May 11, 2023 Digital Issue

Tipi Raising Ceremony Held to Honor and Learn About Indigenous Culture

Great Plains College offers a variety of courses within the Civic Centre in Martensville; however, on April 27th, PC staff, Adult Basic Education, Newcomer Essential Skills, Continuing Care Assistant and Newcomer Early Childhood Education students, along with Native Studies 30 students and staff from Martensville High School and members of Puddle Jumpers Preschool, also located within the Civic Centre, all participated in a Tipi Raising Ceremony. The ceremony took place in Treaty 6 Territory at Veterans Square in front of City Hall.

Prekindergarten in Martensville

Prekindergarten (Pre‐k) is a school‐based program for 3 and 4‐year‐old children (born in 2019 or 202 0) funded by the Ministry of Education.

For 2023/24, Pre‐k programs will be offered in Martensville at:

 Lake Vista Public School (16 spots)

 Venture Heights Elementary School (16 spots)

Both Pre‐k programs will be held in the morning and are operated by Prairie Spirit School Division.

Pre‐k is led by a professional teacher and is designed for children who would benefit from language and social skills programming. A selection committee will review applications and determine acceptance in the program, based on the Ministry’s criteria. Apply online at: register.spiritsd.ca. Application forms also available at each elementary school in Martensville. Deadline: Friday, May 19. For more information, contact Lake Vista Public School or Venture Heights Elementary School.

Lyndon J. Linklater, a traditional knowledge keeper and storyteller, was in attendance to lead the ceremony, which was held as a way to honor and learn about Indigenous culture, and to promote healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

RIGHT: Numerous people came together on April 27th to participate in a Tipi Raising Ceremony at Veteran’s Square in Martensville. (Facebook Photo)

City Hosts Amazing Race Challenge

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville hosted its annual Amazing Race this past Saturday, May 6th. This year 12 teams were registered.

Participants were given several challenges within Martensville throughout the day. The event started at the Heritage Centre where teams had to find their clue in the park, and once complete, they headed over to the MAP to locate an egg buried in the sand.

As the race progressed, teams visited the Library, Martensville Building & Home Supply, where they had to construct a planter, and then raced over to Forged Fitness to move some heavy weights from one side of the parking lot to the other.

Once they were finished, they played a game of Pig Snot with Martensville Youth Connection, then teams raced to Scrubs Auto & Pet Spa to run through the wand washes to complete the race.

“Teams had a lot of fun and so did the businesses who were involved. Congrats to Team Jenkins, Brooks Babes, and Average Joes for taking the top three spots,” said Jamie McCulloch, Recreation Program Coordinator II for the City of Martensville.

“We would like to thank those who hosted a station, as your contributions made the race one of the best. I would also like to thank our sponsors Lakeview Insurance, Catterall & Wright, and Kim Hardie Realty. Thank you again to everyone who participated, and we will see you next year!”

Sonia’s School of Ukrainian Dance Prepares for Year End Showcase

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

ABOVE: Amazing Race Martensville was back once again with a variety of new challenges for teams to complete throughout the community. (Submitted)

Sonia’s School of Ukrainian Dance (SSUD) will be hosting their year-end showcase on May 13th at the Warman Home Centre Communiplex at 1pm. This event will highlight 21 numbers from all 30 of the dancers who hail from Warman, Martensville, Osler, Dundurn, Saskatoon and surrounding areas. There will also be performances by special guests Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble, who the Sonia’s School of Dance instructors are alumni of and where many of the graduating dancers move on to once they graduate from Sonia’s.

“Proceeds from the 50/50 sale at our showcase will be going to Ukrainian Patriot, a group of Ukrainians and internationals working tirelessly to aid volunteers defending Ukraine and civilians caught in the crossfire,” Melanie Reeder of SSUD, stated.

This year marks the 41st year that SSUD has been sharing Ukrainian dance and culture with children and adults. “With the instructor team of Sonya Horner, Christina Hnatiuk, and Adam Breckner, SSUD dancers showcase their talent at multiple festivals, Folkfest, Ukrainian Day in the Park, Vesna, and local events. SSUD places a high priority on developing various skills and techniques, which challenges our dancers to achieve the highest level of performance. We strive to showcase and promote traditional Ukrainian dance from different regions of Ukraine, and create a fun, educational and family-friendly environment that harnesses the spirit and culture of Ukrainian dance,” Reeder explained.

