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Jones Will Represent Canada in the Olympics BELOW: Jones and her team call a time out to decide their next shot against Team Homan on Thursday, November 25 at SaskTel Centre.

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The 2021 Tim Hortons Curling Trials took place at SaskTel Centre from November 20 to November 28. A total of nine men’s and nine women’s teams took to the ice looking to come out on top with a gold medal. The winning men’s and women’s team also earned themselves a spot at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing.

For the women, it was the Jennifer Jones rink, which consisted of third Kaitlyn Lawes, second Jocelyn Peterman, lead Dawn McEwen and fifth Lisa Weagle. For the men, it was the Brad Gushue rink, along with third Mark Nichols, second Brett Gallant and lead Geoff Walker.

Both teams donned Team Canada jackets and were emotional over their win, already preparing to represent their country at the Olympics.

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The Martensville Messenger will be running their Christmas Issue on December 16th. Reserve your spot for a Christmas Greeting ad by contacting advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Page 2 - DECEMBER 2, 2021 - martensville messenger

Civic Services Under the Lifting of the Public Health Order - What You Should Know!

City Hall is Open - Masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces as of September 17th.

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 November 19th Masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces as of September 17th.

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 - Closed for the season City Hall - Open North Ridge Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Heritage Centre - Re-Opened for Bookings Sports Centre - Open for the Season Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open

Proof of Vaccination, Living with Covid-19, Testing Kits Effective October 1, 2021, a provincial requirement for proof of vaccination or negative test was implemented for public access to a list of establishments, businesses, and event venues that bring groups of people together.

More detail can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19 under Public Health Orders 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.

Watch for vaccination clinics and opportunities for vaccinations are through pharmacies and pop-up clinics.

A list of upcoming clinics throughout the province is available at www.saskhealthauthority.ca

Winter Program Update- Twinkle Tours, Play & Skate with Santa Play & Skate with Santa will take place on Sun., Dec. 12th at the Sports Centre. It will be an afternoon full of fun activities for kids!

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

Christmas Light Displays! Nominate your house, a neighbor, or any home that you think has a great display for the holiday season. Find the QR Code on Facebook to simply add the nominee!

After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

For more information about upcoming Recreation Programs and Events, contact the MAP or visit the Martensville Facebook Page.

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.

December 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- December 14th Regular Council Meeting -December 21st 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.

Winter is Coming and Snow Removal is Too – 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.

NOTICE BYLAW #16-2021 Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Martensville, pursuant to Section 207 of the Planning and Development Act, 2007, intends to consider a bylaw to amend Zoning Bylaw No. 1-2015 by adding ambulance stations to the M Industrial District.

REASON: Permit ambulance stations to locate on a property zoned industrial.

EXAMINATION OF BYLAW: This bylaw may be examined by interested persons at City Hall on any judicial day between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Copies of the Bylaw and Notice are available at a cost of $1.00.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on Dec 21, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. at the City of Martensville Council Chambers via Zoom (link to be contained on the Council Agenda) to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the City Hall prior to December 16th, 2021.

Dated at Martensville this 30th day of November, A.D. 2021.

Bonnie Gorelitza Planning Manager

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 remove snow and ice and create safe driving and walking conditions promptly.

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.

- 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 fire.

- 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 2, 2021 - Page 3

Community Services Continue to Grow at the Civic Centre as Saskatchewan Health Authority and Martensville Free Pantry take Tenancy

The City of Martensville is pleased to announce that children’s health services have moved from the Martensville Baptist Church to the Martensville Civic Centre.

The Child Health Clinic, run by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), provides immunizations along with general development, nutrition, and health information. The Clinic will be open two to three days a week. Speech Language Pathology services are also provided by the SHA one day per week at the Civic Centre. Both services are being run out of Room #2, but in January, both will move to Room #4.

North Network Director of Primary Health Care, Dylan Chipperfield, welcomes the news. “The demand for services at Child Health Clinic has definitely grown in Martensville and in this region. Having a fixed space at the Civic Centre will allow for better, more efficient access to services, for both residents and the staff that work there.

