February 2, 2023

Weekly Update for the Warman/ Martensville RCMP Detachment

The Warman RCMP weekly report does not only include statistics specific to Warman. It does encompass the entire area service including Martensville, Delisle, Radisson, and surrounding Rural Municipalities. Warman is the hub for all of these outlying areas. The weekly report is intended to give the public a glimpse of what the RCMP Officers are doing during the week and what sorts of calls they regularly deal with. For the Period of Sunday January 22nd to Sunday January 29th, the Warman cluster of Detachments responded to 133 calls for service. Those calls for service included:

• 5 calls of Assistance to the Public - These calls ranged from assisting stranded motorists, assisting a motorist changing a tire, and dealing with civil property disputes.

• 1 Break and Enter to a rural property near Borden. A couple of Sea cans used to store property were entered and various fitness equipment items as well as outdoor clothing were stolen.

• 2 False Alarms

• 2 Frauds - There continues to be a strong trend towards suspects acting as a legitimate business person requesting personal information to complete a transaction. Always be cautious of providing any personal or financial information to someone that you did not solicit.

• 2 Mental Health Acts

• 9 Motor Vehicle Collisions – All incidents occurred on surrounding highways and did not result in any serious injuries.

• 1 Missing person

• On January 22nd at about 2:30am, a male at a business on the 900 block of Centennial Boulevard in Warman reported being assaulted and dragged out of his vehicle by three suspects. The victim was not seriously injured. The three suspects then took the victims vehicle and fled the area. About two hours later RCMP were dispatched to a single vehicle roll over near Maymont. Members arrived on scene and determined that the rolled vehicle was the same one taken earlier. Members located and arrested all three suspects. The investigation is continuing and charges are pending.

• 6 Suspicious Persons

• On January 27, at approximately 6:36pm, a business on the 900 block of Centennial Boulevard in Warman reported a theft in progress. RCMP attended; however, the suspect had already left the area. The suspect took two Milwaukee M18 ½” Impact Wrench power tools.

• 2 Uttering Threats complaints

• 2 Well-Being checks

• Numerous traffic related complaints and occurrences.

K9 First Aid Course Coming to Martensville

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

On February 11th, local residents will have an opportunity to learn how to save their pets life in an emergency as Southern Alberta K9 First Aid will be holding a Canine Health Canada K9 CPR & Emergency First Aid Course at Paws Republic Centre for Pets.

“This is a must have for any dog owners, knowing how to provide assistance in the first instance of a medical emergency with your dog could save their life. Knowing what to do can also provide vital information to your veterinarian while you are on route, prevent the injury from worsening and alleviate your dog’s suffering,” Southern Alberta K9 First Aid explained.

The full-day course will take place over seven hours and will include a takehome reference manual, quick reference vitals card and a certificate upon completion. Those participating will learn from top canine first aid instructors in North America that have worked with K9 Police Handlers, the SPCA, Bylaw Animal Control, Dog Groomers, Dog Trainers, Working K9 Handlers in the private sector, Vet Technicians & Assistants as well as other professionals.

Attendees will learn about topics such as prevention; where you are educated on various houseplants are toxic to your dog, and what human medication dogs are unable to have; basic nutrition, exercise and dental care needs, digestive emergencies, and more. You will also learn how to make your own Elizabethan collar and emergency muzzle and what to do in emergency situations such as your dog’s heart stopping, something lodged in their throat, been poisoned, or had an accident and needs to be stabilized for transport to the vet.

“You will learn and practice a number of different hands-on scenarios, so when an emergency happens, muscle memory kicks in and you’ll be able to help your dog in their moment of need.”

For more information, contact couragefirstaid@gmail.com. Register online at southernabk9firstaid.ca.

program.

It is important to have healthy enrolments at our elementary schools in Martensville, providing the space for all students to learn and grow. School capacity, home address and other factors will have an impact on Kindergarten placement.

Kindergarten Open Houses will be held at each school later this spring. Please plan to register

ABOVE: On January 27th, a theft took place at a business in Warman where the suspect took two Milwaukee M18 ½” Impact Wrench power tools

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.

Martensville New Horizon’s Senior Centre Bingo

Come out and enjoy a night of Bingo on Thursday, February 9th at 7:00pm

Cash prizes - 18+ event - 50/50 - Concession

Ten regular games with a Blackout Game Bonanza and Speedo $15 books with extra cards available

Join us at 106 4th Avenue North!

