Opinion

The NDP government has publicly estimated that the carbon tax, which kicked in Jan 1, will squeeze the province's economy by 0.4 per cent of GDP. In other words, Albertans will pay for the tax in jobs, income and well-being.

In the evening of Dec. 6, an RCMP officer knocked on the residence of a 91-year-old town resident, informing him in the presence of his wife that he could be arrested for criminal harassment.

Have you heard? According to numerous sources reporting on an analytical study of satellite imagery, Earth is actually greener than it has been in about 30 years! That of course sounds like solid evidence upon which climate skeptics can form argument

So the price of gas at the pumps has jumped up and many people are already clamouring about the new carbon tax.

Season's greetings! I hope you all had a great Christmas, and were able to enjoy it with those dearest to you. It's been another busy year in town, and it ends with yet another budget being passed.

Campaigns urging people to get the flu shot, not the flu, have been underway for months. I regularly get the flu shot and I vaccinate my children, too. I know the vaccine doesn't fully protect me or my family from the flu.

2016 was a tremendous year for partnerships in Red Deer County. We have worked closely with farmers and businesses, and our urban neighbours, on major infrastructure projects, community enhancements, and protective services.

With 2016 drawing to a close it is a fitting time to look back at some of the highlights from the past year. We have seen a very stark contrast in how the new Liberal government will operate as opposed to the way the Conservatives did.

2016 has been a difficult year for many, and it doesn't take much to snuff out the joy of this season. In this time of giving, we find ourselves instead tightening our belts apprehensively waiting for the carbon tax to come into play.