May 12, 2022

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Your City; Your Newspaper May 12, 2022

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COLLISION CLEAN UP Shanine Sealey/MM On Monday, May 9th at approximately 4:30pm, a twovehicle collision occurred on Highway 12 at the Lutheran Road intersection on the north-bound side of the highway.

Three people were injured in the collision, including one woman who was taken to the hospital with

undetermined injuries, as well as another woman and a child who were taken to hospital to be assessed.

Emergency crews, including Martensville Fire Department, Medavie Ambulance and RCMP were on scene to tend to the accident and clean up the area.

Now Booking for Summer of 2022!

• In-Floor Radiant Heating and Boiler Installations • Residential - Commercial - Farm Shops Visit www.nrgheating.ca to learn more Call Dan at 306-380-9089

Page 2 - MAY 12, 2022 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER Box 970 37 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK SOK 2TO Phone:(306) 931-2166

Visit www.martensville.ca for more information

Civic Services Under the Lifting of the Public Health Order - What You Should Know!

Saskatchewan’s current public health orders have been lifted, effective February 28, 2022.

City Hall and all civic facilities are open and available for business with the public. Civic facilities are a ‘mask-friendly’ environment, meaning the City of Martensville respects all individuals’ freedom to don a mask for their own comfort and safety.

Martensville Athletic Pavilion - Opened, including drop-in programs. Contact the MAP or Martensville.ca for information or questions about programs.

Please do not visit City Hall or public facilities if you are feeling unwell, experiencing flulike symptoms, or have been in contact with someone who is presumptive or tested positive for COVID-19.

After Hour Water and Sewer Emergencies- should still be directed through the Emergency line at City Hall, (306) 931-2166, ext.1.

Questions about Facilities or Programs? City Staff are available to work with the public via phone or email. Questions or inquiries can be directed to City Hall via phone (306931-2166) or inquiry@martensville.ca OR the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (306-6835576) or mapreception@martensville.ca.

Big Changes Coming for Water Meters

The City of Martensville is initiating a program where existing water meters will be replaced with new automated water meters. Neptune Technology Group will be installing the meters by area and will be contacting homeowners to make appointments for the change-out.

This project will begin in late February and be completed city-wide by July. To learn more, please check the information piece with your water bill or visit martensville.ca

May and June Council Meeting Dates Please Note: Council Meetings may be attended in-person but guests must wear a mask and should practice social distancing within Council Chambers. Those still wishing to attend but would wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk or visit the online agenda for the link to attend.

Regular Council Meeting- May 17th Regular Council Meeting- June 7th Committee of the Whole- June 14th Regular Council Meeting June 21st The Regular Council Meetings are located at Martensville City Hall Council Chambers in Martensville City Hall at 37 Centennial Dr. S. All meetings commence at 5 PM. Those wishing to address or do a presentation to Council must be placed on the agenda. To be placed on the agenda please contact the City Clerk’s office at City Hall or visit the website for details.

City of Martensville City Hall of Operation: The full Council and Committee of the WholeHours Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca.

Monday to Friday 9:00 AMUnderway! to 5:00 PM Organics Service is (Excluding Statutory Holidays) and May 13th for Organics pick-ups resumed on May 6th for the North-side of Martensville

the South-side. This service is scheduled on Fridays and alternates between north and south until the end of October. Organics is a subscription based program, to subscribe please contact City Hall Reminder!- Don’t miss your Pick-up Organics, Garbage or Recycling must be curbside on your pick-up day by 7AM to ensure it is taken. Pick-up times can be fairly regular but are not set and are subject to variation or changes.

Visit the ‘Waste and Recycling’ section on Martensville.ca for schedules or mor information

Street Sweeping Season

“Advertising doesn’t cost; it pays!”

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.

Is your business reaching its full potential?

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

Check out our website at www.martensville messenger.ca for online advertising options or call 306.668.1093

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

POLICE

Multiple Charges Laid in Friday Night Check Stop

On May 6th, officers from Corman Park Police Service, Dalmeny Police Service, RCMP, and U of S Protective Services conducted a joint check stop on Dalmeny Rd and TR 372-A. Police checked a large number of vehicles throughout the night resulting in the arrest of one impaired driver, as well as issuing two alcohol and one cannabis suspensions. Two arrest warrants were also executed. Sober drivers were gifted a token of appreciation from MADD volunteers from Saskatoon.