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

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 in excess of 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 but guests must wear a mask and should practice social distancing within Council Chambers. Those still wishing to attend but would wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk or visit the online agenda for the link to attend.

Committee of the Whole - February 14th

Regular Council Meeting – February 21st

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

Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda. To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details. The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca.

The Martensville Business Expo is Coming March 24th & 25th

Connect with the businesses and organizations in our community and learn more about products, services and opportunities in the community.

There will be delicious food, great drinks, interactive booths, sales and local entertainment all Expo long! Friday will feature a job fair and career sessions to assist and connect job seekers with local employers.

There will be a pancake breakfast on Saturday from 8-10 AM and it is by donation!

Admission to the Expo is $2, watch for updates in the coming weeks on the weekend’s activities.

To register your business for a booth contact the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce.

Licensing Our Pets, Annual Renewals

By licensing your pet, your pet can be identified in the event it escapes or ends up ‘at large’. Our Bylaw officials and partners will be able to quickly identify the pet and contact the owner. License fees also help fund the housing cost of pets and animals that have been found ‘at large’.

Pet licenses must be purchased and renewed annually unless a lifetime license has been purchased.

Annual licenses expire Dec 31st and must be renewed by March 1st.

Annual license cost $20 per year

Lifetime licenses cost $30 (pet must be microchipped)

Licenses are sold at the following outlets:

City Hall

Affinity Animal Hospital

Furrific Grooming & Boutique

Paws Republic

Team Martin Places Second in Women’s Provincial Championship

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Send-Off Event Held for Team Derksen as They Prepare For Nationals

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

ABOVE: Team Martin had a second place finish in the Viterra Scotties Women’s Provincial Curling Championship. (Martensville Curling Club)

Team Martin of the Martensville Curling Club competed in the Viterra Scotties Women’s Provincial Curling Championship, which took place in Estevan from January 25-29. The local team came out on top in all of their games within the A-event, earning them a spot in the final match-up. In their first game against Team Schneider they had a 11-9 win, and following that, the team beat out Team Silvernagle with a score of 9-2. The next game saw them go against Team Anderson with a nail-biter game, ending in a 7-6 win for Team Martin and earned them a spot in the play-offs.

In the finals, they went up against Team Silvernagle, who they beat 9-8, and from there Team Silvernagle took on Team Anderson to see who would be playing the undefeated Team Martin for the big win. Team Silvernagle won that round, and the two teams once again hit the ice to compete. In the end, Team Martin conceded with a score of 8-4 for Team Silvernagle.

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On Wednesday, January 25th, the community showed their support for Martensville Curling Club’s Team Derksen at a send-off event to celebrate them earning their spot in the U18 National Championships in Timmons, ON from February 5-11.

Team Derksen, the U18 Provincial Men’s Curling Champions, consists of Skip Dylan Derksen (17), third Logan Sawicki (17), second Tyler Derksen (14), lead Gavin Martens (16) and their coach Brad Kennedy.

“Three members of Team Derksen have been curling together for three years, and third Logan, who attended U18 Nationals last year, joined them for this season. They all come from curling families and have been curling individually between 6 and 10 years,” Kathie Derksen, Team Derksen Manager, explained.

The event saw numerous friends, family and fellow curlers attend and included speeches from CurlSask President Jim Wilson and Martensville Curling Club President Clint Dieno, socializing, cake, silent auction, 50/50 and raffle.

Through donations made from CurlSask and the Martensville Curling Club, as well as additional sponsors and proceeds earned from the send-off event, the team will have funds to help cover expenses for their journey such as hotel rooms, vehicle rentals, team clothing, meals and more. Flights will be covered through Curling Canada.

“Team Derksen is looking forward to putting on their green jackets and representing the great province of Saskatchewan. Other than third Logan and Coach Brad, this will be the first curling Nationals experience for the other team members,” Kathie Derksen said.

Following the Nationals, Dylan will be competing in the Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island, his home province, with his cousin Melissa Remeshylo as the first Team Saskatchewan in the inaugural mixed doubles discipline.

“Team Derksen would like to thank everyone for the incredible support they have received leading up to Nationals,” Kathie Derksen added.

LEFT: Martensville Curling Club President Clint Dieno presented Team Derksen with a cheque from the Club during the send-off event on January 25th.

(Submitted)

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SPORTS

Premier Ball Hockey League Looks to Become a Professional League in Upcoming Years

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Saskatchewan Premier Ball Hockey League had its inaugural season in 2021 and is currently planning for their third season of action. According to founder and CEO Justin D’Entremont, “The Premier League is a league that uses a pro-style with aspirations of one day turning into an actual professional league where players make a salary playing ball hockey.”

