Two years ago yesterday, my Dad, Jay, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. My family faced both unimaginable loss and shock, and as my uncle and I stood on the deck after the funeral home left, we assumed everything on the farm would just have to be put on hold while we figured out what to do next.
The next morning as Danielle and I drove back out to the farm with our boys, we saw dust already rising in the fields as a large crew local farmers jumped in to help, putting their own harvest on hold.
Nearly 30 combines, dozens of trucks, tractors, augers, and grain carts filled our land. The local dealership sent mechanics to handle equipment, the bulk dealer kept every tank fueled, a group of ladies cooked meals to keep everyone going, and there were countless others who simply showed up and asked what they could do. In just 48 hours, more than half a season’s work was finished, and our entire harvest was safely taken off.
Seeing some of the toughest farmers and ranchers you’ll ever meet working through tears for our family was an act of grace that is almost impossible to fully comprehend. It was an absolute miracle and a blessing from God. During that time, as my family saw this unfold, I learned that years earlier, my dad had quietly helped organize the exact same kind of harvest support for another neighbor who had fallen on hard times, and my late grandfather had done the same at another earlier time. This is testimony to the legacy of both our family and community.
And so again, to our incredible community located here in the Special Areas, and to everyone who carried my wife, Danielle, me and our boys, along with my mom, Jodi, my two grandmas, Uncle Darren, my brother and sisters, and our whole family when we couldn’t stand on our own: thank you.
Mr. Carney really does not like to take advice from others, he treats the opposition and those who disagree with him with contempt. Its worse than it was with Trudeau, almost Trumpian... just without the mean tweets.
This conflict with Telesat was flagged during his leadership race, and again when he was sworn in as PM without an ethics declaration. Then he triggered a general election the day before parliament was to reconvene to start asking tough questions effectively purging any oversight... then he threw out the election "caretaker convention" and blurred the lines between party politicd and government decision making during the election... and ran in that election with no ethics declaration, no ethics screen, and even lied about the details around his so called "blind trust."
Asking for help now is akin to getting caught, being found guilty, and then instead of a sentence you get to simply say... "well no big deal, I'll probably do better next time." Canada deserves better.
Saddened to hear the news from Squamish, where two people have lost their lives and another remains missing following a tragic boating incident amid severe flooding.
My deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with those still awaiting news of their missing loved one, and we thank all those from the RCMP and local first response teams working in challenging conditions to rescue those in danger.
A wonderful #BrettBrett evening - we have knowledge of more than $25,000 already donated to these local causes - causes that support #CFBWainwright and the community surrounding - post tragedy - so many people impacted - those serving - those supporting - families of all - building on profound respect for Nov 11th - @RemembranceDay.
Thank you @dckurek and @PierrePoilievre for inspiring @BrettKissel and me - to roll out another #BrettBrett.
A special evening with @BrettKissel, @WBrettWilson, and @dckurek in support of our veterans, Canada’s Armed Forces, and the people of Wainwright.
Thank you to everyone who came out and especially to those who donated in support of the brave men and women who answered the call to serve Canada.
If you can, please add your support:
Wainwright and District Community Health Foundation: https://t.co/oy6efSagDF
Wainwright Fire and Rescue Society: https://t.co/aTbq7bYk5K
Support our Troops: https://t.co/d13LzbnjBo
Royal Canadian Legion Worthington Branch No. 29:
e-transfer to: [email protected]
Moving ceremony this morning in Wainwright, and always good to stop by the Legion after to chat with Canada's finest. Tonight we are headed to this amazing Brett Brett event to support our veterans, troops, and the community of Wainwright. If you are in the neighborhood? Stop by!
An update. Corrected donation emails. And know #BrettBrett have never been more enthused or committed to a gathering of folks like we know will be in Wainright tonight.
Donations have already hit more than $20k for the local causes listed here. Thank YOU.
We will top up. And look forward to a very emotional engaging evening.
@BrettKissel@PierrePoilievre@dckurek
Appreciate messages to be shared by a few Premiers.
An update. Corrected donation emails. And know #BrettBrett have never been more enthused or committed to a gathering of folks like we know will be in Wainright tonight.
Donations have already hit more than $20k for the local causes listed here. Thank YOU.
We will top up. And look forward to a very emotional engaging evening.
@BrettKissel@PierrePoilievre@dckurek
Appreciate messages to be shared by a few Premiers.