In addition, after leaving the Civic Centre due to COVID-19, the Martensville Free Pantry is now back at the Civic Centre operating out of Room #2. Volunteer and lead for the Free Pantry Deseri Adrian is thankful to be back at the Civic Centre with a larger dedicated space where people can drop off donations, volunteers can receive and stage donations, and clients can receive hampers or bread. She says that prior to the pandemic, a hallway space with cupboards was sufficient. “With the pandemic we saw an increased need for individuals and families to need the Pantry more often, even entire hampers, on a regular basis.”

The Free Pantry already has plans to grow into a larger space in the new year to pursue fundraising and food drive opportunities. They appreciate the City’s offering of the space for these needed community services. “We have appreciated the City’s co-operation on the Free Pantry initiative ever since the pantry started out here,” says Adrian. “This renewed support to help the Pantry grow as the needs of the community change is so wonderful.”

Services at the Civic Centre now include: • Child Health Clinic and Speech Language Pathology (currently Room #4 but moving to Room #2 in January) • Martensville Free Pantry (current in Room #2 but moving to Room #4 in January) • Wheatland Library • Puddle Jumpers Preschool • Great Plains College

All programs and services located at the Civic Centre are following current COVID-19 guidelines.

Great Plains College opened space in the Civic Centre in 2019 and added more space in 2020. It runs the Agricultural Science Certificate Program, Pre-12 and Adult Basic Education, Essential Skills for Newcomers (Early Childhood Education and Continuing Care Assistant).

In the community’s early days, the Martensville Civic Centre served as a primary school. With the services being offered there now, it will once again become a hub of activity for residents.

Mayor Kent Muench welcomes the changes he has seen at the Civic Centre over his tenure. “It’s great to see the Civic Centre so busy, and especially to see that the space is being used to provide much needed services that are aimed at health, wellness and education.”

On behalf of everyone at the City of Martensville, Muench welcomes the SHA and the Free Pantry back to the Civic Centre. “We hope the services offered in this space make a positive difference in our community; I know the community will rally around these great initiatives.”

Sask Government Extends Public Health Order to January 31

Saskatchewan's current public health order will be extended to January 31, 2022.

Under the current public health order, masking is mandatory in all indoor public spaces including schools, and proof of vaccination or negative test requirements are in place for public access to a list of establishments, businesses and event venues.

The current public health orders are available at saskatchewan.ca/covid-19.

Municipalities, businesses, workplaces and event organizers may also require proof of vaccination or negative testing beyond those places that are described in the public health order.

Anyone requiring a proof of negative COVID-19 test must acquire their results through a private provider offering testing services. The lab will provide a verified, negative test certificate, including your name, birthday, type of test, date and time of sample collection, test result and will be signed by the test operator. At home self-tests are only to be used as an asymptomatic screening tool and cannot be accepted as proof of negative COVID-19 test.

The public health order will be reassessed at the end of January.

Stick it to COVID - Get Your Vaccination - Vaccination remains the

best long-term protection against COVID-19. Even if you have contracted COVID-19, you should be vaccinated as it provides superior and lasting protection compared to the immune response generated after infection alone.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is holding vaccination clinics throughout the province with vaccinations now available for children five to 11 years of age. Clinic locations and times are listed on the SHA website. Any changes to clinic hours and location will be updated online.

A map of pharmacies participating in COVID-19 vaccinations is available at www. saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies.

COVID-19 vaccinations are also available at most SHA operated flu shot clinics, so residents can receive both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at the same time and location. COVID-19 vaccinations can be booked using the same online flu shot appointment tool (www.4flu.ca) or by telephone at 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829). If you need both a COVID and flu shot, only one appointment is needed. Health staff are trained to offer both vaccines to those eligible.

General COVID-19 Information - General public inquiries may be directed to COVID19@ health.gov.sk.ca.

ABOVE: Masking will still be required within various establishments, businesses and event venues until January 31, 2022.

Page 4 - DECEMBER 2, 2021 - martensville messenger

Martensville High School Students Excited to Support Community Through Food Drive Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Since 2009, the SRC at Martensville High School has been organizing a food drive around the holidays to help local families in need of a little extra support. This year, Project Change will be partnering up with the SRC in order to help get as many students as possible involved, as well as to reach as many homes within the community as possible.

