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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
Your City; Your Newspaper December 7, 2023
VOLUME NO. 17 - ISSUE 45
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Annual Holiday Train Comes to Saskatoon The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train is currently making its rounds throughout the country, spreading a little Christmas joy along the way. The train made a stop in Saskatoon on Tuesday, December 5th at the CPKC railway overpass at 7th Avenue North. Many came out to take part in the event, where they were treated to a beautiful light display on the train, Christmas music, had an opportunity to enjoy some hot chocolate and more.
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Page 2 - DECEMBER 7, 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 - 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 emergencies.
December 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 12th- Committee of the Whole December 19th -Regular Council All Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers - Martensville City Hall - 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.
- 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.
The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca
- 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.
Play n’ Skate with Santa Play & Skate with Santa will take place on Sun., Dec. 10th at the Sports Centre. It will be an afternoon full of fun activities for kids! You can go skating, take a picture with Santa, get a candy bag, go for a hayride, and warm up with a hot chocolate!
- 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
Thin Ice! Keep off Neighborhood Ponds
The Martensville Fire Department and City of Martensville are advising residents to stay off neighborhood ponds until further notice and to keep an eye on pets and children and keep them off ponds. Warm weather has led to some runoff, varying ice thickness and uncertain ice conditions on ponds. Ice thickness will be monitored and tested by the Fire Department, please watch for notifications when ponds are deemed safe for recreational use.
Let’s Take Care of Our Pets
The City of Martensville would like to remind residents that it is our responsibility to control and clean up after our pets even in off-leash areas such as the dog park. Here are some important reminders for pet owners as per the Animal Control Bylaw: • Do not allow your pet to be or become a nuisance by excessive barking, howling, or become threatening to other owners or pets; • Do not allow your pet to run at large; • Clean up defecation of your animal from private or public properties, other than the property occupied by the owner; Visit Martensville.ca to see the complete Animal Control Bylaw or City Hall with questions.
M
Recreation Program Update
This is a drop-in program and it is $5 per person! Book now for Twinkle Tours 2023 Get into the holiday spirit by hopping on the OK tire bus and enjoying a 45 minute bus tour through our magical City while taking in the light displays! This is a great activity for families, team windups, and group outings. Full bus rentals are available upon request! Registration opened on November 1, 2023. If you would like to book a full bus, make sure to call us to reserve your spot! Save the Date- 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.
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.
SANTA & HELPERS COMING TO MARTENSVILLE Martensville Heritage Center, 415 6th Ave South
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.
www.martensvillemessenger.ca
Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey
Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year
Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit
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Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca
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$5 Minimum Donation for Pictures with Santa (BRING YOUR CAMERA)
“Name the Elf” Colouring Contest
Colouring sheets are available at Martensville Building & Home Supply and Martensville Pharmasave; or there will be a colouring station set up at the event. A toy prize has been donated by Martensville Pharmasave for the winner!
ALL FUNDS DONATED TO TELEMIRACLE 48 Thank you to our Sponsors; Gold Sponsors - Freeway Delivery Service and Martensville Building & Home Supply; Silver Sponsors - Mortgages by Eboni, Ens Toyota, and Affinity Credit Union.
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - DECEMBER 7, 2023 - Page 3
Martensville RCMP Looks for Assistance in Locating Theft Suspect
Martensville RCMP are requesting assistance to identify an individual for a theft of motor vehicle from a business in Corman Park which occurred at approximately 9:30 am on October 17, 2023. If you can identify the individual below, please click the 'Contact Us' button on the Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers 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.
