June 10, 2021 Digital Issue

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Your City; Your Newspaper June 10, 2021

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VOLUME NO. 15 - ISSUE 23

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Sliding Into Summer The Martensville Aquatic Centre opened to the public just in time for Buster Days this past weekend. The day started off with Family swim on Saturday, June 5, where families had to pre-register and were alotted 1.5 hour time slots because of the guidelines due to COVID. See more of Buster Days recap on Page 8. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

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Page 2 - JUNE 10, 2021 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER Box 970 37 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK SOK 2TO Phone:(306) 931-2166

Visit www.martensville.ca for more information

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

There has been continued progression around the delivery of vaccines with the increase in number of vaccine clinics and eligibility for the public expanding as vaccine becomes administered and available.

The North Ridge Centre opened as an available vaccination centre hosting walk-in or appointment clinics. Please watch announcements regarding upcoming clinic dates and eligibility.

June Council Meeting Dates Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule or location may be subject to change based around any potential new developments or ease of restrictions around the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anyone interested in attending is strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk prior to planning to attend.

Regular Council Meeting - June 15th

A comprehensive resource is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine and includes information around vaccines as well as a gateway for online booking and what you should have ready prior to your vaccine.

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

Bookings for vaccination can also be accessed by calling 1-833-SASKVAX

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

Please continue to watch for updates for vaccine clinics in the area and for when you may be eligible to sign-up.

2021 is a Revaluation Year - What Do You Need To Know About Your Assessment and Taxes?

The City and the Province set tax mill rates which are applied to the property assessment values to determine the tax levy for city and education property tax.

Detailed information about the 2021 Revaluation, Assessment, Taxes and the 2021 Budget can be found at Martensville.ca under, ‘Services for Residents, Property Tax and Assessment’.

Property owners may also view their property report and assessment information online for at MySAMA & SAMAView.

Questions about Assessment can be directed to City Hall at 931-2166, or SAMA directly at 933-5385.

Family Outdoor Park Fun- This June!

For the month of June join us for the Community Better Challenge by ParticipACTION. Every Wednesday from 6-7PM Families can come and try different sports and activities together.

June 9th- Giant Yard Games at North Hills Park June 16th- Bouncy House at Lions Park June 23rd- Disc Golf, Kinsmen Park Hill June 30th Tennis and Basketball at Kinsmen Park Contact the Martensville Athletic Pavilion at 306-683-5576 for more information.

Civic Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic CityShould of Martensville City Hall What You Know!

Hours of Operation: City Hall is Open; however, with some guidelines currently in place. Continue to utilize online and contactless options when possible. 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 Monday to Friday tested positive for COVID-19.

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Excluding Holidays) Residents and Customers are encouraged to carry outStatutory transactions electronically such as online banking, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques may also be dropped off in the drop slot at City Hall.

Use of Masks are Mandatory in Saskatchewan - Residents are required to wear nonmedical masks in indoor public spaces to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This is a Public Health Order and is subject to enforcement and fines.

Health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home.

Current Status of Public Facilities as of May 28th Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Open but Drop in and Pick-up programs are cancelled in accordance with Saskatchewan Re-Open Plan Aquatic Centre - First Day of Public Swim on June 6th North Ridge Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines Heritage Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines Sports Centre - Closed for the Season Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Business Property Tax and Utility Update

The City has re-implemented the suspension of interest on property taxes and utilies for commercial or industrial properties retroactive from November 2020 until July 31st, 2021.

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 during this time.

JUST THINK...

Had this been your ad, people would have noticed it.

Call the Martensville Messenger and ask about our affordable advertising ABOVE: During the storm that occurred on Saturday, June 5, a semi tractor trailer was flipped onto its side from the strong winds. Emergency crews attended and motorists were re-routed while the scene was cleared. (Facebook)

Ph: 306-668-1093

Mental Health Support a Priority for PSSD

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - JUNE 10, 2021 - Page 3

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Mental health support seems to be getting more and more light shone on it in recent years; however, there is still a long way to go.