SSUD offers dance opportunities for all ages, starting as young as three years old and all the way up to 90. Dancers meet on Thursday evenings in Warman with registration for the fall season opening up in June. More information can be found on Facebook, Instagram and online at www.ssud.weebly. com.

May 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.

Regular Council Meeting- May 16th

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

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

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.

Coyotes Spotted Within City Limits

Coyotes have been spotted in areas around Martensville. There are a number of things you can do if you have an encounter with a coyote and discourage them from coming near more populated areas.

• Do not approach, allow coyote to escape by identifying and maintaining escape routes

Never feed the animals

• Do not turn your back or run

• Act assertive, yell and wave your arms (act big, bad and loud)

• Keep pets away to avoid creating additional stress for the animal

• Ensure household garbage is securely stored in garbage bins, store bird seed, compost and pet food so it cannot be accessed.

Clean up fallen fruit

• Pick up dog feces and be aware that dog urine may also attract coyotes

• Do not allow your pets to roam freely, and keep dogs on leash

If the coyote is acting unusual (approaching people, limping, staggering or acting confused) do not approach, contact City Hall, or the regional Conservation Office or the RCMP outside regular business hours.

Please Watch for Signage around our Parks and pathways. We will continue to monitor activity going forward.

Street Sweeping Season

Street Sweeping will be underway in the community with the emphasis on an initial sweep and a focus on the arterial and collector roadways.

Sweeping will commence in residential areas so please watch for signs and posts in your neighbourhood. We ask that vehicles be removed from the streets on your ‘sweep’ day however tickets will not be issued, nor vehicles towed away.

Friendly reminder to please stay back from Street Sweeping equipment as crews work. For more information about street sweeping contact City Hall.

Organics/Green Bin Program and Pick-ups

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 running from May until the end of October Pick-up takes place on Tuesdays.

First Pick-up Day Northside- May 9th

First Pick-up Day Southside- May 16th

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.

Buster Days 2023, June 9th, 10th and 11th

Activities include a Slo-pitch Tournament, Beer Gardens, Inflatables, Fireworks, Parade, Pancake Breakfast, Strongman Provincial Qualifier Competition, Corgi Races, and so much more!

Consider helping out as a volunteer and be part of Martensville’s main annual community event.

Visit busterdays.com for more information and schedule of the weekend’s events. Thank you to all volunteers and sponsors!

Lions Club Donates to New Horizons Senior Centre

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The New Horizons Senior Centre in Martensville had the opportunity to purchase some items to make things a little easier in the building thanks to a sizeable donation made by the Martensville & District Lions Club.

The money was used to purchase two carts, one each for transporting folding tables and chairs. “The donations makes it so much easier to set up and take down for the seniors and the folks who rent the hall from time to time,” Ray Wilgenbusch of the New Horizons Senior Centre said.

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Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca

ABOVE: The Martensville & District Lions Club recently made a sizeable donation to the New Horizons Senior Centre in Martensville. Left to Right: Leslie Truitt, Syl Serblowski, Ed Nowakowski, Geoff Passy, Joe Reddekopp, Ray Wilgenhusch. Front: Carol Conrad. (Photo Submitted)

MHS Students Experience a Different Kind of Party

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

On Thursday, May 4th, students at Martensville High School (MHS) got to experience a P.A.R.T.Y…. but this P.A.R.T.Y. was different.

P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) Program is about prevention and awareness and learning through emotional and vivid experience. Partnered with schools and community organizations, it is coordinated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority Acquired Brain Injury Services

Education & Prevention to help educate students in Grade 10 how to make better choices and manage risks.

Students get to learn from real people and their very real experiences. This P.A.R.T.Y. took MHS students to a mock accident scenario designed as realistically as possible, giving students a true picture of the reality of what really happens at a crash scene.

This licensed injury prevention program for high school students was developed by the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto.

“It’s grounded in the belief that 90% of injuries are predictable and preventable. Preventable injury is the leading cause of death and disability in young people in Canada. Our goal at P.A.R.T.Y. is to help students recognize and reduce the potential consequences of risktaking behaviors by sharing information that’s honest, straight-forward and accurate. The day is interactive and experiential, which really resonates with students and keeps them engaged,” said Lisa McGowan, Education & Prevention Coordinator/Health Educator with Sask Central Acquired Brain Injury Services.

