August 15, 2024 Digital Issue

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Your City; Your Newspaper August 15, 2024

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Pieces Progress at Sculptors in the Park

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The City of Martensville, in partnership with Prairie Sculptors’ Association, are hosting Sculptors in the Park where ten artists are creating pieces of art in real-time outside of the MAP until August 16th. See more on page 3.

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Page 2 - AUGUST 15, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

2024 Property Taxes are Now Due What You Need to Know

-Tax Notices have been mailed out. If anyone has not received their notice, they should contact City Hall. Ensure all contact information is up to date.

- Taxes are due July 31st, to avoid interest charges.

Didn’t Get Your Notice?

If you have not received your tax notice or have questions, please contact City Hall directly and we will be pleased to assist.

Ways to Pay - Taxes can be paid by cash, cheque, or debit at City Hall.

-Taxes can also be paid online through Banking Bill Payments, or by etransfers; for payments: payments@martensville.ca.

Please include address &/or roll number in the comment section along with an indication the payment is for taxes.

NEW- A credit card payment option is now available through ‘OptionPay’. Please note, that payments through OptionPay is subject to additional fees, administered by and paid directly to OptionPay. This service is available in person at City Hall or through Martensville.ca, Look for the ‘Pay My Bills’ icon.

Damage from the June 21st Storm?- Provincial Disaster Assistance Program Applications are Open The City of Martensville has been approved as an eligible assistance area by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, stemming from the June 21st storm. With approval, residents impacted by the June 21st storm are now eligible to make application under PDAP. Application is made directly to the Province. Applications forms are available at City Hall or can be filled or printed out on our website at: https://www.martensville.ca/pages/ provincial_disaster_assistance_program_information.html Residents must apply by December 22nd, 2024 to be eligible and are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure prompt processing.

Residential Fire Related Regulations

Martensville Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to take care and be mindful of the regulations for Residential Outdoor Fire Pits, Barbeques, and Fireworks to ensure the safety of themselves and others in our community.

Regulations include: - Fires must be contained within a non-combustible fire box constructed of material such as cement, brick or metal and covered with a heavy gauge screen and be at least 3m form combustible materials (fences, buildings etc) - The burning of rubbish, leaves or clippings is prohibited - Outdoor fires must be supervised and should be extinguished when finished - Keep a garden hose, pails of water or a source to extinguish a fire nearby - No permit is required for private fireworks display but those fireworks must be set off in a manner that would not create danger or nuisance to neighbors - No person under the age of 18 shall set off fireworks - Ensure you have the civic address of your residence prominently displayed in the event of fire or emergency; this is to ensure responders can clearly identify your home.

For a complete list of regulations please visit martensville.ca or contact the Fire Department.

August and September Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: Council Meetings may be attended in person, and guests may wear a mask if desired within Council Chambers. Those still wishing to attend but wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk or visit the online agenda for the link to attend.

August 20th - Regular Council Meeting September 3rd - Regular Council Meeting September 10th -Committee of the Whole Meeting September 17th – Regular Council Meeting All Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers at Martensville City Hall - 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5 PM. Those wishing to address or present to Council must be placed on the agenda. To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details.

The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca

Keep Our City Clean! A Reminder About Boulevard and Lane Maintenance

The City of Martensville Bylaw in cooperation with the Martensville Fire Department will be focusing on unkept lanes and properties through August. Unkept lanes can create hazards and potential for fires. Maintaining these areas helps deter pests and insects, helps weed control throughout the City, reduces waste and keeps site lines clear for those driving or walking through lanes.

• If you own or live next to a boulevard or lane, please make sure the area up to the center of the lane is free of weeds, overgrown grass, plants, and tree/shrub overgrowth.

• Please don’t dump garden waste, branches, or any other vegetation on the boulevard or lane next to your property.

• Also, remember not to leave household items, building materials, or tires in these areas.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to City Hall or check out the Nuisance Abatement Bylaw at Martensville.ca.

