December 22, 2022 Digital Issue

Page 1

Thank you to all who have supported us this past year. May the true meaning of the holiday season ffiill your heart and home with many blessings. Please note the Martensville Messenger will NOT be publishing a paper on DECEMBER 29, 2022 MARTENSVILLE E S S E N G E R Bay 4 #1 - 4th St S Martensville www.infinitysalonandspa.ca for online booking 306-931-2266 Open 7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday FREE courtesy cars available 109 Centennial Dr. N Martensville • Complete Automotive & Tire Service Centre/ ATV/UTV Parts & Repair • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available Call: 306.975.2140 Your City; Your Newspaper Locally Owned and Operated www.martensvillemessenger.ca Celebrating Fifteen Years of Community December 22, 2022 VOLUME NO. 16 - ISSUE 48 scottroofingsask.com Re-roofs New Construction Residential Commercial 306-384-(ROOF)7663 | 306-222-4093 scottlandru61@gmail.com MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY 17 Centennial Drive North 306-931-2868 Business as USUAL Located at BACK of building Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-3 Closed Sundays & Holidays 306-934-4888 www.martenswarman.ca 306-242-7888 www.saskfunerals.ca Because We Care 591 Centennial Drive North - Martensville Over 11 Years Making Your Real Estate Dreams Come True! JUST THINK... Had this been your ad, people would have noticed it. Call the Martensville Messenger and ask about our affordable advertising Ph: 306-668-1093 Sundog Sunset The sun sets on a cold day just outside of Martensville creating sundogs on both sides. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

Local Residents Presented With the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal For Contributions to Community

On Monday, December 19th, approximately 60 area residents received an incredible honour as Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russ Mirasty presented them with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. A total of 40 recipients were nominated by MLA Terry Jenson, and both cities of Martensville and Warman each nominated ten individuals.

The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal was created to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Accession to the Throne, with a total of 7000 medals being awarded to residents of all ages and all walks of life throughout the province that have built and continue to build a strong, vibrant community and province through their service, contributions and achievements.

Nominations within the City of Martensville were accepted until October 31, 2022 and those nominated must be a resident of the province, or have a tangible link to the province at the time the medal is granted, have made a significant contribution to Canada, Saskatchewan or to a particular region or community and have been alive on February 6, 2022, which was the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s Accession to the Throne.

Recipients for the City of Martensville were: Deseri Adrian, Zaye Andreas, Trevor Davies, Arnie Deschner, Alex Garchinski, Janine Hayward, Kayla Kurmey, Mary Lee, Syl Serblowski, and Steve Smith.

Recipients from the Martensville-Warman Constituency were: Rahim Ahmad, Russ Austin, George Baynton, Bob Blackwell, Brian Buffin, Ben Buhler, Darlene Buyck, Tyson Chillog, Wally Davis, Vicky Dyck, Colleen Dyck, Kurtis Dyck, Sam Dyck, Bob Fenner, Yvonne Fenner, Gordon & Maureen Haddock, Nancy Heppner, Dave Holst, Ray Keighley, Sheldon Kletzel,

Laskowski, Jamie Martens, Sharon Martens, Debbie McGuire,

Pugh, Abe Quiring, Tim Rickard, Carrie & Jason

Spence, Gord Thompson, Maurice Velacott and Doug Ward.

Congratulations to all of the recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and thank you for your contributions.

Page 2 - DECEMBER 22, 2022 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
ABOVE: Arnie Deschner ABOVE: Deseri Adrian ABOVE: Mary Lee ABOVE: Steve Smith ABOVE: Janine Hayward ABOVE: Trevor Davies ABOVE: Syl Serblowski ABOVE: Jamie Martens ABOVE: Leslie Landru ABOVE: Deb McGuire ABOVE: Alex Garchinski ABOVE: Kayla Kurmey Lionel Labelle, Leslie Landru, Syd Michael McLeod, Jason Pauls, Terry Rolfes, Giles Saulnier, Kevin Schwartz, Sheryl
22124BP1
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Reminder Property Taxes are Due!

