July 20, 2023 Digital Issue

City of Martensville Offers School’s Out for Summer Programs

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville is running their usual Summer Programs for kids now that school is out. You can choose from a few days each week, a couple weeks, or sign up for the whole summer.

This week they are offering hockey, golf, and tennis. Next week there will be badminton, pickleball and epic games.

The cost is $15 per day and all equipment is provided for them.

For more information, or to register, you can go to www.martensville.ca under Program Registrations.

Council Discusses Drainage Issue at Gateway Plaza

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Martensville City Council met for the final meeting of the month on Tuesday, July 18th, with many of the items on the agenda coming back from last week’s Committee of the Whole meeting for formal approval.

City administration provided an update to Council on various topics, with Recreation and Community Services noting that work at the new Martensville Recreation Centre has been moving along, with cladding started on the east side of the rink, masonry work in the rink beginning, the rink weeping tile is 90% complete, the plumbing to the rink change rooms is complete and the fieldhouse tie beams are 50% complete.

Council discussed an item from last week regarding drainage at Gateway Plaza, located at the corner of Centennial Drive and 4th Street South. The owners of the property have been working with the Ministry of Highways & Infrastructure on this issue; however, MHI claims there is no flaw in the design, and therefore the drainage issue should be dealt with between the owners and the City of Martensville. The owners are looking to enter an agreement with the City to have the City replace three concrete sidewalk crossings on 4th Street South adjacent to the property, which they believe will relieve the drainage issues. The estimated cost for this would be $15,300 plus tax and legal costs. The owners would like to see this work completed in conjunction with the paving of their parking lot in late summer-early fall. Council noted that they want a clause in the agreement stating that the parking lot gets paved and will bring forward for a future council meeting.

Council will meet next on Tuesday, August 8th for their monthly Committee of the Whole meeting.

City Cancels Centennial Parking

Shanine

Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Due to increased volumes in traffic, the City of Martensville recently made changes to Centennial Drive North in Martensville, which included the addition of a cross-walk and removing all parking on the street. According to City of Martensville Director of Infrastructure and Planning Matt Gruza, these changes were made following a recent engineering study that was completed for Centennial Drive to help improve safety. The mid-block pedestrian crosswalk was installed earlier this summer between Main Street and 3rd Street North on a trial basis and Gruza noted that it will be reviewed before a permanent crossing is installed.

Carter’s Counselling Grand Opening at New Location

Carter’s Counselling was founded by Katharine Carter, who is a social worker by training. Katharine recognized that, naturally, many services and supports exist in large urban centers such as Saskatoon; however, access to resources is more limited in smaller communities such as Martensville and area. Katharine lives locally and has made it her mission to ensure that Martensville and surrounding areas also have access to counselling, mental health services and other resources. Carter’s Counselling was created out of this social work value: that everyone should have equal access to services, regardless of where they live.

Carter’s Counselling has officially moved and ready to serve clients in their new space with ample parking and will continue to provide the same exceptional mental health services.

A Grand Opening will be held on Saturday, July 22 from 10am-12pm. Balloon Funn by Warren will be there from 10-11am as well as coffee, muffins and a few counsellors available to answer any questions you may have.

They offer in person, phone and virtual appointments. Check out their website to book through their online booking system at https:carterscounsell ingservices.ca/

BELOW: A mid-block pedestrian crossing was installed on Centennial Drive North between Main Street and 3rd Street North earlier this summer.

Residential Fire - Related Regulations

Martensville Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to take care and be mindful of the regulations for Residential Outdoor Fire Pits, Barbeques, and Fireworks to ensure the safety of themselves and others in our community.

Regulations include:

Fires must be contained within a non-combustible fire box constructed of material such as cement, brick or metal and covered with a heavy gauge screen and be at least 3m from combustible materials (fences, buildings etc)

- The burning of rubbish, leaves or clippings is prohibited

- Outdoor fires must be supervised and should be extinguished when finished

Keep a garden hose, pails of water or a source to extinguish a fire nearby

No permit is required for private fireworks display but those fireworks must be set off in a manner that would not create danger or nuisance to neighbors

- No person under the age of 18 shall set off fireworks

- Ensure you have the civic address of your residence prominently displayed in the event of fire or emergency; this is to ensure responders can clearly identify your home

For a complete list of regulations please visit martensville.ca or contact the Fire Department.