Household Hazardous Waste Day – August 17th, 2024 The City of Martensville will be holding a Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) Collection Day on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 9:30am to 3:30pm in the parking lot of the Martensville Sports Centre. This event will give residents of Martensville the opportunity to dispose of a variety of hazardous household waste and chemicals that cannot be disposed of in the regular garbage or recycling collection. Improper disposal of hazardous household waste can result in contamination of the environment, including waterways and greenspaces within the City.

Residents will drive up and provide their materials to the workers on site who will direct those materials to the appropriate collection points. If possible, please have materials clearly marked and identified in containers or original packaging that will not spill or leak.

This program is for only local, residential use. Commercial, industrial, or farm chemicals/ waste will be accepted. For used motor oil, no container larger than 20L will be accepted to a maximum of 60L per resident.

For a complete list of accepted and non-accepted materials, please visit Martensville.ca or contact City Hall.

Council Discusses Live-Stream Options for Sports Centre and Recreation Centre at Committee of the Whole Meeting Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville City Council held their monthly Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, August 13th.

Council reviewed a proposal regarding live streaming options for the Martensville Sports Centre and the new Martensville Recreation Centre (MRC). In January of 2023, the company Hometeam Live installed cameras at the Martensville Sports Centre to provide the option for people to view games via live-streaming during Hockey Day in Saskatchewan. At the time, it was stated that the service would remain in the facility for the remainder of the season and then evaluated to possibly extend the service for future seasons.

Martensville administration met with HomeTeam Live regarding continuing the service at the

Martensville Sports Centre, and installing cameras for live-stream options at the MRC as well. The company plans to install their newest state-of-the-art cameras at the MRC and replace the current cameras within the Sports Centre in 2025. There will be no cost to the City of Martensville for the equipment or the installation HomeTeam Live also provide live-streaming services to other municipalities including the City of Saskatoon, City of Regina, Assiniboia Arena, Aberdeen Arena and all Saskatchewan East Hockey arenas.

According to the report to Council, provided by Roxane Melnyk, Director of Recreation and Community Services, the cameras will always be off-line, unless they are turned on as requested by the facility.

“This is not the normal practice of other livestreaming companies. Live-streaming is based off of

the game schedule. This then allows for the City of Martensville to ensure the privacy of the participants and the spectators. The cameras will turn on during warm-up and the cameras will be turned off following the game,” Melnyk stated in the report.

This item will be brought back to an upcoming meeting for formal approval.

Council also discussed a proposal to subdivide the land along Besnard Drive in the Lake Vista development into 13 single family lots with a back lane.

Remaining land may require further subdivision and/or discretionary use applications in the future.

The next Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 20th at 5pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. Upcoming, and past agendas can be viewed online at www.martensville.ca.

LEFT: The Martensville Community Recreation Centre is currently under construction on the west side of Highway 12 and will be open to the public this fall.

Martensville City Council discussed live-streaming options for the MRC during the August 13th Committee of the Whole Meeting.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - AUGUST 15, 2024 - Page 3

Martensville Residents Already Smitten About Smitty’s Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Local residents have been abuzz since August 9th when it was announced that Martensville would be the new home to a Smitty’s restaurant.

Smitty’s will be located at #8-7 Centennial Drive North where Black Pepper Restaurant previously resided, with a press release from the business stating that they have “Revamped the space and menu to offer something fresh and exciting for our guests.”

Multiple positions within the restaurant are currently being accepted, including server, dishwasher, and line cook. Resumes can be submitted to tisdale@smittys.ca, or visit the restaurant between 12:00pm-4:00pm for an on-site application.

“We can’t wait to welcome our community to experience our unique menu and ambiance.

The official opening date is schedule for the first week of September.

ABOVE: Martensville will soon have a Smitty’s restaurant which will be located in the building that once housed Black Pepper Restaurant.

Don’t Miss Out on Sculptors in the Park’s Grand Finale Event on August 16th Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

If you haven’t had a chance to visit Sculptors in the Park outside of the MAP yet, be sure to stop in

by August 16th to ensure you can see nine incredible artists showcase their skills.

Sculptors in the Park is taking place from August 6-16 thanks to a partnership between the City of Martensville and the Prairie Sculptors’ Association.

Artists will be on site from 9:00am-8:00pm daily throughout this event.

The public is invited to stop in and meet the sculptors and see the progression in their masterpieces throughout the event.