Deputy Fire Chief Dean Brooman guided the students during the mock accident scenario explaining to them what they need to do when there is a vehicle crash and how emergency responders tend to the situation.

“We have participated in this program in the past and think it is a great opportunity to show students not only what we do, but to learn from a lot of different professionals,” Brooman said.

The mock accident scenario started in front of Martensville High School with a vehicle lying on its’ side, two victims outside the vehicle, one trapped inside (mannequin) and one who walked away from the scene. Martensville Fire Department did an extrication of the vehicle to remove a trapped patient as students participated in the mock accident scenario. Victims of the ‘accident’ were played by student actors who were assessed, rescued, and treated at the scene by Martensville

Fire Department (MFD) first responders and paramedics with Medavie West Health Services along with the RCMP who assisted the ‘accident’.

The mock accident which was about 40 minutes long gave a visual and dramatic experience for students starting from making the 911 call to watching the experienced first responders arrive and treat the victims on scene, showing step by step what would happen if they were involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Students then participated in break-out sessions after the mock scenario, with speakers from health care and law enforcement. These hands-on activities using adaptive devices gave students the experience of exactly what it would be like to live with and recover from an injury.

In the afternoon, students got to hear from Kayley Lawrenz, a young woman who became a quadriplegic at age 16, after being an unbelted passenger in a truck and was ejected when the driver lost control on a gravel road. Lou and Linda Van de Vorst also spoke to students about their experience losing their son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren following a collision with an impaired driver in 2016.

ABOVE: Members of the Martensville Fire Department were at Martensville High School to take part in the P.A.R.T.Y. Program where they did a demonstration for students. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

BELOW LEFT: Deputy Fire Chief Dean Brooman speaks to students about what takes place during a vehicle collision. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

Chamber of Commerce Hosts Awards Gala to Celebrate

Local Businesses

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The 2023 Prairie Sky BEXA Awards Gala took place on Saturday, May 6th with 165 people in attendance. A total of seven awards were presented to local businesses with the winners being:

Business of the Year - Paws Republic- Centre for Pets

Business Marketing - Darling Creations by Jenn

Community Involvement - Warman Home Centre LP

Customer Service - Breathe Better-Air Quality Specialists

New Business - Nova Physiotherapy

Small Business - Pretty Little Pieces

Employer of the Year - Direct Fencing Supply

“The room was filled with the colours of the Aurora Borealis. Shades of green and blue flooded the hall complimented by tables showcasing gorgeous floral centerpieces of orchids. The formal attire set the mood for the evening and highlighted the importance of celebrating our amazing business community,” Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce (PSCC) Executive Director Debbie Brown explained.

As guests of the gala arrived, they were presented with a glass of wine provided by Laskowski & Wright, along with appetizers by Buy-Low Foods. The meal was catered by Tena’s Catering and did not disappoint. A signature drink, the

“Fluffernutter”, was also available, which was selected by Paws Republic Centre for Pets.

The event was emceed by Shauna Foster from Rawlco Radio with musical entertainment provided by Kris Klyne. Stobbe Photography captured the memories from the evening and all finalists for each category were provided a photo by Northern Escape Photography as a keepsake.

When asked about the importance of events like this to celebrate local businesses, Brown responded, “The answer to this question is reflected in each person as they proceed to the stage to accept their award. Humble in their acceptance but glowing with pride. Our businesses devote their lives to providing products and services to the community. They are the thread that holds our economy together. For the community to nominate these businesses and celebrate their contribution and successes gives the businesses the motivation and resiliency to take on the many challenges.”

The PSCC is always working on bringing new opportunities to the region and is currently offering a ‘Mental Health in the Workplace Workshop’, with the next available workshop on May 18th from 1pm-3pm at the Warman Arts Centre. There is also an online course taking place called Destination Creation, which includes tips on marketing and advertising for business owners. The next big event for the PSCC will be their annual golf tournament that will be taking place on August 17th at the Legends Golf Course. Visit www.prairieskychamber.ca for more information.

