Green and Gold are perfect in home tourney ... Kieran Massie spikes versus a Perdue Steeler defender while teammates, Corbin Neugebauer, right, and R.J. Dalisay watch on. The Senior Boys team hosted their home tourney and were rotten hosts, dominating the court on the way to the top podium and a first place finish. Congratulations, Blazers! (Independent
Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Spooky and fun, St. Gabriel and BCS schools became a whimsical domain as haunted Raggedy Ann dolls, Minions, wizards, Barbie and Ken, hippies, and dinos, plus a whole lot more were hittin’ the books, last Thursday. Christmas may be the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” but Halloween certainly is the most fun! (Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
Biggar RCMP Report
by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment
This past week 61 occurrences were handled by the Biggar Detachment.
Traffic Safety education saw 19 tickets issued and 11 warnings for various concerns.
A white Dodge Journey took a detour through the ditch off Highway 14 east of Perdue and rendered the vehicle undrivable. A black Mazda CX 90 met
with a deer on Highway 4 north, and another deer met up with a black Toyota Echo on Highway 376. All emergency services were called out to a 2004 white Chev Impala that rolled over on Highway 14, the driver, from Landis, fled the scene causing emergency services to search the area by drone and canine. Eventually the driver was found hiding in his residence.
A 32-year-old female from Regina, was given a three-day driving suspension after operating her blue Honda Civic on Highway 14 under the influence of marihuana.
Report of telephone scam calls involving Bit Coin. A residence in Perdue was broken into,
nothing appeared to be missing, however, the suspect seemed to have used the residence as a hotel room. The RM of Glenside had their shop broken into with a number of small tools taken.
As popular as a wellknown green frog, one thief has been busy trading vehicles around the area. A truck was stolen from the Perdue Golf Course and recovered in Kerrobert, a stolen GMC Sierra from there was recovered on Third Avenue East, and another stolen F-350 has been recovered on Sixth Avenue East. Sooner of later, the pig will meet the frog. Take care out there!
Biggar Fire Report
by Erroll Horst, Biggar Fire Department
Well October was certainly a busy month for our fire department, not so much with response calls but with activities.
During Fire Prevention Week we had members discussing fire safety topics with the kids in Kindergarten to Grade 6, and a colouring contest for the K to Grade 3 kids. The winners received
movie passes courtesy of the Firefighters Association or passes to the arcade thanks to Biggar Insurance Services.
Also during the week we hosted our annual Dine and Ride night.
Although we had no official count at the door, all the members working the event were convinced it was the highest attendance yet. There are a couple special thankyou’s to go out. First to Chase 14 Welding for building us a barbecue that could handle such an event, and a second to Main Street Market for donating hamburgers for the supper.
On the 31st we were out driving around helping to keep the kids safe and handing out treats.
It was great seeing all the costumes and big smiles. I’m not sure who enjoyed it more, the kids or us!
Practises during the month included some prep and cleanup duties from all the fire prevention activities, and we spent considerable time training on motor vehicle collision scenarios involving school buses.
We had five calls during the month- two STARS calls, two motor vehicle collisions, and one investigation request. This would bring our call total for the year to 67.
As always, if you are interested in joining the fire department you can find us at the fire hall Mondays at 7 p.m.
Honour and Remembrance ... Town of Biggar were out this past Friday, placing banners honouring military service members. As we approach Remembrance Day, take time to remember those who have served this country in times of war, in times of peace, and for those who will never come home. This Monday, November 11, come to the Biggar Community Hall for the annual Service of Remembrance at, of course, 11 a.m. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Council minute highlights
The regular meeting of Biggar Town Council was held October 1 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Attending the meeting were Mayor Jim Rickwood,
Reality and Wonder comes to the Majestic
Mentalist and magician Jeff Newman will be the second show in the Biggar and District Arts Council concert season this Wednesday, November 13. Newman, born and raised in a small community in Alberta, was in a household was always full of friendly tricks, pranks, puzzles, experiments, and family games where cheating was the norm. A children’s magic kit and an episode of World’s Greatest Magic was all it took to make magic a permanent passion. Since 2011, Newman has performed for corporate audiences, theatres, festivals, events, colleges, universities, and cruise ships across the globe. In 2014, Newman made his Fringe Festival debut with his hit show MIND GAMES: Brain-Bending Magic at the 33rd annual Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival. Since then, Newman has toured his critically acclaimed shows around the world. In addition to mentalism and magic, Newman has been seen on stage as an actor and improviser. In 2012, Jeff made his acting debut in the world premiere play 1,000 Names by Cheslea
Woolley, and has performed in several stage productions since. Newman also was a recurring ensemble member of an improv theatre group based in Lethbridge from 2012 to 2016. He currently resides in Airdrie where he continues to create and per-
form his own unique brand of magic. Jeff Newman brings his magic to the Biggar Majestic Theatre, Wednesday, November 13, showtime at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale from Ross Holt at de Moissac Jewellers or from ticketpro.ca
Councillors Alan Boyle, Dakota Ekman, Nicole Hoppe, Kevin McNicholls, Edward Young, and Ivan Young.
Council resolved that Bylaw No. 24-869, being a bylaw of the Town of Biggar to provide for Nuisance Abatement, be deferred to the next regular Council meeting.
Council resolved that the following reports from Administration and Council Committees be accepted as presented: September 24, Committee Meeting Minutes; Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Report; Recreation Director Report; September 16, Recreation Board Meeting Minutes.
Council resolved that the General Accounts Paid in the amount of $90,172.27, including payment numbers, payroll deposit, and online payments totalling $24,442.38, and the list of accounts for approval in the amount of $48,617.32 including payment numbers that includes a payment to
Sanburn Construction for $462,622.95, be approved as submitted. Council resolved that Progress Certificate 1, Project 055-093-P1, be approved for payment in the amount of $426,622.95
Council resolved that the following correspondence be accepted and filed: RCMP Report September 23; WCMGC Meeting Minutes June 27; SHA Meeting Minutes June 10; SHA Meeting Minutes August 12; SHA Meeting Minutes September 9.
Council resolved the Town of Biggar authorizes the expenditures for legal counsel related to animal control enforcement and bylaw court.
Council resolved this regular meeting enter into an in-camera session at 8:09 p.m. to discuss confidential matters in accordance with Section 120 (2) of the Municipalities Act. The in-camera session closed at 9:35 p.m.
• Meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m.
Magician and illusionist, Jeff Newman comes to the Biggar Majestic Theatre this Wednesday. (Submitted Photo)
Opinions
An independent fiscal review of Canada’s finances is imperative
by Lennie Kaplan, Senior Manager, Alberta Treasury Board and Finance
The Trudeau government’s fiscal record over the past decade has been and continues to be an unmitigated disaster. Persistent deficits, soaring debt, and unchecked spending have placed Canada’s finances on an unsustainable path, burdening future generations and limiting resources for essential services.
The numbers paint a stark picture. According to the Fraser Institute, “in 2024/25, the Trudeau government will have run its 10th consecutive budget deficit, primarily fuelled by high levels of spending. (Prime Minister) Trudeau has overseen the six highest years of program spending in Canadian history (2018 to 2023) - even after excluding COVIDrelated spending - on a per-person basis adjusted for inflation. Since 2015/16, federal gross debt has nearly doubled from $1.1 trillion to an expected $2.1 trillion by the end of 2024/25. While a growing debt burden ultimately means higher taxes on future generations, it also today means higher debt interest costs, which have more than doubled since 2015/16. In fact, this year, more
by Danny Randell, Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy
Am I Racist?, the latest from Daily Wire studios, hit theatres this past month, cracking the box office top five and grossing more than $4 million.
