October 12, 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 October 11, 2023

VOLUME NO. 17 - ISSUE 38

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

17 Centennial Drive North

Re-roofs New Construction Residential Commercial

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Over 12 Years Making Your Real Estate Dreams Come True!

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Locally Owned and Operated Celebrating Fifteen Years of Community

The Martensville Fire Department performs regular checks and maintenance on their equipment to ensure everything is in proper working condition when needed on a call. See more about our local fire department on pages 4 and 5.

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Call the Martensville Messenger and ask about our affordable advertising Shanine Sealey/MM

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Page 2 - OCTOBER 12, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

October and November Council Meeting Dates

Reminder Property Taxes are Due!

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.

- 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

October 17 - Regular Council November 7 - Regular Council November 14 - Committee of the Whole November 21 - Regular Council

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.

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

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

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

How Can You Help Prevent a Sewer Line Backup?

• Do not pour grease or cooking oil down the drain. Instead scrape out or pour cooking oil and grease into a container or plastic bag and dispose of it in your kitchen garbage.

• Do not dispose of large absorbent items like paper towels, diapers, baby wipes or feminine products, down the toilet, these are not items that disintegrate like toilet paper will, including “flushable” wipes. These products should be disposed of in your garbage.

• Kitchen garburators increase the amount of organic material in the service lines. Depending on the condition of the service line, organic material can stick to the lines and over time cause blockages. Compost your organic material instead.

To help prevent a sewer backup, be mindful of what goes down the drain. Your pipes are not built to handle most food items and will almost always cause a blockage in the short or long term. When in doubt, properly dispose of these items by throwing them away.

Organics Collection Season is Wrapping Up

Please note that the final Organics Pick up dates are coming in October. The final dates for Green Bins to be picked up is: October 24th for the Northside October 31st for the Southside Subscribers should store Green Bins until the schedule restarts in May 2023.

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Recreation Program Update

Halloween @ the MAP Come out on October 27th from 6:00pm-8:00pm for an evening of spooky fun at the MAP. Dress up and enjoy some Halloween themed games, crafts and activities. $5 a person or $15 for a family New this year: Toddler Time - This is for families with kids 5 and under to come and enjoy the festivities from 4-5:30 pm! $5 a person or $15 for a family.

Sip N’Shop Thursday, November 16th from 4-8PM at the North Ridge Centre. Our annual Christmas season Trade Show 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.

Cleaning up After our Pets

It is not just a mess, it can potentially be harmful to other pets exposing them to illnesses such as parvovirus. Let’s keep pathways and parks clean and safe for everyone and their pets.

Bring a baggy or find one in the many stations throughout the City along our pathways or in the dog park.

POLICE

BEAT

Martensville RCMP to Host Town Hall Meeting

The Martensville RCMP are hosting an Open House on Wednesday, November 8th at the North Ridge Community Centre at 7pm.

Members of the public are invited to attend to learn more about our local police detachment.

Town Hall Meetings serve as an opportunity to openly discuss community and policing issues as well as meeting members of the local detachments.

The RCMP will have a presentation, followed by a question and answer session. This is an opportunity to share your views on policing in the community, feedback on priority areas and connect and meet the local RCMP members.

Driver Declared Deceased After Collision With Moose

At approximately 22:15 p.m. on October 6th, Warman RCMP received a report of a wildlife collision on Highway #16, west of the Borden Bridge. Investigation determined a vehicle struck a moose. The adult male driver was declared deceased

by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 25-year-old male from Edmonton.

His family has been notified. The adult female passenger was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Traffic on Highway #16 was restricted during emergency response to this incident.

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - OCTOBER 12, 2023 - Page 3

Prairie Spirit Reports Enrolment Growth

Prairie Spirit School Division is reporting another year of enrolment growth, with an increase of 170 students this fall. Prairie Spirit has 12,086 students in its 46 schools, effective September 30, 2023. The increase in enrolment aligns with projections submitted by the school division to the Ministry of Education.

All school divisions in the province must report their official enrolment numbers to the Ministry of Education at the end of September each year. Enrolment is a key factor in determining provincial funding to school divisions.

Prairie Spirit School Division serves students in 46 schools and 28 communities surrounding the City of Saskatoon. The school division also includes nine Hutterite colonies and three First Nations communities. The school division covers a wide geographic area: north to Leask, south to Hanley, east to Colonsay and west to Perdue.

