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Batter Up
The Martensville Slo-Pitch League started it’s season in June after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. The league plays Sunday through to Thursday each week. Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM
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ADVERTISE ONLINE Did You Know That the Martensville Messenger Offers Online Advertising Options That Provides a Direct Link to Your Business Website or Social Media Page? Sign Up Today For as Low as $109/month? Contact us at advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca, or (306) 668-1093 for more information.
Page 2 - AUGUST 5, 2021 - martensville messenger Box 970 37 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK SOK 2TO Phone:(306) 931-2166
Visit www.martensville.ca for more information
COVID-19 Vaccinations and Living with COVID-19
While the public health order is lifted, COVID-19 will continue to circulate, particularly among unvaccinated populations. Being fully vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19 and all residents will continue to be offered first and second doses through pharmacies and Saskatchewan Health Authority clinics. There has been continued progression around the delivery of vaccines with the increase in number of vaccine clinics and eligibility for the public expanding as vaccine becomes administered and available. The North Ridge Centre opened as an available vaccination centre hosting walk-in or appointment clinics. Please watch announcements regarding upcoming clinic dates and eligibility. A comprehensive resource is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine and includes information around vaccines as well as a gateway for online booking and what you should have ready prior to your vaccine. Bookings for vaccination can also be accessed by calling 1-833-SASKVAX Please continue to watch for updates for vaccine clinics in the area and for when you may be eligible to sign-up.
Safe Fires for a Safe Summer
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has issued a provincial fire ban for Crown lands, provincial parks and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District, effective immediately. Municipalities examine the risk in their own area and there is no Fire Ban within the City of Martensville. During summer, Martensville residents may partake and enjoy more outdoor activities in their backyards and patios. Martensville Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to take care and be mindful of the regulations for Residential Outdoor Fire Pits, Barbeques, Wood Piles 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 - No permit is required for a 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 Council Meeting Dates Please Note: With the commencement of Step 3, under the Provincial ‘Re-Opening Roadmap’ and ease of restrictions, upcoming Council Meetings are set to resume in person. Those still wishing to attend but would wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk. Committee of the Whole - August 10th Regular Council Meeting - August 17th The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers in Martensville City Hall at 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5PM.
Civic Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic What You Should Know! City Hall is Open - Masks are no longer mandatory, but wearing a mask remains a reasonable precaution and individual choice. Online and contactless payment options remain available for customer convenience, such as online banking, e-transfers, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques can also be dropped off after hours in the drop slot at City Hall. Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19. Current Status of Public Facilities as of July 27th Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Operations completely resuming, including drop-in programs. Contact the MAP or Martensville.ca for information on upcoming programs or questions. Aquatic Centre - Open for the Season, capacity restrictions lifted, pre-registration no longer City of Martensville City Hall required or available. Hours of Operation: City Hall - Open North Ridge Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Heritage Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Monday to Friday Sports Centre - Closed for the Season 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open
(Excluding Statutory Holidays)
City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.
Business Property Tax and Utility Update
The City has re-implemented the suspension of interest on property taxes and utilies for commercial or industrial properties retroactive from November 2020 until July 31st, 2021. Questions about Facilities or Programs? City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca OR the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (306-6835576) or mapreception@martensville.ca.
2021 is a Revaluation Year - What Do You Need To Know About Your Assessment and Taxes?
The City and the Province set tax mill rates which are applied to the property assessment values to determine the tax levy for city and education property tax. Detailed information about the 2021 Revaluation, Assessment, Taxes and the 2021 Budget can be found at Martensville.ca under, ‘Services for Residents, Property Tax and Assessment’. Property owners may also view their property report and assessment information online for at MySAMA & SAMAView. More Ways to Pay! - The City of Martensville is now accepting Ineterac e-Transfer as a payment option for your Property Taxes as well as utility bill, and licensing fees. E-Transfers can be providing using payments@martensville.ca , please reference your roll number or account number when making payment. Avoid Penalties and Interest Charges - Property Taxes for 2021 are due July 31st Questions about Taxation can be directed to City Hall at 931-2166.