-Tax Notices were mailed out on April 29th. 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 E-transfers; for payments: payments@martensville.ca.

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

January Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: Council Meetings may be attended in-person but guests must wear a mask and should practice social distancing 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.

Committee of the Whole - January 10th Regular Council - January 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 5 PM.

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

Holiday Hours for City Hall and the MAP

City Hall will be closed on December 26th, December 27th and January 2nd and be open otherwise, Monday to Friday from 9 AM- 5PM. The Martensville Athletic Pavilion hours:

Dec 24 – 8am-3pm Dec 25 - Closed Dec 26 – Closed

Dec 27 – 7am-10pm Dec 28 – 7am-10pm

Dec 29 – 7am-10pm

Dec 30 - 7am-10pm

Dec 31 – 8am-3pm

Jan 1 - Closed

For any after Hour Water/Sewer Emergencies, please call City Hall, (306) 931-2166 ex.1

Recreation Update - Winter Program Registrations Open Now - Try the Lazy-Man Triathalon!

The Winter Program Guide Registration started December 12th. Check out the variety of recreation and leisure programs available this winter. Register online or contact the MAP for information.

Lazy Man Triathlon- Registration is open! Can you complete a Triathalon over the course of a month? Starts January 2023.

Contact the MAP, visit Martensville.ca or Facebook for information on registration and what is coming up.

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

- 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.

RCMP Seek Assistance From Public in Locating Missing Dog

Warman

“Tikka” is

It is believed that she went missing from her home on the evening of December 16, 2022, and may have been running along Highway 16. File: 2022-1806909

If you have any information on this missing puppy, please click the 'Contact Us' button on our page or call 1-800-222-8477 to leave an anonymous tip. If your tip leads to an arrest or charge, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $2000.

For more unsolved crimes, wanted or missing persons, or to donate, please visit our website at www. saskcrimestoppers. com.

Like, Share, Solve Crime in Saskatchewan!

- 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.

- 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.

- 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).

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.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - DECEMBER 22, 2022 - Page 3
RCMP received a report of a missing, possibly stolen dog from the Maymont area. a 4 month old Chocolate Lab puppy with a white ring of fur on her tail.

Female Hockey Camp to Come to Martensville in February

The Second Annual Barn Burner: Female Development Camp, which is organized by The Barn Burner Committee, will be taking place in Martensville on February 22 and 23rd.

Working in partnership with Martensville Minor Hockey Association, this two day hockey skills and development camp is geared towards females in the U7 to U13 divisions with beginner to experienced levels welcomed.

Some of the camp highlights include;

• Passing, puck control and puck protection

• Deception moves; dekes and fakes

• Power skating with speed, agility and stickhandling

• Battling, angling and body positioning

• Hockey conditioning, dynamic stretching and more

Online registration for the camp will start on January 8th at 9am and is open to all female players from all surrounding areas.

Because the camp fills us quickly, this year they will be hosting a U7 group, two U9 groups, a U11 group and a U13 group. Each group can hold up to 25 participants so everyone is encouraged to register as soon as the online registration opens.

Watch for more details to be released on the Barn Burner: Female Hockey Development Camp Facebook page, as well as the Martensville Minor Hockey Association page over the next few weeks.

Headliner Games Announced for 2023 Hockey Day in Saskatchewan

From January 16 to 22, Martensville will be host to the 2023 Hockey Day in Saskatchewan, an event that was created to promote the game of hockey, build community spirit and celebrate the numerous volunteers that put in countless hours within the hockey community.

Additionally, the event helps raise funds that will be used towards the construction of the new recreation facility planned for the community on the west side of Highway 12.

Throughout the week, there will be numerous events being held, with something for all ages available. Included in the festivities will be four major headliner games, which will include the SJHL Humboldt Broncos and Battleford North Stars, the U18AAA Warman Wildcats, Yorkton Maulers, Saskatoon Stars and Swift Current Innovation Credit Union Wildcats, as well as the Junior B Saskatoon Royals and Delisle Chiefs.

