May 16, 2024

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Organics/Green Bin Pickups Underway

Green Bin pick-ups are now underway, alternating between North and South neighborhoods with pick ups scheduled on Tuesdays.

The Green Bin program is currently a subscription-based program that runs from May until October.

Those wishing to sign up for a Green Bin should contact City Hall. More information, including pick-up schedule and acceptable organics items, can be found on our Waste and Recycling page at Martensville.ca

Residential Fire Related Regulations

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

Regulations include:

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

- The burning of rubbish, leaves or clippings is prohibited

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recreation Program Update -

Buster Days is Coming! May 31st- June 2nd

Monster Garage Sale May 24th and 25th

The Spring Monster Garage Sale will take place on Friday, May 24th & Saturday, May 25th for the City of Martensville and the City of Warman. Register to have your sale advertised as part of this event.

Contact the Martensville Athletic Pavilion for details or to register.

Buster Days 2024, May 31st- June 2nd

A full slate of weekend activities for everyone in Martensville’s premier community event. Some of the features include the Family Swim Night, Party in the Park, the Buster Days Parade, Petting Zoo, Fun for All at the MAP, Old Time Dance and the Open Stage.

Visit Busterdays.com for more information and the full schedule of the weekend’s events.

Thank you to all Volunteers and Sponsors who make Buster Days a success!

Lutheran Early Learning Centre Preschool Has a Few Spots Still Available

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

Lutheran Early Learning Centre (LELC) Preschool registration for the 2024/2025 school year has begun and still has a few openings available.

The preschool program located in Venture Heights School is a play-based program for 3 and 4 year old children. The focus of their program is to provide children the opportunity to learn in an inclusive and welcoming environment through a combination of creative play times and structured “circle” times, which are based on daily, weekly, or monthly themes developed by observing the interests of the children.

“We run a Play and Exploration program, which means it is studentdirected learning. We aim for open-ended play, not task oriented, so that we can focus on the learning process, not the end outcome. This allows children to discover and explore the things that are interesting to them, so that we can expand their knowledge and interests through that play,” said Lori Dyck, Director with Lutheran Early Learning Centers Inc.

Because this is a very inquisitive age, many questions are posed to make them think and work through problems that arise, and many questions are asked to aid in the learning process.

“By enabling them to learn through play and exploration, it builds selfconfidence, collaboration skills, problem solving skills, social skills, and many others benefits. Our classroom environment provides children with a calm, stressfree, homey environment filled with open ended recourses allowing children to play, learn and challenge all their senses and think for themselves,” Dyck added.

LELC is looking to fill the three-day program; Monday, Wednesday, Friday morning class, (9:30-11:30am for $120/month), two-day program; Tuesday and Thursday morning class, (9:30am-11:30am class) for $95/month and the five day a week afternoon class Monday to Friday from 1-3pm for $215/month.

Please contact Miss Lori at 306-931-4633 or email lori.martensville@ lelc or visit www.lutheranearlylearningcenters.com.

Landscaping or Back-Yard Project This Spring?What You May Need to Know

Property owners looking at landscaping or construction projects must secure a permit to access their property across public spaces or parks. The Access to Private Property Through Open Spaces Bylaw serves as a framework for property owners, allowing access to their property for home or yard projects while overseeing public areas to mitigate and address any potential damages or use of public spaces for project staging purposes.

Please contact City Hall for more information about this permit.

Don’t Get Missed on Garbage/Recycling Day

A few reminders to ensure you don’t miss your scheduled pick-up day:

• Have the cart curbside by 7AM on collection day

• Do not overfill carts. The lid must be closed to ensure contents cannot fall out of the bin, or spill onto roadways or against the garbage truck. Bins that are overfilled will not be picked up.

• Bag all trash and place inside the cart, bagged or unbagged garbage placed beside, in front, or on top of the cart will not be collected.

May and June Council Meeting Dates

Please Note: Council Meetings may be attended in person, and guests may wear a mask if desired within Council Chambers. Those still wishing to attend but wish to do so virtually should contact the City Clerk or visit the online agenda for the link to attend.