But the movie warrants attention for more than just its box office success; its creators have also managed to kickstart an international conversation about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI.)
Am I Racist? is both disconcerting for those concerned about the direction DEI is taking society and simultaneously disarming for those who might tacitly support the ideology’s claims. The movie takes the form of a mockumentary film (think The Office or Borat) and shows conservative talkshow host Matt Walsh transformed into a manbun-wearing hipster
than $1 in every $10 the federal government collects in revenues will be used to service debt rather than provide services or tax relief for Canadians.”
If we are to restore credibility to Canada’s finances, a bold new approach is essential. I propose that an incoming Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) government initiate an independent review of federal finances within 30 days of being sworn in. An objective, blue-ribbon panel - composed of outside experts - could bring innovative insights to fiscal management and begin the necessary task of identifying spending efficiencies and rooting out waste.
Such a review offers a much-needed alternative to the “status quo” approaches that typically come from internal reviews. Bureaucratic inertia and institutional resistance often block meaningful change, whereas an outside review would assess spending practices, uncover inefficiencies, and identify liabilities that otherwise remain hidden. A robust fiscal review would also establish a foundation for ongoing evaluations of federal spending, improving the longterm efficiency and effectiveness of govern-
with an unquenchable enthusiasm for DEI initiatives.
In the movie, Walsh plays the role of someone committed to “doing the work” to decolonize himself and become a successful DEI instructor. In expert comedic style (akin to a toned-down Sacha Baron Cohen,) Walsh combines serious dialogue about DEI with delightful situational humour to expose the underbelly of what has rapidly become a multibillion-dollar industry in North America.
Throughout, we see the Daily Wire host “sharing spaces” with major DEI-proponents like Robin DiAngelo (author of White Fragility) and Race2Dinner founders Saira Rao and Regina Jackson (the latter’s television show Deconstructing Karen can be streamed on CBC Gem), as well as a number of lesser-known but equally zealous figures. Each
ment programs and services.
This approach is not without precedent. In Australia, independent budget reviews have been successfully conducted at both federal and regional levels, including Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and Queensland.
States and municipalities in the United States have long conducted efficiency reviews, with consulting firms such as Accenture, Deloitte, IBM Global Business Services, and Public Financial Management often leading the work. According to research from Harvard Kennedy School’s Operational Excellence in Government Project, a review of 30 state and local efficiency studies found that 23 identified specific dollar savings, totalling nearly $17 billion in annual savings for taxpayers. Projecting these types of reviews across U.S. state and local governments suggests that taxpayers could save up to $30 billion per year through similar initiatives.
At the U.S. federal level, the 2010 National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (commonly known as the SimpsonBowles Commission)
successive exchange yields similar results: those who are supposed to be teaching Matt to be more inclusive exhibit behaviour that is anything but.
Does Walsh set his opponents up to fail? Only in the sense that his team brought the cameras and microphones; it’s the DEI “experts” themselves who lay bare the absurdity of their ideas. Indeed, the documentary is far from dishonest; no matter how one views the participants’ gaffes, it is plain to see that not even Walsh could have put their words into their mouths.
“Whiteness robs you of your brain,” one expert erroneously asserted. Students of Shakespeare, Newton, and Einstein might disagree.
At several points in the movie, we witness the divisive and illiberal nature of anti-racism: a theory that categorizes people by race and eth-
proposed a comprehensive deficit reduction plan amid growing fiscal concerns. Although not fully implemented, Simpson-Bowles laid the groundwork for $1 trillion in savings through the Budget Control Act and influenced future budget policy discussions. Its recommendations, which included a balanced approach of spending caps, tax reforms, and program efficiencies, remain an example of how independent reviews can shape fiscal policy and drive change. In Canada, provinces and territories have similarly benefited from independent fiscal reviews. Notable examples include Alberta (2019), B.C. (2001), Manitoba (2016), Ontario (2018), New Brunswick (2006), Newfoundland (2003) and the Yukon (2017). Each review shed light on spending inefficiencies and provided a roadmap for reining in public finances, underscoring the value of independent oversight. I bring personal experience to this perspective. In 2019, Premier Jason Kenney appointed me as Executive Director of the MacKinnon (Blue Ribbon) Panel on Alberta’s Finances. My responsibilities included
nicity to award jobs, grants, and promotions based on one’s surface features and group identity.
At other points, we see the insidious nature of the industry which has cropped up around it: One woman Walsh interviews charged $50,000 for the privilege, another’s fee for an anti-racism session was $30,000, while the Race2Dinner duo was relatively affordable by comparison, running Walsh’s team just $5,000.
Walsh perfectly summarizes the problem with many of the selfproclaimed “experts” featured in the movie when he says, “They’re selling us a disease and telling us there is no cure.” An insightful comment that nicely sums up the anger and division sown by those who wish to return to an age where one’s race defined one’s place in the world.
recruiting panel members, drafting terms of reference, coordinating information requests, and assisting in research and analysis that led to the panel’s final report. The panel was tasked with evaluating Alberta’s fiscal outlook, creating a balanced budget plan, proposing a framework for long-term fiscal stability, and assessing budgetary processes. The panel’s final report was well-received and used by the Kenney government as a blueprint for program reforms, cost controls, and spending discipline to bring Alberta back to fiscal
Am I Racist?, in a witty and entertaining way, succeeds in highlighting several issues with DEI. But the fundamental challenge with DEI is the assumption it is rooted in - that the whole ‘system’ is inherently racist, a conclusion that is not supported by the data. This assumption, repeated by many of Walsh’s guests, ignores the facts: how, in Canada, for example, those of Asian descent earn more money than white people by a healthy margin.
By the end of the movie, viewers may gain insight into genuine inclusivity, though these lessons are more likely to emerge from Walsh’s interactions with everyday black and white individuals he encounters at biker bars and mechanic shops rather than from the so-called ‘professionals.’
The film suggests that perhaps the real racists are those pointing their fingers at regular people
balance.
The successes seen in Alberta and other jurisdictions suggest that Canada would greatly benefit from a similar approach at the federal level. Independent budget reviews bring accountability, fresh perspectives, and transparency, all essential to restoring public trust in Canada’s finances after nearly a decade of fiscal mismanagement.
A federal review would help set the stage for a long-overdue cleanup of Canada’s finances and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and sustainably.
for simply watching too many Disney films with white female princesses (an actual grievance aired by one of Walsh’s “coaches”).
Should you watch Am I Racist? The answer is yes. Even if you’re less enthused about Walsh’s penchant for cringe humour, the film serves as an excellent jumpingoff point for discussions with friends and family about the uncomfortable realities of DEI and anti-racism - namely, that they constitute an ideology which tends to manifest itself in overtly racist ways. All in all, the movie is an enjoyable hour and forty minutes; certainly much more enjoyable than any corporate diversity training of similar length. Am I Racist? is currently playing in cinemas and began streaming on DailyWire+ on Oct. 28.
Bob Mason Notable Notes
A lot of us won’t have much of an eulogy when we disappear - maybe Joe didn’t either - but as a much “over-self-acclaimed-historical-sentimentalist,” Y.T. (Yours Truly) feels that he must put these few lines down here about a generation that is on its way out!