Organics/Green Bin Program is Underway

The City of Martensville offers a Green Bin program through Loraas Organics. This service is by subscription.

Pick-up of the Green Bins will have regular scheduled bi-weekly collection alternating between North/South Martensville and commenced in May and runs until the end of October Pick-up takes place on Tuesdays.

The pick-up schedule can be viewed at Martensville.ca

For information or to sign up for this program contact the Utility Clerk at City Hall.

Property Tax Due July 31st - What you Need to Know

-Tax Notices were mailed out on April 28th. If anyone has not received their notice, they should contact City Hall. Ensure all contact information is up to date.

- Taxes are due July 31st, 2022 to avoid interest charges.

Ways to Pay

-Taxes can be paid by cash, cheque, or debit at City Hall.

-Taxes can also be paid online through Banking Bill Payments, or by etransfers; for payments: payments@martensville.ca.

Please include address &/or roll number in the comment section along with an indication the payment is for taxes.

POLICE BEAT

Kindersley RCMP Respond to Seven Fentanyl-Related Calls for Service Since April

Between April to July 2023, Kindersley RCMP responded to seven calls for service involving suspected fentanyl – three resulting in fatal overdoses. The fatal overdoses occurred on May 14, July 4, and July 12, claiming the lives of three adult males.

Kindersley RCMP responded to four other calls for service where naloxone was administered by either an emergency responder or a civilian present, aiding in the resuscitation of two males and one female.

Through police investigation, the illicit drugs are suspected to be fentanyl, made available in a crystal-like form, sometimes tinted with a red or purple colour.

Autopsies and toxicology analyses have been ordered by the Saskatchewan Coroners Service to confirm the nature and role of the suspected fentanyl in the fatal overdoses.

Fentanyl is a very potent opioid pain reliever and is sometimes mixed with other street drugs. It can take many forms: a colourful powder, chunks, pills or patches. A few grains of fentanyl can be enough to kill you – we hope to illustrate the magnitude of the danger this drug leaves in our communities.

Saskatchewan RCMP is urging the public who consumes illicit drugs to take special precautions when using:

• Never use alone,

• Let someone you trust know of your plans to use,

• Always carry a Naloxone kit. They are available free of charge at many locations in the province,

• Call 911 if you suspect an overdose is occurring.

For more information on ways to protect yourself, or someone you know, when using illicit drugs, read Saskatchewan RCMP renews warnings about the dangers of illicit drugs after recent overdoses.

Getting dangerous illicit drugs off the street continues to be a top priority for the Saskatchewan RCMP. If you have information regarding these incidents or the substances involved in these incidents, please call Saskatchewan RCMP at 306-310RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers. com.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day – August 19th

The City of Martensville will be holding a Hazardous Household Waste (HHW) Collection Day on Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 9:30am to 3:30pm in the parking lot of the Martensville Sports Centre.

This event will give residents of Martensville the opportunity to dispose of a variety of hazardous household waste and chemicals that cannot be disposed of in the regular garbage or recycling collection. Improper disposal of hazardous household waste can result in contamination of the environment, including waterways and greenspaces within the City. Visit Martensville.ca, under waste and recycling for a full list of items that can be disposed of at HHW Collection Day.

Landscaping or Working on your Property this Summer?Things You Should Know

To eliminate damages to public properties, the City has created the Access to Private Property Through Open Spaces Bylaw.

Permit required - Any person or business that will be driving a vehicle or equipment over city open space to access private property are now required to apply for a permit before gaining access. A permit is also required if the work will require storage of material or equipment in an open area.

If you require access to your property through a public space, buffer or park, please contact City Hall before doing so.

Please consult the Bylaw for more information or contact City Hall if you have questions before starting your project.

August 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.

August 8th – Committee of the Whole August 15th – Regular Council Meeting

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

Reminder to Clean-Up after Our Pets

Please be reminded to clean up after our pets on the pathways and the off-leash dog park. The mess can be potentially harmful to other pets, exposing them to parvovirus and these public spaces are for everyone to enjoy. Remember to bring along a baggy or use one of the baggy stations located along the pathways and dispose of the mess properly.