Paws Republic Centre for Pets Offers Many Opportunities for Pet Owners

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Paws Republic Centre for Pets in Martensville just won Business of the Year at the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce BEXA Gala on Saturday, May 6th, and there is a reason why they were awarded this honor. At Paws Republic, there is never a shortage of options available when it comes to your furry family members.

There is always a variety of services available on a regular basis such as daycare, boarding, walk-in nail trims, and a wide range of training options, but there are also outside opportunities brought in. Earlier this year, Paws Republic brought Southern Alberta K9 First Aid in to offer a course for pet owners to help them be better prepared in emergency situations. The course was a sold-out success, so Kristine O’Brien, Paws Republic owner/operator, decided to bring them back in for another round of first aid training on June 2nd for $159. “The last one was really well attended, and she did such a great job, so we thought we would offer this again for anyone that may have missed it last time. It is a great course and provides so much information for those that attend. We are really lucky to have them coming out again,” O’Brien said.

In addition to this, local residents will have a chance to attend a training seminar with world renowned Sport Dog Trainer Jas Whiting, the founder of Prime Canine. “Jas Whiting is a world renowned Sport Dog trainer, GRC advocate, competitor, and Judge, with an even longer list of achievements in and out of the dog world. We are really excited to bring in some outside information and some amazing trainers from across the world,” O’Brien said.

This training seminar will take place at Camp Paws Republic from July 7-9 and will have two-day or three-day spots available with the option to participate in a working spot, where you bring your dog to participate, or an audit spot where you can watch and learn. The motto for this course is “Unlocking the Potential” and O’Brien noted that it is open to all levels to come, grow, learn and enjoy life together with their dogs. “Finding that connection with your dog is beyond just existing together. This helps learn how to develop a relationship with your dog and is going to be a really great opportunity for people and their pets.”

Another new option coming soon to Paws Republic is the option for pick-up and drop-off services for Martensville, Saskatoon and surrounding areas. Puppy Playzone is also being offered at Camp Paws Republic for puppies under 6 months of age and for the dogs that need a little extra help dealing with social situations, Paws Republic is offering Charm School. The purpose of this class is to help dogs that are reactive towards unfamiliar people, improve their confidence and social skills and teaches owners to handle their dogs appropriately.. Learn more about the wide array of options available at Paws Republic by visiting https://www.pawsrepublic.ca/ or following them on social media.

ABOVE: Business of the Year winners from Paws Republic Centre for Pets in Martensville. (Photo submitted)

Teachers’ Rally Should be a Bigger Problem Than it Seems

A crowd of more than 3,000 angry protesters in front of the Saskatchewan legislature would normally strike fear in the hearts of the governing politicians. Such large gatherings don’t happen very often and when they do, they tend to be a signal of a government in imminent peril.

The Keep our Doctors rally against the Cooperative Commonwealth Medicare bill in 1962 and the rally against Fair Share, Saskatchewan in 1991 were the last time we have seen crowds close to the size of the protesting teachers, parents and school trustees in front of the legislature last month.

That both previous large gatherings preceded the multi-term government losing power should be a further reason for unease for the 16-year Saskatchewan Party government. Moreover, this comes after a billion-dollar 2023-24 surplus budget in March that should easily give the government the capacity to address such issues.

Yet the Sask. Party government clearly isn’t reacting as though this is as big a problem as it appears to be and while it’s dangerous for a government to ignore a crowd of this size or assume it can spin its way out of what seems to be a major policy problem. One gets why the government, at least initially, isn’t taking this problem as serious as it likely should.

In an interview with the CBC Morning Edition’s Stefani Langenegger Monday morning after the Saturday protest, Education Minister Dustin Duncan did acknowledge the size of the gathering, but then quickly implied the large crowd at the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) organized event was largely driven by the upcoming teachers’ contract negotiations.

“They’re motivated to show their support, obviously,” Duncan told the CBC listeners. “There were other unions there as well.”

While such a large gathering is critical the government did attract representation from other unions as well as the NDP MLAs eager to jump out in front of this parade, the rally was far, far more than an effort by teachers to get more money.

Parents and school trustees were also there and most were on the same page in the thinking that the problem was a government underfunding education at a time of plenty.

