December 14, 2023 Digital Issue

• 109 Centennial Dr. N Martensville Message us on FB

Complete Automotive & Tire Service Centre/ ATV/UTV Parts & Repair • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available

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MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-3 Closed Sundays & Holidays

Your City; Your Newspaper December 14, 2023

17 Centennial Drive North

VOLUME NO. 17 - ISSUE 47

Re-roofs New Construction Residential Commercial

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Over 12 Years Making Your Real Estate Dreams Come True!

Bay 4 #1 - 4th St S Martensville

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Locally Owned and Operated Celebrating Fifteen Years of Community

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Fires Deemed Suspicious in Martensville

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Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM On December 12, 2023, Martensville RCMP responded to two reports of fires in Martensville. At approximately 2:40 a.m., Martensville RCMP received a report of a fire at business on Centennial Drive South in Martensville. Officers assisted the Martensville Fire Department and Warman Fire Rescue at the scene. The building was destroyed by the fire.

No injuries were reported.

At approximately 9:30 a.m., Martensville RCMP received a report of a second fire at a residence on 5th Street in Martensville and again assisted Martensville Fire Department and Warman Fire Rescue at the scene.

The building was also destroyed by the fire. No injuries were reported.

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Initial investigation has determined the fires may be suspicious in nature. As such, Martensville RCMP are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in these areas the morning of December 12, or who has any information about the fires, to contact their local police of jurisdiction. Dial 310-RCMP to reach your local RCMP detachment.

Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www. saskcrimestoppers.com.

Fire investigators with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency are also on scene investigating.

Page 2 - DECEMBER 14, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Snow Removal This Winter – What You Need To Know The Snow removal program aims to reduce hazards in the community, ensure roadways for emergency vehicles, and provide access to goods and services in the community.

Our crews strive to deliver excellent service, however sometimes weather can be unpredictable, and snow and ice control activities may vary. Every reasonable effort will be made to promptly remove snow and ice and create safe driving and walking conditions.

There are ways you can help to ensure to keep streets clear and safe

December & January Council Meeting Dates

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

December 19th -Regular Council January 9th – Committee of the Whole January 16th – Regular Council

- Do not shovel, blow, or push snow from private property onto the street – this causes snow ridges on your driveway when our plow cleans our street.

All Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers - Martensville City Hall - 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5 PM.

- Do not plow or pile snow on streets or hydrants – this can block access to manholes, water valves, and access to water in case of emergencies.

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.

- Clear your driveways in advance of the city’s snow clearing operations - this helps our operators clear your street more efficiently as well as more clearly see driveways to avoid ridging.

- Do not park your vehicle in an area where it could obstruct snow removal procedures this hinders our operations and could result in a snow ridge blocking your vehicle in place.

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

Civic Facility Holiday Season Hours Martensville Athletic Pavilion December 24th 8AM-3PM December 25th Closed December 26th Closed December 27th 7AM- 10PM December 28th 7AM- 10PM December 29th 7AM-10PM December 30th 7AM- 10PM December 31st 8AM -6PM January 1st Closed

- Do not leave large piles of snow at the corners of driveways – this snow can be caught by a raised snow-gate blade and topple over into your driveway or the street.

-Prevent snow from piling up on the front of your driveway by moving it near your tree/lawn areas behind your walkway.

- Watch for posted areas for Snow Removal - In case of snow and snow removal, crews need to have roads cleared of all vehicles on posted streets. If you are going out of the City over the holidays, please have your vehicles off City streets. Vehicles left on the street per the traffic bylaw are ticketed and towed (to a non-posted area).

City Hall December 25th Closed December 26th Closed December 27th 9AM-5PM December 28th 9AM- 5PM December 29th 9AM-5PM January 1st Closed

- Stay Clear of Sanding Trucks - Crews apply a mixture of salt and sand on our streets and intersections to ensure safer driving conditions. If you are near or behind the sanding truck you are reminded to stay back 15m to allow the truck to disperse materials and to prevent materials from potentially hitting your vehicle.

Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca

Ice Conditions on Neighborhood Ponds

The Martensville Fire Department conducts regular ice measurements of the ponds in Martensville to ensure conditions are safe for recreational use. Measurements will be reported through the Fire Departments and the City of Martensville’s Facebook pages as well as reported on Martensville.ca.