Project Change is a group of over 50 students throughout grades 9-12 who are on a mission to spread kindness to the school and community through volunteering and fundraising.

This year marks the largest group of students to participate with Project Change, and MHS Teacher Breanne Cooper noted that, “Students seem so excited to have extra-curricular activities back and are eager to get involved. The food drive is part of Project Change’s 12 Days of Kindness, where as a group, students complete an act of kindness every day for 12 school days in December.”

Unfortunately, last year the food drive did not take place due to the COVID pandemic, but this year, students are working hard to make it the best one yet.

“We are excited to have an energetic group of grade 12

student leaders to help engage our grade 9, 10 and 11 students and to keep the MHS tradition alive,” Cooper said.

“The food drive is a fun way to make people’s holiday season a little brighter,” MHS Grade 12 student Kaden Solomon said.

This year, the food drive will be taking place on December 15th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm and all items collected through the food drive will be donated to local families through the Martensville Fire Department food hamper program. Students will be going door-to-door within the community asking for donations of non-perishable, non-expired, food items (ex: dry pasta, pasta sauce, canned goods, stuffing, etc.). Cash donations will also be accepted, which will help to fill any gaps in the hampers with fresh items. Another contactless option is to leave items on their front step on December 15th with a note stating that it is for the food drive.

Students are looking forward to getting involved and helping to support families in their community. “The food drive is a great way to give back to the people in our community during the holiday season,” Grade 12 student Kayla Kurmey, stated.

SREDA Urges Martensville and Warman to Review Procurement Policies Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

At their November 16th meeting, Martensville City Council had a delegation by Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) regarding an Indigenous Procurement Policy. SREDA contacted both Martensville and Warman City Council requesting them to review their current civic procurement policies to ensure there are fair opportunities provided for Indigenous owned and operated businesses within the two communities.

In 2015 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released a report with 94 recommendations included as a “Call to Action”. As part of this, recommendation #92 stated, “We call upon the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources.”

According to the TRC, this would include, but not be limited to; committing to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships and obtaining the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with economic development projects; ensuring that Aboriginal peoples have equal access to jobs, training and education opportunities within the corporate sector and ensuring that they gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects; and providing education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including about residential schools, the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law and Aboriginal-Crown relations, which would require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-racism.

SREDA spoke to Council, asking that they have a procurement policy in place that would ensure Indigenous owned and operated businesses can compete equally with non-Indigenous suppliers and contractors.

This recommendation would follow suit with the City of Saskatoon.

In the report to Council, SREDA noted that there are 17 First Nations Bands that own land in the Saskatoon area and a total of 70 First Nations Bands in the province, totaling 175,015 Indigenous people in Saskatchewan as of 2016, adding that Indigenous owned businesses are responsible for ¼ of Indigenous jobs.

During the delegation to Council, it was expressed that by implementing an Indigenous Procurement Policy, it would help foster reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and our local governments and would help to stimulate Indigenous entrepreneurship, business and economic development, providing opportunities for Indigenous peoples to participate in the economy.

Martensville Mayor Kent Muench stated that municipal governments have a moral obligation to foster reconcilation efforts.

MHS students are invited to get involved by joining a food drive team, volunteering to help sort donations at school, or by bringing non-perishable food items to the school. Cooper noted that they will be doing their best to reach all residences in Martensville; however, if a home is missed and you would like to contribute, contact Breanne Cooper at Breanne.cooper@spiritsd.ca, or drop items off at the main doors at MHS.

Not only do students have the opportunity to give back, but they also get to benefit from working together. “My favorite aspect of the food drive is the friendly competition and opportunity to work on team building within our school to help out our community,” Zaye Andreas, MHS Grade 12 student, said.

Be sure to mark your calendars for December 15 so you can help make the food drive in partnership between the MHS SRC and Project Change the biggest success yet.

ABOVE: Marked donations can be left on the front step on December 15th for a contactless option.

