Preeceville Progress 2023-03-16

PROGRESS AND STURGIS REVIEW

3 Spring Ag Edition

Group Home will not be closed as previously thought

The possible closure of a group home had CUPE members joined by community members in a rally protesting the decision on March 6. The rally featured numerous speakers, all voicing their concerns. The Board of Directors were quick to reply in a release to staff and the community that they were not closing the home as had been previously stated.

“In light of the current news regarding closure of Group Home 3 in Preeceville, please be advised, we, the board of directors for Mackenzie Society Ventures Inc. want to confirm that we have no intention of closing Group Home 3, in

Preeceville, now or in the future,” stated a release from Mackenzie Society Ventures Inc.

“We are fully committed to maintaining the operation and running of the Group Home. We plan to work with the staff and management to keep the home fully operational. We have reached out to CUPE and will work to address communication and concerns brought forward to the organization. We have sent communication to the staff that Group Home 3 will remain operational. We are dedicated to the staff, the community and most of all, the valuable participants who we have the privilege of

supporting in our small community. The main goal is to keep our residents safe and give a quality of life at the present time, and into the future for many years to come,” continued the release.

In the beginning, CUPE had called for action to save a Preeceville group home from permanent closure. Group Home 3 in Preeceville is home to residents with disabilities, with staff providing

24-hour care, stated a release from CUPE.

Mackenzie Society Ventures, the company operating the group home, had recently announced plans to close the home permanently at the end

of the month without explanation, leaving the future of the residents unknown and the loss of at least eight jobs in the community.

“We were caught entirely off-guard by this announcement,” said Angie Pawliw, president of CUPE 3364. “Mackenzie Society Ventures has been unable to provide a clear reason for closing this group home, for which they receive funding from the provincial government to operate. To close this home and put the vulnerable people who live there at risk is completely unacceptable.

“If the home is closed,

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Star skaters at the Sturgis Figure Skating Club Ice Carnival on March 4 and 5, from left, were: (back row) Savannah Olson, Mollie Jaeb, Layla Jaeb, Eva Romanchuk, Myrandah Gagnon, Jainylle Gagnon and Ripley Pristie; and, (front) Savannah Neilson, Karter Johnson and Chloe Jansen. See the story and more photos on Pages 5, 6, 7 and 12

The possible closure of Group Home 3 in Preeceville had CUPE members joined by community members in a rally protesting the decision on March 6 . The rally took place in front of the Mackenzie Society Ventures Inc building.

World Day of Prayer Service in Preeceville

The Preeceville United Church hosted the 2023 World Day of Prayer service with the theme “I have heard about your faith” on March 3. Lynn Larson gave the welcome and greetings prior to the gathering watching a previously recorded video of the service.

The women of Taiwan prepared the service this year. Individuals were encouraged to reflect on the changes and challenges faced by this country as the citizens evolve amidst struggles for independence internationally as well as the obstacles that women, in particular, face at home, stated the 45-minute video.

Regardless of changes, women in Taiwan remain somewhat oppressed and encounter

many challenges in gender equality both politically and in the labour market.

World Day of Prayer is an international, interchurch event that began around 100 years ago bridging social, geographic, and political barriers in over 170 countries. Together we pursue justice, peace, and reconciliation by standing together in prayer and action.

In Canada, the World Day of Prayer (WDP) is coordinated by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC), one of the original founders of this prayer movement.

Offerings received through the World Day of Prayer transform prayers into action in the form of project grants empowering women and children in our own country and

The Preeceville United Church hosted the 2023 World Day of Prayer service with the theme “I have heard about your faith” on March 3. Lynn Larson gave the welcome and greetings prior to the service being watched on a previously recorded video. The country of Taiwan was featured.

throughout the world. All regions share in the grants, with consideration given to greatest need. Through WDP offerings, WICC has distributed around $3 million for small projects in

the past 40 years. The vision is to restore hope to women and children touched by injustice. Taiwan is located in the Western Pacific region and in the center of the

East and Southeast Asia Island Arcs. It is composed of the main island and many offshore islands, including the Penghu Islands, Kinmen, the Matsu Islands, and over 100 other islands and skerries. The western third of the island’s terrain consists of plains, basins, hills, and plateaus and is home to over 20 million people. The capital city--Taipei City—sits in northern Taiwan while other major cities run along the west coast.

There are nine national parks in Taiwan. Among them, the Taroko National Park attracts the most tourists with its splendid gorge scenery. The unique island geography and climate conditions have resulted in the considerable diversity of animal

Vehicle noise: How loud is too loud?

Vehicle owners in Saskatchewan will soon be able to know exactly how loud is too loud, stated a release from SGI.

Excessively loud vehicles in our communities are disruptive to residents and distracting to other drivers. SGI is working on a new provincial policy

to objectively identify excessive vehicle noise. The policy is expected to be implemented in late spring or early summer of 2023.

“Right now, determining whether a vehicle is excessively loud is up to the discretion of law enforcement which can

make it difficult to enforce because the criteria is subjective,” said JP Cullen, COO of the Saskatchewan Auto Fund.

“This policy will remove all guesswork by introducing an objective way to measure whether or not a vehicle is creating excessive noise.”

Having objective criteria will allow vehicle owners to know whether their vehicle is excessively loud so they can make the necessary changes to bring it into compliance.

Over the next few months, SGI will be working to finalize the standard of how to better

identify excessive vehicle noise. That work will involve completing any required Request For Proposal processes, working with our partners, and finalizing the policy and implementation plan, continued the release.

Once the policy is finalized, SGI will be hosting

and plant species. Hot and cold springs containing different levels of various minerals can be found throughout the country, even in rivers and oceans. With an approximate population of 23.6 million people, Taiwan is a densely populated multi-ethnic country. The diversity of Taiwan as a society of immigrants is also reflected in its language, with the 16 officially recognized indigenous languages. People who are enthusiastic about staying healthy are often seen jogging or practicing tai chi or Baduanjin qigong (eight-sectioned exercise) at parks near their homes. Praise dance, which was developed by Christians, is not only a fitness activity but also a way to attract people to Christianity.

free educational days where there will be opportunities for motorists to test their vehicles. These tests will be in accordance with the new policy and will be done without any consequence so motorists can gain an understanding if their vehicle is over the established threshold.

