The Wildrose Party is under attack by the PCs for racist comments made to a photo on Facebook that showed Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith at a Sikh parade in Calgary earlier this month. Photo: Facebook/Loree Photography.

Progressive Conservative MLA Manmeet Bhullar called out the Wildrose Party on Wednesday for allowing “bigoted remarks” to appear on their Facebook page and questioned whether the party known for ‘bozo eruptions’ has changed its perceived racist ways.

“The Wildrose Party has a sad and disappointing legacy of bigoted and offensive remarks, whether it’s the Caucasion advantage or the Lake of Fire,” Bhullar said in a release. “Had the Wildrose changed, these comments would not have remained available for thousands to see. The Wildrose has not changed.”

The comments were posted to a photo of Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith at a Sikh parade in Calgary earlier this month. The photo showed Smith in a head scarf with members of the Sikh community.

“If you emulate the Muslim faith, I will NEVER vote for you,” one person wrote. Other comments included a suggestion that Smith represents Alberta and not India and another suggested “never cater to special ethnic groups.”

“You embarrass yourself and us as well,” posted another person.

Canadian Oil Sands – The 21st Century Belongs to Canada. Read it today!

Bhullar, who was at the parade with Smith, called on the Wildrose leader to apologize for the remarks. Bhullar said he found it “extremely disappointing” that Smith had not acknowledged the postings and let them stand for nearly a week.

“This kind of racism and bigotry has no place in today’s Alberta,” Bhullar said. “Only when news of this spread did Wildrose do anything about it.”

Smith has apologized and said the remarks should not have been left up on the Facebook page for as long as they were, according to reports. Smith told the Canadian Press that the comments were missed over the long weekend and stressed that they do not reflect the views of the party or its MLAs.

Bhullar’s initial release had PC party members taking to Facebook to express their thoughts Thursday. Some members questioned whether the Wildrose party should be held responsible for racist comments their supporters make. Some called Bhullar’s release a “smear campaign.”

One commenter suggested that the PC Party has “a handful of ignorant, racist, wing-nuts” in their ranks as well, and that parties should only be held responsible for comments their candidates make and not the comments of supposed supporters on Facebook.

Frederick Anthony Couch has been arrested in connection with a ATB bank robbery in Calgary.

Calgary police have arrested a man wanted on warrants for a recent robbery.

Frederick Anthony Couch, 43, was arrested Wednesday afternoon in downtown Calgary by bicycle-mounted police.

Frederick Anthony Couch had been sought by police in connection with a southeast Calgary bank robbery on May 21.

Canadian Oil Sands – The 21st Century Belongs to Canada. Read it today!

At approximately 10:15 a.m. on May 21, Frederick Anthony Couch allegedly entered the Alberta Treasury Branch at 3620 17 Ave. S.E., and handed a robbery note to the staff.

He indicated he had a firearm, but no weapon was seen, according to police.

Police say he then left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.

According to police, Frederick Anthony Couch was arrested without incident in downtown Calgary.

Tell us what you think of the Canadian oil sands by filling out this brief survey. $2 will be donated to breast cancer research for every completed survey. 

Calgary break-and-enter suspect Thomas Damien Stevic is wanted on four warrants.

The Calgary Police Service are hoping the public can assist them in locating a Calgary break-and-enter suspect.

Thomas Damien Stevic, 34, is wanted on warrants for several break and enters in northwest Calgary.

Four break-ins occurred on May 15, in the communities of Scenic Acres and Tuscany.

Employment for women – new opportunities on Canadian oil rigs. Read it today!

They took place during daytime and early evening hours, and involved entry through basement windows as well as pried and unlocked doors.

Calgary police are investigating whether these four incidents are related to any other recent break-ins in the city.

Four Alberta-wide warrants have been issued for the arrest of Stevic.

He is described as Caucasian, with a slim build, brown hair, pale complexion and yellow, crooked teeth.