More Ways to Pay
Those wishing to address or do a presentation 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 City of Martensville is now accepting Interac E-Transfer as a payment option for your Property Taxes as well as utility bill, and licensing fees. E-Transfers can be providing using payments@martensville.ca , please reference your roll number or account number when making payment.
The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca.
Property Taxes for 2021 are due July 31st. Questions about Taxation can be directed to City Hall at 931-2166.
martensville messenger - AUGUST 5, 2021 - Page 3
WEEKEND WEATHER
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Pike Lake Store Celebrates Local Athletes Journey to Tokyo Olympics
Martensville Curling Club Hosting Event to Promote Mixed Doubles Curling in SK Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are currently taking place, having officially begun on July 23 and running until the closing ceremonies on August 8. A total of 339 events across 33 sports will take place throughout the two-week event. Canada has 370 athletes representing their country, with seven of them coming from Saskatchewan roots. Rylan Wiens, a diver from Pike Lake, has much love coming from his hometown province, as anyone who visits ‘The Huddle’ at Pike Lake can see. There, you can find a small shrine set up for Wiens with photos, news articles and a Canadian flag for all to share messages of encouragement on. Wiens has been a member of the Saskatoon Diving Club since the age of six, and therefore is no stranger to competitive diving. The 19-year-old secured his spot in the Olympics on Canada Day after he finished second at the Canadian Diving Trials. Be sure to cheer Wiens on as he takes the 10-meter diving board at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre on August 6 and 7.
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The Martensville Curling Club (MCC) is always looking for new ways to grow and gain exposure both in and outside of the community. This is what led to a new and exciting announcement that was recently made. On July 29, the MCC shared via social media that they would be hosting the first ever Aly Jenkins Mixed Doubles Memorial from September 15-19. This event will be the first of its kind for Martensville, and the MCC couldn’t be more excited to bring this exciting opportunity to the community. The purpose of the event is to not only promote the local curling club, but also to help promote the sport of mixed doubles curling within the province. The Aly Jenkins Mixed Doubles Memorial will consist of a 36-team, round-robin format with 12 qualifiers. “We have some Saskatchewan mixed doubles teams that are up and coming, and we want to help profile them. In addition to that, an event like this can help get the Martensville Curling Club on the map,” MCC representative Cara Zukewich explained. A partnership between Curling Canada, Curling Zone and title sponsor First Nations Capital & Infrastructure Agency of Saskatchewan is what makes this event possible. Additionally, SaskTel will be contributing by helping support the installation of cameras within the facility so all games can be live streamed. The MCC is also looking for additional sponsorship to help increase the prize money, which currently sits at approximately $30,000. Not only is the prize money an incentive for teams, but Curling Canada has also provided a spot within the Olympic trials for the winning team of this event. “This is an event that we are super excited about. It will feature some highprofile mixed doubles teams from across Canada and is not only a big deal for our Curling Club, but also for the City of Martensville as it will bring people to the community,” Zukewich explained. Martensville doesn’t currently have a mixed doubles league, so the hope is that the Aly Jenkins Mixed Doubles Memorial can help encourage interest and potentially get a league up and running. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go towards the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. “We are hoping that people will come out, support this event, watch their favorite curlers and help us promote the sport of mixed doubles in our province. This is something that can help put our club on the national stage and we would like to see this event become an annual one,” Zukewich added. More information about this event can be found on the ‘Aly Jenkins Mixed Doubles Memorial’ page on Facebook, or by emailing alyjenkinsmemorial@gmail. com. More details, such as names of participating teams, will be announced as the event nears.
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Martensville Farmer’s Market Going Strong Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville Farmer’s Market has been going strong since the middle of May this year running every Wednesday from 10am – 2pm in the parking lot of the Martensville Corner Store (across from Canadian Tire). So far this season there have been anywhere from 10 – 14 vendors each week with a variety of options to shop for such as; fruits, vegetables, pottery, jewelry, candles, honey wine, meat products, and much more.