By-Election Called for Subdivision 9

The Prairie Spirit Board of Education has scheduled a by-election in Subdivision 9 – the City of Martensville – for Wednesday, December 13. Nominations will close on November 8.

The upcoming by-election in Martensville is required due to the resignation of Trustee Bonnie Hope on August 31. Hope represented the City of Martensville on the Prairie Spirit Board of Education from 2009 to 2023.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to express our appreciation to Bonnie for her exemplary service as a Trustee that benefited students, staff and her community,” said Bernie Howe, Board Chair. “Her effective work as a Trustee served the community of Martensville and the school division as a whole.”

Hope served as the Board Vice-Chair for one term and was Prairie Spirit’s representative for the provincial Public Section organization for several years.

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

Martensville Food Pantry Provides For Community Thanks to Donations

T h e Martensville Food Pantry has been exceptionally busy providing food for individuals and families within Martensville and the surrounding area.

Additional food and items were provided in the past two weeks in lieu of separate Thanksgiving hampers. In total, 86 adults and children, along with 31 pets were supported through the local Food Pantry.

This support is possible through the support of donations made through local businesses, organizations, individuals and more.

Regular donations are made by Martensville Co-op Food Store, Buy Low Foods Warman ABOVE: The Martensville Food Pantry provides weekly hampers to local families and individuals in need of some and the Saskatoon extra support. (Facebook) SPCA. If you are interested in helping support this amazing program, contact the Martensville Food Pantry by calling/texting (306) 280-1255 or email martensvillefoodpantry@gmail.com.

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Page 4 - OCTOBER 12, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

Celebrate Fire Prevention Week Saskatchewan Declares Fire Prevention Week With a Public Education Event to be Held in Warman

Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Paul Merriman along with Saskatchewan Fire Commissioner Marlo Pritchard officially proclaimed Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 8 to 14.

"This week is about everyone in the community taking time to see what they can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safer in the home," Merriman said.

"Children, teenagers, adults and seniors are all at risk and should know what to do in the event of a fire."

The theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week is Cooking safety starts with YOU. Pay attention to fire prevention.

The leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking. It is vital to stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling or broiling food. Safe cooking starts with you.

"Most fires that occur in the kitchen are preventable," Pritchard said. "Simple steps like setting a timer to remind you that you are cooking and having a one-metre 'kid free zone' around the stove can keep everyone safe."

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) will recognize Fire Prevention Week by partnering with the Warman Fire Department for a public education event to be held at the Warman Fire Hall on October 11.

The event will include a live safety demonstration and interactive activities such as the Public Education trailer for students. The public are welcome to attend.

To learn more about the SPSA or find out more about fire prevention visit saskpublicsafety.ca.

Professional Service

Thank you Martensville Fire Department for your service

ABOVE: Members of the Martensville Fire Department performed a hose inspection recently to ensure all hoses on the trucks were in good condition when needed. (Shanine Sealey/MM)

Check Your Smoke Detectors

To keep your smoke alarms in good working order, they need to: • Be tested at least monthly • Have the batteries replaced yearly or when the detector is chirping • Be replaced every 10 years, even if they are hard-wired

DID YOU KNOW? The Martensville Fire Department has a Member Certified in Car Seat Inspections?

Contact the Martensville Fire Department at (306) 934-5822 to schedule an appointment.

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MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - OCTOBER 12, 2023 - Page 5

Celebrate Fire Prevention Week LEFT: Members of the Martensville Fire Department include (not in order and not all present): Fire Chief Kurtis Dyck, Deputy Fire Chief Dean Brooman, Captain Norm Hydamacka, Captain Bill Symons, Captain Jason Marshall, Captain Ryan Cross, Captain James Taylor, Captain Todd Mossop, Russell Gerwing, Dustin Hollman, Brent Dupuis, Levi Schutz, Alex Grenier, Chase Vandale, Michael Gawletz, Chris Peters, Rob Riviere, Tyson Marshall, Mike Anweiler, Noah Muench, Dawson Cote, Dylan Babecy, Mark Dean, Mark Symons, Nathan Brown, Danielle Bertoncini, Duran Durocher, Kalen Muench, Nicolas Rolles, Austin Zimmer, Craig Muench and Davin Bartel.

Celebrating Fire Prevention Week with the Martensville Fire Department

Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

supports us so well, so we invite everyone to come on out and enjoy supper on us and get a chance to meet the members of your local department,” Deputy Fire Chief Dean Brooman stated.

