News Optimist December 5

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City in budget process, some hikes expected

Everybody Has a Story Lindsay Anderson: A trip to Israel to study the Holocaust

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Volume 110 No. 18

City Council mulling over 2018 budget

Staff The City of North Battleford has begun its budget deliberations. At this point, a three per cent property tax hike and a 4.5 per cent water sewer rate increase is being proposed.

North Battleford, Sask.

City manager Jim Puffalt says there has been a “massive effort” by council and staff to keep the property tax increase down to three per cent.

Provincial budget cuts originally had the city looking at a possibility of 10 to 12

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

per cent more in property taxes. But that would have been untenable, the city manager indicated.

Still, the increases are only proposals at this stage and adjustments could still be made by council during the deliberations.

If all goes well during deliberations, the budget could go to council for adoption at the Dec. 11 council meeting.

This is the third year in a row the budget has beem presented before Christmas.

See Page 3 for the full story.

Hang Time Willie Elam of Twin Falls, Idaho, performed a number of spectacular maneuvers Thursday afternoon during an open house at Norsask Farm Equipment.

Elam and Josh Penner of Letellier, Man., were the star attractions of the event, as they showcased many of the moves they have made at the annual XGames competition. Photo by Lucas Punkari

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PAGE 2 - Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Ralph Goodale visits NB

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The Liberal campaign of Larry Ingram got some big-name assistance Nov. 26 in Battlefords-Lloydminster.

Minister of public safety Ralph Goodale was in North Battleford. He was at their campaign office near Frontier Centre where he met supporters and held meetings with various stakeholders in the community during the day.

Goodale said his main motivation for being in North Battleford was to support Ingram and his campaign in the riding.

“I got to know Larry two years ago in the federal campaign of 2015,” said Goodale. “We became good friends at that time and I was delighted to hear he was interested in running again in this constituency in the by-election.”

He said Larry “had the skill, but even more importantly, the real determination and dedication to be a wonderful Member of Parliament.”

The meetings Goodale

was involved in particularly focused on housing and community-development issues facing North Battleford and the surrounding area. It included meetings with representatives of various First Nations in the area, as well as city officials.

Community safety coordinator Herb Sutton confirmed at Monday’s council meeting that he had met with Goodale; he added Goodale also met with members of the Battlefords Affordable Housing and Homelessness committee (BAHA).

Goodale said he was discussing “the opportunities we can envisage for cooperation and collaboration to make sure we are tackling the social issues that need to be addressed and grasping the economic opportunities.”

He noted the federal government is rolling out a new national housing strategy, something that the Battlefords and region could take advantage of.

Goodale said a number of people in the Battlefords and area had “very

A Voice For Victims Battlefords Victim Services is a non-profit organization, mandated by the Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Justice and overseen by a Board of Directors. We work closely with the RCMP to assist victims of crime in our community. Battlefords Victim Services is dedicated to supporting Victims of Crime and Trauma. Victims are given as much support and information as possible to ensure that they feel more comfortable within the Criminal Justice System and all facets of their individual situation.

In response to the incidents happening in our community Battlefords Victim Services welcomes anyone to set up an appointment with someone in the office, or to see if there is anything that we can do for you please feel free to call (306) 446-1550.

good ideas about the kinds of investments that both the government of Canada and the province of Saskatchewan can make jointly in and around the Battlefords to improve the quality of social housing and affordable housing, to improve the physical supply of social housing, and to create a much more satisfactory inventory of facilities here.”

He also pointed to the economic spinoffs in jobs and growth. “When you’re investing in housing, you’re also investing in economic development.”

A related issue for the region is crime, a topic that recently received national attention in an article in Maclean’s magazine.

In the wake of that article, Mayor Ryan Bater indicated in media reports that he wanted to see federal and provincial programs and policies aligned with the city’s needs on that issue.

“I’m anxious to pursue that with the mayor, because I think he’s got a point,” said Goodale.

As for how the federal government could assist, Goodale pointed to the government’s launch of a national strategy on gangs and community violence.

The feds will be contributing $100 million a year to community-based approaches to dealing with gangs and violent crime, and that would be in addition to other efforts currently in place.

There have been efforts to address the gang issue before, but Goodale said there “needs to be much greater co-ordination and there needs to be more resources behind it.” He also indicated an approach that involved all levels of government was necessary.

“All levels of govern-

ment and all programming within levels of government needs to work collaboratively together.”

Goodale had plenty to say on other initiatives the government is pursuing, such as their commitment to infrastructure investment as well as investment in agriculture.

He pointed to the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, announced recently by federal agriculture minister Lawrence MacAulay at Regina’s Agribition. It amounts to a $1 billion federal investment in agriculture over the next five years.

On trade issues, Goodale noted the government’s agenda highlights ”every single one of the trade priorities from the province of Saskatchewan.”

He spoke of more access for beef and pork into Asia and Latin America, and he also welcomed the demise of Country of Origin labelling in the USA. Goodale also pointed to the feds’ recent fight with China on possible restrictions that were going to be imposed on Canadian canola last year.

“We won that fight with the Chinese,” said Goodale, adding “that’s a $2 billion per year market for Saskatchewan producers.”

The minister also noted new legislation was being finished up to prevent the kind of issues farmers faced from the rail-backlog situation of a few years ago.

The changes ensure the rail companies are on the hook if they don’t honour their contracts with farmers to deliver grain to the ports in a timely manner.

“We’ve changed the law, so there are consequences – reciprocal penalties,” said Goodale.

In general, Goodale describes the Liberal by-

Battlefords-Lloydminster Liberal candidate Larry Ingram (right) welcomed Liberal Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale to his campaign office in North Battleford near the Frontier Centre on Sunday, where Goodale met with local stakeholders as well as Liberal supporters on issues of concern to the riding. Photo by John Cairns

election pitch to voters as coming down to “shared prosperity, growth, and fairness – those are the key things.”

However, the Liberals still have a steep hill to climb in BattlefordsLloydminster, a riding the Conservatives have held over the last 20 years.

One policy the Liberals have struggled mightily to gain traction on in the region has been the carbon tax issue. Goodale explained there were benefits to a national carbon tax for the province of Saskatchewan, particularly when it came to getting pipelines approved across the country.

“The issue is how can you best put a price on pollution, so that we can integrate economic policy with environmental policy,” said Goodale.

“You need that to approve pipelines. And Western Canada needs pipelines,” said Goodale.

“If your pipeline policy ignores or drives right by environmental policy, you’ll never get the approvals.

The last 10 years have demonstrated that.”

Goodale also pointed out the province would

Worldwide Candle Lighting

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This non-denominational ceremony commemorates and honours children, siblings and grandchildren of all ages who have died from any cause and transcends all ethnic, cultural, religious and political boundaries.

All family members and friends are welcome.

have the first right to design the program, and that all the revenue comes to the province, not Ottawa.

That opens a range of options for the province, he said.

“They could decide to roll back all of the tax increases that were in last spring’s provincial budget,” Goodale said.

“It’s those tax increases that created the backlash in Saskatchewan that got the provincial government into such hot water! With a price on pollution, they could actually eliminate all of those tax increases, and still be money ahead for the province of Saskatchewan.”

For his part, Ingram welcomed Goodale’s involvement and particularly the fountain of information he provided.

“I’m thinking it is absolutely awesome that he took time out of his busy schedule to give me the support that he is giving me today,” said Ingram.

“He has a really good handle on the Indigenous situation and the Indigenous issues, and the housing issues. I think that his ideas and knowledge on agriculture far surpasses that of my own, and I’m thinking it’s just awesome that he comes and gives us this information today.”

As for his own campaign efforts, Ingram says they have continued to knock on doors and get their message out, and are now focusing on getting people out to vote during the advanced poll period Dec. 1-4 and on Election Day Dec. 11.

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Tuesday, December 5, 2017 - PAGE 3

City budget proposing three per cent property tax hike, 4.5 per cent water sewer rate increases

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The 2018 city budget is out, and it’s not as painful as many had expected.

Despite earlier pronouncements of doom and gloom in the wake of the spring provincial budget

cuts, the 2018 operating budget is calling for modest increases of three per cent for property tax, and 4.5 per cent for base water and sewer as well as consumption rates.

The budget is also proposing maintaining the current spend for UPAR –

More gunfire Staff

There have been more reports of gunfire in the city of North Battleford.

On Dec. 1 starting at 12:29 a.m., Battlefords RCMP received numerous calls of shots fired at various locations around the city.

Police say complaints came from the areas of 95th, 96th, 101st, 102nd, 109th, 106th Streets, and 21st Avenue. In one complaint police were told a one car was being chased and shot at by another vehicle.

RCMP say they attended all locations and could not locate any places or people that were hit, but they were able to locate the vehicle being shot at.

RCMP members on patrol also reported they could hear gunshots going off in various locations around the city. However, police were unable to locate the suspects or potential victims.

Investigations are continuing, and anyone with information is asked to call the Battlefords Detachment or Crimestoppers.

Underground Pipe and Asphalt replacement – at approximately $3.3 million.

According to the message from city manager Jim Puffalt that accompanied the budget, he credited a “massive effort” by council and staff, especially following the provincial budget cuts in which the city was forced to make budget revisions, for keeping the property tax increase down to three per cent.