ABOVE: RCMP and Crime Stoppers are looking for information identifying this individual for a theft of a vehicle in Corman Park on October 17th. (Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers)
Martensville Man Wins $791,978.62 Vault Breaker Jackpot
Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) recently announced a Vault Breaker jackpot prize awarded by the ABOVE: Ryan Genest of Martensville Saskatchewan recently won $791,978.62 on Vault VLT program. Breaker at the Adobe Inn. Ryan Genest of Martensville was awarded $791,978.62 after winning the grand jackpot on Vault Breaker at Adobe Inn in Martensville on November 30. “I couldn’t believe it!” said Genest. “I saw the five vault breaker symbols, but I thought that meant I had the chance to win it.” The winner said his friend (who was also at Adobe Inn) knew Genest won the jackpot right away. “He was freaking out,” he laughed. “I was just in shock – I mean, this is how dreams start!” Genest said he has one big plan for his windfall: “I’m going to invest for retirement, that’s the smart thing to do,” he said. “Freedom 55!” The winner said he will also treat himself to a warm vacation. Vault Breaker is a wide-area progressive that links 4,200 VLTs located in approximately 570 sites in 270 communities across the province. There are three mystery jackpot tiers: the province-wide grand jackpot has a minimum value of $500,000 and pays out before it hits $1.5 million, the regional major jackpot has a minimum value of $5,000 and pays out before it hits $25,000, and the local site jackpot minimum is $100 and pays out before hitting $500. Any of the three jackpot tiers can be awarded when a patron plays Vault Breaker. The province-wide jackpot has awarded $35,981,021.15 to 38 winners since June 2017. Vault Breaker’s province-wide grand jackpot has now been reset to $500,000.
Martensville’s Newest Resident for the Month of December Arrives Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger
The City of Martensville has a new resident, Marten the Elf! He has decided to make Martensville his home and throughout the month of December he will be making some surprise appearances at local shops, parks, and businesses. Right now, he is getting his rest until Friday when he will be off to a new location. His next location will be at the Coop and he will be there until December 31. Make sure to keep an eye out for his shenanigans, as he sometimes can get himself into trouble. If you see Marten doing anything suspicious, send an email to jmcculloch@martensville.ca with a photo of your family catching him in the act, and you can win some fun prizes!
The Giving Tree is Back
Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
A familiar sight can be found once again within the lobby of Martensville’s Canadian Tire location, and it is a sight that helps to remind us all what the true meaning of Christmas is. The Giving Tree has been a part of the holiday season within the community since 2016, thanks to the efforts of organizer Margaret Lamont. Lamont had seen the idea at a Moksha Yoga studio in Ontario and thought that it would be a great opportunity for the residents of Martensville to have an opportunity to spread a little Christmas cheer throughout the month of December. The purpose of the tree is to give back to those that may need a little extra help at Christmas time, with the instructions on the tree stating, “Christmas is about giving…..help make Christmas a little more special for a child in your community.” For those interested in participating in the Giving Tree, there are ornaments available on the tree, which were created by students at École Holy Mary in Martensville. Each ornament includes the name, age and gender of a child that you can purchase a gift for this Christmas. Gifts can be returned to the Canadian Tire Customer Service Desk before December 15th. You can keep the ornament and hang it on your own Christmas tree as a reminder of what Christmas is really about and the child that you helped. Lamont has previously stated that, “The children love decorating the ornaments and it helps to get them thinking of different ways to help out or give back.” All of the gifts that are collected will be distributed to children throughout Martensville and Saskatoon. Each year, approximately 120 children receive gifts thanks to those that contribute to the Giving Tree in Martensville. For more information, contact Margaret@ offroadexteriors.com.
ABOVE: The Giving Tree is located within the lobby at the Martensville Canadian Tire and began the season filled with ornaments; however, only a few remain as many are excited to participate in the Giving Tree as a way to give back during the holiday season.
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 4 - DECEMBER 7, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER BELOW: The Martensville High School (MHS) Royals held their annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, November 29th at the MHS Theatre. Players gathered to celebrate their first season as a 12-aside team. (Submitted)
MHS Royals Celebrate First Season as a 12-Aside Team at Annual Awards Banquet Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville High School (MHS) Royals Football team saw some big changes this year, as they entered their first year in 12-aside football, moving from a 9-aside league. At the beginning of the season, the team set some goals, which included to have at least a .500 record and secure a playoff birth, two goals they were able to accomplish. The season was an exciting one; however, unfortunately ended with some team injuries. Despite this, both coaches and players looked at the season as a success and are excited to see what the future brings for the team, as many players will be returning for the 2024 season. Players that will be graduating and not returning to the team include: Cale Robertson, Jared Festus, Carter Flynn, Thomas Shoemaker, James Fasooto, Gavin Gordon, Ezekiel Topping, Jackson Hull, Chase Hahn, Chase Schiebelbein, Cole Grona, Jaxon Peterson, Josh Hamilton, and Seth Osler. A final wrap for the season took place on Wednesday, November 29th when the MHS Royals hosted their annual awards ceremony. Coaches took to the stage to present awards to players and talk about the season, with some getting emotional due to the strong bonds that were created through the team atmosphere. Award winners were: Most Inspirational – Cale Robertson, Most Improved – James Fasooto, Offensive Rookie of the Year – Hunter Dumont, Defensive Rookie of the Year – D’Shawn Lewis, Offensive Player of the Year – Cam Kliewer, Defensive Player of the Year – Cale Robertson, Lineman of the Year – Wyley Loewen, Special Teams Player of the Year – Aidan Low, Most Dedicated Player – Cale Robertson, Most Valuable Player – Aidan Low and Cale Robertson. Academic Athlete Awards were presented to Grade 12 – Cale Robertson, Grade 11 – Aidan Low and Grade 10 – Hunter Dumont.