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KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD

City of Martensville Kicking Off 2022 With a Lazy Man Triathlon Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville is bringing back the Lazy Man Triathlon (LMT) for the second time. The idea for this event originated from other organizations within the USA, and Recreation Coordinator Jamie McCulloch thought it would be a great addition within the community.

“In its first year, we had almost 40 people participate in the event, and we are hopeful we will get even more people participating this year,” McCulloch said.

The LMT will challenge participants to complete a typical triathlon which would consist of; 3.86km of swimming (80 laps), 180km of biking and 42km of walking/running. “We don’t know about you, but that seems like a lot to complete in a day, let alone a few hours. So instead, complete it at your own pace over the 31 days of January. It is a nice start to 2022 and will challenge everyone who participates to get moving each and every day in January,” McCulloch added.

There are three ways to participate and those interested can register online. The first option is to opt for the tracking and exercise sheets, which help you keep track for the LMT. This option is $5. Secondly, you can get the tracking and exercise sheet as well as the LMT event T-shirt, which is $20. The third option is to get the sheets, T-shirt, as well as a one-month membership to the Martensville Athletic Pavilion for the month of January, which is $55. Registration opened on November 15th, and for those looking to receive a T-shirt, you must register by December 1st in order to guarantee you receive it

by January 1st.

“The Lazy Man Triathlon is for everyone no matter their fitness level, abilities, or age. The only words I have for people is why not? The worst possible outcome is that you do not finish the full LMT and that would be all right! No matter how much you complete to attempt, the important thing is you got up, moved your body, and hopefully had some fun along the way!”

For more information, tips/tricks and support from both current and past participants, visit the LMT Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LMTMartensville/.

Construction of Ambulance Base in Martensville Expected to Begin Soon Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

On November 8, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority made an official announcement regarding an ambulance service that will be based within Martensville to help provide enhanced service for communities located immediately north of Saskatoon.

Martensville-Warman MLA Terry Jenson noted that the Sask Government would be following through with a budget commitment of $6.57 million to enhance emergency medical services within the province. Jenson added that $1.16 million in annual funding would be provided “to the SHA to support enhanced ambulance services, address growing demand and improve response times for Martensville, Warman and other communities north of Saskatoon.” This funding will support the addition of one staffed ambulance through Medavie Health Services West within the area.

For Fire Chief Kurtis Dyck of the Martensville Fire Department (MFD), this announcement was long-awaited.

“This has been something that we have been working on for many years, so we are very excited to have an ambulance service based out of Martensville.

Having this satellite base located in Martensville will decrease the amount, but not eliminate the medical calls that MFD will respond to,” Dyck explained.

Dyck added that for residents within Martensville and surrounding areas, this new addition will significantly improve response times, which in turn, will result in better patient care.

Currently, a location for the base has not been finalized; however, Dyck noted that there are plans to begin construction as soon as possible. Until the base is complete, the ambulance will be stationed at the Martensville Fire Hall.

The SHA plans to take a phased approach for the ambulance base, which will begin by providing services 12 hours/day beginning this month, then an additional 12 hours/day beginning March 2022.

“This is a step in the right direction, but there will only be an ambulance in Martensville based on availability of units. Our ultimate goal is to have a permanent full-time ambulance station in Martensville,” said Dyck.

City Manager Scott Blevins updated Martensville City Council at the November 16th meeting, noting that he and Chief Dyck had met with Medavie Health Services West to discuss the next steps, noting that Medavie would be applying for a permit in the near future.

“Medavie does not own land or buildings and are working with their developer to construct and lease. We will be working through options on the land,” Blevins said in his report.

ABOVE: Construction on a base for the newly announced ambulance service is scheduled to begin soon; however, in the meantime, the ambulance will be based out of the Martensville Fire Hall.

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martensville messenger - DECEMBER 2, 2021 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature Saskatchewan Manufacturing Week

Gov’t Losing Focus in What it Should be Doing

If it seems to you that the Saskatchewan Legislature hasn’t been working all that well of late, it’s probably because it hasn’t. Even at the best of times, it’s tough to make this place work.

We are a jurisdiction just slightly physically smaller than Texas with, at last count, 1,179,906 people.