Please also watch for signage and postings around ponds for ice conditions.

Ice should be avoided that: -looks slushy -has thawed, then froze again -is near moving water -is layered, caused by sudden temperature changes -has structures on it, such as pressure ridges.

Recreation Program Update

Lakeview Insurance Brokers Winter FunFest 2024 is February 18th Beat the Winter Blues with a day of winter-themed activities and fun for the entire family at the North Ridge Centre.

More information will be provided in the new year on the day’s activities.

2024 Winter Program Guide The Program Guide has been distributed and registration for programs is now Open. Registration can be conducted online at Martensville.ca or via phone or at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion.

Guides can be picked up at City Hall, the MAP or viewed online under Recreation Activities.

Reminder Property Taxes are Due! - Tax Notices were mailed out on April 28th. If anyone has not received their notice, they should contact City Hall. Ensure all contact information is up to date.

- Starting on August 1st, interest penalties on outstanding amounts begin to accrue 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.

M

ARTENSVILLE

ESSENGER

Your City; Your Newspaper Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.

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Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey

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Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit

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POLICE

BEAT

Warman RCMP Investigating Fatal Collision Involving a Pedestrian

On December 8, 2023 at approximately 12:30 a.m., Warman RCMP responded to a collision involving a pedestrian on Highway #12, north of Saskatoon.

The pedestrian was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 31-year-old male from Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. His family has been notified.

The driver of the involved vehicle remained at the scene. Warman RCMP continues to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

Two Taken to Hospital Following Multi-Vehicle Collision Caused by Medical Emergency Saskatoon Police Service responded to a multi-vehicle collision that took place in the southbound lanes of Idylwyld Drive between 60th Street and 51st Street on Saturday, December 9th at approximately 10pm.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area and traffic was diverted onto Marquis Drive eastbound from Highway 16 and across Highway 11, and motorists were asked to use Wanuskewin Road for southbound access into Saskatoon.

Following an investigation, it was discovered that the 19-year-old driver of a pickup truck experienced a medical emergency resulting in collisions with four other vehicles in the area. Members of the Collision Analyst Unit were called to investigate; however, no charges are expected to be laid in relation.

As a result, the 19-year-old driver of the pickup truck and a 49-year old passenger from another vehicle involved were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - DECEMBER 14, 2023 - Page 3

Consider Giving the ‘Gift of Sport’ This Holiday Season

Annual Play & Skate with Santa Event Provides Afternoon of Fun

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville’s annual Play & Skate with Santa event was held on Sunday, December 10th at the Martensville Sports Centre from 1pm-3pm.

This event was well attended and provided an afternoon of fun activities for people of all ages, including sleigh rides, hot chocolate, music, treat bags and of course photos with Santa Claus himself.

Sponsors that helped to make this event possible included Lakeview Insurance Brokers, Kim Hardie – ReMax Saskatoon and Catterall & Wright.

ABOVE: Those attending Play & Skate with Santa on December 10th had an opportunity to meet Santa Claus and put in a faceto-face request from their Christmas list.

LEFT: Sleigh rides were a popular activity on Sunday, December 10th and with the weather cooperating, many had the chance to take part in the fun.

Kinettes Invite Santa to Come to Town Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville & District Kinette Club invited Santa Claus to the Heritage Centre at the Lions Park in Martensville on Saturday, December 9th.

There was a minimum $5 donation, with proceeds from the event going towards Telemiracle 48.

Those that attended got a photo with Santa, a hot chocolate and participated in a ‘name the elf’ coloring contest.

“Thank you to our sponsors; Freeway Delivery Service Ltd, Ens Toyota, Affinity Credit Union, Martensville Building & Home Supply, Ebani A. DeBussac - Mortgages by Ebani, Pharmasave Martensville, and Saskatoon Co-op. Everything went well, the kids really enjoyed it and the contest was a hit. We raised about $1,300 total for Telemiracle,” said Kinette member Christine Janzen.

The holidays are often referred to as the season of giving, and this December, if you are looking for a way to give back to others within the community, consider giving the ‘Gift of Sport’ and supporting the Martensville KidSport Chapter.

“KidSport is a children’s charity dedicated to assisting children ages 5-18 whose families are facing financial obstacles with the opportunity to participate in community sports programs,” Martensville KidSport Coordinator Angie Reddekopp explained.