On Friday, August 16th, there will be a Grand Finale taking place to celebrate the completion of all of the art pieces with dancing, performances and music.

The public viewing will take place from 6:50pm7:50pm with the Grand Finale happening from 7:50pm9:15pm.

Participating performers include; Joseph Desjarlais Duo, The College 9, Rawda Mabrouk & Anne Neudorf – Currents, Leleka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble – A day at the Beach, Flamenco Borealis, Desert Beats Belly Dance, Tayla Skinner – Arrival of the Birds, Senyo Akakpo – Esques, Tara (SPINJA) Stratton – Jesters Journey.

The Grand Finale event will also feature the completion of a “glyph” featuring images created by Martensville High School students.

ABOVE & RIGHT: A variety of artists Once completed, will be working on their pieces outside all sculptures will be on of the MAP until August 16th for display within Martensville Sculptors in the Park. until September 2027.

(Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM) 24084DM0 24085DM0

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Page 4 - AUGUST 15, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Family Resource Centre Opens in Martensville This Fall Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville-Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre (MWEYFRC) is partnered with the Prairie Spirit School Division and is operated by YMCA Saskatoon.

It offers free programming, services and professional resources for all families with young children, prenatal to age five.

The program began in April of this year and is currently located in Warman High School at 201 Central Street but will be moving to its permanent location in Martensville at 7 Centennial Drive, where the old Credit Union Bank was located. Updates will be provided on their FB page as to when the new location will be open.

“The Martensville-Warman Early Years Family Resource Centre provides programming, services, and resources to families with children aged 0-5 at no cost. This is a space where families can connect to one another, learn about early childhood development as well as parenting, and play alongside their children,” stated Emiley Martens, Coordinator of the MartensvilleWarman Early Years Family Resource Centre.

“Currently our staffing model right now is a Coordinator, Program Designer and two facilitators. We are hoping to expand to more facilitators.”

“We provide services from outside professionals such as Occupational Therapy, movement classes, Foundations Learning, Navera Community Connections and much more. MWEYFRC aims to provide families with positive early learning experiences as well as opportunities to connect, grow and learn together in an

inviting, safe and supportive setting. We focus on four pillars; Early Learning, Parenting Education, Family Wellness, and Information & Referrals.”

You can follow them on Instagram; @ mwfamilyresourcecentre, or their FB page. If you have questions, you can email them at mweyfrc@ ymcasaskatoon.org

The City of Martensville will be hosting their annual Hazardous Household Waste Collection Day on Saturday, August 17th from 9:30am to 3:30pm in the parking lot of the Martensville Sports Centre.

Residents are invited to utilize this opportunity to dispose of waste and chemicals that they are unable to dispose of in regular garbage or recycling collection such as old batteries, leftover paints and solvents, used oil, propane cylinders and more.

Workers will ask residents what type of waste they have and will direct them to the appropriate collection points. We ask that all materials are brought in containers that will not spill or leak. All materials should be clearly labelled, and if possible, should be brought in the original packaging. Unidentified materials will not be accepted. Please note that this is only for household hazardous waste, no commercial, industrial, or farm chemicals/waste will be accepted. For used motor oil, no container larger than 20L will be accepted to a maximum of 60L per resident. Please see below for a detailed list of accepted materials.

List of Materials Accepted at Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Acid - battery acid, toilet bowl cleaner, sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid Adhesives - contact cement, resin, glue, sealer, caulking Aerosols - hair spray, insect repellant, lubricant spray, furniture cleaner Automotive - used oil, oil filters, antifreeze, carburetor cleaner, batteries, fuel, windshield wiper solution, transmission fluid, brake fluid, empty oil containers and pails Batteries - alkali, dry cell, NiCad, lithium, lead-acid (automotive) Cleaners - floor, carpet, clothing, oven, glass, car wax, disinfectant, aluminum cleaner Cylinders - propane, helium, oxygen, acetylene, fire extinguishers Corrosives - drain cleaner, engine degreaser, ammonia, battery acid, sulfuric acid Fuels - gasoline, diesel, kerosene, oil/gas mixture Light Bulbs & Ballasts - fluorescent light ballasts (with or without PCBs), light bulbs Mercury - mercury, mercury thermometers Oxidizing Chemicals - chlorine, bleach, pool chemicals, fertilizer, hydrogen peroxide Pesticides & Fertilizers - pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fertilizer Pharmaceuticals - prescription drugs, medicines (no needles, sharps or biological waste) Propane Cylinders - barbeque cylinders (20 lb), camp cylinders (1 lb) Solvents – varsol, paint thinner, naphtha, acetone, toluene, xylene, alcohol, benzene Other Materials – asphalt & roofing tar, detergents, paint, photographic chemicals, pigments, dyes, hair colour, nail polish, nail polish remover, lead, mothballs, pet supplies, phenol, pine oil, scouring powder, spot remover, septic tank chemicals, shoe polish, wood preservatives