Police, in partnership with SGI, will continue to conduct impaired driving check stops throughout the spring and summer. Police remind people to enjoy yourselves but plan on having a sober driver to get you home safely.

ABOVE: A large number of vehicles were stopped during a joint check stop held May 6th on Dalmeny Road and TR 372-A. (Corman Park Police Service)

BEAT

Warman RCMP Seek Public Assistance

Warman RCMP are seeking assistance from the public after receiving multiple complaints about a silver sedan with persons shooting an airsoft gun at members of the public on the street that occurred on April 1st 2022, between 9:15pm and 10:30pm.

The vehicle (circled in photo below), with multiple masked persons inside, pulled up to the Cork and Kettle in Warman and drove past the front door and shot at two members of the public who were standing outside, injuring one individual. Shortly after the same vehicle drove down 1st avenue north in Warman and shot another member of the public walking down the street. Finally, the same vehicle pulled up beside another vehicle, threw rocks out the windows and shot at them with an airsoft gun.

If you have any information regarding this crime, please click the 'Contact Us' button on the Saskatchewan CrimeStoppers Facebook page or call 1-800-222-8477 to leave an anonymous tip. If your tip leads to an arrest or charge, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $2000.

For more unsolved crimes, wanted or missing persons, or to donate, please visit www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - MAY 12, 2022 - Page 3 Province Marks National Nursing Belong Lifestyle Closes Its Doors; Week, May 8 - 14 Government Continues to Invest In Training, Recruitment And Retention Of Nurses

In support of National Nursing Week, the Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the dedication and commitment of 16,900 nurses across the province for the incredible care they provide to residents every day. This year's budget included a variety of important initiatives, which demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting a robust nursing workforce.

"This week we celebrate nurses in our province for their many contributions to the health and well-being of residents, especially through the past two years," Health Minister Paul Merriman said. "I want to thank them for answering the call. Along with other health care providers, they are the foundation of our health system."

Significant investments in this year's provincial budget are dedicated to training, recruitment and retention of nurses, as the province continues to manage COVID-19 and takes steps to support the health system's recovery from its effects.

New funding in the 2022-23 budget will add 150 new nursing training seats: 124 for Registered Nurses (RNs), 16 for Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) and 10 for Nurse Practitioners (NP) offered through the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

"Thank you to everyone who is part of the training for our future human health resource professionals for all of your dedication," Advanced Education Minister Gene Makowsky said. "Expanding nurse training seats helps ensure post-secondary programs are aligned with the current and future needs of our province."

In addition to the 150 new nurse training opportunities, Saskatchewan supports 690 RN seats, 40 NP seats, and 56 RPN seats. There are also 231 licensed practical nurse training seats offered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, regional colleges, Dumont Technical Institute, and the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology in various training locations across the province.

This year’s budget also includes $1.5 million in new one-time funding for a recruitment incentive program, as part of a virtual recruitment initiative to attract qualified candidates from the Philippines for hard to fill critical health sector positions.

This initiative will include recruiting approximately 100 Registered Nurses.

“We have more nurses practising in the province than any other time in history, however we recognize that there is more work to do,” Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health Minister Everett Hindley said. “That’s why we have a four-point plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain health care workers to help get our system back on track.”

To support recruitment and retention of high priority health professions, including nursing, a new, independent agency will be established this year. The agency will collaborate with the Ministries of Health, Advanced Education and Immigration and Career Training, health care employers and communities to actively recruit across the province and the country, as well as overseas.

The province also supports a number of retention programs dedicated to nurses.

The Student Loan Forgiveness Program encourages nurses and nurse practitioners to practice in rural or remote communities by forgiving up to $20,000 of their Saskatchewan Student Loans. Over 140 nurses benefited from this program in 2021-22. Since 2013, a total of 462 nurses have received over $1.2 million from the program.

The Graduate Retention Program (GRP) provides income tax credits of up to $20,000 to graduates of eligible post-secondary programs who live and work in Saskatchewan. Since 2008, just over 10,000 GRP certificates were provided to graduates of nursing programs. Nurses and Nurse Practitioners who are eligible for the Student Loan Forgiveness Program may also qualify for the Graduate Retention Program.

According to the latest available data in 2020, there are approximately 4,300 (34 per cent) more nurses practising in Saskatchewan than in 2007. This includes Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.