This year alone, the Martensville KidSport chapter received over 60 applications, which totaled over $27,000 in funds provided to ensure local youth had an opportunity to take part in local sporting programs. These programs help provide children with important lessons that they can take with them as they progress through life, including working in a team dynamic, social skills, learning leadership qualities, following orders, working hard on their skills, following schedules and much more, including an increased overall quality of life.

Thanks to local donations and fundraisers, including the annual Martensville KidSport Playhouse Raffle, all requests received this year were able to be accommodated. Reddekopp noted that each year, they see an increase in applications, which means an increase in funds needed to provide financial assistance for each request.

“The primary goal of KidSport is for ALL kids to be able to have the opportunity to play and have fun,” Reddekopp said.

Donations can be made to KidSport at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion or online at https:// kidsportcanada.ca/giftofsport/ or https://secure. kidsportcanada.org/p2p/donation/386131/en-CA. Throughout the year, you can also support KidSport by purchasing raffle tickets, and attending community events. Tax receipts are provided for any donation over $25.00 and 100% of donations and fundraising proceeds support children within Martensville.

ABOVE: Santa arrived to the Heritage Centre with a special escort from Martensville Fire Department. (Facebook)

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Call the Martensville Messenger and ask about our affordable advertising ABOVE: The Martensville & District Kinette Club invited Santa to come to town on Saturday, December 9th where local families were invited to come out and have photos taken with a $5 donation. All proceeds raised through this event will go towards TeleMiracle 48. (Martensville and District Kinette Club)

Ph: 306-668-1093

Page 4 - DECEMBER 14, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Youth Connection Sends Off Successful 2023 With End-of-Year Celebration Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Youth Connection (MYC) has been having a busy month ending the year with many activities and fun.

The beginning of the month started with a karaoke night and baking cookies at the North Ridge Community Centre.

Tuesday is their weekly visit to Paws Republic Centre for Pets to take in some cuddles with ABOVE: The MYC made cookies at the North Ridge their furry friends.

Community Centre on Monday, December 4th. (Facebook) On Wednesday their discussions at the Upper Mezzanine at the curling rink focused on improving selfesteem, self-care and coping with cliques.

The MYC have also made Christmas Wreath crafts and played Pictionary at the Martensville Care Home and are learning about exercise for youth and Zumba at Venture Heights School. There have been pizza nights, SOUL Athletics work outs, charades and they will be ending the year with a Christmas Party, which will take place on December 22nd from 6pm-9pm.

Visit the Martensville Youth Connection Facebook page to learn more about them and to register for any of these exciting events.

BELOW: The Martensville Youth connection visited the Martensville Care Home to create Christmas crafts, enjoy a meal together, and play pictionary. (Facebook)

23123PS0 23123PS1

Martensville Looks at Options for Pedestrian Crossing to Connect to New Development on West Side of Highway 12 Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The monthly City of Martensville Committee of the Whole meeting took place on Tuesday, December 12th, with a number of items on the agenda, which included the Martensville Overpass Pedestrian Crossing that is planned to connect the East side of Martensville with the new development on the west side of Highway 12 where the new Martensville ABOVE: Plans to temporarily utilize the current overpass to C o m m u n i t y create a pedestrian/cyclist crossing are currently underway, with Recreation Centre a discussion on the matter taking place at the December 12th is currently under Committee of the Whole meeting. construction.

According to information provided by Director of Infrastructure and Planning, Matt Gruza, administration has been working with ISL Engineering and the Ministry of Highways to design a safe and functional connection between these two areas. The report notes that the Ministry of Highways has acknowledged the need for pedestrian access to the overpass, and confirmed that a temporary option utilizing the existing bridge deck is the most logical solution.

With this in mind, steps have now been taken to design the safest pedestrian/ cyclist connection utilizing the bridge structure already in place. Specific design parameters, as well as when the temporary option would no longer be accepted by the MoH is currently being determined.

Consultants have determined an estimated cost for this project at around $1.2 million, which could change depending on specific design requirements. The City of Martensville is aiming to have this project designed and approved for tender in the 2024 construction season.

“These costs include pathway, concrete islands, and barriers, roadway modifications, granular fill and grading, engineering, as well as a contingency. As the requirements from MoH become defined, the consultants will refine the cost estimate. Once the requirements and trigger point for a permanent option are identified by the MoH, it would be prudent to have a discussion at council to ensure that the permanent option can be adequately funded and will meet the connectivity needs of pedestrians and cyclists,” Gruza stated in the report.