In order to do their part to help support the mental health of students, Prairie Spirit School Division has schoolbased counsellors available at each of their schools. This year, an additional resource was added due to the complexity of the current world state. PSSD has added one full-time Virtual Mental Health Counsellor that is available to support students and families across the division during general school day hours.

“Virtual supports can include inquiries and general consultation with caregivers, help accessing resources, and/ or short-term counselling for registered PSSD students. Virtual counselling support may be offered via telephone or video-conferencing technologies, and in most situations, is focused on issues that impact students during

their school day,” Brenda Erickson, PSSD Communications Manager, explained.

Although this support was put in place to help students during this time, it is important to remember that this is not a crisis line. When the needs of students are deemed to require longer term counselling, or involve issues not impacting the student at school, the Virtual Mental Health Counsellor will work with the students and families to access community mental health services.

Families and students can email virtualMH@spiritsd.ca or call or text (306) 371-4214 to request an appointment. Virtual counselling support will be available Monday to Friday during general school day hours until June 29, 2021.

In an emergency, call 911. In a crisis, please consider the following supports:

Track and Field at Holy Mary

Students and staff had a fun-filled day for the annual Track and Field event at École Holy Mary Catholic School. Although things were modified slightly to ensure that each activity was COVID-friendly, students were able to participate in high jump, shot put/ball throw, long jump, relay races and the younger classes took part in some fun with bubbles and chalk.

ABOVE & BELOW: Students at École Holy Mary participated in a Covid-safe track and field day.

Positive COVID Cases Reported by Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools

Every Child Matters

On June 4th, staff and students at Ecole Holy Mary came together to honour the 215 Indigenous children whose remains were found in an unmarked grave in Kamloops, BC, at Canada’s largest residential school, by standing silently for 215 seconds. Schools across the country found ways to show their respect for the 215 children.

In addition to taking a moment of silence, students and staff at EHM also wore orange on May 31st. “We ask for strength and courage to continue our work towards reconciliation,” EHM stated via social media.

ABOVE: Students wore orange in honour of the 215 Indigenous children that were found in an unmarked grave at one of Canada’s residential schools in Kamloops, BC.

On June 3, officials from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) informed Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools of a positive COVID-19 case in an individual at each of the following schools: St. Frances Cree Bilingual School (Bateman location), Holy Cross High School, Bishop Murray High School (two cases) and École Holy Mary Catholic School in Martensville.

GSCS noted that information received from the SHA no longer includes details as to whether cases are a variant of concern or not, adding that the care and management for each case is the same. All affected classes and cohorts were switched over to online learning.

“We are working with Public Health to notify parents and caregivers. SHA is recommending that all close contacts get tested. Risk of exposure for anyone not considered a close contact remains low,” GSCS stated.

In order to protect the privacy of individuals, no further information will be shared.

“We hope all who are ill or affected by COVID-19 in any way are doing well.

As a community of faith, we continue to support each other and pray for all members of our school communities who are ill.”

GSCS reminds families that to help keep everyone protected, be sure to be diligent in performing the daily health screening, stay home if you are ill, call HealthLine 811 if you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, practice proper hand hygiene, maintain physical distancing as much as possible, and wear a mask when inside public places.

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M

ARTENSVILLE

ESSENGER

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

www.martensvillemessenger.ca Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year

Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca

Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit

jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca

To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca

HEARD ANY GOOD NEWS LATELY? Submit your stories to The Martensville Messenger news@martensvillemessenger.ca

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Page 4 - JUNE 10, 2021 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

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KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD

Martensville Library Looks Foward to Summer Activities Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Library has a wide array of activities planned for Opening July 3 from 10am-5pm the summer, which includes something for all ages.

For kids ages 0-13, the TD Official Opening at 11am with Summer Reading Club will be taking Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor place. To participate, you can track your reading minutes and earn virtual Open July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 tickets for every 30 minutes that you from 10am to 5pm at your leisure read or are read to this summer.

Teens and adults have their own Summer Reading Bookmark $10/person - Free Admission for Ages 12 and under Challenge to take part in, where you can pick up a Summer Reading - Self-Guided Tours Challenge Bookmark from the library and fill out the back with your name and phone number. After - Gift Shop reading a book from cover to cover, punch out one of the holes on the bookmark. Continue reading throughout the summer and punching holes. Return the bookmark by September 4th and you will - Museum receive one prize draw entry per completed book, up to ten entries. Only one bookmark per person - Food and Beverages is allowed.

