Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Nationalize and Decentralize Banks, Democracy Now Newscast
Banks enticed people into unaffordable debt and then closed the door
Bill 19, It Won't Go Away
Why is the Minister of Infrastructure Lying to Alberta Landowners?
From: Edwin Erickson (edwin@ericksonforest.ca)
Sent: April 15, 2009 8:34:22 AM
To: edwin@ericksonforest.ca
Why Is the Minister of Infrastructure Lying to Alberta Landowners?
On March 2, Alberta Infrastructure Minister, Jack Hayden, introduced Bill 19, the Land Assembly Project Area Act, to the Legislature. The Bill follows the infamous Bill 46 as the next step in removing property and democratic rights from Alberta’s citizens and landowners.
At a number of public meetings sponsored by private citizens and community groups across the province (in which only ONE among almost 900 people polled in favour of the Bill), Minister Hayden and many of his associate PC MLA’s have been spreading blatant misinformation about the contents of the Bill. On April1, the Minister was a guest on the province-wide Rutherford show on Radio QR77 in Calgary.
Here is a segment of the transcript from that program:
Jack Hayden: No! Power lines are not included in this, and this is one of the big confusing factors that are out there. This is for public infrastructure: transportation and utility corridors. There is legislation in place and a process for transmission of power to be put in place, and that’s all private. This has nothing to do with that.
Dave Rutherford: Does this affect pipelines, private company pipelines, etc?
J H: No, it doesn’t.
D R: Gas wells?
J H: No.
D H: Nuclear reactors?
J H: No, not at all.
One would think that the Minister who sponsored the Bill, and who is mandated to act in the best interests of Albertans, would know and understand the Bill’s contents. However, that does not seem to be the case. Here is the exact wording as stated in Bill 19:
Section 2(2): For the purpose of this Act and the regulations, a project is a public project if the project is any, or a combination of any, of the following:
a) a project related to the transportation of people or goods;
b) a project to confine to a corridor of land pipelines, pipes or other conduits, poles, towers, wires, cables, conductors or other devices, including any ancillary structures.
The discrepancies can hardly be more clear, and this is only one example of the huge amount of misinformation coming out of the mouths of Minister Hayden and his entourage of MLA’s.
The question begs an answer: Why is the Minister of Infrastructure Lying to Alberta Landowners? What is really going on here?
Edwin Erickson,
Buck Lake, AB
From: Edwin Erickson (edwin@ericksonforest.ca)
Sent: April 15, 2009 8:34:22 AM
To: edwin@ericksonforest.ca
Why Is the Minister of Infrastructure Lying to Alberta Landowners?
On March 2, Alberta Infrastructure Minister, Jack Hayden, introduced Bill 19, the Land Assembly Project Area Act, to the Legislature. The Bill follows the infamous Bill 46 as the next step in removing property and democratic rights from Alberta’s citizens and landowners.
At a number of public meetings sponsored by private citizens and community groups across the province (in which only ONE among almost 900 people polled in favour of the Bill), Minister Hayden and many of his associate PC MLA’s have been spreading blatant misinformation about the contents of the Bill. On April1, the Minister was a guest on the province-wide Rutherford show on Radio QR77 in Calgary.
Here is a segment of the transcript from that program:
Jack Hayden: No! Power lines are not included in this, and this is one of the big confusing factors that are out there. This is for public infrastructure: transportation and utility corridors. There is legislation in place and a process for transmission of power to be put in place, and that’s all private. This has nothing to do with that.
Dave Rutherford: Does this affect pipelines, private company pipelines, etc?
J H: No, it doesn’t.
D R: Gas wells?
J H: No.
D H: Nuclear reactors?
J H: No, not at all.
One would think that the Minister who sponsored the Bill, and who is mandated to act in the best interests of Albertans, would know and understand the Bill’s contents. However, that does not seem to be the case. Here is the exact wording as stated in Bill 19:
Section 2(2): For the purpose of this Act and the regulations, a project is a public project if the project is any, or a combination of any, of the following:
a) a project related to the transportation of people or goods;
b) a project to confine to a corridor of land pipelines, pipes or other conduits, poles, towers, wires, cables, conductors or other devices, including any ancillary structures.
The discrepancies can hardly be more clear, and this is only one example of the huge amount of misinformation coming out of the mouths of Minister Hayden and his entourage of MLA’s.
The question begs an answer: Why is the Minister of Infrastructure Lying to Alberta Landowners? What is really going on here?
Edwin Erickson,
Buck Lake, AB
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Democracy Now Newscast - The Other Side Of The Story
Amy Goodman interviews people that the mainstream media would never talk too.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Caroline's Rhythm and Rhyme Fest Draws Big Crowd
One colorful character at Caroline's Rhythm and Rhyme Fest
More than 300 people came to enjoy the 2009 Rhythm and Rhyme Fest at the Caroline Complex on Sunday, April 5. It was an all day event organized by Caroline Musical Productions and involved performers and spectators from far and wide. Music and poetry reflecting our western heritage was in the front seat, reinforced by a Metis trapping display. A long lineup of artists, well known across the west country was there, along with young local talent. A most enjoyable event all around.
Keeping The Wheels Turning
ALLEN CHRISTIE WAS THERE looking after the sound system, as well as singing, at the Rhythm and Rhyme.
Greetings All!
IN CAROLINE, ALL THE WAY FROM BC Hugh McLennan and his band entertained at the Rhythm and Rhyme Festival
Fur Display
METIS FUR DISPLAY AT THE RHYTM AND RHYME Lois Galbraith and Marcien LeBlanc hosted a display of humane trapping
Springtime In Alberta
STRANGE SPRING These artistic icicles, hanging down from a roof at Crammond, attest to the freezing and thawing that has happened this "spring".
