November 23, 2023 Digital Issue

• 109 Centennial Dr. N Martensville Message us on FB

Complete Automotive & Tire Service Centre/ ATV/UTV Parts & Repair • Journeyman Factory Trained Technicians • Easy Vehicle Repair & Accessory Financing Available

Open 7:30-5:30 Monday - Friday

FREE courtesy cars available

Call: 306.975.2140

Business as USUAL Located at BACK of building

MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY

Your City; Your Newspaper November 23, 2023

VOLUME NO. 17 - ISSUE 43

Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-3 Closed Sundays & Holidays

17 Centennial Drive North

306-931-2868

scottroofingsask.com

Re-roofs New Construction Residential Commercial

306-931-2266

Over 12 Years Making Your Real Estate Dreams Come True!

Bay 4 #1 - 4th St S Martensville

www.infinitysalonandspa.ca for online booking

Locally Owned and Operated Celebrating Fifteen Years of Community

306-934-4888 www.martenswarman.ca

306-384-(ROOF)7663 | 306-222-4093 scottlandru61@gmail.com

www.martensvillemessenger.ca

Local Vendors Offer Variety of Christmas Shopping Options The City of Martensville’s annual Sip N Shop event was held on November 16th and offered area residents an opportunity to get in some early Christmas shopping from local vendors. See more on page 3.

306-242-7888 www.saskfunerals.ca

Because We Care

591 Centennial Drive North - Martensville

JUST THINK...

Had this been your ad, people would have noticed it.

Call the Martensville Messenger and ask about our affordable advertising

Ph: 306-668-1093

Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM

WMBEXA 2017

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT

WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS

Page 2 - NOVEMBER 23, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Snow Removal This Winter – What You Need To Know The Snow removal program aims to reduce hazards in the community, ensure roadways for emergency vehicles, and provide access to goods and services in the community.

Our crews strive to deliver excellent service, however sometimes weather can be unpredictable, and snow and ice control activities may vary. Every reasonable effort will be made to promptly remove snow and ice and create safe driving and walking conditions.

There are ways you can help to ensure to keep streets clear and safe - Do not shovel, blow, or push snow from private property onto the street – this causes snow ridges on your driveway when our plow cleans our street.

- Do not plow or pile snow on streets or hydrants – this can block access to manholes, water valves, and access to water in case of emergencies.

December 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.

December 12th- Committee of the Whole December 19th -Regular Council 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.

- Clear your driveways in advance of the city’s snow clearing operations - this helps our operators clear your street more efficiently as well as more clearly see driveways to avoid ridging.

The full Council and Committee of the Whole Schedule can be obtained at martensville.ca

- Do not park your vehicle in an area where it could obstruct snow removal procedures this hinders our operations and could result in a snow ridge blocking your vehicle in place.

Play n’ Skate with Santa Play & Skate with Santa will take place on Sun., Dec. 10th at the Sports Centre. It will be an afternoon full of fun activities for kids! You can go skating, take a picture with Santa, get a candy bag, go for a hayride, and warm up with a hot chocolate!

- Do not leave large piles of snow at the corners of driveways – this snow can be caught by a raised snow-gate blade and topple over into your driveway or the street.

-Prevent snow from piling up on the front of your driveway by moving it near your tree/lawn areas behind your walkway.

- Watch for posted areas for Snow Removal - In case of snow and snow removal, crews need to have roads cleared of all vehicles on posted streets. If you are going out of the City over the holidays, please have your vehicles off City streets. Vehicles left on the street per the traffic bylaw are ticketed and towed (to a non-posted area).

- Stay Clear of Sanding Trucks - Crews apply a mixture of salt and sand on our streets and intersections to ensure safer driving conditions. If you are near or behind the sanding truck you are reminded to stay back 15m to allow the truck to disperse materials and to prevent materials from potentially hitting your vehicle.

Information on general program procedures and the City’s Priority Map is available online at Martensville.ca

Thin Ice! Keep off Neighborhood Ponds

The Martensville Fire Department and City of Martensville are advising residents to stay off neighborhood ponds until further notice and to keep an eye on pets and children and keep them off ponds. Warm weather has led to some runoff, varying ice thickness and uncertain ice conditions on ponds.

Ice thickness will be monitored and tested by the Fire Department, please watch for notifications when ponds are deemed safe for recreational use.