This is the second year that the Martensville Farmer’s Market is in this location, and organizer Marjan Petter, who is also a vendor at the market, stated that last year saw much success and traffic, and this year has been no different. “The market is going great this year, with a nice variety of vendors/ products. This Wednesday (August 4) there will be a vendor with fresh farm eggs as well as honey that will be available.”
Another local farmer’s market option is in Warman, which is located at the Legend’s Centre parking lot on Thursday’s from 2pm6pm. This years’ Farmer’s Market will go until September 29th. For updates and further information about the Martensville Farmer’s Market visit them on Facebook, call (306) 260-7395 or email petterfarms@gmail. com.
Martensville SK 306-244-4950
Government Expands Funding For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
More Saskatchewan families will soon benefit from expanded funding for families with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Beginning July 27, 2021, Autism Individualized Funding will be available for children up to age 11. The provincial government first announced the expansion of funding for children between the ages of six and 11 in the 2021-22 Provincial Budget. Children who were 11 on or before March 31, 2021 are eligible to apply for one final payment. "The expansion of this program will make a positive difference in the daily lives of children with autism and their families," Health Minister Paul Merriman said. "Children who have a different ability deserve every chance to learn, grow and thrive." In 2021-22, $10.3 million has been allocated to provide $6,000 annually per child with ASD from six to 11 years old and $8,000 annually per child with ASD under the age of six. An estimated 1,000 families will benefit from the expansion. The program gives parents funding for therapeutic interventions and family supports that best suit their child’s individual needs. These may include respite services, therapeutic equipment, and training for parents and caregivers. “To create an inclusive province, we need to ensure that children have access to what they need to succeed in their communities,” Social Services Minister Lori Carr said. “Expanding this program meets the recommendation in the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy to improve access to supports for people with disabilities.” “We are very excited to see the expansion of this program,” Autism Services of Saskatoon Executive Director Lynn Latta said. “Children with autism need access to a continuum of services in those early developmental years. Far too often these are beyond the capacity of the family to fund and difficult decisions are forced to be made. With this funding expansion, that becomes less of an issue and will allow families to plan for and access critically needed services and supports for their child. Autism Services of Saskatoon is pleased to be a support to children and families as they determine the best service options for their unique situation.” The application form and eligible services list are available at saskatchewan. ca/autism. A registry of autism service providers is available to assist parents in locating service providers. It includes behavioural consultants, physical therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists. Private service providers are encouraged to sign up to be listed on the registry, and can contact autismregistry@health.gov.sk.ca for more information on how to do so. ASD Individualized Funding is a joint program involving the Ministries of Health, Social Services and Education. It supports the goals of the 10-year Saskatchewan Disability Strategy and Saskatchewan’s Early Years Plan. The program supplements a continuum of autism services that continue to be provided in the public system, including autism consultants, support workers and rehabilitation therapists. Additional information on the program can be found at saskatchewan.ca/ autism.
MFD Showcases Important Addition That Plays Key Role in Firefighting
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The Martensville Fire Department recently began featuring members of their team in a ‘get to know your firefighter’ section on social media. Since starting this, there have been multiple photos of members shared, along with information about them. As a team, not only are the members key components when facing an emergency situation, but also the equipment used. For this week, the MFD shared information about Tanker 20. This important addition to the team is used primarily for shuttling
water to fire scenes where there is limited or no access to a fire hydrant. “The truck carries an impressive 3000 gallons of water and two portable tanks which are dropped on and filled as a source for other trucks to fight the fire. Tanker 20 also has its own firefighting capabilities and can be used as a backup pumper truck when required,” MFD stated. Since being added to the MFD in 2016, Tanker 20 has been proven to be a valuable resource and asset to the City of Martensville and surrounding areas.
