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Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire ABOVE: An RV that caught on fire while driving was caught on camera on Thursday, June 17. See story on page 2.

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Page 2 - JUNE 24, 2021 - martensville messenger Box 970 37 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK SOK 2TO Phone:(306) 931-2166

Visit www.martensville.ca for more information

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

There has been continued progression around the delivery of vaccines with the increase in number of vaccine clinics and eligibility for the public expanding as vaccine becomes administered and available. The North Ridge Centre opened as an available vaccination centre hosting walk-in or appointment clinics. Please watch announcements regarding upcoming clinic dates and eligibility. A comprehensive resource is available at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine and includes information around vaccines as well as a gateway for online booking and what you should have ready prior to your vaccine. Bookings for vaccination can also be accessed by calling 1-833-SASKVAX Please continue to watch for updates for vaccine clinics in the area and for when you may be eligible to sign-up.

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

The City and the Province set tax mill rates which are applied to the property assessment values to determine the tax levy for city and education property tax. Detailed information about the 2021 Revaluation, Assessment, Taxes and the 2021 Budget can be found at Martensville.ca under, ‘Services for Residents, Property Tax and Assessment’. Property owners may also view their property report and assessment information online for at MySAMA & SAMAView. Questions about Assessment can be directed to City Hall at 931-2166, or SAMA directly at 933-5385.

July Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: The upcoming Council Schedule or location may be subject to change based around any potential new developments or ease of restrictions around the COVID-19 Pandemic. Anyone interested in attending is strongly encouraged to contact the City Clerk prior to planning to attend. Committe of the Whole - July 13 Regular Council Meeting - July 20 The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers in Martensville City Hall at 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5PM. Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda. To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details. The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca.

Meet Your MFD Firefighters

Each week, the Martensville Fire Department is doing a showcase on one of their members. Meet Noah Muench. Noah is currently working on his first year with the department as a firefighter/medic first responder. So far, Noah has enjoyed getting to know other members of the department and being able to give back to the community he grew up in. Outside of the MFD, Noah keeps busy working as a certified flight instructor with Mitchinson’s Flight Center in Saskatoon. In addition, he is also an educational assistant at École Holy Mary and is fluent in both English and French languages.

ABOVE: Noah Muench of the MFD

Civic Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic What You Should Know! City Hall is Open; however, with some guidelines currently in place. Continue to utilize online and contactless options when possible. Please do not visit City Hall if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19. Residents and Customers are encouraged to carry out transactions electronically such as online banking, preauthorized payments or TIPPS. Cheques may also be dropped off in the drop slot at City Hall. Use of Masks are Mandatory in Saskatchewan - Residents are required to wear nonmedical masks in indoor public spaces to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This is a Public Health Order and is subject to enforcement and fines. Health officials strongly recommend wearing a non-medical mask anywhere outside the home. Current Status of Public Facilities as of May 28th of Martensville City Hall are cancelled in Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Open City but Drop in and Pick-up programs Hours of Operation: accordance with Saskatchewan Re-Open Plan Aquatic Centre - Open North Ridge Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines Monday to Friday Heritage Centre - Provincial gathering guidelines 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sports Centre - Closed for the Season (Excluding Statutory Holidays) Wheatland Regional Library (located in the Civic Centre) - Open City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Business Property Tax and Utility Update

The City has re-implemented the suspension of interest on property taxes and utilies for commercial or industrial properties retroactive from November 2020 until July 31st, 2021. City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306-931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca during this time.

Quick Action From Bystanders Reduces Damage From Fire Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

On Thursday, June 17 at approximately 2:20pm, the Martensville Fire Department received a call regarding a trailer on fire on Centennial Drive North in front of Great Canadian Oil Change. Upon arriving at the scene, MFD witnessed an RV on fire; however, due to assistance from bystanders utilizing fire extinguishers, the fire was minimal. MFD ensured the fire was completely extinguished. “Due to the quick action of bystanders, and access to fire extinguishers, the

fire was limited to the engine compartment. This shows the importance of having fire extinguishers in businesses accessible and ready to be used,” MFD Deputy Fire Chief Dean Brooman stated. Security cameras at Phobia Auto Care caught the whole experience on video and shows the quick action of Phobia employees Graham, Allan, Derek and Connor, who ran to the fire to help extinguish the blaze. (Video can be found on martensvillemessenger.ca.)