The next City of Martensville Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 19th at 5pm in Council Chambers at City Hall. For more information on this meeting, or to view past agendas, visit www.martensville.ca.

ABOVE: The Martensville Community Recreation Centre, which is currently under construction on the west side of Highway 12 is the first strucutre located within the new development that is planned for the area. The Trilogy Ranch development will consist of 81 acres of commercial development and 671 acres of total development.

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There are Many Ways to Give Back Locally This Christmas Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

This Christmas, there are many ways that you can support others locally through many different ways.

The Martensville A&W is collecting items for two families in need of a little extra help this December by arranging for them to receive Christmas hampers. They are collecting money, gift cards, non-perishables and clothing for the families and donations can be dropped off at the A&W. A list of clothing sizes for the children within each family can be located at the Martensville A&W. Once again, the Martensville Fire Department will be collecting non-perishable food items, hygiene items, gift cards, and monetary donations to help support their annual Food Hamper Program. This initiative has been taking place for over 25 years, and has supported countless families throughout the years. Nominations for individuals and families that may need a little extra support this Christmas can be made by contacting City Hall at (306) 931-2166. Donations via e-transfer can be made by sending to mfd@ martensville.ca and items can be donated at City Hall. The deadline for donations is December 15th, with deliveries planned for the following week.

On Friday, December 15th beginning at 5:15pm, the Martensville Marauder U15A Villains will be doing their part to support local families this year by doing a door-to-door food drive to collect non-perishable items and/or monetary donations to help support the Martensville Fire Department’s annual Food Hamper Program.

The Martensville Food Pantry is organizing Christmas Dinner Hampers for families in need within Martensville, Warman, Dalmeny & area this holiday season.

Proof of address is required in order to receive a hamper. You can text or call (306) 280-1255 to request a hamper by December 13th and indicate the number of adults and children within the household. Hampers can be picked up on December 20th.

Alpyne Apparel in Martensville is hosting their fourth annual Giving Tree which includes a Secret Santa for Seniors, as well as a Making Spirits Bright Toy Drive for children staying at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital over the holidays. To participate in these programs, visit Alpyne Apparel at 800 Centennial Drive North and choose a tag from the tree with information on each senior or child that you can help provide a little extra Christmas cheer to.

Pet Valu in Martensville is also doing a Giving Tree, which includes information on a variety of animals that are currently located within local rescue centres. Choose a tag and purchase gifts to spread some holiday love to our furry friends this Christmas.

These are just a few of the local opportunities that you can take part in this December and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by giving back.

ABOVE: The Martensville Marauders U13A Snipers recently donated 484 lbs of non-perishables to the Martensville Food Pantry for their Christmas Food Drive.

LEFT: Alpyne Apparel in Martensville is once again doing their annual Giving Tree to support local seniors this Christmas, as well as a toy drive for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - DECEMBER 14, 2023 - Page 5

Local Dancer to Perform in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Saskatoon Performance of ‘Nutcracker’ Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) is bringing the Saskatchewan premiere of Nutcracker to Saskatoon’s TCU Place, Sid Buckwold Theatre, with performances on Friday, December 15th and Saturday, December 16th. The show will consist of a running time of two hours and four minutes, which includes a 20 minute intermission.

This classic holiday story is a fantastic way to embrace the season as you join young Clara as her dreams come to life through the transformation of her nutcracker into a soldier to defend against the army of the Mouse King. This magical journey includes a touching storyline, breathtaking choreography, a winter wonderland, dancing snowflakes, polar bears and the Sugar Plum Fairy, all to the Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.

Along with the RWB cast, there will be 42 young dancers portraying the parts of Dieter, party kids, mice, angels and more. Dancers ABOVE: Brooklyn Haanen of will include local talent from Saskatoon, North Martensville will be performing in the Battleford, Prince Albert, Melfort, Dalmeny, Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker Wadena, Borden, Unity and Martensville. Local in Saskatoon on December 15th and dancers were selected through auditions at 16th. (Submitted) Brenda’s School of Baton and Dance in Saskatoon.