POLICE
BEAT
Corman Park Police Remove Multiple Impaired Drivers From Roadways
On July 29, 2021 a Corman Park Police Service officer observed a vehicle drifting on Beam Road east of Dalmeny Road. The 23-year-old was subsequently arrested for impaired driving and transported to the Martensville RCMP Detachment where he provided breath samples resulting in a BAC of 150 milligrams. He was released with a future court date. ABOVE: Police stopped an impaired driver that was Impaired driving laws operating a recreational vehicle in a ditch alongside don't just apply to cars and trucks Valley Road. (Facebook) on the road, they also apply to recreational and off-road vehicles. On the night of July 27, CPPS officers arrested a 23-year-old male for operating a side-by-side in the ditch alongside Valley Road after observing him travelling too fast for the rough terrain in the dark and damaging his vehicle. The soon to be 24-year-old was charged with impaired driving and driving over .08 as his blood alcohol concentration was 120 mg%. The male was released with a future court date.
Test Strips For Drug Checking Now Available In Regina And Saskatoon The Government of Saskatchewan is investing in harm reduction initiatives by providing access to fentanyl and benzodiazepine (benzo) test strips. These strips can detect the presence of fentanyl and benzo in street drugs - substances that are linked to increased overdose deaths in Saskatchewan. Fentanyl is 50-100 times more toxic than other opioids. Of 73 confirmed opioid-related deaths in Saskatchewan in 2021, 48 (66%) involved fentanyl. People who use drugs often do not know if fentanyl is present. It cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. "We have seen the devastating impact that fentanyl has had on so many Saskatchewan families and communities," Mental Health and Addictions Minister Everett Hindley said. "Providing access to these test strips is one of the many harm reduction strategies our government is using to expand addictions services and reverse the rising number of overdose deaths in our province." Test strips are now available to clients accessing the overdose prevention services at Newo Yotina Friendship Centre in Regina and at Prairie Harm Reduction in Saskatoon. At both locations, staff members have received training on the proper use of test strips. "Prairie Harm Reduction is excited to be able to offer this service as part of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health's coordinated efforts to combat the overdose crisis," Executive Director of Prairie Harm Reduction in Saskatoon Jason Mercredi said. "Drug testing allows us to notify the community in real time of tainted street drugs." "Adding drug testing, with the support of the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, will further enhance our ability to reduce harm in our community," Executive Director of Newo Yotina Friendship Centre in Regina Michael Parker said. A negative result on a test strip does not guarantee the substance is safe. Test strips only check if fentanyl or benzo are present in the portion of the drugs tested. They do not detect other drugs and do not tell you the amount of fentanyl or benzo present in the substance. These strips are an additional tool to limit potential overdoses. The Ministry of Health asks all those using street drugs to not use alone. Go to an overdose prevention or supervised consumption site, use the buddy system or call the National Overdose Response Service (1-888-688-6677). Naloxone kits to reverse opioid overdoses are available throughout the province. Visit www.saskatchewan.ca/ opioids for more information. In the event of an overdose, call 911. Under the Good Samaritan Act, you will not be charged for possession of an illegal substance if you are calling for assistance during an overdose. The Ministry of Health is investing a record $458 million for mental health and addictions services in 2021-22, an increase of $23.4 million over last year's budget. Of that investment, $2.6 million is specifically for harm reduction initiatives across the province, an increase of $1.4 million from last year. Test strips for drug checking is one of several new harm reduction initiatives funded this year.
