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Your City; Your Newspaper January 18, 2024
VOLUME NO. 18 - ISSUE 3
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The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation held a one-day strike on Tuesday, January 16th, with more than 13,000 members across the province taking part. The strike was held to help raise awareness of growing class sizes, required supports and to advocate for their students to ensure they get the resources needed. Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM
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Page 2 - JANUARY 18, 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
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
- 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.
All Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers - Martensville City Hall - 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5 PM.
- 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.
Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda. To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details.
- Clear your driveways in advance of the city’s snow clearing operations - this helps our operators clear your street more efficiently as well as more clearly see driveways to avoid ridging. - 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.
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Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey
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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.
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - JANUARY 18, 2024 - Page 3
Local Lions Club Kicks off 2024 With a Variety of Fundraisers Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Martensville & District Lions Club is beginning the year with a bang. You may see members of the local Lions Club in the foyer at either the Martensville Co-op Food Store, or at Canadian Tire selling various raffle tickets. One option is for the Lions Wilderness Camp at Northern Lights Lodge on the Hanson Lake Road that takes place the Monday after every August long weekend and runs for approximately two weeks. It is a special needs camp open to any age and any ability. Each client has the use of a full wheelchair accessible cabin for three days/three nights accommodations plus boat for two days. Each client has to be accompanied with family or a caregiver. Costs to clients include providing their own food, transportation as well as fishing gear and bait. Clients are required to contact their local Lions Club for sponsorship regarding the costs to camp. Lions Club members supply a wheelchair accessible pontoon boat, life jackets, one breakfast supplied per session and one potluck fish fry per session. Tickets to raise money for this amazing experience can be purchased for $5 each. First prize is $2500 worth of gift cards to Cabela’s. Second prize is a fishing trip to Northern Lights Lodge which includes 3 nights/2days and a boat rental for a value of $1015 (May-September - subject to availability). Third prize is a fish and tackle package supplied by Walleye Grabber Jigs valued at $598.85. A total of 4000 tickets are being sold with the final draw date taking place at the Northern Lights Lodge on May 18th. Contact Doug Ward with the Martensville & District Lions Club for more information at 306-384-2283. The Lions Club is also selling tickets for the Richmound Lions Club Blue Jays Raffle in support of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. There are a total of 5500 tickets printing and they can be purchased for $5 each from a Lions Club member. The grand prize winner will receive a weekend for two in Toronto that includes; return airfare for two, three night accommodation, two tickets to a Toronto Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre and a tour of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides – or $2500 cash prize. The draw will take place on May 31st. The early bird prize consists of a $500 prize, with the winner announced on March 29th. There is also an ongoing recycling program in place that is in support of the Lions Club Dog Guides Program. Those wanting to contribute to this program can donate through SARCAN Drop & Go using the name ‘Martensville Lions Club’, or contact either 306-491-8914 or 306-290-6766 to have your recyclables picked up. The local Lions Club has been serving Martensville and the surrounding area since 1979 and host regular winter meetings on the third Tuesday of the month from September through May at 7pm in the Heritage Centre on 6th Avenue South. For more information, contact lionsclubofmartensville@gmail.com or 306-371-0807.
ABOVE & BELOW: The Martensville & District Lions Club is currently selling raffle tickets to raise money for the annual Lions Wilderness Experience at the Northern Lights Lodge, a special needs camp open for all ages and ability. (Martensville & District Lions Club)
Extreme Cold Could Lead to Carbon-Monoxide Back-Up in Your Home Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
Although it took it’s time getting here, winter decided to officially show up in 2024. Snow fell and temperatures plummeted and with that, came the regular winter issues such as driving in less than ideal conditions, an increase in our heating bills, bundling up to run simple errands, cars ABOVE: Extreme cold can lead to frozen vents in your home, that won’t start in which could cause a carbon-monoxide back-up. (MFD) the morning and more. In addition to this, the Martensville Fire Department warned the public of another issue to check on to avoid serious consequences. “With the extreme cold temperatures upon us, it is good practice to check outdoor exhaust vents around our homes. The build-up of snow and ice can cause partially and fully blocked vents, resulting in the possibility of a carbon monoxide backup in the home,” the MFD stated via social media. “Simply clear snow and ice from around vents, also checking to ensure there is no blockage inside the vents.” Not only can blocked vents create a carbon-monoxide back-up in your home, but it can also cause your furnace to stop working, which can become a major problem if not taken care of quickly. The MFD also noted that now is a good time to check smoke and carbonmonoxide detectors within your home to ensure they are all functioning properly.
