May 2, 2024 Digital Issue

Organics/Green Bin Pickups Start in May

Green Bins will start to get picked up again starting on Tuesday, May 7th for North Side residents and Tuesday, May 14th for South Side residents.

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

Recreation Program Update

Amazing Race- May 4th

Teams embark on a quest throughout Martensville, challenging themselves physically and mentally to win the Amazing Race Martensville!

Regional Run- May 11th

Run or Ride. This unique race between the City of Martensville and the City of Warman is a beautiful 10 km route through the country that you can walk, run, or bike. This year’s event will begin in Martensville at the MAP and will end in Oasis Park in Warman. All proceeds raised will go toward Warman, Martensville & Area KidSport.

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.

POLICE BEAT

Charges Laid After Fatal Collision in Kindersley

On April 27, 2024 at approximately 5 a.m., Kindersley RCMP received a report of a collision on Railway Avenue in Kindersley.

Officers immediately responded and located an injured cyclist, who was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 21-year-old from Kindersley. His family has been notified and victim services made available to them.

The driver of the involved vehicle did not remain at the scene. He was located and arrested at a residence in Kindersley approximately an hour later.

As a result of investigation, 20-year-old William Jones of Kindersley is charged with:

- one count, operation of a conveyance while impaired causing death, Section 320.14(3), Criminal Code;

- one count, operation of a conveyance with a blood alcohol concentration equal to or exceeding 80 mg of alcohol in 100 ml of blood causing death, Section 320.13(3), Criminal Code; and

- one count, failure to stop for a collision causing death, Section 320.15(3), Criminal Code.

He is scheduled to appear in Kindersley Provincial Court on May 21, 2024 (Information #90534002).

Saskatchewan RCMP’s Forensic Identification Services and a collision reconstructionist assisted with this investigation.

Charges Laid - Fraudulent Purchase Investigation

On April 23, 2024, the Saskatoon Police Service received information from the Regina Police Service related to suspects using fraudulent identification and credit cards to purchase tires from automotive dealerships. It was believed this was occurring in Saskatoon as well.

Continued investigation led police to identifying a suspect and locating a U-Haul and storage locker with tires inside.

As a result, a 17-year-old male was arrested and charged with theft over $5000 and fraud over $5000.

Following his arrest, search warrants were executed on the storage locker and U-Haul, resulting in 48 tires being recovered with an estimated value of $24,000.

The Saskatoon Police is aware this has occurred in Regina, Moose Jaw, and other communities around the province. Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by this type of crime is asked to contact your local police or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. A photo is attached for distrubution.

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 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.

May 7th- Regular Council Meeting

May 14th-Committee of the Whole

May 21st- Regular Council Meeting

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

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

Saskatchewan RCMP Acknowledge Extensive Investigation Leading to the Conviction of 10 Individuals in 2019 Homicide

The Saskatchewan RCMP would like acknowledge the sentencing of 10 individuals charged for their involvement in the death of Tiki Brook-Lyn Laverdiere.

On April 26, 2024, nearly five years after 25-year-old Tiki Laverdiere of Edmonton was reported missing and subsequently located deceased, the final court proceedings have concluded. This is the end of a long process of bringing justice for Tiki and closure to her family.

“We will never have true closure for our Tiki. We are so thankful to everyone who worked to bring us answers and hold those responsible accountable. No amount of time will change the way our lives have been impacted by having Tiki taken from us. Tiki was the most kind-hearted, loving person. Her two sons will never again get to feel the embrace of their mother’s arms around them, she won’t be there for them when they need her most, and they will never hear her tell them how much she loves them. We have a huge hole in our lives where she should be and today’s sentencing can’t change that.” shared the Laverdiere family. The family asks for privacy as they navigate life without Tiki.

On May 12, 2019, Battlefords RCMP received a report of a missing 25-yearold female identified as Tiki Laverdiere. The Saskatchewan RCMP immediately launched a missing persons investigation and on June 10, 2019, RCMP announced that Ms. Laverdiere’s disappearance was the result of foul play and her disappearance was being investigated as a homicide. A month later, human remains were located during a ground search of a rural area outside North Battleford and later identified as those of Tiki Laverdiere.