Pen Meets Paper April 13'09
Pen Meets Paper
Opinion by Helge Nome
The troubling thing about Bill 19 is the manifest intent of that proposed legislation to take powers that used to belong to the courts and put them into the hands of elected officials, such as “the minister”and give him or her the ability to dictate what you or I should, or should not, do. This was made patently clear by Joe Anglin at the April 8 public meeting in Leslieville. And on the same night some 250 people reportedly showed up at a similar meeting in Innisfail to express their concerns over the proposed legislation.
There is a pattern here; I remember a federal bill that was tabled before the last federal election which dealt with food “safety”, including herbal food supplements, where government officials again were given dictatorial powers to search premises, etc.
We should do well to remember that bureaucrats, not politicians, generally write new bills. And where do the initiatives for these bills come from? I would suggest from vested interest groups with connections into the political party of the day and the bureaucracy. That it why we need to be on guard against initiatives that rob us of our rights and freedoms. We have to exert constant pressure against such attempts and hold our elected politicians fully responsible for their choices.
Alberta has a sick political system where arrogance is rampant and where there is a total dependence upon oil and gas revenues, and regrettably, revenues from casino and VLT gambling for non profit groups. People from these groups spend nights in casinos to create a sense of legitimacy to the gambling that causes so much hardship for gullible people and their families. I think our forefathers would turn in their graves if they realized what is going on today. We are on a slippery slope to a place that is not very nice. The spirit of independence that formed the foundation of The West is wrapped up in a blanket of apathy. It needs to wake up.
Opinion by Helge Nome
The troubling thing about Bill 19 is the manifest intent of that proposed legislation to take powers that used to belong to the courts and put them into the hands of elected officials, such as “the minister”and give him or her the ability to dictate what you or I should, or should not, do. This was made patently clear by Joe Anglin at the April 8 public meeting in Leslieville. And on the same night some 250 people reportedly showed up at a similar meeting in Innisfail to express their concerns over the proposed legislation.
There is a pattern here; I remember a federal bill that was tabled before the last federal election which dealt with food “safety”, including herbal food supplements, where government officials again were given dictatorial powers to search premises, etc.
We should do well to remember that bureaucrats, not politicians, generally write new bills. And where do the initiatives for these bills come from? I would suggest from vested interest groups with connections into the political party of the day and the bureaucracy. That it why we need to be on guard against initiatives that rob us of our rights and freedoms. We have to exert constant pressure against such attempts and hold our elected politicians fully responsible for their choices.
Alberta has a sick political system where arrogance is rampant and where there is a total dependence upon oil and gas revenues, and regrettably, revenues from casino and VLT gambling for non profit groups. People from these groups spend nights in casinos to create a sense of legitimacy to the gambling that causes so much hardship for gullible people and their families. I think our forefathers would turn in their graves if they realized what is going on today. We are on a slippery slope to a place that is not very nice. The spirit of independence that formed the foundation of The West is wrapped up in a blanket of apathy. It needs to wake up.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Bill 19 Controversy
The infamous Bill 19, presented to the Alberta Legislature for first reading by Infrastructure Minister Jack Hayden some time ago, is now being raked over the coals by community groups spearheaded by activists Joe Anglin and Edwin Erickson. The bill seeks to give the same minister unprecedented powers over Alberta landowners in order to pave the way for unspecified developments.
As demonstrated by Joe Anglin in the Leslieville Elks' Hall on April 8, to about 40 people, the bill seeks to replace previous legislation and transfer the power of the courts into the hands of a public figure with no qualifications to deal with such matters. This bill should be a red flag for Albertans because it shows that special interest groups have infiltrated the Government of Alberta.
As demonstrated by Joe Anglin in the Leslieville Elks' Hall on April 8, to about 40 people, the bill seeks to replace previous legislation and transfer the power of the courts into the hands of a public figure with no qualifications to deal with such matters. This bill should be a red flag for Albertans because it shows that special interest groups have infiltrated the Government of Alberta.
Slideshow Snapshots of Joe Anglin's Presentation
Joe Anglin presented his case against Bill 19 at the Leslieville Elks Hall on April 8.
Rocky Rural Electrification Association Had A Good Year In 2008
Rocky REA Board For 2009 Front: Kyle Greenwood, Pat Alexander (Vice Chair), Earl Graham (Chair), Jerry Reglin (Manager). Back: Dwight Oliver, Norman Rose, Ed Grumbach, Albert Stolte, Dave Simmelink, Merv Rockel
The Annual General Meeting of the Rocky Rural Electrification Association held in the Leslieville Community Hall on April 9 was attended by 91 people than enjoyed a catered meal before the meeting opened. Chairman Earl Graham and Manager Jerry Reglin on developments and activities over the course of 2008 as outlined below. The REA Financial Statements for 2008 were presented by a representative from Hawkins Epp Dumont LLP of Stony Plain, Alberta who noted that the association was in good financial shape with assets around $16 million. The association has a total of 3,285 member services and owns the wires and poles providing electricity to rural residents in the Clearwater County area. It is a non profit association which buys energy on the open market and looks after the maintenance and operation of its power distribution system. The cost to consumers is lower than those charged by commercial organizations to their customers. Association members elect the board and are the owners of the association's assets.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Rocky Rural Electrification Association, Chairman's Report,
Earl Graham is the Chairman of the Rocky Rural Electrification Association and also a Clearwater County Councillor.
The Rural Electrification Association owns and manages electric power poles and wires supplying electricity to farm steads and other rural customers who are the legal owners of the association. It is a non profit organization providing electricity at cost.