Let’s Take Care of Our Pets

The City of Martensville would like to remind residents that it is our responsibility to control and clean up after our pets even in off-leash areas such as the dog park.

Here are some important reminders for pet owners as per the Animal Control Bylaw: • Do not allow your pet to be or become a nuisance by excessive barking, howling, or become threatening to other owners or pets; • Do not allow your pet to run at large; • Clean up defecation of your animal from private or public properties, other than the property occupied by the owner; Visit Martensville.ca to see the complete Animal Control Bylaw or City Hall with questions.

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

Editor/Office Manager: Shanine Sealey

Published Thursdays • 48 issues/year

Editor/Ad Design: Jocelyn Ottenbreit

ssealey@martensvillemessenger.ca

jottenbreit@martensvillemessenger.ca

To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca

Recreation Program Update

This is a drop-in program and it is $5 per person!

Book now for Twinkle Tours 2023 Get into the holiday spirit by hopping on the OK tire bus and enjoying a 45 minute bus tour through our magical City while taking in the light displays!

This is a great activity for families, team windups, and group outings. Full bus rentals are available upon request!

Registration will open on November 1, 2023.

If you would like to book a full bus, make sure to call us to reserve your spot!

Save the Date- Winter FunFest 2024 is February 18th Beat the Winter Blues with a day of winter-themed activities and fun for the entire family at the North Ridge Centre. More information will be provided in the new year on the day’s activities.

Reminder Property Taxes are Due! - Tax Notices were mailed out on April 28th. If anyone has not received their notice, they should contact City Hall. Ensure all contact information is up to date.

- Starting on August 1st, interest penalties on outstanding amounts begin to accrue Ways to Pay - Taxes can be paid by cash, cheque, or debit at City Hall.

- Taxes can also be paid online through Banking Bill Payments, or by etransfers; for payments: payments@martensville.ca.

Please include address &/or roll number in the comment section along with an indication the payment is for taxes.

POLICE

BEAT

Saskatchewan RCMP WEST asks public to report sightings of Nolan Bird

Saskatchewan RCMP's Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) is working with Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes to locate and arrest Nolan Bird.

Nolan Bird is wanted for manslaughter in relation to the March 2022 death of a 61-year-old male.

Further background is available by visiting https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/ news/2022/saskatchewan-rcmp-majorcrimes-investigating-suspicious-death.

Investigators believe Nolan Bird is in Saskatoon. If you see Nolan Bird, ABOVE: Nolan Bird. do not approach him. Contact your local police service immediately. Dial 310-RCMP to reach your local RCMP detachment.

Information can also be submitted to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com – it's anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - NOVEMBER 23, 2023 - Page 3

Mark Your Calendars for Warman’s Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 3 The City of Warman will be hosting a Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, December 3rd beginning at 1pm. The parade will begin and end at the Brian King Centre, located at 202 8th Avenue North, and the route will move throughout the community along 8th Avenue North, 4th Street East, Centennial Blvd and Central Street East. The parade route map can be viewed by visiting the City of Warman Facebook page.

Businesses are still able to register a float for the parade by contacting csr@ warman.ca or (306) 933-2210.

Kinettes Hosting Indoor Santa Event This Year Submitted: Martensville Kinette Club

The Martensville and District Kinette Club is bringing Santa and his helpers to Martensville for the fourth consecutive year! This year we will be doing things a little different, and the event will be held indoors at the Heritage Center at the Martensville Lion’s Park. From 2-5 pm on December 9th, Santa will be available to take pictures with for a minimum donation of $5. Funds collected will be donated to Telemiracle 48. They ask that you bring your own camera for these photos. Hot chocolate will be available for attendees.

There will also be a “Name the Elf” colouring contest and draw, with the winner selected at the end of the event. A toy prize has been donated by Martensville Pharmasave for the winner! Colouring sheets are available at Martensville Building and Home Supply and Martensville Pharmasave, or there will be a colouring station set up at the event.

This is one of our favourite fundraisers every year! We are grateful for our Sponsors, which make it possible. This year our Gold Sponsors are Freeway Delivery Service and Martensville Building and Home Supply, and our Silver Sponsors are Mortgages by Eboni, Ens Toyota, and Affinity Credit Union.