Tiki Laverdiere’s disappearance and homicide launched an extensive investigation led by Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes, with active support from over 20 additional RCMP units and four partner agencies. The investigation spanned two provinces, nine crimes scenes and saw over 120 witnesses interviewed. As a result of the investigation and following multi-year court proceedings, 10 individuals were convicted for their role in the disappearance and homicide of Tiki Brook-Lyn Laverdiere: two people convicted of first-degree murder, one person convicted of second-degree murder, three people convicted of manslaughter, three people convicted of being an accessory after the fact to murder and one person convicted of kidnapping.

“Homicide investigations are all unique and have their own complexities. Depending on the circumstances our investigators are able to pull in the appropriate units and agencies to move the investigation forward.” says Inspector, Ashley St. Germaine, Acting Officer in Charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes. “When you consider the geographical spread and number of people charged, it was important to pull on as many of the expertly trained investigative resources we have available to get answers for Tiki’s family and bring her justice. Each and every one of the approximately 100 investigators felt this weight immensely and dedicated their time and efforts to ensuring we were able to do just that.”

City of Martensville Recognizes National Day of Mourning

Flags around the City of Martensville were at half-mast on Sunday, April 28th to mark the National Day of Mourning.

“Today we remember and honour those who have lost their life or have been injured or experienced illness on the job. It is our way of renewing our commitment to improving health safety in our workplace,” the City of Martensville shared on social media.

This day takes place throughout Canada each year on April 28th. It began in 1984, when the Canadian Union of Public Employees began to celebrate Workers’ Memorial Day, and on April 28, 1985, the Canadian Labour Congress officially declared it an annual day of remembrance. Then, in December of 1990, the ‘Workers Mourning Day Act’ passed in Parliament, marking April 28th as the annual Canadian National Day of Mourning. Since then, the Day of Mourning has spread to approximately 80 counties throughout the world.

This day is a time to encourage people to promote health and safety within the workplace and recognize those that have been affected by work-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths.

In Saskatchewan, there were 29 recorded workplace deaths in 2023.

May Road Construction Planned for Martensville Area

A variety of road works projects are planned for the Martensville area throughout the month of May, which includes both Highways 11 and 12. Road construction will be taking place in the following areas:

- Northbound lanes of Highway 12, from its junction with Highways 11 to 7.76km north

- Southbound lanes of Highway 12, from its junction with Highways 11 to 7.38km north

- Extension of the northbound left turn lane at the junction of Highway 11 and Township Road No. 384 (Mierau Road)

- Reconstruction of the left ditch of the southbound lanes at the junction of Highway 11 and Township Road No. 382 (Lutheran Road)

Be sure to take caution in construction zones and follow any traffic restrictions within the area. Provide yourself with additional time when planning your route. All plans are expected to be completed by the end of May.

Regional Race Set for May

11

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville’s annual Regional Race, a unique race that takes place between the City of Martensville and the City of Warman, is back this May. Starting in 2017, the Regional Race took place for the first time as an Economic Development partnership between Martensville and Warman and has since evolved into a fundraiser for KidSport.

This beautiful 10km route between the two sister communities through the country is a great walk, run, or bike for anyone who is interested in joining. Check-in begins at 8am, warm-up at 8:45am, and the race begins at 9am starting in Martensville at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion (MAP) and will be ending in Oasis Park in Warman.

All proceeds raised will go toward Warman, Martensville & Area KidSport so all kids can get involved in recreation, culture, and sport.

To register visit martenville.ca under program registration or by calling 306683-5576.

“Thank you to our Community Champions North Prairie Developments and CANWEST as well as our Refuel Zone Sponsor SaskWater,” said Program Coordinator II Jamie McCulloch.

Come out and enjoy a night of Bingo on Thursday,

ABOVE: Flags were at half-mast at Martensville City Hall on April 28th for the National Day of Mourning. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

ABOVE: The Martensville Fire Department had their flags at half-mast in honour of the National Day of Mourning on April 28th. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

ABOVE: Upcoming roadwork is planned for the Martensville area throughout the month of May, so be sure to watch for construction zones during your commute.

Ladies Treated to a Denim and Diamonds Night Out

Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville & District Kinette Club hosted their first Denim & Diamonds Ladies Night at the North Ridge Community Centre on Saturday, April 27th.

“The response we received for ticket sales, and support from local businesses exceeded our expectations. There were two tiers of sponsorship offered for the event,” said Kinette member Christine Janzen.

“Our Diamond sponsors purchased a table for $500 and provided an additional “in kind” donation going towards either our silent auction, raffle prizes or VIP tables.”