“This will truly be a once in a lifetime festival for our host city, where we celebrate all things hockey in Saskatchewan. Start saving the dates in your calendar as you won’t want to miss all the fun,” the Hockey Day in Saskatchewan Facebook page stated along with a schedule for the headlining games.

More information about 2023 Hockey Day in Saskatchewan can be found by visiting https://martensvillehockey.ca/marten.../HDISScheduleofEvents.

Page 4 - DECEMBER 22, 2022 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER SPORTS Keep your and to off Office Drive weekly
Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger ABOVE: The U9A Snipers won the B-side of the Martensville U9A Villains tournament hosted in Aberdeen this past weekend. They defeated the Redwing Riot from Saskatoon with a score of 7-5. BELOW: The U9A Villains won the A side 8 - 5 over Saskatoon Wild Thunder in a 16 team tournament this past weekend. (Submitted)

Martensville Tim Horton’s Sells Most Holiday Smile Cookies Across Province

Cookies for this holiday campaign consisted of a white-chocolate chunk cookie with red and green sprinkles and a white fondant smiley face.

The holiday spirit was apparent in Martensville, as this Tim Hortons location was able to raise more than $17,800, which put them at the top of the leader board in Saskatchewan. A total of 90% of the money raised in Martensville was donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Six Regional Businesses Awarded Grants Through New SREDA Program

The Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce and SREDA partnered together to bring some holiday cheer to six local businesses through The Business Growth Grant. The Business Growth Grant was created as a way to award up to $5,000 to promising regional businesses that are ready to grow, with a total prize pot of $30,000 available.

Those interested in applying had to have their online application in by December 7th and from there, a committee comprised of external business professionals reviewed the applications and determined which businesses they believed should receive a grant.

In order to apply, businesses must be located within the region surrounding Saskatoon; be independently owned, operated and created by the entrepreneur; been in operation for two years or more; meet, or be in the process of meeting all regulatory requirements by law and the owner had to be 18 or older.

More than 60 applications were received from throughout the Region and the chosen recipients were awarded during a luncheon on December 14th to accept their grants and share more about their business with the selection committee, grant partners and SREDA.

Recipients of The Business Growth Grant were: JS Industries from Rosthern, Mobile Fleet Services in Martensville, Park Brewing Company in Warman, Paws Republic Centre for Pets in Martensville, Rival Electric based out of Warman and Westgreen Crop

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - DECEMBER 22, 2022 - Page 5
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger Inspections & Agronomic Advisory Services, located in the RM of Laird. From December 5th to December 11th, Tim Hortons locations across Saskatchewan participated in the Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign, with 100% of all proceeds going to charities and community groups across the province, as well as the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. ABOVE & RIGHT: Staff from Martensville Building & Home Supply helped decorate cookies for the Saskatchewan Holiday Smile Cookie campaign. (Facebook)

Twinkle Tours Sells Out For Second Year

The City of Martensville hosted their second annual Twinkle Tours from December 12th to 16th with three tours taking place each night to look at the incredible holiday light displays around the community.

The event began last year as a way to get residents into the holiday spirit as restrictions were still in place due to the COVID pandemic.

“Due to the popularity from last year, we had to bring it back. Overall, Twinkle Tours is well-received as it is something easy and fun for the whole family. As people get toured around the City, they can choose to try and complete the scavenger hunt we provide that has some of the decorations they will see along the way,” Jamie McCulloch, City of Martensville Recreation Program Coordinator, explained.

This year, one of the younger participants, Olivia, won the scavenger hunt.

“We would like thank OK-Tire Warman for allowing us to use their bus over the week of the Twinkle Tours. Without them, we would not be able to offer this fun, family event to the community,” McCulloch added.

