Special meeting of Council: March 21 at Noon

Smaller government can’t just mean smaller than the NDP.

If it seems to you like the modern conservative movement is having an identity crisis, you’re not wrong. Nowhere is this more apparent than the waning commitment to free markets. Generally speaking, small-scale conservatives understand that free markets are the most efficient and the most effective way to grow our economy. The forces of supply and demand create competition, which helps ensure that the best goods and services are provided to consumers at the lowest possible price.

Canadians across the county are connecting with Pierre Poilievre's message of hope.

Under new business, City Council approved a Cost Pressure Relief Program as amended. $200 per month for the months of August, September, October and November be applied to each Residential Utility Account holder, including residential units represented by condo associations and other housing-based associations as a community cost pressure relief program, commencing with a double initial payment on the billing cycle of September 18, 2023.

Sparks were flying - all pun intended - between councilors regarding the motion and debate around a strategic review of the power utility. It was clear that two camps emerged on the issue of a strategic review when the ownership structure of the utility was included in the motion. Councilor Van Dyke, Chair of the Energy committee, was adamant that no ownership review be in the motion and made an amendment to remove it. Councilor Robbins, Dumanowksi and Mayor Clark all supported the amendment but were voted down by council 5-4.

The City of Medicine Hat administration is recommending power rebates for September, October and November to homeowners and small and medium size businesses that are on city utilities in the franchise area. The proposal is for homeowners to receive $200/month and small and medium size business to receive $500/month for the next 3 months. The proposal is for a total of $25 million to be rebated to ratepayers. The power utility is forecasted to earn more than $60 million more than originally budgeted.

After many months, pros and cons and much input from the community, the Trap Neuter Return (TNR) bylaw passes council unanimously…with an amendment.

If you’re a parent or you’ve ever gone on a long car ride with small children, at some point you have likely heard the aptly titled, “Song that never ends.” For those who’ve forgotten it, allow me to refresh your memory. The lyrics go like this: “This is the song that never ends. It goes on and on, my friend! Some people started singing it not knowing what it was, And they will continue singing it forever just because…”

There’s no nice way to say it: public faith in Canada’s democratic institutions is dying.

Multi-term councilor John Hamill has died.