Drumheller’s RCMP want residents to plan ahead for transportation if they’re drinking to help ensure safety on the roads on New Year’s Eve.
    Corporal Trent Sperlie said the local RCMP detachment will have extra officers out assisting in random checkstops on December 31 and January 1.
    “It’s not what we’re going to expect, it’s what we’re preparing for,” said Corporal Sperlie.
    He anticipates there will also be general noise complaints that RCMP will be tending to during the evening.
    “And obviously the New Year’s bring a higher risk of drinking drivers, impaired drivers, so that’s certainly going to be high on the list of what members are looking for.”
    RCMP members trained in determination of drug impairment will also be out at the checkstops throughout the evening.
    “Have a great New Year’s, a safe New Year’s,” said Corporal Sperlie, “and just remember we’ll be out there looking for impaired drivers.”

Photo courtesy Prime Minister Harper”s Facebook page.

Tax breaks to Canadian families are at the top of the Prime Minister’s list highlighting his government’s 2014 achievements.
    “I am proud of what our Government has achieved for hard working Canadians and their families in 2014,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
    Decmeber 31 the Harper government issued their achievement highlights  over the past year.
    “Our Government announced measures that will put considerable money back in the pockets of Canadians through the doubling of the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit and making it refundable, the Family Tax Cut, the increased and expanded Universal Child Care Benefit, and the greater Child Care Expense Deduction limits. In fact the average benefit to Canadian families of measures announced in 2014 will be over $1,100 per year.”
    Also on the PM’s list is major infrastructure initiatives under the New Building Canada Fund, which he says will commit billions of dollars to support projects to communities across Canada.
    Projects he listed include roads, bridges, transportation networks, airports, and rail service. Harper said these projects mean tens of thousands of new jobs.
    Other highlights on his list:
- The conclusion of free trade negotiations with both the European Union and Korea
 - Work towards eliminating the deficit to balance the budget in 2015.
- Introducing legislation to ensure that innocent victims of crime have clear rights in Canada’s judicial system.
- Broader police powers being sought after the killings of  two Canadian forces personnel and a gunman entering the Parliament Buildings in October.
- Tougher penalties for child predators.
 - “On the international front, we took a strong stance against Russian military aggression and expansionism in Ukraine,” the Prime Minister said. “Canada is also contributing to the fight against the terrorist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which threatens not just the Middle East, but Canada.”
- Global efforts in promoting the health of women and children in developing countries.
- “Our Government also continued to strongly support Israel’s legitimate right to defend itself against those who would do it harm, “states Prime Minister Harper “I had the chance to deliver this message in person during a historical appearance before Israel’s Knesset in January, which was a deep honour.”
    “In the new year, our Government will continue to build on the remarkable achievements of 2014 with a view to delivering the prosperity, safety and well-being that Canadians deserve.”