The Biggar Independent Volume 115 Issue 20

Leaders of Tomorrow ... U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Aaron Guyett (top right) gets a group of steer riders to hold a pushup, working the core, Saturday at the Rec Valley during Ireland Steer Riding’s “Leader of Leaders” program. The three-day training prepares young rodeo riders for future leadership roles now and tomorrow, physically prepares them for the rigours of rodeo, and injects honour into the characters of these young men and women. Along with rodeo champ, Dakota Buttar, the program wrapped up on Sunday with a jackpot competition. (Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

Prairie Branches held their annual Mother’s Day Tea at the Biggar Community Hall, all to raise funds for group home residents, May 8. Moms were treated to entertainment and raffles, tea and treats - a small effort for the things they do all year long. A big thank you to them and to the volunteers who made the day, once again, a very special one!

(Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)

Biggar Fire Report

by

Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment

This past week 48 calls for service were responded to by the detachment.

Traffic related incidents showed seven tickets and six warnings were issued with some of the more significant incidents showing a $578 fine for a Black F-350 from Kyle travelling more then 35 kilometres an hour above

by Erroll Horst, Biggar Fire Department

May 1! Bring on the barbecue’s and campfires. April was fairly typical for the fire department with seven calls, bringing the year to date total to 16. There were three grass fires, two Motor Vehicle Collisions, one call to assist EMS, and one false alarm. Year after year false alarms have been trending downward with only two so far in 2024, definitely nice to see.

We have seen a bit of moisture this spring but it is still very dry in our area so please be careful out there and remember, if you are planning to do any burning please call the Control Burn Reporting line at 1-866404-4911.

Practises during the month included training on aerial and pump operations as well as some basic skills like hydrant grabs and hose lays.

Once again the Fire

Department will be participating in the P.A.R.T.Y. program (educating Grade 10 students on the consequences of driving under the influence) coming in May at Biggar Central School 2000 so we spent a bit more time working with our extrication equipment (Jaws of Life).

The Independent recognized in

SWNA newspaper competition

It was a good year for the Biggar Independent, as publisher/writer/ motorcycle adventurer, Dale Buxton, was recognized for The Saskatchewan Traveller. Buxton, along with wife, Trudy, was the third place winner for Best Tourism Story, parlaying their love of twowheeled travel, sharing their adventures in Canada and regions in the United States.

The announcement was

Biggar RCMP Report

the speed limit on Highway 51.

On Highway 4 North, a 61-year-old in their 2015 white Lincoln Navigator, was fined $731 for travelling more then 35 kilometres an hour above the speed limit. A 31-year-old semi driver from Asquith was spoken to about his use of jake brakes through town; a report of another semi driver suspiciously acting like they

were impaired hauling into P&H.

A 60-year-old from Ruthilda was stopped for speeding on Highway 51 at 3 p.m., and was found to be impaired while operating their white Dodge Grand Caravan. They will appear in Biggar Provincial Court, July 3.

A battery was stolen out of a piece of equipment near Centre Road.

A yellow 2014 Suzuki

RM-Z250 was stolen from a rural property in the RM of Perdue. A 17-year-old youth was responsible for stealing a vehicle from a local business - the vehicle has since been returned with minimal damage.

A 32-year-old from Calgary, tracked down his Tinder crush and graced us with his presence by creating seven various complaints ranging from theft from a vehicle,

made at the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association’s 2024 Better Newspaper Competition last week.

Photographer Kevin Brautigam was named Photographer of the Year for his work over the 2023 year, adding to his Photographer of the Year awards in 2008, 2018, 2021. In addition, Brautigam took first in Wildlife Photo, first in Sports Photo, first in Feature Photo, second

stealing a golf cart and taking it for a joy ride, to causing a disturbance at the Hospital before being arrested and sent out for treatment to the Dubé Centre in Saskatoon.

Complaint of a dead bird in a water bucket at a residence ... caller was wondering what to do with the bird over concerns it might be connected to an Influenza B outbreak. A domestic dispute reported over the taking of the PlayStation controllers as they were parting ways.

A Great Dane escaped from its fenced yard on the 400 block of Third Avenue East and attacked an unsuspecting pedestrian walking by on the sidewalk at the time. The 43-yearold suffered significant injuries from this dog.

Last week five vari-

in Colour Photo, third in Hard News Photo.

The awards just would not have been possible without the help and support from the community and Biggar and surrounding area.

“We work hard at this, putting in the hours to give our readers an important look into this place we call home,” said Buxton. “We will keep at it, and hope that our future, together, gets better and better.”

ous calls were received on different dog owners and their irresponsibility in keeping their animals under control. The majority of dogs are good until they are not, and although accidents happen, ultimately as an owner you are responsible for your dog and controlling it at all times. Otherwise, you may find yourself on the wrong side of a lawsuit and answering for the damages caused by your animal in civil court.

Thanks to a quick response by our fire volunteers, a grass fire burning along the south side of the tracks was quickly contained before the wind took it out of control.

Take care out there!

The training never stops as Biggar Firefighters work on extrication skills.

(Photo for The Independent by Erroll Horst, Biggar Fire Department)

Fire crews and RCMP were dealing with grass fires as conditions - even with recent rains - remain dry.

(Photo for The Independent by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment)

Who pays for college Gaza protests?

by Barry Cooper, Professor of Political Science,

University of Calgary, Senior Fellow at the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy From UCLA and UBC on the West Coast to McGill to Columbia on the East Coast, the student and nonstudent occupations of North American university campuses have advanced at least four common demands.

First, they demand no repercussions for their behaviour, even if it is illegal and violent. At UCLA, they also demanded free vegan and non-gluten meals, although there was no demand for kosher food.

Second, they call for a freeze on any academic and financial contact between their universities and Israeli institutions, as well as with Zionist funding.

Third, they seek to indulge in pro-Hamas activities via groups like the Palestinian Youth Movement and Samidoun, which are affiliated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a group listed as a terrorist organization by both Canada and the U.S.

Fourth, occasionally, as seen at UBC, U

of T, and McGill, the organizers include First Nations in their actions. In essence, these individuals want to dictate university policies without facing any consequences. They are driven by a desire for power. To understand these events, we need to consider their motivations.

Today’s activists, like the young romantic poet William Wordsworth during the French Revolution, see themselves as on the side of the angels. Inspired by figures like Greta Thunberg, many protesters experience their first taste of community in these encampments. They claim to care for the plight of Palestinians, but they ignore the role of Hamas in that misery. Many protesters cover their faces with masks or keffiyehs, claiming it’s to avoid facial recognition. However, their real motivation might be a lack of courage to stand openly by their convictions, preferring anonymous gestures of moral superiority.