With the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week being cooking safety, Brooman explained that the best piece of advice that he could offer people is to pay attention when cooking. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries within Canada.

“Cooking doesn’t necessarily mean you are in the kitchen, so whether it is inside or outside cooking, be attentive and ensure that you have eyes and ears on what you are doing. Give it your full attention because things can go south pretty quickly. Whatever you are cooking, and wherever you are cooking it, just be careful and 601 Centennial Dr. S. attentive to prevent a fire from breaking out,” Brooman Martensville, SK 601 Centennial Dr. S. said.

Martensville, SK Phone: 306-934-6610 Phone: 306-934-6610 to our Fax: 306-934-6602 Another helpful reminder from Brooman is to Fax: 306-934-6602 E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Custom Window Packages available, ensure that your stove is turned off in the event of a power Martensville Fire Department Labour Included!

IL RTENSVCome indow Packages available, L A see us forE your hardware, outage. “Often, when the power goes out, people forget Store Hours: M building, and paint supply Labour Included!

BLDGMonday foramneeds.helping keepstoves our are on, so when the power comes back - Friday 8:00 - 6:00 pm their that Deck & Fence packages also & Garage, Saturdayavailable 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Free Local Delivery! ee us for your hardware, on, the stove community safe!is on and a fire can start.” and paint supply needs.

HOME SUPPLYClosed Sundays With outdoor cooking, this time of year is a eck & Fence packages also Local Delivery perfect time to give your barbeque some extra attention Hardware available 601 CentennialFREE Dr. S. Each year, the Martensville Fire Department opens the doors to the fire hall and invites the public to attend their annual open house to celebrate Fire Prevention Week, which takes place from October 8-14 this year.

The 2023 open house will be taking place on Wednesday, October 11th from 5pm-7pm and will include a barbeque supper consisting of burgers and hot dogs, static truck displays, a car seat clinic, informative handouts, an appearance from Sparky and a live demonstration.

“We look forward to this event every year because it gives us a chance to meet with the people of the community and it is just a fun time for everyone. It is our opportunity to give back to the community that

and take the time to clean it out, check the lines and ensure everything is ready to be fired back up safely in the spring. Brooman also noted to ensure that propane tanks are always turned off when not in use.

The MFD currently has 30 active members, and as of October 10th, has attended a total of 312 calls this year, with 215 of those being medical calls, 79 fire calls and 18 motor vehicle collisions.

Thank You

Store Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed Sundays

(2006) LTD.

Thank YouYou Thank to our Thank You MartensvilleFire FireDepartment Department to our TENSVILMartensville LStorefor Pre-order your and FENCE Supplies E keepDECK our Hours:helping Martensville Fire Department BLDGMonday - AFridayRT8:00 forEamNhelping keep our S I LL E - 6:00Vpm M 9:00 am community safe!keep BLDG & Saturday helping our - 5:00 pm FreeforLocal Delivery! community safe! & Closed Sundays Free Local Delivery!

ME SUPPLY community safe!

Free Local Delivery!

Phone 306-934-6610 Phone 934-6610

Martensville, SK Phone: 306-934-6610 our Fax: 306-934-6602 to 601 Centennial Dr. S. E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Martensville, SK

601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH COMPLETE LINE OF HARDWARE PRODUCTS & PAINT 601 CENTENNIAL DRIVEBUILDING SOUTH Ph: (306) 934-6610 FREE ESTIMATES Fax: (306) 934-6602

Custom Window Packages available, Labour Included!

Come see us for your hardware, building, and paint supply needs.

vailable,

Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net Custom Window Packages available, Labour Included!

601 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK Phone: 306-934-6610 Fax: 306-934-6602 E-Mail: mbhs@sasktel.net

601 Centennial Dr. S. Martensville, SK Phone: 306-934-6610 Store Hours: Fax: 306-934-6602 Monday - Friday 8:00 amE-Mail: - 6:00mbhs@sasktel.net pm

Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed Sundays Store Hours:

Come see us for your hardware, Garage, Deck & Fence packages also Store Hours: building, and paint supply needs. available Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

ware, needs.

(2006) LTD.

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed Sundays

Garage, Deck & Fence packages also Saturdayavailable 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

HOME SUPPLYClosed Sundays

FREE Local Delivery ocal Delivery Hardware Free Local Delivery!

Hardware ocal Delivery!

