February 1, 2024

• 109 Centennial Dr. N Martensville Message us on FB

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

Open 7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday

FREE courtesy cars available

Call: 306.975.2140

Business as USUAL Located at BACK of building

MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY

Your City; Your Newspaper February 1, 2024

VOLUME NO. 18 - ISSUE 5

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

17 Centennial Drive North

scottroofingsask.com

Re-roofs New Construction Residential Commercial

306-931-2266

Over 12 Years Making Your Real Estate Dreams Come True!

Bay 4 #1 - 4th St S Martensville

www.infinitysalonandspa.ca for online booking

Locally Owned and Operated Celebrating Fifteen Years of Community

306-934-4888 www.martenswarman.ca

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Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Seniors hosted a Kaiser Tournament on Saturday, January 27th at 1pm at the New Horizons Seniors Centre. This ‘55’ plus club hosts a potluck supper every Monday evening at 6pm and games and entertainment follow the meal.

Every Wednesday they gather for coffee at 10am, as well as go on tours throughout the year such as The Barn Playhouse, Manitou Springs Resort & Spa in Watrous, to name a few. They are always welcoming new members.

If you are interested in becoming a member the cost is $50 per year. You can contact Dennis Vogel at 306-221-8971 for more information.

WMBEXA 2017

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT

WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS

Page 2 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 - 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.

- 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

Keeping our Pets Safe this Winter

If your pet spends time outdoors during cold winter days, consider these guidelines and several signs to watch for to ensure your pet is comfortable and safe.

Temperature Guidelines - Certain breeds of ‘sled dogs’ can remain outside for hours, not all dogs fare as well in cold and snow - Cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until it falls below -7°C at which point cold adverse dogs might begin to be uncomfortable - If you have a small breed dog, dogs with thin coats, or very young, old or sick dogs’ special attention should be provided if the temperature is below 0°C. - The dangerous weather threshold for outdoor play is -10°C to -15°C no matter the type of breed of dog you have - Once temperatures get below -6°C, health problems like hypothermia and frostbite are possible - Cats should not be left outside Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Winter - Provide a shelter for your dog if it is outdoors for part of the day for any reason. Ensure the shelter is dry, draft-free, and large enough for them to move comfortably but small enough to hold in body heat. Have the floor elevated and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

- Ensure your dog has access to unfrozen water and fresh food.

- Be with your pet outdoors and watch for signs if your animal is getting uncomfortable.

Observe if your dog is shivering, acting anxious, whining, slowing down, searching out warm locations, or holding up one or more paws. At this point, it is time to head indoors.

- Extreme signs of discomfort and coldness include frostbite on the tips of the ears or discolored paws.

- Consider protecting your pet against the cold temperature by bundling them up in dog jackets or booties.

- Do not leave a pet in a cold vehicle

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

Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey

Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year

Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit

ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca

jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca

To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca

Recreation Program Update

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

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

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

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

In Case of a Water Line Freeze Up…

In the past, there have been areas in the community prone to water line freeze-ups.

If you experience a waterline freeze‐up or any other interruption in service, please call (306) 931‐2166 to report your issue. If this happens outside of regular business hours, please follow the prompts to be transferred to the emergency after‐hours contact.

Thank you for your co‐operation!

A Reminder about Snowmobiles and our Parks

Snowmobiles are prohibited from being driven through our parks as well as drainage systems and streets. Riding snowmobiles through the parks can cause damage to trees or plantings, be disruptive to those utilizing the parks and there may be hazards such as stones or equipment that put riders at risk.

Snowmobilers are asked to abide by local bylaws including: • Entering and exiting the City utilizing the most direct street route between their residence and city limits.

• Not operating a snowmobile over 20km/hr within limits • Operating only between 7AM and 10PM • Not operating a snowmobile in any park, public or municipal reserve • Not operating a snowmobile on Centennial Drive other than to cross or obtain fuel.

For the complete traffic bylaw please visit martensville.ca. The City of Martensville wishes a safe winter season for all residents.

February 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.

February 6th – Special Council Meeting- Budget February 13th – Committee of the Whole February 20th – 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.

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

POLICE

BEAT

Warman RCMP Seek Assistance Locating Suspect Through Crime Stoppers Warman RCMP are requesting assistance to identify this individual for a break and enter to a residence in Asquith which occurred sometime between the overnight hours of December 25, 2023 to the early morning hours of December 26, 2023.