martensville messenger - AUGUST 5, 2021 - Page 5
Police Investigate Three-Vehicle Collision on Highway 16 Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
At approximately 2pm on July 26, 2021, Warman RCMP responded to a call regarding a three-vehicle collision on Highway 16 near Maymont. According to an RCMP news release, police were called after a red car was reportedly driving in the wrong direction through a construction zone at a high rate of speed, weaving in and out of traffic and narrowly missing highway workers. The RCMP news releases noted that the preliminary results of the investigation indicate that the red car struck a second red car and sideswiped a third black car before it entered the ditch and rolled. The second red car rolled into the ditch and was severely damaged. The 21-year-old male driver of the initial red car was transported to hospital. No life-threatening injuries were reported to anyone involved in the collision. A video of the incident was captured on camera by one of the construction workers as the car sped through the area marked by pylons. The highway remained open during the investigation, and members of the Borden Fire Department conducted traffic control. A Saskatchewan RCMP traffic analysis was called in to investigate the scene. According to an SGI news release, there were 101 collisions in construction zones around Saskatchewan in 2020, which resulted in 35 injuries and one death. Fines for speeding through construction zones are significantly more expensive than a regular speeding ticket; it will cost you more than $1,000 if you’re caught going 100km/h in a 60 zone. Don’t risk it - law enforcement and cameras will be present to ensure everyone travelling through slows down.
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martensville messenger - AUGUST 5, 2021 - Page 7
MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature COVID Vaccinations Continue While Activities Return to Normal
Gov’t Changes Strategy in COVID-19 Fight
The Saskatchewan government changed strategies in the COVID-19 fight last week. It is now taking the vaccination fight right to the people. “The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is shifting their vaccination focus from mass vaccination to focused outreach, targeting those in the province who are under- and unvaccinated,” the government announced in a news release. Come, Aug. 8, the SHA will discontinue drive thru and appointments booked through their online systems and shift to walk-in clinics at summer event like fairs and pow wows, in retail locations like grocery stores, and at provincial parks and community centres In making the announcement, the government noted that 74 per cent of those 12 years and older have had one dose. When the province announced five weeks ago that it was lifting all restrictions on July 11 — including mandatory mask-wearing and restrictions on large gatherings and social distancing — it claimed it had almost reached its goal of injecting 70 per cent of Saskatchewan people 12 years and older with one dose. That means the current strategy is producing less than one-per-cent-per-week of new first-dosers and we will not achieve a 100-per-cent vaccination rate. Some people simply can’t have these vaccines for medical reasons and will always refuse to get vaccinated, but we clearly need more people vaccinated than we currently have. By way of interest, the news release further mentioned that the province now had vaccine to cover 85 per cent of the population. To get everyone to that level on second doses would take months. Health Minister Paul Merriman said last week the best way to achieve “the highest possible vaccination rate” is this change in strategy. "This focused outreach is to further drive first and second dose uptake, meeting residents where they live, work and play and support individuals in their decision to make our province as safe as possible," Merriman said in a prepared statement last week. "The provincial vaccination program will not stop. All residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the readily available and convenient clinic options available now through August 8.” It would be unfair to suggest that the old strategy did not work, but it would be fair to suggest that it was only going to go so far when it came to meeting Saskatchewan’s needs. It should be noted that Saskatchewan people this spring did take up the challenge to come to drive-thru clinics in larger centres like in Regina and Saskatoon. At great personal inconvenience, many lined up for hours after driving for miles. It was the big reason that Saskatchewan became an early leader in both first- and second doses; however, this province is now last in the nation when it comes to first-dose vaccinations and — after a successful early take-up — is now falling behind other jurisdictions in second doses. Saskatchewan is a big place with a lot of communities in rural and remote locations. Outbreaks in the north have been especially disconcerting. So severe has the situation become in the northern community of Buffalo River Denesuline First Nation that the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations last week called on the province and the RCMP to help stop the spread. “It’s very localized,” Paul Merriman told reporters last week. “And like I said before: any of the outbreaks or the trends that we’re seeing are coming in unvaccinated areas or unvaccinated communities or unvaccinated people.” Making it easy for people who couldn’t make it to drive-thru’s is one solution, but the government may need further initiatives, including local rural MLAs being far more pro-active in taking on those either procrastinating or opposing vaccines. It may be your choice to get vaccinated, but it’s not your choice to give it others. Rural MLAs need to more aggressively deliver that message — even if it offends a few voters or frustrates a few more that want this to be over.
