Editorials

With the recent market volatility in the last year some investors are wondering if it may best to sit out of the markets and wait for things to change. As a long-term professional in the investment industry, I can share that trying to time the markets is nearly impossible and often more damaging in the long term.

Red Deer – it is my pleasure to connect with you once again this month, thanks to the Red Deer Advocate for the opportunity!

The City of Red Deer just can’t catch a break. Or maybe they’re trying so hard that nothing seems to break their way.

Citizenship ceremonies are emotional and personal experiences, especially for those of us New Canadians who had the privilege of participating in one. Now the Department of Citizenship and Immigration has given notice that they were contemplating an end in-person citizenship ceremonies in favour of a “secure online solution.” In-person ceremonies could still be arranged upon request, but subject to a delay.

Every day that we wake up, we are a day older - all of us. Some of us have lived more days than others, but our lives are just as important. As seniors, we want access to services that allow us to live safely with dignity and comfort regardless of where we live in the province or our personal income.

The 2022 holiday season saw the launch of Canada’s phased nationwide single-use plastic ban. This is an excellent move, and a necessary one. Many Alberta businesses have been successfully making changes to their means of operation as part of the federal government’s plan to achieve zero waste plastic pollution by 2030. But we need to do more. If our goal is to be a plastic-free society by 2030, what more can we do to achieve this?

A dire shortage of nurses is being felt nationwide. The crisis in Alberta began years ago but has been made worse by the global pandemic and our governments’ responses to it. While it feels like no one has been listening, front-line nurses want Albertans to know we have been offering solutions and are eager to collaborate with all levels of government to fix this crisis.

Alberta is a land of opportunity and hope, welcoming families and individuals throughout Canada and the world, who desire to work, contribute, and excel, to seek happiness as they individually see fit.

Eighteen months ago, Red Deer College was formally re-designated Red Deer Polytechnic. Central Alberta’s largest post-secondary institution embarked on a journey to fundamentally shift its purpose and elevate its economic and social impact to benefit the province. Our new designation brought with it a new name, a new brand and even a new logo for our athletic teams. However, the evolution to becoming a polytechnic was not merely a marketing exercise or a cosmetic upgrade.

As Alberta looks to attract new workers from within and outside of Canada, as well as prevent Albertans from leaving altogether, it is important that we demonstrate our province’s economic diversity. While we are certainly known for our opportunities in oil and gas, there are also many other booming industries here that people may not simply know about.