“This is a major achievement, as when the long-term ramifications of the loss of revenue and increased costs in the 2017 provincial budget were considered at that time, there were projections of a 10 to 12 per cent increase in property taxes would be required in 2018,” Puffalt stated.

Puffalt told reporters following the meeting that “Council and staff took this challenge on and said ‘we can’t come back to the community with a 12 per

Bear spray incident in NB Staff According to police, on Dec 1 at 12:14 am, RCMP were called to the 1300 block of 108th street by two individuals indicating they had been robbed and bear sprayed.

The victims indicated they were walking home when approached by two male youths who demanded money. When the victims refused, they were bear sprayed. The victims and suspects then left the area.

The victims were treated in hospital and released a short time later.

RCMP continue their investigation and anyone with information is asked to call the Battlefords Detachment or Crimestoppers.

Police respond to early-morning disturbance Staff Battlefords RCMP are reporting they responded to an early-morning call about two males fighting in the city.

The incident happened at 1:54 a.m. Dec. 1 at a business on the Highway 16 bypass. Witnesses indi-

cated both males were using the services provided at the business when they broke into a verbal argument, the verbal argument escalated into a fistfight.

According to police, the report was that one of the males had been knocked out.

RCMP arrived and lo-

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cated one of the vehicles, which was unregistered, but no suspects. Members then patrolled the area and located the suspects who had been fighting, but who were now walking together. According to police, the suspects were now friends and police were no longer needed.

cent increase.’ It’s not going to be realistic and it’s not fair. We had to take lots of steps back in April in order to do this.”

The rationale for the three per cent increase is, in part, to be prepared “in case we get absolutely nailed like last year” in the provincial budget, Puffalt told reporters.

Puffalt also stated in the budget document that the three per cent increase would allow the city to “break the long term cycle of borrowing our debt repayment every year.”

“We have an opportunity for the first time where we don’t have to borrow the full amount that we pay,” Puffalt said to reporters.

As for the 4.5 per cent water and sewer hike, Puffalt told reporters that particular number also makes progress in that area as well.

He estimates the overall reduction for long-term borrowing is at $550,000 for 2018.

Puffalt has credited changes implemented in their 2017 Customer Service Review for bringing down costs.

Still, the increases are only proposals at this stage and adjustments could still be made by council during the deliberations.

The full budget document was formally presented to council Wednesday night during the first night of budget deliberations.

The actual budget document was circulated to council members and the media on Nov. 27, but the contents were kept under embargo until the Wednesday deliberation session was over.

The full document was expected to be up on the city’s website by Thursday.

Budget deliberations got underway Wednesday night at City Hall. The city’s new director of finance Amarjit Mahil made his first budget presentation since taking over the role. Photo by John Cairns

The city had scheduled three deliberation sessions for Nov. 29, Dec. 4 and 6.

If all goes well and no further meetings are required, the expectation is that the budget could go to council for adoption at the Dec. 11 council meeting. This is the third year in a row that the budget is being presented before Christmas.

The budget is the first one prepared and presented by the city’s new director of finance Amarjit Mahil since taking over the role from David Gillan this summer.

The first evening saw the budget presentations from some city government departments: Fire and Protective Services presented by acting Chief Trevor Brice, General Government, and the UPAR Program.

The capital plan for fire and protective services includes $20,000 for emergency generator replacement, $90,000 for a flash-over unit to train staff in dangerous fire situations, and $50,000 for

new equipment installation for municipal enforcement.

For UPAR, streets to be done for this year include 98th Street from 17th to 18th, as well as 105th Street from 10th to 11th Avenue. Some street rehabs are contemplated for Douglas Avenue. and the Foley Drive/Thomas Avenue overlay, among other work.

There is no increase to UPAR rates proposed for this year.

“We’ve had the program for three years now, there have been increases every year, and the feeling was to maintain existing levels and not to increase it,” said Mayor Ryan Bater to reporters following the meeting.

Nevertheless, the infrastructure deficit is still there. City administration nevertheless cited the importance of continuing the work.

“The problem’s not going away, this is a long term game,” city engineer Bob Anthony told council.

Continued on Page 8

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PAGE 4 - Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Commentary

The CRA fails Canadians in more ways than one

The commentaries offered on this editorial page are intended to provide thought-provoking material for our readers. Contributors’ articles, cartoons or letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any News-Optimist staff.

By Aaron Wudrick, Federal Director Canadian Taxpayers Federation

The release of an Auditor General’s report is rarely a happy occasion for the government of the day, and this fall’s offering from federal Auditor General Michael Ferguson was no exception: from a stinging indictment of the billion-dollar Phoenix payroll system boondoggle, to a clear failure by immigration officials to properly track key indicators about Syrian refugees, to evidence of poor governance at the Royal Military College of Canada.

But perhaps most surprising was Ferguson’s audit of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)’s call centers and their staggering inability to handle taxpayers’ calls, and to answer questions properly.

Ferguson found that last year, a full 54 per cent of calls made to the CRA – 28.9 million in all – were blocked by the agency; add in another 14 per cent of calls directed to an automated menu, and any Canadian calling had less than a one in three chance of speaking

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to a human being.

Was the CRA simply overloaded? Not exactly. As Ferguson noted, the number of CRA agents answering calls rose by 23 per cent over the last five years. But because the CRA has a “service standard” requiring it to keep call wait times to under two minutes, when the average wait time started to get close to two minutes, the CRA’s call centre traffic team came up with a simple trick to help keep the average down: they would simply block additional calls.

Even if you are lucky enough to get through to an agent, be wary about the answer you get: Ferguson found that almost 30 per cent of the time, agents were giving incorrect answers to basic queries. For example, in response to a question about when interest owed would begin to accrue, the wrong answer was given by the CRA agent a shocking 84 per cent of the time.

As if all this weren’t enough, the CRA’s quality control system – designed to catch inaccurate responses by agents – didn’t work properly, meaning the CRA remained blissfully unaware of the extent of the problem.

For the many Canadians who already have a hatehate relationship with the taxman, such terrible customer service adds insult to injury.

And to be fair to the CRA, it is probably unrealistic to expect every agent to have a comprehensive grasp of our tax code (the Income Tax Act alone runs over a million words on 3,000 pages.)

The best long-term solution would be to simplify the tax code, making it easier for Canadians to figure out their taxes themselves and reducing the number of calls made to CRA in the first place.

In the meantime, the CRA needs to get its act together and start treating Canadians with a lot more respect by not blocking their calls, and ensuring that if agents can’t answer their questions correctly, they pass them along to someone else who can.

Canadians work hard to pay their taxes. Is it too much to expect decent service from the people collecting them?

Last week’s News-Optimist online poll: Did you watch the Grey Cup? Yes, I always do, no matter who is playing.

44% No, I skipped it, no Riders.

23% Yes, my favourite team was playing.

3% No, I never do.

30%

This week’s News-Optimist online poll: The by-election in Battlefords–Lloydminster is Monday, Dec. 11. Are you planning to vote?

• No, it’s a foregone conclusion.

• Yes, there’s always a chance for change even after 20 years.

• No. I never vote.

• Yes, I always vote.

• I used to vote but now I’ve become cynical.

• I already voted in the advance poll.

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Tuesday, December 5, 2017 - PAGE 5

Cox, Doke grilled on budget cuts in Question Period The two Northwestarea cabinet ministers in the Brad Wall government were once again on the hot seat in Question Period last week.

Both Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA Larry Doke and Battlefords MLA Herb Cox were fielding questions on issues related to their provincial ministries.

While the questions were directed at two different areas of government – Government Relations, and Advanced Education – the lines of questioning both had a familiar theme as the NDP focused on the impacts of the provincial budget and government cuts.

On Nov. 21, it was Doke who faced questions from Prince Albert-Northcote MLA Nicole Rancourt on the issue of funding for municipalities. That exchange was recorded in Hansard.

Ms. Rancourt: — Mr. Speaker, across the province Saskatchewan people were hit this year with the hike to their property tax bills. The Sask Party knew the property assessments were coming. They knew before their budget came through. Communities like Estevan contributed a lot during the boom, but are now feeling the pain from the economic downturn, and the Sask Party isn’t making that any easier. In fact they cut their funding and raised the percentage of their house and property

newsoptimist.john@sasktel.net that is taxable from 70 to 80 per cent. Now the people of Estevan are forced to pay even more taxes, and they’re based on the value of their home at the peak of the oil boom. Mr. Speaker, since the government continues to refuse to provide any assistance to these communities, will they at least consider moving to a one- or two-year assessment cycle, like other provinces have, to help lessen the impact on communities like Estevan?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Government Relations.

Hon. Mr. Doke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

When we first formed government, we committed to reducing the EPT [education property tax] so that education funding would be 60 per cent from the GRF [General Revenue Fund] and 40 per cent from the EPT. We actually went beyond that and the split was 65 per cent GRF and 35 per cent EPT. We have returned EPT funding to a level to meet our campaign commitment of

a 60/40 split. I would also add that residents of Saskatchewan have saved $1.3 billion in property tax.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Prince Albert Northcote.