ABOVE: Members of the MFD were called to an RV fire on June 17.

Local Doctor Reminds Residents to Re-Open in a Way That Fits Them Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger As of Tuesday, June 22nd, a total of 1,005,275 vaccines have been administered within the province and as of Sunday, June 20th, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that over 70 per cent of residents over the age of 18 had received their first dose and 69 per cent of all residents over the age of 12 had received their first dose, which meant that the full implementation of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Roadmap will officially occur on July 11. As of this day, all public health orders within the province will be removed, which includes the removal of the provincewide mandatory masking order and the removal of limits on events and gathering sizes. “As we are now so close to the final threshold, we are able to announce that Step 3 will be fully implemented on Sunday, July 11,” Premier Scott Moe said. “We are able to make this announcement because so many Saskatchewan residents have done their part by getting vaccinated, so I’d like to say thanks to Saskatchewan people. Over the past 15 months, Saskatchewan residents have diligently followed public health guidelines and restrictions, and over the past months they have followed through by getting vaccinated.” While restrictions will be lifting within the province, Doctor Allison Adamus of Martensville Collective Health and Wellness reminds residents that just because masks are not mandatory, it doesn’t mean they are banned. “Some people are not feeling safe with the changes in the restrictions, and it is important that we all be patient and kind with each other and realize that everyone is at different points in this pandemic. Some are more eager to get back to normal, and others are more cautious, so we just need to re-open in the way that fits us.” Although these public health orders will be lifted, it is important to remember that COVID is still very much a reality and to continue being vigilant in the fight against it. The Saskatchewan Health Authority reminds residents that optimal protection against COVID-19 comes from receiving both doses of the vaccine. Currently, all residents aged 12 and older are eligible for their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with only the Pfizer vaccine approved for ages 12-17. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are interchangeable, so SHA advises that residents who received either of these as their first dose should take whichever is available to them for their second dose, rather than wait for the same brand of vaccine. For those that received AstraZeneca as their first dose, they will have the option for any of the three options provided as their second dose. Being fully vaccinated does not prevent you from getting COVID, or from passing COVID along to another person; however, it is there to help reduce the severity of the infection. It is also recommended to receive your second dose once available due to an increasing risk of the Delta variant. Recently, the Government of Saskatchewan announced that if you are fully vaccinated, you may not have to isolate if you are a close contact to a positive case. Final decisions on this will be made on a case-by-case basis; however, Adamus took this news as a sign of one more way that normal life is returning. “We are starting to gain back some capacity within the healthcare system and there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” Adamus said. “We may start seeing a whole lot of health care workers taking well deserved holidays soon.” Adamus noted that right now, a major focus taking place is looking to remove any barriers that could possibly be preventing people from getting vaccinated. “There are definitely going to be people who have decided not to vaccinate, but if there are people who are wanting vaccination but are unable to get to it because of the times it is available, the locations, lack of childcare, or other various reasons, we need to be aware of that so that we can make changes to make it more attainable for those who are wanting it.” If this is something that rings true to you or someone you know, Adamus recommended mentioning your hurdle to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

martensville messenger - JUNE 24, 2021 - Page 3

In order to provide more opportunity, additional drive-thru and walk-in clinics have been made available within the province. Information about available locations can be found at www.saskatchewan.ca/drive-thru-vax. To book an appointment online, visit saskatchewan.ca/ COVID-19 vaccine or call 1-833-SASKVAX (1-833-727-5829) to book your appointment, 7 days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. You can also visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-pharmacies to find a list of participating pharmacies. At Martensville Collective Health and Wellness, they are looking forward to things returning to a slightly more familiar state of “normal” once again. “We have been so lucky that we have a group of people who really buckle down and get the work done, but it feels like we have been doing twice the amount of work when we need to talk to people on the phones and then bring them back into the clinic afterwards. We are looking forward to getting back to seeing patients like we used to. It has been hard to connect with people, and as family doctors, that is our biggest job, so we have felt the loss of connection just as much as everybody else and have been working extra hard to try to keep that there,” Adamus explained. Something to keep in mind that was seen throughout the pandemic was a drastic drop in cases of the flu. Adamus noted that rates of infections have gone down this year. “It is not because these things disappeared. It is because humans have done things differently this year. We saw a huge decrease of infections and we didn’t have to use medicine to get there. We have a lot of nonpharmacological ways of controlling these infections this year with staying home when you are sick, paying attention to washing our hands, using hand sanitizer, not doing things that we don’t need to do in large crowds, so there are a lot of good lessons that we have been able to learn and watch play-out this past year that we can’t forget going forward. Other changes this year also included an increase in mental health visits at MCHW. Although mental health visits have always been one of the top reasons for patient visits, MCHW has seen an increase in these appointments throughout the pandemic. In 2020-2021, mental health visits made up 37% of total visits, which was an increase from 18% in 2019 – pre-pandemic. For more updates from MCHW, follow them on Facebook at ‘Martensville Collective Health and Wellness, and for up-to-date information about COVID-19 within the province, visit www.saskatchewan.ca, or for vaccination information, visit www.stickittocovid.ca. Updates from Saskatchewan Health Authority can be found at www.saskhealthauthority.ca.