Chairman’s Report – 2008 Operations
The Rocky REA enjoyed another successful year in 2008. The administration and staff of your REA continue to do an excellent job of maintaining the existing distribution system while at the same time constructing additional lines to our new members. These functions have been performed on a cost effective basis while compiling an excellent safety record for members and employees.
The Rocky REA now has a member services total of 3,285, an increase of approximately 60 member services in 2008. This steady growth in membership continues to build on the solid foundation that has made your REA the healthy organization that it is today.
As you know, the members can purchase electricity from the Rocky REA in one of two ways:
1. Two year stable rate contracts
2. Government regulated rate option known as the RRO
Rocky REA members continue to sign stable rate contracts at a very competitive price. The current stable rate contract offered at 7.3 cents per kwh ends on December 31, 2010. There are certain members that will see their stable rate contracts end on December 31, 2009. These members may elect to enter into a new contract at that time.
Our energy division, Rocky Rural Power, has entered into very inexpensive forward hedge purchase contracts, providing energy for approximately 80% of our load for the next five years. It is these long term low purchase prices that enable Rocky Rural Power to offer our members such competitive stable rate contracts.
The influence of the market price of electricity continues to impact on the Government Regulated Rate Option (RRO). Market prices prior to July 1, 2008 accounted for 40% of the RRO rate. This was subsequently increased to 60% by the Alberta Government in compliance with the RRO regulations. The remaining 40% of the RRO rate formula is based on our excellent forward hedge price.
Beginning July 1st of 2009 the RRO will be based on 80% of market prices and only 20% of the forward hedge price. This will cause greater fluctuations in the RRO rate. The RRO has a somewhat complicated pricing structure, which uses the forward price of natural gas in the calculation of the RRO rate. The RRO regulation specifies that each month’s RRO rate be established forty-five days in advance. The RRO rate has been, on average 1.5 to 3 cents per kilowatt hour higher than our retail stable rate resulting in large savings for those members who have entered into a stable rate contract.
The technology of automatic meter reading continues to develop at a torrid pace. Automatic meter reading (AMR) or advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) will ensure accuracy and load settlement efficiencies. AMR/AMI would also eliminate the need for members to record and send in meter readings. Given the rapid development of this technology and impending government regulations, it is imperative that the Rocky REA selects an AMR/AMI system that will address the following criteria:
cost effective and efficient
meets specific needs of the Rocky REA members (eg. simple meter reading versus additional functionality such as internet, telephone and television services)
provides solutions to the specific challenges of the Rocky REA (eg. Line of sight blockages caused by forested and uneven terrain)
ultimately complies with future provincial regulation or at a minimum is easily adaptable to such regulation without excessive cash outlay
The Board and administration are examining the increasing number of AMR/AMI options that are rapidly emerging in this field with the goal of finding the one that provides the closest fit for our members.
In October, Jerry Reglin was appointed by the board to the position of General Manager. Jerry brings a strong business background to the REA. He is a Certified Management Accountant with a Bachelor of Management degree at the University of Lethbridge and an Operations Management diploma at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. In accepting this position, Jerry, wife Debbie and daughter Elise fulfilled prior plans to move to the Rocky Mountain House area, having purchased property here two years ago.
The board wishes to extend many thanks to Lyle Johnson who fulfilled the role of acting manager until the board could find a suitable candidate and Neil Godlonton who continues to provide valuable consulting services on certain special projects.
In conclusion, the Board of Directors would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the wonderful staff we now have. It has become cliché that an organization’s greatest assets are its employees. It is not a cliché at the Rocky REA. The board wishes to convey how fully they understand that the great success we continue to experience is a direct result of the skill and dedication of our staff. I would also like to recognize the contribution that the board of directors has made to the Rocky REA. The cooperation, support and experience of this group of leaders have made my first year as chairman enjoyable and productive.
The upcoming year will, without doubt, present the REA with continued challenges and opportunities. Given the track record and abilities of this team of board members and staff, we can move into the future with confidence and positive expectations.
Respectfully submitted
On behalf of the Rocky REA Board of Directors
Earl Graham, Chairman
Jerry Reglin, Rocky REA General Manager
Jerry took over the management of the not for profit Rocky Rural Electrification Association in October of 2008, He resides, with his family, in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
Rocky REA General Manager's Report, 2008
The report was delivered at the Annual General Meeting of the Rocky Rural Electrification Association meeting in Leslieville, Alberta on Thursday, April 9, 2009.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all that have joined us here this evening. Our Chairman, auditor and guest speakers are sharing a significant amount of information within their reports. To avoid duplication, I will limit this report to my first impressions of the Rocky REA, a brief summary of 2008 operations and some of the major challenges facing us in the future.
First Impressions
Being the new guy on the block, I would like to provide my initial impressions of working within a local cooperative.
What I have discovered is a tremendous set of advantages.
Firstly, the most obvious one is that REA’s operate on a cost basis. Investor owned power companies must produce a profit margin for shareholders. On the other hand, the Rocky REA provides safe and efficient service for its members at rates that recover current year operating costs and set aside funds for capital replacement and growth, without the additional burden of a profit margin. This enables us to provide you, the member/owners of the REA with very competitive rates for high quality service.
Secondly, the Rocky REA operates solely in the local area. We do not support a head office outside of the REA boundaries. Our employees live and work here. In so doing, they contribute to the support of the local community and economy. In addition, a significant portion of the REA goods and services budget is spent in the local economy.
Thirdly, the board of directors and many of the employees are REA members, which automatically gives them a vested and personal interest in the success of the organization. In contrast, large investor owned power companies spend much time and resources attempting to create a sense of ownership in their employees in order to enhance performance. REA’s do not have to create a sense of ownership; the people that serve this organization in most cases are member/owners.