- Saskatchewan Scenery

To help with easy tracking, the library recommends the online tool ‘Beanstack’, which allows you to track your reading minutes, books read and activities completed. With ‘Beanstack’, you can also add friends, join challenges, see your reading streaks and find books for new reads.

Ph: 306-497-7747 • Email: info@doukhobordugouthouse.com Register as a family, or individually under one log in. www.doukhobordugouthouse.com

Each week, the Martensville Library also provides a take home activity kit, which changes from week-to-week and are for different ages. Kits are CALL 306-668-1093 or email only available while supplies last and can be seen on the advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Martensville Library Facebook and Instagram pages.

All ages are invited to participate in the Wheatland Summer Fun activity, which can be done through ‘Beanstack’. Those taking part must complete at least two activities per category to earn a virtual ticket into the Wheatland grand prize draws. Activity categories include; Fun in the Kitchen, Outdoor Fun, Fun with Books, Library Fun, Out of this World, Fun on the Move, Fun at the Movies, Creative Fun, Fun Around the World and Fun & Games.

From July 5-10, July 26-31 and August 16-21, the Martensville Library will have a Look & Find in the Park activity available for the community. Hidden pictures can be found within Andrea’s Park, located on the corner of 1st Street South and 1st Avenue South. Prior to participating, stop by the library to pick up a clue sheet.

FREE courtesy cars available 306.975.2140 Another fun activity taking place this summer is Message us on FB Storybook Trail, which will be located within Veterans Park, on the corner of Centennial Drive and Main Street 7:30-5:30 in front of City Hall and the Civic Centre. This will take Monday - Friday place from June 14-20, July 12-18 and August 9-15. This • Complete Automotive and Tire Service Centre is a family-friendly activity that will feature pages of 109 Centennial Dr. No • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians stories posted along a pathway within the park.

Martensville • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available “The Martensville Library is excited to be open and have summer activities this year. Last year at this time, - Automotive we were just re-opening, and operating with curbside Repair only, so a summer program of this kind was non-existent.

Specialists The focus of the summer program is the same – to inspire - Advanced kids, teens and adults to read during the summer and to D Technology & provide safe activities for patrons in our community to 306-244-4950 Martensville, SK Diagnostics do,” Librarian Marla Skomar said.

Facility “The program this year includes take & go crafts and 801 Centennial Dr. North outside activities that families can explore on their own 601 Centennial Dr. S. schedule and in a safe manner. We are employing the 601 Centennial Dr. Martensville, SK S. 601 Centennial Dr. S. online tracker Beanstack so patrons can participate from Martensville, SK Martensville, Phone: 306-934-6610 601 Centennial Dr. S. 601 Centennial Dr.SK S. Phone: 306-934-6610 Martensville, SK Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 Fax: 306-934-6602 SK anywhere. The library is open for the public to come in 601 Centennial Dr. S. Phone: 306-934-6610 601 Centennial Dr.Martensville, S. E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Martensville, SK Fax: 306-934-6602 306-934-6602 E-Mail: Phone: 306-934-6610 Martensville, SKFax:mbhs@sasktel.net Phone: E-Mail: 306-934-6610 mbhs@sasktel.net and check out materials but will have no seating or hang Custom Window Packages available, E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 Fax:Window 306-934-6602 Labour Included!

N SE-Mail: V Custom Packages available, TE I E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net L R Fax: 306-934-6602 L A out spaces at this time. Please follow all public health Labour Included!

E mbhs@sasktel.net Come see us for your hardware, N S E V Custom Packages available.

TBLDG IWindow Store Hours: M L E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Custom Window Packages available, L building, and paint supply needs.

AERN Labour Included!

E Come usIncluded! for your hardware, Labour Monday -see Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Store Hours: M N S E V restrictions that are in place. Have a great summer and T I building, and paint supply needs.