SANTA & HELPERS COMING TO MARTENSVILLE Martensville Heritage Center, 415 6th Ave South ta

an th S

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DECEMBER 9 2 - 5 PM

Hot

Cho

Seniors Centre Hosts Successful Soup & Sandwich Lunch

The New Horizons Seniors hosted a noon hour luncheon on Wednesday, November 15th where they offered up an assortment of soups, sandwiches and desserts from 11am-1pm for $8/ person. The event was very well attended, with local residents of all ages coming out for a delicious meal. Members of the Martensville Fire Department stopped by to take part in the event as well. Money raised from the luncheon will go towards the New Horizons Senior Centre.

ABOVE & RIGHT: A noon hour luncheon was held at the New Horizons Senior Centre on November 15th.

(Submitted)

Sip N Shop Raises Money for Martensville Food Pantry Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The City of Martensville’s annual Sip N Shop Christmas Shopping Trade Show was held on Thursday, November 16th at the Northridge Community Centre.

Around 40 vendors from local businesses came out to display their wide range of products ABOVE: More than 400 people attended Martensville’s annual Sip such as kids story N Shop event on November 16th, with proceeds going towards the books, homemade Martensville Food Pantry. (Jocelyn Ottenbreit/MM) preservatives, Arbonne, Epicure, Neora skin care, jewelry, artwork, Christmas creations, baking accessories and much more.

Between 425 – 450 people were in attendance. The Martensville & District Kinettes were on hand to serve wine and champagne for purchase to those shoppers wanting to enjoy a beverage or two while checking out the many vendors.

“The Sip N Shop was a roaring success. We were able to raise just over $800 and about 50 pounds of food for the Martensville Food Pantry,” said Jamie McCulloch, Recreation Program Coordinator II.

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$5 Minimum Donation for Pictures with Santa (BRING YOUR CAMERA)

“Name the Elf” Colouring Contest

Notice of Abandonment of Poll [Section 77 of the Act]

Colouring sheets are available at Martensville Building & Home Supply and Martensville Pharmasave; or there will be a colouring station set up at the event. A toy prize has been donated by Martensville Pharmasave for the winner!

Whereas a poll is not required pursuant to The Local Government Election Act for the office of:

ALL FUNDS DONATED TO TELEMIRACLE 48 Thank you to our Sponsors; Gold Sponsors - Freeway Delivery Service and Martensville Building & Home Supply; Silver Sponsors - Mortgages by Eboni, Ens Toyota, and Affinity Credit Union.

I hereby give public notice that no voting for the said office will take place and that the following person is elected by acclamation:

Board Member:

Prairie Spirit School Division No. 206 Subdivision 9 - City of Martensville

Subdivision 9

Name Kimberly MacLean

Dated at Warman, SK, this 10th day of November, 2023.

Ron Walter, Returning Officer

Page 4 - NOVEMBER 23, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

SPORTS MHS Girls Volleyball Team Puts Up Fight at Provincials

ABOVE: The MHS girls volleyball team played in the 4A Pronvicials in Moose Jaw over the weekend, making it to the quarter finals where they were defeated by Meadow Lake. (Submitted)

The Martensville Royals girls’ volleyball team travelled to Moose Jaw to compete in the 4A Provincials this past weekend.

The team was successful in their pool play, coming out 3-1 and earning them a second place finish; however, the MHS girls lost their quarter-final game against Meadow Lake.

Nipawin came out on top as the Provincial winners this year.

Congratulations to the MHS girls on a successful season and on a hard-fought tournament.

ABOVE: Liam Reeve and Brendan Jones of the 15A Martensville Marauders team presented a cheque for $1500 to Angie Reddekopp of Martensville KidSport, which was raised at their Fall Fun-Raiser event, held November 4th. (Submitted)

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Concerns Rise Regarding Operation of New Recreation Facility Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The new Martensville Community Recreation Centre (MCRC) has been a hot topic at Martensville City Council meetings this November, with the November 7th and 21st meetings including discussions regarding the facility.

On November 7th, numerous employees of the City of Martensville, as well as members of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 2582 attended the Regular Council meeting where CUPE Local 2582 representatives expressed concern to Council regarding the City of Martensville looking into the possibility of hiring a third-party company to operate the MCRC. Representatives of CUPE Local 2582 stated that they believe it would be in the best interest of the facility to keep operations in-house rather than have it contracted out.