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Page 4 - JANUARY 18, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
Martensville Soccer Association Registration Opens February 1st
Skate Martensville Looks Forward to Annual FunFest
ABOVE: The Martensville Marauder U11 C Maven Marlies won the A final against the PA Foxes 4-2 in their home tournament over the past weekend. Teams that attended were: Humboldt Broncos, Western Prairie Mohawks, NE Aces Blue, South West Cyclones, Lloydminster Blazers, NE Aces White, PA Foxes and the Maven Marlies.(Facebook)
Skate Martensville will be hosting their annual CanSkate FunFest on Sunday, January 28th from 10am-4pm at the Martensville Sports Centre. This event is open to all skates from Stages 1-6, which includes PreCan, CanSkate, and PreSTAR. FunFest is an opportunity for skaters to showcase their skills in a fun and interactive environment that focuses on individual skill improvement, meaning that performances are not ranked. Each skater will however receive a full overview on their performance on a personalized assessment sheet, which is provided to each skater along with an award. The last day to register for this fun-filled event is Thursday, January 18th. Registration is $50/skater and includes participation in the opening ceremonies, elements, fast track or spin spiral jump, a team event and the closing ceremonies. To register, visit https://www.skatemartensville.ca/registration/funfest/. For more information, contact Nicole at skatingclub1@gmail.com.
The Martensville Soccer Association recently took on a new Board of Directors and with it, has since created a new online presence. Co-chairs Mandy Fehr and Nicole Neufeld have been working hard to ensure the community is kept up to date with information regarding the upcoming season; however, there are still positions available on the board to ensure each season is as successful as possible. For more information on how you can contribute to this amazing program, contact msa.info.sk@gmail.com. Registration for the 2024 outdoor season opens February 1st, with the last day to register taking place on March 1st. The season begins April 28th and runs for 8 weeks. More information on each league game nights can be found below: U5 - Born in 2019-2020 - Wednesdays U7 - Born in 2017-2018 - Tuesdays U9 - Born in 2015-2016 - Mondays U11 - Born in 2013-2014 - Fridays U13 - Born in 2011-2012 - Thursday and/or Sunday U15 - Born in 2009-2010 - Wednesday U18 - Born in 2006, 2007, and 2008 - Tuesday and/or Sunday
KAISER TOURNAMENT The New Horizons Seniors will be hosting a Kaiser tournament on Saturday January 27th at 1pm at 106 4th Avenue North in Martensville. Individual entries only. Teams will be chosen by a draw of cards and everyone will rotate throughout the tournament. • $5 entry fee • Prizes for the 3 highest scores after 8 rounds. • Concession available • 50/50 tickets
Come out and have a fun afternoon playing cards!
POLICE
MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - JANUARY 18, 2024 - Page 5
BEAT
Crime Stoppers Aids Warman RCMP in Search for Theft Suspects
The Warman RCMP are requesting assistance to identify a male and female for a theft from a business in Warman that occurred on December 28, 2023. The male and female were with their two small children and driving the vehicle shown in the photo to the left. If you are able to identify this male or female, please click the ‘Contact Us’ button on the Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers Facebook page or call 1-800-222-8477 to ABOVE & LEFT: If you leave an anonymous tip. If are able to identify the your tip leads to an arrest or male and female pictured, charge, you may be eligible contact Saskatchewan for a reward of up to $2000.
ABOVE: Over the holidays, the Rosetown RCMP Detachment and Combined Traffic Services Unit (CTSS) stopped a driver going 199 kms/hr in a 100 zone on Highway 7 near Zealandia. The driver was arrested and charged with dangerous operation and issued multiple traffic tickets totalling $1,912. RCMP remind motorists to slow down on the roads, as excessive speeds can be dangerous for you, for your fellow drivers and gives everyone less time to react to potential hazards and road conditions. (Saskatchewan RCMP)
Crime Stoppers.