He may be unshaven with a scruffy appearance.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Stevic is asked to call police.

Tell us what you think of the Canadian oil sands by filling out this brief survey. $2 will be donated to breast cancer research for every completed survey. 

The Calgary Fire Department is warning Calgarians to avoid in partaking in Elbow River boating.

The Calgary Fire Department issued a Bow River and Elbow River boating advisory on Thursday.

The Calgary Fire Department is warning Calgarians to avoid boating on the Bow and Elbow Rivers due to increased water flows.

Calgary is expected to receive 30 to 50 mm of rain in the next few days.

The Calgary Fire Department is advising Calgarians to avoid partaking in any type of boating activities on the Bow River and Elbow River until further notice.

Employment for women – new opportunities on Canadian oil rigs. Read it today!

The river conditions are becoming dangerous and pose a safety risk for anyone on either of the rivers, according to the Calgary Fire Department.

Increased water flows will result in additional debris which is hazardous to anyone in a watercraft.

The Calgary Fire Department is also advising citizens to stay off the river banks as the fast-moving water can cause the banks to collapse.

The Calgary Fire Department says that if Calgarians witness anyone in distress in or on the water, they should call 9-1-1 immediately.

A High Streamflow Advisory has been issued for several rivers in southern Alberta, including the Bow River upstream of Ghost Reservoir.

The Alberta government issued a High Streamflow Advisory on Thursday, warning of rising water levels at several rivers in southwestern Alberta.

The High Streamflow Advisory warns of water rising quickly at the Highwood River, Sheep River, Elbow River and Bow River upstream of Ghost Reservoir.

While no major flooding is expected, minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible.

The Alberta government is advising anyone situated close to the streams affected is to be cautious of the rising levels.

Employment for women – new opportunities on Canadian oil rigs. Read it today!

The Alberta government says between 30 and 60 mm of precipitation has fallen in the southern east slopes overnight with the largest amount of 80 mm falling in the upper portions of the Oldman River basin.

Additional amounts of up to 70 mm are possible in these areas through Friday.

At this point no flood watches or warnings have been issued, but conditions are being monitored and the Alberta government will issue updates as the situation changes.

Tell us what you think of the Canadian oil sands by filling out this brief survey. $2 will be donated to breast cancer research for every completed survey. 

Snow in the Turner Valley area is causing driving headaches for motorists in the foothills. Photo courtesy Resorts of the Canadian Rockies.

Turner Valley RCMP are reporting heavy snow in the foothills may have been a factor in a single vehicle collision on Highway 22 on Thursday morning.  The heavy snow and dangerous conditions are to blame for a slower than normal response to the accident scene by emergency services.

The crash occurred approximately 20 Km south of Longview.

Cst. Tom Christie of the Turner Valley RCMP says “it is snowing heavily, visibility is poor and roads are slippery”.

Christie adds that because of the heavy snow and slippery conditions, emergency vehicles traveling to the accident site can only travel between 60 to 80 Km/hr.

The RCMP urge drivers to be cautious while traveling in the area.

The Alberta Liberal Party is urging Albertans to send back the Redford budget brochure. Photo: Alberta Liberal Party Twitter account.

This week, Albertans will receive Premier Alison Redford’s eight-page, full-colour brochure that highlights the most recent budget.

The Redford budget brochure is being mailed to 1.2 million households in Alberta.

The Alberta Liberal Party isn’t too happy with the Redford budget brochure, which will cost taxpayers $350,000.

They say the Redford budget brochure is Progressive Conservative propaganda, disguised as a “report to taxpayers.”

As a result, the Liberals are launching a social media campaign encouraging Albertans to “Send-it-Back.”

Canadian Oil Sands – The 21st Century Belongs to Canada. Read it today!

The Liberals are urging Albertans “who are frustrated with the PC government’s long record of broken promises and wasteful spending of public money” to send back the Redford budget brochure to the Premier’s office.

