Lethbridge Herald: The Green Slush Fund Scandal

If government officials funneled $400 million of your tax dollars into their own pockets, you would have heard about it, right?

Not quite.

With conflicts of interest, shady transactions, and secret memos, the Green Slush Fund fiasco has all the makings of a news-worthy story. But the mainstream media has turned a blind eye—as if to shield the Liberal government from the consequences of its actions.

So, since the mainstream media won’t cover it. Let me get right to the heart of the scandal.

At the centre of this story is the Liberal government and Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). The SDTC has a fund that gives grants to innovative companies with solutions to improve Canada’s environmental record. This is funded by the federal government—in other words—your tax dollars.

These grants are distributed by a board of decision makers appointed by the government. Despite the many capable individuals with strong environmental knowledge that could have served effectively on this board, the Liberals decided to appoint friends.

Once appointed, these Liberal-insiders made the decision to dole out money to their own companies.

$400 million was handed out to line the pockets of Liberal insiders. Many of the projects chosen for funding were not even eligible.

This is the essence of hypocrisy. While Canadians struggle to make ends meet, Liberal insiders are getting rich off taxpayer money in the name of environmentalism. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister smugly carries on.

This huge scandal would have gone unnoticed, had it not been for a brave whistleblower.

The Liberals enabled corruption and tried to get the bloated bureaucracy to cover it up, but one trustworthy individual was brave enough to pull back the curtain and reveal the board’s fraudulent behaviour.

When this scandal was uncovered in committee, Conservative members promptly took action to generate transparency and invite accountability from the Canadian public. We brought forward a parliamentary order to call on the government to relinquish all documents and evidence related to the scandal to the RCMP.

Despite this edict, the Liberals have refused to turn over the documents. In response, the Speaker of the House ruled that Parliament cannot debate anything else until it deals with this corruption scandal. Hence, this has been the only point of debate in the House of Commons since September.

Why won’t the Liberals release the documents?

If the board members acted fraudulently without the government’s knowledge shouldn’t Trudeau be concerned and want to get to the bottom of it? Shouldn’t he want the RCMP to investigate?

The Liberals are going to great lengths to make sure the documents remain secret. Even to the point of grinding parliament to a halt.

What are the Liberals hiding?

Whatever is in those documents must be so incriminating that it is worth paralyzing Parliament and cancelling part of the fall session.

Canadians deserve better.

The Green Slush Fund scandal is crucial for Canadians to understand because it raises significant concerns about government transparency, accountability, and the proper use of taxpayer money.

As elected officials, we are responsible to the Canadian public and it is our duty to be held to account, especially when in government.

The Liberals believe they can get away with corruption by concealing documents.

This is dishonest and dangerous. By failing to cooperate, the Liberal government is eroding public trust.

Sadly, the Green Slush Fund is just one of many cases of corruption under this Liberal government.

Over the past nine years, we have seen scandal after scandal.

Remember the WE Charity debacle? The Liberals were set to disburse up to $912 million to their friends at WE Charity. Both Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Morneau had close ties to the leadership of WE Charity. These connections raised questions about conflicts of interest and favoritism in awarding the contract, especially given that WE Charity was selected to administer the program without a competitive bidding process.

The ArriveCan App is another example. $60 million was given to two Liberal insiders to generate an app that could have been developed in a day or two for a few thousand dollars. 

Canadians deserve honesty and accountability, not secrecy and cover-up.

Conservatives are working hard to hold the Liberals to account, but ultimately, the power is in the hands of the people.

Change is needed now. An election is needed now.

Lethbridge Herald: Lest We Forget: Honouring Their Sacrifice

“We are the dead, short days ago we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved.”

Whether it be a local ceremony at the nearest legion, a Remembrance Day school assembly, or a solemn moment at the Lethbridge Cenotaph, on November 11th we will stop to remember our heroes. We will honour those who left the comfort of home to secure a future of peace and liberty for us all.

The present freedom we enjoy is only made possible by the sacrifice of the brave men and women of our own hometown and Country. These local Canadian heroes endured the unimaginable for our freedom.

During World War I, Lethbridge had the highest per capita enlistment of soldiers of anywhere in Canada. Among them were the famed 31st Battalion and other regiments that fought valiantly at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. On the battlefields of Europe, they faced unimaginable horrors as they engaged in trench warfare and forged a legacy that still inspires us today.

Sadly, 157 men never made it back to Lethbridge alive. They never came back to stop by their favourite shops, enjoy the beauty of the nearby mountains and above all, embrace those they loved.

Their sacrifice is felt today through the freedom we know and enjoy.  

Today, the Lethbridge Cenotaph stands to commemorate these 157 brave men. In its unveiling in 1931, Lieutenant-Governor Walsh stated: “unfortunately, it is one of the frailties of our human nature that we often neglect or entirely forget events and persons whom we should hold in imperishable memory”.

Today and every day we are responsible for honouring their memory and their sacrifice.