I think what happened away back there was that when the Boer War was over, the army, in its usual way, pointed out to the returning veterans that there was lots of cheap land available in Western Canada.
And out they came!
[Editor’s Note: The conflict, sometimes known as the ‘Second Boer War,’ occurred October 11, 1899 to May 31, 1902. Canada, part of the Commonwealth, sent “volunteers”]
Many, if not every community in the country knew of a South African veteran, usually now a bachelor, among their early settlers.
In a way, Joe was one of these! Although he was too young to be in the
Forces himself, two of his older brothers, both veterans of the 18991902 thing, homesteaded in the area around 1904. True, Joe could tell tales of walking to Saskatoon for supplies and the privations of pioneer life, but as far as we were concerned, he wasn’t famous because of that. He found a place in our memories because of the things that happened when we were around - and I’m sure going to record some of them here!
Much later on, because one of his brothers was going to retire, and happily for us would only sell to a veteran, Phyllis and Y.T. started our married lives together just down the road from Joe’s place.
In light of the way things are now, our small bit of ground - which was enough in the early days - wasn’t nearly sufficient to keep us going in later years. It was something, however, and we did our best in our own little world.
Looking back, it sure doesn’t sound like we had anything, what with today’s big four-wheel drive tractors and fortyfoot-plus cultivators, but we did get the feeling that we were a part of that world and certainly seem to remember it a lot more.
Of course the small place that we lived in at that time has disappeared long ago, but the memories of those, should I say, “happy”
days, will always be with us.
On the southwest corner of SW 27-34-11 W3rd, sits an old onestory house that I always thought resembled a Boer shack from down on the Doornkop [“Thorn Hill” - a ridge and locality on the western outskirts of Soweto in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. Also, a community by the same name, 15 kilometres north of Middelburg, South Africa].
I imagine that the South African war veteran who built it (one of Joe’s brothers) fashioned it after some familiar building he’d seen in the Transvaal. I don’t know, and this is the place Joe lived in when we first met him.
Honestly, I think that when we moved into his part of the country, Joe started to become a person we’d notice. Sure, he had been there for years, had his own thoughts and done his own thing. But if a tree falls in the forest and nobody hears it, is there a noise?
It seemed to me that right away he started to cleanup a little more and rearrange things a bit. Over the years of continuous pipe-smoking, the once white kitchen walls were now a very cloudy green. I went down to Joe’s place to visit early on.
“By Gosh, Bob!” says Joe as he showed me a six-inch white spot on the kitchen wall. “I got some special soap and rubbed and scrubbed for a half an hour and only got that much clean. Heck, my dog could have licked that much clean in that time. What would you do?”
“Well,” I said ... bachelors are different, one
has to assert themselves even if they don’t know. “That stuff is stuck on pretty good. Maybe a fellow could use a couple of spoons of lye in a gallon of hot water!”
Next time Joe was in town, he bought a can of lye, dumped the whole thing in a pail of hot water and washed his walls.
The next day when I called Joe, he was fairly jubilant as he showed me the walls of his kitchen which were now as clean as if they were freshly painted!
“But,” says Joe, sucking away on that old pipe. “How come all the skin on my hands is starting to peel off?”
Over the years (not near as many as we would have liked!) Joe, living just down the road, became a part of our lives. We were entertained by - and still remember - most of his sayings which he used many times. After a big meal as he pulled back from the table and rubbed his midriff, he would always say, “I wouldn’t call the Queen my aunt!” or describing a lady he didn’t like, “If I had to live with that woman, I’d slit my jugular!” If the kids dare clear their throats, it would be, “Cough it up, Junior! It’s only a brick!” And on and on...
And in that old house on the corner must be a door post with “Jerry” and “Bethy” and “Jimmy” marked on it beside their heights.
Our old L and T (Life and Times) has many entries in it about Joe, and certainly they mean more to us than anything of these modern times.
Progress is progress, I guess, and although
science has kept up, older guys, like Y.T., just haven’t. So we just sit down, now and then, and pipe dream a little about how it used to be!
We think of “Joe’s cake”. You see, you use 12 eggs - yolk and all ... and whatever is handy. Or what about his “Shortarm Sweater” - he didn’t like long arms so he just scissored them off. Or his “well-trained chickens” that always wiped their feet on a clump of grass before they laid an egg!
For years we enjoyed life out there on the farm until we got polio. We made our own fun and fixed our own things,
and really felt we adjusted to the “way of life” that we knew was out there.
There’s a moral in there, somewhere, that the supercomputers of the present haven’t figured out yet. But I have no doubt sometime in the future they will “discover” that this individualistic approach to problems is by far the most satisfying! We did a lot of things together at that time, that’s true, and often I feel that nowadays we really miss it. When Y.T. looks back over the years at the people he used to know, he sure remembers Joe! Larry McMartin has been with the Town of Biggar for almost a year now, working in the Public Works Department. Day-to-day he is doing different jobs such as
Larry has called Biggar
home for over a year. He is a father to four, Sunny, 14, Riley, 10, Luke, eight, and Rolen six. In Larry’s spare time, he likes to play video games, go 4x4ing, or annoy his girlfriend, Sarah, who was born and raised here. So far, he enjoys the small town and is happy to call Biggar home.
Ask
Dear Money Lady,
The stock market is so crazy right now and I am afraid to keep investing in it. Should I wait until after the USA election or maybe next year. What do you think?
The Money Lady tory. The USA presidential election will have an effect on the market depending on the candidate that wins. If Harris wins, things will likely stay the same. However, if Trump wins, Canada could experience new tariffs on imports. Many economists are uncertain on how another Trump administration could play out for Canada. We assume that with Trump’s tariff proposals, it most likely will trigger a global trade war in 2025.
But, what does that mean ... what is a trade war?
James Dear James,
I understand your apprehension. However, you must remember that we have seen the markets do this many times in the past. It is important to remember that what goes down, always comes right back up when you are looking at the stock market throughout his-
A trade war is a “tit for tat” spat between nations. When the USA imposes tariffs on other countries, the other countries respond by putting high tariffs on their own exports. The problem arises because tariffs are quite easy to impose, but once executed, they are much harder to remove.
The stock market is very “aggressive-reacting” and “regressive-reacting” which means it swings excessively to one side or the other, in like what seems like, breakneck speed.
Knowing this, we have observed in the past that the market has endured countless wars, epidemics, major shocks, and has always managed to reach significantly new highs over time, often with highs that we never thought possible. To put it bluntly, there may be a lot of money to be made here if you continue to invest when the market is down and during the first few months of the USA presidency.
Markets are manipulated by world events and it is harder for the do-it-yourselfer to know how to invest, not to mention if they can trust what they read or consume off social media and standard media. Of course, we all don’t want to be short sighted
when investing for the future but it’s not easy. Consider the long-term advantages of buying into the market at low price points on large-cap blue chip stock picks to capitalize on future profit when the market turns again.
Here is a Trader’s Tip: When you are looking to get into a very volatile, downward swinging market environment it is hard to know when it has bottomed out. Resist the urge to try and time the market. This is virtually impossible and extremely difficult even for the most experienced traders. If you do decide to buy in, and your portfolio goes down further, just leave it. It will come back up. Do not be too greedy here and be going in and out. Often times, this causes a lot more stress, mental anguish and actual true losses. If you want to know when to really get in, it is said that a “Trader’s Tip” is to buy
in when the stock market has three full consecutive increasing days. This will mark a shift in the sell-off momentum and although it may go down a little later, the three day uptick is usually viewed as a sure sign of improvement and recovery.