Fourthly, the greater network of REA’s in Alberta is also cooperative in nature. The Rocky REA is a member of the Alberta Federation of REA’s that represents the interests of REA members throughout the province. The head of this excellent organization is our own Merv Rockel, a director of Rocky REA and a leader at the provincial level.
The final observation I will make about the REA structure concerns the cooperation between individual REA’s. Investor owned power companies will do their best to conceal information from each other in an attempt to gain the upper hand, force the competition out and ultimately “corner the market”. In the REA world, there exists a spirit of cooperation and mutual preservation. Trust is established, information is shared and multiple REA’s benefit from the sharing of cost saving measures, improvements to operational methods and even in the recruitment of personnel.
2008 Operational Summary
Much of the 2008 operational results have been addressed in Chairman Earl Graham’s report.
However, further items of note include the following:
1.reduction in the construction of new member services as the economic downturn found its way into our area
2.focus on activities such as pole replacement, pole testing, breaker box upgrades, poles in-line for non members and high load escorts
3.great progress in the development of our internal vegetation management activities as we have moved away from sub-contracting this work
4.completion of a new consolidated Compliance Plan with subsequent approval from the Market Surveillance Administrator. This plan demonstrates our compliance with provincial regulations requiring that our members have customer choice regarding retail energy options.
5.continued strong financial results; these will be presented by our Auditor this evening. Suffice it to say that we have achieved an excellent cash position at a time when the watchwords in the press include such phrases as “financial crisis”, “credit crisis” and “liquidity concerns”. As you will see, the Rocky REA has been able to handle current year operational expenses while retaining earnings that will be required for future capital replacement and growth and provide a hedge against the uncertainty surrounding future operational costs.
Future Challenges
1.Uncertainty in Electricity Market Prices
The majority of power produced in Alberta comes from coal powered generators. The impact of carbon taxes and the cost of sequestering carbon may lead to higher electricity rates in the future. Your REA will continue to keep watch over future hedge prices to ensure that long term costs are kept within reasonable limits.
2.Safeguarding the REA Distribution System
Remote as it may seem, should we experience a natural disaster such as a forest fire or extreme storm that incurs damage to the majority of our distribution system, the REA would be faced with extremely large replacement costs.
To mitigate the possibility of fire damage we carry out a systematic program of controlling the build up of vegetation in the proximity of the system.
In addition we maintain a Deposit Reserve specifically for the purpose of capital replacement and maintenance of the distribution system.
3.Succession Planning
Like nearly every industry today, the electricity industry faces the future problem of replacing many employees that were born in the baby boomer generation (1946 – 1964). The Rocky REA will not be exempt from the far reaching impact of the retirement of this generation of workers and board members as well.
Strategic planning in this area has become essential to ensure the long term viability of the organization.
In conclusion, I would like to extend my thanks to the staff and board of directors for the support I have received in this challenging position. As indicated earlier, every person in this organization takes a personal stake in the overall success of the Rocky REA and that has been particularly evident in the assistance I have received. I am very pleased to be associated with this team.
Respectfully submitted,
Jerry Reglin B.Mgt., CMA
General Manager
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all that have joined us here this evening. Our Chairman, auditor and guest speakers are sharing a significant amount of information within their reports. To avoid duplication, I will limit this report to my first impressions of the Rocky REA, a brief summary of 2008 operations and some of the major challenges facing us in the future.
First Impressions
Being the new guy on the block, I would like to provide my initial impressions of working within a local cooperative.
What I have discovered is a tremendous set of advantages.
Firstly, the most obvious one is that REA’s operate on a cost basis. Investor owned power companies must produce a profit margin for shareholders. On the other hand, the Rocky REA provides safe and efficient service for its members at rates that recover current year operating costs and set aside funds for capital replacement and growth, without the additional burden of a profit margin. This enables us to provide you, the member/owners of the REA with very competitive rates for high quality service.
Secondly, the Rocky REA operates solely in the local area. We do not support a head office outside of the REA boundaries. Our employees live and work here. In so doing, they contribute to the support of the local community and economy. In addition, a significant portion of the REA goods and services budget is spent in the local economy.
Thirdly, the board of directors and many of the employees are REA members, which automatically gives them a vested and personal interest in the success of the organization. In contrast, large investor owned power companies spend much time and resources attempting to create a sense of ownership in their employees in order to enhance performance. REA’s do not have to create a sense of ownership; the people that serve this organization in most cases are member/owners.
Fourthly, the greater network of REA’s in Alberta is also cooperative in nature. The Rocky REA is a member of the Alberta Federation of REA’s that represents the interests of REA members throughout the province. The head of this excellent organization is our own Merv Rockel, a director of Rocky REA and a leader at the provincial level.
The final observation I will make about the REA structure concerns the cooperation between individual REA’s. Investor owned power companies will do their best to conceal information from each other in an attempt to gain the upper hand, force the competition out and ultimately “corner the market”. In the REA world, there exists a spirit of cooperation and mutual preservation. Trust is established, information is shared and multiple REA’s benefit from the sharing of cost saving measures, improvements to operational methods and even in the recruitment of personnel.
2008 Operational Summary
Much of the 2008 operational results have been addressed in Chairman Earl Graham’s report.
However, further items of note include the following:
1.reduction in the construction of new member services as the economic downturn found its way into our area
2.focus on activities such as pole replacement, pole testing, breaker box upgrades, poles in-line for non members and high load escorts
3.great progress in the development of our internal vegetation management activities as we have moved away from sub-contracting this work
4.completion of a new consolidated Compliance Plan with subsequent approval from the Market Surveillance Administrator. This plan demonstrates our compliance with provincial regulations requiring that our members have customer choice regarding retail energy options.