Phone 306-934-6610 306-934-6610 ne 934-6610 (2006) LTD.

ges also

Phone 934-6610

601 CENTENNIAL DRIVE SOUTH COMPLETE LINE OF HARDWARE PRODUCTS & PAINT 601 CENTENNIAL DRIVEBUILDING SOUTH Ph: (306) 934-6610 COMPLETE LINE OF HARDWARE FREE ESTIMATES Fax: (306) 934-6602 BUILDING PRODUCTS & PAINT

Thank you for everything you do to help our community!

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FREE ESTIMATES

Pre-order your DECK and FENCE Supplies

your DECK and FENCE Supplies SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES 720 Centennial Drive North Martensville Monday - Friday: 9am-7pm Saturday: 9am - 5pm Closed Sunday

Ph: 306.978.1400

Page 6 - OCTOBER 12, 2023 - MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER

classifieds

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 49 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306-649.1405 or visit www. swna.com for details.

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Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers!

Visit www.swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!

Visit: www.cfuwsaskatoon.org to apply or for further information.

Questions? Email CFUWsaskcouncil@ gmail.com

REAL ESTATE

Deadline to apply is: October 27, 2023 The CFUW is an organization that promotes education to raise the status of women locally, nationally and internationally.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered.

No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS & LABOURERS WANTED For all heavy equipment: ie. dozers, excavators, scrapers etc.

WANTED

FEED AND SEED BUYING: Peas and faba beans for food processing & niche markets. Also selling pedigreed seed & can recommend varieties that work.

Please call Vicki Dutton 306441-6699 for further information.

MISCELLANEOUS

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Martensville Collective Health and Wellness (MCHW) has some exciting news for the community. Not only will they be offering flu vaccines available by appointment beginning Wednesday, October 11th, but they are re-opening after-hours walk-in, which kicked off on Tuesday, October 10th.

This process will be launched as a trial run, with some tweaks made to the previous processes. “We hope this means that we can offer a consistent service that is sustainable for us and for you. We have hired and trained new staff to provide support and we appreciate your patience as they continue to learn in this new environment,” MCHW stated via their social media announcement.

The walk-in clinic will be held on Tuesday evenings from 5pm-8:30pm and will, as best as they are able, consist of two doctors for each shift. Registration for walk-in appointments will begin at 4:45pm and will continue until 8:30pm and will be in-person only.

“The intent is to provide service for minor or urgent issues. This is not the right time or place for regular check-ups, insurance forms, drivers medical, etc. and such requests may be refused at the direction of the physicians on shift.”

If you have symptoms consistent with a cold or upper respiratory tract infection, such as, fever, cough, sore throat, etc, you will be asked to wear a mask when visiting the clinic.

Wait times will not be provided at this time, although they may be available in the future once the system is set in place with staff.

There will be zero tolerance for any abuse towards staff or physicians and phones may not be answered when staff are busy with clients, so the public is reminded that it is possible that you will not get through on phones until the next morning.

In situations of inclement weather conditions, the walk-in hours may my modified or closed.

“We are very thankful that we are once again in a position to offer this service to our community and we look forward to evaluating and improving on the process in the weeks and months ahead. We are so grateful for the support of this community and we are excited to be able to provide after-hours walk in as our way to give back.”

Come out and enjoy a night of Bingo on Thursday, October 12th at 7:00pm

LAND FOR SALE

Camp/R & B provided.

Competitive wages.

Valid drivers license req’d.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN HEATED... LIGHT BUGS... TOUGH MIXED GRAIN SPRING THRASHED WHEAT... OATS PEAS... BARLEY CANOLA... FLAX “ON FARM PICKUP” WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN 1-877-250-5252

INDEPENDENT ADULT LIVING apartments in Martensville, SK. Spend your retirement years in a community close to family/friends in the Saskatoon area that has large city services and small town safety and charm. 2 bedroom suites available. More information at www.chateauvilla. ca, 306-281-4475 or chateauvilla@sasktel.net

Martensville Collective Health Provides Weekly Walk-In Option

Children accompanied by adults are welcome to attend.

6-Up and 9-Up Packages Available!

Join us at 106 4th Avenue North!

Wanted: old advertising: Dealership signs, service station, gas pumps, globes, oil cans, Red indian, White rose, Buffalo, Husky, Ford, GM, Dodge, Tire signs, Coke, Pepsi, etc. Call 306-221-5908

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

Get Your Business Noticed!