S L Garage, Deck & Fence packages also V BLDG T R LL E L A BLDG I& Come see us your hardware, building E AR Come see-for us for your hardware, Saturday 9:00 am am - 5:00 pm pmFree Local Delivery!

Monday Friday 8:00 - 6:00 available Store Hours: Store Hours: MM Garage, Deck &supply Fence packages and paint needs. building, and paint supply needs. also BLDG we hope to see you at the library or participating online,” & Closed Sundays Saturday 9:00 am 5:00 pm available Free Local Delivery!

Monday Friday 8:00 am 6:00 pm Monday - Friday 8:00 am also - 6:00 pm HOME SUPPLY Fence packages also Garage, Deck &&Fence packages & Saturday 9:00Garage, am - 5:00Deck pm Closed Sundays Free Local & Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Delivery! available available HOME SUPPLY Free Local Delivery!

Skomar added.

Closed Sundays HOME SUPPLY Closed Sundays Phone 306-934-6610 HOME SUPPLY FREE Local Delivery Hardware FREE Local Delivery FREE Local Delivery Hardware Phone 934-6610 Hardware Free Local Delivery!

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601 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net

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Store Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed Sundays

Store Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Store Saturday 9:00Hours: am - 5:00 pm Monday -Closed Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Sundays Saturday am - 5:00 pm Store 9:00 Hours: Closed Monday - Friday 8:00Sundays am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed Sundays

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Former Martensville Royals Football Coach Heads To The Huskies Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

T h e work with the University of Huskies this Saskatchewan past fall. “I feel Huskie football fortunate that team is getting Coach Flory has a new Offensive asked me back. I Assistant Coach, think that it was who is a very time for me make familiar face a move from the within our Royals. Change community. is never easy, but Lyle Evanisky this does feel like is a teacher at the right thing for Martensville High me at this time.”

School and led Evanisky the Royals High will be working School Football with running Club as Head backs and tight Coach for thirteen ends.

When years. asked what he Evanisky wants to bring to was a receiver the team, he said for the Huskies he hopes to fill in from 2001-2005. whatever role is He participated in asked of him to three Hardy Cup help provide the champion teams best experience and competed in for the players three Vanier Cups as he had, and to during his time help them win there. some football ABOVE: Lyle Evanisky Besides games, as well as coaching the Royals football team, Evanisky bring some positive energy, an outside states his coaching career started with the perspective, and good work ethic.

Huskie Sport Camps during the summer and “I want to say a big thank you the football Saskatchewan ID camps while to all the former and current players playing with the Huskies. He joined the Aden of the Royals, all the coaches, parents, Bowmen Bears as the receiver coach before community members and businesses becoming the Head Coach of the Elrose that supported us over the years.

Eagles for one season during his internship. Together we have built a strong program After graduating from education in 2008, he that created both great football players was hired in Martensville as Head Coach of and great people. I also want to say a the high school football team. big thank you to my parents. They have

“Coaching for the Huskies was been season ticket holders for the past always a goal of mine, but I was not sure 12 seasons and even made the road if it would ever work out. I did a lot of trips when possible. Thank you to my coaching at various levels such as; U18 fiancée, Chandra Groves, as she has Provincial Teams, Team Canada Flag, helped me to make this decision and Valykries; while coaching the Royals to try supported me along the way.” and gain experience and prepare myself if Good luck in your future the opportunity ever came up.” Because of endeavors with the U of S Huskies Lyle. not being able to play football last season The Royals High School Football Club due to COVID, it gave Evanisky a chance to will miss you!

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MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - JUNE 10, 2021 - Page 5

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Re-Opening Roadmap Update

A strong and growing number of people in Saskatchewan are getting vaccinated. This is driving down COVID-19 case numbers, hospitalizations, and helping to ease public health orders.

Recently, Step 1 of our Re-Opening Roadmap began with household gathering limits expanding up to 10 people and attendance at worship services, public gatherings, and table limits at restaurants all increasing.

Youth and adult outdoor sports are now able to resume as well.

Step 2 of our Re-Opening Roadmap is scheduled to begin June 20th. This means no capacity limits on retail, personal care services, bars, and restaurants; further increases to private gathering sizes; and organized indoor sports and recreational activities allowed to resume.

