Sunday, May 13
Vol. 103 No. 19
MONDAY, MAY 7, 2012
Bi Biggar, S Saskatchewan k t h
www.biggarindependent.ca bi i d d t
28 pages
$
1.25 tax included
Saskatchewan partners support Rail Safety Week The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure, Canadian National Railway (CN), Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) and the Saskatchewan Shortline Railway Association (SSRA) are encouraging everyone to do their part to reduce crossing collisions and trespassing incidents along railways. “Remember to always watch for trains when approaching any railway crossing, whether you’re a motorist, cyclist or a pedestrian,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. “Be alert, no matter what time of the year because you never know when a train will be moving.” The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure participates in a variety of rail safety initiatives on a regular basis. As regulator of shortline rail in Saskatchewan, the ministry reviews safety management plans, conducts routine safety inspections of shortline crossings, provides reflective tape for rail signs and locomotives and participates in rail safety public awareness initiatives. “The consequences of trespassing can be tragic and we are very concerned to see that dangerous behaviour on railway property is on the rise,” CN Vice President of Safety and Sustainability John Orr said.
“Through a combination of education and targeted enforcement, we will work to change understanding and behaviour. When it comes to safety, there is no compromise.” National Public-Rail Safety Week, which runs April 30 to May 6 this year, is an initiative of Operation Lifesaver, which promotes rail safety through the involvement of various transportation, government and safety partners. “We all have a stake in community safety,” CP Police Service Canadian Operations Deputy Chief
Ken Marchant said. “Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians need to be aware of the dangers associated around railway crossings and on railway property. Through initiatives like Rail Safety Week, we hope to educate and prevent rail related incidents from occurring.” Saskatchewan has 12 operational shortline railways and almost 2,250 kilometres of provinciallyregulated track. These provincial shortlines connect to about 6,200 kilometres of federally-regulated rail lines in Saskatchewan.
Seeding slow to begin for Saskatchewan Two per cent of the 2012 crop has been seeded, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture’s Weekly Crop Report, for the period April 24 to 30. Provincially, seven per cent of the peas, three per cent of the lentils and two per cent of the spring wheat and durum have been seeded to date. The southwestern region has six per cent of the acres seeded, while the southeast has three per cent.
Rain was recorded in most regions of the province during the past week, delaying seeding operations. The week’s precipitation has ranged from trace amounts to more than 50 millimetres. Most of the areas in the southwestern, west-central and northwestern regions that were indicating dry conditions last week received significant moisture this week. Cropland topsoil moisture across the province is rated
Tiny Dancer . . . Talitha Kleiner gives out a sly little smile during the Prairie Notes Spring concert at the Biggar Associated Gospel Church, April 27. Talitha got into the spirit of the concert, joining the performers on stage, particularly her dad, Pastor Mark, for wee impromptu dances. Check out our Web site: biggarindependent.ca this Wednesday for more pictures. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam) as 16 per cent surplus, 81 per cent adequate and three per cent short. Hay land and pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 14 per cent surplus, 80 per cent adequate, five per cent short and one per
cent very short. Crop reporters are indicating that, although the majority of winter wheat and fall rye crops are in good condition, four per cent of the winter wheat and
two per cent of the fall rye have some winter or spring weather-related damage. Farmers are busy seeding, calving and controlling weeds
2011 GDP growth highest in almost 15 years
Fancy footwork is judged here . . . Dance adjudicators, Mandy Kerr, left, and Jana Raskob had a busy weekend, April 27 to 29 as the annual Biggar School of Dance Festival hit the Majestic Theatre. Results can be seen on page 12. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Saskatchewan’s economic growth in 2011 was its fastest in almost 15 years according to data released April 27 by Statistics Canada. Saskatchewan’s GDP grew by 4.8 per cent, second highest in the nation and the best performance since the starting year of this statistic in 1997. Alberta led economic growth in 2011 with an increase of 5.2 per cent. “People recognize the opportunity in Saskatchewan today, as our
province continues to grow and prosper,” Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Saskatchewan is leading the country in a number of economic areas and all the conditions are right for our province to continue to see strong growth in the future.” According to the report, Canada’s GDP rose by 2.6 per cent in 2011. The report referenced Saskatchewan’s improvement was based on better than expected crop production, high residential construction, and gains
in wholesale and retail trade. It also suggests that strong population growth contributed to the overall rise. “As we continue with labour and business attraction initiatives, we can tell the rest of the world that our province is the place to be,” Harrison said. “Individuals and families who are looking for a place to start their career, build a successful business and have an exceptional quality of life are choosing Saskatchewan.”