May 21st- Regular Council Meeting

June 4th – Regular Council Meeting

June 11th -Committee of the Whole Meeting

June 18th – Regular Council Meeting

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

Those wishing to address or present 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

Council Discusses Yard Waste Site and Pound Options at Committee of the Whole Meeting

The City of Martensville held their monthly Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, May 14th. The meeting began with a Discretionary Use – request for Decision from the Martensville Curling Club regarding the placement of a shipping container at the Martensville Sports Centre for storage purposes. The MCC’s current storage building is in disrepair and has leaks, which is causing damage to the equipment located within.

The next item on the agenda was regarding the 2024-25 Sask Lotteries Grant Funding allocation. This year, the City of Martensville was allocated $84,508, which is based on a per capita formula. Local community groups, organizations, sports teams, schools, etc. can submit requests for funding, which include details regarding their projects through the Parks & Recreation Department. Upon completion of each project, groups are required to complete follow-up reports, which include receipts for submission to Sask Lotteries.

Council then discussed an amendment to the 2024 Capital Budget, which had funds allocated for the purchase of a $200,000 municipal sidewalk clearer, which now, will not be available until 2025. Administration requested that $90,000 of these funds be deferred and used towards other expense throughout the community. Projects include electrical upgrades at the Civic Centre, repair/replacement of Civic Centre doors, an assessment and furnace replacement at the RCMP building, repair damaged curtains at the MAP, replacement of turf at the pump track, replacement of dugouts at the Chrome Dome, and sport field upgrades.

The City of Martensville provides a few yard waste dumping sites for residents to utilize; however, throughout the years, there have been ongoing issues with this space being filled with waste from contractors, as well as the contamination of the site with Elm wood. Due to contamination, the material on site was disposed of in a controlled burn. Council was asked to provide direction on options regarding this location, which could include limiting the hours this location would be made available, not accepting wood/branches (only leaves and grass clippings), staffing the site, or closing the site permanently.

The last item on the agenda was regarding the Animal Control Bylaw, and Animal Pound Agreement. According to the report to Council provided by Martensville Fire Chief Kurtis Dyck, the SPCA is listed in the bylaw as the City’s pound; however, they have not been utilized for numerous years, as they were previously unable to meet the City’s needs. In 2023, the SPCA contacted the City notifying them that circumstances had changed, and wanted to resume services. In the interim, Paws Republic Centre for Pets has been working with the City of Martensville to house at large animals from within the community.

A Request for Proposals was made for pound services in Martensville, which the SPCA submitted. The report to Council noted that Paws Republic had not submitted a proposal, as they do not operate as an animal pound; however, they would be interested in providing temporary housing for the animals.

Administration is asking Council for direction regarding an agreement between the SPCA and Paws Republic that would see animals be held at Paws Republic for a 24-hour period. If no owner claims them within this timeframe, they would be transported to the SPCA and held for three days, after-which, the SPCA would take over responsibility of the animal.

martensville.ca

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Take Part in the Community Garage Sale

Jocelyn Ottenbreit,

Martensville Messenger

The Spring Monster Garage Sale is back and will take place on Friday, May 24th and Saturday, May 25th in both the City of Martensville and the City of Warman.

The registration fee is $5, which includes your address listed on the flyer along with the map of Martensville, balloons, and a Monster Garage Sale sign.

Flyers will be available for pick up at various gas stations, the MAP, and City Hall. To register, you can visit the MAP or City Hall, or sign up online at www. martensville.ca by May 23rd. If you register online, you can stop in at the MAP to pick up your sign and balloons the week of the garage sale.

Thank you to our Community Champions North Prairie Developments and CANWEST.

Vendors Still Welcome for Martensville Summer Market

The Martensville Summer Market will kick off their 2024 season on June 22nd and will operate each Saturday throughout the summer from 10am-1pm in the parking lot of the Corner Store at 301 Centennial Drive North.

Vendors or food trucks are still welcome to sign up, and committed part-time vendors are welcome as well, if you are unable to make it every week.

“We invite local and rural businesses, organizations and groups to showcase their products or services at our market location throughout the summer months. Take advantage of this opportunity to promote your offerings to a large audience,” the Martensville Summer Market stated.