Diamond sponsors included Infinity Salon and Spa, Self Wellness, Clothing Obsession, Ceasar Mill, Cara Unser Realty and Ayotte Plumbing and Heating.

“Our Denim sponsors, JAG Plus Auto Glass and Riide, paid $250 for two tickets, and the remaining proceeds went towards supporting the event. We also received numerous generous donations of prizes and volunteer time.”

The sell out event was packed with around 275 women dressed in cowboy hats and boots, tiaras, jeans, skirts and sparkles to go with the theme of the night.

The evening started with cocktail hour at 5:30pm followed by supper at 6:30pm, with a delicious meal provided by SportsPage Bar & Grill.

Emcees Alex, Carson & Wyatt, owners of Cones Ice Cream in Martensville, did a great job keeping the crowd entertained with a short program of games.

For $5/ticket, each person got to play a game of ‘Heads or Tails’ with the last person standing to receive a pair of Hillberg & Berk earrings as well as a Licensed to Kill lawn service condiment package provided by Licensed to Kill.

“In return for service provided by the MCs, we split the proceeds from our Heads or Tails games, raising $650 for the scholarship Cones provides to local high school students,” Janzen explained.

The next fun game saw everyone invited to play ‘Name that Country Tune’ for free with the first round being Classic Country and the second round, Hot New Country.

The ladies had another chance to win a pair of Hillberg & Berk earrings with another game of ‘Heads or Tails’ before the dance began at 9pm. The raffle and silent auction tables were decorated with lots of great prizes and baskets and the dance floor was packed all evening long with lights and great music thanks to the DJ services provided by Jason White.

Late lunch was

provided as the evening starting to wind down, and the event ended at 12:30pm.

All proceeds for the event will go towards the Martensville & District Kinette Club to continue to help serve the community’s needs.

In addition to providing volunteer service in the community, the Martensville and District Kinette Club plans fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for various initiatives.

These funds also cover the required fees associated with being a chartered group within the national organization, Kin Canada.

“Some of the initiatives our fundraising has supported in the past include supporting the local elementary schools, local families and the Barn Burner female hockey camp.”

The Kinette Club is looking for ladies to join and will be hosting a ‘Recruitment Night’ on Tuesday, May 14th at Bubble Bee Coffee House starting at 7:30pm. Come out to learn more about their club and the community events they host throughout the year.

For more information about upcoming events, and how you can get involved, follow the ‘Martensville and District Kinette Club’ on Facebook.

Your City; Your Newspaper

SK S0K 2T0

Phone: 306-668-1093

advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Deadline for submissions is MONDAY at NOON.

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Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year

ABOVE: The Martensville & District Kinette Club hosted a ‘Denim & Diamonds’ Ladies Night on Saturday, April 27th.The event sold-out quickly and saw a packed house, with attendees donning their best denim and diamond outfits.

RIGHT: Emcees Alex, Carson and Wyatt, coowners of Cones Ice Cream in Martensville, got the crowd involved with some fun games prior to the ladies hitting the dance floor.

Pop-Up Rescue Project’s Mission Isn’t Over

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

This past January, the Pop-Up Rescue Project was created after an initial intake of 101 dogs was brought to a temporary housing facility in Martensville from a northern community in order to save them from a tragic fate. Since then, the Pop-Up Rescue Foundation is still going strong, working hard to save as many dogs as possible and find them loving homes with their forever families.

The majority of dogs that were taken in have since been sent to other rescue organizations, foster families or adopted; however, there are still some dogs that are in urgent need of foster homes, or to be adopted.

With the medical/housing expenses required for the dogs that are currently in the care of the Pop-Up Rescue Project, as well as veterinary costs that accumulated during the massive undertaking of vaccinating, neutering/ spaying, and any other medical requirements, a fundraising committee was created to help raise money to help cover these costs.

Beginning May 4th, the Pop-Up Rescue Project will be hosting an online silent auction, with all proceeds going towards supporting this incredible initiative.

“We had volunteers that reached out to a wide variety of businesses looking for donations to use in the auction and we are so excited for everyone to see the amazing prizes that we have. There are so many great items, and we think that there is something for everyone, no matter what age you are,” Tanya McIntyre, Board of Directors Vice-President of the Pop-Up Rescue Project, stated.