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Still Time to Register for MCRP 3 on 3 Hockey Tournament

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger The Martensville Community Recreation Project (MCRP) is excited to host their annual 3 on 3 Fall Hockey Tournament in Martensville. The event will run from August 29th - September 19th. The event hosts five divisions; U9, U11, U13, U15 and 15+. Each player will get to play seven fast paced games and receive a souvenir t-shirt at the end of the tournament. The cost to enter is $195. Joe Garchinski, MCRP representative, said there is room for 320 players and 250 spots have been spoken for so far. “We are not anticipating any COVID restrictions in light of the recent announcement from the province which is good news,” added Garchinski. Following the tournament, there will be a break for the September long weekend and play will resume on September 6th. Garchinski encourages anyone who wants to be a part of this event to register soon to avoid disappointment. If you have any questions please direct them to martensville3on3@gmail.com. All proceeds from the tournament will go towards the new rink facility.

Canada Day in Martensville

Martensville SK 306-244-4950

SPORTS ABOVE & BELOW: Sask Five Giants 15UAA and 13U AA played at the Mocon Diamonds in Martensville on a chilly Thursday evening, June 17. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

Submitted by Kristee Lynn Adrian Martensville Information & Visitor Centre Executive Director

This year is Canada’s 154th birthday, and we are excited to celebrate with you!! Check out the 13th annual Canada Day celebrations online and in person right here in Martensville!! Make sure to visit our Canada Day in Martensville Facebook Page as we lead up to the event; you have a chance to win prizes. https://www.facebook.com/ CanadaDayInMartensville/ We are busy planning a great day!! There will be lots of great FREE activities for all ages. The day kicks off in the afternoon with games, activities, history displays, physical activities, safety education, guest speakers and so much more. To add to this, we will have Canada Day cupcakes for the first 200 people. Keep watch for further details coming soon. The feature event of Canada Day in Martensville is the Kinsmen & District fireworks display and the Martensville Information & Visitor Centre's Cinema Under the Stars – a GIANT 3 storey inflatable movie screen. Once again, the Martensville Information and Visitor Centre is working hard to get a brand NEW animated movie. Last year’s celebration was such a success that the events will be drive – in style once again. It will be at the same location as last year, the Martensville Slo Pitch Ball Diamonds parking lot. Pack your vehicles and join the fun!! There is potential for a concession stand including popcorn, cotton candy, non alcoholic beverages and other snacks to enjoy. If this moves forward there will be glow sticks for purchase that will also be available throughout the evening. All proceeds support the programs and projects at the Martensville Information and Visitor Centre. Please watch for a more detailed list of events to come. Our Centre is minding COVID – 19 protocol and procedures and asks the same of the public. Keep in mind social distancing and sanitation restrictions in place. We are always looking for volunteers to help with planning this event and to help throughout the day. You can sign up for volunteer opportunities online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4BAFA82FA2FF2canada6. For further information please call the Martensville Information & Visitor Centre @ 306-242-0362 or email us at martensvilleinfo@sasktel.net.