In commonsensical terms, their motives are corrupt. They know full well that terrorists, not the IDF, are behind the misery of the Palestin-

Food, Fuel and Fertilizer Global Summit. “What it takes is people ultimately supporting your party.”

It’s a valid enough point - especially, in the context of today’s big money politics. One has to impressed by the sheer number of donations received by Moe’s Saskatchewan Party in 2023 Elections Saskatchewan - $3.6 million or two and half times the $1.4-million raised by the NDP last year.

ians, and, secretly, they are ashamed of themselves. But they can never admit it.

Some commentators compare today’s protests to those of 1968.

At the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po), a sign recently read “Gaza = Vietnam,” echoing sentiments from 1968. However, the protests of 1968 were against a genuinely unjust war, not the imagined injustices targeted today. Back then, it was also possible to debate various sides of the Vietnam War without seeking to cancel opposing views.

Today, the combination of self-righteousness, siloed opinions, ignorance, and echo chambers makes it impossible to acknowledge the complexity of reality. As Marx noted, history repeats itself first as tragedy, then as farce.

The cowardly responses of university administrations have further eroded personal agency and responsibility. Embracing extreme identity politics and making unenforced threats have solidified their moral failings. For instance, when Columbia’s president, Nemat Shafik, announced

cantly less donors than the Sask. Party speaks volumes to the levels of support and commitment between that of the province’s two biggest rivals.

Successful political parties do need a wide base of support if they aspire to former government.

remote classes for the rest of the term, she effectively admitted losing control of the university, rewarding rioters and penalizing students who pay over US$68,000 to attend. Conversely, University of Florida president Ben Sasse took a firmer stance, stating, “The University of Florida is not a daycare, and we do not treat protesters like children.” Protesters faced consequences for their actions, including enforcing the law, expelling students, and deporting non-citizens.

Of Columbia’s 26,000 students, only a few hundred (fortified by non-students) participated in the disruption, a small minority likely replicated across the

continent. The election of Maya Patek, a former IDF member and proud Israeli, as presidentelect of Columbia’s School of General Studies, suggests that most students do not support the protesters’ actions. Finally, questions arise about funding for the protests. Who paid for the tents? And for a group of people who couldn’t start a lawnmower, let alone a revolution, who paid for the organizers to organize them?

Howard Levitt reported in the Financial Post that Canada has become a major venue for money laundering from the Middle East, particularly Qatar. The Wall Street Journal noted funding from

known terrorist groups and shadowy outfits like “Students 4 Gaza” and the International Marxist Tendency. The New York Post reported that many organizers were funded by the Open Society Institute, though the Jerusalem Post disputed this because George Soros, who funds the institute, is Jewish.

All these conduits point to Iran, the chief beneficiary of campus disruptions and a major sponsor of global terrorism. Shiraz University in Tehran has even offered expelled students scholarships. We should encourage these students to accept and perhaps learn something valuable.

fix

Premier Scott Moe is surprisingly unbothered that the party he indirectly cites as his biggest rival is getting six-figure donation cheques.

“It isn’t money that ultimately translates into votes,” Moe told reporters at last week’s second annual Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

Moe noted to reporters last week that his Sask. Party has collected from eight times as many donors as the NDP.

It’s both the reason and the explanation why the Sask. Party is likely to be re-elected for a fifth consecutive term this fall.

Given that the NDP is obviously less tapped into well-heeled individuals and companies, the fact that it has signifi-

However, all they need to make a little noise is a little money. And that donation money and new support seems to flowing from the right. Or at least, that’s were Moe’s concern has lied.

First it was the Buffalo Party that did surprisingly well in the 2020 election by getting more votes that either the Green Party or the Liberal Party and finished second in four ridings, despite running only 17 candidates.

It was also the Buffalo Party - a provincial offshoot of the sover-

eigntist-leaning federal Maverick Party - that appeared to push the government towards the Saskatchewan First Act and other policies. In fact, Moe co-opted onetime Reform/Canadian Alliance MP and Sask. Party MLA Allan Kerpan to help chair his economic sovereignty meetings after Kerpan became involved in the Maverick Party and Wexit movement.

But while Buffalo Party is still out the roaming the political wilderness, where right-wing dissidents seeming to be coalescing these days is around the Saskatchewan United Party.

Gaining moment by tying itself to the antivaccine/COVID-19 movement and seizing on Freedom convoy and former Sask. Party MLA Nadine Wilson becoming its leader, Sask. United has shown few

signs of political support or organization. However, it does have some money.

And much of that Sask. United’s fundraising support has come in the form of massive donations from individuals or their companies. This is where we are again reminded of our donation problems.

According to the donation filing for 2023, Sask. United raised $500,000 - 40 per cent of $200,000 came from a company in which its deputy leader and Lumsden-Morse byelection candidate Jon Hromek works.

Asked about this, Moe downplayed the notion that there might be a problem.

“Folks will make a one-time donation to an upstart party. I think we saw that 25 years ago when our party started,” Moe said, adding that

undue influence that might be associated with a candidate bankrolling his own campaign is only a problem “if they were ever successful.” Hromek did lose in Lumsen-Morse last August. But, in seems no small coincidence, the Sask. Party passed the pronoun bill, Bill 137 in the fall after the Sask. United byelection ran had on parental rights in schools.

Would the Sask. Party have gone in this direction anyway? Possibly. But it’s also possible government reacted after seeing a rival making waves.

And how he was able to make waves seems directly attributable to the reality that, in this province, you can donate as much as you want to your party.

It’s another reason why the rules need to change.

Notable Notes

Bob Mason

Although word has got around that life in the army was a lot different than it was in our civilian past, there were quite a few similarities that go wherever man goes.

Although controlled to some extent, many of the actions and attitudes thought of as immoral or even illegal in civilian life were sometimes very evident in the army. The pages of the world are filled with accounts of the terrible carryingson of the military. And it would be silly of me to even try and recount the many - or any - of them here. Because of the original belief I was considerably surprised after joining up in the Forces to find that many of those civilian manoeuvres were to be found in the army.

Consider this. I’ll bet

The Unpleasant Army

I wasn’t in the army an hour before a young fellow tried to strongarm me for a dollar!

Of course I never saw him or the dollar again, although I have a feeling that quite a few other fellows experienced the same fate.

The scam goes something like this: “My mother is in the hospital in Regina and I’d sure like to call her but someone stole my wallet”... weep, weep!

So, we’re on a street car going downtown in Regina when a couple of Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC) got on. Naturally, I got up to let them have my seat, but two Sergeants sat down in it instead. Thereby giving all Sergeants a bad name in my book. But that was only manners! Things got worse!

