November 2, 2023 Digital Issue

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

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Your City; Your Newspaper November 2, 2023

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Halloween Fun at the MAP The MAP was a hub of activity on Friday, October 27th for Halloween festivities.

Toddler Time took place from 4pm-5:30pm and then it was open to all ages from 6pm8pm. There was a wide array of activities available for people to participate in.

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Page 2 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Coyote Sightings - What You Should Know

November Council Meeting Dates

We wish to inform the public about recent coyote sightings around Martensville. We urge everyone to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from coyotes and other wildlife, as they can exhibit unpredictable behaviour when approached.

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.

If you have any inquiries or concerns related to coyotes or wildlife within the city limits, please reach out to City Hall/Bylaw at (306) 931-2166 or in cases of Emergency the RCMP at (306) 975-1610.

November 7 - Regular Council November 14 - Committee of the Whole November 21 - Regular Council

Here are the recommended actions to take if you encounter a coyote up close: • Avoid approaching the animal.

• Look for an escape route.

• Stay vigilant and monitor the coyote’s movements.

• Act assertively by shouting and waving your arms to establish human dominance.

• Ensure the coyote has a clear path to escape the situation.

• Keep pets on a leash and under control.

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

Coyotes play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and are commonly found in major cities across Canada. Coyotes can be spotted in residential and commercial areas, especially when food and shelter are readily available.

To prevent coyote encounters in your yard, consider the following tips: • Refrain from feeding coyotes or leaving food waste accessible.

• Seal off access points to decks and other sheltered areas in your yard.

• Avoid feeding pets outdoors.

• Ensure your yard gate is securely closed, and your fencing is in good condition.

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.

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

Recreation Program Update

Sip N’Shop Thursday, November 16th from 4-8 PM at the North Ridge Centre. An annual Christmas season Trade Show that provides an opportunity to shop for gifts.

Admission to the public is free or register for your vendor space today at the Martensville Athletic Pavilion.

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!

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 minutes 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!

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.

Physician Assistant Training Program to Proceed

Saskatchewan will establish a Physician Assistant training program in the province. The government has asked the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine to develop a new two-year Physician Assistant Master's program to begin in fall 2025.

"This is a unique opportunity to provide new training here in the province that will be customized to meet the needs of Saskatchewan people," Advanced Education Minister Gordon Wyant said. "The Physician Assistant program will be specifically designed to meet critical needs in our health care system, particularly in rural and remote areas."

Newly introduced to Saskatchewan as a health profession for the first time, Physician Assistants will soon be joining health care teams to help provide enhanced care and strengthen the health system. Physician Assistants practice medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician, often within a multidisciplinary health team.

They provide services in primary care, long-term care, emergency medicine, cancer care, general internal medicine and surgical specialties.

"As the newest members of team-based health care in Saskatchewan, we look forward to Physician Assistants making valuable contributions to timely, high-quality health care and enhancing patient access to health services," Health Minister Everett Hindley said. "We are now hiring in the province for these positions and adding this training program means more opportunity for Saskatchewan residents to build a career right here at home."

Twelve Physician Assistant positions will be available in communities across the province. Current opportunities are posted on HealthCareersInSask.ca.

Funding for the new training program will be finalized through the 2024-25 Provincial Budget process.

"Our college is excited to be leading the development of a Physician Assistant Master's program for Saskatchewan, with an intake of 20 learners when the program is launched," College of Medicine Dean Dr. Preston Smith said. "Our team here will

be working hard in the coming months to deliver this new program with the same high academic standards we currently meet at our medical school."

Saskatchewan continues to explore the potential for other health care training program expansions.

For more information on health care training initiatives, visit saskatchewan.ca/ hhr-train.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 - Page 3

City Of Martensville Announces New Director of Recreation and Community Services

Canadian Tire Prepares for Expansion Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The City is delighted to announce the appointment of Roxane Melnyk as the new Director of Recreation & Community Services. Roxane is set to officially assume her role on November 6th, where she will be responsible for all city-owned parks, facilities, and recreational programming for the City of Martensville.

Roxane, a University of Saskatchewan graduate, holds a degree in Physical Education with a specialization in sports administration. Her enduring passion for sports, culture, and recreation has been a driving force in both her personal and professional life. Taking on the role in Martensville, Melnyk noted, “I am thrilled about the chance to join the team in Martensville. I look forward to working with the staff to ensure Martensville continues to be a place where people can live, work, and play”.