Ms. Rancourt: — Mr. Speaker, across the province people are struggling to make ends meet, and the Sask Party’s tax hikes are making it worse. Municipalities are doing their best but they’re struggling after the cuts and the PST [provincial sales tax] hike too. Last night I had the opportunity to meet with Estevan’s mayor and council. They had to make the difficult decision to close their arena because they can’t afford to fix it enough to keep it open.

Mr. Speaker, they’re trying to help the people in their community with the Sask Party tax hike, and they’re trying to plan for the future. But when they asked, the government told them they would not know the status of their grants-inlieu until the next premier is selected in January. Mr. Speaker, when will the

minister pay attention?

Cities, towns, villages, all of Saskatchewan’s municipalities are trying to deal with the Sask Party cuts and start their budget process for next year. So why can’t the minister provide them certainty now and commit to no more cuts?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister . . .

Whoa. I recognize the Minister of Government Relations.

Hon. Mr. Doke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I really don’t know where to start with that, or whether there was a question there.

I’m not sure. But as I said, we’ve moved back to a 60/40 split on the EPT and the GRF. And as I said when I met with city mayors, we are reviewing the grants-in-lieu and we will have answers for them shortly. So, Mr. Speaker, we do care about the municipalities, even Prince Albert for that matter. We include all municipalities.

Thank you.

On Nov. 23, Saskatoon Fairview MLA Vicki Mowat fired away at minister Cox on the issue of funding to post-secondary education. That exchange also was recorded in Hansard.

Ms. Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, let me start with a quote: “This deficit budget is the direct result of the 5.6% reduction in funding received from the provincial government’s

budget released in March 2017.” That is a direct quote from the University of Saskatchewan’s most recent annual report. Mr. Speaker, the University of Saskatchewan has been forced to cut services and even run a deficit this year because the province slashed funding by $18 million. Mr. Speaker, how can any government who has any consideration for the future cut advanced education so deeply?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Advanced Education.

Hon. Mr. Cox: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I’m very pleased to be able to rise today and highlight some of the things that we are doing, this government is doing for post-secondary education in this province.

The 2015-16 university fiscal year information from Stats Canada indicated

the following, Mr. Speaker.

The U of S [University of Saskatchewan] receives 63 per cent of their operating revenue from the province, and that’s the fifth highest in the group of 15 comparable universities in Canada, that’s medical doctoral universities. U of R [University of Regina], 55 per cent of their funding comes from our provincial government. As far as tuitions go, Mr. Speaker, the U of S tuition revenue is comprised of 23 per cent of their operating revenue, seventh among those universities. And I think it’s also important to note here, Mr. Speaker, that of those four universities that were ahead of the U of S, three of them are in the province of Quebec. And that’s a pretty convenient fact. Thank you.

Continued on Page 13

It’s That Time of Year

The North Battleford Bonaventure Lions have been busy getting ready for the season. Pictured are some of the 658 Christmas cakes made for one of their fundraising projects. Photo by Lion Linda Laycock

The Battlefords–Lloydminster federal by-election is Monday.

Are you ready to vote?

If you’re a Canadian citizen, 18 or older, and have lived in this riding since November 8, 2017, you can vote in the federal by-election.

Your voter information card tells you when and where to vote.

If you didn’t receive your card, you can still register and vote at your polling place on December 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m (Central time).

To find out where to vote, and what ID to bring, visit elections.ca or call 1-800-463-6868 ( TTY 1-800-361-8935).

Elections Canada has all the information you need to be ready to vote.

December 11, 2017

178122CE0 17122CE1

PAGE 6 - Tuesday, December 5, 2017

: n o s r e d n A y a s d Lin Journey to Israel a particularly memThis past summer was Anderson, a Grade 7 orable one for Lindsay ford Comprehensive teacher at North Battle High School. teachers who went to Anderson was one of 15 Society for Yad VashIsrael with the Canadian em. the Holocaust at Yad They were there to study locaust Remembrance Vashem - The World Ho Center. study program, so “It was an international m fro Canada, and then there were the 15 of us United States,” said An there were 13 from the derson. r from Italy and a film There was also a teache producer from Serbia. ciety for Yad Vashem It was the Canadian So olarships and paid for the Lindsay Anderson, a Grade 7 teacher at North Battleford Comprehensive High School, was one of 15 who organized their sch 20. teachers who went to Israel with the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem this past summer to study the trip, which ran July 1 to time in Israel; she had st fir her t no s wa This Holocaust. Photos submitted uld wo s es before. But thi been there a couple of tim y tor his ish th about Jew be a chance to learn in-dep the resilience of the gr ou nd Schindler’s ut abo d an t, aus aust survivor who that,” said Anderand the Holoc ve to speak with a Holoc nected to Schindler and ed in history long before gra le. con op e becam Jewish pe son. classes at Yad Vashem described how she g that time. with the students were at While there, she took rin du es enc eri The people who worked exp . e, day her enc h who eri eac . exp p.m the 5 gh to . ou been thr ” said Anderson – people rrunning from 9 a.m For people who have not our teacher …

One “the top of their field, er r. ive eth un rro tog ho t top go le at we nab or t lf agi tha im itse day un m she “The first e the Holocaust seems like an ish either worked at Yad Va nesis,” said Anderson. “H s learning how the Jew wa son y. ntr der literally started with Ge An cou the for in ay sities takeaw the beginning.’” of it feeling like we’d ward. actually started with ‘in “You really came out ish history, people were able to move for d Jew Ya . gh t, ou aus thr loc nt Ho we y the the wing of the best,” said Anderson Anderson says She explains that in sho safe learned from the best ough to the crethe d thr an le for in Bib fe lem the “sa usa a of Jer e as of tim t bes cri right from the While she was based ou Vashem has what she des . those very dark portunity to travel ation of the State of Israel ond week through the out” policy, where they “take you into eks, Anderson had an op we ee thr of t ou lk wa sec u yo t when country with her group.

The latter part of the ensively throughout the focused on times in a safe manner, so tha ext ly life ire w enent ho s – wa ed ek viv we sur rd survivors all, with travel across the first half of the thi them, you see how the aust Israel itself is very sm locaust. loc Ho Ho the g the t rin . du tha t e urs jus enc ho t eri sn’ a few the Jewish exp that, that it wa tire country taking only a chance to go into the moved on after yed in a hotel only three sta g.” hin had y ryt Anderson said they had the eve , up to cts ifa gro end a art an As the to th asled wi all e of tim ion ch cat mu That meant that when thorough edu museum “and spend as cks from the Old City.

Anderson said she got a meeting with blo ed e lud inc at th.

Th fai d. sai ish ., they could go and hav d the Jew as we wanted,” she pects of the Holocaust an cul- they were done at 5 p.m visit the different quarth, fai ish .

Jew ors viv the sur did t we and actual Holocaus “We did Jewish history, ent dinner in the Old City le experiences for Ander ghout Europe, the differ ou thr nts One of the most memorab me r tle ka set Os at the s. ture, said ter son was standing spent in both the Jewtrials and tribulations,” “Most of our time was . son ,” said Anderson. “But Ander ish and Christian quarters the ArmeThey also learned about se places you cut through tho to get t to ins aga m three quarters.” She the anti-Semitis quarter, so you see those n nia his the d an le op was spent exploring Jewish pe alled that one afternoon rec it. ind nt to the Western Wall, tory beh the Old City, and they we into the wall, which “It isn’t just something yers War where they “put our pra that showed up in World t was was incredible.”

Continued on Page 7 II – it’s something tha

The start of Shabbat, or the Sabbath, with the lighting of candles and Friday-night services.

Lindsay Anderson, Grade 7 teacher at North Battleford Comprehensive High School.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 - PAGE 7

Independence Hall in Tel Aviv where Israel declared itself a country on May 14, 1948.

Yad Vashem Memorial Hall, with an eternal flame.

Photos submitted

Overlooking Syria.

establishment of Holocaust and after the the er aft rs yea kes ma obvious there, if that d the State of Israel.