A couple of us are about to enter the Trianon Ballroom [Editor’s Note: Trianon Ballrooms were ornate, large dance rooms inspired by the Trianon ballroom at the Palace of Versailles in France. The world over, they were created during the Big Band era] when the guy at the door says, “Sorry sirs ... no room!”

We hang around as a dozen young people are allowed in. Then we try again. Same thing, “Sorry sir ... no room!”

Even after half a dozen

people leave the place, we get the same excuse.

“Sorry ... no room!”

About this time we lost our cool and told them off (a nice way to say it is “In Spades”). And we left them kind of wondering how come some soldiers got that way!

Looking back, Camp Shilo in Manitoba was a little better but not much. Whereas in the city there was a civilian/ military type clash, in Shilo, with only military people, there was bound to be some dissension between the ranks.

Eventually my job was instruction, and with it came an NCOs [noncommissioned officer] responsibility and a whole bunch of pamphlets on army procedures. It got to be quite a process jamming them into my kit bag every night so I decided to ask for a barrack box like all the NCOs had. The CQMS [company quartermaster sergeant - a non-commissioned officer in charge of supplies] leaned on his counterwhich was made up of barrack boxes - and told me he didn’t have any!

Even after I pointed out to him that I could take one of the boxes and he’d never miss it, he looked me in the eye and repeated that he didn’t have any!

I went down to the craft shop and built

one! It was an excellent example of army issue - so many inches by so many inches - and painted olive drab ... some sharp-eyed people called our uniforms “khaki” but the army description was “olive drab”.

When I had it done, I took it to the hut and put my stuff in it, nice and neat, and shoved it under my cot.

Next day, when we came in from the training area, my stuff was lying on my cot and the barrack box was out beside the hut garbage barrel. I put the stuff back and shoved it under my cot again. Next evening, the box’s contents were scattered all over my cot and the nice new barrack box was all smashed to pieces and was in the garbage barrel. Y.T. (Yours Truly) walked out and over to the T.S. Company and went overseas!

There were quite a few of these uncomfortable incidents through our training and after we came home. There might have been some of these shifty types overseas but we never saw them, maybe they were all weeded out before they got there. I dunno! Checking in my old ledger the other day, though, I had to mark down “Barrack Box Blues”. I guess one could mark down a few more

incidents like: Fire Picket (under “F”). Boy, did we ever get treated like peasants sometimes by the Inspection Officer, and did we ever guard those army buildings against fire! A lot of the Quartermasters stores burned down anyway after the war. I even heard that they were counting buttons in the ashes!

We got treated like fourth-class citizens by railroad employees and Americans. After all, the USA won the war! We even got the dickens from the odd civilian!

Someone stole my hat badge and Nazi utensils,

and people pointed out to me what a sucker I must have been to be involved in it at all! We were home all right! Often I wonder if there was any difference in it anyway! We still have BSers out there, scam artists, small fee’ers and absolute crooks. Maybe it has always been that way - being a kind of young old-timer, I wouldn’t know! But one thing I do know is that for all these ones whose activities contribute to much to the unpleasantness of our lives ... good guys finish last! We still enjoy being here!

Ask The Money Lady

Christine Ibbotson

Dear Money Lady,

I’m planning on retiring at the end of this year. I will be receiving a company pension and also plan to start collecting CPP. I have no mortgage and own my home. Unfortunately, I have a significantly large balance on my home line of credit, about $320,000. I want to pay it off, but the only funds available are in my RSP accounts. What is the best way to withdraw these funds from my RSP accounts to pay off this debt and mitigate a large tax liability.

Noah G.

Hello Noah, There is no real way to reduce the taxation

on your RRSP withdrawals. The only way to limit taxation would be to income split with a spouse or to move a portion of the funds to a home buyers plan (which is not relevant in your situation).

RRSPs are a great tool for saving for retirement, however they can also be a double-edged sword. The tax benefit you received when you first invested was a great way to lower your marginal tax rate and reduce your income tax; but never think for a moment that the government doesn’t want their money back.

When you withdraw from your RRSP or RRIF you will always be subject to income tax. You may also want to delay taking your CPP during the years that you plan to withdraw from your RRSP since this will only raise your income and move you into a higher tax bracket.

An alternative may be your company pension. Why not convert your pension into a LIRA -

which stands for a locked in retirement account.

The reason for moving it to a LIRA would be so you have full access to your pension amount to invest as you choose. A defined contribution pension is relatively easy to transfer the whole amount to a LIRA however a defined benefit pension plan is different.

If you convert a defined benefit pension plan there’s usually a commuted value that is not transferable and can only be taken out as a taxable lump sum. This is the portion you could then use to pay down your line of credit.

You will still have to pay taxes on this withdrawal as income in the year you do your conversion, but it could allow you to leave your RRSPs intact to continue to grow over time.

The other reason you might want to consider a pension conversion, is if you question the longterm stability of your employer. If you have

Over 100 years of seeding

by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery

Let’s set the scene:

It’s the early 1920’s. In the growing town of Biggar, “Little Tramp” starring Charlie Chaplin is playing at the Majestic Theatre on Main Street. It’s a black and white silent movie, the player piano is belting out the tunes. That funny little man with the moustache and awkward swaying walk is doing just about everything wrong as he heads north to strike it rich in the Klondike Gold Rush.

Before the movie starts there are advertisements from the local businesses. One of them catches the eye of a farmer from

the RM of Biggar. He’s thinking about seeding his quarter as soon as spring comes. The U.S.E. Deering seeding system ad comes up on the screen. It’s being sold by T.P. Ellis, just down the road! It is just what he needs to sow his crop for maximum coverage and the exact depth for the seed.

As soon as the snowstorms stop, and the wind blows in a promise of spring, that farmer was right down at T.P. Ellis ordering his new seeding system from U.S.E. Deering. Back to today, seeding has started in the area. Advertising for the latest equipment is on Facebook or TV. The horses

from 100 years ago are replaced by huge tractors, seeding is done by gigantic machines. The fields are 10 times larger than that farmer’s quarter section were. And yet equipment is still available in our town.

This year’s crops may have got a boost from the rains we have had recently. Fingers crossed that the winds blowing after the rain will not evaporate too much moisture.

Since 1906 our town has found itself in that spring/summer/fall/ winter rhythm; hoping for Mother Nature to favour the farmers with the conditions needed to keep them on the land.

any doubts that your employer might not be able to sustain their pensions, then that would be a reason to cash out early. When you do your conversion you are also entitled to withdraw 50 per cent of the plan amount as your first time take out, as long as you are 55 years or older. Each withdrawal after that will be based on a defined percentage for each year.