Texas has 29,360,757 people —t he second-most populated state with 10 million people less than California, but 8 million more than Florida. Saskatchewan can be better compared with Montana (1,080,577) or North Dakota (766,309) … only much, much bigger.

Having a small population scattered over a vast area only magnifies our problems. A Saskatchewan government must insure everyone has heat, light, power, water, telephone and Internet, plus good roads to travel upon. Our government must see to it that everyone has decent and affordable access to schools and hospitals, plus insure that people are safe and secure.

At any time in the history of Saskatchewan, this is a pretty formidable to-do list, but it’s that much more formidable amidst what’s now the fourth wave of a global pandemic that’s unfortunately killing more people. At the top of the government’s “to-do” list is getting reluctant people vaccinated.

Unfortunately, the Saskatchewan Party government inability to properly focus on immediate problems or long-term ones is where it seems to have gone awry this fall. The above population numbers really tell the tale of why Premier Scott Moe’s talk this fall sitting of land-locked Saskatchewan being a “nation within a nation” is especially silly.

One fully gets the frustration with the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the federal Liberal government that views Saskatchewan as insignificant and doesn’t seriously consider the challenges we face as an agriculture/ natural resource-based economy servicing a sparse population over a vast area.

One even gets why Moe and the Sask. Party might think this is was a good tactically approach with Ottawa … or at least, why a governing might say this to appease equally frustrated voters, but to be talking about being “more independent” from Ottawa or the rest of Canada at a time when you are signing provincial/federal agriculture deals or when you have to send your ICU patients to other provinces because your own ICUs are filled to capacity is more than a little troubling.

The reality is that even if Moe was just talking about taking charge of more things that normally fall under federal jurisdiction — policing, tax collection and even immigration — he is talking about things that add costs to the province that was cash-strapped long before this pandemic came along.

In what way is what Moe now promoting helpful to the average Saskatchewan voter in a place where we already have to deal with enough problems?

One gets that in a province of a million people there are a million problems. The story during this fall sitting of five-year-old Conner Finn — whose rare disease required his parents to take him to the University of Minnesota for an $832,000 bone marrow transplant — should make you sympathize with the really tough daily choices. Sometimes, the government even makes the right ones, but given the million problems a government must face on any given day, does it really make sense for government to make even more problems for itself at the Saskatchewan legislature?

For example, was it really all that important or even necessary to move a bill for what seems to be another security detail at the Saskatchewan legislature that already has top-notch security provided by ex-RCMP officers in the Sargeant-At-Arms office? Wouldn’t that money be better spent on policing in rural Saskatchewan that likely has a greater crime problem than the Marble Palace?

It’s hard enough for Saskatchewan government to deal with the problems we have. We don’t need to create new ones.

November 22nd through 26th was proclaimed Saskatchewan Manufacturing Week. This sector makes up over five per cent of our province's gross domestic product and employs 29,000 people. Last year, manufacturing shipments totalled $13.4 billion. According to the ten-year report, Saskatchewan continues to lead the country in several categories.

Overview of the Manufacturing Sector in Saskatchewan 2010-2020 reported that Saskatchewan led all provinces in manufacturing employment growth from 2019-2020. We had the second-highest manufacturing productivity in Canada for 2020; our province ranked second in average weekly earnings in the sector for 2020.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Agriculture Producers

Investing in the next generation of agriculture producers is key to our province's future and the country's future. With that in mind, the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have partnered for the Next Gen Agriculture Mentorship Program delivered by Canadian Western Agribition.

This program builds leadership through knowledge and first-hand experience as future producers are partnered with mentors. The connections created will pass down knowledge that young producers can use to advance their operations and become industry leaders in the very near future.

For 2022, $100,000 is being provided by the federal and provincial governments to support eight applicants as they venture through an 18-month journey starting in February. Application information can be found online at saskatchewan.ca or agribition.com.

Access to More Autism Services

Families with children who experience Autism Spectrum Disorder now have access to more services with the expansion of the Individualized Funding (IF) program. This builds on the IF expansion in July, which included children aged six to 11.