Before joining the City of Martensville, Roxane held the position of Recreation Services Manager with the City of Saskatoon, amassing over two decades of experience in recreation and facilities. Her expertise extends to project management, employee supervision, and service contracts.

Tanya Garost, the City Manager, expressed her excitement and satisfaction with Roxane’s addition to our leadership team, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Roxane to the City of Martensville. Her extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge in various aspects of the recreation and community services field, coupled with her experience in managing a diverse employee base and user groups, will be a valuable asset to our community.”

This appointment became available due to the retirement of the previous director, Ted Schaeffer, who served with the City since 2018. We extend our gratitude to Ted for his years of dedicated service and hard work.

Lindsay Ullathorne, the current owner (dealer) of the Martensville Canadian Tire began operating out of this location in September, and has not wasted any time getting down to business. Beginning next week, construction will begin on a major expansion project for the local store, increasing the retail space from 30,000 square feet to 50,000 square feet, along with numerous other changes.

Ullathorne, who still currently owns two other Canadian Tire locations in southern Alberta, decided that Martensville was a great opportunity for her to come in and put her stamp on the store. The Martensville Canadian Tire marks the third location that Ullathorne has owned over the past ten years; however, she has been a part of Canadian Tire for almost 30 years and worked in a wide range of locations and departments throughout that time.

“I love a challenge and was excited to see what I could do with a new environment. I am super excited to get to grow the store, and bring more opportunity to the people of Martensville and surrounding areas,” Ullathorne said.

“I kind of grew up in Saskatoon because my dad, who was also a dealer, ran the Confederation Park store when I was in high school. It feels a lot like coming home and it is just nice to see familiar faces and to be back in a community that is so happy to have us and has so much potential for growth.”

Construction will begin with the south wall, where the garden centre is located, being removed, as the expansion will build out in that direction. During construction, the retail store will continue to operate as usual and will remain open the entire time.

“There will be work done on the entrances at some point, which will probably be the biggest frustration for the shoppers, but like any construction project, we all have to live through a little misery to get something beautiful in the end and we will do our best to ensure customers are impacted as little as possible,” Ullathorne explained.

In July of 2024, the new area will begin to have shelves stocked, with plans to host a grand re-opening celebration in October or November of next year.

Along with the retail expansion, there will also be a dedicated E-commerce pick-up location, a new and improved garden centre, expanded warehouse, technology upgrades, interior and exterior paint, along with numerous other updates throughout the store. Ullathorne also noted that there will be more room for displays, and the available items in-store will be more extensive.

Once complete, the store will be much more technology focused, which will include electronic shelf labels and a ‘scan and buy’ program which will make purchasing large items located within the warehouse a much easier experience for customers.

“Essentially, there will be a tablet parked in front of a section that the customer can use to request the item.

From there, a staff member will be notified and the customer can continue with their shopping. Once the item is ready, a notification will be sent to the customer’s phone. The electronic shelf labels are a game changer for us and for our customers. It is a huge labour effort to constantly be changing prices, so to have them done electronically cuts down on human error and allows staff to be available for other things. Additionally, if a customer is looking for a specific item, you can utilize the app to help find it and the label will blink in the aisle to help you locate it quicker and easier, which is really useful when looking for items such as plumbing fittings or nuts & bolts.”

The Martensville Canadian Tire location first opened in 2015 and currently employs approximately 70 people.

Once the expansion is complete, Ullathorne estimates that number will grow to around 90.

M

ARTENSVILLE

ESSENGER

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To Contact Us About Advertising: advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

Want to Share News?: news@martensvillemessenger.ca

Page 4 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

MHS Girls Soccer Team Has Silver Success

The Martensville High School Girls Soccer team traveled to Regina this past weekend to participate in provincials where they played hard in some cold and snowy weather.

The girls kicked things off with a 1-0 win against Regina Luther thanks to a penalty shot from Chloe Bartel; however, they were unable to come out on top against a very strong Yorkton Sacred Heart team in the gold medal game, earning them the silver.

Last year, the girls also won a silver medal in provincials, which was the first time that a provincial soccer medal had been won in Martensville High School history.

SPORTS Peewee Maddogs Make History Jocelyn Ottenbreit, Martensville Messenger

The Martensville Peewee Maddogs headed into their semi-final matchup against the Titans at Saskatoon Minor Football (SMF) field on Saturday, October 28th.