“I guess religion is more Holocaust we kind of ten . son der An d “When we talk about the sai d ” an se, t, rsen tha du s ly wa t ive tha ens d ext an were liberated, s Jew t to travel the country the go nk up thi Continued from Page 6 l gro to e rea Th a it t ael, we go chance to vis through the tunnels went on with life. In Isr of there. Anderson had a d e kin tim y ir the lib the are ing the o They also did a tour went of h t those wh which extends under- Bethlehem, which included going to the Churc some of the str uggles tha or going to other for l fee be along the original Wall, son der An ael was a new experience for tinian ter ri- erated faced when coming to Isr neath the cur rent city. y Nativity. That les iet y rebuilt their lives Pa the soc o e w int on ho d ing it’s an go s r, se wa wa cau she be the er ant me aft me eso o aw ces als is it pla l se rae cau “Is built on top of another,” tory for the first time. following the war as well.” built on top on another a presentation for thwi ne s that even though it sto a wa r st ove mo n tur the ’t her can being back, Anderson did ou ce uck “Y str Sin hat W m, ehe Anderson said. thl Be n she did a presentation neath it. You really grasp was a very short distance from Jer usalem to staff at the school, and the emitism and the hisher re we out finding history under we se cau be th us ut anti-S Old City.” to car ry our passports wi for Grade 10 students abo that when you are in the she said. which is “we had e,” tin ll, r II. les Wa Wa Pa rn rld ng ste eri Wo We to ent g d the y leadin g Israel an She mentioned rolling hills of the tor within the leavin the World War II and to under Jew nd are t sta the eas der for rth un no ces to pla the nk ly to thi ho g “I vin nd Mo y. rou kg ner wi bac “this holiest of a a to of bit wall within somebody’s Golan, where Anderson had gone on a visit Holocaust you need that Jewish culture, can be a they went for stand the it’s m to know where So ere itis y. wh em nit e i-S mu lile ant Ga d com a an of a y in Se is tor it in Jewish his Not far away is the house because of where h other.” trip. that’s coming from.” just all built on top of eac with so many resecond Fri- a boat erience – too interestthe exp on ng e sti enc ere eri int son said she came back exp rly der an ula An rtic pa A that rove She also noted ly ect from her time in Israel ved the start of Shabbat, a trip to Mount Bental, dir sources and knowledge day there when they obser ng of candles and Fri- ing, perhaps – was ts. den stu her lighti ria below. is excited to share it with or the Sabbath, with the there had been a she e came looking Sy nal to come back with re, enc me the eri eno en exp ph r be t ula jus had rtic en pa she be e at Th has tim t es.

“It las vic e ser Th t gh -ni r. day ak ove nections that I’ve litical unrest, as there had UN security station located on the next pe el of knowledge, and con museum curalev s thi the on amid the backdrop of po ht rig t servers were mple Mount. th teachers and Holocaus This time, “the UN ob been a shooting on the Te re was gun- made wi rethe u d yo an se , ria cau Sy be o e d. int enc sai ly eri ect son dir “It was an incredible exp azing how tors,” Ander e ground looking tap into now if on in Syria. So it was am she has a community to m, in that bad things hav ls ing ais go fee e Jud ff Sh stu for d l an fee e a fir t go y all about the Holocaust ” tory and continue to hap a student has a question re and yet how far away. or we she we se to clo trip est happened throughout his lat ht ay from her ay. And yet, Friday nig Anderson said one takeaw “just how complicated and Jewish history. pen to Jewish people tod last the en phenomenal, just to for e of sam ing the nd lly sta tua “That piece of it has be ael was an under Isr services have looked vir there who have the at ll sti e are other educators out is setting, they’r d. re sai sun the she the ow as is,” kn – th ael rs Isr der yea An 00 5,0 at,” by the food there. e and are ready to work wi ll bringing in the Shabb That is evidenced simply “Israeli Salad” in Israel had the same experienc Western Wall, they’re sti led an son notes that what is cal said Anderson. estinian Salad” you.” .” nce ilie res t tha alsee “P to a e as ibl n red ow inc kn s is “It wa nce to see other parts of in Palestine.

Anderson also had a cha rt is l Aviv, where the air po It is “the same Israel. She describes Te . lem usa Jer m fro ent fer dif ch mu ng salad, but both located, as bei d stores that we would sides lay claim to an rs, ape scr sky are e “Ther dire on the beach at the Me t it.” recognize. It’s right the tha y cit n lita po a very metro It was a small ter ranean. It’s gorgeous, .” ere wh any example of how you would see eeped in tradition” and daily life can still “st is lem usa Jer st, tra In con Juthe different sections of complicated it is there where you see m be sli Mu g on str a is ere Th d. le, sai she daism come alive, ll. for Jewish peop element to that city as we

Journey to Israel

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PAGE 8 - Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Leadership update: Cheveldayoff back in NB

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

The Battlefords and area continues to be an active area for the campaigns of leadership contenders in both political parties.

On Friday, Dec. 1, Sask Party leadership candidate Ken Cheveldayoff was back in North Battleford, this time for a noon-hour event with fundraisers and other supporters in the Northwest Community Futures building near Frontier Centre.

It was one of a number of events Cheveldayoff had planned for the Northwest, as part of what has been billed his “hometown tour.”

Cheveldayoff was scheduled to go to Meadow Lake later that day to meet with Meadow Lake Tribal Council. The next day, Saturday, saw several events on the schedule for the Northwest region, with stops in Edam Saturday morning, Spiritwood and Hafford that afternoon.

The tour was due to wrap up that evening with

a Ukrainian dinner of “borscht and perogies and cabbage rolls in my home town of Blaine Lake,” Cheveldayoff said.

In speaking to the NewsOptimist, Cheveldayoff noted the importance of a looming deadline of Dec. 8 for Sask Party membership sales, the final cutoff to be eligible to vote in the leadership contest.

“We’re going from early morning to late at night, trying to talk to each and every potential voter because that’s who’s going to be choosing the next Premier,” said Cheveldayoff.

“It’s not about endorsements, it’s not about the Establishment or the Establishment candidate, it’s about each and every voter.”

Meanwhile, the one Northwest-area MLA in the race was touting a new addition to his list of endorsements.

Scott Moe, MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook, welcomed the endorsement of Christine Tell, MLA for Regina Wascana Plains.

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provincial New Democrat leadership contenders had been taking turns actively campaigning in North Battleford recently.

Trent Wotherspoon had appeared in North Battleford for a meet-and-greet event earlier in November.

A week later, on Saturday, Nov. 25, it was Ryan Meili’s turn to visit the city.

The MLA for Saskatoon Meewasin was in North Battleford for a campaign event with supporters at The Gog called “Dreaming Big: An Evening with Ryan Meili.”

Meili also showed up for Winter Fest in downtown

Bringing Local Community Information & Gifts

Submitted by Rosemarie Stadnyk The Colours for Canada 150 banner project was created and directed by ARC Creative Studio of North Battleford, which will be honouring the groups who participated at a reception Thursday.

Community members who participated in the project were the Royal Bank staff and families,

were created by families and friends from the Battlefords, Saskatoon, Kerrobert, Turtle Lake, Medstead, Eastend, Calgary, Alta., Nova Scotia, Russia, Japan and Serbia.

Colours for Canada 150 banners were displayed in the North Battleford Library, at the Western Development Museum for July and August and at the Dekker Centre in September. UltraPrint and Doug’s Paint Shop donated to the project and the Royal Bank

and Bonaventure Lions Club provided financial support.

The banners are now on display at the ARC Creative Studio at 1102-101s Street upstairs and there will be a reception celebration at ARC to honour the groups who created the banners, with items for the reception donated by Innovation Credit Union, Discovery Co-op and Sobeys.

The reception is Thursday, Dec. 7 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Continued from Page 3 For general government, revenues are expected to

go up $385,000 due largely to return on investment funds, among other items;

there were also reductions in council remuneration and travel by $33,000 and a decrease in wages and benefits by $203,000.

But the main business Wednesday consisted of hearing from delegations seeking third-party grants from the city.

Those on the agenda Wednesday making pre-

sentations were Transit, the Dekker Centre, the Boys and Girls Club, Concern for Youth, and Midwest Food Resources.

Transit is looking for a 4.63 per cent increase for 2018, to $271,280, with expansion funding accounting for that rise.

Moe McGuinty appeared for the Dekker Centre to ask for $235,000. It is an increase of $15,000, and it’s the first time they have asked for an increase in funding from City Hall in five years of operations.

Battlefords Boys and Girls Club’s request was for $25,000, unchanged from the previous year (they also receive $15,000 annually from the city under an agreement for capital funding of their building); Concern for Youth’s ask was for $35,000, a $10,000 increase; and Midwest Food Resources’ ask is for $10,000.

Council were due to resume deliberations again on Monday night.

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paigning for federal NDP candidate Matt Fedler.

Bonaventure Lions Club, Battlefords Boys and Girls Club, BTEC, Concern for Youth, Drumming Hill Youth Centre, Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre, Saskatchewan Hospital, Battlefords Art Club, Rivers’ Edge Quilters, Home Schooling, Ecole Pere Mercure, North Battleford Comprehensive High School art class, McKitrick School, Sakewew High School and ARC Creative Studio members.

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Ken Cheveldayoff was back in the Battlefords again recently for a noon-hour event with fundraisers and supporters, as he continued his campaign for the Sask Party leadership. Photo by John Cairns

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That brings to 22 the number of MLAs endorsing Moe, the largest number of any candidate in the race.

Moe also had the endorsement of Kevin Phillips, the Melfort MLA who recently passed away.

The big event of the week for Sask. Party candidates was the leadership debate in Weyburn Thursday night, with all six leadership contenders taking part.

It was also the first debate to include Rob Clarke, the former federal Conservative MP who is the latest Sask Party leadership contender to join the race.

Meanwhile, the two

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Tuesday, December 5, 2017 - PAGE 9

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Phone: 306-445-7261 Fax: 306-445-3223

Email: newsoptimist.sports@sasktel.net

Holland and Anderson nab provincial Scotties berths

Amber Holland, left, and Sherry Anderson qualified for the 2018 Viterra Scotties women’s provincial curling championship over the weekend during the Viterra Challenge Bonspiel at the Twin Rivers Curling Club. Photos by Lucas Punkari

By Lucas Punkari Sports Reporter

Two of Saskatchewan’s best female curlers are heading back to the provincial championship.