Wide Array of Charges Laid Near Chamberlain

From Tuesday July 11 to Thursday July 13, 2023, the Saskatchewan RCMP checked approximately 4500 vehicles on Highway #11 by Chamberlain, Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan RCMP Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) partnered with officers from Saskatchewan Highway Patrol of the Provincial Protective Services (PPS) Branch to conduct the traffic initiative. The focus for police officers was removing impaired drivers, unsafe vehicles and vehicles towing recreational items (ex. campers, trailers and boats) improperly from Saskatchewan roads.

Here’s what was located; 40 driver’s licence suspensions for being impaired by cannabis, 1 driver’s licence suspension for being impaired by cocaine, 1 driver’s licence suspension for being impaired by alcohol, 7 tickets for cell phone use while driving, 17 tickets for seatbelt offences (ex. not wearing a seatbelts, child not in a approved car seat), 9 tickets for driving an unregistered vehicle, 4 tickets for possessing or consuming cannabis in a vehicle, 189 tickets were issued for various other offences (ex. speeding, vehicle equipment violations), 13 vehicle inspections were issued, 4 drivers located with current licence suspensions, 31 vehicles taken out of service for various infractions (ex. no trailer brakes/signal lights, no safety chains on a trailer), 2 drivers were arrested in relation to outstanding warrants, 3 drivers were driving without valid licence, 3 people charged under the Tobacco Act - one driver had over 10,000 cigarettes in the vehicle and 898 warnings were issued.

*These violations and tickets were identified/issued between 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday/Thursday.

42 vehicles were impounded for impaired driving at the dedicated traffic stop on Highway 11 this week. The Saskatchewan RCMP has seen an increasing number of licence suspensions, specifically for cannabis use.

“Saskatchewan RCMP officers have advanced training in using specialized tools to detect drug impairment, which has ultimately resulted in a rise in cannabisrelated licence suspensions since 2019,” says Superintendent Grant St. Germaine, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Traffic Services. “Perhaps surprisingly, the individuals facing license suspensions as a result of our proactive traffic initiative this week were everyday commuters – some even going to work or travelling with young children. Our RCMP officers on duty in Chamberlain, in conjunction with Saskatchewan Highway Patrol, helped make our roads safer this week – and for that I am grateful.”

Summer Fun at the Martensville Library

The Martensville branch of the Wheatland Regional Library has a lot of fun activities and events taking place throughout the summer, with Story Time in the Park taking place at Andrea’s Park every Thursday in July and August from 10:30am-11:15am, as well as Look & Find in the Park at Andrea’s Park from July 31-August 5 and August 21-26. There will be Story Book Trails in Veterans Square from July 24-29 and August 14-19.

This week is a Dr. Seuss themed week at the library with bingo, matching, activity pages, 1 Fish 2 Fish Fishing Game, Green Eggs & Ham Bean Bag Toss, and capture the Seuss characters ring toss. There is also a succulents night for adults taking place on Thursday, July 20th at 6:30pm.

Throughout the summer, you can participate in the Wheatland Reading Cup Challenge, where you can earn the chance to win some great prizes.

There is also a wide range of audiobooks available, which can also be logged in for reading time in the summer reading challenge.

Learn more about all of the fantastic options available at our local library by following the ‘Martensville Library’ on Facebook, visiting https://www.wheatland.sk.ca/ or contacting them at (306) 956-7311 or martensville. library@wheatland.sk.ca.

Requests AgriRecovery Assessment Due to Drought

Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit has requested the federal government conduct an AgriRecovery assessment to determine what assistance could be provided to livestock producers faced with prolonged dry conditions.

"Many producers across Saskatchewan are facing extraordinary costs to ensure their animals are taken care of. We need to move quickly to consider all relief options, including an AgriRecovery assessment to help producers deal with the challenges brought about by drought," Marit said.

In a letter sent to Ottawa July 17, Saskatchewan also requested an early designation of the federal Livestock Tax Deferral Program, to provide producers facing potential feed shortages with more options as they consider if they need to liquidate part of their breeding herd due to drought.