They came out with the win 58-53 and will now go on to play the Ledingham Steelers in the Championship game.

This is the first Peewee team in Maddogs history (18 years) to make it to the Championship game which is a great accomplishment for this team.

The Peewee team went undefeated in the regular season with a 7 and 0 record.

Come out and cheer on your Peewee Maddogs for the Championship game on Sunday, 3pm at SMF field.

Winning Weekend for 15AA Marauders Submitted

The Marauders 15AA squad got a hard-earned tournament win on the weekend in Melville at the Affinity Place Arena.

After a big 10-2 win against Weyburn Friday night, the Marauders got a 2-1 overtime victory against rival Regina Tigers Saturday afternoon.

The Marauders then took an 8-2 win from Northwest on Saturday evening and wound up the tournament with a 6-2 win in a spirited game against host Melville.

It is back to work this week for the players as they have Trach Skating on Monday, two sets of dryland, four practices and a nutrition session Thursday at lunch.

The boys are excited to host our big Fundraiser for KidSport and our new Martensville Rink Saturday night! Tickets can still be purchased for the November 4th event by visiting https://mcrp.ca/fundraisers/fall-fun-raiser/.

The Marauders 15AA is just one of many outstanding hockey programs within Martensville Minor Hockey - go check them out any time at Martensville Arena!

ABOVE: The Marauders 15AA team had a successful weekend in Melville this past weekend.

(Submitted)

Tickets Still Available for Fall Fun-Raiser Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

Don’t miss out on a chance to take part in a fantastic evening of fun and fundraising to help support numerous community programs. The Fall Fun-Raiser will be taking place on Saturday, November 4th at the North Ridge Community Centre in Martensville.

The evening will begin at 5pm with cocktail hour, followed by a plated dinner courtesy of Sports Page. Throughout the evening, there will be music provided by Kris Klyne, with entertainment by Magician Matt Gore.

Funds raised through this event will go towards supporting Martensville’s new Recreation Centre, the local KidSport chapter, and the new 15AA Marauder Hockey team.

“This fundraising event promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment, delectable cuisine, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community's recreation project. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this magical night of giving, where you can help turn dreams into reality while enjoying an evening of unparalleled entertainment and camaraderie,” the event website states.

Tickets are still available and are $75.00 for an adult, $45.00 for children 3-16 years of age, or $550 for a table of 8. For ticket information and inquiries, please contact Brenda Black at brenda.black405@gmail.com, or visit https://mcrp.ca/fundraisers/fallfun-raiser/.

ABOVE: The Maddogs Peewee team has made history as the first team in 18 years to make it to a championship game, which will take place on Sunday, November 5th at SMF Field in Saskatoon. (Submitted)

POLICE

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 - Page 5

BEAT

Martensville RCMP to Host Town Hall Meeting

Paws Republic Saves the Strays

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger We all know Paws Republic Centre for Pets in Martensville is a local business that provides a wide variety of training, boarding and daycare options for our The Martensville RCMP are hosting furry (and feathered) family members, but did you know an Open House on Wednesday, November 8th that they also provide housing and care to stray animals that are found within the community? at the North Ridge Community Centre at 7pm.

Stray animals are brought to Paws Republic Members of the public are invited to attend to and held on location until another, more permanent option learn more about our local police detachment. can be found, whether through a foster home, adopted to a Town Hall Meetings serve as an new family, or re-located to an animal rescue. A separate opportunity to openly discuss community and area from animals staying through boarding or daycare policing issues as well as meeting members of within Paws Republic is dedicated to all strays, with a the local detachments. quarantine period taking place to ensure the safety of all The RCMP will have a presentation, animals. followed by a question and answer session. This While at Paws Republic, the stray animals are provided any necessary medical care that may be is an opportunity to share your views on policing required, which increases as the temperatures drop and in the community, feedback on priority areas and more incidents of frost bite occur. Recently, a cat was connect and meet the local RCMP members. brought in with an abscess that ruptured and required immediate medical attention, along with numerous kittens with parasitic worms.

Currently, there are two stray dogs and eight stray cats being housed at Paws Republic, with hundreds of animals helped throughout the past ten years that the business has been operating within Martensville.