Amber Holland and Sherry Anderson topped eight other rinks at the Twin Rivers Curling Club over the weekend as they competed at the Viterra Challenge Bonspiel.

“It was a good weekend for us,” Holland said. “We didn’t play perfectly, but we made our shots when it counted and it was nice to put together three wins in a row.”

“Other than our ‘A’ qualifier game against Amber Saturday night, I thought we all played really well,” Anderson added. “I missed a number of draws in that game, but I got my

weight down today [Sunday] and I’m really happy with how we played.”

Holland, who curls out of the Callie Curling Club in Regina with third Sherri Singler, second Laura Strong and lead Debbie Lozinski, won all three of her games in North Battleford and clinched a provincial spot with a 9-3 win over Anderson in the ‘A’ final Saturday night.

“I felt like we were in control of the game right from the get-go,” Holland said. “We got a couple of deuces early on, which was really important, but Sherry has a good team over there and they really put the pressure on us in the middle part of the game.”

The 2011 Scotties Tournament of Hearts champion last took part

in the provincials in 2014 as she had spent the last three years away from the competitive curling scene.

“I decided to get back into it this year and Deb was someone I had curled with and subbed for in the past, so when I asked her if she was interested she said ‘potentially,’” Holland joked.

“Laura had been asking about playing with me since she moved from Newfoundland, so thatwas a good fit. We weren’t really sure about who we’d have at third, but once we found out that Sherri wasn’t with the [Stefanie] Lawton rink this year that ended up being the missing piece for us.”

After her loss to Holland Saturday, Anderson bounced back Sunday by defeating Candace

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Chisholm in a 5-4 extraend thriller in the ‘B’ final.

“There wasn’t a lot of scoring in the first five ends, but after we hogged a rock in the sixth end, it seemed like there were a ton of rocks in play after that,” Anderson said.

Anderson, who has made seven trips to the Scotties and was the runner-up in 2002, is joined by third Kourtney Fesser, second Krista Fesser and lead Karlee Korchinski on

her rink out of the Nutana Curling Club in Saskatoon.

“I curled with Krista last year, but it’s the first year together as a team for all of us,” Anderson said. “We didn’t have a great year on the cashspiel circuit, but I really like how we’re all throwing right now.”

Anderson and Holland have joined five other rinks that have already qualified for the Viterra Scotties provincial championship, which will take place in

Melfort from Jan. 2 to 7 in Melfort.

Already locked into the event are defending champion Penny Barker of Moose Jaw, Robyn Silvernagle of North Battleford, Nancy Martin of Saskatoon and Regina rinks skipped by Chantelle Eberle and Ashley Howard.

The final two spots in the provincials will be determined at a last chance qualifier held in Estevan from Dec. 15 to 17.

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PAGE 10 - Tuesday, December 5, 2017

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The award winners at the 2017 North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings football banquet were as follows: Jackson Geddes (back left), Connor Neave, Chase Taggart, Corey Koliniak, JT Lamb (front left) Presley Peterson, Damon Dutton, Zack Weber and Zach Wolfe. Photo courtesy of Mike Humenny

Vikings hand out hardware Staff It was a big night for the North Battleford Comprehensive High School Vikings football program on Monday, Nov. 19, as they celebrated a provincial championship for the senior team and an undefeated campaign for the junior squad at their annual awards banquet.

“When you go through a successful season like we had here, especially with winning our first provincial title since 1995, it makes for a fun evening,” Vikings head coach Mike

Humenny said. “It’s a great way to wrap up the year and it was all fresh in our minds given that the game against Yorkton was a week earlier.”

When it came to the senior team, Grade 12 quarterback Damon Dutton recieved the most valuable player award as he set new single season records in the Saskatoon Secondary Schools Athletic Directorate with 20 touchdowns and 1,844 passing yards.

Running back JT Lamb, who also spent the last part of the season playing at linebacker, took home

North Stars drop pair on weekend road trip

the undergrad of the year award.

A trio of graduating players took home awards as Zack Weber (lineman of the year), Presley Peterson (backfielder of the year) and Zach Wolfe (the ‘True Viking’ award) all received accolades from the coaching staff.

The junior Vikings awards winners were Conner Neave (best offensive veteran), Corey Koliniak (best defensive veteran), Jackson Geddes (top offensive rookie) and Chase Taggart (top defensive rookie).

A two-game road swing into the southern part of the province didn’t go exactly how the Battlefords North Stars drew it up.

The defending Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champions saw a seven-game win streak come to an end Friday in a 3-2 loss Friday to the Estevan Bruins and then suffered a 5-2 setback a night later to the Notre Dame Hounds in Wilcox.

“We had too many passengers out there tonight,” North Stars head coach and general manager Brandon Heck said after Saturday’s game. “You can’t win when you only have three defenceman out there.”

MacGregor Sinclair and Chaseton Braid provided the offence for the North Stars in their loss at the Duncan McNeill Arena, which saw their record drop to 19-5-1-0 for the season.

“I felt like we worked hard in the third period and we were able to generate some chances on offence, so that was by far our best period of the night in that sense,” Heck said. “It just didn’t generate into any goals though.”

Taryn Kotchorek turned aside 28 shots in goal for the visitors.

The Hounds, who have an 18-7-1-3 mark and moved a point ahead of the North Stars in the race for first place in the Olympic Buildings Division, received a twogoal performance from Chance Longjohn and two-point nights from Chaz Smedsrud and Jack Flaman.

Christopher Bernard also found the back of the net and Jacob Standen made 27 saves.

Braid and Young scored for the North Stars in Estevan and Kotchorek stymied the Bruins

shooters on 20 occasions in a game that had a lot less shots between the two sides than in their previous encounters this year.

“We were hoping that we didn’t give up as many shots as we had in our other games against Estevan, so I have to give a lot of credit to our guys for doing what we wanted on defence,” Heck said.

“We had a number of quality chances, but we just didn’t bear down enough out there.”

Hayden Guilderson, Jerzy Martin and Jake Fletcher all scored for the hosts, who have a 17-102-1 mark and received a 21-save performance from netminder Matt Lukacs.

The North Stars were busy prior to Friday’s game in Estevan, as they made a quartet of moves to get their number of current and open player cards down to maximum total of 25 players.

The most notable transaction came as a result of a trade with the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Calgary Canucks as the North Stars dealt netminder Kolby Matthews, a player development fee and future consideration in exchange for forward Dylan Williamson.

Matthews, an 18 year old from Coquitlam, B.C., had a 9-1 record with a 2.46 goals against average in his rookie campaign at the Junior A level.

As a result of the trade, the defending Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champions now have the same goaltenders from last year’s title run with thirdyear netminder Taryn Kotchorek again teaming up with Joel Grzybowski, who has returned to the club full time after starting the campaign with the Western Hockey League’s Saskatoon Blades.

“We were in a situation where you had to move one of those guys as you

can’t be a situation where all three of them are wanting to get playing time, as there’s not enough to go around,” Heck said.

“Kolby was wanted by a lot of teams out there and we were able to make a deal in our best interests, as we got a lot stronger and tougher up front.”

The 19-year-old Williamson, who is a native of Calgary, had 21 points in 26 games this year for his hometown Canucks and was second in team scoring at the time of the deal.

The North Stars also parted ways with forwards Ryan Gil and Braydon Nelson Friday, along with defenceman Ryan Rosenberg.

Rosenberg, a 20 yea old from Dix Hills, NY, rejoined his home for the last two seasons in early November after starting the season with the PAL Junior Islanders and the Rochester Monarchs of the National Collegiate Development Conference, but never suited up for the North Stars as his transfer to the squad wasn’t approved by Hockey Canada and the Saskatchewan Hockey Association.

Gil, a 19 year old from Torrence, Calif., also didn’t have his transfer from the Monarchs approved by both sanctioning bodies, but he was allowed to suit up for four games where he had two goals and two assists.

Nelson, an 18 year old from Duncan, B.C., had an assist in nine games after being acquired from the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League’s Kerry Park Islanders last month.

As a result of the moves, the North Stars now have 23 players in their lineup and some extra flexiblity ahead of the trade deadline on Jan. 10, 2018.

The North Stars will look to return to the win column Tuesday as they’ll host the Humboldt Broncos.

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Tuesday, December 5, 2017 - PAGE 11

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Iverson: In Loving Memory of Dorothy Therese Marie Iverson “Doris”, born August 5, 1924 at North Battleford, SK., passed away November 16, 2017 in Battleford, SK. Survived by her loving family: Pauline Hailstone - sister-inlaw, Irene Iverson (niece) and Barry Kennedy, Dale Iverson (nephew), Becky (niece) and Jim Braun, Dean (nephew) and JoAnne Iverson, Ben (nephew) and Jackie Iverson, numerous great nieces and nephews and cousins. Predeceased by Christian and Helen Iverson - parents, Roy Iverson - brother and Lyle Iverson nephew. Mass Of Christian Burial was held on Friday, November 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. from Notre Dame De Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, North Battleford, SK., with Celebrant Fr. Cuong Luong. Shared Memories were given by Perry Iverson.