Good luck and best wishes!
Written
by Christine Ibbotson, author, finance writer, national radio host, and now on CTV Morning Live, and BNN, syndicated across Canada. Send your money questions (answered free) through her website at askthemoneylady.ca
Counting my blessings
by Delta Fay Cruickshank for the Biggar Museum and Gallery
Well, Halloween, Samhain, whatever you want to call it ... it’s over.
As I write this, its November 1 - and overnight - not only is the date now November so is the weather. Kinda gloomy, cold, sky looks like snow is coming ... winter is coming!
I just had a friend call me and say she’s considering moving to Biggar. She asked me do I like living in Biggar.
I answered, “You Bet!”. She then asked, “Why?”
This is my answer.
“This beautiful town on the prairie is now my home. I’ve planted roots here. I’ve been here long enough. I’ve seen the Kindergarten kiddies go off to university, college and jobs. They are a wonder for me to see them all tall and grown up, and on their way, looking healthy and promising.
“Last night at my door, I realized I knew some of the trick or treaters since
they were babies, and they are now in Grade 7!
Where does time go!
“In Biggar we have three hardware stores, three pharmacies, two grocery stores, two convenience stores, a hospital, a museum, an art gallery, a theatre for local live theatre and first run movies, oodles of recreation choices, two schools, a college, churches for anyone, and the Via Rail even stops here. There’s the Red Apple, a big post office, gas stations and liquidation stores.”
“Sounds like it has anything anyone would want!” she answered.
And I agreed!
Plus, its still small enough that there’s a sense of family. It has been my experience that when I found myself in times of sorrow and loss, there were many friends to be with me, supporting me in their presence. I appreciate that support so much.
And then there is the sky! Blue, red, pink, purple, surprising cloud formations, the V’s of geese, and the gloom of
winter, followed by days and days of bright sun sparkling off the snow. Its all so open and that gives me a sense of freedom and the need to outstretch my arms and get in a whirl or two! I had been wandering on this planet for nearly 60 years when I got here. And I’ve not regretted being here, except maybe at the end of March and there’s another blizzard! I had to be truthful with her, she needs to understand because she’s coming from Vancouver!
Christine Ibbotson
Plowing snow on Main Street 1950 (above). Main Street, 1945, Hock and Packers, a department store then, now Tae Kwon Do Club, (left).
Biggar Public School on King and Fifth Avenue West, 1930, looking like snow tunnels to get to school.
After a snow Storm Third Avenue & Quebec West, 1940. (Photos for The Independent by the Biggar Museum and Gallery)
Goin’ down an Agricultural Memory Lane
by Calvin Daniels
Maybe because my hairthat which remains upon my head - is now fully grey, but I do find at times I am more reflective of things past. That includes all sorts
Well, the suits that ran Rogers Sportsnet on November 11, 2019 finally got their way. And on Remembrance Day, no less.
They finally found an excuse to fire Don Cherry. That was truly a sad day for much of Canada; or more specifically, truly a sad day for bluecollar and small-town English Canada.
The white-collar people in the big cities always tended to look down on Cherry and his traditional small-town Canada attitudes, especially the people who ran the CBC (and now Rogers Sportsnet). And French Canada has never truly warmed up to Cherry for reasons of their own, despite Cherry’s tireless Canada-first work highlighting worthwhile charities, courageous Canadian Soldiers both past and present, heroic First Responders and current-day hockey loving children who perished under tragic circumstances.
The people who ran the networks were probably popping champagne corks in celebration of the firing at the time.
Don Cherry has always been a very polarizing figure; you either love him or you hate him for reasons of your own and there is usually no middle ground. (How
of random things, from remembered fishing trips, and a wish I had taken more, to games of crokinole with my Dad more than a half century ago.
Such thoughts of the past are often fired by a walk from the parking lot to some event on the grounds of the Yorkton Exhibition and the Gallagher Centre.
The sense of the place for this long-time ag reporter is extremely keen there, with memories extending back decades before I ventured to the city to join the staff of the then
‘Enterprise’ following an offer made largely because I had a background in agriculturemeaning basically I grew up on a mixed farm in Saskatchewan.
But the connection to the fairgrounds here started years earlier, entwined completely with my farm background.
My dad and following his footsteps, yours truly, showed pigs at the Yorkton summer fair for years. We sold pigs at spring and fall sales here in the city too.
In the process I walked every inch of the grounds
for years.
I still drive by the old hog barn - now simply used as storage - and miss the shows held there. I could mark out the spot our camper sat every summer.
I remember the bacon and eggs and burgers enjoyed at what was the Tonkin food booth for years.
So it was interesting when in recognition of Agriculture Week in the city special guest Merve Kuryluk applied a brand to a board to mark the week, and then talked about his family showing dairy cattle in Yorkton, I
too could recall dairy as part of the summer fair.
Of course through the years draft horses, and beef breeds and sheep, and of course pigs, were all shown, but over time - sadly in my mind - oneby-one the shows were discontinued.
Harvest Showdown held in the fall became the ag-focused event, and by then I had arrived as a reporter here. One of my earliest assignments was a story on the first showdown. Thirtyfive years later but the showdown and I are still here.
The show of course has
The Firing of Don Cherry
could a guy who only got seven minutes a week to speak get so many people so riled up so fast?) And while I don’t always agree with him, I love him because of his unwavering and unconditional love and support for the best damn country in the whole wide world, Canada.
I’ve always felt that Canadians need to be a bit more outwardly and positively expressive in their pride of country. But Canadian pride does tend to come out in certain situations and hockey is one of those things where Canadian pride really manifests itself.
And because of that, Don Cherry and ‘Coach’s Corner’ had become a tradition in this country; but sadly, Canadian traditions in this country are slowly being chipped away and discarded by the people who run our television networks.
I was watching Coach’s Corner the night Cherry said what he said on Saturday, November 9, 2019. Despite his poor choice of words, I understood where he was coming from at the time and I agreed with his broader intent. Don Cherry is many things, but it was not his intent to be racist that night and he even said so the next day. All he was trying to do was to get the people in the cities to buy and wear a poppy to support the soldiers who made our way of life possible. The poppy campaign still goes fairly strong in small town Canada, but the biggest cities in Canada are becoming very international and cosmopolitan.
And because of this, Canadian traditions and values in those cities are beginning to fall by the wayside. Cherry simply
wanted the people in the cities to buy a poppy as an outward showing of support and appreciate the privilege of being Canadian by giving something back to the people who made this society what it is at the cost of their lives. Is that so much to ask?
To be fair, Cherry never did express himself well; his grasp of the English language at times is dubious at best. And because of that, combined with his candour and blunt honesty, a lot of what he said could be taken the wrong way if you were so inclined and that got him into hot water more than once over the years. But the average small-town Canadian usually knew exactly what he meant. And many people in this country, especially in the heartland outside of the big cities, responded positively to his raw honesty and love of hockey and country. They knew he meant every word he said. And they love Canada
as much as Cherry does and want to maintain the positive traditions that made this country great in the first place. Despite Cherry sticking up for him in the past, Ron MacLean did not return the favour and the next night threw Cherry under the bus. He apologised to the nation for what Cherry said on the Sunday night Rogers Hometown Hockey Pregame broadcast. But Cherry’s not like that. I can probably guess what happened when the network spoke to Cherry: they asked him to apologise and he refused. He probably said he had no reason to apologise for anything because he meant every word he said. And that finally gave the network the long-awaited excuse to fire him.