Really, a decision like this needs to be discussed with your financial advisor or your banker and it should be mathematically determined if it’s

worth it. With interest rates now higher than ever and the Prime Rate over seven per cent, it may make sense to take the tax hit to eradicate your debt, so you don’t pay more in interest to carry the balance on your line of credit.

A $320K amount on a secured line of credit at the current prime rate would incur an interest charge of $23,040 over the course of a year, or $1,920 per month.

If you do plan to consider a pension-conversion, find out if your benefits are still valid when you cash out. And see if you

can still income split to lower taxes. You may also want to find out if there’s any limitations on the plan being provincially or federally regulated.

Good luck and best wishes!

Written by Christine Ibbotson, author, finance writer, national radio host, and now on CTV Morning Live, and CTV News @6, syndicated across Canada. Send your money questions (answered free) through her website at askthemoneylady.ca

Some tips for succession planning for a small family business

The transfer of a small business’s ownership between family members can be a tricky and emotional process if you’re not prepared for it.

To help ease the transition, it’s important to start the conversation early and develop a succession plan well before the decision is made that it’s time for some other family member to take over the business. What is succession planning?

A succession plan gives a clear outline of what should happen when you are ready to exit your business and transition it to be led by a new family member. By having a succession plan in place, it can help make the transition smoother for yourself, your family members and your employees. Some tips for succession planning

Start planning early:

These are complex processes which can take years to bring to fruition. All too often, business owners don’t start planning until late in the game. This can lead to confusion and headaches down the road.

Start succession planning at least three to five years before your planned departure.

Seek professional advice: Many professionals are trained in different areas of business succession planning - including lawyers, accountants, business brokers, family business consultants and investment advisors - some or all of whom could be of help at different stages of your succession plan.

Think about the impact on your lifestyle: Family business owners can sometimes get caught up in the financial aspects

of succession planning and may not think about what this change could mean for them personally. For example, you’ll need to answer questions like: Will you be involved in helping transition the business? What will you do with your time after your exit? How should you consider structuring your business so that it will be best for your family, employees and the business itself?

Succession planning in advance can make a difference

Many small business owners find it difficult to plan on how to hand their business over to a family member. But putting a plan in place can go a long way towards helping to minimize the stress for both the small business owner and the family members involved.

Asquith Council May news

Asquith Town Council held its regular council meeting on May 8.

Attending was Mayor Gail Erhart, and Councillors Jackie Stobbe, Darcy Stack, Pete Heck, Cecilia Mryglod, and Wade Monks-Janzen. Also attending was C.A.O. Kathy Picketts and Office Assistant Kaila Montgomerie.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Erhart at 6:28 p.m.

A resolution was made to accept the council minutes from the April 10, 2024, regular council meeting.

Council made a motion to accept the April 2024 financials and April 2024 bank reconciliation as presented to them at the meeting.

Accounts Paid in the amount of $26,453.13 and Accounts Payable of $58,389.20 was accepted as presented.

Spring Clean Up will take place again on May 25 and 26, 2024 with Loraas having bins out for Town of Asquith residents to dispose of large waste. The old landfill will be open on Saturday, May 25 for clean waste disposal.

A curb side swap will take place on May 23 and 24. Place any clean, usable, and unwanted items at the curb side clearly marked as “FREE”.

The Asquith Fire Department will be hosting their annual Pig Roast/Show and Shine and Dance on June 8 in

the Town of Asquith. There will be a Canada Day Celebration on July 1 in the Town of Asquith. More details of this event will be forthcoming. A reminder goes out to all individuals that the Town of Asquith has a Burning Bylaw which dictates that one can have a fire in town for recreational use only. Only clean wood/firewood can be burned in your fire pits - no painted/treated wood, refuse, leaves, et cetera should be burned. Be kind to your neighbour and to the environment and burn only clean wood materials. Also, no bonfires are allowed - please keep the size of your backyard fires moderate.

A glass slide used to project advertising on the screen of the Majestic Theatre between the years of 1913 and 1950. The collection has been digitalized by Museum staff and can be found of the SCAA database, MemorySask. (Photo for

Agriculture

Calvin Daniels

by Calvin Daniels

The proposed acquisition of Viterra by Bunge has generated a ton of discussion - much of it generated by fear - in the agriculture sector.

For example, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), Alberta Grains, SaskBarley and Sask Wheat are raising serious concerns about the proposed merger between Bunge and Viterra and the resulting economic losses for producers.

“A recent study on the potential effects of the proposed merger on the grain sector in Western Canada by Dr. Richard Gray, Dr. James Nolan, and Dr. Peter Slade, from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S), with research support from APAS, Alberta Grains, SaskBarley and Sask Wheat, found the merger is likely to cause substantial economic harm to grain producers,” noted a recent Saskatchewan Barley

Viterra merger raises more questions than answers

Development Commission release.

“The results support the findings of the Competition Bureau’s review that the merger is likely to result in substantial anticompetitive effects and harm competition in markets for grain purchasing.

“The results of both of these studies validate concerns producers have been raising about the impact of the proposed merger on competition in the grain handling industry and ultimately returns to farmers” said Jake Leguee, Sask Wheat Chair, in the same release.

There is a natural concern of losing a market option - two essentially becoming one - but is now the time to draw a line and say no more to mergers?

It’s not like this is exactly new. A rather long list of grain handling companies existed at one time, with a line of elevators in many rural communities each vying to handle a farmer’s grain.

Over the years mergers or just closure saw the numbers dwindle. It has been a long term trend of rationalization by amalgamation. The move by Bunge really just continues that trend.

And, it should not be

overlooked that producers have been on the same path themselves, with farms growing ever larger basically since the end of the First World War.

If it’s good business for farmers to buy out neighbour after neighbour expanding their land base and increasing efficiency, is it not logical farm sector business would be doing the same?

Granted one does not want to see virtual market monopolies because one wants competition to create a level of price fairness, but what is rea-

sonable as we move forward is far more difficult to define.

Would farmers be

happy if they were suddenly limited in the acres they could own?

Certainly the Bunge

plan has brought such questions into tighter focus, but answers are still very hazy.

Jim Reiter, MLA

Rosetown-Elrose Constituency

215 Main Street, Rosetown

Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00

Tel: 306-882-4105

Fax: 306-882-4108

Toll free; 1-855-762-2233

E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net

Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0

Please call with questions or concerns

Attention: Kathie

The first establishment we would like to report on is Wayback Burger.

I gave you a few variations to look at.

Please let me know which you prefer by return email and we can get this ad started Thursday, November 24.

Price: $35.28 plus gst per week

Talk to you later, Urla Tyler, Advertising Consultant

Jim Reiter, MLA

Rosetown-Elrose Constituency

by Trudy and Dale Buxton

Wayback Burger has been open now for about a year and is located out in the Brighton Area of Saskatoon. For those not familiar with that area, it’s out where the Landmark Theatres are, and if you are heading into Saskatoon for a dinner and a show, you can’t go wrong with this place.