ABOVE: Award winners for the 2023 MHS Royals Football team took to the stage during the annual awards ceremony on Wednesday, November 29th. (Submitted)
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SPORTS Martensville Curling Club Hosts Seniors Bonspiel
The Martensville Curling Club hosted a Senior Men’s and Women’s Bonspiel from Friday, December 1st to Sunday, December 3rd. The bonspiel included a total of five men’s teams and five women’s teams. Winners were: - Draw 1 – Sherry Anderson Team, Dawna Shand Team, Lloyd Fell Team and Brian Humble Team - Draw 2 – Sherry Anderson Team, Andrew Hay Team, Clint Dieno Team and Diane Foster Team - Draw 3 – Dawna Shand Team, Eugene Hritzuk Team, Brian Humble Team and Diane Foster Team - Draw 4 – Brian Humble Team, Diane Foster Team, Clint Dieno Team and Jackie Swiderski Team - Draw 5 – Sherry Anderson Team, Brian Humber Team, Dawna Shand Team and Eugene Hritzuk Team
SPORTS
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - DECEMBER 7, 2023 - Page 5
Maddogs Wrap Up 2023 Season with Awards Celebration Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
ABOVE: The Valley Soccer Association (VUSC) U11 Boys team played hard this past weekend, participating in four games, and winning three of the games and ending the fourth game in a tie. (Valley Soccer Association)
ABOVE: The Valley Soccer Association (VUSC) U9 Girls Soccer team participated in the Hollandia Off the Wall tournament this past weekend where they went undefeated. (Valley Soccer Association)
The Martensville Maddogs had another successful season, which they recently celebrated by hosting their annual awards ceremony. The ceremony included coaches, volunteers, friends, family and of course players to look back on another successful season. Winners for the 2023 Peewee players included; Ashton Houmphanh (#22 Running Back) - Most Valuable Player, Logan Gaudet (#37 Receiver) - Rookie of the Year, Julie Bosch (#6 Defensive Lineman) - Rookie of the Year Defense, Tevez Estrada (#58 Offensive Lineman) - Janine Hayward Team Dedication Offense Award, Corte Desrosiers (#46 Quarterback) - Most Improved Player of the Year Offense Award, Arthur Kunz (#49 Free Safety) - Defensive Player of the Year, Ethan Potter (#59 Offensive Lineman) - Outstanding Lineman of the Year Offense Award, Kayden Gray (#94 Strongside Linebacker) – Most Improved Player of the Year Defense Award, Lincoln Fehr (#8 Tight End) – Offensive Player of the Year Award, Mason Hind (#1 Middle Linebacker) – Janine Hayward Team Dedication Defense Award, and Madison Marcotte (#95 Defensive Lineman) – Outstanding Lineman of the Year Defense Award. The Maddogs Bantam 2023 winners are: Noah Bosch (#91 Defensive Lineman) – Defensive Player of the Year Award, Jay Robertson (#44 Linebacker) – Most Valuable Player Award, Garrett Gordon (#18 Quarterback) – Outstanding Graduate Offense Award, Kaisen Enns (#17 Defensive Back) – Outstanding Graduate Defense Award, Sean Lavoie (#52 Offensive Lineman) – Outstanding Lineman of the Year Offense Award, William Gaudet (#51 Defensive Lineman) – Outstanding Lineman of the Year Defense Award, Dylan Sawisky (#26 Running Back) – Offensive Player of the Year Award, Madden Dueck (#41 Linebacker) – Rookie of the Year Defense Award, Landon Reynish (#43 Offensive Lineman) – Janine Hayward Team Dedication Offense Award, Mason Blanchard (#58 Defensive Lineman) – Most Improved Player of the Year Defense Award, Jaxsen Weiss (#45 Linebacker) – Janine Hayward Team Dedication Defense Award, Blake Granatier (#83 Receiver) – Rookie of the Year Offense Award, and Harrison King (#84 Receiver) – Most Improved Player of the Year Offense Award. Congratulations to the Maddogs on another successful season and we look forward to seeing you for another exciting season in 2024.