Music Ministry: Lisa Hornung – Pianist; Jaki Esquirol – Soloist; Notre Dame Parish Choir; Robert MacKay - ‘Ave Maria’. Pallbearers were Dean Iverson, Will Iverson, Richard Iverson, Ben Iverson, Edward Iverson and Jim Braun. Memorial Donations are requested to Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation, Box 1358, North Battleford, SK S9A 3L8. Interment was at City Cemetery, North Battleford, SK. Arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. ____________________________________________________ SAYERS: Nöella Rose (nee Cöté). Noella was born December 24th, 1922 in the Delmas District. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side in North Battleford on November 22nd, 2017 at the age of 94 years. Noella is lovingly remembered by her children Ronald (Jeannette), Paul (Pauline), Charlie (Marian), Lynn (Larry Hawryliw), Richard (Carmel) and Louise Fortier. Her 20 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Thérése Sayers and Yvonne Cöté as well as many nieces and nephews and their families. Noella was predeceased by her husband Vincent, parents Hormidas and Eva Cöté, brothers Adrien, Leo, George, Fernand, Laurent & Jean-Paul, sisters Blanche, Yvonne, Simone & Alice. Noella enjoyed family time, gardening, sewing and picking berries. She also enjoyed reading the Bible, socializing, cooking, baking and life in general. She will be dearly missed. Funeral Service for Noella will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 2nd, 2017 at Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home Chapel (1271 103rd St. North Battleford, SK) A complete obituary will follow in the days ahead. Jennifer Wildeman in care of arrangements. 306-445-2418

Phyllis Darlene Mae Gordon (Pinky), of Saskatoon, SK, passed away peacefully at her sons residence in Warman. She is survived by her loving sons Brent Bolan of Warman and Lee Bolan of Martensville, her special stepson Roy Gordon of Kindersley, Scottie’s daughter Tammy (Jerry), and their sons Spencer and Dexter, stepson-in-law Earl Kennedy, sisters Margeurite Griffith, Beverly (Al) Gordon, brother Charlie (Jackie) Hampton, sistersin-law Fran (Ted) Gordon and April (Stan) Sampson, Aunt Thelma Tompkins, numerous nieces and nephews including a couple that are precious to her - Bob and Deby Leinenweber, and many cherished cousins and friends. Phyllis was predeceased by her loving husband, Scottie Gordon (2008), stepdaughter Dixie Kennedy, parents Dan and Nora Hampton, sisters Shirley Hampton and Dorothy (Paul) Prescesky, brother-inlaw Ted Griffith, and ex-husband and father of her sons, Pat Bolan. Phyllis was born in North Battleford in 1941, the fourth child of six. She was a woman before her time – she started flipping houses around 1959. She bought, cleaned, staged, and sold 15 houses in her life. Phyllis married Pat Bolan in 1962. She owned and operated a small general store in Denholm and also helped with many jobs on the farm. Upon moving to Battleford, she started a career with SaskTel as an operator and a supervisor, staying with the company for many years. She loved music, especially the piano, and would often drive with girlfriends to Vegas for a few days to hear Liberace play. Eight years after Pat and Phyllis divorced, she met Scottie Gordon. He wooed her with his lifetime love of piano music. Scottie was the pianist for the Bridge City Dixieland Jazz Band. The songbirds became snowbirds, and wintered in Arizona for many years. Scottie played and Phyllis danced. When Scottie passed away Phyllis continued going to Arizona and with her family, soon purchased a home in Gold Canyon, Arizona. She started dancing again, and attended the Gold Canyon United Methodist Church regularly. She enjoyed 27 wonderful winters in Arizona, where she volunteered for Hospice of the Valley for many winters. She conducted Reminiscence Writing with Evelyn Britton for several years, and with Scottie, was a member of the Noteworthy Gang which grew to a troupe of 40 including the founding members, Bill and Marilyn. Phyllis traveled extensively to many places including the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, England, Jamaica, Ireland, several trips to Mexico, and most of the United States (including many trips to Hawaii). Phyllis was always immaculate, organized, and spotlessly clean, as she kept her surroundings.

She touched the lives of many people, often anonymously. Phyllis was authentic, assertive, broad minded, well read, and a philanthropist. She will be greatly missed by many, many people.

My life goes on without you But nothing is the same I have to hide my heartache When someone speaks your name Sad is my heart that loves you, Many are the tears that fall.

Living my life without you, Is the hardest part of all.

You did so many things for me, Your heart was kind and true, And when I needed someone to talk to, I could always count on you.

I know you walk beside me, And when my life is through, I pray that God will take my hands, And lead me straight to you.

— Author unknown When the birds sing and the grass is green there will be a celebration of Phyllis’ life: email Brent at saskpallet@sasktel.net in the spring to get the details. Passed Away: November 24, 2017 _____________________________________________________

PAGE 12 - Tuesday, December 5, 2017

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www.newsoptimist.ca OBITUARIES FLORENCE: June Phyllis Florence (née Light) passed away peacefully at her home in Invermere, B.C. on November 22, 2017 at the age of 93.

June Light was the perfect name for her, since she brought nothing but sweetness and light into this world.

In her long life she never met anyone she didn’t like, and people loved her in return.

She was kind, generous, and optimistic, even in the midst of life’s sorrows. Her bright spirit illuminated the lives of everyone around her. Born June 17, 1924, June Light belonged to a well-known pioneer family. Her grandfather Frederick Light was a North West Mounted Police Staff-Sergeant at Fort Battleford; her father Charles Light was postmaster of the Battleford Post Office; and her uncle Fred Light was a local historian whose collection became the Fred Light Museum in Battleford. After completing school at Battleford Collegiate Institute, June took a secretarial course and began working at the Battleford Court House.

She later worked as a paralegal for lawyers Sid Waterman of Battleford, and Stan Mighton of North Battleford. June married Douglas Florence of Richard, Saskatchewan in 1948 and together they converted a former Second World War airport east of Brada into a thriving family farm, still operated by their son Rob Florence and his wife Wendy. June was a lifelong supporter of women’s rights and always listed her occupation as “farmer” rather than “farmer’s wife” since she felt she was an equal partner in the family business. While raising her three children, June operated grain trucks and farm machinery; cared for cattle, horses and chickens; chopped firewood and cooked on a wood stove; melted snow to wash laundry in the long years before plumbing was installed; sewed and knit most of her family’s clothing; and harvested a huge garden. To supplement the family income, June also worked part-time as a court reporter, transcribing criminal trials in shorthand and typing them out on her old Underwood typewriter when the children were asleep. Most trials took place at the Battleford Court House, but she also accompanied Judge Joe Policha on his circuit throughout the district. After the children were grown she worked full-time for lawyer Dennis Maher of North Battleford and concluded her career working at Legal Aid in North Battleford, although she acted as her family’s legal advisor to the time of her death. She believed in higher education and it was a matter of great pride that all of her children graduated from university. After many years of hard work, June and her husband retired to Sardis, B.C. in 1980 where they purchased a lovely acreage on the banks of the Chilliwack River. This was the scene of many happy family holidays.

June was an accomplished pianist and most parties ended with a singsong around the piano. She enjoyed singing, dancing, playing charades, and being surrounded by friends and family.

June loved children with all her heart, and she said the happiest time of her life was spent raising her own children. She had endless patience and spent many hours entertaining her grandchildren, who in turn adored their beloved “Nana.” She also had a wicked sense of humour and delighted in dressing up in funny hats and playing practical jokes. While in Sardis, June took up porcelain art, and she proved to be a gifted artist who created many beautiful keepsake pieces. She was also passionate about refinishing antique furniture and restored more than 200 items, most of which she gave to family members. In 1996, June and her husband moved once again to Invermere, B.C. to be closer to her oldest daughter Elinor. Naturally June had no trouble making new friends. She belonged to a book club for many years, was volunteer proofreader at the local newspaper, attended meetings of the historical society, belonged to the Canadian Cancer Society, and was presented with her 60-year membership pin by the local Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary. Until recently, she enjoyed playing weekly poker games with friends. She also wrote her own book of memoirs appropriately titled Silver Linings. June was a lovely person both inside and out, always elegant, ladylike, and beautifully dressed. Earlier this year, she left her own house in Invermere and moved into an assisted living facility. Since for her the true meaning of life was found in helping others, June dreaded losing her independence. As her loving heart began to fail, June committed the ultimate act of unselfishness by refusing to become a burden on her family or on society. She opted for a medically assisted death under the new federal legislation. Thus she was able to choose the time of her own passing, and say goodbye to her heartbroken family. Always ahead of the curve, June wanted to be an advocate for a program that she believed is important and necessary. Her last words to her family were: “Be happy for me.” She will be terribly missed by her daughter Elinor Florence (Heinz Drews) of Invermere; her son Robert Florence (Wendy) of rural North Battleford; and her daughter Mary Margaret Florence of Vancouver.

