In this eye-opening interview, council candidate Kirby Schafer pulls back the curtain on city council dynamics, budget concerns, infrastructure delays, and the growing demand for transparency in local government.

💬 “Trust is a hard thing to regain.”
💬 “We’re spending money on wants, not needs.”

From traffic concerns to whistleblower policies and community engagement, this conversation dives into the issues residents are actually talking about.

Key Topics

-City council collaboration and surprises

-Budget management and operational efficiencies

-Infrastructure projects and funding delays

-Community engagement and transparency

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Conversation

01:00 Observations on City Council Performance

07:15 Budget Challenges and Management Insights

14:20 Transparency and Public Engagement

19:01 Community Concerns and Traffic Management

23:10 Urban Hen Bylaw and Liquor in Parks Discussion

25:55 Whistleblower Policy and Accountability

27:57 Future Outlook for City Council

Thank you for listening and sharing you are one in a million! We are excited to announce our community is growing and we couldn't do it with out you!

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Countless individuals in our city experience trauma that leaves them in need of support. One unique approach to providing that support comes in the form of service dogs. Host Brian Konrad speaks with Christina Johnson as they explore the inspiring story of Jackson, a service dog at the Sanare Centre, and the profound impact he has on the lives of children and adults facing difficult situations.

Jackson isn’t just any service dog; he’s a jack of all trades! From supporting survivors in court to providing comfort during therapy sessions, his impact is profound. He recently helped a young boy find his courage to engage in therapy, just by being there.

00:00 - Introduction:
01:17 - Contributions from community donors to Jackson’s arrival
02:45 - Jackson’s multifaceted support roles in therapy, court, and education
03:44 - Heartwarming stories of Jackson’s support during trauma sessions
05:12 - How Jackson was selected and trained by Summit Service Dogs
06:35 - Training process for Jackson’s specialized role at Sanare Centre
07:22 - Everyday life of a service dog: working and resting routines
08:56 - Highlighting sexual violence awareness and the statistics in Alberta
09:50 - The under-reporting of sexual violence and resources for support
11:06 - The impact of service dogs on survivors’ healing process
12:26 - The effort to engage men and boys in preventing gender-based violence
13:27 - Improving societal responses to disclosures of sexual violence
14:45 - Ways the community can support survivors and raise awareness
15:46 - How to intervene as a bystander using the Four D's
17:13 - Practical advice on preventing drug-assisted assaults and everyone’s role
18:31 - Contact information for the Sanare Centre and how to request Jackson's support
19:00 - Jackson’s unique talents - brain games, therapy support, and community engagement
22:23 - Celebrating Jackson’s success in a fun game of Kerplunk

Jackson isn’t just a dog - he’s a lifeline. From sitting through court sessions with child survivors to attending therapy sessions, visiting schools, and even playing Kerplunk to ease anxiety, Jackson demonstrates how animals can bring healing and hope to trauma survivors. Christina shares touching stories of how Jackson has transformed the centre’s approach to care, creating safe spaces for children and adults to feel comforted and supported.
The episode also explores the broader mission of the Sanare Centre:
• Raising awareness about sexual violence, especially during Sexual Violence Awareness Month
• Providing specialized criminal justice navigation and support for survivors
• Engaging men and boys in ending gender-based violence through the Empowerment Leadership Program
• Offering practical guidance for bystanders to safely intervene in potentially harmful situations
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how trauma-informed care works, the power of service animals in healing, and the importance of community involvement in supporting survivors.
Whether you’re an animal lover, advocate for sexual violence awareness, or simply want to hear inspiring stories of hope and resilience, this episode is for you.
Resources & How to Help:
• Learn more about the Sanare Centre: www.sanarecentre.ca
• Call: 403-548-2717
• Follow Sanare Centre Instagram www.instagram.com/sanarecentre
• Facebook www.facebook.com/sanarecentre for updates and donor recognition
Support the Mission:
• Attend community awareness events
• Donate to support programs and service dogs like Jackson
• Volunteer or participate in local initiatives
Key Takeaways:
• Service dogs like Jackson provide critical emotional support in trauma and court settings
• Sexual violence affects 1 in 3 Albertans, yet 95% of incidents go unreported
• Cultural change and community engagement are essential to ending gender-based violence

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In this episode, we sit down with Chantal Paterson to discuss the importance of Alzheimer’s awareness and the upcoming IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s in Medicine Hat. The conversation highlights how community events like this help reduce stigma, raise critical funds, and connect families affected by dementia with valuable support resources.

Listeners will learn about the growing impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia across Canada, the role local fundraising plays in supporting care programs, and how people of all ages can participate in the walk. Chantelle also shares insights into caregiver support services, volunteer opportunities, and the importance of building compassionate communities for those living with dementia.

The episode emphasizes that no one facing dementia should feel alone, and that awareness, education, and community involvement can make a meaningful difference.

Key Takeaways

-The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s has raised millions to support dementia care and awareness initiatives across Canada

-Funds raised locally in Medicine Hat stay within the community to support programs and caregiver resources.

-The event is designed to be inclusive and welcoming for participants of all ages and abilities.

-Community support helps reduce stigma and encourages earlier access to dementia resources and care.

-Volunteer opportunities and donations are essential to sustaining local Alzheimer’s support services.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Walk for Alzheimer's
02:46 Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
05:55 Community Support and Resources
09:05 Volunteer Opportunities and Event Details

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