5.continued strong financial results; these will be presented by our Auditor this evening. Suffice it to say that we have achieved an excellent cash position at a time when the watchwords in the press include such phrases as “financial crisis”, “credit crisis” and “liquidity concerns”. As you will see, the Rocky REA has been able to handle current year operational expenses while retaining earnings that will be required for future capital replacement and growth and provide a hedge against the uncertainty surrounding future operational costs.
Future Challenges
1.Uncertainty in Electricity Market Prices
The majority of power produced in Alberta comes from coal powered generators. The impact of carbon taxes and the cost of sequestering carbon may lead to higher electricity rates in the future. Your REA will continue to keep watch over future hedge prices to ensure that long term costs are kept within reasonable limits.
2.Safeguarding the REA Distribution System
Remote as it may seem, should we experience a natural disaster such as a forest fire or extreme storm that incurs damage to the majority of our distribution system, the REA would be faced with extremely large replacement costs.
To mitigate the possibility of fire damage we carry out a systematic program of controlling the build up of vegetation in the proximity of the system.
In addition we maintain a Deposit Reserve specifically for the purpose of capital replacement and maintenance of the distribution system.
3.Succession Planning
Like nearly every industry today, the electricity industry faces the future problem of replacing many employees that were born in the baby boomer generation (1946 – 1964). The Rocky REA will not be exempt from the far reaching impact of the retirement of this generation of workers and board members as well.
Strategic planning in this area has become essential to ensure the long term viability of the organization.
In conclusion, I would like to extend my thanks to the staff and board of directors for the support I have received in this challenging position. As indicated earlier, every person in this organization takes a personal stake in the overall success of the Rocky REA and that has been particularly evident in the assistance I have received. I am very pleased to be associated with this team.
Respectfully submitted,
Jerry Reglin B.Mgt., CMA
General Manager
Monday, April 6, 2009
Democracy Now Newscast
Democracy Now is a grass roots American media network.
(The flip side of Fox News)
Pen Meets Paper April 6 '09
Pen Meets Paper
Opinion by Helge Nome
At this time the subject of Bill 19 is popping up all over Alberta and a public meeting is planned for 7:30pm at the Leslieville Elks Hall this Wednesday, April 8. Another one is planned for Innisfail on the same night, where Infrastructure Minister Jack Hayden is supposed to be present. I have been involved in organizing the Leslieville meeting and invited Ty Lund to come along. Unfortunately he is unable to attend due to a prior personal engagement in Edmonton on Wednesday. However, I did have a telephone conversation with him on the subject of Bill 19.
From the government perspective, if I got it right, the bill (called “Land Assembly Area Project Act”) is supposed to give land owners a “heads up” on proposed developments that will affect their lands. Ring roads around cities have been mentioned.
That is meant to be an improvement on the current situation where land can be purchased or expropriated by the government without any forewarning. But is it? The bill, as it stands (check it out for yourself on the internet), basically says that the Lieutenant Governor in Council can do exactly what he pleases and, on top of it all, make regulations to please himself even more, as he sees fit, to deal with particular situations that may crop up. And those regulations don't exist at this time when the bill is before the legislature. It is like writing a blank cheque and signing it!
The other thing that is troubling is that once a “Land Assembly Area” has been declared, people whose lands are included in that designation are left in limbo and have rules imposed on them as to what they can do with their lands.
After all the fuss about the bill, the Government has now proposed amendments designed to address peoples' concerns (a summary of which can be found on http://helgenome.blogspot.com) that among other things are kind enough to offer people “fair market value” for their lands. What is that? What is the market value of a piece of land with a cloud hanging over it? With restrictions as to how it can be used?
These people may have lived for several generations on their land and have no intention to sell out. Yet they are being asked to “up and leave” to make room for somebody else, (more than likely Big Energy) without fair compensation. What kind of justice is that? Come and find out on Wednesday at Leslieville. Joe Anglin will be there. I don't know if any of Stelmach's puppies will be game to show up. Ty Lund didn't know either.
Opinion by Helge Nome
At this time the subject of Bill 19 is popping up all over Alberta and a public meeting is planned for 7:30pm at the Leslieville Elks Hall this Wednesday, April 8. Another one is planned for Innisfail on the same night, where Infrastructure Minister Jack Hayden is supposed to be present. I have been involved in organizing the Leslieville meeting and invited Ty Lund to come along. Unfortunately he is unable to attend due to a prior personal engagement in Edmonton on Wednesday. However, I did have a telephone conversation with him on the subject of Bill 19.
From the government perspective, if I got it right, the bill (called “Land Assembly Area Project Act”) is supposed to give land owners a “heads up” on proposed developments that will affect their lands. Ring roads around cities have been mentioned.
That is meant to be an improvement on the current situation where land can be purchased or expropriated by the government without any forewarning. But is it? The bill, as it stands (check it out for yourself on the internet), basically says that the Lieutenant Governor in Council can do exactly what he pleases and, on top of it all, make regulations to please himself even more, as he sees fit, to deal with particular situations that may crop up. And those regulations don't exist at this time when the bill is before the legislature. It is like writing a blank cheque and signing it!
The other thing that is troubling is that once a “Land Assembly Area” has been declared, people whose lands are included in that designation are left in limbo and have rules imposed on them as to what they can do with their lands.
After all the fuss about the bill, the Government has now proposed amendments designed to address peoples' concerns (a summary of which can be found on http://helgenome.blogspot.com) that among other things are kind enough to offer people “fair market value” for their lands. What is that? What is the market value of a piece of land with a cloud hanging over it? With restrictions as to how it can be used?