Page 6 - DECEMBER 22, 2022 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER Congrats 'Best Wishes to all this Holiday Season' From the Management and Staff of Crystal Car Wash December 24 8:00am-2:00pm December 25 CLOSED December 26 CLOSED December 31 8:00am-3:00 pm January 1 CLOSED www.sashomeandfloral.ca Ph. 306.651.7277 Merry Christmas from From the
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Wishing You a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Staff at Northern Glass
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who have supported us in 35 years of
We wish you
all the best over the
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just THINK... Had this been your ad, people would have noticed it. Call the Martensville Messenger and ask about our affordable advertising Ph: 306-668-1093 Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
ABOVE: Olivia, one of the youngest Twinkle Tours participants was the winner of the scavenger hunt this year. (City of Martensville)
Happy Holidays from Martensville Advice Centre “May the True Spirit and Miracle of Christmas fill your Heart with Warmth, Love, Peace and Happiness” Allsignsleadtosold.com Season’s Greetings FROM 729 Centennial Dr. South, Martensville 306.242.8788 www.centennialdentalclinic.com Dr. Adam Koob Dr. Beshmi Kularatne New and Emergency Patients Welcome Centennial DENTAL CLINIC MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - DECEMBER 22, 2022City Council and Staff HOLIDAY HOURS We’d Like to Shout It From the Rooftops: “Merry We hope your holiday is merry, bright Thanks for being great neighbours We’d Like to Shout It From the Rooftops: “Merry Christmas, Everyone!” We hope your holiday is merry, bright and magical. Thanks for being great neighbours and customers! We’d Like to Shout It From the Rooftops: “Merry Christmas, Everyone!” We hope your holiday is merry, bright and magical. Thanks for being great neighbours and customers! We’d Like to Shout It From the Rooftops: We hope your holiday is merry, Thanks for being great neighbours We’d Like to Shout It From the Rooftops: “Merry Christmas, Everyone!” We hope your holiday is merry, bright and magical. Thanks for being great neighbours and customers! 306-934-6610 Martensville We’d Like to Shout It From the Rooftops: “Merry Christmas, Everyone!” We hope your holiday is merry, bright and magical. Thanks for being great neighbours and customers! BLDGSVILL HOME SUPPLY (2006) LTD. Hardware 601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH Ph: (306) 934-6610 Fax: (306) 934-6602 COMPLETE LINE BUILDING Pre-order your DECK and FENCE Phone 934-6610 601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH FREE Local Delivery 601 Centennial Martensville, Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Store Monday - Friday Saturday 9:00 Closed Free Local Delivery! Custom Window Packages available, Labour Included! Come see us for your hardware, building, and paint supply needs. Garage, Deck & Fence packages also available Custom Window Labour Come see us for building, and paint Garage, Deck & Fence available Phone 306-934-6610 MERRY December 24 to December 26 - Closed January 1 and 2 - Closed Remaining Days Regular Business Hours - 8am-6pm
Christmas and Happy New Year
Coming Together for the Community
Merry
Each year the Martensville Fire Department holds a Christmas Hamper Program where they collect donations from the community that are used to prepare and deliver food hampers to local families during the holiday season. Approximately 20 families receive these hampers which include non-perishable food, hygiene items, fresh foods and gift cards to local businesses. This program would not be possible without the contributions of local residents, organizations and businesses. Recently, Martensville Building & Home Supply teamed up with the MFD to help with the Christmas food hampers.

City of Martensville Provides Family Fun This Holiday Season

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

This holiday season, the City of Martensville has family friendly activities available to not only have fun together, but get outside and move around after indulging in the festivities that come this time of year.

From December 19-27, help find the decorations that were stolen by the Grinch throughout Kinsmen Park, Dallas Martens Park and North Hills Park. A total of 13 decorations are lost, and as they are found, you can work together to unscramble the letters to find a hidden message.

Taking place from December 28 to January 8, you can also help Santa find his lost reindeer after

crashing on his way home. There are nine reindeer to find around Lake Vista, Valley Manor and Venture Heights Schools.

Once you have each puzzle solved, send the word/phrase and a photo to jmucculloch@martensville. ca to be entered to win prizes. The Grinch winner will be announced December 28 and the winner of Santa’s helper will be announced on January 9th.

Follow the City of Martensville on Facebook to learn more about events taking place in the community, including public skating times throughout the holiday season.