The league has four teams competing within it; however, D’Entremont states that there is plenty of room for growth. “Once we accumulate an influx of high-calibre players, we will expand to probably two more teams,” D’Entremont explained.

Each team consists of approximately 20 players and play six regular season games before the playoffs. “Our games are played over a few “gamedays” and weeknights. A gameday is on a Saturday where each team travels to the same location at the same time and everyone plays two games, for a total of four Premier League games all played consecutively. We have two Saturday gamedays and two Wednesday night gamedays this season,” D’Entremont added.

To participate in the Saskatchewan Premier Ball Hockey League, players can register in hopes of being drafted by one of the four teams. Registration is currently open for any players wanting to sign up and be added to the draft list at https://www. premierleagueballhockey.com/. The player draft will take place in April, and there will be several drop-in games leading up to the draft for new players to come out and show off their skills in front of team General Managers.

To play, all that is required is a helmet, gloves, runners and a stick; and D’Entremont explained that shin pads are highly recommended for competitive levels of play, but are not mandatory. Players are not required to have experience, but since it is a competitive draft league, D’Entremont said that there are drop-in games held as an opportunity for new players to come out and give it a go. The next drop-in game night will be held on Tuesday, February 14th at 7pm in the Lawson Heights Soccer Centre.

Currently, the only thing separating the Saskatchewan Premier Ball Hockey League from being a professional league is that fact that players don’t get paid; however, D’Entremont hopes to change that by finding major sponsorship, finding investors, or by reaching high levels of league success and once that happens, players will be paid and they will become a professional league.

“We are always looking to grow the sport of ball hockey and always looking to improve the Premier League. Sponsors, marketing and business expertise are always welcome and will become necessary for us to take this league to the next level. If anyone wants to get involved in any capacity, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on social media,” D’Entremont stated.

ABOVE: The Martensville Marauder U11 C Bandits won the A-side championship in Lumsden this past weekend. (Martensville Minor Hockey Association)

ABOVE: The Martensville Marauder U9 Maven Monarchs won the A-side championship in the Moose Jaw Mavericks Classic tournament with a 2-1 win over Delisle. (Martensville Minor Hockey Association)

ABOVE: Don Miller, Clint Dieno and the Martensville Curling Club recently made a donation to the Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) for $5000 to help them get one step closer to their fundraising goal for the new recreation facility in Martensville. (MCRP)

ABOVE: Skate Martensville hosted the 2023 CanSkate FunFest on Sunday, January 29th at the Martensville Sports Centre which saw approximately 50 skaters from ten clubs from around the province participate. (Skate Martensville)

ABOVE: The Martensville Marauder U9 Bandits came out as the B-side runner-up team following a tournament in Prince Albert over the weekend. (Martensville Minor Hockey Association)

Better Understanding of First Nations Issues Needed

As a government that started out by trying to bridge the divide between First Nations and nonFirst Nations in this province, the Saskatchewan Party government has recently run into problems. When it comes to that gap, the problems have always been education and understanding; the lack of the latter being directly contributing to the lack of the former.

Most of us of my vintage growing up in Canada learned very little about First Nations history; or at least, First Nations history that wasn’t taught from the immigrant perspective. We learned about Northwest and Hudson Bay Companies taming the wilderness and the bravery of the coureur de bois and Jesuits in the face of hostile Indian tribes. Treaties? Residential Schools? Well, these were issues for First Nations people who now probably have developed a deeper understanding of our true history than perhaps non-First Nations ever did. To its credit, the Sask. Party government under then-premier Brad Wall set out to change all this.

It began prioritizing the understanding of treaties in schools. As Wall used to say: “I was taught more about Treaty of Versailles that I was about Treaty Six that gives us right to our property and land.”

During Premier Scott Moe’s tenure in the past five years, there is sense things have been moving backwards. Some of it has to do with circumstances. Immediately after Moe became premier in January 2018, we saw the Gerald Stanley not guilty verdict in the killing of Colten Boushie that clearly heightened racial tensions in the province, but while Moe and his Sask. Party government likely don’t get credit for the good that they have done, other things they have done haven’t exactly fostered education and understanding.