Some of the items include; custom pet mug and figurines, golf passes, art work, massage therapy sessions, craft baskets, a signed Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, dog treat baskets, dog toys, gift certificates, an 8-course dinner, cooler bag with knives and so much more.

The auction will run from May 4th until 5pm on May 18th when winners will then be contacted to make arrangements for prizes to be picked up.

“From the very beginning, we have had so much community support, and this auction continues to prove just how amazing the support behind this project is. We are so grateful to everyone that has contributed to the Pop-Up Rescue, because without that support, we wouldn’t be able to do this. So thank you,” McIntyre added.

Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey

ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca

There are still plans to continue fundraising, and raising awareness for these dogs. There is also opportunities to spend time with the dogs that are still looking for their homes by signing up to take them for walks.

“Our focus hasn’t ended. We are still on a mission to save animals, so if anyone is interested in helping out, we are happy to have them join us!” For more information, visit the ‘Pop-Up Rescue Project’ on Facebook.

ABOVE: Lila is one of the adorable dogs that is still looking for someone to either foster or adopt her.

ABOVE: Bodhi is looking for his forever family. Contact the Pop-Up Rescue Project for more information.

Smile Cookie Campaign to Support Make-A-Wish Canada

Martensville Tim Hortons continues their Smile Cookie Campaign until May 5th. Customers can purchase a Smile Cookie for $1.50 + applicable taxes.

This Campaign has supported over 600 local charities, community programs and hospitals each year with 100% of the proceeds donated to each Tim Horton’s restaurants chosen organization.

The Martensville Tim Hortons location has chosen Make-A-WishCanada as their recipient this year. Funds raised through this initiative will help ensure that wishes come true for three children in Martensville.

In 2023, a record-breaking $19.7 million was raised across Canada during the Smile Cookie Campaign.

Saskatchewan Raises Awareness of Living Organ Donation During Organ and Tissue Awareness Month

Saskatchewan is joining Canadians in recognizing National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month (NOTDAM) in April with several activities as well as commemorating Green Shirt Day (GSD) on April 7 in honour of Logan Boulet, whose legacy inspired almost 150,000 people across Canada to register to become organ donors.

In addition to promotional and awareness campaigns, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed increased funding to support kidney health in Saskatchewan.

The 2024-25 budget includes an increase of over $2.5 million for kidney health and organ and tissue donation and transplant. This investment will support incremental positions within the St. Paul's Hospital and Cameco Community Renal Health Centre dialysis units, as well as the Regina and Saskatoon Organ Donation and Transplant Programs. In addition, support is being provided to implement a new electronic deceased donor management program for the provincial organ and tissue donation teams.

Heath Minister Everett Hindley and Members of the Legislative Assembly were pleased to tour the Kidney Health Unit and speak with organ and tissue donation and transplant as well as Kidney Health program surgeons and staff at St. Paul’s Hospital.

"We celebrate the life-saving work of our organ transplant and donation physicians and health care teams by participating in activities that build awareness around organ and tissue donation and transplant," Health Minister Everett Hindley said. "Registering your intent to be an organ and tissue donor or living donor is a generous decision. We encourage everyone over the age of 16 to talk to their loved ones about their intentions to become a donor and join our provincial registry."

On Monday, April 8, Saskatchewan Members of the Legislative Assembly wore green in support of organ and tissue donors (OTD) and shared photos using the #GreenShirtDay #LoganBouletEffect hashtags to spread the word on social media.

The T.C. Douglas Building in Regina was illuminated with green lighting from April 3-16, joining other landmarks across Canada to show support for this important cause and inspire new registered OTD.

This year, Saskatchewan is also launching a new segment in the national 'Great Actions Leave a Mark' (GALAM) campaign. This campaign will showcase living organ donors, recipients and physicians from Saskatchewan, which will be featured on givelifesask.ca.

Saskatchewan Kidney Transplant Surgeon, Dr. Mike Moser, is featured in this year's campaign. He touches on the surgical advances over the last two decades that have greatly improved patient care.

"Living kidney donations are mostly now done with laparoscopic, or what's known as keyhole surgery," Dr. Moser said. "The optics are so much better for surgeons. You see everything on multiple high-definition screens, the instruments are very fine, and you get way better exposure compared with the foot-long incision that used to be required to remove a kidney. It's a lot less pain and patients are typically in hospital for a couple days before they are good to go home and are back to work within a few weeks."