Driver with suspended licence causes collision

BY SGT. DEREK FRIESEN Canora RCMP Detachment

The Canora/Sturgis RCMP responded to 29 calls from March 2 to March 9, some of which included: one 911 Act call, one abandoned vehicle, one assault, one breach of peace, one Child Welfare Act call, two dangerous driving calls, one disturbing the peace, one failure to comply with probation, one false alarm, one fraud, one lost and found, one Mental Health Act call, two mischiefs, three other provincial calls, four traffic collisions, four traffic offenses, two

uttering threats, one wellbeing check and three prisoners.

Rear ended

On March 3, the Canora/Sturgis RCMP were dispatched to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 9 by the Amsterdam turnoff. Police learned the driver of a north-bound passenger van slowed down and signaled to turn left but was rear ended by a Ford F-150 attempting to pass. The driver of the Ford F-150 had a suspended licence and was charged accordingly.

Avid photographers

The Canora/Sturgis

RCMP were dispatched on March 6 to a complaint of a male taking pictures of a residence in Canora. The occupant of the home exited the residence and took pictures of the picture taker. Both males are known to each other.

Making bad situation worse

The Canora/Sturgis RCMP stopped a vehicle after it was observed travelling the wrong way on Norway Road on March 6. The female driver provided a false name and she was charged with obstructing a police officer.

False report of abandoned child

On March 7, the Canora/Sturgis RCMP investigated a report of an 11-year-old youth living alone in an abandoned house in Mikado. Police located the 11-year-old at home with his mother in Canora. Further police involvement was not required.

Container scam

The Canora/Sturgis RCMP received a report on March 7 that scammers were attempting to sell Sea-can shipping containers on local buy and sell Facebook pages for the Canora and

Sturgis area. The scammers were requesting $500 deposits for the shipping containers.

Threats reported

The Canora/Sturgis RCMP investigated a report of uttering threats received from a third party in Sturgis on March 8. Police continue to investigate.

False alarm

On March 7, the Canora/Sturgis RCMP were dispatched to a burglar alarm at a residence in Preeceville. Police attended the call and determined the complaint to be a false alarm.

Report tips and information

If you have any information about these or any other crimes, or any substances involved in these incidents, please contact the Canora RCMP at 306-563-4700, or you can also report anonymously via Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com. Call the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment Turn In Poachers & Polluters (TIPP) Line, tollfree, at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 from a SaskTel cellphone (phone calls only, no text messages).

CFIB releases new report on municipal small business priorities in western Canada

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has released a brand-new report that challenges municipal governments across western Canada to make it easier for business owners to do what they do best: run their business.

The Municipal Business Report analyzes the business friendliness of eight major municipalities in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan,

GROUP HOME

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE the impact will be greatest felt on the residents who live there. Several of the residents are elderly, and it is unclear where they will be relocated to if the home

and Manitoba, stated a release. Three major cost and regulatory performance categories are examined: revenue and expenditures, red tape reduction and small business friendliness policies.

According to the report, 70 per cent of small business owners in the west think that their municipal government does not understand the cost pressures they face.

“Small businesses are

closes. Group Home 3 provides essential housing and care to those with disabilities,” added Pawliw.

“This is their community, where they’re cared for by dedicated staff. These residents should

Sturgis Community Bingo winners listed

Sturgis Community Bingo winners for March 7 were: Kathy Pidgurski, Quintanie Severight, Irene Lingl (four), David Hamilton, Leona Kowalchuk (two), Shirley

Ellison, Verna Melnychuk, Mary Pasiechnik, Eleanor Brazeau, Karen Yurkiw, A.J. Holm, Richard Antoniuk, Lloyd Brass, Gwen Clark, Vicky Tanton and Savannah Severight.

struggling with a challenging economic climate that is exacerbated by increasing property taxes, rising inflation, ongoing labour shortages, and pandemic-related debt. They are unable to shoulder additional costs from their municipal governments at this time,” said Emily Boston at CFIB. “CFIB asks that elected municipal leaders consider the needs of their local businesses when determining their

not be forced out of their home, and staff should not have to lose their jobs with no real explanation.”

The union was in the process of writing a letter to Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky as well as

budgets, spending and taxation levels.”

“We hope that this report serves as a benchmark for what municipal governments should do to serve the needs of the small business communities better and that it will act as a catalyst for change,” said Seo Rhin Yoo, Policy Analyst at CFIB.

CFIB urges municipal policymakers to keep costs down and reduce the regulatory burden for local

Canora-Pelly MLA Terry Dennis, and is encouraging community members to send their own letters expressing their concern over the effect a closure would have on the community, including the loss

businesses. The recommendations include:

• Halt cost increases for small businesses (property taxes, utility fees, permit costs, etc.).

• Offer permanent and inter-municipal business licenses.

• Implement a permanent public feedback mechanism for businesses and citizens to report their regulatory frustrations and red tape irritants.

• Make target timelines

of good paying jobs and the support of local businesses the home relies on for its operations.

“The community came together to support this group home when it first opened back in 2001. The

(and their actual processing times) for licensing and permitting processing publicly available.

• Create or improve dedicated pages for small business information with updated contact information.

• Increase the accessibility of budget consultation processes to include small business owners.

• Adopt a construction mitigation policy for public projects.

residents who live there and the staff who care for them are a part of the community, and they need everyone’s support once again to demand action and ensure that this home stays open,” concluded Pawliw.

123 First Avenue East (Box 746)

Canora, Saskatchewan

Phone: 306-563-5131 · Fax: 306-563-6144

Hours: Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri.: 8 am – 12 pm, 1 pm – 5 pm

Tues.: 8 am – 12 pm, closed afternoons

LOOKING BACK A decade ago

The Preeceville and District Health Centre was the latest centre to have installed Tele-Health equipment that will serve the area. It was intended to benefit patients, health care providers and staff, and was located in the Mushers’ Rendezvous room in the hospital.

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The Family Resource Centre and a few businesses teamed up to encourage families to spend quality time together and enter in a draw for prizes. The activity challenge ran for one week and concluded with winning families receiving prizes.