One of such short-comings is the strange unwillingness to simply acknowledge First Nation grievances when asked to do so. Even things as simple as meeting with teepee protestors on the lawns of the legislature raising concerns about the treatment of children and high First Nations suicide rates has heightened the perception that the Premier and his government cannot be bothered with these historical grievances. That may not be the case, but it is perception catching up with this government.

Recently, a group of First Nations people gathered in the NDP Opposition conference room to express their frustration over the government not following the duty to consult process on the sale and lease of Crown land near reserves.

First Nations raised concern that the Ministry of Agriculture was circumventing the duty to consult process. By doing so, they were putting in jeopardy lands First Nations say they have used for traditional purposes including ceremonial ones.

Further complicating matters is the fact that some of the land in question is land thought to be set aside for Treaty Land Entitlement purchases.

“That’s why Ochapowace has taken Saskatchewan to court as part of the claim based on our shortfall acres that we have yet to purchase,” said Ochapowace headwoman, Shelley Bear.

Perhaps even more consequential, however, is concerns raised by Ochapowace Chief Margaret Bear over last fall’s Saskatchewan First Act that she and others say was introduced with little consultation or acknowledgement that there are major First Nations issues in play including rights to lands and resources.

Many will argue there is politics in play here. There always is, but there was surely politics in play with the Saskatchewan First Act in the first place. And even a little understanding or mention that there are issues affecting First Nations would have been a helpful start.

The Sask. Party government didn’t do that, again sending a message that it didn’t really have to consult. This defies the spirit of the treaties that supersedes the province.

Perhaps government needs to better demonstrate education and understanding of the treaties.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba Residents’ Debt Concerns Spike, as High Interest Rates, Inflation and Affordability Struggles Persist, MNP Consumer Debt Index Finds

Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents’ anxiety about their debt situation is building, amid rising interest rates, persistent inflation, and heightened affordability concerns. The latest quarterly MNP Consumer Debt Index finds more than half of Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents (57%) say they regret the amount of debt they’ve taken on in life, increasing a record 19 points from the previous quarter and reaching a record high. Additionally, half (50%) say they are concerned about their current level of debt, jumping a significant nine points.

The MNP Consumer Debt Index is conducted quarterly by Ipsos to track Canadians’ attitudes about their debt situation and their ability to meet their monthly payment obligations. It has taken a drastic plunge to 77 points, down 15 points from the last quarter and marking an all-time low since the Index was created over five years ago.

“This massive spike in Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents’ attitudes towards their personal debt situation is a reflection of this past year’s persistent inflation and swift interest rate hikes,” says Pamela Meger, a Licensed Insolvency Trustee with MNP LTD in Regina. “Many households are experiencing a double whammy. On one side, inflation is eroding their household budget, and on the other side, those who are financially vulnerable and overleveraged are being faced with soaring borrowing costs.”

After last year’s rapidly rising interest rates, Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents are feeling significantly worse about their ability to absorb interest rate increases. Compared to the other provinces, Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents are the most likely (74%) to say they are already feeling the effects of interest rate increases, making a massive 15-point jump since last quarter. Seven in ten say that as interest rates rise they are more concerned about their ability to pay their debts (72%, +12pts), and three in five say if interest rates go up much more, they will be in financial trouble (61%, +14pts), both rising sharply from the previous quarter. One in four says their ability to absorb an interest rate increase of one percentage point has worsened (26%, +3pts).

Rising costs are being felt by Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents more than the rest of the provinces. They are the most likely to report that feeding themselves and their family (65%, +13pts), putting money aside for savings (64%, +17pts), and transportation (66%, +26pts) are less affordable. A growing proportion also says clothing or other household necessities (51%, +12pts) and housing (40%, +9pts) are becoming less affordable. Across the board, Saskatchewan and Manitoba saw the largest quarterly increases compared to any other province.

“An increase to a household’s expenses and debt carrying costs could be difficult for them to accommodate if they are already spending nearly all their paycheque each month and have very little wiggle room. Those households are struggling to sustain their standard of living, and often they resort to taking on more debt as a result,” explains Meger.

More Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents are likely already resorting to taking on more debt to make ends meet. Compared to December 2021, significantly more say they have paid only the minimum balance on their credit card (34%), jumping 10 points, the largest increase amongst the provinces. Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents are also the most likely to say they paid the minimum balance on their line of credit (23%, +9pts), or say they will use their savings to pay their bills (26%, +7pts). More now say they will borrow from friends or family (13%, +6pts) or have borrowed money they can’t afford to pay back quickly (21%, +1pt). One in 10 say they will use their credit card to pay their bills (12%, -4pts). Two in five say they plan on reducing their consumer expenses to make ends meet (39%), increasing four points since last quarter.