If you can identify this individual, 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.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 - Page 3

Martensville Food Pantry Earns Charitable Status Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Food Pantry helps to provide food for families and individuals in Martensville and the surrounding area with weekly food hampers thanks to the volunteers and many supporters.

They held their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, January 25th at the Civic Centre.

Some of the highlights that have occurred this past year included a name change to Martensville Food Pantry as well as becoming Incorporated in April.

In order to provide these hampers, the MFP relies on donations which are made by people, businesses, organizations, schools and more. After patiently waiting for their request of getting charitable status, they were granted this on December 7, 2023, so they will now be able to issue tax receipts.

Martensville & District Lions Club helped them organize two big events this year, a Meat Raffle and Stuff-a-Trailer which proved to be very successful.

O'Neil Project Management donated a deep freeze, and along with Smokehaus Meats & Deli, filled the freezer with meat.

In late fall they started offering a delivery service for seniors and mobility impaired households on hamper pick up days.

“Our biggest donors this past year have been The City of Martensville, the Lion's Club, Smokehaus, Martensville Co-op, Warman Buy Low, and LSS Designs,” said volunteer Linda Ward. “As always a huge thank you to all of the MFP Volunteers and Supporters!!”

Hamper requests continue to increase. If you would like to donate or are in need of a hamper, please contact martensvillefoodpantry@gmail.com or call/text 306280-1255.

24021MM3

Rescues Band Together to Save Over 100 Dogs

Page 4 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Martensville Youth Connection Doubles Numbers from 2022 The Village of La Loche in northwest to 2023 Saskatchewan recently Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

In 2021, the youth of Martensville were provided with an opportunity to have a safe space to receive mental health support through the Martensville Youth Connection. Since then, this program has seen significant growth and has become a safe space for local youth.

In December of 2023, the MYC provided an update to Martensville City Council regarding the program, as the City currently provides space at the North Ridge Community Centre for the program to operate.

“MYC has made significant strides in the last three years. Our program has been accessed by youth over 2000 times in the past 2.5 years and has become a cornerstone for youth mental health education in our community,” a letter from Tanner Perratt and Katherine Carter of Possibilities Recovery Centre and Martensville Youth Connection stated.

Since its inception, MYC has provided free individual counseling services to numerous local families, provided a safe space for more than 10 disclosures of abuse and assisted youth with connecting to support, established a connection between youth and seniors within the community, aided youth in resume building, civic engagement, worked with youth on a variety of important topics such as, coping skills, triggers and anxiety, effective communication, consent education, boundaries and anger management, and so much more.

This non-profit program continues to operate thanks to fundraising efforts, sponsorships and donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals. In the past three years, the MYC has raised over $200,000 in order to continue to operate.

“Shifting to a mobile program with space provided by the City of Martensville, we have more than doubled our numbers of youth accessing MYC. In 2022, MYC was accessed 754 times. In 11 months of 2023, MYC has been accessed 1570 times,” the letter stated.

Having seen so much success in Martensville, the organizers of MYC decided to run a 12-week trial period in Warman, which kicked-off on January 11th. Warman Youth Connection is hosted at Hashtags in Warman and offers a safe place for ages 1317 to attend and learn about mental health.

For more information about upcoming events, how to support this program, and more visit ‘Martensville Youth Connection’ on Facebook

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

sent a notice to the community that due to a high number of uncared for dogs in the community, they would be implementing a dog control strategy which would require community involvement.

A notice, shared on social media ABOVE: Dogs of all ages were surrendered during a community on January 26th, oriented dog control strategy in a northern Saskatchewan village stated, “These dogs this week. are unfed, unhealthy and have no shelter during cold weather days. We have also been unsuccessful in hiring an Animal Control Officer to help manage this problem.”

This strategy consisted of two-days, January 29th and February 2nd, where community members could surrender dogs from 1pm-5pm and receive a payment of $10 per dog.

On January 29th, shortly after the surrender began, photos began circulating of dogs being thrown over fences, puppies being left in boxes and countless dogs being surrendered for the $10 payment.

After becoming aware of what was taking place, Paws Republic Centre for Pets, From the Streetz Rescue Foundation, and other rescues immediately began to take action to work together to ensure these animals had a chance at life.