These people may have lived for several generations on their land and have no intention to sell out. Yet they are being asked to “up and leave” to make room for somebody else, (more than likely Big Energy) without fair compensation. What kind of justice is that? Come and find out on Wednesday at Leslieville. Joe Anglin will be there. I don't know if any of Stelmach's puppies will be game to show up. Ty Lund didn't know either.
Bill 19 Amendments
Summary of Draft Amendments to Bill 19
Land Assembly Project Area Act
The Alberta government is considering draft amendments that will create greater
certainty for landowners.
Emphasis on consultation provisions (Section 2)
Mandatory consultation is a fundamental provision of the Act. To better
emphasize the consultation provisions within the legislation, they will be set out in
a stand-alone section.
Time limit for government to approve a project area (Section 2)
Section 2 would be amended to place a two-year limit on government to
complete consultations and make a decision whether to approve the project area.
The amendment requires government to diligently pursue a project, and limits the
period of uncertainty for affected landowners while government decides whether
to approve a proposed project area.
Purchase of Land Provisions (Section 5)
The proposed amendment would require government to enter into negotiations to
purchase a landowner’s land in an approved project area, at the request of the
landowner.
Compensation will be based on market value. If the two parties are unable to
agree to a price, the landowner has the option to ask for an independent third
party to determine the price. Landowners will be able to appeal the decision.
Removal of Section 13
Section 13 has been misinterpreted to mean that Bill 19 overrides the
Expropriation Act, which is incorrect. To eliminate confusion, it has been
removed.
If an expropriation is required, all the rights and protections afforded to
landowners by the Expropriation Act will apply.
Alberta Infrastructure
March 19, 2009
LAND ASSEMBLY PROJECT AREA ACT
DRAFT AMENDMENTS
Emphasis on consultation provisions
Time limit for government to approve a project area
A Section 2 is amended
(a) in subsection (1) by striking out “If” and substituting “Subject to section 2.1, if
(b) by striking out subsections (3) and (4).
B The following is added after section 2:
Plans, consultation and other requirements
2.1(1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may not designate an area of land as a Project Area with
respect to a public project unless the Minister
(a) has prepared a plan, in accordance with the regulations, of the proposed project,
(b) has made the plan of the proposed project available to the public in accordance with the
regulations,
(c) has provided the registered owners of land within the proposed Project Area with notice of the
proposed project in accordance with the regulations, and
(d) has consulted, in accordance with the regulations, with the registered owners of land within the
proposed Project Area.
(2) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may not designate an area of land as a project area, if more
than 2 years has elapsed since the plan of the proposed project was made available to the public under
subsection (1)(b).
(3) Where a project area order is amended to add land to a Project Area that does not exceed the
maximum amount of land determined under the regulations, subsection (1)(c) and (d) apply only to the
registered owners of the land being added and of any land adjacent to the land being added.
Alberta Infrastructure
March 19, 2009
Purchase of Land Provisions
C Section 5 is struck out and the following is substituted:
Request to purchase by registered owner
5(1) Subject to section 5.1, at any time, at the request of the registered owner of land within a Project
Area, the Crown shall enter into an agreement with the registered owner to purchase the land at market
value.
(2) Where under subsection (1) the registered owner agrees to sell the land and the Crown agrees to
purchase the land but there is no agreement as to the market value of the land, the registered owner may
apply to the Land Compensation Board or the Court of Queen’s Bench or in accordance with any other
process agreed on by the parties for a determination of the market value of the land as at the time the
registered owner made the request under subsection (1) or as at such other time as the parties agree on.
(3) If the registered owner requests that the Land Compensation Board make the determination as to
the market value of the land, for the purpose of making the determination, the Land Compensation
Board has jurisdiction with respect to the determination of market value under this Act and may
exercise the powers given to it pursuant to section 28 of the Expropriation Act.
(4) The registered owner referred to in subsection (2) or the Minister may, within 30 days after
receiving notice of the determination of the Land Compensation Board, appeal the determination to the
Court of Appeal and section 37 of the Expropriation Act applies to the appeal.
Requirement of land by the Crown
5.1 When the land within a Project Area is required by the Crown for or in connection with the public
project, the Crown may acquire the land by purchase or expropriation.
Funding for acquisition of land
5.2 Money required for the acquisition of land under this Act shall be paid out of money voted by the
Legislature for the purpose.
Administration of land
5.3 Land acquired under this section is under the administration of the Minister unless, before or after
the acquisition, the Lieutenant Governor in Council directs that it is under the administration of
some other Minister.
Removal of Section 13
D Section 13 is struck out.
Land Assembly Project Area Act
The Alberta government is considering draft amendments that will create greater
certainty for landowners.
Emphasis on consultation provisions (Section 2)
Mandatory consultation is a fundamental provision of the Act. To better
emphasize the consultation provisions within the legislation, they will be set out in
a stand-alone section.
Time limit for government to approve a project area (Section 2)
Section 2 would be amended to place a two-year limit on government to
complete consultations and make a decision whether to approve the project area.
The amendment requires government to diligently pursue a project, and limits the
period of uncertainty for affected landowners while government decides whether
to approve a proposed project area.
Purchase of Land Provisions (Section 5)
The proposed amendment would require government to enter into negotiations to
purchase a landowner’s land in an approved project area, at the request of the
landowner.
Compensation will be based on market value. If the two parties are unable to
agree to a price, the landowner has the option to ask for an independent third
party to determine the price. Landowners will be able to appeal the decision.
