Opinion

People generally say that there are two topics to avoid in polite conversation -- politics and religion.

I read with interest Doug Collie's column suggesting that a guaranteed annual income may be the solution to declining employment in our society. Sounds good if you say it real quickly.

We heard on Nov. 28 that a group of citizens is concerned with the town's hiring and dismissal practices, and what was referred to as “misconduct” of CAO Helen Dietz.

DIDSBURY – Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year as the song goes. It's a time to gather with friends and family for socializing and big meals. Each family has its own different traditions.

Albertans got some welcome economic news recently, when ATB Financial suggested that the worst of the oil price downturn is over and that prices would continue to increase in 2017.

All Canadians have a carbon shadow. It follows us everywhere. It's with us when we stick our keys into the ignition, when we turn up our thermostats and when the fridge light comes on. It's in the clothes we wear and the food we eat.

Some people bemoan foreign workers' tendency to send money home to support their struggling families. “That money should be spent in Canada to bolster our sputtering economy, not leaked out to other economies!” the tired old argument goes.

With snow on the ground and a swift chill in the air, we're reminded that winter is once again upon us. We've installed our winter tires, shovelled our sidewalks, and braced for the cold months that lie ahead.

Just under two years ago I found myself at a small-town Christmas concert in southern Alberta speaking with a despondent constituent.

I am a frequent visitor to Innisfail, where I have many close friends. Some of those people are feeling a little uneasy, and given the political climate there at the moment, it's not surprising.