Due to this, the second date planned for February 2nd was cancelled, and plans were set in motion to transport the approximately 100 dogs that were surrendered on January 29th.

“We are saving these babies, but we need your help. Thank goodness the Mayor was willing to pause, and let us help save and keep these dogs alive,” From the Streetz Rescue Foundation stated.

With so many animals coming in on such short notice, help is needed in order to provide all of the dogs with the proper care required, which includes items such as crates, collars, leashes, food, toys, beds, pee pads, linens, and cleaning supplies.

In addition to this, From the Streetz Rescue Foundation is also looking for financial support to help with gas expense, vet requirements and other supplies that may be needed.

Paws Republic Centre for Pets will be working in partnership with Kabo Homes to help provide shelter and care for the animals temporarily within a separate location.

“From the Streetz Rescue Foundation have offered to go to La Loche monthly to help with the dogs as well, so hopefully that will work out. We also have a rescue from Manitoba ready to help and some volunteers up north that are helping too,” Kristine O’Brien, owner/ operator of Paws Republic stated

If you have supplies you are no longer using or would like to donate new supplies, items can be dropped off at Paws Republic located at 323 Centennial Drive South – Bay 6. Monetary donations can be sent via e-transfer to info@pawsrepublic.ca.

BELOW: Over 100 dogs were rescued from a northern Saskatchewan community and brought to a temporary housing location in Martensville on Tuesday, January 30th. Donations are needed to help all of these animals receive the care they need. (Submitted)

ABOVE: Martensville Youth Connection has a wide range of activities planned for February.

Visit them on Facebook to stay up to date. (Facebook)

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SPORTS

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 - Page 5

Skate Martensville Hosts Annual FunFest Skate Martensville hosted the 2024 CanSkate FunFest on Sunday, January 28th from 10am-4pm at the Martensville Sports Centre. This event brought in over 40 skaters from eight different clubs from around the province for a day of skating, accomplishments and excitement both on and off the ice.

“We would like to thank all of the parents, volunteers, Program Assistants, coaches and skaters for making this event such a huge success. A big thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible and supporting our skaters,” Skate Martensville stated.

BELOW and LEFT: Skaters from eight different skating clubs gathered for the 2024 CanSkate FunFest in Martensville on January 28th.

LEFT & BELOW: Martensville Curling Club hosted a U20 Mixed Doubles event over the weekend, which brought out a lot of local talent. (Facebook)

ABOVE: The U11B Snipers won the B side final in Allan in an exciting overtime shootout this past weekend. (Martensville Minor Hockey) 24021PS0 24021PS1

Maddog Moms Hit the Field In order to have a better understanding of what their son’s experience while on the field, two Maddog moms took the initiative to take part in the Valkarie’s camp over the weekend.

“The Maddogs Football Program is known to be one of the best and we prove it time and time again so it’s time for parents of players in these upcoming seasons to step out of your comfort zone like these two inspirational mom’s and do something for your kids and the community. Help out the Maddogs Program by coaching, or joining our Board,” Maddogs Football organizers stated.

The local football program is in need of volunteers to ensure its continued success, as members of the Board, and Coaches have stepped away due to their own children aging out of the program.

For more information about the Maddogs, visit https:// www.maddogsfootball.ca/, or contact martensvillemaddogs@ gmail.com.

Page 6 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Province Invests in 211 Saskatchewan Supports

Nominations So Far Suggest Status Quo Election

Judging by how the Saskatchewan Party and NDP have so far rolled out their nominations, the parties seem rather content with the status quo. Of course, each will say they expect massive gains in the Oct. 28 vote, but more telling is where each already have candidates in place, nine months before the vote. This is telling is both expect to re-elect most of their incumbents, with the Sask. Party perhaps conceding a few city seats to the NDP. Let us examine: The Sask. Party has nominated 34 out of 61 candidates - mostly incumbents and mostly in safe rural seats. Among the sitting rural members already nominated or acclaimed are: Jeremy Harrison (Meadow Lake), Lori Carr (Estevan), David Marit (Wood River), Steven Bonk (Moosomin-Montmartre), Jeremy Cockrill (The Battlefords), Hugh Nerlein (KelvingtonWadena), Everett Hindley (Swift Current), Todd Goudy (Melfort), Warren Kaeding (Melville-Saltcoats), Doug Steele (Cypress Hills), Daryl Harrison (Cannington) and Travis Keisig (Last Mountain-Touchwood), Jim Reiter (Rosetown-Delisle), Blaine McLeod (Lumsden-Morse) and Jim Lemaigre in the (who may have a tough test time in a long-held NDP Athabasca seat).