As of June 30, western and southeastern regions of Saskatchewan received well below-normal precipitation while temperatures have also been significantly warmer than normal. In the hardest hit regions of Saskatchewan, heatwaves, limited rain, minimal spring runoff and successive years of dry conditions are all contributing to significant challenges. Concerns include water quantity, access to feed and large grasshopper infestations.

AgriRecovery is a federal-provincial disaster relief framework focused on extraordinary costs producers face to recover from disasters.

Last week, the federal and provincial governments also announced that Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is implementing measures to offer support to Saskatchewan livestock producers by allowing additional acres of low yielding cereal, pulse crops, canola and flax to be diverted to feed.

Saskatchewan has also frozen the 2023 rate charged to producers who lease Crown grazing land. Additionally, through the 2023 Crown Grazing Lease Rental Reduction Program, lessees may be eligible for a rent reduction in situations where they reduce stocking rates on leases by 20 per cent or more below the rated carrying capacity.

The Ministry of Agriculture has a team of extension specialists located in 10 regional offices across Saskatchewan to support producers with agronomic advice and program information. Producers can contact the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377 to connect with a specialist.

Craven’s Country Thunder Music Festival Wraps Up 40th Year

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Country Thunder Music Festival wrapped up its 40th year in Craven on Sunday, July 16th after an outstanding performance with Keith Urban. Some of the headliners included Jon Pardi, Brett Kissel, Midland, Jess Moskaluke, Carly Pearce and Tim McGraw, to name a few.

An impressive turnout of over 20,000 people came out to enjoy some country music, and according to the festival’s CEO, the world’s biggest country music superstar Luke Combs, will be performing in 2024.

ABOVE: Brett Kissel performs at the Country Thunder Music Festival in Craven this past weekeknd. Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM

Sask Five Giants Host Weekend Tournaments

The Sask Five Giants hosted two Baseball Sask Provincial Tournaments in Martensville this past weekend, with the 11U tournament taking place at Chrome Dome Park and the 15U tournament at Mocon Park.

The 15U AA Tier 4/5 Giants hosted a total of eight teams at Mocon Park for the Sask Baseball Tier 6 Tournament, where they put on a great show both on and off the field. They lost in a semi-final match against the Saskatoon Royals, where the Royals had a lead of four runs for most of the game; however, the Giants battled back to take the lead in the top of the 7th. The Royals scored two in the bottom of the 7th to take the win.

All proceeds from the tournaments will go directly to improving Sask Five facilities.

Additionally, the 15U AA Tier 2/3 Giants came up short in the final at the Baseball Sask Tier 4 Provincial Tournament in Moosomin this weekend, losing in a tight match against the Moosomin Rangers 9-8.

Adamus Offers a Wide Range of Unique Physiotherapy for Athletes

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Trevor Adamus of Martensville Collective Health and Wellness has always had a love for sports, participating in many himself while growing up in Saskatoon. Like many others, Adamus underwent athletic and physiotherapy as an athlete, which led him to his calling in physiotherapy. Adamus received a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy at the University of Saskatchewan and his masters at Western University.

“With this experience, and love of health, I knew physiotherapy was the right profession for me. I get to help people stay active. It has many benefits to physical and mental health. Although I still enjoy participating in physical activity and athletics, I do also enjoy being involved as part of the team as a sport physiotherapist,” Adamus said.

For approximately ten years, Adamus has been providing services within the community at Martensville Collective Health and Wellness where he offers group athletic training, athlete strength and flexibility assessment to identify any muscle imbalances that can be limiting performance and increase the possibility of injury, baseline concussion testing and concussion management, spinal manipulations, dry needling and more.

“I am always surprised how many high level athletes compete with muscle imbalances. I am a big advocate for athlete strength and flexibility assessments. When those are corrected, it brings athletes to a new level of their performance as well as can prevent them from sustaining injuries,” Adamus added.