Don Cherry is an umpire in the great game of life. He calls them as he sees them, whether you like it or not. And once he makes the call he won’t back down from it no matter
what, especially when he thinks he’s right. A rare and courageous quality in a public figure in this day and age.
Despite only having a pulpit of seven minutes a week to speak from over the years, Don Cherry became an icon in this
evolved. Come and gone are draft horses shows, sheep sales, canola days and llama shows to name a few. Farming changes over time and the Showdown has adapted. So what does this meandering reminiscence mean? Maybe just how many more years I will interview the farmer recognition award recipient, or shoot photos of the heavy horse pull, or maybe just what new memories those grounds will create for this veteran scribe.
country. And whether you love him or you hate him, Saturday nights in Canada since he was fired have not been the same.
(P.S. Remember to support the veterans and buy a poppy! Lest we forget.)
TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF PERDUE NO. 346
PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN
Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before the 9th day of January, 2025, a tax lien will be registered against the land.
Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel
Calvin Daniels Agriculture
Keith Schell Remember When
-My name is Ivan Young. I have worked & lived in Biggar for 42 years and I have enjoyed my time.
-I have been on council for the past 2 terms (8years) and I wish to serve one more term to serve my community.
• • • • Ivan Young for Biggar Town Council on November 13th
-Times are changing and we as council need to plan for the future, not in the short term but 5 to 15 years ahead.
- ere are many large plans on the table that need careful planning to move ahead.
-I hope to be part of the process and help to our community into the next decade.
-Vote for Ivan Young to continue the steady growth of our community.
ON NOVEMBER 13TH,
The Saskatchewan Traveller ... Nova Scotia Edition by Trudy and Dale Buxton
We are travelling west on Highway 8 heading towards the Bay of Fundy, we cross into Annapolis County, established as a county in 1759 and included the townships of Annapolis Royal, Granville, Wilmot, Clements, Digby, and Clare.
capital of the province.
people.
is teeming with many of them. The original name was Mill Brook because of the mill built along its banks.
RE-ELECT DAKOTA EKMAN
to Biggar Town Council
Continuing to advocate for: Fiscal Responsibility
Necessary infrastucture projects
Developing Relationships with Municial, Provincial, & Federal Counter Parts
A common-sense approach to decisions that a ect our community
I hope I can count on your support!
Annapolis County took the name of Annapolis Royal which had been named in honour of Queen Anne of Great Britain.
Today’s population in the county is around 22,000 people living in a 1,300 square mile area on the western side of Nova Scotia. In 1837 the county was divided by petition into two halves, the other half became Digby County.
As we get closer to the community of Annapolis Royal, we travel through Lequille, a small community which is actually attached to Annapolis Royal. Receiving its name from the French word meaning small fish - appropriate as the river
The mill located in Lequille is the historic hydro plant that was originally constructed in 1607 by Jean de Biencourt de Poutrincourt, who was a member of the French nobility and a commander of the French colonial empire, this water powered mill was the first mill to be constructed north of Mexico and was one of the last mills powered by water to be converted to electricity in 1960, that’s 353 years it had worked as a water powered mill.
Welcome to Annapolis Royal, considered by most to be the oldest town in Canada, established in 1605.
As mentioned before, Annapolis Royal received its name in 1710 by the British in honour of Queen Anne. However, before 1710 the original name was Port Royal from Samuel de Champlain as he saw a spacious palace with security. In some of the old documents the name was changed to Royal Haven. The Micmac Indian name for the river was Taoopskek meaning flowing out between the rocks.
Annapolis was the capital of Nova Scotia from 1710 to 1749, when Halifax became the
There have been many fights between the English and French over this territory. It was first destroyed in 1618 by the English only to be rebuilt by the French. Annapolis was captured by the English in 1668 only to lose it back to the French in 1668, until 1690 captured by the English only to lose it again in 1697. The English finally recaptured this community in 1710 when the name was changed permanently.
Today the population in the town remains around 600 people. However, Annapolis is the centre of a larger community that takes in many areas from Annapolis County, catering to an outside population of up 20,000
The community is small but is a full service community containing all of the health services and schooling for the area residents. Annapolis even has its own police force. The community also has RCMP presence which is stationed in the nearby community of Bridgetown 20 miles away.
The main industry of Annapolis is tourism, followed by fishing, lumber, and a healthy farm industry.
Situated in the Annapolis Valley, the area is rich in fruits and vegetables all grown locally.
Stay tuned as we explore more of the community of Annapolis Royal.
Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia (Photos submitted)
Lequille power station, Nova Scotia
Roll of Sacrifice
Biggar / R.M. of Biggar 347
Bill Aikenhead
Percy Beech
Claude Besse
Dick Burgess
Lloyd Burrison
Reg Burrison
Art Boucher
Allan Carruthers
Leo Cowan E. Davie
George deBussac
Parker Dunbar
Jack Fisher
Cyril Hutchings
George Hawryluk
Jack Mitchell
Jim Meneilly
Jack McIntyre
Harry McKay
Russel McQuaig
Leonard Proctor
Don Reynolds
George E. Stead
On Nov. 11, take a moment to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who have served the True North Strong and Free.
Originally from Asquith, Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Darryl Cattell joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a Med Tech in 1987. He served with 1 Field Ambulance and then with 1 PPCLI in Calgary, where he was deployed to Bosnia/Croatia in 1994. For the first half of a six-month tour, Darryl spent most of his days doing medical coverage during mine clearance activity.
A vivid memory of that tour was an Engineer Mark lsfeld, who was killed by mine ordinance. Fast forward to Darryl’s tour in Comox, where both of his children attended Mark lsfeld High School. Always a plan to become a Search and Rescue Technician, he was one of nine graduates from the SAR Tech course. His first tour was a posting to 413 Squadron in Greenwood, NS. His first posting to the East Coast brought a variety of experience being involved in numerous Marine and inland missions. As a
Team Member, Cattell experienced firsthand how unforgiving the Atlantic Ocean can be. In 2001, Master Corporal (MCpl) Cattell was posted to 424 T&R Squadron, Trenton, as a Team Leader, promoted to Sergeant (Sgt) in 2003 and posted to the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue in 2007. As a line instructor with the school, MCpl Cattell learned every phase of training from the instructors point of view. In 201O he was promoted to Warrant Officer (WO) and look the position of Training Warrant. WO Cattell held both positions of Training/Standards WO and was lucky enough to see courses 41 through 46, earn their Wings and graduate this course. In 2013, he was posted to 442 T&R Sqn as the Deputy SAR Tech Lead, promoted to MWO in 2014 and spent two years in the Canadian Air Division. In 2016 he spent a year on French language training and in 2017, was posted as the SAR Tech rep in
CWO Darryl Cattell
the Directorate of Air Requirements (DAR) in Ottawa. In 2018, he returned to Comox and employed as the School Warrant Officer (SWO) at CFSSAR, again to see course 52 earn their wings. Promoted in July of 2019 to CWO and posted to 418 SAR (OT) Squadron as the Squadron CWO.
Decorations include, Air Comd commendation, CDS commendation, UN PRO FOR and CPSM medals, he and was inducted as a member into the Order of Military Merit in October of 2018. After a 35-year career in the military, 28 of which has been in SAR, flying on all three of the helicopters and both of the fixed wing aircraft, accumulating just over 4,000-hours of flying and 1,700-plus parachute descents, being part of the crews on training and missions saving lives throughout Canada has been an honour.