One problem, however, may be that the teaching shortage/overcrowding is not as big a problem everywhere in the province. And where it is a problem may not make it an immediate political priority. Consider where we have seen a surge in enrolment in this province since September when the student count was supposedly set: Saskatoon Catholic (804 new students), Saskatoon Public (349), Regina Catholic (415) and Regina Public (563).

That’s 2,131 new students in the two cities, alone - enough to fill four brand new schools to brim. Perhaps one can’t necessarily fault Duncan and his Sask. Party government for not fully or accurately anticipating this surge caused by both students returning classes after COVID-19 and the influx in immigration adding to the numbers; however, what is the responsibility of any government is to react to any issue in a fair-minded and reasonable manner.

To date, this government hasn’t done so. One can’t help but wonder about the politics behind it. This is all happening in the cities where the Sask. Party government doesn’t have its strongest representation - especially in Regina where last month’s Insightrix Research survey showed the NDP surge to 57 points.

By contrast, the NDP is only at 26 per cent in popularity outside the cities, suggesting that its firm rural base is as solid as ever. There’s an interesting chicken and egg argument here as to what came first - the Sask. Party’s bad polling numbers in the cities or the crisis in areas like education, but bet that if those city-country numbers were reversed, we’d see the Sask. Party react differently. It’s sometimes hard to separate the politics from the policy.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Supporting Safer Communities

May 1 to 7 is Missing Persons Week in Saskatchewan with the theme “Never Forgotten: Honouring the Missing and Supporting Their Families.” This week is about raising awareness about missing persons and prevention and support services.

Our government continues to work to improve safety for communities and people across the province. The recently passed 2023-24 Provincial Budget includes important investments in safety for Saskatchewan communities.

Investments of $968.5 million will enhance the protection of persons and property across the province; included in this investment is the establishment of the new Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS). Consisting of about 70 officers, the SMS will support RCMP and municipal forces with a focus on rural and remote areas.

Expansions to Saskatchewan’s Crime Reduction Teams (CRT) and Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Teams (WEST) will also be funded to build on ongoing successes. Over the past year, these teams have apprehended numerous violent offenders and removed drugs and guns from our communities, helping make our province safer. The province’s third WEST unit will be established in Prince Albert this year, and a new CRT unit in the Battlefords region will join the other nine units across the province.

Our government continues to invest in initiatives to reduce the criminal use of firearms while protecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners. This year’s budget includes funding to administer the recently-passed Saskatchewan Firearms Act, which regulates licensing, storage, transportation and carrying of firearms. A provincial firearms regulatory system will be established to promote the safe and responsible use of firearms. The Act will also regulate seizure of firearms by federal government agents and ensure fair compensation for those firearms being seized. Ultimately, the Act will enhance public safety while supporting responsible firearms use and ownership. As we approach fire season, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has invested in a new waterscooping air tanker to help provide a stronger wildfire response. The new CL-215T will join a fleet of air tankers and bird-dog planes as part of the province’s fire response program. This year’s budget also invests in reopening the Parkland College firefighter training program in Melville, which will address the demand for firefighters across the province.

This budget includes an $8.8 million increase in annual funding to enhance Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in 31 communities across the province. This investment will help stabilize emergency services and modernize the system across the province. EMS providers in our communities are on the frontlines of patient care, a priority area for our government.

For survivors of interpersonal and sexual violence, the budget includes $27.5 million in supports and services. This includes funding to support second stage housing, including intervention and counselling services, for women and their children leaving interpersonal violence and abuse. This funding will be allocated to five community-based organizations across the province that do important work to support survivors. Violence and abuse have no place in our communities, and ensuring survivors have access to safe services is part of improving community safety across the province.

Investments in initiatives that help keep Saskatchewan communities and people safe ensure our province remains one of the best places to live, work and raise a family. For more information or to learn more about the 2023-24 Provincial Budget, please visit Saskatchewan.ca/budget.

Saskatchewan's Unemployment Rated Second Lowest Among Provinces

Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rate Reached 4.8 per cent; 5,600 Jobs Created Year-Over-Year

Newly released labour force numbers from Statistics Canada for April show strong, continued growth in Saskatchewan's economy, with 5,600 new jobs when compared to April 2022. All job growth was full time employment.