Nurses are being recognized during National Nursing Week, May 8 to 14. The theme of this year's National Nursing Week is "#WeAnswerTheCall," showcasing the many roles that nurses play in a patient's health care journey.

May 12, the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, is designated as International Nurses Day.

Online Shopping Still Available Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

As an online shop, Belong Lifestyle never planned to open a storefront, but the opportunity came up in Martensville with the help of surrounding businesses. They initially opened shop beside Dahlia Salon & Spa in June of 2020, then to a bigger area beside Lakeview Insurance in the fall of 2020.

Owners Abbie Ginther and Deena Simar strived for women to be comfortable in their own skin - because women possess unique styles and different body types; they wanted every woman to be able to feel comfortable, current, confident and creative. Their motto at Belong Lifestyle is; Be seen.

Be heard. Be you!

They started out as a small online women's clothing shop in January of 2019 and throughout that year, they grew their online community and new collection of clothing in sizes XS to 3XL. “We provided free pick-up of apparel in Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Warman, our home communities.

We discovered that many women appreciated tips and tricks on styling their current closets so we began to offer online videos and fun through Instagram and Facebook,” Ginther explained.

They felt there was a need for a great shop for women at any age and stage. Belong Lifestyle saw much success the past two years in Martensville, and since that time the community has grown exponentially.

“We opened a second location, ‘Belong Boutique,’ which is located at 134-1824 McOrmond Drive

in University Heights in Saskatoon. Since Lakeview Insurance is expanding, it worked for both of us to let them have the space a little earlier than September. With our two storefronts so close geographically and with staffing challenges during Covid, we decided to consolidate to one location for now,” said Ginther.

Although it has closed its doors in Martensville on Saturday, May 7th, Belong Lifestyle will continue to offer online shopping with valley area pick up in Warman, doorstop delivery options in Martensville, Osler, Warman, and Hague.

“We want to say a huge thank you to Martensville and the surrounding area, as well as the businesses surrounding us that have been incredibly friendly, helpful, and supportive. From Soul Power letting us sublease their space to Dahlia offering us shelving and Lakeview and Sas Floral including us in their happenings, we loved being a part of the business community in the city of Martensville,” stated Simar.

They continue to grow their collection of inclusive style at their new location in Saskatoon and welcome everyone to come try new and innovative ways to shop including their latest venture, a clothing rental service called ‘Borrowed by Belong.’

“Thank you to Martensville and the surrounding area for all your support, encouragement, and for allowing us to learn and grow with you. We are proud to be a local women led company that now employs seven women, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate and highlight local women and their stories,” said Ginther.

You can follow along at @ belonglifestyle on Facebook or Instagram.

ABOVE: Belong Lifestyle in Martensville closed its doors on Saturday, May 7th.

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Page 4 - MAY 12, 2022 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

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KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD

Corman Park Fire Ban Does Not Include Martensville Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

There is currently a fire ban in the Rural Municipality of Corman Park, which was implemented as of April 28th.

This ban does not allow for any open flame fires to be lit within the RM until the ban is lifted. This includes fire pits, burning barrels, controlled burns and fireworks.

There is no ban in place for Martensville; however, this time of year can often be quite dry, and Martensville’s Deputy Fire Chief Dean Brooman reminds residents to take extra precautions when enjoying backyard fires, BBQ, fireworks and more.

When it comes to enjoying a backyard fire, Brooman advises that you ensure a proper fire pit is being used, which includes screen meshing over the top to prevent sparks from flying out, ensuring the proper wood is being used and to avoid burning leaves, garden refuge, grass clippings, etc. and also keeping items clear from the area.

22052WW0 “It is important to make sure you don’t have a bunch of stuff surrounding the fire pit, because it can definitely 22052WW1 happen that a spark can get in there, you go to bed and the next thing you know, you look out the window and your garage is on fire,” Brooman said.

Following a long winter, many people are excited to get outside and BBQ, but before firing up the grill, Brooman recommends doing a quick check of your BBQ to ensure it is well maintained and the propane tank is in good shape and not in need of replacement.

Other tips include disposing of cigarettes properly and picking appropriate weather if setting off fireworks.

For more information on setting off fireworks within Martensville, visit www.martensville.ca to read the bylaw.

“A lot of it is really just common sense. If something seems like it might not be the best idea, then it probably isn’t. If it is a dry, windy day, then wait for another day. If we all use common sense, we can all continue to be safe and enjoy our summer.”