Removal of Section 13
Section 13 has been misinterpreted to mean that Bill 19 overrides the
Expropriation Act, which is incorrect. To eliminate confusion, it has been
removed.
If an expropriation is required, all the rights and protections afforded to
landowners by the Expropriation Act will apply.
Alberta Infrastructure
March 19, 2009
LAND ASSEMBLY PROJECT AREA ACT
DRAFT AMENDMENTS
Emphasis on consultation provisions
Time limit for government to approve a project area
A Section 2 is amended
(a) in subsection (1) by striking out “If” and substituting “Subject to section 2.1, if
(b) by striking out subsections (3) and (4).
B The following is added after section 2:
Plans, consultation and other requirements
2.1(1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may not designate an area of land as a Project Area with
respect to a public project unless the Minister
(a) has prepared a plan, in accordance with the regulations, of the proposed project,
(b) has made the plan of the proposed project available to the public in accordance with the
regulations,
(c) has provided the registered owners of land within the proposed Project Area with notice of the
proposed project in accordance with the regulations, and
(d) has consulted, in accordance with the regulations, with the registered owners of land within the
proposed Project Area.
(2) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may not designate an area of land as a project area, if more
than 2 years has elapsed since the plan of the proposed project was made available to the public under
subsection (1)(b).
(3) Where a project area order is amended to add land to a Project Area that does not exceed the
maximum amount of land determined under the regulations, subsection (1)(c) and (d) apply only to the
registered owners of the land being added and of any land adjacent to the land being added.
Alberta Infrastructure
March 19, 2009
Purchase of Land Provisions
C Section 5 is struck out and the following is substituted:
Request to purchase by registered owner
5(1) Subject to section 5.1, at any time, at the request of the registered owner of land within a Project
Area, the Crown shall enter into an agreement with the registered owner to purchase the land at market
value.
(2) Where under subsection (1) the registered owner agrees to sell the land and the Crown agrees to
purchase the land but there is no agreement as to the market value of the land, the registered owner may
apply to the Land Compensation Board or the Court of Queen’s Bench or in accordance with any other
process agreed on by the parties for a determination of the market value of the land as at the time the
registered owner made the request under subsection (1) or as at such other time as the parties agree on.
(3) If the registered owner requests that the Land Compensation Board make the determination as to
the market value of the land, for the purpose of making the determination, the Land Compensation
Board has jurisdiction with respect to the determination of market value under this Act and may
exercise the powers given to it pursuant to section 28 of the Expropriation Act.
(4) The registered owner referred to in subsection (2) or the Minister may, within 30 days after
receiving notice of the determination of the Land Compensation Board, appeal the determination to the
Court of Appeal and section 37 of the Expropriation Act applies to the appeal.
Requirement of land by the Crown
5.1 When the land within a Project Area is required by the Crown for or in connection with the public
project, the Crown may acquire the land by purchase or expropriation.
Funding for acquisition of land
5.2 Money required for the acquisition of land under this Act shall be paid out of money voted by the
Legislature for the purpose.
Administration of land
5.3 Land acquired under this section is under the administration of the Minister unless, before or after
the acquisition, the Lieutenant Governor in Council directs that it is under the administration of
some other Minister.
Removal of Section 13
D Section 13 is struck out.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Open House At Crammond
Gravel And Hot Mix Asphalt Operation Planned For Crammond Area
Border Paving Ltd. of Red Deer is proposing to establish a sand and gravel operation on the North West quarter of 30-35-04-W5M which is located about 4 miles east of the Crammond corner on Highway 22 south east of Caroline.
Border Paving will be hosting an Open House about the proposal in Crammond Hall at the intersection between Highway 22 and the Crammond Road this coming Monday, April 6, from 7pm-9pm. This is the first step in a process to obtain a development permit from Clearwater County. Inquiries can be directed to Thor Thordarson at 403 343 1177.
Border Paving Ltd. of Red Deer is proposing to establish a sand and gravel operation on the North West quarter of 30-35-04-W5M which is located about 4 miles east of the Crammond corner on Highway 22 south east of Caroline.
Border Paving will be hosting an Open House about the proposal in Crammond Hall at the intersection between Highway 22 and the Crammond Road this coming Monday, April 6, from 7pm-9pm. This is the first step in a process to obtain a development permit from Clearwater County. Inquiries can be directed to Thor Thordarson at 403 343 1177.
Interview with Noam Chomsky
World renown political and social commentator is interviewed by Amy Goodman
Thursday, April 2, 2009
G20 Photo Op
The G20 Photo Op is just that. A way for world "leaders" to parade in front of cameras to boost their egos and give them and the audience an illusion of their power.
The agenda is very simple: A massive transfer of public wealth into the web of the Word Spider which controls the IMF and other large banking institutions. And it has all been arranged long before the advent of the conference. Other countries need to take counter measures by creating their own reserve currency for mutual support. Otherwise the IMF will pillage their economies like they are doing to their existing debtors.
The agenda is very simple: A massive transfer of public wealth into the web of the Word Spider which controls the IMF and other large banking institutions. And it has all been arranged long before the advent of the conference. Other countries need to take counter measures by creating their own reserve currency for mutual support. Otherwise the IMF will pillage their economies like they are doing to their existing debtors.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Caroline Village Council Notes
Caroline Has New Fire Chief
At its regular council meeting on Tuesday, March 17, the Village Council appointed Rick Foesier to the position of Battalion Fire Chief for the Caroline Fire Department. This was done following the resignation of Caroline Fire Chief Patrick Blowers. All councillors except Van Dijk were present at the meeting along with CAO McKinnon.