Our government heard from parents and caregivers who wanted more flexibility in using this funding to support their child's unique needs. This person-centred approach to support has expanded eligible services while allowing for that flexibility.

New eligible services include life skills programs such as swimming lessons, tutoring, as well as therapeutic day camps, summer programs, and equine therapy.

For 2021-22, $10.3 million was allocated to provide $8,000 annually per child with ASD up to the age of five with $6,000 annually for children aged six to 11 with ASD.

Upgrading School Capital Facilities

An important theme of our Speech from the Throne is building a better educated Saskatchewan. Recent updates on the Saskatchewan Stimulus plan show work is underway on school maintenance in 15 communities across the province. This $25.9 million investment to upgrade mechanical and structural components at educational facilities builds stronger schools and creates jobs in local communities.

Among these projects include roof replacements at Delisle Composite and Aberdeen Composite Schools, structural repairs at Hague Elementary School, and a boiler replacement at Hepburn School.

STRT Combatting Weapons, Drugs and Human Trafficking

Another theme from the Throne Speech focuses on building a safer Saskatchewan. To this end, our government has created The Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT), a specialized intelligence-led enforcement team dedicated to addressing illegal weapons, drugs and human trafficking. This new policing initiative will target gang-related criminal activity entering the province through trafficking corridors.

The team will include 30 RCMP officers, six municipal police officers, two criminal analysts and three support staff. Three offices will be strategically located in Lloydminster, Estevan and Swift Current due to their proximity to the provincial borders and known trafficking corridors. Municipal resources will also be located in Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina.

The initiative will cost $2.1 million for 2021-22, with another $6.4 million allocated for each subsequent fiscal year. This is entirely new funding; no resources have been reallocated from other policing initiatives.

As always, if you have questions, comments, concerns, or require assistance with provincial government programs or services, please get in touch with my Constituency Office.

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Learn more. uregina.ca /cce

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.

Page 8 - DECEMBER 2, 2021 - martensville messenger

Royals Senior Recruited to Regina Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville High School Royals football team celebrated a huge win on Saturday, November 13th after playing an undefeated season of football and winning the Provincial finals. This year’s team consisted of 16 seniors, one of which was # 88 Toryn Swystun-Bernes.

Swystun-Bernes, who is 6’3” and 250 lbs, plays defensive end and began playing tackle football with the Martensville Maddogs as a Peewee and then as a Bantam. From there, Swystun-Bernes went on to play with the SMF North Academy before being chosen for the U16 Team Sask in 2019. In the Fall of 2019, he began playing with the Martensville Royals as a starter in his rookie year. This past year was a big achievement for the young football player as he was asked to come play with the North Sask Varsity team.

In 2020, Swystun-Bernes was invited to play ABOVE: Toryn Swystun-Bernes on the Western Canadian U16 All Star team; however, SMF was forced to cancel all spring football due to the COVID pandemic. Following that, SMF created a modified league in which Swystun-Bernes was named most outstanding lineman in theleague.

This past year, he played the SMF 2021 Spring Season, followed by his last season of high school football as a captain.

Having won numerous awards during his football career, Swystun-Bernes has also been named to the CFC Top 100 on numerous occasions.

Earlier this month, Toryn was offered a scholarship through the University of Regina Rams, where he will be taking Business Admin. “It was an unreal and shocking feeling that the Rams saw my potential and how I could fit into their roster enough to cover my university degree. I plan on making it well worth their investment every time I am on the field.” Following university, Toryn would like to continue pursuing football by playing in the CFL or NFL.

Having dealt with fine motor skills delays, speech and language delays, and Dyslexia, Swystun-Bernes puts in even more work to ensure he can succeed both on and off the field. As a way to improve fine motor skills, the young athlete keeps his fitness level high.

Next year, Toryn is looking forward to playing for Rams Head Coach Mark McConkey; however, credits much of his success to someof his past coaches including Grant Currie, James Mueller, Carter Dyck, Chad Palmer, Brian Guebert, and current coach of his provincial championship team the Martensville Royals, Craig Robertson.