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The Persephone Theatre preformed two plays at the Preeceville School . The first play focused on the elementary students and the second play was focused on high school drama.

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The Lady Lake Regional Park committee hosted its annual meeting at the Lady Lake Drop-In Centre.

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SaskTel Pioneers sponsored a writing contest about giving in elementary schools in the region. Paige Hansen of the Sturgis Elementary School was presented with a cash prize for her winning entry.

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Dave Meir, a Canadian Foodgrains Bank representative, gave a presentation at the Sturgis Grace United Church during an informational evening to help raise awareness for the Foodgrains Bank.

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Kevin Cook of Preeceville earned the World Dog Championship Musher title at The Pas, Manitoba on Feb. 14-16.

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The Preeceville School senior boys’ curling team won gold at the districts in Yorkton.

The push for agricultural awareness is worthwhile, but is it working? The Ag Scene

So this March marks the 12th year of Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM), a program which “inspires students to realize, understand and engage with their own connections to agriculture and food,” notes a recent release from Agriculture in the Classroom Saskatchewan.

“For more than a decade, Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month has given us an opportunity to celebrate our connections – as Canadians – to agriculture,” said Rebecca Sooksom, chair of Agriculture in the Classroom Canada in the release. “Linking students with food producers helps keep that connection strong so the next generation of Canadians knows not only where their food comes from, but also the importance of the sector to our communities from coast to coast.”

So, students who will graduate high school in June have had Agriculture

CALVIN DANIELS

Literacy Month focusing attention on the farm sector and food for their entire school lives.

One might expect the students graduating this year will be rather food and farm savvy, at least if the program has fulfilled its goal which is to inspire students to realize, understand and engage with their own connections to agriculture and food.

Whether that is a reality where students are more knowledgeable about their food, and equally about the efforts producers make in producing it, is of course something which will be hard to quantify.

But, it is an effort which is

important because we need a better educated public which understands farm challenges and understands producers are generally trying to be good environmental stewards, while feeding the world, and earning a profit to be financially viable.

The trio of goals are not always something that work smoothly in sync, but farmers do typically try to maintain balance.

In a world of social media rhetoric and Internetgenerated misinformation and background white noise of food and farming, educating youth so they can recognize the underlying realities is crucial.

“Connecting our youth to agriculture is an important piece of strengthening Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector,” Agriculture Minister David Marit said in a recent provincial release proclaiming Agriculture Literacy Month in Saskatchewan.

“Presentations from industry experts can help educate children on the work that goes into producing the high-quality food that our province is known for.”

So, the 12-year effort is certainly worthwhile, but whether it has significantly influenced students to be more farm and food knowledgeable will only be fully seen as they become adults and how they then react to the issues facing farmers and food production.

Certainly, as the population of farmers declines, an informed general public is a must, and hopefully Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month is building that broader knowledge base.

Teaching our young people to enjoy the wonders of nature

Years ago, I remember hearing about a certain topic on The Weather Channel, and after a similar conversation with friends recently, I wanted to chat about it with you.

So, today’s topic is: “Nature Deficit Disorder.”

“Nature Deficit Disorder” is a contemporary term for the separation that young people (and I’m sure many adult city dwellers) have from nature. Because so many children spend a lot of time on their computers, (I read that children can spend as much as seven hours a day on their screens, maybe even more, seven days a week!) and those in large cities do not have easy access to nature, they are losing touch with its beauty and wonder.

The wonderful Canadian artist Robert Bateman had a program years ago, and I think it was such a great idea. The program was called Get To Know, and the idea was to take children out of the classroom and into nature. He discovered that children could recognize 1,200 corporate logos, but knew of only 12 wildlife species in their local community. That’s both sad and frightening. And we’ve all heard about the statistics about how more and more children are becoming obese because of lack of activity. With a program like this, the children had the opportunity to get outside, and learned how to slow down, look around and see the wonder of nature.

Why is this so important? I found a very profound quote from years ago, about that very program. The message of it is still very relevant.

PREECEVILLE PROGRESS AND STURGIS REVIEW

The Garden Grapevine

DEBBIE HAYWARD

“The Get To Know program inspired children to slowly and carefully look at the world around them and see the wonders that nature has to offer,” said David Love, executive director of the Conservation Foundation of Greater Toronto. “Urbanization, the attraction of the Internet and lack of funding for youth-oriented nature programs increases the number of children who don’t appreciate their environment. And it they can’t appreciate it, it is unlikely they will look after it.”

We are all stewards of the earth, and we are borrowing it from future generations. Caring for it can begin at any age. I was a mere toddler when I had my first garden – Mom and Dad let me pick out what to plant, and how exciting it was when those first little shoots came out of the earth! That tradition never changed over the years…just the size of “my” little patch became bigger. I learned so many things from

my little gardens: patience, care, tending, and the results if I neglected to do so. On a larger scale, we can still learn those lessons.

Though the Get To Know program took place in 2008, the idea of it is timeless. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, or friend to kids, (in other words, all of us!) we can make our own ‘get to know’ adventure by going for nature walks, starting the kids with growing a garden or container, being outside more, doing artwork of what they see…the list can go on and on, and time spent outside is always good and time well spent.

I read an article in an old gardening magazine that talked about a magical garden in the Eastern States, where children were invited to come and gently explore the large garden, watching for beautiful things like fallen leaves and little twigs and pine cones and small pebbles (nothing still growing) so that they could build “fairy houses” in some enchanted little corner of the garden. This project was to combat Nature Deficit Disorder, and so that the children would learn to look carefully around at everything that was in the garden, and to savour the sights, textures and smells of the garden. It sounded like fun even for adult gardeners!

More time outdoors, enjoying nature, and making “nature time” a family project is something to aim for when spring arrives.

Have a lovely week!

Winters with my twin brother – Part 1

My late twin brother Kjell and I were always doing “stuff” together back in Norway. Our mother would ask us what we were doing, and we always answered “stuff.” We didn’t dare elaborate as that usually meant that we had to get “the talk” from our father when he came home.