The Liberals say Albertans should send the Redford budget brochure to the Premier’s office by return mail, but they can also drop it off at the closest constituency office with a ‘Return to Sender’ note or bring it in to any Alberta Liberal office for internal delivery to the legislature.

The Liberals are also asking willing participants of the Send-it-Back’ movement to use the hashtag #senditback to tweet and post photos of their involvement in sending the brochure back to the PCs.

Tell us what you think of the Canadian oil sands by filling out this brief survey. $2 will be donated to breast cancer research for every completed survey. 

Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre offers help for kids who have suffered abuse.  Photo courtesy Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre.

The Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre celebrates its grand opening today.  The facility helps kids who have been abused and allows them to heal in a safe place surrounded by caring professionals.

With a number of professionals trained working together to deal with kids who have been abused, kids in the care of the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre are not forced to tell their story over and over again.

There are four major community partners housed at the CAC including the Calgary Police, Calgary and Area Child and Family Services, Alberta Health Services and Alberta Justice Calgary Crown Prosecutors.  Personnel working for the four community partners will work together to minimize the trauma on the tender victims of abuse.

The facility was named in honour of Sheldon Kennedy, a former NHL hockey player and dedicated child advocate.

“We know child abuse is a problem. We know it’s a problem right in our own backyard,” said Sheldon Kennedy. “And it’s time to shine a light on the issue—and come together to address child abuse together as a community.”

More than $8 million has been committed to the centre.  The caring staff will help kids who have been neglected, or emotionally, physically or sexually abused.

Bonnie Johnson, CEO of the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre says “The number of child abuse cases in Calgary and the surrounding areas is staggering. Most people are shocked to learn of the extent and frequency of violence and sexual assaults inflicted on innocent children”.   She adds “It is time to open up and face the issue of child abuse. We have the opportunity to understand child abuse from a community perspective and educate ourselves on our responsibility to our youngest citizens”.

“The Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre represents a significant step forward in supporting victims of abuse and their families in Calgary,” said Alberta Human Services Minister Dave Hancock. “The Centre’s leadership—on information sharing, collaboration, compassion, and putting children first—is entirely consistent with the values of Alberta’s Social Policy Framework and I thank everyone who played a part in bringing this most important initiative forward.”

If you suspect a child is being abused, please call 403-297-2995 if you are in the Calgary area or outside the Calgary region call: 1-800-387-5437 (KIDS).

Mayor Stephen Mandel signed an agreement with Aboriginal Relations Minister Robin Campbell to increase opportunities for urban Aboriginal people living in Edmonton.

Edmonton has entered into a formal agreement with the province in support of urban Aboriginal people living in Edmonton.

Mayor Stephen Mandel signed an agreement with Aboriginal Relations Minister Robin Campbell to increase social and economic opportunities for urban Aboriginal people in the city.

Edmonton has the second-largest population of urban Aboriginal people in Canada.

“Today’s signing is an acknowledgement of our mutual dedication to working with Aboriginal communities to build their capacity and increase opportunities,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel.

“It’s an important step towards enhancing the quality of life for our urban Aboriginal people, and I commend our Provincial partners for their vision and commitment.”

Employment for women – new opportunities on Canadian oil rigs. Read it today!

This agreement is based on previous discussion with the local urban Aboriginal communities who worked with the city and province to identify areas of priority, including youth leadership and development, transition, supporting opportunities for Aboriginal women, economic development and the promotion of safe and secure communities.

“We recognize that urban Aboriginal communities have unique needs and we continue to look at how to best address them,” said Aboriginal Relations Minister Robin Campbell.

“Our goal is to enhance outcomes of Aboriginal people living in Edmonton, and to ensure that Aboriginal communities continue to be provided with access to the appropriate programs and services.”

An action plan detailing specific initiatives and outcomes for each of the five priority areas is being developed and will be available by June 30.