“More Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents are being pushed to make difficult financial decisions to try to keep up. Amassing more debt can have lasting financial impacts, though, and can push some into a debt spiral. Financial struggles like these can often bring on stress and anxiety which can significantly affect a person’s mental health,” says Meger.

Although down slightly since last quarter, nearly half (45%, -3pts) of Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents report that they are $200 away or less from not being able to meet all of their financial obligations, including three in ten (28%, -6pts) who say they already don’t make enough to cover their bills and debt obligations. Only half are confident in their ability to cover all of their living/family expenses in the next year without going further into debt (51%, -1pt).

“There are financial red flags that Saskatchewan residents should be mindful of as the holiday bills are arriving this month. They may signal that professional debt advice is needed,” says Meger. “The best course of action is to seek help from a debt professional like a Licensed Insolvency Trustee if you experience any red flags such as being unable to cover your bills or anticipate missed payments, or you plan to use other forms of credit to pay your bills.”

Debt-relief options can include striking a deal with creditors through an informal debt settlement, consolidating all debts into one monthly payment, making a debt repayment plan through a consumer proposal, or declaring bankruptcy.

Meger explains that individuals often miss the initial warning signs or feel shameful about seeking help, causing the debt to snowball, and in some cases leaving the individual with fewer options.

“A good place to start is with a free, confidential review of your finances by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee who will outline in detail all of the debt-relief options available to you. Each individual’s debt situation is different, so this review will help to determine the best option for that unique situation,” advises Meger

As the only federally-regulated debt professionals, Licensed Insolvency Trustees provide unbiased and customized financial assessments. MNP offers free consultations across Canada.

Letter to the Editor

Local Mother Looks to Make Travel Safer on Yellowhead Highway Following Son’s 2022 Collision

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

On August 1, 2022, local teacher Glenna Pellerin received the worst phone-call of her life. Her son Brandt was driving to work on Highway16, east of Saskatoon with another passenger when they were both seriously injured in a two vehicle head-on collision.

“As he approached Lanigan, a car drove into him head-on, killing the driver of the vehicle and leaving Brandt, and his passenger with significant, life-altering injuries,” Pellerin stated.

Following many weeks of recovery, Brandt was able to return to work; however, all of their lives were changed forever. Because of this, Pellerin wants to ensure no other family has to endure the same pain and struggles and would like to see attention brought to the subject of

having the Yellowhead Highway east from Saskatoon to the Manitoba border changed into a twinned highway, adding safety measures to the busy roadway.

“Our Yellowhead Highway was established in Canada to promote trade and travel from Winnipeg to the edge of British Columbia. It spans 3500 kilometers and is both critical and beneficial for tourism and maintaining the economy. Advocating the federal and provincial governments in the past, has contributed to the funding of Yellowhead improvements,” Pellerin explained.

In conversations following her son’s collision, Pellerin realized that there are others that share her concern, and decided to do something about it and has created an official petition to present to the Saskatchewan legislature.

Petition to Twin Highway 16 to the Manitoba Border

“Currently this stretch of highway was a high traffic volume and is dangerous for travel. Let’s be proactive with our tax dollars and put them toward saving lives instead of toward emergency response, hospital stays, rehabilitation and compensation. Help us call on the government to twin the Yellowhead Highway 16 from Bradwell to the Manitoba border.”

Copies of the petition are available to be signed at the Martensville Co-op gas station, and copies to be printed off and signed can be received by emailing news@martensvillemessenger.ca.

BELOW: Copies of the petition that Glenna Pellerin is taking to the provincial legislature are available at the Martensville Co-op. She is urging the community to step-up and sign to prevent others from enduring the same pain as her family.

We, the undersigned residents of the Province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following:

• Highway 16 is a main transportation artery across the prairies, yet a large portion of the Saskatchewan section remains congested as a single-lane highway;

• People that regularly travel the eastern portion of Highway 16 know how busy and dangerous it can be;

• Motor vehicle accidents causing injury and death are more likely on single-lane highways;

• Four major potash mines along Highway 16 create significant traffic, but also provide good jobs and considerable revenue for the provincial government;

• The Ministry of Highways most recently twinned a portion of Highway 16, citing efficiency, “but more importantly… safety for people commuting home or to work along this corridor.”

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan: Call on the Government of Saskatchewan to twin Highway 16 from near Clavet to the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border.