Proclamations

• Every request requires a completed Proclamation Request Form accompanied by a draft copy of the proposed full written proclamation.   
• A completed request form must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance of the proclamation date. 
• If no draft copy is received, the proclamation will not be considered. 
• The Town of Vegreville may edit and revise the wording of the proclamation at its discretion. 
• The Town will not provide media coverage for proclamations.
  
• Unless otherwise requested by the submitter, a standard proclamation template photo will be used. All images must be approved by the Town of Vegreville.
• Proclamations will not be put onto a council meeting agenda and will not be read out at a council meeting. 
• A request for proclamation will not be considered if it:  
  • is determined to be of political controversy, religious beliefs or individual conviction; 
  • is determined to be intended for commercial or profit-making purposes; 
  • advocates discrimination, hatred, violence or racism; 
  • is contrary to the Town of Vegreville’s policies or bylaws. 

Black History Month

February 2026

WHEREAS, Canada has formally recognized Black History Month for just over thirty years, despite the fact that people of African descent have been present in what is now Canada for centuries;

WHEREAS, Canada’s history includes the enslavement of people of African descent in territories that later became Canada, a reality that is often omitted from public narratives despite its enduring social and institutional impacts;

WHEREAS, people of African descent live in Vegreville and contribute to the social, cultural, educational, and economic life of the community, and their presence and contributions are part of the Town’s shared past, present, and future;

WHEREAS, the United Nations proclaimed 2015 - 2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent, and this commitment has been extended to 2034, reaffirming a global call to advance recognition, justice, and inclusion for people of African descent; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim the month of February as Black History Month, and encourage residents to acknowledge, learn about, and reflect upon the histories, experiences, and contributions of people of African descent, recognizing that truthful remembrance strengthens inclusion, dignity, and community well-being for all.

December 2025

Human Rights Day

WHEREAS, recognition of the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all persons is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world;

WHEREAS, it is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all persons are equal in: dignity, rights and responsibilities without regard to race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation;

WHEREAS, multiculturalism describes the diverse racial and cultural composition of Alberta society and its importance is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and a matter of public policy;

WHEREAS, it is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all Albertans should share in an awareness and appreciation of the diverse racial and cultural composition of society and that the richness of life in Alberta is enhanced by sharing that diversity; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting that these principles be affirmed by the Legislature of Alberta in an enactment whereby those equality rights and that diversity may be protected.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Tim MacPhee, by and with the advice and consent of the Council of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim December 10, 2025 as “Human Rights Day” in the Town of Vegreville as we observe the protections of the Declaration of Human Rights, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and the Alberta Human Rights Act.

October 2025

Purple Thursday

October 16, 2025

WHEREAS, the Canadian Royal Purple recognizes the intersection of Acquired Brain Injury and the incidence of Interpersonal Violence which effects as high as one in three women in Canada; and 

WHEREAS, the third Thursday in October each year will be declared as a special day of connection between the Canadian Royal Purple, our communities and Women’s shelters across Canada to stop the violence; and 

WHEREAS, the Canadian Royal Purple has adopted brain injury awareness and prevention as their official cause; and 

WHEREAS, the Vegreville Royal Purple Lodge #125 is a valuable asset to our community.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim October 16, 2025, the third Thursday of October 2025, as Canadian Royal Purple’s National Purple Thursday.

October 2025

National Depression Screening Day

October 9, 2025

Counselling Alberta is committed to providing affordable and professional counselling services that help build better lives for Albertans. Since 2005, National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) has raised community awareness by offering a free and anonymous online screening tool for depression.

WHEREAS, Depression is the most treatable mental health issue, early treatment promotes faster recovery and prevents long-term effects on individuals and their families; 

WHEREAS, In 2024, of the 2,498 Albertans who participated in the NDSD online screening test, 63 percent were recommended to seek further evaluation;

WHEREAS, During the week of October 6-12, Albertans are encouraged to check in on their mental health and take the free online screening test at areyoufeelingok.com

WHEREAS, CN and Operation Lifesaver have requested City Council adopt this resolution in support of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, save lives and prevent injuries in communities, including our municipality; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2025 as National Depression Screening Day

September 2025

Rail Safety Week

September 15 - 21, 2025

WHEREAS, Rail Safety Week is to be held across Canada from September 15 to 21, 2025;

WHEREAS, 261 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred in Canada in 2024; resulting in 68 avoidable fatalities and 58 avoidable serious injuries;

WHEREAS, educating and informing the public about rail safety (reminding the public that railway rights-of-way are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway rail grade crossings, ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways, and obeying established traffic laws) will reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries cause by incidents involving trains and citizens; and

WHEREAS, Operation Lifesaver is a public/private partnership whose aim is to work with the public, rail industry, governments, indigenous communities, police services, media and others to raise rail safety awareness;

WHEREAS, CN and Operation Lifesaver have requested City Council adopt this resolution in support of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, save lives and prevent injuries in communities, including our municipality;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim September 15 to 21, 2025, as Rail Safety Week in Vegreville, and urge my fellow citizens to recognize the importance of rail safety and the risks of trespassing and not obeying signs and signals at grade crossings.