"Saskatchewan continues to impress with even more job growth in the face of national economic uncertainty, with 5,600 new jobs and the second lowest provincial unemployment rate," Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "With 25 months of consistent job growth, year-to-date merchandise and wholesale trade exports both up 30 per cent, and over 50 per cent increase to urban housing starts, Saskatchewan is proud of the story it has to tell of growth that works for everyone."

Saskatchewan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reached 4.8 per cent, tied for the second lowest among the provinces, and down from 5.4 per year from April 2022. The national unemployment rate averaged 5.0 per cent.

Off-reserve Indigenous employment was up 900, an increase of 1.4 per cent, marking 29 consecutive months of year-over-year increases. Off-reserve Indigenous employment reached 63,800, which was a record for the month of April.

When compared to April 2022, private sector employment increased by 9,700, up 3.0 per cent, with fulltime employment increasing by 8,800, up 1.9 per cent.

Major year-over-year gains were reported for; Professional, scientific and technical services, up 5,900, an increase of 22.3 per cent; Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas, up 2,600, an increase of 14.5 per cent; and Health care and social assistance, up 2,400, an increase of 2.7 per cent.

Earlier this week, Statistics Canada released the 2022 Real Gross Domestic Product report, showing Saskatchewan with the highest increase among provinces with a 5.7 per cent jump from 2021. Saskatchewan has also led the nation in several other key economic indicators recently. In February 2023, the province saw increases in wholesale trade by more than 30 per cent compared to February 2022, and merchandise exports increased by 9.0 per cent in March 2023 over March 2022.

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Social Media and the Impact on Our Mental Health

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. From scrolling through Instagram feeds and Snapchat to following Twitter timelines, we spend countless hours consuming and producing content on these platforms. While social media has undoubtedly brought people closer together, and made it easier to connect with others, there is growing concern about the impact it is having on our mental health.

Almost none of us are immune to the detrimental impact social media can have on us as individuals or within our families. According to a survey conducted by the Canadian Pediatric Society, 87% of Canadian teens use social media daily. Even more recently, The New York Times reported research that shows that “nearly all American teenagers engage with their peers through social media, with 97 percent going online every day and 46 percent reporting that they are online almost constantly.” (Spring, 2023). According to a recent survey conducted by the American Psychological Association - more than half of adults recognize that social media has a negative effect on their (and others) mental health. Studies have found that excessive social media use is linked to increased levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness; further, research shows that social media use is associated with decreased self-esteem and a higher risk of developing body image issues, among other concerns.

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This is something worth addressing. One of the main culprits behind these negative effects are the unrealistic standards and ideals that are perpetuated on social media. People often curate and present the best versions of themselves online, leading to feelings of inadequacy and insecurity in those who compare themselves to these unrealistic standards; this is particularly true when it comes to body image, with social media being linked to increased levels of body dissatisfaction and a higher risk of developing eating disorders in children and youth of all ages and genders.

Another issue can be the constant exposure to negative news and information. Social media algorithms prioritize sensational or emotionally charged content, leading to a barrage of negative news stories and divisive political content for willing consumers. When consuming visual media takes up much of our ‘downtime’ this can lead to feelings of helplessness, anxiety and depression, and even suicidal thoughts. It’s imperative, we begin to get out of our heads (aka media) and into situations that build connection and care.

If the above-noted statistics weren’t enough, researchers have also begun to examine the impact of social media on the adolescent brain. Studies show that excessive social media use can lead to changes in brain structure and even function, particularly in areas related to reward processing and impulse control. Furthermore, social media addiction has been linked to a range of negative outcomes, including decreased academic performance, and as alluded, social isolation. As educators, we are seeing the impacts of this in our schools and classrooms with almost all disorders of the mind on the rise.

So, what can we do about the negative effects of social media on our mental health? One solution is to set limits on our social media use and replace screen time with other healthy and fulfilling activities. Research shows that people who limit their social media use to 30 minutes per day experience significant improvements in their well-being[1]. We can also make a conscious effort to consume more positive and uplifting content and unfollow accounts that make us feel bad about ourselves.

Another solution is to spend more time connecting with ourselves, others, and nature. Studies have found that spending time in nature decreases levels of stress and increases levels of happiness and well-being[2]. Similarly, social support from friends and family has been shown to have a protective effect on our mental health. The more time we spend with others and outdoors the more protected we are from the detrimental impacts of social media use.

