As a long time St. Albertan (all 40-plus years) as well as belonging to one of the founding families of this community, I am nothing short of appalled by the lengthy letter written and submitted by Chris and Karleena Perry.
I wonder if the Perrys are aware of the fact St. Albert was founded by the MĂ©tis and the Oblates. Last time I checked neither group is known to be an overwhelmingly financially affluent group. The community was built in a manner similar to the way Habitat for Humanity builds their homes. When St. Albert was founded, its community members gathered and built homes for each other. Once one home was built, they welcomed other community members into their home until they could build another home and so on. St. Albert has always been an affluent community, but its affluence is that of spirit and sense of community, not that of money or material items.
Truly affluent people give to others before taking for themselves. Here is a reality check — our community does have issues, but these issues are never turned away and the individuals with these challenges are always welcomed and supported through them.
“Like it or not, the children of St. Albert are high-standard and have no place for low-income classmates. When we first moved to St. Albert our teen had a hard time fitting in because of the money and it was hard for him. Now he is good …”
I do not believe for a second that your son had a hard time fitting in due to a lack of money or "status," but likely due to the lack of social conscience of his parents. Growing up in St. Albert as a child and teen meant never getting away with anything because the neighbours would keep an eye on you and inform your parents, or you would have more than one family member living on the same street as you. The community as well as our parents raised us. Let's hope that the community steps up to the plate and raises your children.
Attitudes such as these are not welcome in a community that has maintained it roots and values such as St. Albert. It is really unfortunate that you signed your name to this letter, as I believe that your child may again be subject to not fitting in.
Michelle Barteski (née Pouliot), St. Albert