BELOW: Weekly calendars are posted on MWEYFRC’s FB page.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Taking Place on August 17th

Materials NOT Accepted at Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Asbestos Biologically Hazardous Materials - including sharps and needles Commercial, Industrial, or Farm Chemicals or Materials Compressed Gases - other than propane, helium, oxygen and acetylene cylinders, fire extinguishers and aerosols Explosives - including ammunition, explosives, guns and weapons PCB materials - other than fluorescent light ballasts Radioactive Materials - including ionization chambertype smoke detectors Used Tires - automotive and bicycle Unknown Chemicals

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Saskatchewan Adds Nearly 23,000 Jobs, Leads Nation in Growth

Statistics Canada Shows Historic Job Growth and Lowest Unemployment Rate in Canada Statistics Canada's latest labour force numbers show that Saskatchewan added 22,900 new jobs year-over-year in the month of July, ranking second among provinces in terms of percentage change at 3.9 per cent. This is the largest number of jobs added year-over-year since July 2022.

Saskatchewan has the lowest unemployment rate, seasonally adjusted, among provinces at 5.4 per cent, well below the national average of 6.4 per cent.

"Saskatchewan's lowest in the nation unemployment rate and record job growth continues to demonstrate the strength of our provincial economy" Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Our government will continue working alongside our job creators and making targeted investments to ensure we are filling the thousands of jobs being created across the province."

The province led the nation in month-tomonth labour force growth, with seasonally adjusted employment increasing by 6,700 from June 2024, ranking first among provinces in terms of percentage change at 1.1 per cent. Saskatchewan was the only western province to see employment growth with only one other province in the country adding jobs.

July 2024 saw all-time historical highs (aged 15 and over), with: • Saskatchewan's labour force reaching 652,800; • Saskatchewan's full-time employment reaching 514,700; • Saskatchewan's male employment reaching 335,500; • And the Off-reserve Indigenous population reaching 113,900.

Off-reserve Indigenous employment was up 2,400, an increase of 3.7 per cent and Indigenous youth employment was up 500, an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to July 2023.

Year-over-year, full-time employment increased by 16,600, an increase of 3.3 per cent, and part-time employment increased by 6,300, an increase of 6.7 per cent. Female employment is up 10,200, an increase of 3.8 per cent, and male employment up 12,600, an increase of 3.9 per cent.

"These remarkable job numbers translate into opportunity and prosperity for people here in Saskatchewan and a bright future for our young people," said Harrison. "As government we have worked very hard with our job creators and entrepreneurs to create the conditions for economic growth and success. And it's worked. The population has grown by nearly 250,000 people since 2007 and 100,000 new jobs have been created. People can build their lives, their businesses, and raise their families right here in Saskatchewan with confidence about their future."

Saskatchewan’s two biggest cities also saw major year-over-year growth. Compared to July 2023, Regina’s employment was up 2,700, an increase of 1.8 per cent, and Saskatoon’s employment was up 7,900, an increase of 3.9 per cent.

Major year-over-year gains were reported in wholesale and retail trade, up 7,200, an increase of 7.5 per cent; educational services, up 5,200, an increase of 13.3 per cent; and healthcare and social assistance, up 3,900, an increase of 4.2 per cent.