Two Saskatchewan residents also featured in this campaign include Kyle Deck and Jenna Lockert. Kyle received a life-saving kidney transplant from his sister Jenna in 2014. "There's nothing that I can do that could ever equate to what she did for me," Deck said. "I remember driving to work and feeling so tired that I had to stop and let my partner drive. When I went to the hospital, I learned that my kidneys had completely shut down."

Lockert is an advocate for living organ donation and is often asked why she decided to become a donor. "I think it is an unbelievable feeling and experience to know that you actually have the potential to save someone's life, and this was my brother's life that I was able to save and allow him to completely live a life again," Lockert said. "I have regular checkups and ensure that I am healthy, and I continued to have another baby afterward. I would do it over and over again."

View the personal stories of living organ donors and recipients as well as physicians from Saskatchewan at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/ accessing-health-care-services/organ-and-tissue-donor-registry/personal-stories/ great-actions-leave-a-mark.

Saskatchewan continues to see record growth in OTD rates and enrollments to the provincial OTD Registry. The registry was launched in September 2020 and to date, almost 30,000 eligible Saskatchewan residents have registered their intent to donate their organs and/or tissues, with almost 8,500 new donors registered in the last year.

In the 2022-23 fiscal year, Saskatchewan had reported a record-breaking year for the number of deceased organ donations, with 30 total donors, a 76 per cent increase from 2018-19. In 2023-24, the Saskatchewan Health Authority recorded 33 deceased donors, the highest number on record.

With a clear understanding of a loved one's wishes, it is easier for families facing tragedy to make the decision to donate if approached by a Donor Coordinator. One organ donor can save up to eight lives and one tissue donor can help 75 people.

Anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to register their decision to be an organ and tissue donor and request information about the process of becoming a living organ donor through the Saskatchewan Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, available at www.givelifesask.ca.

ABOVE: The Honourable Tim McLeod, Raymond Deck, Jenna Lockert, The Honourable Everett Hindley. Jenna Lockert attended the Legislature to promote donation and speak about her experience as a living organ donor.

Complex Problems in Healthy Delivery Beyond Rhetoric

What seems certain is that people want health care here at home, or as close to home in this province as is reasonable.

That has pretty much been the last 40 years of political debate in Saskatchewan, recently dominated by the Saskatchewan Party government noting the former NDP government closed 52 rural hospitals and the Plains Health Centre on the outskirts of Regina and the now NDP Opposition accusing the government of underfunding the health system to the point where temporary closures of emergency and non-emergency services and sending people out of province for surgeries have been the norm.

One gets the politics, but when you delve a little more deeply into the problem, it becomes rather apparent that underneath all the politicking and rhetoric is the reality of some tough problems in health care that aren’t easily solved by throwing money at the problems.

Let’s begin with the present-day temporary closures of emergency rooms and x-ray, lab or other services; 950 such temporary closures between August 2019 and July 2023; affecting 53 facilities mostly in rural areas outside the larger hospitals, according to information gathered by the NDP opposition.

Most of these closures are the net result of a severe staffing shortage of doctors, nurses and other health care providers. Health Minister Everett Hindley points to the government’s latest $140-million recruitment and retention action plan to create permanent and full-time position across the province and especially in rural Saskatchewan.

“It’s working in our rural communities,” Hindley said in the legislature last week. “New hires are happening as a result of that.”

Unfortunately, many within the health system are saying the same thing people in need of the health system are observing; the solutions aren’t always working.

Recently, 49 emergency room nurses from Saskatoon’s St. Paul’s Hospital sent a letter to Hindley on the unfairness, inefficient and expense of temporary travel nurses as a stop-gap. “The agency nurses appear valued while they themselves are not,” the permanent nurses wrote of the travel or contract nurses.

Hindley explained he was “trying to balance the need for filling those vacancies over time and making sure that the existing staff do have the ability to have time off.”

But the NDP noted concerns from the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses that the average travel nurse salary is $289,256 a year; also three times that of permanent nurses that SUN say are now having trouble booking shifts and getting more overtime.

Meanwhile, the amount the government is spending on this “temporary fix” of contract nursing that is supposedly related to 2020 pandemic cost the health system $59 million last year and is expected to cost $70 million in 2023-25, according to SUN’s numbers.

Similarly, the Sask. Party government is taking heat for the inability of this province’s health system to deal with either diagnostic mammograms to stop breast cancer or the hip and knee surgeries. The medium time for knee surgery here was 318 days compared with the 161-day national average.