It has been a warm, eventful few weeks since public health orders and restrictions were lifted, and I hope you’re enjoying a great Saskatchewan summer! Most residents are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and we have seen a significant reduction in transmission and hospitalization. While our return to more normal activities is encouraging, COVID-19 still poses a risk to those who aren’t fully vaccinated. As of August 8, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is shifting from mass vaccination clinics to focused outreach, targeting those who are partially or unvaccinated. While the provincial vaccination program will continue through targeted walk-in and pop-up clinics in public places and at summer events, as well as through participating pharmacies, residents are asked to take advantage of all the options currently available to them. For guidance on COVID-19, including the requirements for self-isolation if you have a positive test, expectations around masking, information for businesses and workplaces, and visitation requirements for acute care and care homes, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/living-with-covid. I’m pleased to report that the resilience and drive of small business in Saskatchewan is leading the nation with 86 per cent having re-opened. Saskatchewan’s retail trade figures are also leading the nation, another strong indicator that our economic recovery is well underway.
Federal Actions on Border and Carbon Tax Saskatchewan recently joined with Alberta, North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho to call on Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden to work together in re-opening the international border to immediately allow the free flow of citizens, goods, and tourists. Securely opening our border will strengthen our economies and continue building on our long history of mutual respect and friendship. It is disappointing to hear that, although international travel from the U.S. will resume on August 9, Saskatchewan will be one of the only jurisdictions in Canada that will not have an airport accepting international travelers. We have worked to safely re-open our province and with no explanation or indication why from the federal government behind this decision, this is yet another blow to our industries who are counting on international access. In what can only be described as an arbitrary and political decision, the Trudeau government recently denied our government’s plan to replace the federal carbon tax. The plan exceeded the minimum standards and protected the livelihoods of families across our province. If the federal government was truly willing to work with Saskatchewan, they could start by approving our plan today.
Improving Quality of Life in Saskatchewan Our government recently fulfilled key commitments to improve quality of life in Saskatchewan. The first was through an increase to the Seniors Income Plan, a monthly income-tested benefit which provides seniors with different levels of support based on the amount of their pension, taxable income or living arrangement. The benefit is higher for those with lower income and the program supports more than 15,000 seniors to live more comfortably and securely. Expanded funding for families with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has also been made available for children up to age 11. The program gives parents funding for therapeutic interventions and family supports that best suit their child’s individual needs. These may include respite services, therapeutic equipment, and training for parents and caregivers. An estimated 1,000 families will benefit. You can learn more at saskatchewan. ca/autism. As always, if you have questions, comments, concerns, or require assistance with provincial government programs or services, please contact our Constituency Office. 21081CC0
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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Service Dog Owner Advocates For Rights
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Four years ago, Crystal Shain met Tesla, a service dog that would not only make a huge difference in Shain’s mental health, but also become a best friend. Tesla came into Shain’s life when she was just an eightweek-old puppy and since then, has been through rigorous training to become a psychiatric service dog for panic disorder and generalized anxiety. Although Tesla’s training badge was removed when she was approximately a year and a half old, training never stops and Shain is always working with Tesla and various trainers to constantly improve her skills because for Shain, Tesla isn’t just a pet, she is instead a piece of medical equipment that is relied upon heavily on to get through each day.
In mid-July, Shain was at a mental health low point and needed to seek medical help so decided to visit Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon; however, the experience did not go as Shain had hoped. During the visit to the ER, Tesla was by Shain’s side the entire time, which consisted of hours within the hospital; however, after being admitted into the Dube Centre, Shain was asked to provide a training certificate for Tesla, which was made available within the hour. Despite providing the training certificate, Shain was informed that due to COVID precautions, no dogs were permitted. “I was told that it was a policy put in place by management and didn’t really have any further explanation. I did hear that they were not allowing therapy dogs in right now because they don’t have public access due to being pet by multiple people, which doesn’t apply to Tesla, who is a service dog that only works for me,” Shain said. Shain’s only options at this point were to stay without Tesla, or to be discharged. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that Shain has had to advocate for service dogs’ rights within Saskatchewan, and likely won’t be the last. “I had to take a school in Saskatoon to the Human Rights Commission for the same kind of issue. I talked to them directly first, which
ABOVE: Crystal Shain with her service dog Tesla.