Step 3 is within reach. Once 70 per cent of all eligible residents ages 12 and older have received their first vaccine and at least three weeks have passed from the start of Step 2, the last two public health orders – event and gathering size limits and indoor masking – will be removed.

Our goal is simple: protect people so we can re-open safely. This could happen as early as July 11 if we meet our vaccination target by June 20. Residents who have not received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are strongly encouraged to book an appointment and stick it to COVID. Those who have are reminded, once eligible, that it is equally important to follow up that first dose with a second.

Major New Investments to Lead Economic Recovery

As life returns to normal and we focus on our economic recovery, workers and families in our province have a lot to look forward to.

Over the past few months, Saskatchewan has welcomed major investments that will add value to the products we produce, create local jobs and support economic growth.

• March 22, 2021 – Richardson International announced the doubling of their canola crush capacity in Yorkton to be the largest in Canada; • April 22, 2021 – Cargill announced a $350 million investment to build a state-of-the-art canola crush facility in Regina; • April 26, 2021 – Viterra announced the building of the world’s largest integrated canola crush plant outside Regina; • May 25, 2021 – Ceres announced a $350 million investment to build a canola crush facility in Northgate; and • June 1, 2021 – Red Leaf Pulp Ltd. announced a $350 million wheat straw-based pulp mill for Regina, Canada’s first non-wood pulp mill.

Regina-based Brandt Group of Companies also recently announced plans to hire 1,000 new employees with half of those new hires to occur in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan’s Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive (TMEI) Program has attracted $9.8 million of investment over the past year with companies completing drill programs for gold, silver, copper, nickel, cobalt, zinc, and platinum group elements. This is leading to a gold rush and the world's first carbon neutral copper mine.

Saskatchewan's Accelerated Site Closure Program (ASCP) has also seen strong uptake and success during its first year with more than 500 Saskatchewan companies working on inactive oil & gas sites.

Improving Saskatchewan Parks

With travel to other provinces currently discouraged due to the pandemic, many of us look forward to enjoying provincial parks. Visitors to Rowan's Ravine Provincial Park will notice work has already begun to repave the access road leading to the park, the Underwood campground loops, the boat launch and parking lot. Access roads leading to Good Spirit Lake and Danielson Provincial Park will also be repaved.

Investments in Saskatchewan parks will improve boat launches, parking lots, park roads and pathways as well as campground areas.

Improving Saskatchewan Highways

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Highways is making significant improvements to thinmembrane surface highways, passing lanes, municipal roads, and airports. This is a part of the province's $2 billion stimulus in response to COVID-19.

Highlights include: • Completion of a multi-year, multi-passing lane project on Highway 7 from Saskatoon to the Saskatchewan/Alberta border; • Highway 2 passing lanes north of Prince Albert; • Highway 5 passing lanes east of Saskatoon; • Highway 7 passing lanes west of Kindersley; • Highway 12 passing lanes north of Martensville; • Highway 14 passing lanes west of Saskatoon to Asquith.

While construction inevitably causes delays, we can look forward to better, safer roads and highways. Construction and maintenance updates are posted on the Highway Hotline at https://hotline.gov.sk.ca/.

Page 6 - JUNE 10, 2021 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - JUNE 10, 2021 - Page 7

EDITORIAL & OPINIONS

Phone: 306-668-1093 Email: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Provincial Politics with

Murray Mandryk

Moe’s Big Push For Vaccination to Open Up Sask.

Will that be one dose or two? Well, if you want to freely move about, sit in a full Mosaic Stadium to watch a ‘Rider’ game and get rid of those masks once and for all, a lot more of us need one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

You need it, you and friends need it and the crazy old guy that lives at the edge of town and talks to himself needs it.

Right now, convincing everyone in Saskatchewan they need that first dose remains Premier Scott Moe’s biggest challenge … although it may soon be exceeded by the challenge not too far down the road of getting us that second dose.

Both these challenges stand in the way of the Premier’s bold new goals he set out last week. At his weekly press conference, Moe updated his re-opening plan with some slightly more ambitious vaccination goals and some very ambitious re-opening plans so that we can “return to normal”.