The solution from the government has been to ship people out-of-province to Calgary. For mammograms, that cost is 10 times as much as if they would be done at home, say the NDP.

For hip and knee surgeries, the solution is a $6-mllion contract with the private Surgical Centres Inc. whose parent organization, Clearpoint Health Network of Calgary contributed $14,000 to the Sask. Party.

Suffice to say, the complex problems and solutions in health care go well beyond political rhetoric of underfunding, privatization and closure.

We have gone from the $3.2 billion spent on health by the NDP government in their last 2007-08 budget to the $7.6 billion the Sask. Party government is expected to spend in 202425.

Yet problems remain and government struggles to find solutions beyond spending more each year.

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Growing Our Economy

A strong economy means a bright future for our province and its people. The 2024-25 Provincial Budget makes record investments in classrooms, care and communities – which are only possible due to our strong and growing economy. That’s why our government is committed to making strategic investments that help our economy to continue to grow.

An essential part of growing our economy is expanding our markets and exports outside of Canada. This ultimately leads to more jobs at home and allows us to invest in classrooms, care and communities. That’s our reality as an export-based province.

With a budget of $40.6 million, the Ministry of Trade and Export Development is supporting Saskatchewan’s economy by growing our presence in international markets. Leading the way will be Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy, which will help grow and maintain private capital investment in the province.

Equally important will be Saskatchewan’s recently announced labour market strategy – Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy: the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy – which outlines how the province will ensure Saskatchewan people benefit from the jobs our economy is creating. The strategy also ensures that Saskatchewan employers have access to the workforce they need to succeed.

In February 2024, Statistics Canada announced that total capital investments in Saskatchewan increased by 25.9 per cent in 2023 to $17.1 billion – second among provinces in terms of percentage change. This is expected to increase by another 14.4 per cent in 2024 to $19.6 billion – again second among provinces in terms of growth.

As evidence of the growth of investments in Saskatchewan, private companies have committed to more than 60 large-scale investment projects across the province in recent years, totaling more than $39 million. These include projects in the agri-value, manufacturing and processing, mining, forestry and energy sectors.

Our government recognizes the contributions small businesses make to our economy. That’s why the budget maintains the small business tax rate of one per cent until June 30, 2025. It was scheduled to return to two per cent in July 2024, but the extension of the existing one per cent rate will allow owners to re-invest in their operations.

The amount of eligible business income on which the small business tax rate applies will remain at $600,000 – the highest threshold in Canada. Saskatchewan will also continue to have the second-lowest small business tax rate in Canada, making the provincial tax environment very competitive.

Saskatchewan’s strategic economic investments continue to pay off. Our exports to the world continue to grow, reaching $49.3 billion in 2023. Saskatchewan goods reached 163 countries, with 32 of those countries receiving over $100 million in provincial exports. Saskatchewan ranks first in Canada for per capita exports at $40,425, which is more than double the national average. The top exports were crude petroleum oil, potash, wheat, canola seeds and oil, lentils, uranium, dried peas and barley.

These trade numbers are a testament to the incredible work being done by our exporters, producers and industry leaders. The continuous work of Saskatchewan’s network of nine international trade offices to showcase our story abroad is clearly having an impact on international markets.

Here at home, housing starts increased 12.1 per cent from March 2023 to March 2024. Construction investment totaled $235 million in February 2024, up 96.2 per cent from January – the highest growth among the provinces. This is also up 22.6 per cent from February 2023.

Our consumer price index here in Saskatchewan increased only 1.5 per cent from March 2024 to March 2023 – the second lowest increase in Canada and well below the national average of 2.9 per cent. This is largely due to our government’s decision to remove the carbon tax from home heating, helping to keep life affordable for Saskatchewan people.

Our government remains committed to investing in Saskatchewan’s key industries, ensuring economic growth continues. As we continue this work, I look forward to hearing your feedback. You can contact my constituency office at office@terryjenson.ca or 306-242-2111.

Government of Saskatchewan Proclaims Missing Persons Week

This Year's Theme, 'Stories, not Statistics'

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed April 28 to May 4, 2024, as provincial Missing Persons Week.

To honour the province’s more than 140 long-term missing persons, a ceremony was held this morning, followed by the second annual Walk to Honour the Missing in Wascana Park. Ceremony events were led by His Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russ Mirasty, Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre and RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore. A candlelight vigil was held Monday evening for families of Saskatchewan missing persons.