ABOVE: The Maddogs 2023 Bantam award winners. (Maddogs Football)
ABOVE: The Maddogs 2023 Peewee award winners. (Maddogs Football)
Page 6 - DECEMBER 7, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - DECEMBER 7, 2023 - Page 7
MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature Building and Protecting Saskatchewan's Economy
Maybe We Aren’t Doing as Well as Government Suggests
There may be a big problem with the Saskatchewan Party government’s story that’s suddenly become rather inconsistent and contradictory. The story we are being told is of a province doing remarkably well after the COVID-19 pandemic with record numbers of people working and living in Saskatchewan and what might be the highest gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the country. Daily, government communication eagerly pumps out news release offering fantastic numbers in retail sales and manufacturing sales, construction permits or whatever favourable statistic there is that day that shines a positive light on the government and why wouldn’t the Sask. Party or any government want to inform us of all this good news? Such economic success is what ultimately pays for the things we want to do, allowing the government to announce more good news on school or hospital openings or repairs or more daycare spaces. It’s how things work in government - the spoils of winning that allow the governing party to use taxpayers’ resources on positive communication so the governing party can keep governing, but every now and then there comes along an event that makes a government’s comfortable narrative rather problematic. Finance Minister Donna Harpauer unveiled her midyear update for her 2023-24 budget that revealed the surplus of more than a billion dollars she initially predicted in March has turned into a $250-million deficit - a $1.3-billion turnaround of historic negative proportions. In fairness, it can be argued, as Harpauer did, that this turnaround was unpredictable. After massive deficits rung up during the pandemic years including a massive $2.7-billion deficit as recently as 2021-22, it looked like the government had quickly righted the province’s finances and did so more quickly than most people anticipated. This seemed to culminate with 2022-23 budget’s massive $1.15-billion surplus - a surplus that would have been even larger had the government not decided a year ago to hand out $500 cheques to every adult at a cost of $400 million to provincial coffers. According to Harpauer, the problem this year boils down to two unpredictable events. “Two large factors outside the government’s control play into this forecast,” she told reporters at her briefing last week. “Potash prices and sales have been impacted by challenged global markets and conditions which has significantly reduced resource revenue. “And high crop insurance claims due to severe drought that hit parts of the province.” This is so, but there were warning signs of the drought and smart governments usually put aside money for such occasions. Similarly, with China and India returning to cheap potash from Belarus and Russia, there should have been signs that potash prices and sales (thus, badly needed revenue for the province) were about to take a severe slide. The bad budget news was explained away as something that could fix itself with better luck in the coming year. Furthermore, Harpauer and her officials noted the 13.3 per cent debt-to-GDP ratio Saskatchewan enjoys is second in the country, only bested by Alberta, but last week’s mid-year update was also accompanied by the news that the province would have to borrow more and the even worse news that notwithstanding last year’s surplus that paydown debt - debt is at record levels. Saskatchewan public debt at mid-year 202324 increased by $709 million to $31.6 billion. In the most practical terms, we now pay $822 million in debt interest costs before we can spend a dime on roads, schools and hospitals. Also, that record debt amounts to about $30,000 for every man, woman and child in this province. This is a far cry from the days when debt-reduction was the Sask. Party brand, reducing public debt to $10.5 billion in 2007-08 after less than a year in office. Suddenly, the government story is less consistent than it once was.