The slightly tougher goals are in addition to his three-stage plan announced early last month and call on Saskatchewan to have 70 per cent of everyone in this province 12 years and older get at least one dose of vaccine.

If that goal is met, come July 11, Saskatchewan people can stop wearing their masks and we can all return to large gatherings like weddings or sporting events.

In order to make this happen we will have to meet that 70-per-cent threshold by June 20th, so Moe is calling on people to get out and get that first dose as quickly as possible. “It’s really up to us, the people of Saskatchewan, and how many of us make the choice to protect ourselves, protect those around us, take the time and go out and get vaccinated,” Moe said.

It is doable. As of the day Moe made his latest announcement, 66 per cent of all adults and 62 per cent of those 12 and older had received at least one dose of vaccine. To meet the new goal, we need 75,000 more people who haven’t been vaccinated to get that first dose.

Notwithstanding, a slowing down in certain age brackets after the initial rush to get vaccines, we are well on our way. As Moe noted, people of all ages have been coming in for their first vaccinations long after their age group became eligible to do so.

In his big push, Moe further noted that his province’s vaccination rate has moved ahead of that of the United States — at least, when it comes to getting a first dose. In the U.S., we are now seeing stadiums and arenas open up for baseball, basketball and hockey; however, the U.S. is far ahead of us when it comes to people getting that second dose — what everyone, including Moe, insists is required to be completely safe.

“COVID is not going away,” the Premier said, noting Saskatoon remains a hotspot. “We’re going to continue to have COVID outbreaks and COVID spread far after we reopen this province.”

This leaves the Premier and the province with a bit of a delicate balancing act. It is undoubtedly a priority for more people to get that first dose. There is even legitimate reason to question whether the re-open plan’s 70-per-cent threshold shouldn’t be higher.

That the plan does not have any second-dose threshold requirement is also troubling to many who wonder whether people will see second doses as less of a priority once things open up. Already, many seniors have become frustrated by not being able to book appointments for that second dose.

Further complicating matters is people getting second doses is less of a priority than people getting their first dose.

Moe has a bold plan that depends on something he can’t fully control — us going out and getting vaccinated.

What To Know If A Door-To-Door Salesperson Comes To Your Door

The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) is reminding consumers about their contract rights if a door-to-door salesperson comes to their home. Door-to-door sales activity is permitted if salespersons follow the existing Government of Saskatchewan guidelines.

All door-to-door salespeople, also known as direct sellers, are required to be licensed in Saskatchewan and they must follow specific contract requirements and cancellation rules. To view a comprehensive list of licensed door-to-door sellers visit FCAA411.

If a salesperson comes to your door, here are some rights that you should be aware of: • All contracts must be in writing, unless the sale is less than $100; • All direct sales contracts, written or verbal, must include/be accompanied by a written statement of cancellation rights; • You have 10 days to cancel a contract and you do not need a reason to cancel; and • If a contract is cancelled, the vendor must refund you all money received under the contract within 15 days of the cancellation.

If you decide to purchase a good or service from a door-to-door seller, here are some tips you should consider: • Ask to see a copy of their licence and check to see if they are listed on FCAA411.

• Read the contract carefully including the fine print.

• Ask questions if you do not understand something.

• Do not feel pressured to purchase on the spot.

• Keep down payments to a minimum, the higher the amount paid in advance, the greater the risk of loss.

• Do not hand over a blank cheque.

• Check to see if they are listed in the Better Business Bureau directory (1-888-352-7601) and if so, view their rating and read customer reviews.

If you have questions about door to door sellers please contact the FCAA's Consumer Protection Division toll free at 1-877-880-5550 or by email at consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca.

For more information about contract rights and cancellations rules visit https://fcaa.gov.sk.ca/consumersinvestors-pension-plan-members/consumers/consumers-of-goods-and-services/purchasing-from-a-door-to-doorsalesperson.

Saskatchewan Announces Added Support For Residents With Diabetes

The Government of Saskatchewan is making a significant investment to improve the quality of life for individuals managing diabetes and ease the financial impacts on families.