Again, on November 21st members of CUPE Local 2582 attended the Council meeting with a delegation to once again express concerns, asking that Council instead consider using the third-party company in pre-operation and bring in City employees during this time to learn from them and help prepare civic employees to be able to operate the MCRC once it opens, rather than continue with a third-party company.

The $44.5 million facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2024, and according to Martensville Mayor Kent Muench, no final decisions on how the MCRC will be operated have been decided.

“We are getting this facility that is going to be one of the biggest of its kind within the province and we are a small community with no experience for something of this magnitude,” Muench explained.

Muench added that hiring a third-party company to operate facilities such as this is a common practice across North America; however, the building would still be staffed by local residents.

“No one is suggesting that we bring in workers from somewhere else to staff the building. We are looking at options that could potentially help us ensure the success of the facility in ways that we are unable to do, such as helping to market and advertise the facility with a larger reach to keep it busy during slow seasons with bigger events, academies and camps; help us to bring in revenue from national advertisers; and help to fill the 11,000 square feet of retail space at the front of the building,” Muench explained.

Currently, the recreation facilities within Martensville are operated by City employees through Martensville Recreation and Community Services; however, Muench noted that all of the recreation facilities lose money and Council is looking at options to help ensure the MCRC can operate without losing money and be utilized to its full potential year-round.

“I believe that we owe it to the residents of Martensville to explore all options and find the best one for our City and the residents. This is something that many local volunteers have been working towards for over a decade, and as Council, we are not going to be making any decisions lightly, nor do we have any plans to hand full control of the facility over to someone else. In the end, the final decision making authority will be the City of Martensville. The third-party operator would be more like the sober second thought, with the knowledge and experience that we don’t have.”

At the November 21st Council meeting, City of Martensville administration re-iterated that no terms of a contract have yet to be determined with a third-party private company; however, a motion was brought forward to enter into an agreement with third-party company Nustadia for the pre-opening services for the MCRC, as well as a request from administration to provide direction on a proposed contract for the MCRC once it is fully operational. Once a contract is negotiated, it would be brought back for Council at a future meeting for final approval, which would likely occur in early 2024.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - NOVEMBER 23, 2023 - Page 5

Martensville High School Choir Students Stage the Musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown Submitted by MHS Teacher Mike Kaweski

On what audiences can expect at Martensville High School choir’s production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Giada Sapinoso, who plays Linus, explained: “The audience can expect some comedy, great singing, and wonderful performances.”

The cast and crew of close to 20 people began preparing for the production in September. “We had many early morning practices as well as rehearsals after school,” commented Emma Hanley, who plays Schroeder, on how the student cast and crew prepared for the fast-paced and lively musical.

“I wanted to have the chance to dance and sing,” said Nico Duero, who plays Linus, on what made him decide to audition for the musical filled with catchy songs and dance numbers.

For Rylie Coller, who plays Charlie Brown, the decision to audition was also personal: “Theatre has always been a big part of my family’s life, and I have always loved theatre!”

This week from Nov. 21-24 the cast and crew have the opportunity to stage the fun musical for students from Martensville High School as well as for grade 8 students from Martensville’s elementary schools.

Sound and lighting students and the stage crew worked many hours to get things just right for the production. Two parent volunteers were an important part of the crew: Jody Coller and Lindsay Wunsch.

Cast members really got into their roles. On how cast members could relate to their characters, Kayleigh Weekusk, who plays Sally, noted, “Sally is very expressive and sometimes I can relate to that.”

“Lucy is so fabulous and fun to play,” explained Max Teskey, who plays the confident and bubbly Lucy.

Being part of the musical has certainly helped students in their character development. “Participation in the musical has helped students learn to develop confidence, self-discipline, and teambuilding skills,” explained Mary Lou Beck, director of the production. “Cast and crew members also develop an appreciation of the arts.”

“I’ve learned to build teamwork, trust, and new friendships,” observed Duero.

“For me the most memorable moments were bonding with the cast and making new friends,” noted Teskey.

Public performances are at 7:00 pm on Friday, Nov. 24, and Saturday, Nov. 25, and at 2:00 pm on Sunday, Nov. 26, at the Martensville High School Theatre. Tickets are $13.00 for adults; $10.00 for students; and preschoolers are free. Tickets are available at the school’s main office. The admission price includes an assortment of delicious desserts prepared by the MHS Commercial Cooking 20 class, which will be available for theatre goers before the musical begins.