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Prairie Spirit Appoints New Director of Education

The Prairie Spirit Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Darryl Bazylak as the new Director of Education for Prairie Spirit School Division, effective August 1, 2021. Lori Jeschke, the Division’s current Director, will retire at the end of July. “The Board is very pleased to congratulate Darryl on his appointment as Prairie Spirit’s Director of Education,” said Bernie Howe, Board Chair. “Prairie Spirit is fortunate to have Darryl join the Division with his extensive and varied experience, exceptional leadership skills and commitment to excellence and learning.” The Board also expressed appreciation to Lori Jeschke for her dedicated service as Director of Education for the past four years. “With her strong and steady leadership as Director, particularly through the pandemic, Lori has led our Division very well,” Howe added. Jeschke has worked in a variety of roles in Prairie Spirit throughout her 34year career in education. Bazylak brings a wealth of experience to his new position as a Director of Education, with demonstrated success in his roles as teacher, in-school administrator and Superintendent. He has worked in both elementary and high

schools. He worked at Oskāyak High School, an urban Aboriginal Cultural School in Saskatoon, for 10 years. “I am very much looking forward to meeting and learning from the students, staff and families of Prairie Spirit School Division,” he said. Bazylak is currently Superintendent - Human Resources Services at Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division. He has had the opportunity to provide leadership in several areas including human resources, learning services, facilities and technology. He completed a Master of Educational Foundations at the University of Saskatchewan in 2002. He has been actively involved in both community and educational communities where he has served on many professional committees and Boards. “I have had the privilege of learning from and with Darryl on committees and LEADS professional development. I appreciate his learning leadership stance and his passion for building connections and engagement in all he does,” said Jeschke. Prairie Spirit School Division serves over 11,000 students in 47 schools and 28 communities surrounding the City of Saskatoon.

Saskatchewan Provides $2 Million For Residential School Site Research On June 18, First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Minister Don McMorris announced that $2 million of provincial funding will be provided to the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) to support research into undocumented deaths and burials on formerly federally operated residential school locations in the province. The minister also called on the federal government to match this investment. “In the wake of last month’s discovery at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, it is clear that research and exploration into undocumented deaths and burials must be carried out in Saskatchewan,” McMorris said. “The $2 million announced today by the province of Saskatchewan will help ensure this work can begin, and help bring peace to those who suffered under the residential school system, and peace of mind to those who continue to suffer from its effects. I strongly call upon the federal government to immediately match these funds and help carry out this vitally important work in the province of Saskatchewan.” The FSIN has already identified the former residential schools of Muskowekwan, Onion Lake St. Anthony's, Beauval, Guy Hill, Lebret and Sturgeon Landing as possible sites for research. However, it is believed that the list of locations First Nations would like to investigate could increase. The funding announced today will be used to support the research into these, and future sites. Currently, the FSIN is putting together their approach to support First Nations and help carry out this research, as many Indigenous communities across the province have already announced their intention to carry out investigations into former school sites in their communities. "The Province of Saskatchewan has committed $2 million to begin the work and research necessary to bring these little lost souls some peace," FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said. "It’s a good start but much more will need to be done as Saskatchewan had one of the highest numbers of residential schools in the country. This work will take years to complete and proper ceremony and protocol must be followed at every site. Elders, knowledge keepers, survivors, their decsendents, and First Nations communities must be a part of this process every step of the way. This work is vital for many of these survivors who have been sharing their stories for years. We must come together to help them heal." In May, the Government Opening July 3 from 10am-5pm of Saskatchewan joined with the FSIN demanding the federal Official Opening at 11am with government take immediate Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor action on this issue. Open July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 The residential school from 10am to 5pm at your leisure system operated in Canada for more than a century. The federal government reports that 150,000 $10/person - Free Admission for Ages 12 and under Indigenous children were - Self-Guided Tours removed and separated from - Gift Shop their families and communities to - Museum attend these schools. The Truth - Food and Beverages and Reconciliation Commission - Saskatchewan Scenery estimates that approximately 20 federal residential schools Ph: 306-497-7747 • Email: info@doukhobordugouthouse.com operated in Saskatchewan from www.doukhobordugouthouse.com the 1880s to the 1990s.

martensville messenger - JUNE 24, 2021 - Page 5

Martensville High School Student Receives Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Industry Scholarship