At 11 a.m., Canadians across our country will fall silent for two minutes.
To remember those who never came home, honour those who did, and thank those who continue to serve.
Lest we forget.
Oops. Just discovered an error in the donation e-transfer for the local Canadian Legion.
Please consider using [email protected] knowing I hope to match a lot of donations.
Push me please!!
Yup #BrettBrett head to Wainwright for a Nov 11th evening event. #RemembranceDay
We started with 400 seats. Just upped that to 600 plus standing room for a wonderful 90 minute gathering - featuring @BrettKissel and more.
Please donate if you can. Local and very relevant causes. B&B will kick off tomorrow.
Delighted our local MPs can join us - @PierrePoilievre@dckurek
History from East Central Alberta that is closely tied with Remembrance Day, Veterans' Week, and the tragedy that took place a few weeks ago.
In the "Transitions, Camp Wainwright's 50th Anniversary" commemorative book, there is a whole bunch of local history, and how this small town has been an integral part of our nation's story... In the final acknowledgements of the book, it states how the Camp and town "are separate entities on common territory."
From a national park harbouring the few remaining beasts of the prairies (plains bison) to the National Army Training base, history has been made in this rural Alberta prairie town.
Pictures from the commemorative book (cover, pgs. 100 & 2).
November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day.
We honour First Nations, Inuit and Métis veterans who have served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace.
We recognize their courage and sacrifices and thank Indigenous veterans across Saskatchewan for their service.
The Legion Commits Up to $250,000 to Support Those Affected by the CFB Wainwright Tragedy
A statement from Dominion President Sharon McKeown on the Legion's commitment to providing immediate and long-term assistance to the injured and their families.
"I am pleased to share that The Royal Canadian Legion is providing significant financial support to assist the victims and families affected by the recent tragedy at CFB Wainwright in Alberta. Our approach will help with both immediate and longer-term requirements. This is directly in keeping with our pledge to support Veterans and their families in times of need, through the Poppy Trust Fund.
The Legion’s Alberta-NWT Command will continue to offer its tremendous on-the-ground assistance to families which began in the immediate aftermath. They will provide for things like travel, accommodations, and food; as long as required. Thanks to the support of your Branches, the Command indicates their Poppy funds are sufficient to handle the current requests.
After conversations with the Canadian Armed Force’s Royal Chaplain Service (RCCChS), which is in direct and ongoing contact with affected families across the country; we understand that immediate needs are being met. The Legion’s financial support at a national level will therefore cover emerging requirements including mental health and caregiver support. Our Dominion Executive Council has approved an amount up to $250,000 to be released in stages. An immediate $100,000 will be disbursed to the Together We Stand Foundation, a not-for-profit entity. This foundation works with the RCCChS to ensure that 100% of what is provided will go directly to support those impacted. Subsequent disbursements of $50,000 will be made if and as needed.
Some members of the CAF sustained severe injuries, and as of this week, over two dozen remained in hospital. It is anticipated that longer term treatment and assistance for the injured and their families will be required. I am confident our strong approach will help ensure that all families receive what they need now and in the future. We will continue to monitor this situation with our military and others and adjust our course as we learn more.
Our thoughts remain with the injured, those who died, their comrades and their families.
We Will Remember Them."
The next #BrettBrettEvent is our gift to the town of #Wainright and #CFBWainwright on November 11th. A community gathering as a celebration of those who SERVE and those they SUPPORT.
We cover event costs and will align with several local causes we ask all who care - to support.
Music and heartfelt conversations.
🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
@PierrePoilievre@DCKurek
Mark Carney may owe much of his political success to US President... but it is a choice Mr. Carney seems to regularly make to channel the habits of Donald Trump into Canada.
Video featuring PM @MarkCarney will be shown at citizenship ceremonies.
Dept @CitImmCanada cautioned swearing-in, a legal requirement, should be nonpartisan.
https://t.co/OEOyN0JJtr
#cdnpoli#cdnfoi#ATI
I am absolutely disgusted by the violent attack on a Canadian Armed Forces member while supervising young cadets at a poppy drive in Hamilton.
Those who dedicate their time to honouring our veterans should never have to fear for their safety.
#Hamilton
On behalf of my colleagues in the House of Commons, I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Private Shaun Farrell, and to those who served with him. I stand with them in their grief. His sacrifice will not be forgotten. We will remember him.