Government Introduces Carbon Tax Fairness for Families Act Removing Carbon Tax from SaskEnergy Bills Will Save Families $400 in 2024 Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy Dustin Duncan introduced The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act to protect Saskatchewan families from the unfair and unaffordable federal carbon tax.

On October 30, Premier Scott Moe announced that SaskEnergy will stop collecting the carbon tax on January 1, 2024, in response to the federal government's decision to stop charging the carbon tax on home heating oil, which primarily benefits families in Atlantic Canada. Moe said the federal government should extend the exemption to all forms of home heating, but if they refused to do that, the province would stop collecting the carbon tax on SaskEnergy bills.

The removal of the federal carbon tax from SaskEnergy bills, effective January 1, 2024, will save the average Saskatchewan family approximately $400 in 2024.

"Our government is taking the necessary steps to protect Saskatchewan families' ability to afford to heat their homes this winter by removing the federal carbon tax from the natural gas bills of residential customers," Duncan said. "This legislation will give our government, and me as Minister, the sole authority and responsibility for decisions regarding the collection and remittance of the federal carbon tax on SaskEnergy bills while also providing protection for SaskEnergy employees and board members."

The bill amends The SaskEnergy Act to designate the Crown as the sole registered distributor of natural gas in Saskatchewan, and invests all powers, rights, authorities, responsibilities and obligations for the purposes of Part 1 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (Canada), to the Government of Saskatchewan. These authorities include providing the Minister with the sole decision-making authority to pay, or withhold payment, of any charge, tax, levy, remittance or other payment required by Part 1 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (Canada).

Under this legislation, the Crown will indemnify SaskEnergy and all current and former directors, officers, employees, agents, members, affiliates, and other representatives from all damages, costs, charges and expenses, including legal fees, that the corporation or individual incurs with respect to any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or other matter in which the corporation or individual is implicated in relation to the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (Canada).

"We still believe the federal government should remove the carbon tax on everything for everyone," Duncan said. "But until that happens, our government will ensure fairness for Saskatchewan families by taking the carbon tax off their SaskEnergy bills."

Martensville High School Choir’s PRODUCTION OF

You’re a Good Man,

Martensville High School Theatre 150 MIKE SANDS BOULEVARD, MARTENSVILLE

Friday, Nov. 24 - 7:00 pm Saturday, Nov. 25 - 7:00 pm Sunday, Nov. 26 - 2:00 pm TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE MHS OFFICE: 306.931.2230 ADULTS $13

STUDENTS $10

RUSH SEATING. INCLUDES ASSORTMENT OF DELICIOUS DESSERTS PREPARED BY MHS COMMERCIAL COOKING 20 STUDENTS & INSTRUCTOR KATHRYN KULCHAR

MARTENSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR PRESENTS YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN RYLIE COLLER CHARLIE BROWN MAX TESKEY LUCY RYLAN SHUTRA SNOOPY SALLY KAYLEIGH WEEKUSK SCHROEDER EMMA HANLEY LINUS NICO DUERO/GIADA SAPINOSO CHORUS ANGELY CIFUENTES ZOE ELIAS KADEN SCOTT STARRING

SOUND & LIGHTING ZUHKAYDA TARALA DANIKA BJARNARSON EERIK KOJOLA ROWAN REDEKOPP STAGE PROPS BROOKLYN HNATYSHYN EMMA CAMPBELL EMMA HURLEY SHARON MORRISON LINDSAY WUNSCH JODY COLLER REHEARSAL ACCOMPANISTS JODY COLLER TERESA KOOP-HUNTER SET DESIGN DAN BECK STAGE MANAGER MIKE KAWESKI CHOREOGRAPHY ABBY BRENNER LINDSAY WUNSCH MARY LOU BECK DIRECTOR MARY LOU BECK Produced by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC., 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022

Page 6 - NOVEMBER 23, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - NOVEMBER 23, 2023 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature Saskatchewan GDP Growth Highest in Canada

Gas, Home Heating Tax Bridges Important Questions

The point of agreement among government, opposition and the public right now is that some sort of relief is required.