Merry Christmas

Wishing You a Happy Holiday Season and a New Year Filled with Peace & Prosperity Martensville Corner Store The Ber family & staff Wishing you Health and Happiness in 2023! jpmassagetherapy@gmail.com 5A - 7 Centennial Drive North Martensville jpmassagetherapy.com • WE OFFER DIRECT BILLING & ONLINE BOOKING! • ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS & INSURANCE CLAIMS • EXPERIENCED STAFF & EXTENDED HOURS 306-382-0893 client is responsible for all costs associated with any Colour may appear slightly different between 1640 Alberta Ave. Saskatoon, SK 306 384-0356 F. 306 384-0357 Always a Good Sign. Yellow Backing plate Sign can with 5” letter edge(black). Silver background and black border in opaque vinyl Turquoises gradient, red and white in translucent vinyl wishing you a blessed christmas! 306-931-1903 441 Centennial Dr N Wishing You A Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas. office@terryjenson.ca 306-242-2111 20201214_Jenson_Martensville Messenger_5x3.indd 1 12/14/2020 3:37:04 PM Page 8 - DECEMBER 22, 2022 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
From Trevor, Christa and staff

Christmas A Time To Count Our Many Blessings

At this time of year, I usually offer a column that gifts deserving provincial politicians without the usual criticism you may find in this space.

Christmas should be about seeing a little more kindness than we experience during the rest of the year. Heaven knows, we sometimes needed a little more kindness in 2022, but Christmas should also be about being thankful for our blessings. Notwithstanding the things that frustrated or angered us, we were truly blessed in Saskatchewan.

The first such blessing should be peace on Earth, something that many of us likely didn’t think much about until March when Russian forces invaded Ukraine. There have been an estimated 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who have since died and as many Russian troops.

The war in Ukraine hit home here in Saskatchewan where so many of our grandfathers and grandmothers and great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers came to seek peace and prosperity.

We are again providing refuge to today’s Ukrainians. It seems the least we could do under the circumstances. In no small irony, that horrible war has elevated our prosperity through increased sales in potash, oil and better markets wheat, and pulse crops.

We were blessed with great crops in 2022 that will afford us the opportunity to build canola crushing plants in the near future that may see Saskatchewan importing canola from Alberta, Manitoba and North Dakota.

In the immediacy, it meant money in our pockets, quite literally. The $463-million deficit Finance Minister Donna Harpauer predicted of 2022-23 when she presented her provincial budget last March became a $1.1-billiion turnaround within the first three months of this fiscal year.

It was the largest and quickest turnaround in the history of Saskatchewan government budgets and produced one of the biggest surplus budgets this province has ever seen.

This put the Premier Scott Moe’s government to be a position where it not only paid down some debt but also handed out $500 cheques to ever adult who could be identified through their filing of income tax.

It further allowed the government to rescind taxes levied in the 2022-23 budget - not the expanded provincial sales tax to entertainment and sporting event tickets, but the expanded PST on gym and fitness club memberships.

It also afforded the government the ability to dedicate an additional $60 million for the recruitment, training and retention of needed health care workers in a year in which rural emergency services and laboratory and x-ray services in several rural hospitals had to be shut down.

There may be no great blessing than the blessing of good health. We hopefully better understood that in 2022 as we slowly emerged from COVID-19 that still lingers. Perhaps we learned a little about the need for better public health policies and why we owe each other at least an attempt to keep everyone healthy.

It's often hard during the year to think of those that complain and critique as providing a blessing. But the Opposition - all politicians who stand for office in these days of anonymous and often malicious online scrutiny are often an overlooked blessing. Living in a democracy is blessing never to be taken for granted.

Finally, Christmas is a time of goodwill to all men and women. The blessing of 2022 may have been a bit of awakening of mental health and poverty issues. We saw a visit from a Pope who apologized for the atrocities of Indian residential.

We saw renewed focus on those domestically abused and maybe a little better understanding of those abused because of whom they love.

We were blessed and we will hopefully be blessed again, as per the Christmas blessing: May peace, love, and prosperity follow you always. Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy and peaceful New Year.”