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7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday • Complete Automotive and Tire Service Centre 109 Centennial Dr. No • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians Martensville • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available - Automotive Repair Specialists - Advanced Technology & 306-244-4950 Martensville, SK Diagnostics Facility 801 Centennial Dr. North
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601 Centennial Dr. S. 601 Centennial Dr. Martensville, SK S. Martensville, Phone: 306-934-6610 601 Centennial Dr.SK S. Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 SK 601 Centennial Dr.Martensville, S. 306-934-6602 601 Centennial Dr. S. E-Mail: Phone: 306-934-6610 Martensville, SKFax:mbhs@sasktel.net Custom Window Packages available, Martensville, SK E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax:Labour 306-934-6602 Included! Phone: 306-934-6610 Custom Window Packages available, Fax: 306-934-6602 Fax: 306-934-6602 Labour Included! E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Come see us for your hardware, Custom Window Packages available.E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Store Hours:
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Labour Included! Custom Window Packages available, Come see usIncluded! for your hardware, Labour Labour Included! Garage, building, and&paint needs. Deck Fencesupply packages also
601 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK 601 Centennial Dr. S. Phone: 306-934-6610 Martensville, SK Fax: 306-934-6602 601 Centennial Dr. S. Phone: 306-934-6610 E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Martensville, SK Fax: 306-934-6602 Phone: E-Mail: 306-934-6610 mbhs@sasktel.net Store Hours: Fax: 306-934-6602 Mondaymbhs@sasktel.net - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm E-Mail:
Store Hours: Monday - Friday am - 6:00 pm Store 8:00 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm see us your hardware, building Saturday Come see-for us for your hardware, Saturday 9:00 am am - 5:00 pm Monday Friday 8:00 - 6:00 pm9:00 am - 5:00 pm Come see us forCome hardware, available Storeyour Hours: Store Hours: Garage, Deck &supply Fence packages Closed Sundays and paint needs. building, and paint supplybuilding, needs. and paint supply needs. also Closed Sundays Saturday 9:00 am 5:00 pm available Monday Friday 8:00 am 6:00 pm Monday Garage, Deck & Fence packages also- Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Fence packages Garage, Deck &&Fence packages also also Saturday 9:00Garage, am - 5:00Deck pm Closed available Sundays Free Local (2006) LTD. Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Delivery! available available
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& &SUPPLY HOME Free HOME SUPPLY Closed Sundays Phone 306-934-6610 HOME SUPPLY FREE Local Delivery Hardware Free Local Delivery! FREE Local Delivery FREE Local Delivery Hardware Phone 934-6610 Hardware Free Local Delivery! Free Local Delivery! Phone Phone 934-6610934-6610 Closed Sundays
(2006) LTD.
Store Saturday 9:00Hours: am - 5:00 pm Monday -Closed Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Sundays Saturday am - 5:00 pm Store 9:00 Hours: Closed Monday - Friday 8:00Sundays am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed Sundays
(2006) LTD.
(2006) LTD.