Brooman noted that if a fire ban is ever issued in Martensville, the MFD will share the information via social media and other outlets to ensure the community is aware.

M

ARTENSVILLE

ESSENGER

Your City; Your Newspaper Box 333, Martensville, SK S0K 2T0 Phone: 306-668-1093 advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.

www.martensvillemessenger.ca Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year

Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca

Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit

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To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca

Martensville SK 306-244-4950

Martensville Fire Chief Encourages Residents to Sign Up For SaskAlert Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Fire Department will be utilizing the Government of Saskatchewan’s emergency public alert program SaskAlert from now on instead of their previous program ‘NotifyNow’.

SaskAlert notifies public regarding emergencies in real time, providing residents with information so they can protect themselves, their families and their property. Emergency alerts through this system will let you know what the emergency is, let you know where it is happening, provide instructions for you to follow to stay safe and advise you when the incident is over.

Martensville Fire Chief Kurtis Dyck explained that this switch was necessary to ensure that as many residents are reached as possible in an emergency situation. With the previous program, residents had to sign up in order to receive notifications; however, with the new system in place, critical broadcasts are sent to all cellphones, TV’s radios, etc. within a specific area.

“We weren’t getting enough numbers to really make a difference so people would know if something serious was going on. The goal is to reach as many people as possible in those kinds of situations, so we decided to see what our options were,” Dyck said.

Although critical broadcasts, such as an amber alert, or something similar, are sent out to everyone within a certain area, to receive emergency advisories, residents are still required to sign up and from there, can choose what alerts they want to receive.

The MFD has taken the training that allows them to send out emergency advisories to the community when needed.

“An example of a notice we would send would be if there was a fire nearby and we predict that the wind is going to turn direction and create a thick smoke in the area, we can send out an emergency advisory alert to notify people to close their windows,” Dyck explained.

NotifyNow is no longer being utilized, so Dyck recommends Martensville residents to download the SaskAlert app on their phones and sign up to ensure they are receiving all notices affecting the area.

2022 Summer Program Guide Available

Watch for the 2022 City of Martensville Summer Program Guide in mailboxes this week!

The Guide can also be viewed online through the City of Martensville and the Martensville Messenger.

Registration opens May 12th.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - MAY 12, 2022 - Page 5

Area Businesses Celebrated at Annual Awards

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce (PSCC) hosted their annual awards gala on Saturday, May 7th at the North Ridge Community Centre in Martensville.

The Business Excellence Awards, formerly known as the Warman, Martensville & Region Business Excellence Awards (WMBEXA) saw a packed house that night as ABOVE: The Business of the businesses from the area Year Award won by came together to celebrate Lakeview Insurance. one another.

The event was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, and was held virtually in 2021, therefore many were excited to get together in-person once again to attend the gala.

“The Prairie Sky Business Excellence Awards recognize the entrepreneurial passion, talent, dedication and tireless efforts of our business communities as well as celebrate growth. We come together as a community annually to recognize and celebrate our successes.

Award recognition provides business owners and their employees with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

This recognition also serves as a way of letting customers know that the businesses are working hard and appreciate the support, ” Jaycee Turtle, PSCC Chair, stated.

Finalists for each of the seven categories were announced in April, and after patiently waiting, the winners were announced at the Business Excellence Awards.

Non-Profit of the Year went to Warman Farmers Market, with the other finalists being; Martensville & District Lions Club, Martensville Farmers Market and Martensville Free Pantry.

The Community Involvement Award was won by Zak’s Home Hardware, who was up against finalists; Atlas Outdoors, Legends Pharmacy, McDowell Martial Arts, and Warman Home Centre.

Customer Service was awarded to Warman Home Centre. The other finalists for this award were Bo’s Pet Service, Breathe Better Specialists, Dahlia Salon, and Pretty Little Pieces.

The Business Marketing Award went to Pretty Little Pieces, with the other finalists being; Carter’s Counselling, Dahlia Salon, Rave BBQ Rubs and Team Iron Elles.

New Business of the Year was won by Laserology. The other finalists in this category were: Austin Reimer- REMAX, Darling Creations, Rave BBQ Rubs and Reign Academy.

Martensville business Dahlia Salon & Spa was awarded Employer of the Year, who edged out the other finalists; Lakeview Insurance, Legends Pharmacy, Warman Home Centre and Zak’s Home Hardware.