Saskatchewan continues to receive good news on its economy. Our province ranked first in the nation in month-over-month retail trade growth, increasing by 3.0 per cent from August to September 2023. That’s a growth rate of five times the national average! The total value of retail trade was more than $2.1 billion in September 2023. These numbers are proof that Saskatchewan's economy continues to grow and that our province has the resources the world needs. Our government continues to work to build and protect our economy so that it can continue to grow. Recently, our government announced the team of experts who will make up the Saskatchewan First Act’s Economic Assessment Tribunal. The tribunal’s first referral for economic analysis and consideration is the federal government’s Clean Electricity Regulations (CER). The CER was published by the federal government this past summer. In the months ahead, both the federal oil and gas cap and Federal Fuel Standard will also be referred to the tribunal. No other province has an independent tribunal whose exclusive role is to analyze and quantify the dollar figure harm of federal policies and legislation. The Saskatchewan First Tribunal will help protect the economic future of families, communities and businesses.
Developing Microreactor Potential
As we continue our plans to build and protect Saskatchewan’s economy, our government recently invested $80 million in the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) to pursue the development of a microreactor in Saskatchewan. SRC will apply the research and knowledge gained from this initial microreactor project to support our province’s nuclear industry and better understand the potential for future microreactor projects. This first microreactor is expected to be operational by 2029. This project will create economic development opportunities and jobs while helping to provide a custom solution for our province’s unique energy needs.
Growing Our Critical Mineral Sector
As our provincial economy continues to grow, so does our province’s critical minerals sector. Saskatchewan is home to 23 of the 31 critical minerals on Canada’s list, plus the world’s largest deposits of potash and high-grade uranium. This year, we have seen great progress toward our goal to increase Saskatchewan's share of Canadian mineral exploration spending to 15 per cent by 2030. In 2023 alone, our province’s share of the national total in mineral exploration is projected to increase to over 12 per cent. More than 100 companies are actively advancing mineral projects in our province, from early-phase exploration to larger scale projects such as BHP's $6.4 billion Jansen Stage 2 expansion. Our government will continue to work with resource sector partners and stakeholders to grow our critical minerals sector.
Accelerating Breast Cancer Diagnostics
A strong and growing economy allows our government to invest in programs and services that matter to the people of Saskatchewan. Our government is working to ensure patients have access to urgent breast cancer diagnostic procedures. A new initiative will accelerate urgent diagnostic breast cancer procedures, including breast mammograms and biopsies. To help increase accessibility to breast cancer diagnostics, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has implemented improvements including extended hours of service and performing additional volumes in Saskatoon. A centralized booking system for breast imaging and 3D breast imaging will also be implemented across the province. The highest-risk patients are now receiving diagnostic care here in Saskatchewan. Eligible patients on an urgent wait list will receive procedures at a private medical facility in Calgary with travel and accommodation expenses reimbursed to a maximum of $1,500. To learn more about the out-of-province breast cancer diagnostic initiative, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/medical-imaging. As we near the end of the fall session of the legislature, I look forward to hearing from you. Your questions and concerns help me represent your best interests in the legislature. Feel free to reach out to my constituency office at ofice@terryjenson.ca or 306-242-2111.
Province Records Second-Lowest Unemployment Rate, Adding 19,300 Jobs Employment Increased 1,500 From Last Month, With Unemployment Rate at 5.1 Per Cent.
On December 1st, the Canada Labour Force Survey showed Saskatchewan added 19,300 new jobs when compared to November 2022. Saskatchewan continues to have the second-lowest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate among the provinces at 5.1 per cent, below the national unemployment rate of 5.8 per cent. "The positive trend in job growth demonstrates that Saskatchewan's efforts to train, recruit and retain a diverse and talented workforce are having a positive impact on Saskatchewan's labour force," Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Our government will continue our work to grow our economy, strengthen our labour force, and support Saskatchewan employers, ensuring that Saskatchewan remains the best place to work, live and settle in Canada." The province set record highs for the month of November, with 599,600 people currently employed in Saskatchewan, and a labour force of 628,200. This month, Saskatchewan also saw full-time employment increase by 24,300, or 5.2 per cent. The province saw both an all-time historical population (aged 15 and over) high of 934,200, and an all-time historical off-reserve Indigenous population (aged 15 and over) high of 112,000. Among industries, major year-over-year gains were reported for professional, scientific and technical services, which were up 7,900 (+ 27.1 per cent), educational services, which were up 5,400 (+10.4 per cent) and business, building and other support services which were up 4,400 (+37.9 per cent). Both of Saskatchewan's major cities saw job growth compared to last November as well, with Regina's employment up 10,700, an increase of 7.6 per cent, and Saskatoon's employment up 11,400, an increase of 6.0 per cent. In addition to today's Labour Force Survey figures, Statistics Canada's latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers for Canada placed Saskatchewan as the top province in the nation for GDP growth. Saskatchewan had a 6.0 per cent increase from 2021 to 2022, with the total dollar value of the province's 2022 GDP at $76.7 billion. Saskatchewan also led the nation in retail trade, as month-over-month increased by 3.0 per cent, or five times the national average to more than $2.1 billion in September 2023 compared to August 2023 (seasonally adjusted).