“Yes, the number of fatal collisions increased exponentially in recent weeks and yes, we are

“Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to help ensure concerned,” says Superintendent Grant St. Germaine, officer in charge of Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic these animals are brought in from the streets so we can find them a safe place Services. “22 fatal collisions and 26 deaths occurred in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction between to live. We are always working hard to provide the best care possible for the September 1 and October 25 this year. This is a dramatic increase from the 36 fatal collisions and 38 people and animals in this community and we couldn’t do it without community deaths from January 1-August 31, 2023. The fatal collisions geographically occurred all throughout the support. Unfortunately, the need for care is rising, with more animals coming province. There is no one ‘hot spot’ or mitigating factor, making it challenging to provide a specific in each year and the cost to house and provide care to the animals can be quite extensive, so we are always looking for new ways to raise funds to help support overall contributing cause.” this ongoing issue as we are currently paying out of pocket for these expenses,” 58 fatal collisions in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction thus far in 2023 – 26 since September 1 Kristine O’Brien, owner/operator of Paws Republic Centre for Pets, stated.

September 1 to October 25, 22 fatal collisions occurred resulting in 26 deaths (14 drivers, nine

Donations of gently used items such as toys, food, treats and more passengers and three pedestrians died). are always welcome. There is also a raffle taking place right now for a basket full of goodies from Paws Republic. Tickets can be purchased at Paws Republic Overall fatal collisions in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction (both the main location and Camp Paws Republic)

“We really appreciate all of the people and rescues that help support our efforts such as Martensville Veterinary Clinic, SCAT Street Cat Rescue, Saskatoon Dog Rescue, From the Streetz Rescue Foundation, and everyone else that has contributed to the safety and well-being of our furry friends. Also, thank you to the City of Martensville Bylaw, who has been amazing and supportive.”

For more information on Animal Control in Martensville, visit https://www.martensville.ca/pages/pet_licensing__animal_services.html.

A Fatal Collision Occurred Every 2.5 Days (avg) September 1 - October 25

Specific monthly breakdowns

23112SS0 23112SS1

Note: numbers do not include fatal collisions which occurred on private property, in other Saskatchewan police service jurisdictions, off public road surfaces and those related to medical emergencies. This is consistent with statistics provided to SGI for reporting purposes.

What are the causes? - There may be multiple causes/factors associated to one fatal collision.

This could include a single factor, such as alcohol impairment or double, triple or even quadruple additional factors such as speed, alcohol or/and drug impairment, seatbelt use, medical emergency, wildlife involvement, among others.

17 impairment investigations - Driver impairment is considered a cause or factor in 17 out of the 58 fatal collisions in 2023. Of these, four drivers were charged or a charge was recommended for impaired operation of a motor vehicle – three involving alcohol and one involving both drug and alcohol.

Eight drivers died, with four of these investigations involving drug impairment. Five collisions remain under investigation. Multiple fatal collision investigations are still ongoing.

13,000+ kilometers traveled by collision reconstructionists since September 1 - Fatal collision investigations are complex and the Saskatchewan RCMP has five full-time and five part-time collision reconstructionists who are highly skilled in this area. At any one time there are two reconstructionists oncall – one in the north half of the province and one in the south - ready to respond at all times and support our RCMP detachments.

“A rough calculation of the number of kilometers our reconstructionists traveled in the past two months to investigate fatal collisions is roughly 13,000+ kilometers,” shares Sgt. Jeff Burnett, Saskatchewan RCMP Collision Reconstruction. “To put things in perspective, the furthest travel time for one of our reconstructionists was 626 kilometers one-way to conduct an on-scene investigation and, in contrast, another was 28 kilometers. We may be battling adverse weather just to get to a scene – snow, rain, icy roads and more. After we arrive, it generally takes four to six hours to gather evidence, with the time dramatically increasing based on investigational complexity. This can mean road closures last for many hours for critical scene processing.”

A collision reconstruction investigation takes at least several months or sometimes more, factoring in wait times for results of examinations, such as toxicology, in addition to extensive analysis.

Most investigations from between September 1, 2023 to date are not yet complete. Some investigations may never result in charges.

No one wants to deliver a next of kin notification - “Every traffic fatality is a tragedy and our thoughts are with everyone who’s had a loved one die on Saskatchewan roads. The impact is great on our police officers as well, responding to and investigating fatal collisions. No one wants to, nor can anything prepare you for, delivering a next of kin notification. Our officers are not the only ones on scene – there are emergency medical personnel and firefighters, who may also be local volunteers, as well as tow truck drivers, among others. Recognizing there are a multitude of factors related to fatal collisions, our message is to please drive safe on our roads. We want everyone to get home safe,” said Supt. St. Germaine.