Saskatoon Police Warn Public of Family/Grandparent Scam
The Saskatoon Police Service Economic Crime Section is urgently alerting the public to a series of fraudulent activities occurring in Saskatoon. In recent days, police have received reports of fraudsters actively targeting victims in Saskatoon through the Family/Grandparent Emergency Scam. In some reports of victimization, fraudsters attended to the victim’s residence and defrauded them of several thousand dollars. In others, victims were directed to deposit large sums of money into a Bitcoin ATM for receipt by the fraudsters. To date, investigation has found that fraudsters are contacting the victims by telephone claiming to be a grandchild in an emergency as a result of a traffic collision or drug possession. Payment is then demanded in cash or cryptocurrency for bail and legal fees. Remember! Any legitimate authority would never demand payment as cash or cryptocurrency over the phone. The fraudsters are instructing the victims to lie to their financial institution to withdraw funds. They may also falsely state that a non-dissemination order (gag order) is in place preventing discussing the matter with anyone else. Don’t panic! Always call family, friends, and/or the authority in question directly to verify the information and fact check the call. Police are encouraging families and friend groups that consist of older and/ or vulnerable adults to openly discuss the Family/Grandparent Emergency Scam to prevent continued victimization in the community. If you have received a suspicious call and suspect fraud but have not been victimized, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. If you have become the victim of fraud, contact your local police or report it to the Saskatoon Police Service by calling 306-975-8300; in an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. Background: The Family/Grandparent Emergency Scam involves a potential victim, often an older and/or vulnerable adult, receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be a family member in an emergency and requiring money for various purposes. The fraudsters may also work in tandem and connect the victim to another person claiming to be a police officer, lawyer, doctor, or representative of another profession. The payment is often requested as cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. This is a scam! Any legitimate authority would never make such requests. If you receive a suspicious phone call, ask important questions of the caller to verify their identity but refrain from offering additional details yourself. Alternatively, hang up and call that family member directly to verify their location and well-being and/ or connect with other relatives to fact check the call. If the caller is claiming to be law enforcement or a representative of another profession, hang up and call that authority directly to verify the information. Fraudsters leverage urgency and panic to coerce the victim into complying with their requests and demands. Always use extreme caution, especially when being asked to send any form of currency. 24013JJ0
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MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - JANUARY 18, 2024 - Page 7
New Provincial Drug Alert System Launches
Expectations May Exceed Sask. Party’s Good News
All in all, it’s been a pretty good start to an election year for the Saskatchewan Party government. The thing is, though, this is the fourth time this 16-year-old Sask. Party administration will ask voters of the province to pass judgement on its record, or at least, compare its record to whatever alternative there is. On the latter point, the Sask. Party still holds a decided advantage over the Official NDP Opposition. The good news for the Sask. Party is that this remains a very conservative province and the NDP alternative - especially, outside the cities - isn’t exactly viewed as having much credibility. Moreover, the Sask. Party government’s approval rating and polling support remains than most any other government in the country; good news for any government starting an election year. The less good news for the Sask. Party? Well, the NDP; at least in the cities; is now being seen as a slightly better alternative than it’s been seen to be in the past. Meanwhile, since the rise of the Buffalo Party out of nowhere in 2020 election, Premier Scott Moe has made it known he is concerned in rural areas about voters examining political alternatives to the right. The biggest threat now appears to be the Saskatchewan United Party, led by former Sask. Party MLA Nadine Wilson. Finally, while the Sask. Party may be more popular than most other governments, no government in this country; provincial or federal; is particularly popular right now. And when you have been in office for 16 years, you tend to accumulate a track record that may stick with voters long past whatever recent success you might have as government. The good news for Moe and company is that they can point to that recent economic success. Both in the form of government news releases and on his social media feeds, Moe is pointing to some rather good news for the Sask. Party government to start the year. The first bit of good news is a prediction by Deloitte Canada that Saskatchewan is expected to lead the nation in economic growth in 2024; growth that may be double the national average. This growth in increase will largely be driven by BHP’s approval of a $6.4-million investment in the second-stage of the Jansen Potash mine. It’s also partly due to the fact that 2023 didn’t completely meet economic expectations in Saskatchewan, as would seem evident by 2023-24 budget, that went from a billion-dollar surplus when the budget was first introduced in March of last year to a quarter-billion deficit in October at the mid-year point. A key component was the cost of crop insurance and the added costs of fighting forest fires; both, potential problems by this fall if the lack of winter snow we are now seeing again translates into more drought. One of the big problems for governments that pin their hopes on numbers in the here and now is that those numbers are apt to change. For now, though, Moe can lean into some pretty good numbers, including a 22,100 increase in jobs in December compared with December 2022. It’s not all rosy in that a TD Economics study is suggesting that the job vacancy rate is outpacing a slowing population growth. Having more job openings than the economy can fill is, obviously, not the worst problem for government. But it is a bit of a problem if those jobs happen to be lowpaying jobs in an economic situation where Saskatchewan people are leaving for better-paying jobs elsewhere. The province’s population is growing, but not at the rate of the other provinces where people see better opportunity. For now, though, the year is starting out pretty well for the Sask. Party. The big question may be whether it can maintain that success.