Vendors of all types are welcome, from crafts, food products, fruits, home décor and more. Businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores or beverage establishments are also welcome to come and host a tasting to help promote their products.

The Martensville Summer Market is also looking to help promote any local community organizations, sports teams or service groups looking to bring awareness or fundraise.

The Summer Market will provide a variety of products including vegetables, fruits, crafts, baking and much more.

For more information, contact the Martensville Summer Market on Facebook, email martensvillefarmersmarket@gmail.com, or call/text Market Manager Marjan Petter at (306) 260-7395.

Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons locations across Canada took part in Smile Cookie Week from April 29th to May 5th, with 100% of all funds raised through this initiative going towards supporting a variety of organizations throughout the country.

In total, Smile Cookie Week helped raise approximately $18.8 million, all of which will go to over 600 local charities and community groups.

The Martensville Tim Hortons location was raising funds for Make-A-Wish Canada.

Regional Race Raises Money for KidSport

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville, along with North Prairie Developments CANWEST, hosted their annual Regional Run/Ride on Saturday, May 11th.

Starting at 8:30am, participants began signing in for the race at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion followed with a stretch/warmup ran by Jamie McCulloch, Recreation Program Coordinator ll.

With 70 participants ready to go, the race began at 9am. There was police and fire presence on Mierau

Road and Range Road 3051 from about 9:15-9:45 am as the runners, walkers, and bikers passed through.

“Over $1200 was raised from the Regional Race to go to our local KidSport, said McCulloch. “It was a great day, and the weather was wonderful.”

“Thank you to RCMP, Warman and Martensville Fire Crews, and a big thank you to our sponsors North Prairie Developments, CANWEST, Lakeview Insurance Brokers, and to SaskWater for sponsoring the after race Refuel bags!”

The Summer Market is still accepting vendors for the 2024 operating season.

ABOVE: Approximately 70 participants were excited to take part in the annual Regional Race between Martensville and Warman on Saturday, May 11th. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM)

BELOW:

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Numerous Ways to Help Support Pop-Up Rescue Project

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The Pop-Up Rescue Project held an adoption event over the weekend at Camp Paws Republic.

The remaining dogs from the rescue of over 150 dogs from a northern community were on hand so those visiting could have a chance to meet all of the adorable pups that are still waiting to find a home.

In addition for the opportunity to meet, walk, snuggle and support the dogs; there was also a barbeque, swag, socializing and more.

Unfortunately due to the weather, the event was cut a little short, but despite this, all of the dogs had a great time enjoying the outdoors, all of the affection and of course they each got their own hotdog.

On June 9th, there will be a unique fundraiser held for the Pop-Up Rescue. The ‘Treats, Toys, Tattoos’ event will take place at Pet Valu Brighton. Tickets to attend will be $50, which includes a bag of treats, a brand-new toy for your pet, a fresh inkpad to capture your pet’s paw or nose print, an item to donate to the Pop-Up Rescue Project, as well as a voucher for a $100 tattoo redeemable at a designated tattoo parlor so you can immortalize your pet’s ink print.

Cones Ice Cream Open for the Season

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Cones Ice Cream in Martensville opened on May 10th, and are ready to serve the community for their fourth year of business.

Operating out of Kinsmen Park, owners Carson Heuchert, Wyatt Strueby and Alex Garchinski began this venture while still in high school. Now in their third year of university and planning for their future careers, the trio is still dedicated to providing to the community, and have brought in extra hands to help provide the same great customer service.

“Cones is something that the three of us all want to always be a part of Martensville, so we plan to keep it running for years to come. This likely means that you may see some newer faces have larger roles in the future of Cones, but our goal is to continue on even if one day the three of us aren’t a part of it anymore, Heuchert stated.

Garchinski also added, “We want to be able to come back to Cones in years from now and be proud of what we started and see how far our little dream that started in my garage one night in grade 11 got us.”

Over the years, all three owners have learned some valuable lessons while operating a business at such a young age, which vary from learning to work together as a team more efficiently, the proof that hard work and dedication really does pay off, the responsibility that comes with all aspects of running your own business, customer service skills and so much more.

