Opinions

Leading up to Tuesday's unveiling of Premier Alison Redford's new cabinet, there had even been speculation that Lethbridge might wind up with two provincial cabinet ministers for the first time in decades.

Walking across the more than century old Finlay Bridge, it is hard not to notice the craftsmanship of the builders. A craftsmanship that has only been enhanced by the recent renovations. A craftsmanship that seems to have disappeared in our country. It wasn't an overnight phenomenon but it happened quickly.

Although national charities, such as the annual Salvation Army Kettle Campaign and Operation Christmas Child garner a lot of attention throughout the holidays, it is the spring and summer that seem to be the most lucrative for charitable groups.

ÊThe spring's federal budget made it official: The government is raising the age for Old Age Security (OAS) from 65 to 67. Any Canadian born after March 31, 1958 must wait up to two years longer before receiving their OAS pension. ÊWhat will these cuts mean for Canada?Ê Let's consider who depends on OAS.

Falling into the latter category is shortchanging the men and women who defend our country. The brouhaha currently simmering is military budget cuts that union officials claim further depletes resources aimed at helping soldiers deal with mental health issues.

Yes, at just one week short of three months and with the acceptance of the weekend's agreement to resume college and university classes, the strike over a projected hike in tuition fees beat records for its duration.

The final cent rolled out at the Royal Canadian Mint last Friday. It was the end of something . . . well, Canadian. The economics behind the federal decision to end pennies can't be argued with. Not when it costs the government 1.

One suggestion is that the polls were wrong. Some opined that the "bozo" remarks by two candidates destroyed the Wildrose's chances. Others, including Danielle Smith, mused that the policies of the Wildrose were rejected and a few even dared to suggest that Albertans were satisfied with the status quo.

Overall the $100 million at stake is a drop in the bucket compared to the billions of oil and gas resources owned by every Albertan that companies pull out of the ground each and every year.