July 2025

Collector Car Appreciation Day

July 11, 2025

WHEREAS, The Specialty Vehicle Association of Alberta (SVAA) and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) in the US have declared July 11, 2025 as International Collector Car Appreciation Day; and

WHEREAS, automotive enthusiasts are celebrating the month of July as Automotive Heritage Month across Canada; and

WHEREAS, Alberta’s rich automotive heritage has broad appeal to classic car hobbyists and the public, which is demonstrated through car shows, cruise nights and afternoon drives; and

WHEREAS, automobile clubs enrich Alberta's communities by serving as active participants in local festivals, parades and celebrations; and

WHEREAS, the collector car community contributes to Alberta’s economic and social well-being by hosting events and car shows that raise funds for local charities and engage Alberta’s communities; and

WHEREAS, the Government of Alberta wishes to celebrate the passion of Albertans for driving, restoring, preserving and collecting an important part of Canada’s history; and

WHEREAS, the Proclamation of Collector Car Appreciation Day will give Albertans the opportunity to recognize the vibrant car collection community in Alberta;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Mayor Tim MacPhee, by and with the advice and consent of the Council of the Town of Vegreville hereby declare July 11, 2025, to be Collector Car Appreciation Day.

May 2025

Alberta Rural Health Week  

May 26, 2025 - May 30, 2025

WHEREAS, More than 18 percent of Albertans live in rural and remote regions, yet fewer than seven percent of family physicians and other healthcare providers practice in these areas; and

WHEREAS, This distribution highlights the critical need for accessible healthcare in rural areas and the steadfast dedication of healthcare providers serving in non-urban communities; and

WHEREAS, Alberta Rural Health Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the outstanding commitment of healthcare providers and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide essential care to Albertans living in rural and remote communities; and

WHEREAS, Rural healthcare providers deliver vital medical services in areas with limited alternatives, easing the burden of long-distance travel and reducing wait times; and

WHEREAS, Rural healthcare providers often build strong, long-term relationships with patients, fostering trust and continuity of care by serving remote populations, they play a key role in bridging the healthcare gap between rural and urban communities; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim May 26 - May 30 2025, as Alberta Rural Health Week in Vegreville, and urge my fellow citizens to recognize the crucial role played by healthcare providers in our community.

April 2025

National Volunteer Week 

April 27, 2025 - May 3, 2025

WHEREAS, 24 million Canadians give their time through formal or informal types of volunteering, contributing close to 5 billion volunteer hours per year; and

WHEREAS, volunteers in the Town of Vegreville & the County of Minburn mentor our children, support those feeling isolated, beautify our green spaces, and fundraise for our charitable organizations; and

WHEREAS, volunteers in the Town of Vegreville & the County of Minburn have continued to give their time and talents to support families, friends, neighbours, and strangers - people standing up to systemic racism, and  sharing insights on how to create a more just and equitable society; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Vegreville & the County of Minburn’s volunteers are individuals, families, workers, retirees, and community members of all ages and backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, the collective result of the work done by our volunteers is that the Town of Vegreville and the County of Minburn are more desirable places to live; and

WHEREAS, fundraising, tutoring, delivering hampers or food, yard work, connecting with seniors, serving on boards or committees, organizing food drives, coaching, and supporting local non-profits; and

WHEREAS, volunteers support essential organizations in the Town of Vegreville and the County of Minburn, including Agricultural Societies, 4-H Clubs, VALID, Christmas Bureau, Preschool Association, Elks & Royal Purple, Warwick Ladies Club, Lions, Rotary, Kinsmen & Kinettes, Seniors Sunshine Club, MD of Minburn Foundation, Heritage House, Crisis Association, VegMin Learning Society, Vegreville Food Bank, Heather Curling Club, Lavoy Action Society, and KidSport; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, and I, Roger Konieczny, Reeve of the County of Minburn, do hereby proclaim April 27 to May 3, 2025, as National Volunteer Week, and urge my fellow citizens to recognize the crucial role played by volunteers in our communities.