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 7, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
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Province Supports New Government Directs Suicide Crisis Helpline SaskPower to Remove Federal 9-8-8 The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to be part of the new 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. The new service launched across Canada will help people who Carbon Tax From Electric are thinking about suicide or worried about someone they know. Calls or texts to 9-8-8 will be directed to a mental health crisis or suicide Home Heating prevention service, free of charge. Starting January 1, 2024, SaskPower will remove the carbon tax from electric home heating. This will benefit approximately 30,000 SaskPower customers, reducing their power bills an average of $21 per month through the winter. This decision follows Premier Scott Moe’s recent announcement that SaskEnergy would stop collecting the carbon tax from residential customers in the new year, providing relief for about 85 per cent of Saskatchewan homes. Removing the carbon tax from electric heat will provide relief to the majority of people who do not have access to natural gas, such as those who live in northern and Indigenous communities. “In response to the federal government’s decision to exempt the carbon tax on heating oil, our government is ensuring fairness for Saskatchewan families by removing the carbon tax on natural gas and electric heat,” Minister Responsible for SaskPower Dustin Duncan said. “By extending the carbon tax relief that SaskEnergy customers will receive to households who use electric heat, our government is protecting Saskatchewan families’ ability to heat their homes this winter.” Heating accounts for up to 60 per cent of power consumption during the winter months for customers who rely on electric heat, so SaskPower will eliminate the carbon tax on that heating by reducing the rate rider on their bills by 60 per cent. SaskPower is aware of many households who use electricity as a home heating source, however there will also be an application process available to ensure every household is captured. SaskPower has begun work to implement this change. Qualified customers who want to ensure they are on the exemption list can contact SaskPower using the online contact form at www.saskpower.com/forms/contact-us-form. More information about electric heating carbon tax relief can be found at www. saskpower.com/federalcarbontax.
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"While we have made progress toward talking openly about our mental health and suicide prevention, we know more can be done to make it easier for anyone who is struggling to get help," Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod said. "A three-digit number provides an easy access point for anyone in need of immediate mental health crisis support." The 9-8-8 service can be used by anyone in Canada, including children and youth. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is leading the national coordination of the 9-8-8 service. When someone reaches out to 9-8-8, they will be connected to the responder that is closest to them, based on their area code, whenever possible. All 9-8-8 responders are trained in suicide prevention and can provide traumainformed and culturally appropriate support. The local partners in this initiative include Mobile Crisis Services Regina, Prince Albert Mobile Crisis Unit and Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service. Implementing 9-8-8 also required technical assistance from SaskTel, as a telecommunications provider. "In times of crisis or emergency, SaskTel recognizes how important it is to have quick access to care," SaskTel President and CEO Charlene Gavel said. "We are proud to bring this lifesaving service to Saskatchewan to ensure that the people of our province can get help no matter where they live." In addition to 9-8-8, Saskatchewan has several provincial suicide prevention initiatives including: • Roots of Hope community-led project that aims to reduce the impacts of suicide in the northern communities of La Ronge, Meadow Lake and Buffalo Narrows; • suicide prevention public awareness campaigns; • launch of a provincial safe medication disposal program to reduce the risk of intentional overdose; • media training on the challenges of reporting on mental health and suicide, sponsored by the Mental Health Commission of Canada; • development of a rapid access counselling suicide loss support program; and • free virtual suicide prevention training for non-clinicians, created by LivingWorks and offered through Canadian Mental Health Association-Saskatchewan. In addition to using 9-8-8, children and youth can also continue to contact Kids Help Phone, or text CONNECT to 686868 for help in a mental health crisis. For more information about resources available on suicide prevention and mental health, visit saskatchewan.ca/ugood.