Health Human Resources Action Plan Seeing Steady Progress

Saskatchewan continues to see steady, progressive results on its ambitious Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain health care professionals.

A total of 161 job offers have been made to Filipino health care workers to join Saskatchewan's health care system: 138 Registered Nurses, 21 Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) and two Medical Lab Assistants. One CCA from the Philippines has already started working in Moose Jaw.

Saskatchewan's targeted health care recruitment mission to the Philippines led by Health Minister Paul Merriman returned home with successful results. Conditional employment offers were made by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to 129 qualified candidates from in-person interviews. This includes 128 Registered Nurses and one Continuing Care Assistant. Additional job interviews have been conducted virtually with Filipino Registered Nurses with another 10 conditional offers being extended.

"Our government is committed to strengthening and building a more robust health care workforce in Saskatchewan, and it's critical that we work closely with our partners here in Saskatchewan and overseas to ensure progress continues," Health Minister Paul Merriman said. "I want to thank Mr. Zaldy Patron, the Consul-General of the Philippines to Canada, for his continued leadership with this initiative. I look forward to seeing more of our ambitious plans followed up with actions in the New Year."

Progress also continues in implementing new full-time positions and enhancing vacant part-time positions to full-time in nine high-priority classifications in rural and remote locations experiencing service disruptions. Through this initiative, the SHA has hired 84 positions. As of December 9, 24 more positions are in the hiring process and 55 are posted. Approximately 75 per cent of these positions have been filled by casual, temporary or part-time staff.

To provide more opportunities for health care professionals, eligibility has recently been expanded for the Saskatchewan Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive of up to $50,000 for a three-year return-in-service agreement. This incentive is available to new employees in nine high priority positions in rural and remote areas, including SHA employees who have completed an education program in one of these priority classifications.

"Our plan is delivering on what we have been hearing from front-line health care workers," Minister of Rural and Remote Health Everett Hindley said. "They wanted to see more permanent jobs, more full-time work and we are seeing progress in many centres across Saskatchewan by bolstering resources. I'm pleased our Rural and Remote Incentive is generating a lot of interest, and I look forward to more progress in this area."

As of late November, the Ministry of Health has received over 600 applications from internationally educated health care workers within Saskatchewan and Canada. Options are being considered for bridging and educational programs for these candidates.

To improve job offers and connections for Saskatchewan nursing graduates, the SHA recently launched a new Grad Nurse Expression of Interest initiative that matches graduates with an area based on skills and preferences. All Saskatchewan nursing students received this communication from the SHA through their respective colleges and/or through in-person recruitment events. So far, 52 students have submitted their expression of interest and 22 accepted conditional offers. The SHA is currently following up with the remaining applicants to extend further conditional offers. Work continues under each of the four pillars of the action plan with more information below.

Saskatchewan’s HHR Action Plan announced in September will invest over $60 million and add more than 1,000 health professionals into the health system over the next few years. Details on health care opportunities, how to access them and more information on province’s Health Human Resources Action Plan are available at: saskatchewan.ca/HHR.

Recruit

• A total of 161 job offers have been made to Filipino health care workers to join the SK health care system, including conditional offers of employment to 138 Registered Nurses and 21 offers of employment to Continuing Care Assistants and two Medical Lab Assistants.

• Health System Navigators are available to support international health care workers seeking career opportunities.

• SHA has participated in job fairs to provide information to newcomers seeking employment in health care.

• The navigators will continue to assist and provide follow-up information to prospective health care candidates identified by the Philippine mission.

• An advertising campaign featuring health care professionals who have built a successful career in Saskatchewan will continue into the winter with additional testimonials to promote available opportunities and attract health care workers.

Retain

• As of December 9, of the 163 positions posted in nine high-priority classifications in rural and remote locations experiencing service disruptions, the SHA has hired 84 positions and is in the process of hiring another 24.

• Approximately 75 per cent of the new positions have been filled by former casual or part-time staff.

• Engagement sessions with a number of First Nations/ Métis were held in late November and the first part of December. Additional sessions are scheduled for January.