Saskatchewan’s economy continues to see growth across several other categories. The province’s retail trade sales value and building construction investment for May 2024 (seasonally adjusted) increased by 6.1 per cent and 12.9 per cent, respectively, when compared to May 2023.

Saskatchewan currently has the lowest rate of inflation according to the June 2024 Consumer Price Index release, at 1.4 per cent.

The strong labour force numbers are supported by the province’s recently released Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: The Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy, which outlines how the province will ensure Saskatchewan people benefit from the jobs our economy is creating, and that Saskatchewan employers have access to the workforce needed to succeed.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - AUGUST 15, 2024 - Page 5

Jamie Martens - Saskatchewan Party Candidate for Martensville-Blairmore Hosting Burgers and Boots Fundraiser Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

With the 2024 Saskatchewan General Election taking place this October, candidates have been busy preparing, including Jamie Martens, the SaskParty representative for the Martensville-Blairmore constituency.

Martens will be attending the Sculptors in the Park Grand Finale event on Friday, August 16th to host a BBQ where hungry attendees can purchase a burger, chips and a pop by donation.

Additionally, there will be a Martensville-Blairmore Burgers and Boots Fundraiser on August 21st at Mykell’s Hearth and Home Café in Dalmeny. This event will begin at 6:30pm and is $50/person. Be sure to get your ticket as there is limited space available and plenty of delicious food to be had, including fresh burgers made in-house, a variety of salads and a complimentary beverage included in the ticket price.

This will be an outdoor patio event with a silent auction and have special guest Hon. David Marit, the MLA for Wood River, the Minister of

Agriculture, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation, and the Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency.

If you are interested in attending, contact Jamie.Martens@saskparty.com.

“I wanted to have a fundraiser that is more so directed towards the everyday people so that anyone can attend.

It is a great chance to enjoy some amazing food, chat with me and the Minister of Agriculture, and have a chance to win some great silent auction items,” Martens said.

Martens won a contested nomination to be the Saskatchewan Party candidate for the Martensville-Blairmore constituency this past March and prior to that served on Martensville City Council for the past 12 years, and is currently Martensville’s Deputy Mayor. Martens also served three terms as a Saskatchewan representative at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

According to Martens, it was this previous experience that ignited a passion to

Purchase 50/50 Tickets to Support Children in Sports and Have the Chance to Win $2500 Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Times are tough for everyone right now, and that means that many people are cutting back on expenses; however, no one wants to have to tell their child that they are unable to participate in their favorite sport due to financial limitations.

That’s where KidSport comes in.

KidSport is a children’s charity that is in place to assist families with children ages 5-18 to ensure their child can participate in community sports programs despite financial obstacles.

Individual grants of up to $750 are available per calendar year for local youth to participate in local sports programs through KidSport, with application forms available at the MAP. Last year, over 60 applications, totaling over $27,000 came through, and each year that number increases. Currently, this year, there have been a total of 27 applications submitted and $12,500 provided to local youth; however, Angie Reddekopp, Martensville KidSport Coordinator, stated that the majority of applications are submitted in the fall with programs such as hockey and figure skating beginning.

In order to provide this opportunity to local residents, KidSport relies on support from the community through various fundraisers throughout the year. In previous years, there has been a KidSport Playhouse raffle held to raise funds, but this year, Reddekopp stated they decided to do something different.

“The playhouse fundraiser has been such an incredible way to raise money, but we decided to give that a break and switch things up. We will be doing a 50/50 fundraiser throughout August and September and will look at other options in the New Year,” Reddekopp explained.

The 50/50 tickets will be available for purchase at the MAP and at the Martensville A&W, we well as at various events in the community such as the Martensville Slo-Pitch year end tournament from August 16-18, and the Martensville A&W 100 Show & Shine.

Tickets are 3/$10 or 10/$20 and tickets must be purchased in cash. There will be a max prize of $2500 awarded to the winner, which will be announced on October 1st at 3:00pm.

“There are only a limited number of tickets available, and we could sell out sooner than later, so be sure to purchase your tickets early so you don’t miss out on the chance to win the $2500 prize,” Reddekopp added.

Thanks to previous fundraisers, and support from the community, Reddekopp noted that they have been able to grow their ability to assist local youth and because of that, they are able to sufficiently support the need of the community at this time.