ABOVE: The Sask Five 15U AA Tier 2/3 Giants lost in the final against the Moosomin Rangers at the Baseball Sask Tier 4 Provincial Tournament this past weekend. (Sask Five Giants Baseball Association)

Throughout the years, Adamus has had the opportunity to work with some incredible athletes at a variety of sporting events such as; tennis, including the International Tennis Federation (ITF) at the Saskatoon Women’s Challenger, Professional Bull Riders (PBR) including many Canadian Finals, Track & Field including being involved with the Canadian Track Team at the World Junior Championships, Pan Am Jr Championships at the Canada Games, a range of hockey teams and events, high school football teams, volleyball including nationals, judo, gymnastics, rugby and more.

Most recently, Adamus attended the Saskatoon Women’s Challenger, which he has been a part of since 2019. Here, he provides athletic taping and physiotherapy to athletes and responds to on-court injuries.

“It is a nice change of pace to work on court out of the clinic. You get to meet athletes from many countries. I have been fortunate to be involved with multiple sports over the years where I have met athletes, therapists, and coaches from around the world and it is always nice to hear and learn from their experiences.”

When not on the court, Adamus is always looking for new opportunities to provide athletes at MCHW, where he is currently providing spring and summer athlete training, as well as individual strength and flexibility assessments and programs.

ABOVE: The Sask Five 15U AA Tier 4/5 Giants hosted 8 teams in a home tournament this past weekend. (Sask Five Giants Baseball Association)

“With my special interest in Sport Physiotherapy and biomechanics, I enjoy working with athletes to team proper work out routines and movement patterns. Programs are tailored to the athletes sports, targeting appropriate muscle groups and energy systems.”

To learn more about all of the physiotherapy options available at MCHW, visit http://www.martensvillecollectivehealthandwellness.ca/physiotherapy/.

ABOVE: Trevor Adamus of Martensville Collective Health and Wellness at the ITF Saskatoon Women’s Challenger. (MCHW)

Port Strike Both a Local and National Issue

The reaction to job action by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union of Canada (ILWUC) strike at West Coast ports has been predictable. Both business and politicians - particularly conservative politicians on the prairies - are clamouring for the federal to recall Parliament and introduce back-to-work legislation.

Many have become numb to the noise, but they shouldn’t be. This is an economic issue of both national and local significance. Such issues quickly become ones of national unity.

The 7,500 workers walking off the job in Prince George and Vancouver on July 1st has already cost the country’s economy billions of dollars.

In this province, Nutrien Ltd. has announced there will be layoffs at the Cory potash mine. What’s happening

1,700 kilometres to the west of us is going to have a profound impact on us in landlocked Saskatchewan that relies on getting our agriculture, oil, mining and forestry products to port.

When prairie goods don't move to the coast because of either rail disruptions or port strikes, it, in turn, hurts our ability to generate the tax dollars and other revenue we need to keep our hospitals and schools open.

It may seem like prioritizing local issues but it’s more than that … not that there's anything wrong with keeping a local perspective, anyway.

One of the biggest problems we are having in this social media/internet age is that people aren’t invested enough in local issues.

Whether your neighbour working at the potash mine loses his job or whether a farmer can get his grains, oilseed and pulses delivered to Asian markets should be all our concerns. Hasn’t “supply chain” been one of the buzz phases since the pandemic?

While there are many problems in this internet/ social media, the ability to be aware of things happening

1,700 kilometres to the west of us affects us, locally, is a good thing.

Unfortunately, one of the big problems with Internet/ social media age is that it reinforces people’s commitment to their own world view rather than that of their community.

Consider how many people either directly attached to provincial labour movement or simply working under a unionized agreement seem perhaps more sympathetic to the striking ILWUC member that others may be.

This is not to say that the ILWUC doesn’t have legitimate grievances with their own employers or that they shouldn’t have a legal right to strike; however, it is a rather myopic view of the world when you can discount what’s happening to your neighbour because you view yourself as a supporter of labour. After all, those workers at the Cory potash mine are unionized workers, too.

Labour and left have been busily arguing both Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith supporter the disrupting and illegal COVID-19 restriction border protesters including those in Coutts, Alta. now facing serious Criminal Code charges.

Obviously, the conservative politicians were dead wrong to egg on such illegal activity. However, you really can’t compared those past disruptions with the economic damage with the national and local economic damage created by a long-term port strike.