Incentivize

• Eligibility has been expanded to provide more opportunities for health care professionals for the up to $50,000 incentive for a three-year return-in-service agreement. This incentive is available to new employees in nine high priority positions in rural and remote areas.

• As of December 13, the Ministry of Health approved 121 bursaries for students in an eligible health discipline.

• The SHA recently launched a new Grad Nurse Expression of Interest initiative that matches graduates with an area based on skills and preferences.

• So far, 52 students have submitted their expression of interest and 22 accepted conditional offers.

• Meet & Greet events for 3rd and 4th year nursing students were held in early December in Saskatoon and Regina, with more planned for the New Year.

Train

• As of November 29, the Ministry of Health has received a total of 611 applications from internationally educated health care workers: 510 from Saskatchewan and 101 from other provinces. Options are being considered for bridging and educational programs so these candidates can enter the workforce.

• A webinar for unlicensed IEHPs (nurses) in Saskatchewan was hosted early December and attracted about 40 participants.

• Southeast College, the SHA and the Assiniboia Union Hospital have announced a partnership to offer a 33-week, full-time Continuing Care Assistant program starting in March 2023.

• Funding has been provided to SIIT to provide an additional 20 seats in a program of Health Care Aid in Prince Albert.

Letter to the Editor

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - DECEMBER 22, 2022 - Page 9
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 333Martensville, SK S0K 2T0.
Page 10 - DECEMBER 22, 2022 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - DECEMBER 22, 2022 - Page 11

VMS Student’s Design Chosen For First Annual T-Shirt Design Contest

Staff and students at Valley Manor School celebrated one of their own on Wednesday, December 14th as 13-year-old Sierra Hoobonoff’s design was chosen as the winner of the first-ever “TeleMiracle T-Shirt Design Contest”.

The young Martensville resident’s creation was chosen from 85 entries that were submitted by students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 from across Saskatchewan.

The school held a special assembly, and also sold the t-shirts during their Winter Carnival on December 15th.

The winning design will also be worn on-stage during TeleMiracle 47 by National cast members and sold in limited quantities prior to the show as a fundraiser for TeleMiracle.

According to Adrienne Fedorowich, TeleMiracle Producer, submissions came in, which were all related to TeleMiracle; however, Hoobonoff’s showcased people with different kinds of impairments and had the TeleMiracle slogan of ‘Helping People Every Day’.

“We liked that because it shows the diversity of the type of recipients that TeleMiracle does help every day. Sierra was very excited to be the first ever winner of the T-shirt contest and you could tell she was very proud of what she had accomplished,” Fedorowich said.

The contest was created as a way to bring the next generation of Saskatchewan youth into the legacy of TeleMiracle, Fedorowich explained. “TeleMiracle has been taking place in this province for 46 years, so now, we want to look at how we can ensure we will be doing it for another 46. The only way to do that is to bring the next generation into involvement,” Fedorowich said.

TeleMiracle 47 will be taking place February 25th and 26th in Saskatoon and 100% of all funds raised through TeleMiracle goes to supporting people within the province. Additionally, all talent showcased during TeleMiracle is from Saskatchewan.

RIGHT: The Grade 5-8’s at Venture Heights School had a fun morning spending time with Dan Clark and the Saskatchewan Roughriders foundation Win it With Wellness Initiative. This event focused on learning how to manage stress and be resilient young people. “We know that managing our mental wellness is just as important, if not more important than our physical wellness,” VHS said. While there, not only did Dan Clark teach the students, but also helped move the piano located in the hallway at VHS!

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Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger ABOVE: An assembly was held at Valley Manor School on Wednesday, December 14th to celebrate 13-year-old Sierra Hoobonoff’s design being chosen as the winner of the first ever TeleMiracle T-Shirt Design Contest. (Photo Credit: Josh Fedorowich - TeleMiracle Technical Production Manager) ABOVE: Sierra Hoobonoff was the winner of the TeleMiracle T-Shirt Contest. (Photo Credit: Josh Fedorowich - TeleMiracle Technical Production Manager)

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