During World War II, Lethbridge once again stood strongly in defense of Canada as many enlisted to fight against tyranny. Lethbridge was home to the 4th Canadian Armoured Division and contributed to significant campaigns, including those in Europe and the Pacific.

Local communities rallied around the troops, hosting events to support families and raise funds for the war effort.

From the home front to the battlefield, the people of Lethbridge shined as an example of true communal strength.

In total, more than 45,000 brave men and women gave their lives during WWII.

We remember and honour their immense sacrifice.

After the war, many veterans returned to Canada with physical, emotional, and psychological scars. Despite these hardships and enduring the unimaginable horrors of combat, most soldiers went on to contribute to society in meaningful ways.

When World War I began, Lethbridge resident, William Edward Frame, enlisted in the army and defended his country overseas. Sadly, he was badly wounded and had to return home. For his courage and service, William Edward Frame was awarded with the Military Cross from King George V. Though his military service had to come to an abrupt halt, his service to others continued as he became a local school principal and invested in the lives of countless young people.

As World War II broke out, William Edward Frame once again enlisted to protect Canada. During this time, William Edward Frame served as a Major in the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corp. This unit ensured the troops were well-equipped with transport, clothing, and weaponry. After the war, William Edward Frame returned home and continued his work in the education field. He was appointed as Alberta’s Chief Superintendent of Schools.

William Edward Frame’s service to Canada is an example of the extraordinary work and dedication of local men who stepped up to fight on behalf of the country they believed in. His life stands out as one of humble service to his fellow Canadians.

While there are very few world war veterans still living, we must remember all those who have sacrificed and who continue to sacrifice in defending our freedoms. Their experiences remind us of the cost of peace and the importance of gratitude.

On Remembrance Day and every day, we have a duty to uphold and honour the memory of these individuals and care for the veterans who gave so much.

We must continue to stand on guard for Canada and protect our liberty and peace.

As John McCrae wrote in his famous poem, In Flanders Field, “To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.”

Lethbridge Herald: Gratitude for our Community

As we transition into the fall season and see the farmers wrap up this year’s harvest it is a wonderful time to slow down and reflect on the many blessings we’ve enjoyed throughout the year.

Like many of you, I look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones. Before we enjoy turkey dinner, one of my family’s traditions is for everyone at the dinner table to share something they are thankful for. Amid the hustle and bustle of daily life and the challenges we face, it’s a powerful way to stop and appreciate the many good things we enjoy each day.

As I reflect on the many things for which I am thankful, our country is top of mind—not the policies that currently govern it—but the people who call this place home. 

Despite past and present hardships, the people of Canada have always held great promise. With their ingenuity, dedication, and care, Canadians have given back to this country and forged it into a place of hope and prosperity.

I think of the brave men and women who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy. Our nation has been significantly shaped by the valiant efforts of soldiers who fought in battles like the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Their courage and strength forever changed the course of history for good.

I think of the revolutionary achievements of the Famous Five, a group of incredible women from the province of Alberta who victoriously fought for women to be recognized as persons capable of civic responsibility. Their vision and grit blessed Canada with equality for women.

The long-lasting accomplishments of past Canadians are a blessing to present generations.

There is so much to be thankful for today.

Lethbridge is known as one of Canada’s most generous cities. In fact, we rank in the top ten across Canada.

Throughout the year, the people of Lethbridge find joy in giving back to the community. Be it through generous financial contributions to various non-profits, or the countless volunteer hours that keep these organizations running, we are a community that steps up and helps out.

In the face of an affordability crisis, the people of Lethbridge have taken great initiative to help their neighbours. I am grateful for the many helping hands that humbly serve our community.

Our first responders serve in incredibly difficult circumstances to ensure we are kept safe. I am immensely grateful for our police, fire, and EMS who selflessly serve and protect our community. As we gather around the Thanksgiving dinner table for our meal with family and friends, let’s remember those on the frontlines who give up time with loved ones during the holidays to keep our community safe and care for those in need of help.

The foodbanks and other service organizations in our community work tirelessly to provide food for those in need. From hampers for the holidays to everyday necessities, these community organizations diligently serve Lethbridge with kindness and compassion.

Sadly, many of these charities are beginning to experience shortages. The cost of living continues to impact everyone, and the strain is being felt by many. We are an incredibly generous community, and we must continue to work together to help our neighbours.

I encourage everyone to give where you can and help as you are able. Together we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Not only does our community step up locally for those in need, we also go above and beyond to help those outside Lethbridge.

I’m in awe of those in our community who volunteer their time and labour for good causes. I think of a large group of local farmers who graciously work the land, sell the crops, and donate the proceeds to the needy around the world.

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, there is so much to be grateful for.

Even though we face challenges, we are blessed by the people of Canada who continuously strive to make this country a better place.

We need only to look at our own community to see the good that brings hope during the darkest times.

This Thanksgiving let’s take time to reflect on all the blessings that surround us and celebrate all those who make our community so special.

Happy Thanksgiving Lethbridge!