There is currently an online silent auction taking place through the Pop-Up Rescue Project Facebook page that will be ending on May 18th. Be sure to take a look at all of the amazing items that were donated by local businesses. There is something for everyone, and all proceeds will go towards supporting the medical expenses that were incurred throughout this massive rescue. There are numerous dogs, as well as puppies that are looking for foster homes and forever homes through the PopUp Rescue Project. To find out more about the available pups, and the upcoming fundraisers, contact the Pop-Up Rescue Project on Facebook.

Along with those lessons also comes a lot of joy, and all three owners noted that working together as friends adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Additionally, the opportunity to be a part of the community that they grew up in is one of their favorite parts of business.

“The community is a huge part of what keeps Cones running from year-toyear and the amount of support that we get from everyone in Martensville is always extremely appreciated by us,” Strueby said.

This season, there will be a variety of over 20 ice cream flavours available, which include dairy free, gluten free, soy free, egg free and vegan options as well as some new options for customers this season.

“We have lots of new flavours that people have been loving, such as Banana Split, and Triple Fudge Brownie. Additionally, we have begun selling cotton candy in containers, and we are looking to bring in homemade lemonade in June. We think we have a good balance between new things people can get excited about and the classics that you’ve known to love over the years,” Alex Garchinksi explained.

Cones will be open every day this summer and operate from 1pm-9pm on weekends and 3pm-9pm on weekdays. Watch for updates and events such as a Community Appreciation Day and more on the ‘Cones Icecream’ Facebook and Instagram pages.

“We are excited for another great year with lots of great times and are equally as excited to see where Cones goes from here. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible for us. We sincerely appreciate it,” Heuchert added.

POLICE BEAT

Saskatoon Police Service to Hold Selective Traffic Enforcement Program

Canada Road Safety Week is coming up May 14th-20th, 2024. To kick off the week the Saskatoon Police Service will be hosting a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) on May 14th and 15th.

This two-day initiative will take place at various locations in and around Saskatoon with enforcement focus relating to impaired driving, distracted driving, seat-belt use, speeding, unlicensed driving/vehicle registration, and vehicle equipment regulations.

STEP is a multi-agency task force with the goal of improving traffic safety in Saskatchewan and includes a variety of different agencies who will converge on the Saskatoon area to conduct sobriety checkpoints and other traffic safety initiatives on those days.

Members of the public and media can follow the Traffic Unit on Twitter, @ SPSTraffic, for ongoing information and updates about STEP.

Over 30 Charges Laid Following Corman Park Traffic Stop

On May 12th, Corman Park Police Service executed a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of Grasswood Road and Highway 219 and found the driver of the vehicle was under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

A search of the vehicle was conducted, where alcohol, cannabis, drug paraphernalia, two sawed off rifles, bear mace and a collapsible baton were located.

The vehicle was impounded and the driver’s license was suspended. Two adult occupants of the vehicle were found to be wanted on outstanding warrants and are now facing over 30 charges, which included firearm, weapons, drug, breach of conditions, and breach of weapons prohibition. All have been held in custody to appear in court this morning.

ABOVE: All of the dogs available for adoption throught the Pop-Up Rescue Project enjoyed the outdoors during the May 11th adoption event.

ABOVE: Cones Ice Cream in Kinsmen Park is now open for the summer.

SPORTS

Buster Days Slo-Pitch Tournament Registration Required by May 24th

Martensville’s annual Buster Days Slo-Pitch tournament will be taking place from May 31st to June 2nd. This popular event always draws a large crowd and is sure to be a lot of fun.

Teams must register no later than May 24th if they want to get a spot in this action-packed weekend. Registration fees are $300.

“This yearly tradition is fun for everyone on a terrific weekend celebrated by the community,” the Martensville Slo-Pitch League stated via social media.

To register, or for more information, contact martensvilleslopitch17@gmail.com.