Brooklynn Zaleschuk of Martensville High School is one of one hundred high school graduates from 79 communities across the province that will be receiving Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarships. The scholarship program, launched in 2009, is overseen by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC). Scholarships are presented to SYA program participants who plan to pursue careers in the skilled trades. "On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, congratulations to the 2020-21 scholarship recipients; we're sending best wishes as you wrap up this chapter and begin your careers as skilled tradespeople," Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Skilled tradespeople will play an important role in our province's economic recovery ABOVE: Brooklyn Zaleschuk following the COVID-19 pandemic. We're proud you'll be part of that." SYA Industry Scholarships are unique - students redeem them for $1,000 within two years of graduation by actively embarking on a career in the skilled trades, either by registering as an apprentice and completing Level 1 technical training or by completing a pre-employment course in a trade designated in Saskatchewan. "Through the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship program, I have gained first-hand experience in a variety of trades," Zaleschuk said. "This program has helped narrow my career path to wanting to pursue heavy duty mechanics after I graduate high school. I am extremely grateful to have received a 2021 SYA Industry Scholarship as this will allow me to focus on my goal of obtaining journeyperson certification. As a female in the trades, I look forward to being a role model to other females who are interested in pursuing a career in the trades." The SYA program, which includes 12 activities, enhances students' understanding of apprenticeship and the skilled trades. Among other activities, students complete Practical and Applied Arts courses; interview a journeyperson; research and write a report on a designated trade; and complete the Young Worker Readiness certificate. Students who complete SYA and register as apprentices in Saskatchewan within five years of graduation receive valuable benefits - their apprenticeship registration fee and Level 1 technical training tuition are waived, and they're awarded 300 trade time hours. The scholarship program is supported by industry sponsors and the Government of Saskatchewan. Fifty-nine industry sponsors have invested nearly $750,000 into the scholarship fund. The Government of Saskatchewan has also invested through the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunities Scholarship, bringing total contributions to $1.2 million. "The Commission Board of Directors extends its congratulations to this year's scholarship recipients," SATCC Board Chair Drew Tiefenbach said. "We are so glad you've decided to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Skilled tradespeople perform essential work that benefits our province and its citizens. I also want to recognize and thank our industry partners for their significant financial contributions to the scholarship fund." T h e r e are more than 300 schools and nearly 4,500 students currently registered in the SYA program. To learn more about SYA, please visit www. saskapprenticeship. c a / y o u t h _ apprentices or call 1-877-363-0536.

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MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature June 20: Step 2 of Re-Opening

Tragic RCMP Death Provides Needed Perspective RCMP Constable Shelby Patton died in the line of duty in Wolseley on June 12. The 24-year-old officer was dispatched around 7:50 a.m. to pursue a report of a stolen white Ford F250 pickup truck from Manitoba in Wolseley, according to press release from the Indian Head RCMP detachment where he was based. The vehicle struck Patton and left the scene. Police and emergency medical services were called and people tried to administer first aid, but Patton went into cardiac arrest and died right there. Alphonse Stanley Traverse, 41, and Marlene Velma Louise Pagee, 42 of Winnipeg have been charged with manslaughter for allegedly striking and killing Patton. The suspects were arrested two hours later after a farmer near Odessa reported trespassers in a white pickup had entered his property and stolen his truck. The white pickup was recovered in a field near Francis about one kilometre away from the farmer’s abandoned truck. After appearing in Regina Provincial Court making separate court appearances last week, Traverse and Pagee were remanded in custody. Both will return to court this week. In addition to the manslaughter charge, Traverse and Pagee have been charged with manslaughter, failure to stop after an accident resulting in death, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property over $5,000, and breach of undertaking for leaving the province of Manitoba. The cold facts of the matter tell a tragic tale, but there is much more context needed to understand what policing is like — especially in rural or remote communities — and what such officers mean to these communities. This event sent the communities of Indian Head and Wolseley into mourning — not just because Patton was an RCMP officer but also because he had become a valued part of the community. It often happens this way in small towns and small cities in Saskatchewan with RCMP detachments. Yes, they are police officers and, as such, they have traditionally been expected to limit their social interaction out of concern that it could interfere with their duties. There can also be a sometimes-uneasy relationship with the locals and the RCMP. As with any police force anywhere, relationships are never going to be perfect, but the sincere outpouring of grief in the community — and in the province, as a whole — is both important and telling. They donned red shirts in Patton’s honour, paid tribute at the spot where he was killed and stood in silence as his body was taken to rest. Similarly, RCMP officers lined Regina’s Dewdney Avenue where their training headquarters is located. Condolences poured out from every corner of the province, including from Premier Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan legislature. In one rather bizarre development, the City of Regina chose not to lower its flags to half-staff, explaining that its “flag policy does not include recognition of members of the RCMP who are killed in the line of duty” and an “exception would be considered if the fallen individual has been currently working in Regina and/or was born and raised here.” Officer Patton died in a neighbouring community just 60 miles away. Regina prides itself as the home of the RCMP, which should mean that this city should be especially cognizant of any RCMP officer anywhere sacrificing his life in the line of duty and maybe in a world where people are latching on to the rather nebulous notion of “Defund the Police”, it’s of added importance to acknowledge the risks associated with serving and protecting. This is not to say that Black Lives Matter protests in the U.S. do not have validity or that there isn’t policing issues in this country. It is to say that police — and especially RCMP in rural Saskatchewan — perform a critical role for us. We need to acknowledge their sacrifices — especially, the ultimate ones.