“Thank you to everyone for your continued support to KidSport. It is a growing need that we see within the community every year and we are very grateful to support the children in doing what they love.”

strive for change and to be the voice for others.

“To me, this isn’t a job that you go into to get praise, power, money, or anything like that. This is a job that you go into because you truly want to see a change and that is where the satisfaction comes from. I want to be a part of something that made a positive difference for so many others within my province. That’s the biggest thing for me,” Martens stated.

M a r t e n s acknowledged that although Saskatchewan is currently one of the cheapest provinces to live in, she not only sees the struggles that residents are facing right now, but is facing the same struggles herself.

“I understand people’s frustrations right now. I have been hit extremely ABOVE: Martensville’s Deputy Mayor, Jamie Martens was hard with the cost of living nominated to be the Saskatchewan Party representative for the Martensville-Blairmore constituency in the 2024 as a single parent and have Saskatchewan General Election this October. been struggling to keep the power on and keep food in my children’s mouths, so I get it and I feel like with that experience, I can help make a change.”

Since being nominated as the SaskParty candidate, Martens has taken the time to meet as many other candidates throughout the province as possible to get to know them, see where they stand and what they bring to the table, which she noted has been one her favorite experiences thus far.

“It has been such a blessing to get this far, and it just isn’t an option for me to back down or quit before things get done. I am not done helping and I want to be a voice for everyone that feels like they don’t have a voice.”

Page 6 - AUGUST 15, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Provinces Call on the Federal Government to Reverse Harmful Capital Gains Changes for the Agriculture Sector

At the annual conference of Federal, Provincial, Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture in Whitehorse, Yukon in July, the Ministers of Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Manitoba expressed serious concerns about changes to the capital gains tax proposed in the 2024 federal budget and the impacts they will have on the agricultural sector.

The changes to the capital gains tax was not a topic on the agenda of the annual meeting of FPT Ministers of Agriculture. Provinces raised this important topic during roundtable discussions, and noted that these changes will inadvertently, disproportionately and unfairly target producers and their succession plans.

"Agriculture is the backbone of our economy," Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture David Marit said.

"We must work with our producers, ensuring their success and the proposed changes to capital gains taxes will make it harder for us to do just that. It is our position that the federal government reverse this harmful policy and work with producers and provinces to keep our agriculture sector strong and vibrant."

"The proposed changes to the capital gains tax are deeply concerning for Alberta's agricultural community," Alberta's Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson said. "These changes will unfairly burden our farmers and ranchers, who are already facing significant challenges. The federal government must reconsider these measures as they threaten the long-term viability of Canada's agricultural sector and the livelihoods of those who depend on it."

"The Ontario approach has always been to reduce taxes and red tape for farmers, agricultural employers, and agribusiness stakeholders," Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Rob

Flack said. "Raising capital gains taxes at a time when so many farmers are approaching retirement and managing farm succession planning is a serious mistake and our government opposes it unequivocally."

Intergenerational transfers play an integral part in succession planning for family farms. Increasing inclusion rates from one-half to two-thirds for individual capital gains above $250,000, and from one-half to twothirds for corporations, will penalize farming operation transfers. Farmers and ranchers who rely on selling their assets for retirement will also see their retirement plans diminished.

The changes to the capital gains tax will jeopardize the long-term viability of family farms who are unable to keep pace with federal tax measures, in addition to other increasing costs associated with the farming industry. Putting these critical farming businesses at risk will have wide ranging implications to Canadian food security, rural communities, and the Canadian economy.

In the long-term, these impacts may be greater than the federal government's anticipated revenue generated by these tax measures.

A recent study from the Royal Bank of Canada suggests that 40 per cent of farm operators will retire by 2030. This highlights a looming trend of intergenerational farm transfers, and therefore the importance of farmers being able to have good succession planning in place.

Governments should be making it easier, not harder for intergenerational transfers in the agricultural sector.

"The New Brunswick government has always been supportive in providing resources for farmers to assist with succession planning," New Brunswick's Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Margaret Johnson said. "At a time when the average age of farmers is 57, we must provide policies which encourage our young people to engage in the sector. We must make farming more enticing and eliminate the obstacles impeding entry by supporting the succession of farmers."