BELOW: The Sask Five Giants 15U team were the champions in the Saskatoon 15U

Several Martensville Marauder Alumni Chosen in Recent Draft Pick

Numerous Martensville Marauder alumni have been officially drafted as they continue to move forward in their hockey careers, which include:

Simon Garchinski has committed to playing for the Humboldt Broncos going into the 2024/25 season, and was drafted with the 23rd overall pick in the 2007-birth-year category of the 2022 SJHL Draft. The young hockey player has already represented the Broncos in three games throughout the past two seasons. Garchinski recently completed his second season with the Prince Albert Mintos U18 AAA program, where he had 11 points in 38 games.

Sam Failler, of the Martensville Marauders U15AA team, was picked up by the Regina Pats in round 2 as the 38th overall pick. In the 2023/24 season, Failler saw a total of 48 points, which included 19 goals and 29 assists in 19 games.

Dade Wotherspoon, who also played with the Martensville Marauders U15AA team was chosen as the first round, 21st overall pick to the Prince George Cougars. Wotherspoon averaged three points per game with 10 goals and 23 assists in 11 games during the playoffs, and 103 points during the 27 game regular season.

Calder Hamilton, of the Martensville Marauders U15AA team as well, was chosen as the sixth overall pick in the 2024 WHL prospects Draft and was picked up by the Calgary Hitmen Hockey Club. Hamilton had a total of 86 points, with 35 goals and 51 assists in the past season, which earned him the SAAHL U15 record of most points by a defenceman in a season, a record previously held by Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Reilly with 84 points.

Political Donations a Sask. Problem No

One Want to Fix

Premier Scott Moe is surprisingly unbothered that the party he indirectly cites as his biggest rival is getting sixfigure donation cheques.

“It isn’t money that ultimately translates into votes,” Moe told reporters at last week’s second annual Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce “Food, Fuel and Fertilizer Global Summit “What it takes is people ultimately supporting your party.”

It’s a valid enough point; especially, in the context of today’s big money politics. One has to be impressed by the sheer number of donations received by Moe’s Saskatchewan Party in 2023 Elections Saskatchewan; $3.6 million or two and half times the $1.4-million raised by the NDP last year.

Moe noted to reporters last week that his Sask. Party has collected from eight times as many donors as the NDP. It’s both the reason and the explanation why the Sask. Party is likely to be re-elected for a fifth consecutive term this fall.

Given that the NDP is obviously less tapped into well-heeled individuals and companies, the fact that it has significantly less donors than the Sask. Party speaks volumes to the levels of support and commitment between that of the province’s two biggest rivals.

Successful political parties do need a wide base of support if they aspire to former government; however, all they need to make a little noise is a little money and that donation money and new support seems to be flowing from the right. Or at least, that’s where Moe’s concern has lied.

First it was the Buffalo Party that did surprisingly well in the 2020 election by getting more votes that either the Green Party or the Liberal Party and finished second in four ridings, despite running only 17 candidates.

It was also the Buffalo Party; a provincial offshoot of the sovereignist-leaning federal Maverick Party; that appeared to push the government towards the Saskatchewan First Act and other policies. In fact, Moe co-opted one-time Reform/ Canadian Alliance MP and Sask. Party MLA Allan Kerpan to help chair his economic sovereignty meetings after Kerpan became involved in the Maverick Party and Wexit movement.

But while Buffalo Party is still out roaming the political wilderness, where right-wing dissidents seem to be coalescing these days is around the Saskatchewan United Party.

Gaining momentum by tying itself to the antivaccine/COVID-19 movement and seizing on Freedom convoy and former Sask. Party MLA Nadine Wilson becoming its leader, Sask. United has shown few signs of political support or organization. However, it does have some money and much of that Sask. United’s fundraising support has come in the form of massive donations from individuals or their companies. This is where we are again reminded of our donation problems.

According to the donation filing for 2023, Sask. United raised $500,000; 40 per cent of $200,000 came from a company in which its deputy leader and Lumsden-Morse byelection candidate Jon Hromek.

Asked about this, Moe downplayed the notion that there might be a problem. “Folks will make a one-time donation to an upstart party. I think we saw that 25 years ago when our party started,” Moe said, adding that undue influence that might be associated with a candidate bankrolling his own campaign is only a problem “if they were ever successful.”