On January 11th, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Tim McLeod joined City of Regina Mayor Sandra Masters, representatives of the Regina and Saskatoon Fire and Police Services, and the Saskatchewan Coroners Service to mark the launch of a new Provincial Drug Alert System. The new Provincial Drug Alert System will enable the Ministry of Health to better coordinate the issuance of drug alerts and assist partner organizations with monitoring the toxicity of illicit drugs across Saskatchewan. With the new system, drug alerts will meet atrisk people where they are at via text, email, and through the Alertable app, in addition to alerts that are currently posted by partner organizations at locations where services are provided. Anyone can sign up to receive a drug alert via text, email or through a downloadable app. “The goal of drug alerts is to increase awareness of the dangers of illicit drugs and the presence of other toxic substances that further increase the risk of overdose and death,” McLeod said. “An important part of our message to people who have yet to walk the path to recovery is that there is hope for recovery, and there is help available through treatment.” Drug alerts will be issued by the Ministry of Health based on information provided from partner organizations such as the Saskatchewan Coroners Service, Regina and Saskatoon Fire Services, and drug checking sites in Saskatoon and Regina. Alerts are issued when partners report to the Ministry of Health the following situations: • more than expected number of individuals seen by paramedic, or in hospital, with an overdose over a short period of time; • multiple severe outcomes (ICU admissions, deaths) over a short period of time; • multiple overdoses in persons who use or live in the same area or location or who report use of a common substance; • overdoses that are difficult to reverse with naloxone; and • concerning substances in circulation that have the potential to cause harm or death.
S i g n u p i n f o r m a t i o n is available at saskatchewan. ca/drug-alerts or text JOIN to 1-833-35-B-SAFE (352-7233). The new Drug Alert System is an initiative under the Saskatchewan Drug Task Force (SDTF), a multiagency collaboration that includes representatives of the Regina and Saskatoon Police Services, the RCMP, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), the Ministries of Health, Social Services, and Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety, and Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand. Other initiatives through the SDTF include the Overdose Outreach Teams (OOT) pilot project, which pairs first responders with health care professionals to conduct outreach to people who are at risk of overdose. The OOT pilot project is a collaborative initiative between the SHA and Regina Fire and Protective Services and the Saskatoon Fire Department. The Government of Saskatchewan has committed to doubling the number of addictions treatment spaces across the province by adding at least 500 more spaces under the new Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions. A total of 168 spaces have been announced so far, including 26 post-treatment spaces at St. Joseph’s Addiction Recovery Centre in Estevan, 32 intensive outpatient treatment spaces through Possibilities Recovery Centre in Saskatoon, 14 inpatient treatment spaces at the former Drumming Hill Youth Centre facility in North Battleford, 36 virtual treatment spaces through EHN Canada, and 60 inpatient treatment spaces through EHN Canada near Lumsden, close to Regina.
Six New Highway Hotline Cameras Brought Online to Provide Better Travel Insight
The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce the addition of six new Highway Hotline cameras, bringing the total online cameras to over 50 locations. This expansion enhances the network, offering motorists improved travel insights. "Our government continues to enhance the Highway Hotline's service to ensure motorists have more ways to plan their journey and make an informed decision," Highways Minister Lori Carr said. The six new cameras are located on: Highway 6 near Dafoe; Highway 6 near Naicam; Highway 14 near Macklin; Highway 16 near Sheho; Highway 40 near Blaine Lake; and Highway 55 near Smeaton. The network of camera locations can be seen online at https://hotline.gov.sk.ca/cctv or on the Highway Hotline mobile app. Images are refreshed approximately every five minutes and provide Highway Hotline staff with regular updates on highway conditions. Snowplow operators across Saskatchewan's vast provincial highway network also relay road information to their Highway Hotline teammates. For the safety of all drivers and the safety of equipment operators, motorists are reminded to stay back and stay safe near snowplows, which create a mini blizzards when plowing. Snowplows pull over when safe to do so, roughly 10 to 15 kilometres, to let drivers pass. The Highway Hotline can be downloaded as a free smartphone app, accessed at www.saskatchewan.ca/ highwayhotline or by calling 511. Snow removal and ice treatment for highways is based on their classification and traffic volumes. For details about winter maintenance activities, visit https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/transportation/highways/highwaysafety/winter-safety. The first four cameras were integrated into the Highway Hotline system in 2011. It included one along Highway 2 near Weyakwin between La Ronge and Prince Albert; two along Highway 11 between Saskatoon and Regina with one south of Dundurn (Blackstrap) and another at Davidson; and one along Highway 3 near Paradise Hill northeast of Lloydminster. Highway Hotline and Snow Zone safety videos can be shared online from: https://www.youtube.com/playlis t?list=PLe3eRil6A0in2COp372K5rvlO-e3gmA1z.