That said, it’s also in the political interests of conservative politicians to vilify the West Coast longshoreman who want a fair deal to feed their own families. So what’s the solution? Well, the coast-to-coast movement of products as a national issue.

The national ports should be viewed as an essential national service. We need a system where binding arbitration more easily kicks in to avoid such shutdowns.

Surely, we re-learned the importance of this during COVID-19 when we became reacquainted with the importance of the trucking industry. Moreover, historically speaking, we only became nation when we became connected from sea to sea by rail. Commerce ties us together. As such, local issues have always been national issues.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Parks Week July 9-15

Saskatchewan celebrated Parks Week July 9-15 with many events and themed programs available in provincial parks for visitors to enjoy. Whether through hiking, relaxing at the beach, fishing or water sports, people of all ages enjoyed the outdoors and celebrated the natural beauty of our great province!

Province Continues to Grow

Our province recently received great news on the population and labour force. Saskatchewan continues to enjoy the largest population growth since 1914, with an increase of over 33,000 in the past year reaching an all-time high of 1.221 million. In the first quarter of this year alone, over 6,000 people chose to make Saskatchewan home.

A labour force record has been broken, too; over 604,700 people are working in Saskatchewan today, more than ever before. Regina and Saskatoon are seeing record employment levels at 148,300 and 198,800, respectively. The province has added 3,300 new jobs in the past year, and our unemployment level of 4.7 per cent is the third lowest in Canada.

Health HR Action Plan Seeing Results

Saskatchewan’s growing population and workforce supports a growing economy and allows our government to invest in priority areas, like health care. Our government invested $98.8 million in the Health Human Resources Action Plan in this year’s budget and we are seeing strong results. Since December 2022, 485 grad nurses from across the province and Canada have been hired to join the health care system. A group of Registered Nurses (RNs) from the Philippines have arrived and begun training, the first group of over 400 Filipino RNs recruited.

Progress continues toward filling 250 new and enhanced permanent full-time positions in rural and remote areas, with 157 positions now filled. Incentives of up to $50,000 have been approved for 140 health care professionals and are still available, as well as incentives packages for physicians in rural and remote areas of up to $200,000.

For students and adults interested in careers in health care, the Saskatchewan Health Authority offers job shadowing opportunities; learn more at www.Saskatchewan.ca/HHR.

Premiers’ Meeting in Winnipeg

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and fellow provincial and territorial premiers were in Winnipeg July 10-12 for the Council of the Federation summer meeting. The premiers discussed several priorities and issues that impact all Canadians, including health care, infrastructure, and the British Columbia port workers’ strike.

The Government of Saskatchewan continues to stand up for the best interests of the people of Saskatchewan. If you have questions, concerns or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at office@terryjenson.ca or 306-242-2111.

Overdose Outreach Teams Extended

in Saskatoon

A pilot program to help people reduce their risk of overdose and other drug-related harms is being extended.

Overdose Outreach Teams (OOT) in Saskatoon will continue for another six months to further develop the outreach process and expand the reach of the teams.

"The Overdose Outreach Teams have done some promising work building relationships with Saskatchewan residents who are struggling with addictions," Mental Health and Addictions Minister Everett Hindley said. "I've heard some of the success stories that the teams have had so far and look forward to seeing how they help more people access supports."

The Overdose Outreach Teams launched last December as part of the Saskatchewan Drug Task Force initiative.

The teams are comprised of a mental health and addictions counsellor from the Saskatchewan Health Authority and a primary care paramedic from Saskatoon Fire Services. They provide shortterm counselling while connecting individuals who have recently experienced an overdose with other agencies for long-term needs.

To date, they have supported more than 60 individuals by connecting them with mental health and addictions services, housing, medical intervention and financial services.

"Our Overdose Outreach Teams have made some very important connections in the community," SHA Director of Mental Health Addiction Services Nicole Schumacher said. "So many people have benefitted from our services and spread the word to their friends, family and community. That level of trust helps us tremendously in reaching individuals who might not otherwise access assistance."