Saskatchewan is seeing success in the fight against COVID-19. A few weeks ago, Step 1 of our Re-Opening Roadmap began with household gathering limits expanding up to 10 people and attendance at worship services, public gatherings, and table limits at restaurants all increasing. Youth and adult outdoor sports were able to resume as well. On June 20, Step 2 of our Re-Opening Roadmap saw the removal of capacity limits on retail, personal care services, bars, and restaurants; further increases to private gathering sizes; and organized indoor sports and recreational activities allowed to resume. We are seeing, as more and more people are getting vaccinated, that we can safely re-open while continuing to drive down the spread of COVID-19. And while this is encouraging, it is no time for complacency. Residents who have not received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are strongly encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible so that we can return to our pre-pandemic lifestyles at the earliest opportunity. It is also equally important to get a second dose of the vaccine once you are eligible.

Saskatchewan Seeing Strongest Job Growth in Canada Saskatchewan's strong economy and balanced approach to COVID restrictions has resulted in our province posting the strongest job growth and lowest unemployment in Canada for the second consecutive month. Saskatchewan is leading Canada's economic recovery. In May, our province added 4100 new jobs with unemployment falling to 6.3 per cent. This is in stark contrast to the 68,000 jobs lost across the country. Saskatchewan employers are hiring and recent private sector investments, worth billions of dollars, will create thousands of more good jobs and opportunities for Saskatchewan people in the months and years ahead.

Enhancing Recreational Opportunities in Saskatchewan Parks This year is set to be a busy one for businesses operating in Saskatchewan Provincial Parks, with a variety of new and unique offerings taking the visitor experience to the next level. In addition to the existing businesses Sask Parks visitors have come to know and love, this year, visitors can expect to see the following new offerings: • Prairie Paragliding at Blackstrap Provincial Park; • Sailing instruction by Living Sky Sailing School at Elbow Harbour Recreation Site; • Aquatic Adventures new inflatable water parks at The Battlefords, Buffalo Pound, Duck Mountain and Greenwater Lake provincial parks; • "Come Try it Days" run by Sask Rowing Association at multiple provincial parks; • Night sky photography classes at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park by Jazmin Lucasavich; • Luxury glamping tents at Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park, provided by Glamping Resorts Ltd.; • Wellness events and self-care products offered by Mother Wolf Soul and Body at Echo Valley Provincial Park; • Wellness retreats hosted by Back2Nature at Candle Lake and Pike Lake provincial parks; • Outdoor yoga classes for adults and children hosted at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park by Strong with Nature Yoga; • Zumba and yoga at Makwa Lake Provincial Park hosted by C-L-G Zumba Yoga Meditation; • Hillside Smoke 'n Que at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park operating at the Lower Chalet with competition style BBQ Food Truck services; • Bike repair and service at Buffalo Pound Lower Chalet provided by Velofix; and • Fresh Air Experience demonstrations and outdoor equipment sales at various provincial park and recreation sites throughout the province. Residents are reminded to follow COVID restrictions and public health guidelines for their area. The most recent guidelines can be found online at www.saskatchewan.ca.

Upgrading Provincial Highways Work is progressing on our government’s plan to construct 30 sets of passing lanes over the next two years. This includes five passing lanes on Highway 12 between Martensville and Hepburn, and another five passing lanes on Highway 14 between Saskatoon and Asquith. More than 1,350 km of provincial highways will be improved this year, the second of our government’s 10year Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 km of highways. I’m proud to say that our government is also making a significant investment to improve the quality of life for individuals managing diabetes and ease the financial impacts on families.