Darryl spends his spare lime as a Tandem Instructor, introducing
others to the sport of skydiving and parachuting. One of his passions is Op Pegasus Jump, which involves all emergency service personnel as well as military, who deal with mental health issues every day. By introducing them to an activity like skydiving, and using the tools they learn in
a focused activity and utilize those skills and tools in every day life to cope. He is married to wife Denise and has two great kids, Brigitte and Daniel. Cannot say enough, without them - none of the above could have been possible.
Cattell, far right, with his fellow SAR Tech teammates in front of their ride, the iconic - now retired - de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo. Cattell, inset photo, in the Search and Rescue orange of the Canadian Armed Forces. (Submitted Photos)
Massie to lead Do More Agricultural Foundation
The Do More Agriculture Foundation (DMAF), Canada’s leading voice and champion for mental health in agriculture, is thrilled to announce Merle Massie as the organization’s new Executive Director.
Drawing from her experience at the Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health, Massie is truly committed to improving mental health outcomes for agricultural producers throughout Canada. As an active grain farmer at Massie Panoramic Farm in westcentral Saskatchewan alongside her family, Massie brings a unique dual perspective, both personal and professional, to lead DMAF in its mission of promoting mental wellbeing in the agricultural sector.
“I’ve been an avid supporter of Do More Ag and its mission since its inception, because I know firsthand the difficulty in meeting mental health needs in rural spaces,” an enthusiastic Massie
explained. “I am beyond energized to be asked by the board to take the reins at Do More Ag, and guide it on the continued journey of good disruption for better mental health right across the Canadian agriculture industry.”
A distinguished researcher and author, Massie combines academic rigour with community engagement to bring substantial and sustainable change.
Her vision as Executive Director is to ensure DMAF continues to foster and grow an agriculture industry where mental health is supported, prioritized, and normalized.
“With her professional acumen and passion for the cause, she will lead the organization in a new chapter of impact in furthering the mental health of the agricultural community,” said Lauren Martin, Chair of the Board of DMAF.
The transition follows the successful tenure of former Executive Director Megz Reynolds,
Biggar local, Merle Massie, will be an Executive Director with the Do More Agriculture Foundation (DMAF). (Submitted Photo)
during which DMAF made significant progress in forging partnerships and advancing mental health awareness.
With Massie at the helm, DMAF looks forward to continuing its growth and impact, empowering every individual in agriculture to prioritize their personal mental health, and to feel confident supporting others on that journey.
CORRECTION:
Last week’s issue of The Independent contained an inaccuracy. On Page 10 the advertisement for Rosetown-Delisle MLA Jim Reiter should not have contained the Saskatchewan Party logo. The advertisement was paid for by the constituency association, not the party. We apologize for the error.
Business & Professional …
Main Street, Rosetown
Stay healthy, naturally! 311 Main Street, Rosetown Quality Supplements Mail Orders Welcome. Monday – Saturday 9:00 – 6:00 306-882-2220 rosetownnatural@sasktel.net
Therapy - Supplements
Clinic
– Saturday 9:00 – 6:00 306-882-2220
Harvey & Kami
Moncrief Ray, Karen, Brent & Lianne Itterman
The family of Joyce Moncrief would like to thank RUH, Biggar and Kerrobert nursing staff; Dale Worrall for his time and support; Gerein Funeral Home and the New Horizons for thier help with the Celebration of Life. Thank you to all the family and friends who brought food to the house and everyone for thier condolences.
ARIES –
Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, this week you may find yourself with some extra energy and enthusiasm for new projects. Figure out what you want to get done and think through a plan.
TAURUS –
Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, you may have a strong desire for stability and security. Now is a good time to focus on financial matters and investigate potentially valuable investment opportunities.
GEMINI –
May 22/Jun 21
Communication will be key for you this month, Gemini. Whether you aim to strengthen existing relationships or start new ones, be clear and honest in all of your interactions.
CANCER –
Jun 22/Jul 22
This week your focus shifts largely toward home and family, Cancer. Now might be the time to address any conflicts in your home life to reinforce family relationships.
LEO –
Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, this could be a week when you find yourself in the spotlight more than usual. You don’t shy away from extra attention; in fact, you will thrive this week.
VIRGO –
Aug 24/Sept 22
This is a good week to start organizing and planning, Virgo. The holidays are right around the corner, and you want to be sure that everything you need to get done will be accomplished.
LIBRA –
Sept 23/Oct 23
Relationships and partnerships are priorities for you this week, Libra. Figure out how you can balance your needs with those of others in your inner circle.
SCORPIO –
Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, it’s a good time to implement new habits or make improvements to your work life. Perhaps the balance has been skewed and you need more time for family?
SAGITTARIUS
Nov 23/Dec 21
–
This week could be bursting with creativity for you, Sagittarius. If you’ve been meaning to pursue hobbies or other interests, now is the time to explore and have some fun.
CAPRICORN –
Dec 22/Jan 20
Making improvements to your home or livings space can give you a fresh perspective, Capricorn. It might just be the change you need to feel revitalized.
AQUARIUS –
Jan 21/Feb 18
Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and connect with others this week, Aquarius. Staying curious and getting your perspective across may lead to some exciting opportunities.
PISCES –
Feb 19/Mar 20
Financial matters may come into focus this month, Pisces. It’s a good time to look at your budget and make some tweaks, if necessary. Taking on extra work might be an option.
33. Not around
35. Electronic data processing
36. Licenses and passports are two types
39. Snakelike fish
41. Air Force
42. Popular computers
44. Of a withered nature
46. Wings
47. Used in combination
49. Laid back
52. Jeweled headdress
56. In slow tempo
58. __ Falls
60. Assertions made again
62. Periods of history
63. Hyphen
CLUES DOWN
1. Body part
2. Mimics
3. Expel large quantities rapidly
4. Sea eagle
5. A type of subdivision
6. Variety of Chinese
7. Mr. T’s name on “The A-Team”
8. Consumed
9. Chinese dynasty
10. NFL great Randy
12. Ireland
13. Palm trees with creeping roots
16. Fungal disease
17. Impressionable persons
20. Affirmative! (slang)
22. Instinctive part of the mind
25. “The First State”
26. A way to develop
27. Fraternities
29. Woman (French)
31. Sunscreen rating
34. Beer
36. Spiritual leader
37. Indigo bush
38. Burn with a hot liquid
40. Junior’s father
43. Ray-finned fishes
45. Morning
48. Line passing side to side through the center (abbr.)
50. Double curve
51. A small bundle of straw or hay
53. Got older
54. Crater on Mars
55. Humanities
57. Relating to the ears
58. “To the __ degree…”
59. Residue of a burned product
61. It cools a home
BEGINNINGS CHURCH
Women in the Canadian military
In the face of distinct challenges, women have proven their commitment to Canada’s freedom with their dedication and bravery.
Canadian women have played an important role in our country’s military efforts over the years, overcoming many barriers to serve in uniform as nurses and in an expanding variety of other roles. This service continues today, with women now serving in all Canadian Armed Forces trades.
The First World War
Canadian women’s first military contributions were as nurses who tended to the sick and wounded in times of conflict. They were called “Nursing Sisters” because they were originally drawn from the ranks of religious orders.
More than 2,800 Canadian Nursing Sisters served with the Canadian Army Medical Corps during the First World War, often close to the front lines of Europe and within range of enemy attack. With their blue dresses and white veils, they were nicknamed the “bluebirds” and were greatly respected because of their compassion and courage.
