Douglas B. Armbruster

This time of year is a good reminder to thank the people who keep our communities going — often without recognition.

Service deserves respect, encouragement, and leadership that has their back.

“For to us a Son is born.”

At Christmas, Christians remember the birth of Jesus — a moment that speaks of hope entering a broken world, of light in darkness, and of love given freely.

This story shapes how I see people, community, and responsibility. It reminds me that leadership begins with humility, that strength can be gentle, and that caring for others is never wasted.

To friends and neighbours of every faith tradition — and those of no faith at all — I wish you a Christmas filled with peace, rest, and time with the people who matter most.

May this season bring renewed hope, kindness, and care for one another.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas generosity isn’t transactional.
We give because people matter — not because they agree with us or meet a standard.

That same spirit should guide how we care for one another year-round.

Christmas reminds us that giving isn’t about headlines or credit.
It’s about noticing who’s struggling quietly and stepping in without being asked.

Strong communities are built when people look out for one another — not just in December, but all year long.

At Christmas, most of us slow down and return to what matters most: family.

Strong families are the foundation of strong communities — and when families are supported, everything else works better too.

Christmas hope isn’t naive optimism.
It’s the belief that even in hard seasons, things can be made better through care, responsibility, and perseverance.

That kind of hope lasts.

Some of the most meaningful work this season happens quietly — meals prepared, visits made, burdens shared.

Not everything that matters makes noise.
And not everything that makes noise matters.

Honoured to have been invited back to attend the grand opening of Lanigan School as a former Trustee. We spent much time and discussion on this project, and to see it completed, and to see the staff and students using every inch of that space, it was gratifying. Congratulations to all involved, and especially the Board of Horizon School Division on a job well done!

The basement.

Seems to be my spot when it comes to the Legislative Building. I have become well acquainted with the former Lieutenant Governors of Saskatchewan while waiting for events in the overflow. For events like this and the Budget, you need to get to the building more than an hour ahead to have a shot at the gallery now, I'm told. And I don't mind one bit.

Why? Because it shows people care. They want to show up. And they do. From all over Saskatchewan. This province is growing, changing, and leading. People want to be a part of it.

Are there issues? There always will be. We have two choices. We can complain, criticize, and find the negative in every situation, whether positive or negative, or we can show up, listen, advocate, and do our best to help our leaders see what is needed.

So I keep showing up.

I am excited to watch this 2nd Session of the 30th Legislature unfold. Thankfully, not from the basement.

What do you see?
Red lights?
Orange Signs?
Inconvenience?
Closure?

I see: Progress. Preparation. Potential.

It's all in our vision for the future.
The glass half full, critical approach
OR
A growth mindset, seeing through the negativity and envisioning the brighter future to come!

I add my voice to those of the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance. Cuts disguised as restructuring only leads to our students losing curricular learning opportunities. Regina Public School Board needs to listen and reconsider their decision to cut. Use the funds available to you in reserves, do the research and strategic planning, and come back with a plan that doesn't diminish opportunities for the ones you were elected to serve. Do what is best for kids!

The SAA is deeply disappointed by the Regina Public School Board’s decision to approve cuts to elementary band programs.

As we’ve said throughout this campaign — music education is not an “extra”. It’s a vital part of a well-rounded education that supports student learning and well-being. These cuts are not a restructure. They are a loss.

We’re grateful to the many parents, students, educators, and community members who took action. Your voices made a difference — and we will continue to advocate for the arts in our schools.

Read our full response at: https://www.saskartsalliance.ca/advocacy/saas-response-band-program-cuts/

I stand with the RBPLT and their advocacy. Regina Public Schools needs to pause the cuts and do the research first.