Our older brother Moritz was an avid ski jumper, and our father had given him proper jumping skis, wide wooden skis with three grooves and Kandahar heel strap bindings. His interest in ski jumping faded after an almost fatal ski jump. Moritz and his cohorts had built their own ski jumping hill and invited all the parents and siblings to the first jumping event. Moritz jumped first. There was an audible gasp from the onlookers and our mother covered her mouth to quell a scream. There was an electrical high-tension wire crossing the slope in the air right where the ski jumper was flying and could potentially decapitate the jumper. Moritz missed the wire by fractions of a millimeter, and our dad closed the hill forever. Moritz lost interest.

Kjell and I were bored. We saw the wooden jumping skis in the basement and decided to make a toboggan out of them. However, they were too long, so we sawed them off right behind the slightly raised binding plate. We had of course removed the bindings. The sawed-off pieces became cross members screwed on to the runners (skis) in the front and back to keep the runners apart, an old wooden apple crate was cut to fit as a seat. Project skitoboggan was now complete, and we hauled it off to the King’s field. The King has a farm on the peninsula where

Observations

KAARE ASKILDT

we lived. In any event, a friend of ours came along, and we built a jump on the roadway at the bottom of a steep hill and took turns sliding down. We didn’t jump far, so after a small discussion, we decided to make a mogultype ski jump on the road and would have a competition to see who could jump the farthest.

We drew straws to see who would go first. Kjell was the winner and while he hauled the toboggan back up the hill, our friend and I fashioned the mogul style ski jump. The result was spectacular to say the least. Kjell came flying down that hill and shot off the jump, almost straight up in the air! But alas, he didn’t hold on to the homemade toboggan, in fact there was nothing for him to hold on to. He stopped in mid air while the toboggan kept on going. My dear twin brother slammed into the King’s plowed field, landing on top of a ridge with his arm under him. He broke his arm, but on the positive side (our dad always reminded us that however adverse the situation might be, we should always search for the positive), it was a clean break and easy to reset.

We were given 14 days house arrest (dad was a police officer, thus the house arrest rather than confined to quarters). Our weekly allowance would be applied to a new set of jumping skis, but Moritz had lost interest in jumping, and wasn’t interested in any new skis, so we replaced his skis with a couple of soccer balls, as that was his newest sports activity.

Ole and Sven were at Moe’s Bottoms Up Bar and Grille enjoying Norwegian style shrimp sandwiches, with shots of Akevitt chased by Moe’s lager.

“My wife and I are really stressed out lately,” said Ole. “We’ve been arguing whether we should get a new van or a truck.”

“I know the argument,” said Sven, “you don’t look too macho in a van.”

“Neither one of us were winning the argument,” said Ole, “it just stressed us out and started getting ugly.”

“Did you give in?” asked Sven.

“No,” said Ole, “we agreed on a truce and decided to take a mini vacation, a weekend trip to a ski resort. Everything started off great, but then things went downhill really fast.”

“Talk about downhill skiing,” said Sven, “remember the American downhill skier in the ‘90s, Picabo Street?”

“I remember her,” said Ole, “she won a number of medals.”

“Sadly, during a training run,” said Sven, “she was involved in a really bad accident, and ended up in the hospital trauma unit. The next day the newspapers reported: ‘Picabo ICU.’”

SaskTel and Crime Stoppers team up for Fraud Prevention Month

March is Fraud

Prevention Month and SaskTel is teaming up with Crime Stoppers across the province to share tips on how to protect yourself from online fraud and other cyber scams.

“We take safety and security very seriously at SaskTel, and we regularly update our systems and networks to safeguard our business and customers,” said Doug Burnett, SaskTel President and CEO, in a release. “As a service provider we’re only one part of the equation and it’s just as important for our customers to take the appropriate steps to protect the personal information and accounts they have online from

potential fraudsters.”

“At Crime Stoppers, we recognize the negative impact that all types of criminal activity have on our province, especially online fraud and other digital scams,” said Michael Stevens, President of Saskatoon Crime Stoppers. “We are pleased to team up with SaskTel to spread this important message and ensure that everyone in our province understands the simple steps they can take to secure their online accounts and prevent themselves from being victimized by online fraudsters.”

To prevent online fraud:

• Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

– By requiring the user

to provide two or more verification factors, MFA provides an extra layer of protection that makes it significantly more difficult for fraudsters to gain access to your online accounts.

• Password Protection

– Use a strong and unique password for each online account. Passwords should be at least 12 characters in length and include numbers, upper and lowercase letters, and special characters. For added protection, consider using a passphrase or a random password generator. Also, never share your passwords with anyone.

• Beware of Suspicious Emails and Text Messages – Don’t click on links or download attachments

from suspicious or unfamiliar senders as they may contain malware or viruses.

• Don’t Share Personal Information Online –Sharing too much information on social media or online can help fraudsters and other cyber criminals take advantage of you. Your upcoming vacation, the name of your pet, and even your birthday are pieces of information that are best kept to yourself.

• Update Your Devices –Keep your device software up-to-date and install critical security patches as soon as they are available. Failing to do so can give hackers the opening they need to access your device and the all the personal information stored

on it.

“If you believe you have fallen victim to an online scam or phone scam and you have suffered any kind of financial loss or provided detailed personal information you should report this to police in your jurisdiction,” said Detective Sergeant Kelley Berting with the Regina Police Service. “You should also notify your financial institution, Equifax and TransUnion to ensure that fraud alerts are placed on your accounts. Monitor your bank accounts and credit card statements on a regular basis and report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately.” All types of fraud can also be reported

to the Canadian AntiFraud Centre (CAFC) by calling 1-888-495-8501. Additionally, the CAFC has information regarding the types of scams that are prevalent in Canada available on their website at www.antifraudcentrecentreantifraude. ca. Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers is a non-profit community program that combines the efforts of the public, media, and police to solve crime in our communities.

To anonymously submit a tip about a cyber fraud or any crime in your community please contact Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222TIPS (8477). If you feel you may be a victim, you need to speak directly to police.

Sturgis skaters feature 70 years of skating

The 70th annual Sturgis ice carnival featured the Sturgis Figure Skating Club and the achievements of its members throughout the year. The carnival theme, Past to Present 70 years on Ice, featured costumes from the past years of ice carnivals and was held at the Sturgis Skating Arena on March 4 and 5.