It’s certainly a sentiment here in Saskatchewan where a year ago we were all cashing $500 cheques for that purpose.

One might argue that, with inflation still running rampant, that money is needed more today than it was back then.

Here is where the problem begins for all governments that can ill-afford to simply hand back money all the time. If government could afford to do responsibility to this, it would be a pretty good sign that taxes are, indeed, too high.

This takes us to the other problem - the reality that taxes serve the purpose of providing revenue for things a society collectively needs like hospitals, schools and roads.

The above is likely obvious, but maybe we need to think about it a bit more in light of a recent controversy.

That controversy sees the Saskatchewan Party government demanding the federal Liberal government remove the carbon tax on home heating, but balking at calls from the NDP Opposition hear at home to at least temporarily lift the provincial fuel tax while further demanding we also reduce the provincial sales tax either through an across-the-board reduction on specific items.

At the legislature last week, the NDP moved a motion calling for a six-month pause on collecting the 15-cent-alitre provincial fuel tax to relieve people from the current inflationary pressures we are all now under.

Noted NDP leader Carla Beck, the 15 cents per litre on gasoline and diesel fuel is more costly to consumers than the 14 per cent imposed as part of the federal carbon tax.

Speaking to reporters at the legislature last week, Premier Scott Moe said he has not done the math.

Both the Opposition and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation have previously made this request - one that Beck described as “a very considered measure, I think.”

“It makes sense,” said the Saskatchewan NDP leader, adding Ontario, Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador have all put a pause on it, but it’s also here where such policy choices can get a bit complicated.

For starters, while the NDP said it would amount to a $350 saving for a family (and $150 million in savings for commercial and industrial consumers) it would come as $225 million hit to government coffers; money that could be spent addressing overcrowded hospital ER waiting rooms or classrooms.

By contrast, Moe estimated a $400 per household annual saving if the carbon tax was removed.

Of course, the carbon tax is a federal government problem - one that’s based on household rebates to punish less environmentally sustainable behaviour by giving people cheques to presumably convert to more sustainable practices.

It’s also an initiative that’s opposed by the provincial government. “We’ve said that, time and time again, it’s the stance of this government that the consumption-based carbon tax should be removed on everything, for everyone,” Moe told reporters. “That includes how we heat our homes, that includes filling our vehicles up.”

However, that seems more of a policy debate separate from inflationary costs related to affordability questions affecting Canadians everywhere. (Interesting, rising costs of oil home heating from which the carbon tax was removed was how we got into this conversation in the first place.)

Beck and the NDP also support the Saskatchewan Party government call to remove the carbon tax from home heating, but argue a temporary pausing of the provincial fuel tax could be done immediately.

“Both can happen and I think should happen,” Beck said. The problem, however, is provincial adjustments to either the gas tax or the PST come with revenue consequences that lead to more deficit budgets and higher debt payment.

Everyone wants relief for consumers. Unfortunately, it’s never that simple or easy.

Saskatchewan’s strong and growing economy continues to lead the nation.

Our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 6.0 per cent and led the nation in 2022.

The total dollar value was $76.7 billion, led by an impressive 45.6 per cent increase in the agriculture sector, along with strong increases in mining, oil and gas extraction, accommodation and food services, construction and manufacturing. Our government will continue to support the economic development of Saskatchewan as we build and protect our communities.

Our strong and growing economy is being recognized around the globe. Recently, our Premier and Minister of Trade and Export Development received the Canada-India Business Council (C-IBC) Member of the Year Award for our longstanding relationship with the C-IBC and the strengthening of economic and social ties between Saskatchewan and India.

India is a major export market for Saskatchewan producers; in 2022, we exported $1.4 billion of products to India, an increase of over 130 per cent from the previous year. This increase contributed significantly to the GDP growth Saskatchewan saw last year.

Creation of New Child Care Spaces

A growing economy allows our government to invest back into Saskatchewan, building and protecting the programs and services that make Saskatchewan strong. We recently announced the creation of over 2,300 new regulated childcare spaces in the province through a joint provincial and federal investment of $23.5 million. A total of 51 organizations in 41 communities will use the funding to build new facilities or expand existing ones.

Among these organizations is the Owl’s Nest Early Learning Centre in Martensville which will be creating 36 new spaces. This investment will provide families greater access to affordable, high-quality early learning and childcare opportunities and support positive childhood development, early literacy and student achievement.