“We are pleased to travel to Saskatoon for Nutcracker and are delighted to include local dancers in two spectacular shows,” shares Royal Winnipeg Ballet Artistic Director, André Lewis. “Nutcracker is one of the best productions to bring the whole family together and feel immersed in the spirit of the holidays.”

MacKenzie Lehner, who is the Ballet Director at Brenda’s School of Baton & Dance and the RWB Nutcracker Rehearsal Assistant, is a RWB Professional Division alumna herself, having once played Clara in the production.

Martensville’s own 10-year-old Brooklyn Haanen will be taking the stage during the Saskatoon showings of Nutcracker. Haanen, who has been dancing since the age of three in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and Acro dance, decided to audition after her mom mentioned the opportunity to both Brooklyn and her twin sister, who both decided to try-out.

“I was nervous at first because there were lots of other dancers there, but once it started, Ms. MacKenzie just wanted us to try our best and have fun, so I did that. I found out that I got a part at the end of September. My mom received an email saying that I got a role. I felt sad for my sister Adalyn, who also tried out, but she was very excited for me and has been really supportive. She’s excited to watch the show,” Brooklyn said.

Haanen noted that she is happy, excited and nervous about the experience. “It has been really fun having rehearsals over the last few months, getting to know the other dancers and Ms. MacKenzie is really nice. I am really excited to meet some of the cast from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and share the stage with them and other local dancers.”

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Martensville New Horizon’s Senior Centre Turkey Bingo Come out and enjoy a night of Bingo on Thursday, December 14th at 7:00pm at 106 4th Avenue N. Cash prizes - 50/50 - Concession.

Children accompanied by adults are welcome to attend.

6-Up and 9-Up Packages Available!

Regular program to be played with 14 turkeys to win just in time for the holidays!

Page 6 - DECEMBER 14, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - DECEMBER 14, 2023 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature Fall Session Now Complete

Fall Sitting Shows We Aren’t Adapting to a Changing World It was a fall sitting at legislature all about a Saskatchewan Party government wanting to hold on to its past and the province’s past. That may sound more negative than it is. We are all tempted to do what’s worked in the past. And in the recent past in this province some things the Sask. Party government has done worked rather well.

In the last two decades; 16 years of which have under Sask. Party rule; has seen a province that couldn’t quite break the one-million people barrier soar by 200,000 in what has been a new 21st century wave of immigration.

Maybe we are still losing our children born here to Alberta, but we have more people working here than we ever did and job growth in November, year-over-year, was spectacular. We also have the lowest unemployment rate in the country. So one supposes it’s legitimate to ask: Why should we change? What’s so bad about holding on to the past?

Well, maybe it’s not all bad, but those running government need to realize there’s a reason why we call them the bygone days. The world is constantly changing and the mistake of past governments; a mistake that is seemingly being repeated by this administration; is an unwillingness to recognize that change and adapt.

Or at least, there seems to be an unwillingness to recognize change that doesn’t quite fit the government’s beliefs and agenda. It is no small irony that Premier Scott Moe spent the waning days of the fall sitting at the world environmental summit in Dubai to emphasize trade over the conference’s stated goals which are to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

Again, many will rightly argue that there’s nothing wrong with a trade-dependent province to go wherever it needs to go to sell trade opportunities.

Some will further and rightly argue that there is nothing wrong with being in Dubai for this purpose if what you are selling is cleaner potash and oil production or better farming techniques like zero-tillage that reduce carbon footprints.

Perhaps there’s also justification in going to Dubai to promote new opportunities Saskatchewan has in lithium or helium. It is hard to suggest this is living in the past, but when a government convinces itself this is enough and that you can keep doing the same things in a changing world and expect the same results, maybe it is living in the past.

We simply can’t ignore outcome and pat ourselves on the back for the great job we’re doing. Yet the waning days of session were speny announcing ways to preserve coal mining in Coronach?

There is another more immediate way in which the changing world hits home. Two weeks ago, we saw the biggest mid-year budget negative turnaround from a billion-dollar surplus predicted when the 2023-24 budget was presented in March to a quarter-billion deficit with half a year to go.

Why did this happen? Well, Finance Minister Donna Harpauer attributed it to higher crop insurance costs and forest fire costs. Both of these can be linked to a changing climate. Whatever the reason, it still requires budget adjustments. But often seems such change is the furthest thing from the minds of Sask. Party government.