Heather TunbridgeJaeb was head coach and had the responsibility of coaching all CanSkate skaters throughout the year. Tara Romanchuk was the mistress of ceremonies for the evening.

Romanchuk, president of the Sturgis Figure Skating Club, welcomed

everyone and acknowledged all volunteers who helped make the carnival a success.

“We are excited to be on the ice performing this year. The skaters have worked very hard to learn new skills, practice old ones and perfect routines for the ice shows. We are thankful for Heather TunbridgeJaeb, our dedicated coach, as well as all the Star Skaters for all their help,” said Romanchuk.

“I am very proud of all the skaters who all did amazing. I am so proud of each and everyone of them and their routines that they performed,” said Heather Tunbridge-Jaeb,

coach.

O Canada and a skater’s prayer were followed by opening remarks to kick off the afternoon and evening performances.

The duet of Skyler Casselman and Aria Foster were first on the ice as they performed to Music, Music, Music.

Wearing costumes of the past, Chloe Jansen and Savannah Neilson skated to Sold.

A trio of skaters: Jaxxon Jansen, Bentley Lario and Leo Yachyshyn performed to music of Greased Lightning.

Arianna Neilson skated the first solo performance of the evening to 99 Red Balloons. Karlie

Buchinski assisted with the performance.

Hockey Night in Canada was brought to life through skaters Anthony Prokulevich, Chance Will, Henry Mills and Isaiah Kaufmann.

Skaters who performed to the music of Joyride were: Cruz Jaeb, Maycee Johnson, Jade Beatty, Lakyn Seerey and Lindy Romanchuk.

Taking to the ice next was the duet of Karter Johnson and Eva Romanchuk who performed to Rockin’ Robin.

The very youngest skaters: Ian Foster, Crus Russell, Jake Chupik and Aiden Chupik skated to Take me Out to the Ball

Game.

Brinley Robinson performed a solo to Walking in Memphis.

Stage one girls

Everleigh Anaka, Sophia Storoschuk and Hailey

Seghers skated to Under the Sea

Jainylle Gagnon skated a solo performance to Unchained Melody

Cowboys Oliver Anaka, Stanley Prokulevich, Grady Lario and Austin Jansen took to the ice in their rendition of Should’ve Been a Cowboy.

At intermission, skaters had the opportunity to change costumes for their next performances in the second half.

Star skaters Savannah

Olson, Mollie Jaeb, Myrandah Gagnon, Jainylle Gagnon, Layla Jaeb, Ripley Pristie, Savannah Neilson, Chloe Jansen, Eva Romanchuk and Karter Johnson performed to Elvis Presley’s Jailhouse Rock.

Skyler Casselman, Aria Foster and Bentley Lario skated to Twist and Shout.

Grady Lario, Arianna Neilson, Oliver Anaka and Stanley Prokulevich performed to Pop Goes the World.

Mollie Jaeb and Savannah Olson skated a duet to We Are Stars.

Ripley Pristie performed a solo to I’ve had the Time of my Life

SKATERS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Rocking Around the Clock were skaters, Anthony Prokulevich, Chance Will, Isaiah Kaufmann, Henry Mills and Brinley Robinson.

Jaxxon Kelly and Leo

Yacyshyn skated a duet to Blue Suede Shoes. Layla Jaeb skated a solo to She’s In Love with the Boy.

Fishing in the Dark was performed by skaters Jake Chupik, Ian Foster, Cruz Russell, Aiden Chupik,

Jainylle Gagnon skated a solo at the Sturgis Figure Skating ice carnival held March 4 and 5

Everleigh Anaka, Sophia Storoschuk and Hailey Seghers.

Myrandah Gagnon

skated the last solo to the music of My Girl. Taking a Magic Carpet Ride were skaters, Lindy

Romanchuk, Cruz Jaeb, Lakyn Seerey, Austin Jansen, Maycee Johnson and Jade Beatty.

A grand finale skate that featured all the skaters concluded the muchappreciated performance.

Hockey players who skated at the Sturgis Figure Skating ice carnival, from left, were: (back row) Isaiah Kaufmann and Henry Mills and (front) Antony Prokulevich and Chance Will.

Stage three and four boys performers, from left, were: Leo Yacyshyn, Bentley Lario and Jaxxon Kelly.

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Sturgis Figure skaters who skated a performance at the Sturgis Figure Skating ice carnival, from left, were: Everleigh Anaka, Hailey Seghers and Sophia Storoschuk.

Mollie Jaeb, left and Savannah Olson combined their talents to skate a duet.

Sturgis Stage one boys who performed to Take Me Out to the Ball Game from left, were: Ian Foster, Cruz Russell, Jake Chupik and Aiden Chupik.

Myrandah Gagnon performed a solo skate at the Sturgis Figure Skating ice carnival.

Skaters who performed to the music of Joyride, from left, were: Lakyn Seerey, Lindy Romanchuk, Cruz Jaeb, Maycee Johnson and Jade Beatty. Austin Jansen was unavailable for the photograph.

Aria Foster, left and Skylar Casselman skated a duet at the Sturgis Figure Skating ice carnival.

Ripley Pristie skated a solo performance at the Sturgis Figure Skating ice carnival.

Attired in costumes previously worn by past skaters, from left, were: Chloe Jansen and Savannah Neilson.

Brinley Robinson skated a solo at the Sturgis Figure Skating ice carnival.

Isaiah

proudly represented Saskatchewan in Prince Edward Island at the Canada Winter Games held from February 28 to March 5. He skied in the freestyle and classic races in the games. -Photos courtesy of Cory Farthing of Saskatoon.

Canada Winter Games an honour for Preeceville skier

Isaiah Maier of Preeceville proudly represented Saskatchewan in Prince Edward Island at the Canada Winter Games held from Feb. 28 to March 5.

“It was a huge honour for me and the lifetime experience was something I will probably never experience again,” said Maier.