Call the MEARTENSVILLE S S E N G E R today and ask about our AFFORDABLE advertising

306-668-1093

advertising@martensvillemessenger.ca

MARTENSVILLE MESSENGER - OCTOBER 12, 2023 - Page 7

MLA Terry Jenson’s Report from the Legislature

Sask. Party May Be Veering Off Its Course

The problem with political parties after they have been in office for a while is they sometimes forget how they got where they are and for the Saskatchewan Party, that is simply the notion of presenting pragmatic right-centre government. Notwithstanding its struggles presenting accurate budgets, the Sask. Party surely can present a plausible narrative that this province has thrived because its government has emphasized growth and free-enterprise opportunity.

This notion has carried the Sask. Party through nearly four full terms, including the last one in which it had to win an election in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and govern during this tumultuous process. As rocky as it’s been the past four years, the Sask. Party should stick with this narrative.

In its 2021-22 budget after the Sask. Party’s 2020 re-election, Finance Minister Donna Harpauer gave us a whopping $1.47-billion deficit —$341 million greater than $1.129-billion deficit in the 2020-21 budget; however, that 2021-22 deficit turned out to be a billion less than has initially presented in March 2021 budget. By the time 202223 budget rolled around, Saskatchewan’s budget situation improved to a $1.58-billion surplus. It would have been even more had the government not handed out $500 cheques.

This year in 2023-24 we can now expect a $484.5-million surplus. We see surplus budgets, a strong economy, and we continue to grow.

Last week, it was announced Saskatchewan grew by 8,567 in the second quarter of 2023, and by 30,685 in the past year. Growth has slowed down a bit, but we will still see more than 200,000 people added to the province in 16 years. That remains Saskatchewan’s greatest growth spurt in 100 years.

It all fits the Sask. Party case for why it should be the right-of-centre alternative to the NDP. The problem, however, is Sask. Party now seems to be having a very difficult time staying on the course.

Maybe one gets why it embarked on its economic sovereignty tour last year that produced the new marshal service and provincial income tax legislation in last sitting.

There is an insatiable appetite in this province to take on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration that has likely been the furthest left federal government this province has seen, but what’s strange is how this exceedingly disciplined provincial party is veering off that centre-right course in directions that are really to no one’s benefit.

One recent example is its reaction to the federal government removing the goods and services tax (GST) on rental apartment construction to stimulate building. It’s a policy that should be beneficial everywhere, including here. More to the point, the construction industry and the opposition have been lobbying for years to remove the provincial sales tax (PST) from construction materials here for the same reason.

Yet the notion was met with a stubborn resistance to do so - largely because the NDP and now the federal Liberals are asking for it. This isn’t the practicality the Sask.

Party has been known for.

Instead, its party that seems engrossed in the notion of “parental rights” in what seems a phony fight over kids using names or pronouns they weren’t born with. How this is now the biggest issue in the province - or even an issue at all in the schools - is something the government has yet to explain.

It may sound popular to some, but a policy that might be hurting struggling kids is wrong and, ultimately, the kind of thing that loses you votes.

Instead of remaining on that centre-right course, the Sask. Party is being pushed to the right by social conservatives. Instead of adopting good ideas regardless of where they come from, the Sask. Party is ignoring good ideas like tax breaks that would stimulate the economy.

They may be forgetting what’s worked for them.

Our government was extremely dismayed by the decision of the court blocking implementation of the Parental Inclusion and Consent policy – a policy which has the strong support of a majority of Saskatchewan residents; in particular, parents. The default position should never be to keep a child’s information from their parents. It is in the best interest of children to ensure parents are included in their children’s education, in their classrooms and in all important decisions involving their children.

That is why our government will take action to ensure the rights of Saskatchewan parents are protected and that this policy is implemented. Our government has recalled the Legislature for October 10, 2023, and will use the notwithstanding clause of the Canadian constitution to pass legislation to protect parental rights.

As harvest wraps up across our province, Saskatchewan recognizes Agriculture Month in October.

Agriculture is a cornerstone of our province, and this month is an opportunity to thank the dedicated farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses who produce high quality, sustainable food. For a full list of Agriculture Month events or to learn how you can take part, please visit www.farmfoodcaresk.org.

Saskatchewan’s population continues to grow at its fastest pace in more than a century. The latest quarterly population estimates from Statistics Canada show the number of people living in our province grew by 8,567 in the second quarter of 2023, and by 30,685 over the past year. The annual increase is the largest increase we have seen in a single year in more than a century! Our government will continue to protect all we have built to ensure future generations can benefit from a strong and growing economy that creates opportunities and improves the quality of life for all.