Notwithstanding a plethora of problems like having to send women to Calgary to a private clinic for mammograms at a cost of ten times, much of the government’s time and energy this fall was policies resisting change.

It began with the pronoun bill that seems unnecessary. We saw legislation to secure our right to wear poppies. And then there was the endless squabbling Ottawa over environmental issues.

Some of this may have been necessary, but far too often this seemed about appeasing voters less accepting of change. Unfortunately, governing is all about change.

The fall sitting of the Legislature is now complete and our government was able to move forward on several efforts to build and protect Saskatchewan’s families, economy, industries and interests.

Saskatchewan is growing at its fastest pace in more than a century, and our government is committed to building and protecting it for generations to come. With nation-leading economic growth, strong job creation and maintaining our reputation as the most affordable place to live in Canada, Saskatchewan is showing no signs of slowing down.

During this fall sitting, the Legislative Assembly unanimously passed The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act. This legislation builds on our government’s previous announcement that SaskEnergy will stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas bills for residential customers. To ensure fairness for families, our government also recently announced SaskPower will stop collecting the federal carbon tax on electrical home heating.

These decisions come in response to the federal government’s removal of the carbon tax from home heating oil earlier this fall. Our government’s policies will help protect Saskatchewan families from the harmful impacts of the federal government’s unfair and unaffordable carbon tax. While we continue to call on the federal government to remove the carbon tax on everything for everyone, Saskatchewan now has measures in place to ensure affordability for families to heat their homes this winter.

To further assist families with affordability, a new employment incentive introduced by our government will make life more affordable for working families with low incomes. To assist with the affordability and availability of housing, a new Provincial Sales Tax Rebate for New Home Construction and Secondary Suite Incentive were created. These programs will provide up to 42 per cent of PST paid on a newly constructed home, and 35 per cent of the cost to build a secondary suite within the owners' primary residence.

During this session, our government also focused on assisting Saskatchewan’s most vulnerable. A new provincial approach to homelessness will create 155 new supportive housing spaces, 120 new permanent emergency shelter spaces, and 30 new complex needs emergency shelter spaces. Five hundred new addictions treatment spaces, along with a new central intake system, were allocated to help those struggling with addictions to be able to access treatment.

In our health care system, significant progress is being made to address staffing challenges and ensure people have access to the health care they need. The Saskatchewan Health Authority has hired 877 new nursing graduates since December 2022 and nearly 80 applications have been approved for the enhanced Rural Physician Incentive Program. From April 1 to September 30, Saskatchewan's surgical system performed 47,748 procedures, the most ever recorded for the first six months of the year. To ensure patients have access to urgent breast cancer diagnostic procedures, while ongoing work continues to improve current service levels closer to home, patients on an urgent wait list will now be able to receive procedures out-of-province at a private medical facility in Calgary.

Our government continues to support students pursuing careers in health care with several programs and initiatives. The Student Loan Forgiveness Program for Nurses and Nurse Practitioners for rural and remote communities is being expanded to five additional mid-sized communities to help retain graduates to stay and work in Saskatchewan, and a new physician assistant training program was announced to train physician assistants.

These investments in our health care system are key to not only strengthening the system, but also ensuring that Saskatchewan people can receive the care they need.

In education, a new Provincial Education Plan was released to guide the sector’s work. Mandatory holocaust education was announced and will become a provincial graduation requirement. A new K-12 school was opened in Blaine Lake, a new joint-use school was opened in Regina, and ground was officially broken on another new joint-use school in Regina, as well as several other ongoing renovations and new school projects across the province.

These investments are made possible by our strong and growing provincial economy. Saskatchewan has recently seen nation-leading GDP growth of 6.0 per cent, retail trade up 3.0 per cent year-over-year, the secondlowest unemployment rate in the nation at 5.1 per cent, and an increase of 19,300 jobs over last year. Mining world leader BHP recently announced a $6.4 billion investment in stage two of the Jansen potash project; with a total investment of nearly $15 billion, this project is the largest private sector investment in Saskatchewan’s history.

To maintain this momentum, Premier Scott Moe has led a delegation to the Council of Parties COP28 conference in Dubai. Joined by over 55 companies and organizations, the delegation is sharing Saskatchewan’s story on sustainability, innovations in environmental stewardship, and most importantly, how Saskatchewan has the food, fuel, fertilizer, and critical minerals to supply a growing world.