Hromek did lose in Lumsen-Morse last August. But, it seems no small coincidence, the Sask. Party passed the pronoun bill, Bill 137 in the fall after the Sask. United byelection ran had on parental rights in schools.

Would the Sask. Party have gone in this direction anyway? Possibly. But it’s also possible government reacted after seeing a rival making waves and how he was able to make waves seems directly attributable to the reality that, in this province, you can donate as much as you want to your party. It’s another reason why the rules need to change.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Growing Saskatchewan’s Workforce

As Saskatchewan’s population and economy continue to grow, our government remains committed to investing in our growing workforce. The 2024-25 provincial budget invests in growing Saskatchewan’s workforce through the advanced education sector, workforce training programs and enhanced credential recognition.

Investing in Saskatchewan’s present and future at the post-secondary education level is a priority for our government. The budget provides $793 million for the Ministry of Advanced Education – an increase of $28.2 million, or 3.7 per cent, from last year – to enhance funding, expand health training programs and focus on key infrastructure projects.

This includes a one-time, $12 million top-up to the province’s current multi-year funding agreement with post-secondary institutions, an increase of 2.2 per cent. The increased funding will allow the institutions to remain responsive to the needs of students and the labour market.

The budget also provides nearly $15 million in new funding to train additional health care workers through the Health Human Resources Action Plan. This includes an operating increase of $11.4 million for new seats across several programs.

Through the Health Human Resources Action Plan, over 610 new seats will be added to training programs for various professions, with a focus on high-demand and hard-to-recruit professions, such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, primary care paramedics and continuing care assistants. A total of 600 new seats will be added in nursing programs, including registered nursing, nurse practitioner and registered psychiatric nursing programs. In addition, 32 seats will be added to the undergraduate medical education program.

Our government is also investing $3.6 million this year in new opportunities for students to train in health sciences programs in the province. These include physician assistant, speech language pathology, occupational therapy and respiratory therapy.

Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions receive nearly $725 million in operating and capital grants in this year’s budget. This includes funding to help the Western College of Veterinary Medicine explore an infrastructure expansion. Meanwhile, Indigenous Teacher Education programs will continue to receive funding, supporting the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages in the province.

To assist students pursuing post-secondary education, the budget includes $4.2 million in new funding to create a new provincial grant for low-income students with dependents under 12, or over 12 with a permanent disability. This new grant is part of $46.5 million for overall student supports in the budget, which includes $34.4 million for the Student Aid Fund (repayable and non-repayable financial assistance to more than 22,000 students each year) and $12.2 million for scholarships and bursaries.

To help post-secondary students remain in Saskatchewan as they transition to their careers, the budget continues to fund the Graduate Retention Program – the most generous support program of its kind in Canada. The program provides up to $20,000 in tax credits to post-secondary graduates who remain in the province to work. More than 81,600 students have benefited from the program, which provides $65 million in support annually.

To help meet current and future labour market needs in our growing province, the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training receives $160.5 million in the budget. This includes continued support for skills training programs and services for unemployed or underemployed persons. These include adult essential skills training, pre-employment programs and services, credentialled skills training programs delivered through post-secondary institutions, and employment for persons with disabilities.

The budget includes an increase of $1.5 million for the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Trade Certification Commission to add 250 additional seats for construction-related trades, including electrician, plumbing and welding. This increases the investment in apprenticeship training to $22.9 million and expands the number of training seats to 4,700.

To support the Health Human Resources Action Plan, our government will invest in training and settlement supports for in-demand health professions. This includes training seats for continuing care aides, licensed practical nurses and medical lab assistants.

The Ministry’s budget also includes $856,000 to support record nominations through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, which will help address the labour needs of Saskatchewan employers. Safeguards are being added to the program to enhance fraud detection and protect its integrity.

Additionally, the Labour Mobility and Fair Registration Practices Office will continue to help individuals with foreign credentials or those who are licensed in other provinces navigate the licensure process with their respective regulators. This is another effort to ensure we have a skilled workforce and trained professionals in place to support our growing economy.

As our government continues investing in Saskatchewan’s workforce, I look forward to hearing your feedback.