"We're seeing overdoses occur in all areas of our city, from all walks of life," Saskatoon Fire Chief Morgan Hackl said. "The OOT's client-centered care and the facilitation of connecting patients to supports has proven to be highly effective. We're grateful for the opportunity to continue this great work in partnership with Regina Fire and Protective Services and the Saskatchewan Health Authority."

The pilot will be reviewed once it is complete to help determine next steps.

In 2023-24, the province invested a record $518 million for mental health and addiction services.

Letter to the Editor

The Reality of Online Bullying: Harassment and the Potential for Harm

In today's interconnected world, where social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives, the impact of bullying has extended beyond traditional schoolyard settings. Online bullying, often called cyberbullying, has emerged as a growing concern, profoundly affecting the mental health and well-being of individuals and communities. In Canada, where mental health awareness is a priority, the statistics are alarmingly high, highlighting the urgent need for positive communication and conflict management strategies as critical skills to teach, practice, and role model.

The Toll on Mental Health - According to recent Canadian mental health statistics, approximately 47% of youth aged 15 to 24 have reported experiencing cyberbullying. Furthermore, a study conducted by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research found that victims of online bullying (children or adults) are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. These statistics emphasize the detrimental impact of communicating aggressively or passive-aggressively online. This article presents some of the facts and urges us, collectively, to address this issue with the antidote to harassment and bullying – empathy.

Suffering Behind Screens - The consequences of online bullying go beyond the immediate emotional distress caused by hurtful comments and personal attacks. Cyberbullying can lead to social isolation, decreased selfesteem, academic difficulties for kids, and even physical harm in extreme cases. Moreover, the 24/7 nature of social media amplifies the reach and permanence of

hurtful messages, making it increasingly difficult for victims to escape the torment and find solace.

Flip the Script! Promoting Positive Communication Strategies - To combat the prevalence and harmful effects of online bullying, we can work to adopt positive forms of communication and conflict management. Some strategies that can foster a more supportive online environment are as follows:

• Empathy and Kindness: Encouraging empathy and kindness online can go a long way in preventing and addressing bullying. Teach children and young adults to treat others with respect, to understand the impact of their words, and to stand up healthfully against online harassment. As adults and community leaders, model this yourself.

• Digital Literacy: Promote digital literacy and educate students, families, and the community about responsible online behaviour, critical thinking, and media literacy. Learning to discern between reliable information and harmful content can help reduce the spread of cyberbullying.

• Open Dialogue: Foster open communication about the importance of online safety, the consequences of cyberbullying, and available support resources. Encouraging discussions around respectful communication can empower individuals to address conflicts constructively.

Adults As Role Models - Adults play a crucial role in shaping the online behaviour of young people. They must lead by example and be mindful of their actions on social media. Taking personal disputes or conflicts to public platforms can perpetuate a culture of aggression and hostility. Instead, adults can model respectful and solution-oriented approaches to conflict resolution, demonstrating the value of effective communication. If, as role models, we make mistakes (all of us are human,

after all), fix them and return strengthened to the group by owning behaviours and discussing mistakes – adding plans of action to move forward is a great start!

Collectively we can work towards a future where online platforms are spaces of kindness, understanding, and support, and though this may take time, healing, and learning to cope with and manage upset, it is a doable goal and hope for all of us.

Some things you can do when you witness online harassment are as follows:

• Consider how you can step in - to problem SOLVE - versus becoming part of the problem or co-ruminating around problems. Problems can be ‘contagious’ – If you are vulnerable, step away and protect yourself by not getting too close.

• If you cannot role model kindness and empathy, don’t weigh in. There are times we just know we will be triggered. In these cases, walk away.

• Try the 24-hour rule. Emotions are fleeting yet powerful – they can trick us into thinking we are right – if we lead with righteousness, we are in ego – come back to the conversation when you can lead with humility and empathy instead.

• Be curious and use the two most powerful questions on the planet when it comes to problem-solving: What do you need, and how can I help?Judy teaches communication, problem-solving, and conflict-management skills as part of school and workplace development. Reach out to see if this aspect of her Human Curriculum™ could help you, your family, school, community group, or workplace: judy@prairieskyeducation.ca OR find Judy online @ drjudyjaunzemsfernuk.