Collection of Carbon Tax by SaskEnergy

Our government recently introduced The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act to protect Saskatchewan families from the unfair and unaffordable federal carbon tax.

On October 30, Premier Scott Moe announced that SaskEnergy will stop collecting the carbon tax on January 1, 2024, in response to the federal government’s decision to stop charging the carbon tax on home heating oil, which primarily benefits families in Atlantic Canada. The Premier was clear that the federal government should extend this exemption to all forms of home heating, but if they refused to do so, Saskatchewan would stop collecting the carbon tax on SaskEnergy bills.

This legislation will give our provincial government and the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation (CIC) the sole authority and responsibility for decisions regarding the collection and remittance of the federal carbon tax on SaskEnergy bills, while also protecting SaskEnergy employees and board members.

This policy will save the average Saskatchewan family $400 in 2024. Our government still believes, and has always believed, that the carbon tax should be removed on everything, for everyone. But until that happens, with this legislation, our government is taking the necessary steps to protect Saskatchewan families’ ability to afford to heat their homes this winter.

As our government continues its work to build and protect Saskatchewan, we look forward to hearing from you! Conversations with constituents help shape government policy and allow us to represent your best interests in the Legislature. To reach my constituency office, you can contact me at office@terryjenson.ca or 306242-2111.

Three Facts About Best-Before Dates That Can Save You Money Canadian Food Inspection Agency

You've whipped up a family favourite for dinner – maybe it's fajitas or a big pot of your homemade chili.

You reach into the fridge for the appropriate sides and toppings and notice that the unopened container of sour cream has passed the best-before date. Does that mean you have to forgo the cooling tang of the sour cream to balance out the extra hot peppers you included in the recipe? Should you automatically toss it in the garbage? Not necessarily. Here are three simple ways you can use best-before dates to save money and reduce unnecessary food waste.

1. Know the difference between a best-before date and an expiration date - Expiration dates and bestbefore dates are not the same thing. An expiration date is the last day a food is safe to eat. Expiration dates are required on only a small number of foods, such as infant formula and meal replacements. In those cases, it's not safe to consume those products after the date has passed and they should be disposed of.

Best-before dates are about food freshness, quality and how long the food should last unopened—not about food safety. Simply put, a best-before date is the timeframe when a product will be at its tastiest and freshest.

After that date, the product may still be edible, but might not look or taste quite as good.

2. Check it out before you chuck it out - There's a common misconception that after a package of food has passed its best-before date, you shouldn't eat it. Best-before dates indicate when packaged food will be at its peak in terms of flavour and freshness. If stored according to the instructions on the package an unopened food product could still be eaten days or even weeks after the best-before date has passed.

Use your judgement, open the package and look for signs of spoilage, such as mould or a funky odor.

Keep in mind that some foods will become unsafe before they spoil so follow safe food storage guidelines.

You may often find that using something beyond its best-before date is perfectly fine and can help reduce your food waste. Products such as canned goods or dried pasta may also have best-before dates, but those are not actually required.

3. More foods include best-before dates than required by Canadian law - Keep an eye out for savings.

Not all foods, like fresh produce, require best-before dates. However, the food industry can still choose to put a best-before date and many do, which often results in sales when the date approaches. For example, if you buy a tub of yogurt the day before the best-before date, your local grocery store may offer you up to 50 per cent off.

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.

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Paws Republic Hosts Adoption Event Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Paws Republic Centre for Pets had a busy weekend between hosting a steak night fundraiser, offering Santa photos for pets and holding a two-day adoption event to help find loving homes for an assortment of dogs that were saved from being euthanized in California.

Paws Republic partnered up with From the Streetz Rescue Foundation, who rescued the animals and secured their transport to bring them to Canada and work towards finding them loving homes to live out the rest of their lives.

Once in Canada, the dogs were vet checked and Paws Republic assisted in helping to assess, train and house some of them.

For more information about available dogs, how to help support this amazing cause, or how to become a foster home, visit www. streetzrescuefoundation. com.

ABOVE: Odie (brown) and Mindy (white) were two of the dogs that were an hour away from being euthanized and rescued

by From the Streetz Rescue Foundation.

RIGHT: A cuddly bunch of pitbull puppies are available for adoption.