Canadian women were not permitted to serve in other military roles during the First World War.
The Second World War
The Second World War would see Canadian women returning to serve again as nursing sisters. This time, approximately 4,500 nurses were attached to all three branches of Canada’s military, with more than two-thirds of them serving overseas.
Second World War nursing sisters wore a military uniform with a traditional white veil. These young women were commissioned offi-
cers and were respectfully addressed as “Sister” or “Ma’am”. In fact, Canada’s military nurses were the first in any Allied country to have officer status. Canadian women would also serve in other military roles during the war, however, and some 50,000 eventually enlisted in the air force, army and navy.
Royal Canadian Air Force - Women’s Division (RCAF-WD)
On July 2, 1941 the Women’s Division of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) was created - a first for our country. By the end of the war it totalled some 17,000 members.
The RCAF did not train their female recruits to be flying instructors or combatants (indeed, the spirit of their participation is best described by the division’s slogan, “We serve that men may fly”). They were initially trained for clerical, administrative and support roles.
As the war continued, however, women would also work in other positions like parachute riggers and laboratory assistants, and even in the very male-dominated electrical and mechanical trades. Many RCAFWD members were sent to Great Britain to serve with Canadian squadrons and headquarters there.
Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC)
The CWAC was officially established on August 13, 1941 and by war’s end, it had some 21,000 members.
Initially, CWAC members’ duties were quite traditional and they worked as cooks, cleaners, tailors and medical assistants. Howev-
er, these duties would expand to include more traditionally male jobs such as driving trucks and ambulances, and working as mechanics and radar operators.
While most CWACs served in Canada, three companies of female soldiers were posted overseas in 1943.
Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS)
The Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (whose members were familiarly known as the “Wrens” after the nickname of their British Royal Navy counterparts), was officially established on July 31, 1942. The last Canadian military branch to recruit women, the Wrens grew to number some 7,000. They initially performed clerical and administrative tasks so more men could be made available for duty at sea. Eventually, Wrens would expand on these roles as well to do things like being onshore radar operators and coding technicians.
Post-Second World War
After the Second World War, the Canadian military shut down the women’s organizations. With the onset of the Cold War and the Korean War, however, the military soon faced a shortage of personnel and some 5,000 women were again actively recruited.
While only a handful of nursing sisters were sent to Korea, some servicewomen back in Canada filled the same kinds of roles they had during the Second World War. Their numbers began to decline in the mid1950s, however, as new technology reduced the requirement for personnel in many trades.
With the unification and modernization of the Canadian military in the late 1960s, the doors finally began to open for good for women to enlist and enter non-tradition-
al roles.
Today, women deploy on combat missions, captain vessels and command flying squadrons - their career paths as open as those of men. Sacrifice
Canadian women who chose to serve in the cause of peace and freedom during the war years had to endure and overcome the inequalities of the Canadian society of the day.
For example, women’s pay remained lower than that of men of similar rank during the Second World War and military women sometimes faced criticism from those who felt that a woman’s place was in the home.
When women chose to enlist in the military, they also volunteered to potentially put themselves in dangerous situations where their lives were on the line. Canada’s nursing sisters in particular found themselves in peril, as they often served in field hospitals close to the fighting. More than 40 of these brave women died during the First World War, losing their lives in enemy bombardments of field hospitals, attacks on shipping and due to the sickness that often comes with the harsh conditions of war.
The Second World War would see many more women participate in the military with one nursing sister, Sub-Lieutenant Agnes Wilkie, dying when the ferry SS Caribou was torpedoed by a German U-boat while crossing from Cape Breton to Newfoundland.
Seven RCAF-WD members also died in service during the war.
These dangers continue today as the evolving roles of women in the Canadian Armed Forces move them into perilous new duties. Captain Nicola Goddard, a forward artillery observer, died in a firefight in Afghanistan in 2006.
by Marjorie Fortney, Seventh-day Adventist Church
Lest we forget. Lest we forget Gethsemane; Lest we forget His agony. Lest we forget.
Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. In Flanders Field the poppies grow between the crosse, white crosses. Each cross represents a live given for his friends, for his country. Many of our Canadian soldiers, along with soldiers from 50 other countries rest there.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them - Lawrence Binyon, The Times 1914. Because Jesus Christ set the example and gave His life for His friends and His enemies; on the resurrection morning, many of the graves in Flanders Field will open. New life will begin, and there will be war no more.
She was the first Canadian woman to be killed while serving in a combat role.
Legacy
During the First and Second World Wars, many women felt they had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enlist and help their country in any way that was needed. Their changing roles during these turbulent years helped lead to great changes in the
way society looked at women. Their service and sacrifice during the First World War helped influence the decision to grant federal voting rights to many Canadian women in 1917. The efforts of these pioneering women helped open the door for the women who now serve in a broad array of roles in the Canadian Armed Forces today.
on Sports
The National Hockey League is one month into its 2024-25 season this week and a number of interesting story lines have bubbled to the surface.
Time for some analysis: - The juggernaut Winnipeg Jets? Really? The Jets under first-year coach Scott Arniel were the last team to lose in regulation, running off eight consecutive victories before being stopped at home 6-4 by the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Jets, who bounced back with wins in their next two games, are getting their usual spectacular goaltending from last year’s Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck, offence from the usual sources (Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Nicolaj Ehlers and Josh Morrissey) but secondary scoring from less than expected players (Nino Niederreiter, Vladislav Namestnikov, Cole Perfetti). Arniel said he’s not happy with his team’s five-on-five
Jets shock NHL with blazing start
scoring and that being too dependent on power play goals and tight penalty killing could be problematic down the road.
- A tale of two Alberta teams: Calgary Flames, from which little was expected, scooted off to a fast start while the Edmonton Oilers, lauded in many quarters as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, found themselves stumbling out of the gate. The Flames, losers of only four of their first 11, are getting solid goaltending from Dan Vladar and Dustin Wolf while the Oilers were planning for surviving superstar Connor McDavid’s ankle injury, which was to keep him sidelined for up to three weeks.
- Reminder of Bobby Orr? Defenceman Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche spent a good chunk of the first month in first place in the scoring race, leading some observers to reminisce about Bobby Orr winning the Art Ross trophy twice (1969-70; 197475). Makar figured in 50 per cent of Colorado’s first 38 goals through Halloween and with the likes of Nathan McKinnon and Mikko Rantanen spearheading a deadly power play, there’s no reason to think Makar’s
point production will tail off significantly.
- Canadian goaltending woes: The Four Nations Cup will be staged in February and while Canada and the U.S. will be co-favourites over Sweden and Finland, the most frequent question about the Canadian team is ‘who plays goal?’
Recent NHL stats show the best Canadian netminder is Oilers’ backup Calvin Pickard, who is 11th. Jordan Binnington of St. Louis, Sam Montembeault of Montreal, Adin Hill of Vegas, Stu Skinner of Edmonton and Connor Ingram of Utah will be others considered. Oh, for the glory days of Carey Price, Roberto Luongo and MarcAndre Fleury in their prime.
- Biggest disappointments? A tie between Nashville Predators and Boston Bruins. The Predators, who in the off-season acquired established snipers Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, proceeded to win only four of their first 11 games, averaging fewer than three goals a game. Marchessault had two goals in 11 games while Stamkos, a 556-goal man for his career, managed only two in the Preds’ first month. Boston, meanwhile, struggled to win only
five games in 12 starts to open the season.