Letter to the Editor
The Martensville Messenger welcomes letters to the editor for publication. Letters must be signed and a phone number and/or email address included so the writer’s identity can be verified. ALL letters are the opinion of the writer and NOT the Martensville Messenger. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity or compliance with the current standards of public taste. Submit your letter to news@martensvillemessenger.ca or mail to Box 333 - Martensville, SK S0K 2T0.
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Page 8 - JANUARY 18, 2024 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER
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More Than 13,000 Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Members Brave the Cold on January 16th to Send a Message to the Government Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) held a one-day, province wide strike on Tuesday, January 16th, with more than 13,000 members taking part in 40 locations. The strike was announced on January 11th, providing a five-day countdown for the strike, and follows seven months of stalled bargaining between the STF and the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee. The legal requirement for notice of job action is 48 hours; however, according to the STF, members wanted to give advanced notice to families in order to have additional time to prepare. STF noted in a January 11th news release that the five-day notice was also an opportunity for the government to change course and return to the bargaining table. “Even when given five days’ notice, the Government of Saskatchewan filed to return to the table to bargain on critical issues for teachers, parents and students,” The STF stated in a January 16th news release. “Today, teachers have gathered at demonstration sites in communities across Saskatchewan, demanding government return to the bargaining table to discuss working and learning conditions in publicly funded schools.” On January 16th, STF President Samantha Becotte, along with Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF) President Heidi Yetman, hand-delivered 3,300 letters written by teachers and parents from around the province, to the legislative offices of Premier Scott Moe and Minister of Education Jeremy Cockrill. The letters included issues that the STF have cited as “critical”, which include topics such as classroom complexity, growing class sizes and ensuring that students receive the required supports, as well as what the government can do to address these issues. Schools throughout the province were closed, with all programming cancelled on Tuesday, January
16th due to the strike. Parents were asked to ensure alternate arrangements were made for their children for the day. A statement from Prairie Spirit School Division Director of Education Tracey Young released on January 11th said that, “At this time, we do not have any information about any further teacher job action. Future job action could take various forms, including: withdrawal of supervision of extra-curricular activities, withdrawal of noon-hour supervision, half-day/full-day strikes, rotating strikes or a general strike.” Young added that teacher job action would have varying impacts on school operations, which could include the possibility of closing schools to students again in the future. “It is extremely unfortunate that government has pushed this issue to the point that it is now impacting schools. This is the very last thing any teacher wants to do. Teachers and supporters throughout the province are braving the cold today to advocate for their students and ensure they get the resources they desperately need. This government simply cannot continue to ignore these growing concerns,” STF President Samantha Becotte stated. RIGHT: More than 13,000 STF members gathered at demonstrations across the province on Tuesday, January 16th, urging the government to return to the bargaining table to discuss working and learning conditions in publicly funded schools. Members in Martensville could be seen along Centennial Drive North. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)
Becotte also noted that including classroom composition improves learning conditions for students. “This is why teachers in Saskatchewan are out on the streets today, to make sure that every student in this province gets the education they deserve. An education that will prepare them for the modern world.” Since the announcement of the countdown to job action on January 11th, there have been over 9,400 emails sent to Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill and Premier Scott Moe from STF supporters through the ‘Tell Them Tuesday’ campaign (www.tellthemtuesday.com) urging the government to return to the bargaining table. “It astounds me that the Government of Saskatchewan refuses to negotiate workload and class complexity. Collective agreements across this country include language on workload, class sizes and class composition, and yet, the collective agreement in this province contains no such language. This I unacceptable,” CTF President Heidi Yetman said.