Tell us what you think of the Canadian oil sands by filling out this brief survey. $2 will be donated to breast cancer research for every completed survey. 

Rob Ford in action after a Toronto City Council meeting. Photo: Youtube screen capture.

Poor Rob Ford. The Toronto mayor can’t get no respect, not in Canada and not in the United States after comedian Jon Stewart eviscerated him on Tuesday’s The Daily Show.

I have to admit, it never gets old watching Ford walk into the lens of a TV camera. Here he comes, lumbering toward the camera, looking up and – Pow! – right between the eyes.

Ed. – Watch the Stewart clip at the end of this story.

Stewart played the clip over and over because, well, who wouldn’t? You couldn’t script that scene.

Then there’s the clip of Ford catching a football and awkwardly falling on his face at what appears to be an Argonauts game. Stewart showed that clip, too, to much hilarity.

I get it. The mayor’s pratfalls are pretty funny. The guy’s obese and top-heavy, so he tips over easy and he’s ungainly.

Canadian Oil Sands – The 21st Century Belongs to Canada. Read it today!

But laughing at the fat kid is mean-spirited and kind of un-Canadian. Are we really that spiteful? Sure, we expect an American like Stewart to mock Ford, but Rick Mercer wouldn’t stoop that low, right?

And yesterday Ford lost one of his life’s passions when the Don Bosco Catholic school of Etobicoke fired him as the head coach of its football team. School board authorities say the termination had nothing to do with recent reports of a video showing Ford smoking crack with drug dealers.

“This decision was based on what is best for our students, our school and the Don Bosco community,” said Bruce Rodrigues, the director of education.

Yeah, fat chance. (Oops, sorry for the pun)

Thanks to Stewart and the attention of the Canadian media, Ford’s personal and professional life is unravelling in public at warp speed and it’s not a pretty sight. The Mayor has refused to address the issue. Doug, also a GTA councillor, says he has been assured the crack smoking video is not credible and blames the media, particularly Rob Ford’s old nemesis The Star, for his brother’s problems.

One gets the feeling that more revelations are just around the corner. Judging by what’s come before, it promises to be ugly.

At this point, I’m feeling a tiny bit sorry for poor Rob Ford. He wouldn’t be the first hard working, public-spirited politician ruined because of a personal indiscretion or six.

Jesus said he who is without sin cast the first stone. Might even Rob Ford be worthy of redemption?

I spent some time on Youtube searching for the answer.

Employment for women – new opportunities on Canadian oil rigs. Read it today!

How about the clip from Stewart’s show in which Ford yammers on in City Council chambers about the “Orientals?”

“Those Oriental people work like dogs. They work their hearts out. They are workers non-stop. They sleep beside their machines…The Oriental people, they’re slowly taking over.” How very un-politically correct of the mayor. The Orientals are taking over? Seriously?

Then there was the media scrum in which a reporter, quietly under his breath, called Ford an “asshole.” Ford went ballistic, chased the guy down a hallway, down the stairs and out into the parking lot, all the while screaming at him.

Or how about his ridiculous outbursts in Council? Or his reaction to Mary Walsh and her little “ambush” in the name of comedy outside his home for This Hour Has 22 Minutes?

You get the picture. And there are a lot of them on Youtube.

I’ve never met Rob Ford, but the video evidence that he’s a nasty bit of work is fairly compelling. My impression is that he’s a blowhard and a bully. Not someone I’d care to break bread with or share a pint at the local pub.

I didn’t arrive at my conclusion after reading Rob Ford screeds in The Star or some other “liberal” media. I watched him in action, listened to his words, the aggressive, bullying tone of voice. That was the most damning evidence available.

As Beacon columnist Bruce Stewart points out in today’s column, Ford has lost the moral authority to be mayor of Canada’s largest city.  

Maybe he lost his moral authority because he’s a jerk.

Tell us what you think of the Canadian oil sands by filling out this brief survey. $2 will be donated to breast cancer research for every completed survey.