Lakeview Insurance won Business of the Year against other finalists; Legends Pharmacy, Prairie ICF, Warman Home Centre LP, and Zak’s Home Hardware.

ABOVE: Dahlia Salon and Spa was awarded Employer of the Year at the Business Excellence Awards, held May 6th.

Prior to the event, Lakeview Insurance joined in a friendly bet against fellow Business of the Year finalists Prairie ICF and Zak’s Home Hardware, which means that the two other businesses will now be donating $1000 each to Lakeview Insurance’s chosen organization SOS Prairie Rescue.

Inspired by this generosity, Lakeview Insurance decided to do some donations of their own, and provided $500 each to the Warman Food Bank and the Martensville Community Recreation Project; the organizations chosen by Prairie ICF and Zak’s Home Hardware.

For more information about the Business Excellence Awards, or about the PSCC, visit www. prairieskychamber.ca.

Doctors and Community Leaders Look to Legislature For Help Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Dr. Allison Adamus of Martensville Collective Health and Wellness has spent years fighting to bring health services and doctors to the communities of Martensville and Warman. Last week, Adamus, along with Dr. Smit of Legends Medical Clinic and Dr. Okunola visited the Saskatchewan Legislature as a guest of the NDP to present a petition bringing awareness to the need for these services.

Adamus has been working with NDP Health Critic Vicki Mowat for the past year discussing the eight year long struggle to bring doctors into the communities and was invited to the Legislature as Mowat’s guest to present the petition.

“We were excited to bring her 1496 signatures and even more proud to let her know that our communities rallied and accomplished this in one week,” Adamus stated.

While there, the doctors met with Premier Scott Moe, Ministers of Health and MLA Terry Jenson. “I was honoured to sit at a table with these leaders, my colleagues, and our city councilors as we brainstormed together unique solutions to our unique troubles,” said Adamus.

The close proximity of Martensville and Warman to Saskatoon is both a blessing and a curse in this situation, as there are health services nearby within Saskatoon; however, that isn’t always accessible for everyone. With a collective population of approximately 25,000 residents between Martensville and Warman, the two communities are in dire need of more physicians as they also serve residents in surrounding communities as well. The petition brought to legislature also noted that cities within similar populations often have double the number of doctors, along with at least one publicly funded health centre.

One item that Adamus has been working towards changing for years was also brought forward, which is to have Martensville and Warman removed from the list of excluded communities on all return of service agreements, which would make it possible for more doctors to serve within the communities.

Recently, MCHW had to shut down their walk-in option to the public due a shortage of doctors within the clinic, as two of the doctors currently working there will be leaving by the end of this month, leaving them with 2 full-time physicians and one part-time physician to serve approximately 12,000 residents.

ABOVE: Dr. Allison Adamus (FAR RIGHT), along with other local doctors and community leaders visited the Saskatchewan Legislature last week to present a petition to advocate the need for more doctors and health services within Martensville and Warman. (Facebook)

Following the visit to Regina, Adamus noted that she left feeling hopeful.

“In our 90 minutes together as a group, I felt that every one of those minutes was spent moving forward and I await with great expectation the things to come from our upcoming meetings as we each left with a task in hand.”

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Page 6 - MAY 12, 2022 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HOUSE IS Support the local businesses that support your local newspaper.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - MAY 12, 2022 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature Exploration of Small Modular Reactors Continues

Moe Pressure From Right And Other Directions

There’s little doubt the Premier Scott Moe is feeling political pressure from the right, but in politics, pressure can come from all directions in politics as has been recently evident.

Consider last week’s decision by Moe’s Saskatchewan Party to implement a much-larger minimum wage hike that will take the current $11.81-an-hour minimum wage to $13 an hour on Oct. 1 and raise it by $1 an hour each year until it hits $15 an hour on Oct. 1, 2024.

A low minimum wage has been a fundamental tenet of not only conservative politics in this province but also Saskatchewan governments in general. (The minimum wage was only $7.95 an hour when the Sask. Party took over from the NDP in the fall of 2007.)

But while a conservative, pro-small business party like the Sask. Party may be even less inclined to raise the minimum wage, labour shortages and high inflation have somewhat changed the game.

When the game gets changed, politicians feel pressured to adjust their positions. So a mere month after this government was still saying there was no reason for dramatic minimum wage hikes, it has opted for dramatic hikes.

