  For more information on the Action of Happiness program, check them out on Facebook!

Crimewatch Meeting – Lacombe

  • Ponoka Secondary Campus Remembrance Day – Ponoka
  • Remembrance Day Service – Ponoka
  • Remembrance Day Cenotaph Service – Sylvan Lake
  • AgriTrade Meet n Greet – Red Deer
  • Alberta Jobs Taskforce Roundtable
  • Town of Bentley Santa Claus Breakfast
  • Village of Alix Parade of Lights
  • Town of Blackfalds Christmas Party
  • Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce Jingle Mingle
  • Red Deer – Lacombe Constituency Christmas Open House
  • Hope Mission Christmas Open House

Constituency Job Connection

If you are an employer looking to hire, let us know!  I will publish 3 positions for jobs in the constituency – Calkins…Currently will be published on the 15th of every month.  Submit your employment opportunities by clicking here.

Red Deer  –  Trail Appliances in Red Deer is looking for a Journeyman Lineman.  If you are interested in more details on this position, click here.      

Lacombe –  Boston Pizza in Lacombe is looking for a cook.  Click here for more details.   

Eckville – The Eckville Family Restaurant is looking for a manager.  If you have experience and want more details on this position, click here.

We would appreciate it if you tell others about receiving Calkins…Currently.  We have added a link on www.blainecalkinsmp.ca so that others can join the mailing list.  Thank you!

 

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Community

100+ Women Who Care Red Deer celebrates 10th season in 2025 with new leadership

Published on November 27, 2024

By

L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer

After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.

Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.

Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:

“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!”

Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.

In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:

“We are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.

To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organization’s next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.

For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca

About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer

100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.

The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the members’ donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.

Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.

Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.

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Community

Festival of Trees tickets on sale! Update from the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation

Published on October 28, 2024

By

Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
If you want to taste all the flavors at Festival of Wines & Spirits, experience the enchantment of Mistletoe Magic, or treat your family to a morning of fun at Festival Pajama Breakfast, it’s time to buy your tickets!

Learn all about Festival of Trees and purchase your tickets at reddeerfestivaloftrees.ca!

Red Deer Regional Health Foundation Announces Cath Lab Opening 5 Years Ahead of Schedule
The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, in collaboration with AHS, is proud to announce the fast-tracked opening of a Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. With a permanent facility scheduled for completion in five years, this critical fixture will allow for care on an accelerated timeline, offering life-saving cardiac care to the residents of Central Alberta.

Manon Therriault, CEO of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, emphasized the significance of this development. “In cardiac care, time isn’t just money—it’s muscle. The earlier patients receive treatment, the better their chances of recovery. This Cath Lab, coming approximately five years earlier than expected, could save up to 160 lives.”

The Cath Lab, which will be housed in a retrofitted space within the current hospital, will allow local cardiac patients to receive urgent care in Red Deer instead of requiring transfers to hospitals in Calgary or Edmonton. In the future, the lab will be transformed into a cutting-edge Vascular and Neurology Lab, going above and beyond the broader Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre Redevelopment Project, which represents a $1.8 billion investment—the largest hospital expansion in Alberta’s history. The ability to support projects of this importance would not be possible without our donors.

The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation is providing financial support for the essential architectural, mechanical, and electrical upgrades. “This Cath Lab represents an immediate leap forward in improving local healthcare. We’re not waiting to make a difference in the lives of Central Albertans,” said Therriault.

“Through this Memorandum of Understanding with our Foundation partners, we’re underscoring our commitment to enhancing the cardiac care available at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre,” says Karen Foudy, AHS Senior Operating Officer for Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. “By establishing an interim catheterization laboratory, we will be able to provide a new service to patient’s years ahead of the completion of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre Redevelopment Project which will help reduce the need for cardiac patients to travel to other facilities.

This will also support our efforts to recruit and retain the talented healthcare professionals needed to provide care every day to our patients.”

Women Leading Philanthropy Event Supports Mothers Through the EMBRACE Program
On October 9th, Women Leading Philanthropy (WLP) hosted an invigorating gathering of 60

attendees, all coming together for a meaningful evening in support of the EMBRACE program.

The event highlighted WLP’s dedication to empowering women and making a difference in the

lives of those who need it most.

The EMBRACE program is a vital initiative aimed at supporting women with a history of

substance use during pregnancy. EMBRACE stands for Empowering Mothers and Families,

Mentorship, Building Healthy Relationships, Respect, Actively Listening and Learning,

Collaboration, and Engagement. At the heart of the program is a collaborative care approach,

ensuring that mothers receive comprehensive support throughout pregnancy and into the

postpartum period. The ultimate goal is to empower these mothers to be the primary caregivers

for their babies, equipping them with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.

During the evening, a guest speaker moved the audience with personal stories of her own

journey and that of another mother’s experience with EMBRACE. She shared how the program

had been a source of strength and guidance during some of the most difficult moments in their

lives, underscoring the powerful impact of community support.

As part of the fundraising efforts, EMBRACE totes—special bags given to mothers during their

stay in the hospital—were auctioned off. Each tote is filled with approximately $100 worth of

essential items for both mother and baby, including personal hygiene and comfort items, snacks,

things to pass the time in the hospital, and baby necessities like sleepers, sleep sacks, and

soothers.

Looking ahead, WLP is excited to grow its membership and continue selecting impactful causes

to support. The energy and passion shared at events like this are a testament to the power of

collective philanthropy.

Reflecting on the event, WLP member Sara Gerrard shared, “Being part of a group that

empowers women through philanthropy is incredibly rewarding. Events like ‘Connect for a

Cause’ in support of the EMBRACE program not only showcase the collective impact we can

have but also inspire us to strive for even greater change. Together, we’re making a difference,

one initiative at a time.”

With such a strong start, WLP is eager to see what the future holds as they continue to engage

in meaningful causes and strengthen their impact on the community.

VIEW OUR IMPACT REPORT

Red Deer Regional Health Foundation raises and disburses funds for programs, services, and the purchase of medical equipment for the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and other health centres in Central Alberta.

Click here to view a list of some of the equipment recently funded by our generous donors.
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