“Initiated over a decade ago, sadly there is as much need for Missing Persons Week today as there ever was,” Mirasty said. “I am grateful to everyone who participated in the walk today, helping to draw attention to the issue. I also want to thank all the people who are striving to bring home the missing, and who are supporting their family and friends.”

“Saskatchewan’s long-term missing are more than just statistics in police files,” Eyre said. “They are loved and deeply missed by their families and friends, and we hope that, as we mark Missing Persons Week, we can help support loved ones, while raising awareness about missing person cases in Saskatchewan.”

The Saskatchewan Missing Persons Partnership (SMPP) – a collaboration of government, police agencies, Indigenous and community-based organizations – hosts Missing Persons Week each year. The SMPP’s goal is to raise awareness about missing persons, share safety tools and prevention tips, coordinate policies and legislation and support agencies that offer programs and services to families when a loved one goes missing.

Events will be held across Saskatchewan throughout the week by SMPP member organizations. A full 2024 events calendar can be found either online or on the SMPP’s social media channels.

For more on Missing Persons Week and the supports available to families of missing persons, visit: Help for Families of Missing Persons | Family and Social Support | Government of Saskatchewan.

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.

Finalists Announced for Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards

Celebrate the End of Season With Sonia’s School of Ukrainian Dance

The Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards is fast-approaching once again. The event, which will take place on Friday, May 24th at the North Ridge Community Centre in Martensville, is an opportunity for local businesses to gather and celebrate their achievements together.

There will be 7 categories this year, with awards for New Business of the Year, Community Involvement, Customer Service, Business Marketing, Small Business of the Year, Employer of the Year and Business of the Year.

Nominations were taken earlier this year, and businesses then had the opportunity to fill out an application explaining why they were deserving of their nominated category. A panel of judges then scoured through each application before settling in on finalists in each category.

Finalists include:

• New Business Award; Hashtags, Park Media, Stu’s Indoor Golf, The High Maintenance Hippie & Local Market and Warman Hearing Clinic.

• Community Involvement Award; Lakeview Insurance Brokers, Martensville Youth Connection, Pet Valu Martensville, Rave BBQ Rubs and Warman Happy Tots.

• Customer Service Award; Hector’s Grub Hub, Lakeview Insurance Brokers, Nova Physiotherapy, Warman Happy Tots and Warman Hearing Clinic.

• Business Marketing Award; Atlas Outdoors, The Cork & Kettle, Prairie ICF, Rave BBQ Rubs and The High Maintenance Hippie & Local Market.

• Small Business Award; Nova Physiotherapy, Rave BBQ Rubs, Warman Happy Tots, WAG Dog Daycare and Warman Hearing Clinic.

• Employer of the Year Award; Carter’s Counselling Services, Checkered Flag Automotive, Lakeview Insurance Brokers, Martensville Plumbing and Heating and Off Road Exteriors.

Business of the Year Award; Concrete Edge Construction, Dahlia Salon and Spa, Passions Beauty Studio & The Barber Corner, The Medicine Shoppe Martensville and Warman Physiotherapy & Wellness.

“Each and every business contributes so much to our local business community, and we are excited to celebrate the dedication, growth, innovation, resiliency and entrepreneurial spirit of local businesses in the Martensville, Warman and Osler region,” the Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce stated via social media.

For more information, contact Angela Steiert, Prairie Sky Chamber of Commerce Executive Director at admin@prairieskychamber.ca, or (306) 292-7066. You can also visit https://prairieskychamber.ca/.

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Sonia’s School of Ukrainian Dance (SSUD) will be hosting their year-end showcase at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 4th at the Warman Home Centre Communiplex.

This year, special guests Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble will be joining the show, as well as a wide array of talented dancers from Sonia’s School of Ukrainian Dance itself.

SSUD provides a fun, educational environment for dancers of all ages, ranging from 3 years of age, up to 90. A staple for local Ukrainian dance and culture since 1982, SSUD teaches a variety of skills and techniques that challenges dancers to achieve their highest level of performance. In addition to dance, students get to learn about culture, don authentic costumes, create new friendships, learn about stage performance, take part in competitive dancing and much more.

If you are looking for an entertaining way to spend your Saturday with the family, be sure to stop by and see some of the amazing talent that SSUD has to offer. Tickets are available at the door for $10 and kids 12 and under are free.

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.

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger