Alberta
Red Deer Polytechnic homecoming featuring athletic, social, and academic events
As a way to connect with alumni, prospective and current students, employees and community members, Red Deer Polytechnic will host its inaugural Homecoming from October 20-22, 2022, on its main campus.
“The past few years have been challenging to fully engage with our stakeholders because of COVID-19, so we are extremely excited to open our doors for Homecoming,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “The range of events appeal to a diverse audience and it’s a great opportunity for the Polytechnic to showcase what we have to offer. With growing program offerings taught by industry experts in modern facilities, we are a premier polytechnic institution that serves not only in the region, but the entire province.”
Red Deer Polytechnic is intricately interconnected with the community in numerous ways. Students, staff and faculty make an important impact on the community through applied learning and research activities, community service and volunteerism, and as professionals.
At the same time, community members and alumni also contribute to learning experiences and the institution’s growth in many ways. This includes advocacy for post-secondary education, along with volunteering and enhancing the students’ education by providing experiential learning opportunities and support. Together, members of the Red Deer Polytechnic community contribute to the continued economic, intellectual, social and cultural development of central Alberta and province.
The network of Red Deer Polytechnic alumni continues to grow in numbers and impact.
“At Red Deer Polytechnic, we are extremely proud of our 58-year history, including the 80,000 alumni who are leaders in their professions and communities,” says Richard Longtin, Vice President, External Relations. “The valuable connections with alumni and community members enrich the Polytechnic, region and Alberta. Homecoming is an ideal opportunity for alumni to reconnect with one another, to meet current students and faculty, to interact with community members and to see how the institution has evolved as Red Deer Polytechnic.”
A variety of academic, athletic, cultural and social events will be held at the Polytechnic over the three days.
One of the Homecoming events is Palate: A Taste of Local, formerly known as Fine Wine and Food Tasting Festival. This elegant tasting event provides opportunities for guests to explore local, hand-crafted food and beverages. The new name reflects the increased diversity of items offered and the event’s mission to celebrate regional businesses and ingredients.
Open House provides an opportunity for prospective students to explore Red Deer Polytechnic’s programs and services, to tour main campus, to participate in interactive activities, and to apply for one of the institution’s more than 80 programs. Community members are also invited to explore main campus and learn more about the Polytechnic’s offerings. At Open House, application fees to study in 2023 will be waived.
Here is a summary of the Homecoming events:
Thursday, October 20
- Palate: A Taste of Local | Cenovus Learning Commons | 7 pm
- Philosopher’s Café | Library Information Commons | 7 pm
- Queens and Kings Basketball Home Opener | Fas Gas – On The Run Gymnasium | 6 and 8 pm
Friday, October 21
- Free 30 Minute Fitness Sessions | Collicutt Performance Fitness Zone | Cycle 6 pm | Fitness Step 6:45 pm
- Library 20th Anniversary Celebration | Library Information Commons | 7 pm
- Kings Hockey | Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre Arena | 7 pm
Saturday, October 22
- Open House | Main Campus | 9 am – 12 pm
- Queens and Kings Soccer | Red Deer Polytechnic Main Field | 12 and 2 pm | tickets are not required
More information about Red Deer Polytechnic’s Homecoming is available online.
Featured Events
Palate: A Taste of Local
Cenovus Energy Learning Common
Thursday, October 20 | 7 – 10 pm
The Red Deer Polytechnic Alumni Association is proud to introduce a new, elevated rendition of our annual signature event – Palate: A Taste of Local.
Philosopher’s Café
Library Information Common
Thursday, October 20 | 7 pm
Hosts: Dr. Stephen Brown & Dr. Carrie Dennett
No philosophical training or expertise required.
Free 30 Minute Fitness Sessions
Collicutt Performance Fitness Zone
Friday, October 21 – Cycle at 6 pm | Fitness Step at 6:45 pm
Saturday, October 22 – Fitness Step at 2 pm | Cycle at 2:45 pm
Queens and Kings Basketball Home Opener
vs St. Mary’s University Lightning
Fas Gas On The Run Gymnasium
Friday, October 21
Queens at 6 pm | Kings at 8 pm
Library 20th Anniversary Author Reading
Library Information Common
Friday, October 21 | 7 pm
Featuring Jenna Butler, Joan Crate, Leslie Greentree, and Rod Schumacher.
NOTE: The Library will be open exclusively for this event. No other access or services will be available during this event.
Kings Hockey vs SAIT Trojans
Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre Arena
Friday, October 21 | 7 pm
Open House
Main Campus
Saturday, October 22 | 9 am – Noon
Join us for program and service information, interactive activities, and tours of our main campus and the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.
Apply in person to Winter 2023, Spring 2023 or Fall 2023 programs at Open House and we will waive the application fee!
Queens & Kings Soccer vs Olds College Broncos
Red Deer Polytechnic Main Field
Saturday, October 22 | Queens at 12 pm | Kings at 2 pm
Admission to all Queens & Kings soccer games is free.
From the Fraser Institute
By Tegan Hill
According to the recent mid-year update tabled Thursday, the Smith government projects a $4.6 billion surplus in 2024/25, up from the $2.9 billion surplus projected just a few months ago. Despite the good news, Premier Smith must reduce spending to avoid budget deficits.
The fiscal update projects resource revenue of $20.3 billion in 2024/25. Today’s relatively high—but very volatile—resource revenue (including oil and gas royalties) is helping finance today’s spending and maintain a balanced budget. But it will not last forever.
For perspective, in just the last decade the Alberta government’s annual resource revenue has been as low as $2.8 billion (2015/16) and as high as $25.2 billion (2022/23).
And while the resource revenue rollercoaster is currently in Alberta’s favor, Finance Minister Nate Horner acknowledges that “risks are on the rise” as oil prices have dropped considerably and forecasters are projecting downward pressure on prices—all of which impacts resource revenue.
In fact, the government’s own estimates show a $1 change in oil prices results in an estimated $630 million revenue swing. So while the Smith government plans to maintain a surplus in 2024/25, a small change in oil prices could quickly plunge Alberta back into deficit. Premier Smith has warned that her government may fall into a budget deficit this fiscal year.
This should come as no surprise. Alberta’s been on the resource revenue rollercoaster for decades. Successive governments have increased spending during the good times of high resource revenue, but failed to rein in spending when resource revenues fell.
Previous research has shown that, in Alberta, a $1 increase in resource revenue is associated with an estimated 56-cent increase in program spending the following fiscal year (on a per-person, inflation-adjusted basis). However, a decline in resource revenue is not similarly associated with a reduction in program spending. This pattern has led to historically high levels of government spending—and budget deficits—even in more recent years.
Consider this: If this fiscal year the Smith government received an average level of resource revenue (based on levels over the last 10 years), it would receive approximately $13,000 per Albertan. Yet the government plans to spend nearly $15,000 per Albertan this fiscal year (after adjusting for inflation). That’s a huge gap of roughly $2,000—and it means the government is continuing to take big risks with the provincial budget.
Of course, if the government falls back into deficit there are implications for everyday Albertans.
When the government runs a deficit, it accumulates debt, which Albertans must pay to service. In 2024/25, the government’s debt interest payments will cost each Albertan nearly $650. That’s largely because, despite running surpluses over the last few years, Albertans are still paying for debt accumulated during the most recent string of deficits from 2008/09 to 2020/21 (excluding 2014/15), which only ended when the government enjoyed an unexpected windfall in resource revenue in 2021/22.
According to Thursday’s mid-year fiscal update, Alberta’s finances continue to be at risk. To avoid deficits, the Smith government should meaningfully reduce spending so that it’s aligned with more reliable, stable levels of revenue.
Author:
Better, faster, more affordable auto insurance
Alberta’s government is introducing a new auto insurance system that will provide better and faster services to Albertans while reducing auto insurance premiums.
After hearing from more than 16,000 Albertans through an online survey about their priorities for auto insurance policies, Alberta’s government is introducing a new privately delivered, care-focused auto insurance system.
Right now, insurance in the province is not affordable or care focused. Despite high premiums, Albertans injured in collisions do not get the timely medical care and income support they need in a system that is complex to navigate. When fully implemented, Alberta’s new auto insurance system will deliver better and faster care for those involved in collisions, and Albertans will see cost savings up to $400 per year.
“Albertans have been clear they need an auto insurance system that provides better, faster care and is more affordable. When it’s implemented, our new privately delivered, care-centred insurance system will put the focus on Albertans’ recovery, providing more effective support and will deliver lower rates.”
“High auto insurance rates put strain on Albertans. By shifting to a system that offers improved benefits and support, we are providing better and faster care to Albertans, with lower costs.”
Albertans who suffer injuries due to a collision currently wait months for a simple claim to be resolved and can wait years for claims related to more serious and life-changing injuries to addressed. Additionally, the medical and financial benefits they receive often expire before they’re fully recovered.
Under the new system, Albertans who suffer catastrophic injuries will receive treatment and care for the rest of their lives. Those who sustain serious injuries will receive treatment until they are fully recovered. These changes mirror and build upon the Saskatchewan insurance model, where at-fault drivers can be sued for pain and suffering damages if they are convicted of a criminal offence, such as impaired driving or dangerous driving, or conviction of certain offenses under the Traffic Safety Act.
Work on this new auto insurance system will require legislation in the spring of 2025. In order to reconfigure auto insurance policies for 3.4 million Albertans, auto insurance companies need time to create and implement the new system. Alberta’s government expects the new system to be fully implemented by January 2027.
In the interim, starting in January 2025, the good driver rate cap will be adjusted to a 7.5% increase due to high legal costs, increasing vehicle damage repair costs and natural disaster costs. This protects good drivers from significant rate increases while ensuring that auto insurance providers remain financially viable in Alberta.
Albertans have been clear that they still want premiums to be based on risk. Bad drivers will continue to pay higher premiums than good drivers.
By providing significantly enhanced medical, rehabilitation and income support benefits, this system supports Albertans injured in collisions while reducing the impact of litigation costs on the amount that Albertans pay for their insurance.
“Keeping more money in Albertans’ pockets is one of the best ways to address the rising cost of living. This shift to a care-first automobile insurance system will do just that by helping lower premiums for people across the province.”
Quick facts
- Alberta’s government commissioned two auto insurance reports, which showed that legal fees and litigation costs tied to the province’s current system significantly increase premiums.
- A 2023 report by MNP shows
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