Sometimes, the pressure simply comes from the magnitude of an event. This seems the case with the groundshaking U.S. Supreme Court draft decision to potentially overturn Roe vs. Wade - the half-century-old Supreme Court decision that granted abortion rights to women across America.

This is an issue that conservative parties across this country have often tried to avoid, notwithstanding considerable support within their ranks that push to have abortion laws overturned in this country.

The U.S. abortion debate is now pressuring conservatives in this country to take a stand one way or the other, leaving a governing party like Moe’s Sask.

Party administration to say something that can appease most everyone. Interestingly, Status of Women Minister Laura Ross was sent before the cameras to espouse her own pro-choice view that “women have a right to choose.”

Unsurprisingly, Sask. Party MLAs with a different, more pro-life point of view did not talk.

What may be most interesting, however, is the greatest pressure Moe is facing may be coming from within.

Sure, there’s been some pressure from the NDP Opposition - especially on issues like affordability and health care suffering from a lingering pandemic that’s producing more hospitalizations than any other time in the last 26 months since the first COVID-19 cases; however, government has long dealt with such pressure. One might think by now it would be somewhat use to it.

What’s newer for Moe is pressure from not only the right but within his own ranks. Recently, Saskatchewan Rivers MLA Nadine Wilson - who was removed from the Sask. Party caucus last year for allegedly misleading the party on her vaccine status - raised a two-decade-old story about the then-opposition Sask. Party installing a spy camera in an MLA’s office in the legislature to a catch a thief.

While raising the issue, Wilson tabled affidavits from former Sask. Party MLAs Jason Dearborn and Dennis Allchurch - who represented Moe’s Rosthern-Shellbrook MLA before Moe defeated him a nomination in 2011 swearing the incident to be true.

As such, Moe had to admit the then-Sask. Party Opposition was chastised by the Sargeant-at-Arms at the time for not alerting building security. This is a touchy matter, given that the current Sask. Party government is now trying to pass legislation that would take security responsibilities away from the Sargeant-at-Arms and give it someone only accountable to a government minister.

Suffice to say, Moe did take this well. He suggested Wilson should resign her seat and seek a new mandate because she no longer represents the party she ran for.

That would seem a clear case of a government feeling pressure from within and pressure from within may be the most difficult pressure to absorb.

Saskatchewan is in a position of immense opportunity. Our Growth Plan has goals and actions to attract more jobs, people and investment. We have been fortunate to see major achievements already, with the 2020s shaping up to be Saskatchewan’s decade.

As we work to ensure the growth is sustainable for future generations, our government is exploring the future of energy production. We are promoting Saskatchewan-made innovations, supporting investment in our economy and partnering with other provinces to make advancements in clean technology.

With a growing population and economy comes a need for safe, reliable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy production. We have been working with the governments of Ontario, Alberta and New Brunswick to evaluate the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors, or SMRs. Currently, fossil fuels generate 76 per cent of our electricity here in Saskatchewan. SMRs are one way to help meet customer demand for reliable power while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This evaluation process takes time, and we do not expect a final decision on whether to build SMRs in Saskatchewan for several years. Properly engaging with Indigenous rights holders, stakeholders, and the public is a large part of this process.

Extensive planning will ensure the safe, responsible deployment and operation of this new source of emissions-free electricity that our growing province needs. If this new technology meets those criteria, the industry could put Saskatchewan at the forefront of nuclear research and innovation.

One of the major benefits of SMRs is that they can provide a baseload of sustainable, clean electricity to large, small and even remote off-grid communities or industrial sites. They are scalable, meaning they can be designed to support the immediate area or easily expanded to support the provincial electrical supply. A 300 Megawatt SMR can generate enough electricity each year to supply 300,000 homes. SMRs would complement renewable energy sources such as wind, solar or hydro, creating a reliable power network.

Additionally, this technology will utilize more Saskatchewan products. Northern Saskatchewan has large quantities of the best uranium on the planet. The world is already looking to our province for this natural resource.

By utilizing SMRs here at home, there is an opportunity to grow the industry further.

The proposed SMRs have the potential to create thousands of new jobs in mining, construction, facility operations, nuclear and non-nuclear supply chains, and research and development. Many of these new career opportunities will be in Northern Saskatchewan, creating billions of dollars in economic benefits.

