Lacombe

If you are looking for something to do to ring in the New Year, communities across Central Alberta have fireworks and other events throughout the day.  

Events on December 31:  

Red Deer  

Noon Year’s Eve Party   

Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

A former chief adviser and close friend to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he doesn't think Trudeau will stay on to lead the Liberals in the next election.

Gerald Butts writes in a Substack newsletter today that Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's recent resignation from cabinet dealt Trudeau a staggering blow that loosened his already tenuous grip on the party.

He says Trudeau was "unlikely" to lead the party into the next campaign before Freeland's stunning departure and is "now much less likely to do so."

A look at national news events in April 2024:

1 - Nunavut is 25 years old today. Premier P.J. Akeeagok says the anniversary reminds him that his job is both a privilege and an immense responsibility. The creation of Canada's newest territory on April 1, 1999, was part of a historic land claim settlement. It was also the first major change to the country's map since Newfoundland and Labrador joined Confederation. 

Throughout 2024, the Echo Food Rescue continued to grow, and ramp up operations to keep food out of landfills.  

This year, more than 288,000 lbs of food was rescued, an increase from 2023’s 115,000 lbs.   

“To me, that's absolutely mind-blowing how much food was kept out of the landfills and distributed back into our community,” said Christina Sturgeon, Echo Food Rescue Manager.    

The Red Deer Regional Airshow is set to return to Central Alberta in 2026.  

The airshow is described as one of the region's premier aviation events, that will captivate audiences with an unforgettable blend of aerial acrobatics, family-friendly activities, and community spirit.   

A record-breaking robotics competition at École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School (ÉSLCHS) brought together innovation, teamwork, and excitement, solidifying the school’s role as a leader in STEM education in central Alberta.

This year, Kim Stark's kids took responsibility for decorating the family Christmas tree.

Ornaments include toy cars, puzzle pieces, string and a pair of binoculars — things her three young daughters had handy after the family lost their home in summer’s devastating Jasper wildfire.

"I have the most wonderful tree on the planet," said Stark.

"It's part of our story and part of who we are.

“If (the kids) are happy, I'm happy."

Indian law enforcement agencies say they are investigating alleged links between dozens of colleges in Canada and two "entities" in Mumbai accused of illegally ferrying students across the Canada-United States border.

A news release Tuesday from India's Enforcement Directorate — a multi-disciplinary organization that investigates money laundering and foreign exchange laws — said a multi-city search has revealed "incriminating" evidence of "human trafficking."

A look at national news events in March 2024:

1 - Health Minister Mark Holland tables a bill considered the first step toward a possible pharmacare program. The legislation lays down a road map for how the federal government plans to get there. The first step is to negotiate universal coverage for birth control and diabetes drugs with provinces and territories, something Holland is fairly certain he can accomplish by the next election. 

A look at national news events in February 2024:

01 - The federal government announces spending of an additional $362 million to help provinces and cities temporarily house asylum seekers. Immigration Minister Marc Miller called the interim housing assistance program a stopgap measure, saying the system needs to be rejigged to reflect a large flow of international migration that is not about to stop.