Burton Bailey, MP, was the featured speaker. Newly elected 1 year ago , Burton provided an update on his activities and some major discussions at the federal level. Burton has visited all the city councils in his riding. His Red Deer office is a busy place. At the local level, he is working with the city with regard to CMHC funding and is eager to see more affordable housing in Red Deer.
Burton is a member of the Standing Committee on Healthcare. He expressed his concern with the number of foreign doctors that are occupying spaces in medical schools and the potential impact of asylum seekers upon the health system. He discussed MAID and the importance of protecting those who with mental health issues. The committee is also exploring issues around harm reduction and recovery models with regard to drug abuse.
The position of the Conservative party with regard to the Middle East conflict was also shared, focusing on procedures to approve refugee claims without personal interviews and concerns regarding possible Iranian operatives in Canada.
Bob Mills thanked Burton Bailey on behalf of the club.
Meeting Update
Meeting was hosted by incoming president Annette Eby. Thelma Maris was Sarge.
Guests of Rotary
Chad Reed: guest of Tony Judd
Frank Creasey: guest of Adelle Poratto
Cheryl Murdock: guest of Dan Murdock
Steven and Olena Ellerson: guest of Burton Bailey (guest speaker)
As Sarge, Thelma shared that March is Water and Sanitation Hygiene Month. Clean water is a human right. The first project was in 1907 in Chicago by Paul Harris- public water stations.
District 5360 is encouraging support of a fundraiser for RAEYC youth camps that promote entrepreneurship. The committee is looking for additional sponsors due to a loss on funding. A Beef Raffle is being held - please check the weekly 5360 email for more details.
Thelma also issued fines of $1/ring to those who had phone calls and $5 fine to those whose tables were only a single gender.
DisCon 26
District Governor elect Darcy Mykytyshyn provided an update to the Conference being held in Red Deer May 1-3. This is an excellent opportunity for club members to attend a weekend of excellent professional development, fun, and fellowship. We currently have only 22 members of our club who have signed up.
This is NOT the "same old" conference. We are opening our doors in Red Deer, the Heart of the District, for a celebration built on value, connection, and impact. Here is why we need needs to be there:
We’ve secured 4 international-calibre speakers, including visionary Tareq Hadhad (Peace by Chocolate),
Fuel Up & ROI: We’re trading long lectures for Duelling Pianos, interactive "Think-Tank" breakouts, and a toolkit of fresh ideas. Members will leave refuelled, not exhausted.
Stronger Together: This is the place to find service partners who turn any club idea into massive global impacts
Registration is only $339 (That includes the (First-Time attendance $237.30) and at a low, cost-recovery price.
Dawna Allard: Was able to visit her retired brother in law and nephew and attend a Rebels game. Her nephew is a member of the Brandon Wheat Kings.
Ken Johnston: Thanked Robert Mast for taking his 50 50 shift recently. Paid a self imposed fine for not wearing his name tag.
Dagmar Knutson: Connected with her sister in law to watch Women's World Curling in Calgary- had a great time. 10 Peaks registrations are open and in full swing for the summer camps. Oct 15 is date for the breakfast and events.
Duane Evans: Happy 51st anniversary to his wife Cathy, a speech therapist who has recently joined the board of Aspire. Aspire is growing and looking at building a new facility.
Diane McDonnell: Heading off on a cruise with Dick. Looking forward to an opportunity to maybe attend a Rotary meeting while they are gone.
Adele Poratto: Thanks to all who attended the recent International Women's Day event. Begged forgiveness as neglected to get her 50 50 shift covered when Darrel “whisked” her off for a weekend away to Banff.
Gloria Beck: Thanked Jim Slipp, former member, for filling in for her as banker at a recent game. She thinks he might miss us!
Zainab Mohamoud: Thanked all for supporting the recent festival.
Dick McDonnell: Paid some enlightenment dollars. Shared how great it was to have a 50 50 team member arrive with 2 pies. Jenn Whelan has set the bar high for future captains on how to treat their teams.
Community & Project Updates
Black Tie Bingo
Black Tie Bingo is our club's very successful fundraiser due to the concerted efforts of a dedicated committee. Planning for the October 29 2026 event is already underway! Sponsors are being sought, ideas for live and silent auction items discussed. We thank those who have given time over the past years and have moved into other roles within the club. We also welcome the opportunity for new committee members as many roles have been redefined and clarified.
Please contact Leigh Sands, BTBingo Chair, if you are willing to take on a committee role for the upcoming year. Without the involvement and support of our club members, this long standing event can not take place.
March 16/26
Please remember to wear your Paul Harris pins on Monday March 23. We are being joined by a representative from the Rotary Foundation