Here are my suggestions for things we can all do to lower our dependence on the device!

1. Talk: put the phones away when you are in the presence of people.

2. Walk: leave the device at home and wander, alone or with a friend.

3. Notice: notice the world around you. Look up. If people in your spaces are on their devices instead of connecting to each other - initiate conversation, a game, or even eye contact – smile at one other often.

Lastly, one fool proof way to move from device focused to detached is to look for experiences of awe: “Awe changes your sense of who you are. You start to realize, I’m not a separate person, I’m connected to all these people. If you’re looking for change, it’s a good emotion to seek.” (Dacher Keltner, Awe, 2023). My challenge to you this week is to experience awe at least once a day if you can. If you can’t find it close by head outside! It’s spring and awe is everywhere!

306-244-4950 Martensville, SK

Saskatchewan Celebrates National Nursing Week, May 8-14

Province’s Health Human Resources Action Plan Continues to Invest in Building a Stronger Healthcare Workforce

On National Nursing Week, the Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the unwavering dedication and commitment of nearly 18,000 nurses working across the province on the front lines of health care.

The theme this year for National Nursing Week is Our Nurses. Our Future. Building capacity within the health care system and strengthening the current and future health care workforce are top priorities for the Government of Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan's Health Human Resources (HHR) Action Plan continues to see positive results, including for nurses.

In 2022, the number of nurses of all designations practicing in Saskatchewan increased by nearly 600 year-over-year. Since 2007, the number of nurses practicing in the province has increased by more than 5,300, including over 3,700 more Registered Nurses. The number of Nurse Practitioners has more than tripled to 343 and the number of licensed practical nurses has increased by more than 58 per cent to over 4,000.

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our nurses who deliver high quality care every day to Saskatchewan patients,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said. “We have heard their calls for additional staffing and resources to meet patient care needs. We will continue to invest in Saskatchewan’s health care workforce to ensure our nurses feel supported.”

Key 2023-24 Budget investments include nearly $100 million across government to support Saskatchewan's Health Human Resources Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more health care workers, including nurses.

Over $22 million will support the continued implementation of 250 new full-time positions and enhancement of part-time positions to full-time in rural and remote areas around the province, first announced in September 2022. As of late April, nearly 120 of these positions have been filled, including Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs).

Saskatchewan's recruitment missions to the Philippines resulted in nearly 400 Filipino RNs committed to joining the provincial workforce. Filipino RNs who received conditional job offers will move through the RN Pathway, which includes language training, bridging education and licensing.

Improving connections and engagement with Saskatchewan's nursing students and recent graduates is also delivering positive results. Since December 2022, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has hired 186 Grad Nurses from the province and across Canada. A further 129 conditional job offers have been made to nursing students who will be graduating this spring.

This year’s budget also makes significant investments in health care training opportunities that are benefitting health care occupations. New funding of $28 million will support the continued implementation of the more than 550 new training seats in 18 high demand health occupations including Licensed Practical Nursing, first announced in January 2023. This builds on a $10 million investment to fund the second year of the 150 nursing seat expansion in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

"National Nursing Week is an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions nurses make across our health care system,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “We are grateful for our highly trained, dedicated Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Nurse Practitioners. We are making record investments to support them through our ambitious Health Human Resources Action Plan, and I am pleased that we’re seeing results in communities across our province.”

A $2 million investment will provide for the continued provision of incentives between $30,000 and $50,000 to recruit in nine high priority classifications, including RNs, RPNs, LPNs and NPs in rural and remote Saskatchewan, in exchange for a three-year return-of-service. Since launching last fall, the program has seen success with over 105 incentives approved to date.

The province also offers the Student Loan Forgiveness Program that encourages nurses and NPs to practice in rural or remote communities by forgiving up to $20,000 of their Saskatchewan Student Loans. Nurses and NPs who are eligible for the Student Loan Forgiveness Program may also qualify for the Graduate Retention Program that provides income tax credits of up to $20,000 to eligible graduates who live and work in Saskatchewan.

Details on opportunities for nursing and other health care professions, how to access them and more information on the province's HHR Action Plan are available at saskatchewan.ca/HHR.