215 Main Street, Rosetown

Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00

Tel: 306-882-4105 Fax: 306-882-4108

Toll free; 1-855-762-2233

E-mail: jimreitermla@sasktel.net

Box 278, Rosetown SK S0L 2V0

Please call with questions or concerns

Before we continue with our trip into Alberta, we have a few restaurants we would like to report on in our travels.

When it comes to doing meetings or having to stop, we always like to choose a different eating establishment to eat at.

New Horizon’s 117 3rd W. Biggar Donations Welcome Hosted by St.Gabriel’s CWL Please Join Us Wednesday June 5th, 2024 1:30pm - 4:00pm

PRECISION AUTOBODY WRITING

SGI ESTIMATES IN BIGGAR!

We’ve been working with Fred & Patsy at Spyder Autobody for the past 3 years, and will continue servicing the Biggar community with mobile SGI appraisals I-Car Gold Class and OEM Certified Technicians Consumer Choice Award Winners 12 Years Running Certified Aluminum Repair / Hail Repair Experts

• Courtesy cars available

• Free pickup and delivery 2326 Avenue C North Saskatoon 306-664-4156

Wayback Burger serves up an old-fashioned burger and fries combo that is very delicious. If you don’t want one of their signature burgers, then you can make your own combo.

The menu is simple but very effective and you can have a real ice cream, old fashioned milkshake to go along with that meal.

The price point is on target as well, definitely a place that I will return to.

One day, while in for a doctor’s visit, we were looking for something different and the feeling came over me that I felt like having French Toast.

Well, you know that they have a place dedicated to French Toast, and it’s out in the Sutherland area of Saskatoon called - you guessed it - the French Toast Family Restaurant. You can have breakfast all day long at this place. Along with French Toast there is a wide array of menu items for anything that you may be craving. The menu is a bit lengthy, but I found the meal to be quite enjoyable. I would

compare this place to a diner-style restaurant like Denny’s with a quirky, more personal flavour.

On occasion, we were at one of our supper meetings, and the organizer of these meals, Brent, is very good at mixing up the venues of where we are going to eat for our get-togethers.

This particular night he chose the Hunger Cure and Resto Bar located in the Scotia Centre on Second Avenue in Saskatoon. The Hunger Cure is a fabulous place to meet with friends, a little more upscale than your average restaurant but the food is very delicious, and the drinks are also very nice. This is great place for that special occasion - it has a great atmosphere about

it with a nice menu and great service.

One last place we decided to try is the High Key Brewing Co. which is located on First Avenue in Saskatoon. This place was a Harley Davidson Dealership for years before they built a new store on the north end of the city.

If you are into craft beers, then this is a good place to go. Not much of a menu but the food we did receive was really good and tasty. Great place to hang out with friends to have a “meet and greet” with someone over a cocktail and light snack.

There are many, many more restaurants that need to be mentioned, but I will hold that for another edition of The Saskatchewan Traveller.

Wayback Burger, Saskatoon

High Key Brewing Company, Saskatoon

Celebrating 50 years of Music with Peggy

by Dale Buxton

It was a magical day for Peggy L’Hoir who celebrated 50 years in the music world, not only a teaching professional but also as a composer, songwriter, adjudicator and examiner.

Peggy started playing at an early age with her first teacher, Cathy deBussac.

Throughout the decades of teaching, Peggy has always guided her music students through the wonderful world of music through piano, theory, accompaniment and composition. Throughout her years of teaching, she has always reminded her students to have fun and enjoy the journey.

Along with her busy schedule Peggy has found the time to participate on many boards including being past president of the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers Association and past president of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Association.

Peggy has served on the Saskatchewan Arts Board, the Alliance for New Canadian Music as well as many other local boards.

Peggy has served and continues to volunteer for many projects, whether in her own church or with helping not only piano students but other students with their musical journey in different instruments. Along with a good friend, Brenda Nestegaard Paul, Peggy gathered many local vocalists from within the community back in 2000 to form Prairie Notes Community Choir.

She has also collaborated with good friend, Carol Wylie, in forming the group Strawberry Jam.

Peggy was very instrumental in organizing and bringing the musical extravaganza, The Summer Sizzle, to Biggar in both 2018 and 2023.

One of Peggy’s greatest achievements and passions is being the Musical Director for New Creations Community Players and performing for many plays brought to the Majestic Theatre.

In 2019 Peggy was honoured with the Music Festival’s Outstanding Adjudicator Award, and in 2023 Peggy received the Hugheen Ferguson Distinguished Teacher Award, recognizing music teachers for their significant contributions to the art of music and the profession of music teaching.

The day started off at the Majestic Theatre, with a musical journey with Prairie Notes Community Choir and then many of Peggy’s past students who performed many numbers. There was also a couple of numbers that saw the reunited Strawberry Jam. After the program at the theatre, there was a supper and another fantastic musical program at the Biggar Community Hall.

Thank you, Peggy, for allowing me to be part of your day, you definitely deserve all the praise and accolades.

I probably missed several awards that you so deservingly received, you are truly a Biggar treasure.

Hunting for a new home? 4 things to consider

Whether you’re a firsttime buyer or a seasoned reseller, the process of buying a home is equal parts excitement and exhaustion.

If you’re in the market this spring, here are four factors to consider.

Check and update essential equipment

Congratulations, you found your dream home. While you’ll already have a long to-do list for moving day, you should

add testing the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to your list. Replace the backup batteries and make sure none of the units have passed their expiry date. If the home has an old-style thermostat, consider swapping it for a smart thermostat that allows you to adjust your home temperature from anywhere and set different temperature schedules for various

times of the day.

Shared condo costs If you’re budgeting for a condo, remember that shared elements, from pools to parking garages, need ongoing investments to ensure the safety, comfort and resale value of your property. While major updates can raise fees, risk assessment professionals typically say these updates are important to avoid

larger problems. They suggest prospective owners engage with the board and learn about managing the unique shared risks associated with condos.

Refresh the yard

Have you found the home of your dreams, but feel the yard is a little lacking? Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Landscaping and projects like adding a new deck are relatively

•

•

Seats

• Premium Audio / Remote Start

• Apple Car Play / Android Auto

• Spray-in Bedliner

affordable ways to spruce up any outdoor space, particularly if you do some or all of the work yourself. Free digital tools can help you explore design possibilities by offering a virtual view of how the yard would look postreno.

Map out your homebuying journey

Before you go househunting, make sure you know your full

financial picture. Talk to an advisor from your financial institution to map out your pathway to home ownership. If the numbers don’t quite work, put a pause on buying and see which steps you can take to get you closer to that future move-in day.