Maier flew to P.E.I with the rest of Team Saskatchewan on Feb. 26

and arrived back home on March 5 after the closing ceremonies were held. He participated in four races, a 10 km classic in which he placed 37th out of 66 racers, a 1.2 km sprint race in which he placed 53/66, a 15 km skate ski race where he placed 44/66 and a relay race with members from Team Saskatchewan which ended in the team placing 20th out of 32 teams.

He had the opportunity to also

participate in the closing ceremonies and got to walk into the event centre with the entire team. A member of the cross-country team was the flag bearer for the team. “It was amazing to be part of somethings so huge. It really made me feel extremely proud to represent my province and my community,” said Maier. On his off time when he wasn’t skiing, he said he had some time to

go sightseeing in the downtown core and see the ocean. He also had the opportunity to watch some of the women’s hockey event.

Maier earned the privilege to be part of Team Saskatchewan through a tryout process that saw the top six skiers from a special race in Saskatoon selected for the provincial team. He has been skiing for numerous years and

strives to get better and reach his personal best goals with each race. To prepare for the games, he had strapped on his skies and skied approximately one hour each day along with strengthening exercises where he worked towards his personal set goals.

Maier is a Preeceville Grade 12 student who would like to get into teaching skiing and sports after high school.

Preeceville U18 continue its success in both provincials and playoffs

The Preeceville Pats U18 hockey team is dedicated and determined to win the provincial and playoff banners. They continued their

success when they finished off Lumsden in the last of two games in provincial playoffs. Preeceville played to a packed crowd on

March 5 and were not denied, skating to a 7-3 win. Scoring for Preeceville were: Hudsyn Nelson (three), Kaiden Masley

(two), Porter Wolkowski and Trae Peterson. Assists came from: Spencer Leech, Tomas Hauber, Trae Peterson, Hunter Lamb,

Mason Babiuk and Zander Purdy.

Preeceville will face off against Prairie Storm for the first game in the south

finals of provincials on March 16 in Preeceville. The second scheduled game will be in Balgonie on March 19.

Sturgis Composite School senior boys vie for spot at Provincials

The Sturgis Composite School senior boys’ curling team travelled to Lampman on March 3 and 4 for Regional championships.

The team started off strong with two wins on Friday, one against Regina

LeBoldus and the other against Ogema, which set them up for great action on Saturday. Despite their dedication, they lost two straight games, one against Weyburn and one against Yorkton Regional. The loss put them short of

their goal of going to provincials. Team members included: Skylar Ryczak, Kaiden Masley, Wyatt Mastrachuk and Mason Babiuk.

The other team entered was Regina Campbell. Weyburn won the

opportunity to go on to provincials.

“Although the season was short, we got in many practices at noon hour and after school,” stated Coach Kristen Peterson. “Many days saw the senior boys playing

the junior boys. Overall, we’re very happy with the results at the junior and senior levels. Next year we will have a clinic, being out on Curlsask. We hope to be able to gain more interest in our school-aged curlers

to come out and try the sport of curling. I am also very thankful for Cory Babiuk in helping to coach these students. He has a passion for the sport and is very good with the curlers,” Peterson concluded.

Maier of Preeceville

The Preeceville U13 hockey team (dark jerseys) took on 4 Nations on March 5 in Preeceville and shut out the visitors with a final score of 20-0.

The Preeceville U18 hockey team (white jerseys) faced off against Lumsden in their second round of provincial play in front of an enthusiastic hometown crowd.

Members of the Sturgis Composite School senior boys curling team, from left, were; Skylar Ryczak, Kaiden Masley, Wyatt Mastrachuk and Mason Babiuk.

Family members who travelled to Lampman to support and cheer on the Sturgis senior boys curling team, from left, were: Kaiden Masley, Amanda Masley, Colin Mastrachuk, Wyatt Mastrachuk, Jodi Mastrachuk, Skylar Ryczak, Derek Ryczak, Kim Ryczak, Mason Babiuk and Keith Babiuk.

Catholic Church celebrates milestone

The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, Sturgis Council celebrated and acknowledged its 74th anniversary on March 5. The League originally was founded on March 6, 1949.

The CWL is the largest national organization of Catholic women in Canada with over 110,000 members, stated the Sturgis history book.

The organization helps develop leadership qualities, and provides training to enable members to take an active role in their church and community. Fr. Thomas Novak

was the first spiritual director who encouraged the ladies in the Sturgis branch to join the National Organization, CWL.

The CWL Sturgis Council have over the years been involved in many activities which helped in all aspects of the community. The council has been responsible for purchasing the gavel and picture of Our Lady of Good Council, made many visits to the hospital, Mothers Day teas, bazaars and card parties. They also provided the

altar boys with cassocks, bought flowers for Easter, participated in Mass on CWL Sunday, supported the Scared Heart Radio Association, Girl Guides camp and Hungarian Relief Fund. Today, many of those same activities are still supported. The annual St. Patrick’s Day whist drive is one of many traditions that are continued today that also included fall suppers, with the members motto of strive to live, “For God and Canada,” being followed by many of its dedicated members.

Dawsyn MacLean

first place and Hunter Lindholm, second place in the Kelvington 4-H Beef Club annual Club Speech Competition, cloverbud category. In the back, from left, were the judges: (back row) Martine Ross-Romanus, Sheila Klebeck of Preeceville and Mitchell Rohrke and, (front) MacLean and Lindholm.

4-H

members

The Kelvington 4-H Beef Club held its annual Club Speech

Competition at the Kelvington High School on March 2.

“Our members did so well! We had topics about our dogs and dad’s, hunting, wishes,

excel at competition

being a farm girl, and music. Our older members talked about time management, Sask agriculture and the other side to sports,” said Hailey Spray, Club Reporter.

Members who placed in the top two in each

category were: cloverbud category, Dawsyn MacLean won first place and Hunter Lindholm, second place; junior, Hailey Spray placed first with Rebecca Spray, second; intermediates, Amber Spray won first

place and Tarynn Sutter took second, and Amber MacDonald won first in the senior category.

“Thank you to our judges for taking the time to make this evening possible, Martine Ross-Romanus, Mitchell

Thank You

The family of BILL KARDYNAL would like to thank Leson’s Funeral Home, Preeceville Trinity United Church, Preeceville Long Term Care Home. To family, neighbours and friends for their caring kindness and compassion through this journey of Bill Kardynal’s passing on February 12, 2023.