Support for Residents with Diabetes Recently, the province announced that it is now providing coverage for Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitors (CGM/FGM) and related supplies at no cost for children and youth under 18 who meet specific medical criteria. In addition, the Insulin Pump Program will now cover Type 1 diabetics of all ages who meet certain medical criteria. This year's budget includes a $5 million investment to expand supports for people with diabetes that will lessen the financial burden for Saskatchewan families dealing and living with diabetes. You can learn more online at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2021/june/01/enhanced-supports-for-saskatchewanresidents-with-diabetes.

Letter to the Editor

The Martensville Messenger welcomes letters to the editor for publication. Letters must be signed and a phone number and/or email address included so the writer’s identity can be verified. ALL letters are the opinion of the writer and NOT the Martensville Messenger. We reserve the right to edit letters for length, clarity or compliance with the current standards of public taste. Submit your letter to news@martensvillemessenger.ca or mail to Box 333 Martensville, SK S0K 2T0.

Page 8 - JUNE 24, 2021 - martensville messenger

POLICE

BEAT

Drug Investigation Leads to Multiple Arrests Members of the Saskatoon Integrated Crime Reduction Team (ICRT) have concluded a four week investigation into the drug trafficking activities of three males from Martensville and one male from Saskatoon. On June 17, 2021 two search warrants were executed in Martensville, with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, at addresses in the 800 block of Rockhill Lane and the 100 block of Hiebert Crescent. An additional search warrant was executed in Saskatoon in the 500 block of 24th Street East, with the assistance of the Saskatoon Police Service Tactical Support Unit.

A total of 287 grams of cocaine, 1389 grams of cutting agent, $6250 cash, cellular phones, digital scales, and packaging material consistent with drug trafficking were seized from the locations searched. The four males, aged 26, 20, 20 and 19 years old, are collectively facing a total of 14 drugrelated charges in relation to the investigation and evidence seized at the locations. ICRT is funded by the Government of Saskatchewan through the Ministry of Justice, Corrections and Policing. ICRT is an investigative body comprised of personnel from partner agencies from the Saskatoon Police Service and the RCMP ‘F’ Division.

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As a result of extensive investigation: • Billy Glenold-Fleury (DOB: August 9, 1989), • Mali Jean (DOB: April 18, 1988), • Kenny Jouthe (DOB: November 25, 1990), and • Bechir Ben Salah (DOB: april 9, 1989) Are each charged with: • Trafficking Persons, section 279.01(1) of the Criminal Code • Material Benefit from Trafficking in Persons, section 279.02(1) of the Criminal Code • Withholding or Destroying Identity Documents, 279.03(1) • and charges relating to participating in the activities of a Criminal Organization, section 467.11(1) of the Criminal Code

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Specific details relating to the charges laid will be presented as evidence in court. However, it is important to note there are many different facets of human trafficking, the most commonly known being sexual exploitation or sex trafficking, which is different from the charges laid to date for this specific investigation. Billy Glenold-Fleury, Mali Jean, Kenny Jouthe, and Bechir Ben Salah all have ties to Saskatchewan, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia. Anyone with information on this investigation or the whereabouts of these four individuals is asked to contact their local police service, ABOVE: Mali Jean RCMP Detachment or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. “Human trafficking is a crime which robs victims of their normal lives and freedom,” said Insp. Andrew Farquhar, Officer in Charge of RCMP FSOC. “Investigators also believe there may be other victims who have not been identified during the course ABOVE: Billy Glenoldof the investigation who are Fleury urged to come forward if they require any assistance. Victims don’t often identify as victims, and human trafficking-related crimes are often underreported, which can make investigating files of this nature incredibly challenging.” If you are a victim/survivor of forced prostitution or forced labour, or suspect someone else might be, call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010. The Hotline Response Advocates will connect callers to support and services and will also take tips, answer questions, and forward information, when appropriate, to law enforcement. You can also report suspected human trafficking to your local police service or Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-222-8477.

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CREATING SMILES IN MARTENSVILLE & AREA SINCE 2001

ABOVE: Bechir Ben Salah

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ABOVE: Kenny Jouthe