McKinley on top of gymnastics podium ... Biggar’s Camryn McKinley was first in gymnastics Floor routine at the Field House in Saskatoon, May 10. McKinley, a member of the Battleford Gymnastics Club, in addition to gold in Floor, earned a sixth in the Uneven Bars. She has been a competitive gymnast for the past three years and is becoming a force to be reckoned with. (Submitted Photo and inset by Piper Sports Photography)

Penton

On Sports

As the inturn turns... Well, it might not be as intriguing and dramatic as the television soap opera As The World Turns, but the Canadian curling scene continues to draw gasps of surprise from the thousands of die-hard fans across the country.

The latest: Brendan Bottcher of Edmonton, who skipped his team to the Brier title in 2021, appears to have been fired by the other three members of his team - Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant and Ben Hebertand been replaced at skip by Brad Jacobs, who has become Canada’s most prominent member of the ‘Have Broom, Will Travel’ club.

Jacobs, from Sault Ste. Marie, has a spectacular curling resume, having won one Brier (2013) and an Olympic gold medal (2014). He was a perennial participant in the Brier out of Northern Ontario but his rink

Personnel moves rampant in curling

split up when he took a sabbatical after the 2022 Brier. Last year, he hooked up with Reid Carruthers of Winnipeg and by the latter stages of the season, was skipping the team. After his sabbaticalreportedly so he could devote more time to family and business interests - Jacobs is now back in the full grind of competitive curling.

The Bottcher move was intriguing because only three years ago, the team’s third, Darren Moulding, was essentially fired by the team. To have the same thing happen to Bottcher must have brought a wry smile to the face of Moulding, who wasn’t happy with the move and didn’t mind saying so. What kind of supporting cast Bottcher will wind up with for next season remains to be seen, but publicly, he took the high road, posting on X that he wished his former team-mates all the best “on and off the ice.” He said he would have “more news” in the near future.

The Jacobs-to-Alberta move left the Carruthers rink with a big hole, but Saskatchewan native Catlin Schneider, who has thrown third stones for Matt Dunstone and Colton Flasch, among others, filled it by joining the Winnipeg-based

rink at third. There were other headline-inspiring moves during curling’s unofficial ‘free agency’ period. One of the bigger ones concerned Jennifer Jones, perhaps the best female curler in Canada’s history. She retired and her youthful rink went looking for a replacement, finding Calgary’s Chelsea Carey, an original Winnipegger who has two Scotties’ Tournament of Hearts’ titles to her credit.

Other personnel moves involving top curlers include Scott Howard, Glenn’s son, taking over as skip after his dad’s retirement; John Epping moving on from his Toronto-based rink and joining forces with Jacob and Tanner Horgan out of Northern Ontario (the Horgans are brothers of Tracy Fleury, the third on Rachel Homan’s world championship rink); and Lisa Weagle, who has played with Homan and Jones, has joined the Laurie St-Georges rink from Quebec. Intrigue remains. Where will Bottcher land? Are there more changes to come? Will Moulding pop up on someone’s team? Stay tuned. Curling news is a 12-month-a-year deal these days.

• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “Husband and wife Michael and Jasmine Snell each bowled 300

Saskatchewan’s Construction Sector Continues to Grow

Monday, Statistics Canada released Saskatchewan’s building permit figures, which show a 15.8 per cent increase year-overyear growth for March 2024, compared to March 2023 (seasonally adjusted). This places Saskatchewan wellabove the national decrease of negative 15.2 per cent.

“The increase in the value of building permits demonstrates the confidence that individuals and industry have in making longterm investments in Saskatchewan,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “This growth is only possible through the deliberate efforts we have made to foster a competitive business environment, lessen regulatory burden and

making Saskatchewan a reliable place to invest. These factors are contributing to attracting record private capital investment into the province, that is leading to new jobs being created in our communities.”

In March 2024, building permits in Saskatchewan totalled $176 million (seasonally adjusted).

The total value of building permits represents the dollar value of construction permits for residential and non-residential buildings.

The provincial economy has seen rapid growth lately, with Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicating that Saskatchewan’s 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.2 billion, or 1.6 per cent. This places

on the same night in Omaha, Neb. Can’t say if their marriage is solid, but there were no signs of a split.”

• Headline at fark. com: “Ahh, the signs of late spring. Flowers blooming, birds singing, and St. Louis Cardinals’ fans panicking.”

• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe. com: “Bally Sports channels removed from Comcast after bankruptcy of Bally operator Diamond Sports. Comcast fans of MLB’s Tigers, Brewers, Reds, Cardinals, Rays, Rangers, Braves, Angels, Royals, Twins and Marlins can no longer see games. Sadly White Sox fans can still watch their team.”

• Vindictive guy Steve Burgess of Vancouver: “The Leafs are out. The Jays are losing. Drake’s beef is not going well. Sucks to be you, Toronto.”

• Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel: “Did you see where LIV Golf just made a major announcement that there will now be a trading window to allow its teams to swap players. Philosophical question: If a sports league makes a major announcement and nobody cares, is it still a major announcement?”

• Canada’s satirical website, the Beaverton,

after coach Sheldon Keefe was fired: “Maple Leafs begin search for new scapegoat.”

• From fark.com: “NFL strength of schedule for all 32 teams: Browns face most difficult slate as they don’t get to play against the Browns.”

• Another one from fark. com: “He’s MVP for the third time, and that’s no Jokic.”

• Steve Simmons of Sun Media, lamenting some of the high salaries paid to Maple Leafs compared to Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl: “Draisaitl is paid $8.5

million a year by the Oilers, $2.5 million less than the Maple Leafs pay John Tavares, $2.4 million less than they pay Mitch Marner, $3 million less than the Leafs will pay William Nylander next season.”

• Another one from Simmons: “Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is fifth in all of baseball in hitting the ball the hardest. When that translates to runs scored, call me.”

• Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca

Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.2 per cent.

Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4 per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.

To build upon these positive results, the Government of Saskatchewan recently unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. The strategy was launched in conjunction with a new trade and invest website, called investSK. ca. Both the strategy and website will solidify Saskatchewan’s standing as the best place to do business in Canada.

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HAULING

ARIES –

Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, a friend of has made steady progress and exhibited significant personal growth. Continue to support this person’s pursuits and act as a source of encouragement.

TAURUS –

LIBRA –

Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, expect to spot trouble on the horizon before other people around you. This gives you a head-start to take action and prepare yourself and others for what’s to come.

SCORPIO –

CAPRICORN –

Dec 22/Jan 20

What is the point of power struggles if it alienates all of the people closest to you, Capricorn? Sometimes you must forego ego to maintain personal relationships and family harmony.