With the fall session now complete, I will be back at events and gatherings in the constituency and look forward to connecting with constituents. As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, you are welcome to reach out to my constituency office at office@terryjenson.ca or 306-242-2111.

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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Page 8 - DECEMBER 14, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

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•Automotive Repair Specialists or call 361-4527Monday to Friday 7:30-5:30 801 Centennial Dr. North •Advanced technology & diagnostics facility Visit www.JAGplus.ca today!!

306-244-4950

Martensville, SK

KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD

Sasktel Teams Up With Eero To Launch Whole Home Wi-Fi And Bring NextGeneration Wi-Fi Connectivity To Households Across Saskatchewan On December 11, SaskTel announced that it has teamed up with eero, an Amazon company, to launch SaskTel Whole Home Wi-Fi service and bring next-generation Wi-Fi connectivity to households across the province. With Whole Home Wi-Fi, SaskTel broadband customers can say goodbye to Wi-Fi dead spots, dropped connections, or buffering – even when the whole family is online.

“Our government understands how important a reliable broadband connection has become and I’m pleased with the work SaskTel continues to do to enhance their customers’ ability to connect with, and take advantage of, all the opportunities the digital world has to offer,” said Dustin Duncan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel. “We’re excited to team up with eero to deliver an unparalleled Wi-Fi experience to our broadband customers across the province,” said Charlene Gavel, SaskTel President and CEO. “Whether you’re in a virtual meeting, gaming with friends online, or learning remotely, our Whole Home Wi-Fi service will deliver fast and reliable connectivity throughout your home.”

“At eero, we’ve had the privilege of bringing fast, reliable, and secure wifi to customers around the world.

That’s why we’re thrilled to work with SaskTel to bring simple, fast, and reliable connectivity to customers in Saskatchewan,” said Mark Sieglock, eero EVP, Software and Services.

Powered by eero Pro 6E, SaskTel Whole Home Wi-Fi service comes with a rich set of features and benefits, including: • Wi-Fi that works smarter with TrueMesh. With TrueMesh technology, eero dynamically finds the ideal path for data to pass through a network, limiting interference and helping ensure customers have a fast, reliable internet experience. x8 Wi-Fi 6e devices support fast connectivity for more devices. Wi-Fi 6 is the 6th generation standard of Wi-Fi technology. It supports faster speeds and is more efficient than previous generations. Wi-Fi 6e-enabled routers can support a larger number of devices without much loss in internet speed or quality as compared to previous generations.

• Advanced online security comes standard with eero and SaskTel. Every eero device comes with world-class encryption and security protocols. And for more advanced security, eero Secure (included with your eero device through SaskTel) protects your growing online life, helping to keep your family’s personal information, connected devices, and network protected from online threats.

• Next level control of your home network. With the eero app you can monitor and control every aspect of your home network. See what devices are connected and how that connection is performing. Set activity limits for your children’s devices and set content filters to block certain apps or sites. Even create a guest network for visitors. With the eero app, you have more control than ever before over your home network.

Launching today, SaskTel Whole Home W-Fi is now available to SaskTel Internet customers in more than 460 communities across Saskatchewan. To learn more, please visit www.sasktel/com.

Martensville SK 306-244-4950

Saskatchewan Building Permit Growth Continues to Lead Nation Saskatchewan Leads This Month With 45.6 Per Cent in Year-Over-Year Growth

As of December 7th, Statistics Canada released October 2023 numbers on the value of building permits, with Saskatchewan jumping 45.6 per cent compared to October 2022 (seasonally adjusted). Saskatchewan ranked second among provinces.

The total value of building permits in Saskatchewan was $204 million in October 2023.

"Saskatchewan's economy continues to grow and thrive, and these numbers are proof of that," Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said.

"These figures show that over any province in the country, Saskatchewan is the place of choice to build and invest."

Saskatchewan has been leading the nation in many other key economic indicators. Most recently, international merchandise exports increased 26.3 per cent in October 2023 compared to September 2023.

The province recorded the highest GDP growth out of all the provinces and territories at 6.0 per cent. Last week's Labour Force Survey showed Saskatchewan has the second-lowest unemployment rate in Canada, with 19,300 new jobs year-over-year compared to November 2022.

Building permits are the dollar value of construction permits for residential and nonresidential buildings.