Wages have increased for early childhood educators (ECEs) as well, recognizing their key role in growing and nurturing future generations of Saskatchewan citizens. Effective October 1, more than 90 per cent of the province’s ECEs saw an average increase of 8 per cent compared to September 2022. This increase is possible through a $7 million joint investment from the Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada through the Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement grant.

As Saskatchewan’s population and economy continue to grow, our government continues to invest in strengthening our health care workforce. We continue to prioritize the four-point Health Human Resources Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain health care workers to our province. As part of that plan, increased funding for the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment (SIPPA) program continues to support internationally-trained physicians as they begin their practice in Saskatchewan.

This summer, 16 new doctors completed the SIPPA program and began practicing in rural and remote communities across the province. Along with SIPPA, other initiatives, such as the quadrupling of the Rural Physician Incentive Program, expanding medical residency seats at the University of Saskatchewan, and expanding post-graduate medical residency training sites across the province, continue to bring more physicians to our province and expand the capacity of our health care system.

To further build and strengthen our province’s health care system, our government invested $1.3 million to create a Physician’s Assistant (PA) position. This fall, for the first time, 12 PA positions will be advertised across the province. PAs are health professionals who practice under the supervision of a licensed physician, with duties such as conducting patient examinations, prescribing medications, and ordering and interpreting tests. These new PAs will help address the demand for timely and high-quality health services across the province.

With cooler weather upon us, flu season is not far behind. Saskatchewan residents can now begin booking appointments to receive this year’s flu vaccine. Flu shots will be administered at public health clinics and local pharmacies starting October 10, 2023; for more information, please visit www.4flu.ca.

Our government continues to work towards building a stronger Saskatchewan. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to my Constituency office at306-242-2111 or ofice@terryjenson.ca.

SPORTS

Royals End Regular Season With a 2-2 Record Submitted by Coach Tyler Munday

The Martensville High School Royals football team had a hard fought physical battle against the St. Mary’s Marauders from Prince Albert in terrible weather conditions on Thursday, October 5th.

We took an early 17-0 on the strength of two passing TDs from Cam Kliewer and three rouges on kickoffs from Jared Festus. Aidan Low and Cooper Ogden were on the receiving end of those passes from Kliewer.

We battled hard against St.Mary’s stout run game. It was a costly game for us as we had numerous players finish the game on the sidelines with injuries.

Hopefully this week we can get healthy as the win last week has guaranteed us a playoff game next week. Our playoff opponent will be determined by the other two league games being played this week.

We have finished this season with a 2-2 record in the inaugural NSFL season. We’re excited about the playoffs and are hoping to upset some teams along the way. We will be travelling for our playoff game as we will be either the 3rd or 4th seed.

This Friday the 13th we play Marion Graham in a non-league game on Geransky Field at 4:00 pm.

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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SPORTS ABOVE: The U13AA Female Warman Wildcats went 6-0 in the Thanksgiving Classic in Calgary this past weekend, earning them the A-Division Championship. (Facebook)

ABOVE: The 15AA Marauders traveled to Weyburn this weekend for two games, with a 10-1 win in the first game, and a 5-4 loss in overtime for the second game. (Submitted)

U13AA Female Wildcats Go Undefeated in Thanksgiving Classic Shanine Sealey, Martensville Messenger

The U13AA Female Warman Wildcats team traveled to Calgary from October 6-9 to participate in the third annual Thanksgiving Hockey Classic at the Max Bell Centre. The first game took place on Friday, October 6th against the Central Alberta Twins where the Wildcats took the game with a score of 8-2.

Game two saw the Wildcats take on Calgary Fire Black on Saturday, October 7th, with a final score of 6-2 for the Wildcats. Later that day, the Wildcats played North Central Impact where they dominated the game with a score of 18-1.

On Sunday, October 8th, the Wildcats began the day with a match-up against Peace Country Storm, with a score of 9-2 for Warman. The Wildcats beat Calgary Fire White in the A-Side semifinals 7-2, and moved onto the A-final game on Monday, October 9th against the St. Albert Raiders Bolts where they were victorious with a score of 7-4, earning them the A-Division Championship.

Numerous players on the team hail from Martensville, including Blake Turner, Ella Wagner, Ella Wotherspoon, Ellie Graham-Whutnee, Emma Weber, Jacee Oblander, Sophie Borowsky and Whitney Gaudreau.