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Troy May, owner/operator Fax: 306-237-TROY email: tmay@hotmail.ca

Super B outfits hauling grain and fertilizer in Western Canada

102 - 3rd

Apr 21/May 21

Your happiness can bring joy to many other people this week, Taurus. Spread all of your positivity among those people who can use it the most. You will reap rewards as well.

GEMINI –

May 22/Jun 21

The people around you may be behaving in interesting and unexpected ways, Gemini. You don’t know what to make of this just yet, so sit back and watch the show.

CANCER –

Jun 22/Jul 22

Sask.

SERVICES Naty/Michael…

Cancer, it is challenging to keep up with all of the comings and goings of the people in your social circle. It may take a little while for you to reconnect.

LEO –

Jul 23/Aug 23

Oct 24/Nov 22

Pay careful attention to any and all financial transactions you make this week, Scorpio. You want to keep tabs on where your money is going and avoid as many mistakes as possible.

SAGITTARIUS –

Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, a situation may arise this week in which you are expected to do more than you feel comfortable. Don’t let others bully you into action. Explain your hesitation carefully and respectfully.

Price… 2.5 inches = $201.50 plus gst per 6-month prepaid

Let others see a side of you that you don’t often share, Leo. It is alright to be vulnerable at times, and this vulnerability actually may appeal to some new people in your life.

Please get back to me with changes/corrections by return email this morning.

VIRGO –

Thanks Urla

Aug 24/Sept 22

AQUARIUS –Jan 21/Feb 18

Aquarius, try to interact this week with the people who may not necessarily agree with you or share your beliefs. It could be good to see things from different perspectives.

PISCES –Feb 19/Mar 20

Positive energy is circling around you this week, Pisces. Those good vibes will put you in a mood to reach out to some people in your life who may have drifted away.

Appointments

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Virgo, you have a tremendous amount of power at your disposal this week. You should use all of it wisely and not waste a drop. Others will be affected by your presence.

68. Of mixed ancestry

69. Home of the Pyramids 70. A way to change color

Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues

Untangle

One from the U.S.

Academic terms 5. San __ Obispo, in California 6. Not healthy 7. Self-assessment question-

naire (abbr.)

8. Arugula genus 9. VIII 10. Makes a monarch 11. Tormentor 12. Commercials 13. Sprinkle

19. Make a mistake

21. Freshwater fishes

24. Vermont town

25. Man-made device

26. Entrap

27. Places to store important things

31. Accumulate

32. Greek mythological nymph

34. Gregory __, American dancer

35. Denotes past 36. Becoming popular again 40. Indicates position

41. Came before 45. An extra seed-covering

47. Cheerful

48. Deli sandwich staple

52. Skateboarders love them

It’s a Birthday Celebration for Glenn Williams

Celebrating his 90th Birthday May 17th, 2024 315 - 7th Ave. West Come and Go Event Starts at 2:00 p.m.

Please no gifts your presence only required

53. Mandela’s party

54. Sierra lake

56. Nickname for Elizabeth

57. Remove from record

59. Employee stock ownership plan

60. Former NFLer Newton

61. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.)

62. Work unit

63. Town in Cambridgeshire

OBITUARIES

DIELLE ANN MARTIN

July 31, 1992 - April 30, 2024

With heavy hearts, the family of Dielle Martin announces her passing on April 30, 2024. Dielle was born on July 31, 1992 to Darryl and Erin Martin of Biggar Sask.

As a young girl Dielle loved to help around house, especially in the kitchen. With years of generational experience above her cooking came natural to Dielle. From her salads to “feasts” Dielle perfected her dishes and always finished with a great desert. She loved her swimming lessons, gymnastics later on dance where many life long friendships started.

During school years Dielle enjoyed learning, writing stories and hanging out with her friends. She was very crafty always making lots of precious homemade gifts for family. During these years she enjoyed many family vacations and got the travel bug. After graduation Dielle travelled to Alberta and become a medic in the oil patch. Continuing her love of travel took her into BC, northern Alberta and even back into Saskatchewan. In June of 2017 Dielle’s world changed when her daughter Evva Nicole was

born. Dielle moved back to Biggar started her health care career which took her to BC, Alberta and back to Biggar. Leaving behind to treasure her precious memories are her Daughter Evva; Dad Darryl (Kathy); stepdad Jeff Hoogeveen; brothers Daylen, Hayden, Stephen, Kyle and Lynden; Grandparents Bev and Garry Martin; greatgrandmother Mary Kotyk; Uncle Dennis (Kim) Kenize, Rayel; Uncle Brent (Sherisse) Maxim, Mia and Melanie; Aunt Carla Jelena.

She was predeceased by her mom Erin; brother Darren; and grandparents Sharon and Adam Evanshenko; and numerous extended family.

A Celebration of Dielle’s life will be held Friday, May 17, 2024 at 11:00AM at the Biggar Community Hall in Biggar, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Dielle’s daughter, Evva Nicole Johnson: CIBC, 22 Commercial Court, Fox Creek, AB, T0H 1P0: Care of Darryl Martin. Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service.

ROBERT (BOB) FARENICK

June 16, 1937 - May 7, 2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bob Farenick, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and cherished friend. Bob passed away peacefully at the Glengarda Hospice after a short battle with cancer.

He is survived by his loving wife Ruby of 65 years; children Laura (d. John), Derrick (Nancy), Marj (Dennis); grandchildren Tanner (Taryn), Justin and Tori; sister Florence (d. Nick), brother Rodney (Pam); nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Victor and Leipa Farenick and brother Donnie.

great satisfaction and pride.

In later years, Bob and Ruby spent many winters travelling on bus tours where they made many lifelong friends. He also enjoyed fishing and golfing when he could fit it into his busy schedule. When farm work became too difficult, Bob spent his time sitting on the deck enjoying the outdoors and meeting his friends on “coffee row” to solve the world’s problems in just a few short hours. We would like to thank the staff at the RUH hospital and Glengarda Hospice for the care and comfort they provided Bob in his final days.

St.

roman CatholiC ChurCh

ChurCh,

Bob was born and raised on a farm near Arlee Sk. He married Ruby in 1958 and they purchased a farm near Asquith Sk., in 1961. Bob had a passion for farming, even with the hardships he endured. Planting and harvesting the crops and tending to the cattle brought him

MARGARET MAIR(nee Kleinsasser) January 7th, 2024

Margaret Mair(nee Kleinsasser) B.A, B.ED, LLB/ Juris Doctor, passed away January 7th, 2024. A full obituary can be viewed in a previous Biggar Independant. A memorial service will be held at the Mayfair United Church, 902 33rd St. West, Saskatoon, Sask. on Monday, May 27th, 2024 at 1pm. Please join us for a celebration of Margarets life.