Martensville 10-Year-Old Earns Spot in Los Angeles Braille Competition This June

Isaiah Gauthier, a 10-year-old from Martensville, is just like any other boy his age; active, funny, sport-loving; (especially when it comes to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Saskatoon Blades) and he loves learning.

One of the things that makes Isaiah unique is the fact that he was born with a visual impairment and due to this, he relies on braille in order to read and write.

“His visual field is extremely limited. He can see light and large contrast shadowing, but he relies a lot on his other senses and uses a mobility cane,” Isaiah’s mom Renelle Gauthier explained.

Isaiah, who attends École Holy Mary Catholic School in Martensville, began learning braille in kindergarten and has always had a passion for learning.

KEEPING YOU SAFE & ON THE ROAD

Currently in grade 4, Isaiah is reading at a grade 7 print level.

Earlier this year, Isaiah had competed in a Regional Braille Challenge for his second time, which included testing in various categories such as; reading, writing, comprehension, spelling and proof-reading. Once the results were tallied, the Gauthier family received a phone call Braille Institute of Los Angeles that took a little while to fully sink in. Isaiah had qualified to compete in an international braille competition taking place in L.A. on June 20th.

Isaiah’s results from the competition earned him a spot within the top ten in his age category, and top 50 overall out of approximately 1100 other competitors throughout Canada, the United States, the U.K. and Australia. Additionally, this accomplishment makes Isaiah the first student from Saskatchewan to ever qualify.

The family has plans to do fundraising prior to the trip to help cover expenses and use this opportunity as a stepping stone to help bring awareness for things like ensuring braille is available in all spaces; including on all public washroom doors, so visually impaired individuals know which one to use; auditory street crossings, and more accessibility for blind sports within the province.

“This experience is such a privilege, but also a responsibility and Isaiah wants to advocate for blind people to be able to live a fully-independent life and help push for that. He even contacted the board of a regional park asking if they could put braille on the sign of the golf shop so he could know if it was open or not.”

“He feels like his life’s work is to help others and believe in them and help them feel more confident. This is something he is very passionate about,” Renelle said. “ As far as things have come over the years, there is still so much work to be done, especially in terms of things like sports engagement, which helps to create a more balanced lifestyle for any child. But we know it is just one step at a time.”

Watch for more information in future issues of the Martensville Messenger to learn more about how you can help support Isaiah’s journey to L.A. for the competition and help him pursue his passion to advocate for others.

“We are so grateful for the community we live in. I had always heard the saying ‘It takes a village’, but now I truly understand what that means because this city has been incredible. The support we have had from our neighbors, businesses, the school, our church community; it is so amazing and we are so thankful to call Martensville home,” Renelle stated.

Free Regional Park Pass Program Returns This Summer

The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) is excited to announce the return of the Regional Park Pass Lending Program in partnership with the Saskatchewan Library Association (SLA) and the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association (SRPA) for the 2024 summer season.

From May 17 to September 15, 2024 anyone with a valid library card can borrow a pass from any Saskatchewan library and enjoy free seven-day access to nearly 100 regional parks across the province. The program has been a hit with campers. The 2023 passes were circulated over 7,000 times! With 850 passes available this year, distribution will include all regional library branches, libraries in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, and university libraries in Saskatoon and Regina.

"We’re excited to collaborate once again with our friends to offer greater access to the many benefits of nature," said Darcy McLeod, SPRA president.

Libraries have long been community hubs for recreational programming and the SLA was an enthusiastic partner from day one.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be participating in the program again this year,” said James Hope Howard, SLA president. “I hope that library patrons make many wonderful memories over these next four months.”

Saskatchewan's regional parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, from interpretive trails and scenic lakes to secluded camping spots and challenging golf courses. By removing barriers to participation, the program aims to encourage people to enjoy the natural beauty of the province.

"This program aligns with our mission to provide accessible recreational opportunities for all," said Katrina Irving, SRPA executive director. "We look forward to welcoming more visitors to Saskatchewan's regional parks."

Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be obtained in person. Library patrons are encouraged to contact their local branch to confirm availability.

ABOVE: 10-year-old Isaiah Gauthier will be traveling to L.A. this June to participate in an international braille competition. (Submitted)