The Yellow Vest movement showed itself in Drumheller on Sunday morning as 150 people rallied to protest a number of perceived issues, namely in support of the Alberta oil and gas industry and the federal government’s immigration policies.

Crowds donning high visibility vests and picket signs gathered at the empty lot on the corner of Highway 56 and 575, passing out pamphlets as drivers honked as they passed. Signs read “Canada Needs Pipelines” and “Trudeau Must Go,” and while there were no speeches made by the protestors, there was much talk about the need for federal support for Alberta’s energy industry and protests against Canada’s involvement in the UN Immigration Compact.

“I just wanted to make people aware of what’s really going on,” said Corey Bulechowsky, one of the organizers. “It’s more than just the oil patch here in Alberta, it has to do with the sovereignty of Canada. The future of our kids is at stake here.”

One of the protesters, Earl Brownlee, is employed in Alberta’s oil and gas industry and mainly attended the rally in support of building an eastern pipeline.

“We have to have a pipeline in the ground to get this oil to tidewater, we have to go east and west. We’ve been put on the backburner as Albertans. We’ve talked about it, we’ve knocked it around a bit – it’s time.”

Cori Grieve attended the rally because she feels Albertans have not had proper representation of their needs.

“I just feel we have really weak leader representation in Canada, provincially and federally. They’re not listening to us and they have their own agendas. Our freedom of speech is gone and our rights are being taken away, it’s time to speak up,” she said.

The meeting was largely organized on social media and come after large rallies and vehicle convoys in Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Calgary, and Medicine Hat over the last week. The Yellow Vest movement originates from French protestors who have been rioting over high costs of living and taxes.

A Drumheller student has been awarded a prestigious bursary from Inter Pipeline.

Logan VanDyk, son of Randy VanDyk and Heather VanDyk, has received the Discovery Award from the company to pursue his studies. Logan Graduated from St. Anthony’s School in 2018 and is in his first year studying business at Mount Royal University.

“It was a nice surprise for him for sure,” said mother Heather VanDyk.

In 2018 Inter Pipeline distributed 42 bursaries to students throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan, for a total $84,000 this year.

According to a press release, this program supports youth who reside in communities where Inter Pipeline operates, by providing scholarships to high school students who are pursuing a post-secondary education in an industry related field. Examples of an industry related field include anything from Accounting to Engineering Technology or Business to a Millwright and Welder.

To apply for an award, students need to check with their school as the whole process is completed through the high schools. Inter Pipeline sends out application brochures and forms to the high school in early March of every year, and the school usually nominates a candidate by June 1. The application form must be completed and signed by a School Guidance Counsellor or Principal. Inter Pipeline does not accept applications that do not come directly from the school.