FREE Local Local Delivery Hardware Free Delivery! Phone 934-6610
601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH
COMPLETE LINE OF HARDWARE
BUILDING PRODUCTS & PAINT 601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH COMPLETE LINE OF HARDWARE COMPLETE LINE OF HARDWARE FREE ESTIMATES PRODUCTS & PAINT DRIVEBUILDING SOUTH BUILDING PRODUCTS & PAINT 601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH FREE ESTIMATES
Ph: (306) 934-6610 601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH 601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH Fax: (306) 934-6602 601 CENTENNIAL Ph: (306) 934-6610 Ph: (306) (306) 934-6610 Fax: 934-6602
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Fax: (306) 934-6602 601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH 601 CENTENNIAL Ph: (306) 934-6610 Fax: (306) 934-6602
FREE ESTIMATES COMPLETE LINE OF HARDWARE
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Open House Sunday 1:30-3pm 135 Beaudry 131 Beaudry Crescent Crescent Martensville Martensville
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#12 - 2nd St S. Martensville www.martensvilledental.ca
CREATING SMILES IN MARTENSVILLE & AREA SINCE 2001
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Rob Friesen 306-221-9350
is what I always do before I make a formal complaint and they would not allow me to have her, so I went to the Human Rights Commission, and they cleared things up so I was able to attend with Tesla.” Service dogs in Canada are regulated provincially, not nationally like the USA, so therefore each province has different regulations in place. In places such as Alberta or British Columbia, there is a government required test that is required for dogs and once certified, they are protected under the disability act; however, in Saskatchewan, there is no government recognized training course, and instead, a document within the Human Rights Code. “The Human Rights Code does give us a little bit of rights, but no one knows about it, so it can be really frustrating, and it can be very hard to advocate for yourself. It can be really intimidating,” Shain said. The Policy on Service Animals within the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission states, “Businesses are required to accommodate for the attendance of service animals. Access to hotel accommodations, public services and facilities must be provided to persons with service animals. In most cases no evidence should be required to support the attendance of a service animal. If a service animal is a disturbance, a training certificate may be requested.” More information on the Policy on Service Animals in Saskatchewan can be found here: https://saskatchewanhumanrights. ca/education-resources/policies-guidelines/policy-onservice-animals/. “There currently isn’t a government regulated system for training/assessing Service Dogs in Saskatchewan, unlike some other provinces. As for businesses denying access to Service Dogs in Saskatchewan, it is my understanding that, should a business deny entry to a task-trained Service Dog, the handler would need to file a complaint of some sort with the Human Rights Commission in order to have the matter addressed,” Christina Chandler, Paws Republic Centre for Pets Training Director, explained. Chandler also added that any Service Dog who is behaving in an unacceptable manner can be immediately excused from a business. This would include behavior such as aggression, barking, growling, eliminating indoors, destruction or property, and/or failing to perform commands issued by the handler. Not only is it difficult to advocate when it comes to public access, but also when it comes to the general public. It is important for others to remember that when you see a service dog, it is working, and by distracting the dog by trying to pet it, or talking to it, you can take it’s focus away from the important job it has. When a service dog gets distracted, it can miss cues that it is trained to watch for and then not do the tasks that they are meant to do to help their owners. “The correct way to react when you see a service dog is to have absolutely no reaction. Nothing,” Shain noted. For Shain, Tesla is the only reason that crowded spaces, such as the grocery store, is even an option. “Tesla gives me peace of mind and a sense of safety. Knowing that she is there for me makes a big difference, so to be told that when I need help, and she can’t be with me, it can be very detrimental to me. We are a team and she is medical equipment for me,” Shain stated. Leading up to having a service dog, and over the past four years, Shain has done extensive research, and has even been invited to do presentations on service dogs in elementary schools. “This isn’t the first time that this has happened to me, so I know that it is something that others are likely experiencing as well. It is already hard enough to admit that you have a bad enough mental disability to need a psychiatric service dog, but to them be denied and rejected can be very discouraging.” “For anyone going through similar struggles, I want to say, know your self-worth and know you deserve to have fair care – whether it is health care or otherwise – you deserve to be treated the same as others. Your disability is valid and your need for service is valid. If you are unable to advocate for yourself, there are people that will help you.” After being discharged from the Dube Centre, Shain made many phone calls and spoke with numerous individuals about the situation, and last week, Shain was able to be re-admitted into the Dube Centre along with Tesla. “We have been reassured again that we will have zero problems regarding Tesla accompanying me and staying with me. Even though I am finally able to be readmitted, this fight for human rights regarding service animals is FAR from over,” Shain said in a recent social media post. For more information about Shain and Tesla, follow ‘Tesla the Service Dog’ on social media.