Rohrke, and Sheila Klebeck. We wish the best for those who have

moved on to Districts in a few weeks,” stated Hailey Spray.

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL

Rural Municipality of Hazel Dell No. 335

Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R.M. of Hazel Dell No. 335 for the year of 2023 has been the assessor from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Friday - March 17th to April 18th, 2023. A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.

Any person wishing to appeal their assessment must do so directly with the Shamrock Board of Appeals, Box 490, Foam Lake, SK. SOA 1A0. Contact information for the Shamrock Board of Appeals is: Chantel Anthony at 306-269-7579 or email shamrockboardappeals@gmail.com.

A $100.00 fee for each assessment being appealed must be paid to the R.M. of Hazel Dell No. 335 Dated this 17th day of March,

Michael

Assessor

Rattray

The Sturgis CWL celebrated its 74th anniversary with a cake on March 5. Participating members, from left, were: Shirley Babchishin, Amelia Vargas, Lillian Smith, MarieAnn Suknasky, Cecilia Sliva, Carole Hauber, Barb Biccum, Shirley Woytas, Barbara Wagar and Ruth Popowich.

2023.

won

Amber MacDonald won first place in the senior category of the Kelvington 4-H Beef club annual Club Speech competition. Judges who congratulated her from left, were: MacDonald, Martine Ross-Romanus, Sheila Klebeck of Preeceville and Mitchell Rohrke

Members who won and participated in the junior category of the Kelvington 4-H Beef club annual Club Speech competition, from left, were: Martine Ross-Romanus, Sheila Klebeck of Preeceville and Mitchell Rohrke, judges and Rebecca Spray, Kaelen Sutter, Jakob MacLean, Hailey Spray, Karlie MacDonald and Kendra Ewen.

Members who won and participated in the intermediate category of the Kelvington 4-H Beef Club annual Club Speech competition, from left, were: Tarynn Sutter, Morgan Sutter and Amber Spray.

First 20 Words: $7

Extra Words: 22¢ each

Add photo: $15 each Call 306-563-5131 to

OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

Florence Mildred Stadnek, nee Hearn, was born on May 12th, 1925 on a farm near Sturgis, Saskatchewan to Charles and Mabel Hearn. Shortly after her birth, the family headed back down to Kalispell, Montana where Charles had been working. In the summer of 1928, the family returned to Canada and they settled on a farm outside of Preeceville where Florence attended Beaver Bluff school and then later the school in Preeceville. In 1946, Florence came to the Weekes area to live with her maternal grandmother, Nellie Gunn White. It was during this time that Florence met the love of her life, Walter Stadnek, at the Weekes Post Office and by November 12th, 1947, Walter and Florence were married in Preeceville. By summer of 1948 Florence and Walter moved to the quarter north of Weekes, where they spent 54 years together and Florence lived until August of 2022. Florence then began a new adventure in the Red Deer Nursing Home where she enjoyed her time with the other residents and the caring staff until her passing on March 3rd, 2023. 72 years of Florence’s life was spent at the farm, where she and Walter made their living and raised their 5 children; Eric, Donald, David, Valerie and Lynn. Having all the luxuries of modern life, we can only imagine how busy the days were for Florence as she cooked, cleaned, grew and preserved her own food, raised her children and supported Walter’s love of farming. Life wasn’t all hard work, Florence was a member of the Neely Lake Ladies Club which provided a chance to socialize, volunteer and be a part of the community. Family was also very important to Florence, and she could remember how people were related, what happened when and was a preserver of our family history without having to write anything down. Her walls included pictures of multiple generations of relatives, a highlight being her 5 generations picture which was captured with her first great-great grandchild. Until recently, Florence was fortunate to live on the family farm, where she spent her time gardening, watching curling, recording the daily weather and visiting with those who stopped by. Florence is predeceased by her husband Walter (2002), her sons Eric and Donald, her parents Charles and Mabel, her brothers Everett and Delbert and her sisters Fanny and Violet. Florence leaves to cherish her memory, her sister Margaret, her son David, daughters Valerie (Ralph) Farley and Lynn Stadnek and her daughter-in-law Jackie as well as 11 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. The funeral service for Florence was held on March 10, 2023 at the Weekes Community Centre. Florence was laid to rest beside her beloved husband Walter at the Weekes Cemetery. To leave online condolences, please visit www.blairsfuneralhome.com. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Blair’s Funeral Home Ltd, Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan, (306) 278-2202.

COMING EVENTS

61st DRAGGINS CAR SHOW -

April 7 and 8 at Prairieland Park, Saskatoon. Check out the “Battle of the Automotive Technicians”!. Draggins Rod & Custom Car Club. Visit our website; Draggins.com.

Looking for Vendors! Fort Qu’Appelle Spring Trade Show, April 22nd and 23rd, 2023. Please contact Tammy at 306-728-5690 or accounts@grasslandsnews.ca for more information. Or you can download the brochure at www.forttradeshow.com

Pie Social and Pie Sale

Saturday, March 18 2-3:30pm

St.Patrick’s Church Lower Hall proceeds to aid family from Ukraine PRAYER

CORNER

Preeceville Sturgis United Church

Pastoral Charge Church Service:

Grace United Church(Sturgis) 9;30

a.m. Trinity United Church (Preeceville) 11 a.m. Available on the Preeceville-Sturgis United Church Pastoral Charge Facebook

Page Every Sunday.

SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian

Catholic Church services: Thurs.

March 16 Norquay 5 p.m. Fri.

March 17 Canora 5 p.m. Sat.

March 18 Preeceville 5 p.m. Sun.

March 19 Kamsack 9 a.m. Canora 11 a.m. Norquay 1:15 p.m. We.

March 22 Kamsack 5 p.m.