She also leaves to mourn her seven adult grandchildren: Noel Florence (Niki) of Saskatoon; Andrew Florence of Brada; Clare Florence of Saskatoon, Tricia Florence of Victoria, B.C., Katie Niddrie (Tom) of Invermere, Janine Drews (Andrew Plaunt) of Calgary; and Melinda Drews of Calgary. June also leaves five great-grandchildren: Shaelynn and Lily Florence of Saskatoon; Nora June and Juliet Niddrie of Invermere; and Quinn Plaunt of Calgary. June was predeceased by her husband Doug in 2003 but she continued to spend every summer with her son Rob and his family at the farm. She is the last surviving member of her immediate family, predeceased by her parents Charles and Vera Light; and siblings Alan Light, Peggy Francis, James Light, and Colin Light. She loved being part of a large extended family and maintained a keen interest in the lives of her cousins, nieces and nephews -- all of whom will miss her dearly. A memorial service will be held in North Battleford in June 2018. __________________________________________________

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RENTALS & LEASES Two bedroom apartments for rent in Regina East Co-operative for Retired Couples and/or part time employment, renovated, screened balcony, free parking & laundry.

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306-445-7261

Fax: 306-445-1977 Email: newsoptimist.sales@sasktel.net

Visit our website

www.newsoptimist.ca for more community events

Community Events Calendar Alcoholics Anonymous

Please call our 24 hour helpline at 306-446-6166 for support or information.

Al-anon Family Groups

If someone’s drinking troubles your attending Al-Anon Family Group provides understanding and support. Meetings Monday at 7:00 p.m. and Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, corner of 15th Ave. & 108th Street. Contacts 306-937-7765, 306-937-7289 or 306-441-9324.

Saturday, December 9

Christmas Tea and Fair at the Battleford United Church, 52-4, Battleford from 2:00 - 4:00 pm.

Saturday, December 9

Topline Social Dance Club - Leon Ochs at the North Battleford Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 1352 - 100th Street, North Battleford is SOLD OUT - (Pre Tickets Only).

Saturday, December 9

Radisson Santa Claus Day, Royal Purple Tea & Bake sale st the Radisson Communiplex at 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 9

North Battlefield - Super Smash Brothers 4 Tournament at the North Battleford Library, 1392 - 101st Street - registration 12:30 - 1:00 p.m.

Tournament 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. Ages 10+. Bring your own controller - Game Cube, Wii U Pro controllers & Wii remotes. Note there will be doubles this tournament.

Saturday, December 9

Bake Sale from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 70, 1352-100th Street, North Battleford.

Sunday, December 10

Caring, Sharing, Remembering - A Community Service for the Bereaved at the Third Avenue United Church, 1301 - 102nd Street at 7:00 p.m.

Sponsored by The Battleford Funeral Service.

Sunday, December 10

Radisson Lutheran Church Carols, Candles and Cookies at 7:00 p.m.

Monday, December 11

Blood Drive - Donors Needed at the Don Ross Centre, St.Thomas Drive, North Battleford from 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by CWL - Catholic Women’s League.

Tuesday, December 12

Senior Fun Day at St. Joseph Hall, 1942 - 98th Street starting at 2:00 p.m.

Bingo, coffee & entertainment by Charlie Baillarges Friends. Hot turkey supper with all the trimmings at 4:00 p.m. All seniors welcome.

Tuesday, December 12

Borden Senior’s Club Kaiser Tournament – Club Room at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 13

Christmas Open House at the Museum, 292 - 22nd Street, Battleford from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Call 306-446-1983.

Wednesday, December 13

Christmas Bingo (turkeys & hams) in the Borden Senior’s Room at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, December 15

Borden United Church Memorial Service at the United Church at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 16

Aven Grace in Concert at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 1392 - 99th Street starting at 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, December 16

Christmas Bake Sale at Ukrainian Orthodox Church from 10:00 a.m.

- 2:00 p.m. at 992 - 108th Street. Perogies, cabbage rolls, borscht and other baked goodies. Admission includes a draw for a raffle basket plus coffee and tea.

Saturday, December 16

Club 70 - Gold Tones at the Royal Canadian Legion, 1352 - 100th Street, North Battleford at 8:00 p.m. Everyone welcome. Lunch served at 12:00 p.m.

This section, which will appear weekly in Tuesday's News-Optimist and Thursday’s Regional Optimist, is provided free-of-charge to non-profit organizations. To list the Community Calendar please call News-Optimist at 306-445-7261 or fax the information to 306-445-3223. Please provide complete information including event, time, date and location. Although we will do our utmost to make sure your event appears in this section, News-Optimist does not guarantee all submissions will appear.

Deadline for submissions is 5:00 p.m.

Thursday prior for Tuesday's & Thursday’s publication.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 - PAGE 13 STEEL BUILDINGS/GRANARIES STEEL BUILDING SALE ...”FALL CLEARANCE SALE ON NOW!” 20X21$5,990 Front & Back Walls Included. 25X25 $6,896 One End Wall Included. 32X33 $8,199 No Ends Included.

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306-445-7261

John Cairns’ Leg Watch Continued from Page 5 The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, the minister’s response does not acknowledge many of the facts that I identified in my question, so I’d like to ask again.

How can any government who has any consideration for the future cut advanced education so deeply? We’ll give them another chance, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Advanced Education.

Hon. Mr. Cox: — Mr. Speaker, I think as the member opposite knows that we’ve had serious declines in our revenue and our budget, and that has led to some constraints that we’ve had to adopt. And we’d like to thank our universities and all post-secondary educations for the efforts that they have taken. However, Mr. Speaker, we continue to support our post-secondary institutions in this province and we’ll continue to do that. And I’d just like to point out, Mr. Speaker, that prior to our decade in government, 2006 Stats Canada report illustrated, from 1990 through to 2007 under the NDP’s

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CORRECTION NOTICE: A dental assistant position ran in error on Nov. 23 & Nov. 28. This position is not currently available.

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16 years of government, tuition fees ballooned by 227 per cent, Mr. Speaker.

Between ’91 and 2007, the average tuition at SIAST [Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology] increased by a whopping 320 per cent, Mr. Speaker. We’ll take no lessons from the members opposite.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, the fact is they’re making students, the next generation, start their lives while paying the price for Sask Party mismanagement. The University of Saskatchewan’s annual report also says that the Sask Party’s cuts will mean the U of S will “. . . no longer maintain the same quantity and quality of services.” Mr. Speaker, they’ve already had to put the planned school of architecture on hold. The med school is constantly under threat, and who knows what’s next. Mr. Speaker, can the Minister of Advanced Education commit to providing long-term, predictable funding to our universities and other educational institutions? And will the minister ensure that they won’t look to students to cover these funding cuts with even more tuition fee increases next year?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Advanced Education.

Hon. Mr. Cox: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Once again I’m pleased to rise and be able to highlight some of the things that this government is doing for our post-secondary institutions. In 2017-18 alone, Mr. Speaker, we are providing the U of S with $329 million in operating funding. That’s almost $120 million more than was available to them from the previous government in ’07-08, and that’s a 57 per cent increase in funding. [10:45] Over our last decade of growth, our government’s provided U of S with over $3 billion in funding, Mr. Speaker. I think that’s a very solid record. And when you compare those last 10 years of operating funding under the NDP and our record over the last 10 years, our government . . . [inaudible] . . . provide the U of S with $1.4 billion more or 90 per cent in operating funding, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Silver Sponsorship

Wally Markewich, location manager of Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home, presenting a sponsorship cheque of $3,000 to Claudette McGuire, executive director of the Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation. Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home continues to support BUH Foundation’s Festival of Trees with their Silver Sponsorship for the Preview Evening. Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home takes great pride in being part of this community. To them that means more than just doing business here… it means serving others and being a good neighbour. “They truly care about the people here, this city’s past, and its future and are proud to do their part to make the Battlefords the best it can be, including enhancing local healthcare, says McGuire.

This Silver Sponsorship supports the lighting of the “big tree.” located just outside the Western Development Museum’s front doors, essentially announcing the arrival of the Christmas season in the Battlefords and the opening of Festival of Trees. Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home Silver Sponsorship also includes the Memorial Tree, whereby you can remember your loved ones with the placement of a silver bell on the tree throughout the seven days of Festival of Trees. Festival of Trees began Friday, Dec. 1 with Preview Evening. Saturday was the “Shaken not Stirred…

It’s all about the Bond” Gala Evening of fine dining and live entertainment and Sunday was Family Day with many children’s activities. Public viewing continues from Monday to Wednesday and the “Christmas High Tea” wraps up the 2017 Festival of Trees. For more details please call the BUH Foundation office at 306-446-6652. Photo submitted

Support for Festival

Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation has announced River Valley Eye Care as a sponsor for the 22nd Annual Festival of Trees. Festival of Trees will take place Friday, Dec. 1 to Thursday, Dec 7 at the Western Development Museum. Proceeds from Festival of Trees events, and silent auction of the beautifully decorated Christmas items, will support the purchase of new equipment for the renal dialysis unit at BUH. “River Valley Eye Care has sponsored the Festival of Trees for 18 years and their support reflects their commitment to community and giving back to those whom support their business,” says Claudette McGuire, BUH Foundation executive director. “They value enriched healthcare for The Battlefords and we thank them for their commitment and generosity.” Left to right are Dr. James Lawrence, O.D., Koreen Lawrence of River Valley Eye Care and Claudette McGuire, BUH Foundation executive director. Photo submitted

PAGE 14 - Tuesday, December 5, 2017

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bells ringing and see lights flashing. On Thursday, November 23rd Debbie R. decoded the Power Strike and hit the jackpot,” said Kelly Atcheynum, general manager of GEC. The Power Strike jackpot was won at GEC on Thursday, Nov. 23. Gold Eagle Casino is a premier entertainment and tourist destination located in West-Central Saskatchewan. Founded in 1996, GEC is owned and operated by Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), a family of First Nation-themed casinos.

