Editorials

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.

Over two years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic caused a drastic restructuring of the Canadian labour force. Businesses across sectors continue to contend with labour shortages as well as widening skills gaps.

There is a lot of fear-mongering on the Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act.

Images of busy airports seemed to dominate the news throughout the summer months. So, while many Canadians are already making holiday travel plans, the idea of returning to airports seems both exciting as well as anxiety-inducing.

With summer holidays in the rearview mirror and school well underway, it’s time again to focus in on education, healthy communities and schools.

As we read about African Swine Fever on the rise in other countries, such as those in mainland Europe and the Caribbean, we can’t help but remember the devastating impact that mad cow disease had on the Canadian beef industry and Alberta’s economy. It also seems that the industry is still recovering from this damaging event these many years later.

Last month, the federal minister responsible for the RCMP wrote to me to request that Alberta provide resources starting this fall to begin confiscating an estimated 30,000 legally acquired firearms from Albertans. We have rejected their request and will not offer any resources.

While I love the magic of the holidays and the invigorating energy that comes with the first grasp of spring, there is one season that I love most of all: Autumn.

Two months ago John Bolton wrote an article in ‘The Hill’, the leading politics website in Washington, warning against a Russian ‘October Surprise’. He suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might suddenly cease military operations and declare a ceasefire – which would utterly snooker the Ukrainians.