2014 Bridge City Brigade Christmas Online Auction **Fundraiser**

Please consider supporting a local 2014 born spring hockey program when purchasing your Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers this year!

Items up for auction include: -

Autographed Connor McDavid, Paul Coffey, Wendel Clark, and Joe Sakic jerseys - Autographed Eric Lindros and Bobby Hull pucks - Toronto Blue Jays memorabilia - Gift cards and items from local businesses - And Many More!!!

Memorabilia provided by: Autograph Authentic

Shipping of items available at extra cost, or pickup in Saskatoon Auction closes on Dec 1, 2023 at 11:55 PM Please use the above QR code or visit our auction at:

https://app.galabid.com/2014brigadeauction

Page 6 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Throne Speech About Getting Back On Track

In wake of the so-called “emergency sitting” to deal with the non-emergency issue of kids pronouns in schools, many were wondering if the Speech from the Throne would show the Saskatchewan Party government had learned some lessons. After all, the report card is in and it’s less than flattering.

A new Insightrix poll released on the SKoop podcast run by Dale Richardson (a former Sask. Party social media communication director in Premier Scott Moe’s office) shows only a six-percentage point spread between the Sask. Party (51 per cent) and the NDP (45 per cent). Most surprisingly, the poll reveals Saskatoon at 65 per cent.

That Insightrix didn’t offer a named third-party alternative (instead, the choice it provided was “another party”) believes the success of the Saskatchewan United Party in the Lumsden-Morse by-election and it was Sask.

United’s second-place finish that inspired the need for that pronoun bill.

Another poll has the governing Sask. Party at around 48 per cent, with the NDP at 40 per cent among decided voters. Those numbers would cut the current 46-person government majority to about 37 Sask. Party seats in the Chamber, while the NDP would vault to 24 seats. In the 61-seat assembly, you need 32 seats to form a majority government.

It’s hardly panic time for the Sask. Party yet; however, there has been more than a little interest in seeing what the government approach would now be.

Would it continue down its path of social conservativism and a more “independent” Saskatchewan?

Last year’s throne speech called for a provincial marshal service, provincial income tax collection and the new Saskatchewan First Act to review the impact of federal legislation. Or would it outline a plan to start addressing some of the more practical problems affecting Saskatchewan?

Based on this year’s throne speech, it seems Moe’s answer was to ensure there was a bit of both.

Yes, it does seem that the Throne Speech delved into political issues like the right to wear a poppy in the workplace on November 11. (What workplace in Saskatchewan prohibits poppy wearing?)

Somewhat similarly, The Saskatchewan First Act to refer the federal Clean Electricity Regulations (following the lead of the Alberta government) and burning need to have a Saskatchewan presence at the COP28 Conference in the United Arab Emirates, all clearly have political overtones.

But a lot of other things in the Throne Speech also clearly fit of “build and protect” like expanding, presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters, hiking the smoking and vaping age to 19 years from 18 years or the new Saskatchewan Employment Incentive program to bolster the income of low-income working families with dependent children are clearly about addressing added social concerns.

A provincial sales tax rebate for new homeowners retroactive to last April, a Secondary Suite Program to increase rental availability, a new investment attraction strategy, a new Saskatchewan Jobs Plan, more job opportunities for Indigenous people through the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation seem to be about getting the province back on track with concerns of ordinary people.

Other issues like the implementing of the new Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions with 500 new addictions treatment spaces; a new Provincial Approach to Homelessness and 30 new Complex Needs Emergency Shelter spaces in Regina and Saskatoon may suggest the government is getting the message on social concerns.

Health facility projects in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Weyburn, La Ronge and Grenfell and new schools in Regina, Saskatoon, Lanigan, Moose Jaw and La Loche are all about meat and potato issues local people want addressed.

Clearly, this Sask. Party government did get off track with is heightened rhetoric during the emergency pronoun sitting. Last week’s throne speech may be about getting back on track.

Building and Protecting Saskatchewan The fall sitting of the Legislature is now underway following the Speech from The Throne, delivered by Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty. The speech laid out our government’s plan to continue to build and protect Saskatchewan over the next year.