GEC regularly draws over 28,000 visitors each month from the local area and surrounding provinces.

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Mrs. Debbie R. plans to purchase a new SUV with her winnings. She says she is “very excited and cannot stop smiling!”

“On behalf of the board and employees of SIGA and the Gold Eagle Casino, we would like to formally congratulate Debbie R,” said Zane Hansen, SIGA’s President and CEO. “It is a slot player’s paradise when you hear

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Tuesday, December 5, 2017 - PAGE 15

Trusting in God who can do the impossible No doubt about it, the building of the Panama Canal was one of the greatest engineering and construction feats in history. The French tried in 1881, but abandoned the project as impossible. The Americans finally took on the job in 1904, completing the task 10 years later.

The waterway is 77 kilometres long, and it takes a ship eight hours to pass through. Since 1914, nearly a million vessels have done so. By connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the canal became a welcome shortcut for shipping, and it avoided the stormy hazards of going south around Cape Horn.

It’s not difficult to imagine that work on the canal, dangerous and difficult as it was, became a source of special pride to those involved. In 1912, poet Berton Braley wrote a song about it called, At Your Service: The Panama Gang. The workmen began singing it everywhere.

“Bronzed by the tropical sun that is blistery, / Chockful of energy, vigour and tang, / Trained by the task that’s the biggest in history– / Who has a job for this Panama Gang?”

But it was their boast, in the middle of the song, that caught the eye of a pastor decades later. They sang, “Got any river they say is uncrossable? / Got

any mountains that can’t be cut through? / We specialize in the wholly impossible, / Doing things ‘nobody ever could do.’”

Oscar Carl Eliason (1902-1985) was a Swedish-American pastor and evangelist. The Eliason family came for Sweden in 1908, settling in the lumber town of Cook, Minnesota, north of Duluth. In those days some incredible missionary work was being done by three men, among the wild and hardened lumberjacks of the vast forests. They too tackled the impossible, and did it, by the grace of God. Incidentally, their amazing ministry is written up in The Last of the Giants, by Harry Rimmer.

The book is available from Amazon.ca (it’s free, if you have a Kindle). Highly recommended.

Pastor Eliason was also a poet and composer who wrote 50 hymns. He was impressed by the four lines of the old song quoted earlier, but hoped he could give them a Christian perspective. You’ll notice no mention is made of God. All the credit for the work accomplished was claimed by the men.

It’s a dangerous thing to rule God out, to brag of being a “self-made man” (or woman). Who gave you a mind to think with? Who gave your hands the skill

Robert Cottrill, B.A., B.R.E. http://wordwisehymns.com/ www.Wordwise‐Bible‐Studies.com

to do things? The Lord dealt with the Israelites about that. “[When] you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth’...you shall remember the Lord your

God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth” (Deut. 8:17-18).

A heathen king had similar “I” trouble. Nebuchadnezzar was the powerful ruler of Babylon. He took on massive building

projects, heightening his renown. Each brick used in building was stamped with his image. He boasted, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honour of my majesty?”

But, “While the word was still in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven: ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you!’” (Dan. 4:30-31).

In 1942, Pastor Eliason published words and music of his little chorus, a revised version of the lines from the song of

Away in a Manger It’s not surprising that I’ve been humming Away in a Manger these days (after all, it is the Christmas season) but actually I’ve found myself thinking more about wood. Neither humorous nor particularly profound, here are my musings.

Contrary to the pictures we’re used to, the crèche wasn’t some welllit, semi-sterile environment filled with scrubbed and subdued cattle – it was near the back of a dark, smelly cave, complete with animals and all

throughout his short but powerful years of ministry, a lot of Jesus’ teachings involved the topic of trees. He understood the beauty and the durability of wood and he respected its value. Good lives were called good trees, vile and corrupt individuals were compared to diseased and wasted trees. that goes with them. One There was wood tradition I’ll hold to, howinvolved throughout his ever, is that the manger earthly ministry, too. was wooden.

Jesus spent a fair amount Wood was pretty of time in a wooden boat important to Jesus. First and I have no doubt that of all, he grew up in a he looked each one over carpenter’s shop and thoroughly before climbthere was lots of wood ing aboard. This trained there. Joseph must have carpenter trusted the taught Jesus well because properties of properly-

the Panama Gang: “Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? / Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through? / God specializes in things thought impossible– / He does the things others cannot do.”

To make it a full song, Eliason later added three stanzas about Joshua and the conquest of Jericho. “‘Be of good courage,’ God spake unto Joshua, / When o’er the river God pointed the way; / Jordan uncrossable! Things seemed impossible, / Waters divide as they march and obey” (cf. Josh. 3:7-8, 14-17).

put-together wood.

Jesus ended his life stretched upon a wooden cross. The first times she held him, Mary picked Jesus up and nursed him, this time she watched and grieved from a distance. The first time the wood surrounded and cradled him but this time it held him captive.

The quality and worth of wood wasn’t different – it was how it was used.

As I said, nothing profound, but I pray this season will find each of you strong and healthy, flourishing with the fruitfulness that comes from being rooted in God’s faithfulness.

Worship Together TerriTorial Drive alliance church Pastor: Rev. Allen Huckabay

1372 102 St 306-445-3009 nd

ANGLICAN PARISH

Notre Dame (RC) Parish Corner of 104th Street & 12th Avenue Rev. Father Cuong Luong MASSES: Saturdays - 7:00 p.m.

Sundays - 11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.

SUNDAY SERVICES Rev. Trevor Malyon

St. George’s Anglican Church - 9:00 a.m.

191 - 24th Street West, Battleford, SK

OFFICE 306-445-3836

St. Paul’s Anglican Church - 11:00 a.m.

Email: notredame.nb@gmail.com www.notredameparish.ca EVERYONE WELCOME

1302 - 99th Street North Battleford, SK

Living Water Ministry

Community Baptist Church

1202 - 103 Street, North Battleford, SK 306-446-3077 PASTOR: RON BRAUN

Sunday Morning Service 11:00 a.m.

Everyone Welcome

Canadian National Baptist Convention

Battlefords Seventh-Day Adventist Church Pastor James Kwon

Spend some quality family time together. Worship at the church of your choice.

Our community has a number of churches and a variety of denominations for you & your family.

Corner 16th Ave. & 93rd Street, North Battleford

Come Join Us Sundays at 11:00 am

Phone 306-445-9096

Saturday Services Bible Study - 10:00 a.m.

Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

1702 - 106th Street North Battleford, SK

Loving God Growing Together Serving Others Phone Church: 306-445-4818 Fax: 306-445-8895 Email: tbcnb@sasktel.net www.trinitybaptistchurch.ca

Sr. Pastor Brian Arcand Pastor Anand George Phone: 306-445-3803 Cell: 306-441-9385 Fax: 306-445-4385

Sunday Evening Service 7:00 p.m.

Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

1371 - 103rd Street (Use East Door)

Maidstone/ Paynton United Church of Canada Phone: 306-445-4338

Clergy Person: Rev. Ean Kasper

10:30 a.m.

Service

Church & CE Wing:

306-893-2611

For booking the Wing:

306-893-4465

Third Avenue United Church Sunday Worship Service - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School 1301 - 102nd Street, Phone 306-445-8171 Rev. Frances Patterson

Everyone Welcome

www.thirdavenueunitedchurchnb.ca Email: thirdaveunited@sasktel.net

PAGE 16 - Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Giesbrecht Reception

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Roger Giesbrecht (centre) at the reception for his work at the Chapel Gallery. The exhibit features images of places in the area, some familiar and others not so, and is titled Landmarks and Memories. Giesbrecht was “for the most part” raised in North Battleford, but spent his formative years on the family farm near Speers. Giesbrecht describes himself as an amateur photographer who has been taking photos for over 30 years. The placard states “his work has been used by many local agencies to highlight and promote the Battlefords and area.” The exhibit runs concurrently with work by Saskatoon artist Michael Remando until Jan. 8, 2018. Photos by Josh Greschner

President and CEO of NWC resigns Staff

North West College has announced that president and CEO of the college, Tavia Laliberte, has resigned from her position effective Feb. 9, 2018.

A release issued by NWC states Laliberte will assist management in a

smooth transition with ongoing projects and relationships until the February 9, 2018 date.

Since October 2013, Laliberte has provided strong leadership at the college, states the release, adding that the board thanks Laliberte for her dedication to the students,

Holiday Traditions

staff and community partners of North West College.

“Tavia Laliberte is leaving North West College having made a significant contribution to our growth,” said Ken Hodgson, acting board chair.

“During her time, she has led significant changes to improve operations and drive future growth as we continue to build a strong and diverse organization here in northwest Saskatchewan. She has been a tremendous asset to NWC and we are grateful for her many contributions over the past four years. We wish her the very best.”

Over the coming

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