"Island farmers like their colleagues across the country

have worked tirelessly to produce top quality food feeding the nation and the world," PEI Minister of Agriculture Bloyce Thompson said, "A driving force for most farmers is to provide an opportunity for the next generation to carry on the family tradition.

Changing the capital gains structure will harm the farming industry by stripping value from the family farm through increased taxation. Now is the time we should be investing in our agricultural industry and make it easier to farm. The changes to the taxation of capital gains adds to their burden and should be reconsidered."

"Everyone can agree that local food production and food security are vitally important," Nova Scotia's Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow said. "With an aging agricultural workforce, now is the time to encourage young people who are interested in farming and food production. The federal government's proposed capital gains tax could have a significant impact on farms and farmers and their succession plans."

“Manitoba stands with producers who are especially being hit hard by these changes to the Capital Gains Tax,” Manitoba's Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said. “After years of succession planning, long-time producers should be able to retire knowing that their children have the opportunity of becoming the young farmers that will feed the next generation of Canadians. Manitoba has gone to great lengths to reduce costs for producers, including lowering the cost of crown lands and freezing the provincial gas tax, and this change will only increase costs for producers who are already facing enormous challenges.”

Without fully assessing how the changes to the capital gains tax will impact this major demographic shift, it is impossible to know how large an impact this will have on a vital industry. Moreover, the pace at which these changes will be implemented, let alone the lack of consultation, provides little time or opportunity for farmers to decide how to adjust their approach to succession planning.

Ministers urged the federal minister to make agriculture a priority around the federal Cabinet table, and ask that the proposed changes to the capital gains tax impacting the broader agriculture and food industry be immediately reversed.

Letter to the Editor The Martensville Messenger welcomes letters to the editor for publication. Letters must be signed and a phone number and/or email address included so the writer’s identity can be verified. ALL letters are the opinion of the writer and NOT the Martensville Messenger. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity or compliance with the current standards of public taste. Submit your letter to news@martensvillemessenger.ca or mail to Box 333 - Martensville, SK S0K 2T0.

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Tim Hortons Martensville Now Hiring FT & PT Food Counter Attendants Drop off resume at location or visit careers@timhortons.ca to apply Starting Wage is $14 dependant on experience Health and Dental to FT staff after 6 months

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - AUGUST 15, 2024 - Page 7

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Pop-Up Rescue Project Still Needs Support Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Earlier this year, over 200 dogs were rescued from a northern Saskatchewan community and the Pop-Up Rescue Project was born.

The animals were brought into a temporary rescue facility within Martensville, with many going to other rescues, foster homes, or being adopted into their new families; however, a number of dogs are still looking for the perfect family to choose them.

When the Pop-Up Rescue Project was first created, the outpouring of support from people across the province was astounding, as donations piled up and financial support was provided to help ensure the dogs received the care they needed.

Although the majority of dogs have found homes, the vet bills remain, so the organizers behind the Pop-Up Rescue Project are constantly looking at new ways to raise money to help get the remaining balances paid off, and keep up with new costs.

Lila, one of the dogs rescued recently had a littler of six puppies, which all require veterinary care; some more than others. Stephie, one of Lila’s puppies, was born with a strip of hair growing around her eyelid that is causing constant pressure and pain, and will require surgery. These pups are also looking for foster homes, or to be adopted.

In addition to continued support to help with vet costs, the Pop-Up Rescue Project is also in need of puppy food, treats and toys to provide the best care possible for the dogs that are remaining in their care. Donations of puppy kibble, pet store gift cards, used toys, leftover puppy food, etc. are being accepted.

On Sunday, August 18th, there will be a fundraiser BBQ taking place from 10:30am-4:00pm at Preston Crossing. Be sure to stop by and help support this amazing cause.

If you are interested in donating your time to help with upcoming fundraisers, contact the Pop-Up Rescue Project on Facebook or at popuprescueproject@gmail.com to get involved.

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ABOVE: These beautiful pups are currently looking for foster homes, or to be adopted into a forever home. Contact the Pop-Up Rescue Project for more information.

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