It’s that time of the year. Your Donations are needed for the ght against PROSTATE CANCER Help us with that ght Call 948-3344, e Independent or E-Transfer to dale@dtjssb.ca

A Memorial Service will be held on May 21, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the Asquith Baptist Church, Asquith, Sk., with a private family interment to follow.

Cherished Memories Funeral Services is honoured to be entrusted with Bob’s care.

By Pastor Bev Dyck, Biggar Church of God

Luke 8, 22-24: One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.”

So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

As we live life and walk with the Lord and obey what he says, we somehow don’t expect it to be hard. After all, like the disciples, when we have understood that the Lord wants us to do certain things, we do not expect a lot of resistance or difficulty. Our reason would be that we are walking in obedience to what the Lord is directing us.

The disciples experienced Jesus sleeping in the boat as they were sailing on the lake and this storm came upon them. Jesus didn’t even wake up from the effects of the storm. The storm was clearly very strong

as the disciples were afraid that they were going to drown.

As we struggle with life’s difficulties, we too, can feel we are going to “go under” or “drown”. It is just too much for us. As well it sometimes feels as if God is not hearing our cries for help or that He is sleeping.

What the disciples somehow had missed in their dilemma is that “if Jesus is truly God, He was not going to drown.” And Jesus had said, “Let’s go to the other side.” That means God was going to see that they got to the other side.

Some years ago I had the experience of a Microlight Flight over the Victoria Falls in Africa. The pilot of this two-person aircraft was a skilled German man. My helmet was equipped with a microphone for him to talk with me and show me the landscape.

He skilfully manoeuvred the little aircraft that resembled a motorbike with wings. He pointed out things to me as we were high in the air, and I had to turn my head to look. When

I turned my head, the whole aircraft seemed to shift and of course, we were in the open air that was rushing by us. That frightened me until I realized that this skilled pilot was not going to ask me to turn my head and therefore shift the weight of the aircraft if it would jeopardize us.

This new thought allowed me to relax and enjoy the flight and rejoice in God’s wonderful creation. This picture seems to resemble the pictures of Jesus and His disciples in the boat in

the middle of the storm. Luke 8, 24b-25: He [Jesus] got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters: the storm subsided, and all was calm.

“Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples. So whatever you are finding stormy right now, can you remember that the Lord is in your boat and He will help you to the other side?

Prairie Branches would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support at the Mother’s Day Tea.

Thank you to the Town of Biggar for donating the use of the hall. Thank you to the Landis CWL and the Porter Community Club for their generous donation. Thank you to the St. Gabriel School children that entertained us so beautifully! Thank you to the St. Gabriel School students that helped set up and served tea/coffee. Thank you to the Biggar businesses and individual families that donated to our raffle table.

Thank you for supporting our fundraising tea!

Saskatchewan surpasses $100 billion in exports over two years

Saskatchewan’s exports continue to soar, totaling over $101.9 billion for 2022 and 2023 combined.

This is a 52.2 per cent increase from the previous two-year period of 2020-2021, which saw $66.9 billion in total exports.

“Saskatchewan is seeing unprecedented export growth; this success is only possible through building strong relationships with our international partners,” Trade and Export

Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “As a province that exports nearly 70 per cent of everything we produce, growing and diversifying our customer base is critical to the success of our economy. Our producers and exporters offer the sustainable and highquality products the world needs, and we are now seeing those products expand to more markets than ever before.”

In 2022-23, the

province saw significant growth in exports to the United Kingdom (209.4 per cent), Brazil (131.3 per cent) and the United States (70.4 per cent) when compared to 20202021. Countries with some of the highest total export value include the United States, Brazil, India, Japan, Mexico and Indonesia. Saskatchewan also saw impressive growth for key export products. In 2022-2023, exports of uranium increased by 1,525.3 per cent, potash

by 112.0 per cent and crude oil by 82.1 per cent when compared to 2020-2021. Other top commodities included wheat, canola oil and lentils.

Saskatchewan’s network of nine international trade and investment offices has been instrumental in connecting the province to global markets, which, in turn, benefits the local business community. With new investments flowing in, and doors to international

markets being opened, the province is wellpositioned to provide the food, fuel, fertilizer and critical minerals the world needs.

Saskatchewan continues to see growth in other key sectors of the economy.

Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers show Saskatchewan’s 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.2 billion. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP

growth, and above the national average of 1.2 per cent.

The Government of Saskatchewan recently unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth - Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada.

Sask. announces new multi-lateral well drilling program

Saskatchewan has introduced a new multi-lateral well drilling program to grow incremental oil production in the province.

This program creates a competitive royalty regime to encourage the use of multi-lateral horizontal oil wells, which will increase investment in the province.

“This innovative technique will put more rigs and workers in the field and support the Growth Plan

goal of increasing oil production by 25 per cent to 600,000 barrels per day,” Energy and Resources Minister Jim Reiter said. “Our new program will increase the province’s revenue so we can continue to invest in classrooms, care and communities.”

Multi-lateral drilling configurations allow a single well to access more of the oil reservoir.

The Ministry of Energy and Resources estimates between 100 to 200 additional wells will be drilled in the province

per year as a result of this program.

“The new incentive program for multilateral drilling opens up significant new drilling investment opportunities in Saskatchewan for Cenovus,” Cenovus Energy CEO Jon McKenzie said. “It aligns with our focus to strategically build our integrated position in the Lloydminster region and we anticipate it will have positive impacts for provincial employment as well as new production

growth. We are pleased to see government focus on creative ways to bring more investment to Saskatchewan.”

“Multi-Lateral drilling is the cornerstone of Lycos’ business, which is focused in the Lloydminster region straddling the Saskatchewan Alberta border,” Lycos Energy President and CEO Dave Burton said. “This announcement gives a competitive edge to Saskatchewan resulting in our Company reallocating funds to the

province and reaffirms the government’s commitment to working with industry to attract substantial new investment in the local economies of Saskatchewan.”

“The competition for capital investment is fierce and Saskatchewan’s plan to modernize the royalty regime to recognize the use of new drilling technologies provides the right policy environment to attract investment to the province,” Canadian Association of Petroleum

Producers President and CEO Lisa Baiton said. “A more competitive royalty framework will help unlock valuable oil resources in Saskatchewan and will, in turn, create more jobs and additional revenues for the government and municipalities.”

The oil sector is one of Saskatchewan’s largest industries. The province is the second-largest oil producing jurisdiction in Canada and supports over 26,000 jobs.

We’reMoving......

May 27

To our new building at 206 Main Street Come for a Visit