Raised by a single mother, Swystun-Bernes knows what hard work looks like and pushes himself to ensure he makes his coaches proud. “Thank you to my mom Pamela, who raised me and never missed a game or practice while working multiple jobs. Also, thank you to Derek & Margie Bertsch, Marla Janzen & Ray Dulos, and my siblings Kaine, Sydney and Zaylan for all the support throughout the years.”

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SPORTS Royal’s Brody Nelson Has Spectacular Season Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Brody Nelson, #28 running back for the Martensville Royals high school football team, had an outstanding season this year, helping them earn the title of 9-Man Provincial Champions on November 13th. Nelson really made his Senior year with the Royals count. Being undefeated all season, Nelson contributed to this four-game regular season winning streak, running for 1056 yards, had 56 carries and 16 touchdowns. In his three playoff games he ran for 1115 yards, had 57 carries and 15 touchdowns. He will also be joining the U of S Huskies football team for the 2022 season.

Nelson started his football career playing Flag, Peewee and Bantam with the Martensville Maddogs. Through his Saskatoon Minor Football career in 2018 and 2019 he played with U16 North Sask and Team Sask in 2019 winning the Western Challenge gold medal. He also claimed the title of Offensive MVP. In 2021 he played with North Sask Varsity All Stars.

When he started playing with the Royals in 2019, he was in Grade 10. After four weeks he became a starter and had nine touchdowns in the regular season and four in the playoffs. They took a loss to Melfort in the Provincial Final and Nelson was awarded Rookie of the Year. He also gave back to the community that year by helping coach the Peewee Maddogs.

Martensville Maddog Graduates Head to Vegas With Sask Selects Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

When asked Nelson about his experience playing football in Martensville he stated that the football programs have always been very well run, with great coaches starting at the flag level all the way up to high school.

“Head Coach Lyle Evanisky was my first high school coach and he taught me a lot.

This year our new Head Coach Craig Robertson ABOVE: Brody Nelson and coaching staff coached us to a Provincial Championship. The High School coaching staff have always been great. Moving forward I am grateful to work with Coach Evanisky again as I have committed with the U of S Huskies. I can't wait to grow, learn and become a great football player under Coach Flory and the Huskies,” said Nelson.

Nelson also went on to say that he highly recommends doing every camp out there.

Saskatoon Minor Football runs a spring Academy that gets you ready for your high school season.

“My two seasons with the Martensville Royals will always be a huge part of my heart.”

ABOVE: L-R - Kyren Houmphanh, Wyatt LaRoche and Treagen Green-Edmonds

Martensville Maddogs Kyren Houmphanh, Treagan Green-Edmonds and Wyatt LaRoche earned their spot to join the Saskatchewan Selects team after completing tryouts this past summer.

According to Sam Houmphanh, President of the Martensville Maddogs, the Sask Selects program was created by Zeljko and Deb Stefanovic in 2011, for kids who wanted to continue to train and develop their football skills over the winter months.

“This year represents their 10-year anniversary of the program, and they firmly believe in and encourage the kids to pursue their dreams of playing football while obtaining post-secondary education,” said Houmphanh.

In February 2012, the program started an annual International Pigskin Tournament where players get a chance to train for an extended season and compete against US teams. "Tryouts for Selects were July and August for the teams traveling to Las Vegas,” said co-creator Deb Stefanovic.

This year, joining the Sask Selects team gave them the opportunity to be part of this very competitive tournament in Vegas where other teams competing in the tournament have won their respective city and/or state championships. “To my knowledge, until this season, there has not been another group from Saskatchewan to go to Vegas,” said Houmphanh.

“We had three teams registered in the tournament with U13, U14 and U15 competing at a high level against the US teams winning two out of the three age categories.”

The U15 and U14 teams brought home gold with Green-Edmonds and LaRoche contributing in the U14 category. Houmphanh brought home silver with the U13 team. “The Selects family really showed up and had a very successful tournament,” said Houmphanh.

Congratulations to Wyatt LaRoche, Treagen Green-Edmonds, and Kyren Houmphanh! You made Saskatchewan and most of all Martensville proud, as stated on the Maddogs Football Facebook page.

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