Heat Wave Issue #1
WHO wants to be a millionaire?
One lucky Albertan with their first shot of the Covid-19 vaccine will join a long list of UCP-friendly contractors in receiving a cheque from the Alberta Health budget on July 1.
In addition to the draw for $1 million, winners will also be announced for airfare and vacation packages, as well as Calgary Stampede entry or events, which begins July 9. Keep an eye on your local Facebook market places starting July 2 if you're hunting for discounted tickets.
Premier Jason Kenney will be making the first lotto vaxx announcement on Canada Day as he ushers in the "best summer ever" by repealing provincial Covid-19 restrictions.
The Saskatchewan plant from Ottawa also announced yet another round of lotto vaxx prizes, including NHL and CFL tickets and swag, and mountain golf excursions, which will be given away to more first-dose recipients on July 31.
Two more draws for $1 million, plus additional prizes funded by our health budget will be made for Albertans with both Covid-19 vaccinations on August 31 and September 30.
"You swear a lot," Dr. Christine Martineau told us on a recent Women of ABpoli podcast, She.
Kathleen (@kikkiplanet) and I were able to share space with Dr. Martineau and Dr. Muna Saleh while they talked about the strength required to be seen as the experts in Indigenous and Muslim issues in their work, social media, and everyday life while the headlines remind you of your vulnerabilities and fears.
"It's great that (people) want to walk with me, but I just want to be able to walk alone - without fear," Dr. Saleh said.
Subscribe to Women of ABpoli wherever you get your podcasts.
Hot Flashes aside, stay safe out there. The UV index is rocking Alberta and instead of being highest between 11am and 2pm (like normal), it's hitting us between 3 and 6pm.
Adding insult to injury, the Alberta Energy System Operator (AESO) has declared a Level 1 emergency is in place during the heat wave and asks Albertans to reduce energy use during peak periods of when people get home from work, between 4 and 7pm.
It's now an order to leave the laundry, the dishwasher, and the cooking, until later.
For working parents, it's recommended that we microwave meals instead of using a stove, or do what my parents did during the summer and stock up on pre-cooked or lunch meats, breads, cottage cheese, salads, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and canned beans to serve "cold suppers".
Alternatively, you can support those re-opened businesses and pick up dinner on your way home.
Practice some self-care: you deserve a cool shower, makeshift foot soak, plant mister with cool water, or a trip through the sprinkler when it gets to be too much.
"Everyone who lives in Canada has a responsibility to know our history, to engage as an active citizen," Dr. Crystal Fraser said in this week's podcast, Living the Lie.
From the history of Canada as a colonial nation founded on white supremacy, to the Truth and Reconciliation's 94 Calls to Action, our guests this week didn't hold back - and we are, as ever, grateful to them for it.
"The idea that people are ignorant (of Indigenous issues in Canada), that is privilege - it is a privilege and it is a choice - it is a choice to be ignorant right now," Dr. Caroline Hodes said.
We ask some tough questions (that even made me cringe the second time around) but a good rule of thumb is that when you need to ask tough questions, teachers have the best answers.
Remember to thank a teacher and subscribe to Women of ABpoli wherever you get your podcasts.
This Settler's Day weekend
I am a descendent of not only physical settlers, but also named. One of my great grandparents was "Setters" and it probably doesn't get more literal than that.
I don't recall Canada Day being much of a particular celebration as I was growing up. Fireworks, yes, but history? Not even close.
As Kathleen and I continue to have these amazingly insightful discussions with women of ABpoli, I'm learning more about the person I want to be and the country I want to be part of - that means knowing our history, claiming the present, and shaping the future.
Thank you for being part of our journey :)
Deirdre