St John Lutheran Church Sunday

worship services at 10 a.m. Livestream on Facebook: St. John Lutheran Church Preeceville, YouTube: St John Lutheran Church-Preeceville Services for Lent will be held on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

FOR SALE - MISC

FOR SALE BY TENDER WEST CENTRAL PELLETING LTD IS ACCEPTING BIDS FOR THE FOLLOWING:

1998 TEREX TB85 SELF PROPELLED MANLIFT

Located at 100 Bruce Saunders Way, Wolseley, SK.

Unit will be sold as is where is. Successful bidder will be responsible for all costs and arrangements for the removal from property.

Highest or any accepted CLOSING DATE FOR BIDS IS: MARCH 31, 2023

Bids can be submitted to danwcp@sasktel. net

For more info contact Dan at 306-918-7908

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.

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-6491405 to find out how!

AUCTIONS

ONLINE AUCTION FOR THE SASKATCHEWAN

MORE ROLHEISER BOOKS Ken Rolheiser releases SEVENTH book MORE LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE PENCIL OF A LOVING GOD. Amazon - paperback and kindle. See https://www.amazon.com/author/krolhie1005

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS.

51 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.

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS

LIVESTOCK

Anderson Cattle Co Bull Sale, March 28, 2023 Swan River MB. 50 Red & Black Angus yearling and two year olds. Open House March 11, 12, 2023. 204-281-3560 www.andersoncattle.ca

HEALTH SERVICES

HIP/KNEE Replacement?

Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING?

The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and up to $30,000 Lump sum refund

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide! Providing assistance during Covid. Expert Help: 1-844-453-5372

LAND FOR SALE

FARMLAND WANTED

I am currently PURCHASING single to large blocks of land.

NO FEES OR COMMISSIONS

Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way.

Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com

4 QUARTERS of LAND FOR SALE by Owner

R.M. #76 NE 10-07-10W3

2022 Tax Ass $98,780

SE 15-07-10W3

2022 Tax Ass $101,475 NE 14-07-10W3

2022 Tax Ass $113,090 NW 14-07-10W3

2022 Tax Ass $89,320

YARDSITE ON HOME

1/4 NE 14-07-10

FINANCIAL SERVICES

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

FEED & SEED

AGPRO SEEDS LTD. BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED OFFGRADE CANOLA & FEED GRAINS. #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! Call/text: 306-8730481, AgPro Seeds bids: agproseeds.com, Email: sales@agproseeds.com

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

REQUIRED

IMMEDIATELY:

Person to COOK & CLEAN for heavy construction camp this winter with possibility of year round. Winter location:

Must have valid driver’s licence and safe food and handling ticket. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc.

Fax: 306-769-8844

Consists of house, quanset, corrals, garage & bins

Contact Ritchie Pilgrim 306-620-9831 or pilgrimritchie @gmail.com

FEED & SEED

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

brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: needed this winter for dozers, excavators, rock trucks: near Carrot River, Sk. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844

FOR SALE - MISC

NOTICES / NOMINATIONS FOR SALE - MISC

brydenconstruct@ www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

WANTED

WANTED

Good Reasons to Advertise

To Our Brother in Heaven RON

KAMINSKY

An Eternal Memory Of My Much Loved Son RON KAMINSKY

Affordable housing is top priority for provinces and territories

Provinces and territories (PTs) are calling on the federal government to increase funding in a long-term, flexible, and collaborative manner to support the delivery of affordable housing programs both now and into the future.

Communities across Canada continue to face elevated home prices, increased rates of homelessness, and challenges related to housing affordability, adequacy, and supply, according to a release. Rising costs in the construction industry have also significantly increased the cost to build and repair homes. While these challenges have strained PT resources, PTs remain committed to working with the federal government to maintain and expand affordable housing in their jurisdictions.

Housing Strategy has been marketed as a “$82-plus billion plan,” this figure includes both loans and costmatched spending by PTs, neither of which are true costs to the federal government. In addition, federal funding supports often lack operational funding to keep housing viable after it is built, leaving PTs and other housing partners responsible for ongoing costs.

September 14, 1953 – March 15, 2020

Our hearts are full of memories of our brother laid to rest and every single one of them is filled with happiness.

That’s why this special message is sent to heaven above for the angels to take care of you and give you all our love.

We miss you so very much and our tears we cannot hide yet within our hearts we feel you are always by our side. We will never forget you and we know we have been blessed to have you for our Brother

Because you were the best...

Lovingly remembered and forever in our hearts, Dennis (Colleen) & Family, Marlene and Cynthia

September 14, 1953 – March 15, 2020

This is for someone wonderful as loved as one could be for you were everything in life you meant the world to me.

And sometimes life can be unkind when hearts are torn in two but nothing ever could compare to the pain of losing you But all the love you left behind, forever will live on and so until we meet again, rest peacefully Dear Son.

Loving you always, Mom

The Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates that the federal government will spend $45.9 billion over ten years on housing until the end of Canada’s National Housing Strategy in 2027-28 in new and preexisting spending. In comparison, PT governments have invested approximately $20.1 billion over the last four years in housing, including building new homes, making improvements to existing affordable housing, providing services and supports to keep people in their homes, and addressing homelessness.

PTs are on pace to surpass federal investments in affordable housing by the end of the National Housing Strategy in 2027-28. While the federal National

PTs are the largest providers of affordable housing in Canada. With their understanding of local needs and circumstances, PT governments are best positioned to identify and allocate funding to areas that will have the greatest impact. PTs call on the federal government to work with them and provide financially sustainable and flexible funding that is responsive to local needs.

To support better outcomes on the funding and delivery of affordable housing, PTs request:

• Increased and more flexible federal funding to complement existing PT programs and address local priorities to meet Canada’s current housing challenges, and

• Meaningful and proper engagement to develop housing solutions and outcomes that meet the unique needs and priorities of each jurisdiction.

Accessing affordable housing is a challenge for many Canadians. PTs welcome improved collaboration, greater flexibility, and increased funding, which will enable them to respond to this growing need.

Layla Jaeb skated a solo to the music of Sheʼs In Love with a Boy.

Eva Romanchuk, left and Karter Johnson came together to skate a duet.

Karlie Buchinski, in the back, assisted Arianna Neilson with her skating performance.

Dressed as cowboys, from left, were: Oliver Anaka, Stanley Prokulevich, Grady Lario and Austin Jansen.