As announced in the Provincial Budget, the province will provide coverage for Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitors (CGM/FGM) and related supplies at no cost for children and youth under 18 who meet specific medical criteria, effective June 1, 2021. In addition, the Insulin Pump Program will now cover Type 1 diabetics of all ages who meet certain medical criteria. With these new changes to the Insulin Pump Program, Saskatchewan joins a small number of jurisdictions covering insulin pumps without restrictions on age and providing coverage for CGM/FGM devices.

“Our government remains steadfast and committed to increasing diabetes supports in our province,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said. “We are providing Saskatchewan families with the tools required to ensure our residents living with diabetes can live a normal and active lifestyle.”

Diabetes affects a growing number of Saskatchewan residents. This year’s budget includes a $5 million investment to expand supports for people with diabetes that will lessen the financial burden for Saskatchewan families dealing and living with diabetes. Eligible Insulin Pump Program clients will be covered for an insulin pump up to a maximum of $6,300 once every five years. In addition, the associated insulin pump supplies will become an eligible benefit for these clients, with the cost of these supplies being subject to their regular deductible and/or copay.

For those managing or helping their children manage diabetes, the CGM/FGM systems play a crucial role in alerting parents remotely if their child is outside of their target blood sugar range. This allows parents to minimize the risk and frequency of potentially life-threatening low blood sugar episodes. These systems also record trends and patterns. With consent, physicians can remotely access the information assisting them in making informed clinical decisions.

“We applaud the government’s good step forward in recognizing the many challenges young people in Saskatchewan living with diabetes face,” Diabetes Canada Director of Government Relations West Joan King said.

“This announcement comes at a pivotal time in diabetes history as 2021 marks the 100th year of the discovery of insulin. Yet a century later, the problem of diabetes is bigger than ever, and this reinforces the need to work together to end diabetes.”

More information about the insulin pump program can be found at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/ health/accessing-health-care-services/insulin-pump-program. For the new CGM/FGM benefit, all children under 18 who are covered by the Saskatchewan Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Program will receive an email discussing application and assessment processes. Further details regarding the changes and qualifying medical criteria can be directed to the Drug Plan at 1-800-667-2549.

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 - JUNE 10, 2021 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Buster Days 2021

ABOVE: With the COVID pandemic still very much a reality, the Buster Days Committee found new ways to provide activities within the community, which included a walking storybook in Kinsmen Park.

The City of Martensville annual Buster Days took place this past weekend and due to COVID, the Buster Days Committee had to do things much different than previous years to comply with the current guidelines.

Jamie McCulloch, City of Martensville Recreation Program Coordinator, stated that overall they had a great turn out for all the events. Even though they had to eliminate the parade, shows in the park, petting zoo, and inflatables this year, other activities were a success.

The movie night on Friday and Saturday had two show times at 9pm and 11:30 and had a good turnout with the early show Friday being sold out.

“Saturday Swim times were all booked up the

week before Buster Days! Fitness in the park saw over 20 people participating. The free events like the storybook, flower scramble and the animal hunt were popular, and families were participating all weekend long. The entry boxes are full!” said McCulloch.

McCulloch said the first Sunday Bingo game at the MAP was sold out with 60 people and they had another 50 people registered for the second game. Virtual bingo was a success also with over 40 people involved!

“We got a lot of positive feedback from the cooking classes and a lot of people really enjoyed learning a new recipe! Overall, Buster Days 2021 was a huge success, and we plan on building from this for next year, hopefully post covid!”

ABOVE: A drive-in family movie night took place both Friday and Saturday night. This event proved to be a popular event.

ABOVE: Cones Ice Cream celebrated their official opening on June 4th just in time for Buster Days weekend. With a wide variety of options available, they are a welcome treat in Kinsmen Park. You can find them in the shack near the tennis courts.

ABOVE: Prizes were handed out to those participating in the Buster Days Animal Hunt on Friday night.

ABOVE: Hawaiian Shaved Ice and Smoke’s Poutinerie were both on site for Buster Days weekend in Martensville.

ABOVE: Virtual cooking classes were held as part of Buster Days this year, with one of the options being cold rolls.

ABOVE: Opening weekend at the Martensville Aquatic Centre was a long-awaited treat for residents within the community.