Terri Bromm was acclaimed in Carrot River Valley to replace the retiring Fred Bradshaw.

So far in the cities, the Sask. Party nominees include: Lisa Lambert (Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood), Muhammed Fiaz, (Regina Pasqua), David Buckingham (Westview), Bronwyn Eyre (Stonebridge), Gord Wyant (Saskatoon Chief Mistawasis), Ken Cheveldayoff (Willowgrove), Gene Makowsky (Regina University), Alana Ross (Prince Albert Northcote), Christine Tell (Wascana Plains), Tim McLeod (Moose Jaw North), Paul Merriman (Saskatoon Silverspring), Joe Hargrave (Prince Albert Carlton),) and Marv Friesen (Riversdale).

The NDP have its eyes on Makowsky’s University seat. Lambert, Fiaz, Friesen and the Prince Albert, Moose Jaw candidates may be in trouble. In fact, most everywhere in Regina and Saskatoon could be a fight for the Sask. Party given the NDP are polling over 60 per cent in those cities.

Yet the Sask. Party doesn’t yet have candidates in ridings help by north Regina NDP incumbents Laura Ross, Gary Grewal or in the two it held six months ago before losing the summer byelection seats.

The Sask. Party has some new rural Sask. Party candidates in place, but these nominations seem to have more driven by internal party politics and territorial disputes than gaining or preserving political ground.

Eric Schmalz was acclaimed in Saskatchewan Rivers because the Sask. Party is desperate to knock off Nadine Wilson, who was removed from caucus and then joined the Sask. United Party.

Martensville-Warman incumbent MLA Terry Jenson won the new Warman in a contested nomination against local councillor Shaun Cripps; however, incumbent Canora-Pelly MLA Terry Dennis lost to Sean Wilson in a similarly contested race.

In perhaps an even bigger surprise, long-serving Speaker Randy Weekes lost in the seat in the new KindersleyBiggar to a local school board trustee and local Macklin administrator Kim Gartner. Many are suspicious this was orchestrated by caucus after Weekes fell out of favour.

Also political intriguing, party president James Thorsteinson was going to challenge Lloydminster incumbent MLA Colleen Young’s seat. However, after Cut KnifeTurtleford MLA Ryan Domotor was booted out of caucus after being charged with procuring sexual services, he was also stripped of his nomination. Thorsteinson has now declared he will run in that seat.

Conversely, only six of the 31 NDP nominated candidates are "rural" NDP candidates including: Tom Kroczynski (The Battlefords), Brenda Edel (RosetownDelisle), Michael Woollard (Canora-Pelly), Lorne Schroeder (Kelvington-Wadena), Thera Nordal (Last MountainTouchwood) and Lenore Pinder (Yorkton).

Twelve urban incumbents are nominated: Betty Nippi-Albright, Matt Love, Erika Ritchie, Nathaniel Teed, Vicki Mowat (in Saskatoon) and Trent Wotherspoon, Nicole Sarauer, Meara Conway, Jared Clarke, Noor Burki, leader Carla Beck and Alenna Young (in Regina) There are another 13 new candidates, but these are all in city and northern seats the NDP deem winnable. This all seems to suggest the parties are comfortable where they are.

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing the United Way with $634,000 in 2023-24 to support 211 Saskatchewan and the new Re:CONNECT service to support families and individuals impacted by interpersonal violence. This is part of an overall investment of $27.5 million by the Government of Saskatchewan this year to address interpersonal violence and abuse.

211 Saskatchewan is a one-stop service for people seeking a wide range of supports and information, including for those impacted by intimate partner violence, sexual assault, or family violence. Re:CONNECT is a crisis hotline, provided in partnership with Family Service Regina, which provides families and communities with immediate crisis management and de-escalation support to individuals at risk of interpersonal violence.