Together with Saskatchewan people, our government will continue to build a strong province, a strong economy, strong communities and strong families. And we will protect what we have built together from the risks of global uncertainty and from a federal government that seems intent on shutting down important parts of our economy.

Building A Strong Economy We will continue to build a strong economy and create new jobs by attracting people, talent and business investment to our province. During this session, our government will introduce a new Investment Attraction Strategy to create jobs by building opportunities in emerging sectors, growing existing industries and connecting the world to Saskatchewan.

To compliment the investment plan, we will release the Saskatchewan Jobs Plan to recruit, train and retain a highly skilled workforce. This plan will ensure growth in the province’s economy creates new job opportunities while addressing labour shortages in key sectors and public services.

To further support strong families, our government will introduce the Saskatchewan Employment Incentive program. The program will bolster the income of low-income working families with dependent children.

Housing Initiatives To promote new home construction and protect new homeowners from rising costs, the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) Rebate for New Home Construction will be reinstated and extended retroactive to April 1. This rebate returns 42 per cent of PST paid – about 2.5 per cent of the total house price, excluding the land value – for a new house.

Our government is also introducing a Secondary Suite Program. This program will help homeowners with the costs of building a rental suite within their primary residence and increase the availability of rentals.

Protecting Saskatchewan’s Interests As our government continues to work with Saskatchewan people to build a strong economy, one of the biggest threats to our province’s economy is our own federal government. Their Clean Electricity Standards, Clean Fuel Standard regulations, and proposed oil and gas emissions cap will kill thousands of jobs and devastate our resource sector.

That is why during this session our government will use the Saskatchewan First Act to refer these policies to the Economic Impact Assessment Tribunal, which will look into the economic harm caused by these destructive federal policies.

Investments in Mental Health, Addictions and Homelessness As our government continues to focus on building strong communities, we are investing in programs and services to protect those struggling with mental health and addictions. We will implement our recently announced Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions, investing $49.4 million when fully implemented in five years and adding 500 new addictions treatment spaces – more than doubling the number of treatment spaces in the province. Our government will also implement the new Provincial Approach to Homelessness, investing $40.2 million over the next two years to create 155 new supportive housing spaces, 120 new permanent emergency shelter spaces, and 30 new complex needs emergency shelter spaces.

23111WW0 23111WW1 23111WW2 23111WW3 23111WW4

Other New and Continuing Commitments During the Throne Speech, our government outlined the bills we will introduce this session to continue building Saskatchewan and protect all we have built. New legislation will expand presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters to include six additional types of cancer, giving Saskatchewan the broadest presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters in Canada. Our government will also introduce a bill designed to reduce smoking and vaping, including raising the legal consumption age from 18 to 19, consistent with the age for alcohol and cannabis consumption.

These new announcements come along with our government’s commitment to continue the work we’ve already begun. We will continue to build new hospitals and health facilities, while continuing work on the Health Human Resources Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain health care workers. We will continue to build new schools, while expanding online learning opportunities through the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation and adding more childcare spaces in communities across the province. We will continue to expand our government’s support for community-based organizations that enhance access to services, such as mental health services for children and youth and second stage housing.

Our government, together with the people of our great province, will keep building Saskatchewan and we will protect all we have built. As we continue this work, we look forward to hearing from you. If you have questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact my constituency office at office@terryjenson. ca or 306-242-2111.

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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Page 8 - NOVEMBER 2, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

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Zak’s Home Hardware Launches First Paper Poppy Program in Canada

Zak’s Home Hardware is pioneering the FIRST Paper Poppy campaign held in Canada this Remembrance Day season!

This initiative is sanctioned by the Deputy Director of the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command in Ottawa ON. Customers can donate to the Legion by purchasing a Paper Poppy in-store - add it onto their till transaction, dedicate their poppy, and take a lapel poppy to show their continued support of veterans.

The goal of the promotion is to drive Legion donations in an era where pocket change is dwindling. All proceeds benefit our local Nutana Royal Canadian Legion Branch 362.

Paper Poppies will be proudly displayed in all three Zak’s Home Hardware locations during Legion-approved poppy dates: last Friday of October (Oct 27th) to November 11th. Zak’s Home Hardware Building Centres are located in Saskatoon, Warman and Hague and are locally-owned by the Zacharias family.

Martensville SK 306-244-4950

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