Preparing For Development Appeal Hearing
An appeal has been registered against the Municipal Planning Commission's conditional approval of an application to establish a youth center in Caroline by the Rocky Youth Development Society. A commercial building on the west end of the village, on the main thoroughfare, is the proposed venue.
As this issue has provoked a great deal of local interest, CAO McKinnon suggested that Council appoint previous Village CAO Mike Haugen to the position of Interim SDAB Secretary as the hearing will be a “quasi judicial” one. A motion to this effect was carried. The hearing will take place at the Caroline Complex on Thursday, March 26 at 9:30am.
CAO Report
CAO McKinnon presented his written report as follows with an additional item “Call For Volunteers” inserted after an in-camera session at the end of the meeting: (please insert report emailed last week)
Utility Billings Set To Increase By 20%
Council gave first reading to a proposed amendment to the Village Utility Bylaw (#36/07) for an across the board increase in charges for water, sewer and garbage services of 20%. Included in the proposed bylaw change is the intention to change billing periods from bi-monthly to monthly. The 2009 Village Budget requires the increase in order to account for inflation as billing rates have been flat for several years. Two more readings are required to bring the changes into effect.
Board Reports
Mayor Cudmore, reporting from the Library Board, said that the board had declined a request to rent the library out for meetings. The book club is exempted from this decision. An old magazine rack from the library is now available. There are still some frost heaving problems by the front doors of the library.
Deputy Mayor Nielsen said that the recycle week will begin on May 23 in Rocky this year. People can bring in their unwanted articles and pick up other peoples' unwanted stuff as they please. Last year's event was very successful with very few things ending up on the dump. The Rocky Solid Waste Authority will arrange to pick up articles from Caroline to bring to the recycling tent in Rocky.
Councillor Pryor, reporting from the West Country Drug Coalition, presented copies of the newly released brochure “Take Charge” which provides advice on how to deal with drug problems. This is a resource pamphlet with an emphasis on self direction. Pryor also noted that the Clearwater Boys and Girls Club had given a report to the FCSS Board.
Items For Discussion
McKinnon, having looked into the idea of providing village residents with trees for their lots said that shrubs might be more appropriate because of high maintenance costs of mature trees. He said that Village office staff had been paid overtime in order to get financial information ready for the 2008 audit of the Village's books. This was done in order to reduce the size of the audit bill. A review of the Village's Curfew Bylaw #532 was tabled. The bylaw states that children 16 years of age or younger are not to be in public, without proper guardianship, between 11pm and 6am. Councillors felt that this bylaw should only be enforced “when things go wrong”.
McKinnon had been led to understand that there may be federal funds available for to install water meters in the village, so this issue is on hold for now, pending more information. The goal, however, is to have meters installed by the end of 2009.
At its regular council meeting on Tuesday, March 17, the Village Council appointed Rick Foesier to the position of Battalion Fire Chief for the Caroline Fire Department. This was done following the resignation of Caroline Fire Chief Patrick Blowers. All councillors except Van Dijk were present at the meeting along with CAO McKinnon.
Preparing For Development Appeal Hearing
An appeal has been registered against the Municipal Planning Commission's conditional approval of an application to establish a youth center in Caroline by the Rocky Youth Development Society. A commercial building on the west end of the village, on the main thoroughfare, is the proposed venue.
As this issue has provoked a great deal of local interest, CAO McKinnon suggested that Council appoint previous Village CAO Mike Haugen to the position of Interim SDAB Secretary as the hearing will be a “quasi judicial” one. A motion to this effect was carried. The hearing will take place at the Caroline Complex on Thursday, March 26 at 9:30am.
CAO Report
CAO McKinnon presented his written report as follows with an additional item “Call For Volunteers” inserted after an in-camera session at the end of the meeting: (please insert report emailed last week)
Utility Billings Set To Increase By 20%
Council gave first reading to a proposed amendment to the Village Utility Bylaw (#36/07) for an across the board increase in charges for water, sewer and garbage services of 20%. Included in the proposed bylaw change is the intention to change billing periods from bi-monthly to monthly. The 2009 Village Budget requires the increase in order to account for inflation as billing rates have been flat for several years. Two more readings are required to bring the changes into effect.
Board Reports
Mayor Cudmore, reporting from the Library Board, said that the board had declined a request to rent the library out for meetings. The book club is exempted from this decision. An old magazine rack from the library is now available. There are still some frost heaving problems by the front doors of the library.
Deputy Mayor Nielsen said that the recycle week will begin on May 23 in Rocky this year. People can bring in their unwanted articles and pick up other peoples' unwanted stuff as they please. Last year's event was very successful with very few things ending up on the dump. The Rocky Solid Waste Authority will arrange to pick up articles from Caroline to bring to the recycling tent in Rocky.
Councillor Pryor, reporting from the West Country Drug Coalition, presented copies of the newly released brochure “Take Charge” which provides advice on how to deal with drug problems. This is a resource pamphlet with an emphasis on self direction. Pryor also noted that the Clearwater Boys and Girls Club had given a report to the FCSS Board.
Items For Discussion
McKinnon, having looked into the idea of providing village residents with trees for their lots said that shrubs might be more appropriate because of high maintenance costs of mature trees. He said that Village office staff had been paid overtime in order to get financial information ready for the 2008 audit of the Village's books. This was done in order to reduce the size of the audit bill. A review of the Village's Curfew Bylaw #532 was tabled. The bylaw states that children 16 years of age or younger are not to be in public, without proper guardianship, between 11pm and 6am. Councillors felt that this bylaw should only be enforced “when things go wrong”.
McKinnon had been led to understand that there may be federal funds available for to install water meters in the village, so this issue is on hold for now, pending more information. The goal, however, is to have meters installed by the end of 2009.
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