Exploring the possibilities of reactor use is nothing new to our province. The Saskatchewan Research Council has been involved in this field for over four decades. The SLOWPOKE-2 research reactor was first commissioned in 1981 and was a tool for neutron analysis. Over that time, the reactor showed that nuclear technology is safe, reliable and sustainable.

Exploring SMRs will build on the research and development gained from operating the SLOWPOKE-2 research reactor. This is an opportunity to create and promote an entire industry from start to finish. We will continue to explore this exciting new field with a keen eye on safety, environmental impact and meeting the needs of our province. This is just one of the many fields in Saskatchewan’s expanding and diversifying economy.

Saskatchewan is growing, and our need for reliable utilities is on the rise. Our government is committed to exploring new ideas and innovations that everyone can benefit from. These advancements draw new industries to the province, creating more jobs and strengthening our communities.

Join the Martensville & District Lions Club for the 8th Annual Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides When: Sunday, May 29, 2022

1:30PM Registration/2:00PM Walk

Where: Lions Park

(415 6th Avenue South) Visit www.walkfordogguides.com for more information or to make a donation.

The Lions Club is accepting donations of cans and bottles to help support this event.

Contact call (306) 491-8914 or (306) 290-6766 to arrange pickup.

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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 - MAY 12, 2022 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

City Hosts Amazing Race Challenge Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville hosted its annual Amazing Race this past Saturday, May 7th.

Each year the event shows more interest with 15 teams entered this year, although three teams dropped out at the last minute due to the weather. Participants had to do seven challenges within Martensville.

The first challenge took place at the Heritage Centre where participants went on an egg search, looking for the name of an object that was given to them at the beginning of the race. The Heritage Centre was covered in eggs, making it challenging to find the three objects.

Teams had to solve a riddle in the second challenge that led them to the Martensville Library. Here

they had to locate 10 book spines and place them in order as they would appear on the shelf.

The third challenge had participants perform a song for the seniors at Martensville Care home where the seniors enjoyed the entertainment.

A picogram had to be solved first on the fourth challenge that led them to Martensville Liquidation, where there they had to locate an item. Participants solved another riddle that led them to Paws Republic where they participated in an obstacle course on the fifth challenge.

The last two challenges had participants heading to the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP) where they had to locate 11 letters. Once they unscrambled the 11

letters, they would learn the final location. The teams were divided into groups with the first race beginning at 1:00 pm and eight teams competing. Team Reddekopp took the first prize.

Four teams competed in the second race at 3:30 pm where four teams raced for the prize. Team Jenkins took first prize in that competition.

“Overall the day went very well, and the rain stayed away. We also had a prize for the best-dressed team. It was great to see that most teams participated,” said Raylene Dove, Recreation Program Coordinator II. Thank you to everyone who came out to participate. See you again next year!

Substance Abuse Treatment Unit Launched At Saskatoon Correctional Centre

ABOVE: Participants get ready to compete at the annual Amazing Race hosted by the City of Martensville on Saturday, May 7th. Photo submitted.

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A new Dedicated Substance Abuse Treatment Unit is being established at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre as part of the province's Gang Violence Reduction Strategy.

Dedicated Substance Abuse Treatment Units enhance community safety by providing supports and treatment to offenders dealing with addictions issues.

The new unit will begin programming on May 16, and its first intake will include 25 inmates. The program is five weeks long and will run daily from Monday to Friday.

"Addictions is one of the major root causes of crime and gang violence," Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell said. "We know from experience that treating offenders' addictions issues and related mental health concerns can reduce their involvement with the criminal justice system, and make Saskatchewan a safer place for everybody."

Programming in the unit will include behavioural therapy, relapse prevention, development of problem-solving skills, and goal-setting exercises.

Services will be delivered through a partnership between the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

Evaluation of the Dedicated Substance Abuse Treatment Unit program at the Regina Correctional Centre found that participants have a statistically significant lower rate of reoffending after release.

The first Dedicated Substance Abuse Treatment Unit became operational at the Regina Correctional Centre in 2008. Additional units were launched at Pine Grove Correctional Centre and Prince Albert Correctional Centre in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Other steps taken as part of the Gang Violence Reduction Strategy include providing outreach, intervention and prevention services to help people leave gangs through community partners; expanding the Crime Reduction Team initiative; and improving intelligence gathering and sharing between police agencies.

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