“It is important to raise awareness about the confidential, accessible services that 211 Saskatchewan provides to support adults, youth, children and families grappling with interpersonal violence and abuse,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said. "We would like to thank the United Way and Family Service Regina for their work with us, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our province."

Both 211 Saskatchewan and Re:CONNECT services are available now. Access is offered throughout Saskatchewan in over 175 languages, including 17 Indigenous languages. For services, dial 211 or visit: https://sk.211. ca/, or https://reconnect.sk.211.ca/.

Individuals can access Re:CONNECT through the existing 211 Saskatchewan line. They will take part in a brief assessment and then be connected with Family Service Regina case workers, who will provide up to 30 minutes of intervention therapy to address their immediate risks.

“The 211 crisis line provides information, support and resources to those who need them, in a safe, and accessible manner.” Minister responsible for the Status of Women Laura Ross said. “These are critical services, and the United Way has been a great partner in building supports that protect some of our most vulnerable Saskatchewan residents.”

Of the $634,000 in funding, approximately $500,000 is being dedicated to Re:CONNECT (in partnership with Women and Gender Equality Canada), and $134,000 to 211 Saskatchewan.

“Crisis hotlines are an essential service for people experiencing gender-based violence, especially for people living in rural communities," Women and Gender Equality and Youth Minister Marci Ien said. "Providing timely funding to organizations like United Way will make sure that these hotlines are able to continue providing life-saving services for everyone, no matter where they live."

The United Way is made up of locally-governed organizations that address community challenges and improve quality of life. Family Service Regina provides counselling services and helps victims of domestic violence navigate the criminal justice system.

“United Way is thrilled to collaborate with Family Service Regina and the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General to introduce the Re:CONNECT helpline to the province,” United Way Regina, 211 Saskatchewan Director Kristin Nelson said. “This transformative initiative takes a truly proactive stance, offering individuals a free, secure and non-judgmental support system that empowers them to rebuild healthy relationships and communication, ensuring they never have to face challenges alone.”

“Family Service Regina is excited to partner with 211 Saskatchewan to provide quick and easy access to those who need in-the-moment support, 24 hours a day, to assist with stressors, relationship challenges, and emotional regulation,” Family Service Regina CEO Kirk Englot said. “Family Service Regina has trained counsellors to assist callers with their needs, so they don’t have to struggle alone.”

The United Way plans to launch a marketing strategy later this year to promote awareness for 211 and Re:CONNECT.

Public Notice Bylaw #1-2024 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.

REASON: To allow welding and machine shops within the M-Industrial District when located more than 91m of a residential site as a permitted use.

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 February 20th, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at the City of Martensville Council Chambers, located 37 Centennial Drive South, 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 February 13th, 2024.

Dated at Martensville this 22nd day of January, A.D. 2024.

Bonnie Gorelitza Planning Manager

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.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 - Page 7

Service PLUS Flat Glass Services!!

Page 8 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

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

306-244-4950

Martensville, SK

just THINK...

KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD

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

Call the Martensville Messenger and ask about our affordable advertising

Ph: 306-668-1093

Martensville SK 306-244-4950

Minimum Age for Purchase of Tobacco and Vapour Products Set to Increase

Effective February 1, 2024, the minimum age for the purchase of tobacco and vapour products will increase from 18 to 19 years of age.

In October 2023, the Government of Saskatchewan passed proposed legislation calling for the increase in the minimum age for tobacco and vapour product purchases. The legislative change aligns tobacco and vaping product restrictions with alcohol and cannabis.

"It is important for us to protect Saskatchewan youth from the dangers of tobacco and vapour products," Health Minister Everett Hindley said. "These products have no place in Saskatchewan schools and I'm pleased that MLAs on both sides of the house voted unanimously to take the necessary steps to protect students from being exposed to these products."

Tobacco and vapour product retailers are responsible for ensuring they only sell these items to people 19 years and older. Government-issued identification containing the person's photograph, date of birth and signature (e.g. a passport or driver's license) is required to confirm age.

Retailers will have to update their signage to reflect the new minimum age. The sign must be visible at the cash register where products are purchased.

The Ministry of Health will be mailing new till stickers to retailers in January.

Retailers can get additional till stickers from their local public health office or by downloading and colour-printing the signage directly from the Signs for Tobacco and Vapour Product Retailers webpage.