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Last season, the NY Giants played the Jets and managed just seven total yards passing in the game. My Grade 7 dance saw more progress made on passes.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Kyle McCord threw three touchdown passes to Pitt in the first half last night. Too bad he was playing for Syracuse.”
• Spotted on X (formerly Twitter): “It’s been announced that Yankee superstar Aaron Judge will be in Times Square this New Year’s Eve to help drop the ball.”
• RJ Currie again: “Many Canadians have been hit with paraskevidekatriaphobia: fear of Friday the 13th. A more common ailment in Canada is parkasevidekatriaphobia - fear of winter coats.”
• Comedy writer Brad Dickson of Omaha: “I just had my first trick or treater. The kid was facing the wrong direction, seemed totally confused, his shirt was inside out, he’s shouting ‘I hate Nebraska!’ I said, ‘Who are you supposed to be?’ The kid goes, ‘A Big Ten football referee.’”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com : “Meanwhile, NY Yankees, especially in Game
5 of the World Series, bring to mind a very old joke. What do the NY Yankees and Michael Jackson have in common? They both wore gloves on one hand for no discernible reason.”
• Another one from Hough: “For baseball fans who don’t like the Yankees or the Dodgers, suppose there’s something to be said for a World Series that is ‘nasty, brutal and short.’”
• Jack Finarelli on his sportscurmudgeon.com site, after Colts QB Anthony Richardson went to the sideline for one play because he was ‘tired’: “Hell, the beer
vendors walking up and down the stadium steps could cry ‘tired’ as easily as an NFL QB.”
• Headline at theonion. com, ridiculing a Fox Sports baseball announcer: “MLB Adds Clock To Speed Up Joe Davis’ Commentary.”
• Headline at fark.com: “Got $2 million to burn? Why not blow it all on an ‘Owner’s Experience’ package for the Mike Tyson-Logan Paul fight? On second thought, setting $2 million on fire is probably a smarter choice.”
• Care to comment?
E-mail brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Biggar Bowl weekly scores
Monday Adult Mixed
At almost 100, Roly Armitage’s Second World War memories remained vivid. Joined: 1942. Deployments: Normandy, France.
A glass jar of sand sits proudly displayed in the entrance of Roly Armitage’s room at Perley Health’s Rideau Veterans Residence in Ottawa. “D-Day sand Juno Beach,” is written on a yellow sticky note.
The grains of sand are a souvenir from a recent trip back to that infamous beach that the 99-year-old Second World War Veteran vividly remembered.
Armitage was 19 and fresh off his Ottawa family farm when he joined 14,000 Canadian soldiers who landed at Bernières-sur-Mer, France on D-Day, 6 June 1944. He remembered his wet feet and a pounding heart that day.
“It was just awful, everything was on fire, all of it,” he said.
At age 99, Armitage was in a wheelchair because his legs “just went to sleep,” but felt like a spry “78-year-old on the top half.”
“I can remember
everything,” he says.
He remembered the words “Roly, please remember me,” which Amy Spearman, his future wife, wrote on a scrap of paper when he deployed with the army after lying about his age to enlist at 17.
He remembered the barge that transported him and his 5th Battery of the 3rd Medium Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery close to that French shore in the second wave of Juno Beach landings as the Allies invaded Normandy.
He remembered the broken English of the boatload of German soldiers - captured as prisoners of warwaving, laughing and shouting “Have a good time” as his boots filled with cold water in the English Channel.
He remembered the German shell explosion that took his left eardrum and his commanding officer, Lieutenant Roy Pattinson’s right arm.
He remembered Pattinson’s last words as they injected him with morphine.
“No, put it in my other arm, it hurts,” Pattinson
said before he died.
“He was only 25,” Armitage said.
He remembered the flames, the noise, the dirt, the chaos and the acute longing for home as these horrors unfolded in front of teenaged eyes.
“I was asking myself ‘why did I do this?’ I should have been home with my girlfriend,” he says.
He remembered the day he traded future multi-billionaire Freddie Heineken gas for beer outside a seaside Dutch hotel. And he could still recite the alphabet backwards, a skill he used to code secret messages.
He vividly remembered the winter day he found two shivering Dutch children, a boy, about six, and a girl, about three, caked in mud in a ditch near Eindhoven.
“They were weak and scared,” he remembered. He brought the children into his jeep and took them back to camp where they were cleaned and spoon-fed milk for days in the field kitchen.
Canadian soldiers were able to find the boy’s family, but the
girl’s mother had been imprisoned for fraternizing with the enemy. Her guardian aunt had been killed and she was completely alone. Once she had regained strength, nuns cared for her until she and her mother were reunited after the war.
When the war ended, Armitage returned home to Canada, married Amy, raised a family of four, became a veterinarian, raised and trained standardbred horses, became Mayor of West Carleton Township, Ontario, wrote three books about the war and was named “Ottawa’s most interesting man” by local media in 2023. It was a good life, he said, but his memories of that little Dutch girl in the ditch lingered. On one of his many trips back to the Netherlands, he shared the story with a Dutch reporter. Sonja Jobes, now in her 80s and living in the U.S., realized she was that little girl when she read that newspaper story. She travelled to Ottawa in 2023 to meet Armitage, and to thank him.
Roly was also able to
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find Roy Pattinson’s niece too, and, over a lengthy video call, shared her uncle’s final moments. All she and her family had ever known was that he was killed in action.
“I told her everything,” he said, his voice trailing off. “She and I became
Biggar Bowling Weekly Scores
Ladies High Single - Marilyn Miller 207. Ladies High Triple - Marilyn Miller 515. Mens High Single - Jonathan Redlick 208. Mens High Triple - Jonathan Redlick 572.
Ladies High Single - Christina Olson 188. Ladies High Triple - Christina Olson 409. Mens High Single - Michael Hebert 166. Mens High TripleMichael Hebert 468.
Ladies High Single - Ann DeBussac 246. Ladies High Triple - Ann DeBussac 495. Mens High Single - Walter Fernets 174. Mens High TripleWalter Fernets 470.
Sergeant (Retired) Roland Armitage
very good friends after that.”
Roly Armitage would have been 100 years old 8 February 2025. D-Day Veteran and former Mayor Roland Armitage passed away on 19 June 2024, after this profile was written and approved by him.
Bruce Penton Penton
Chief Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Anton “Tony” Pearson
Anton “Tony” Olaf Pearson was born on 8 March 1925 in Melville, Saskatchewan. He enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces on 15 October 1943, and first joined the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. He said he decided to volunteer before he was conscripted.
“I chose volunteering.”
Pearson was reassigned to the South Saskatchewan Regiment in September 1944, arriving with a small group of reinforcements to bring the regiment up to strength after suffering numerous battle casualties. During the Second World War, Pearson served in Canada, Belgium, Holland, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Landing in Europe after D-Day in Ostend, Belgium, the South Saskatchewan Regiment saw action in the Battle of the Scheldt, an Allied offensive led by the First Canadian Army which cleared German forces from land surrounding the Scheldt Estuary. This allowed Allied shipping
to reach Antwerp’s port and ensure their armies liberating Western Europe were well supplied.
Pearson remembers arriving with his unit to cross the Scheldt, and the soldiers and their equipment having to make the crossing by small collapsible canvas boats, as the bridges spanning the river had been destroyed either by Allied bombing or the enemy retreating across the river. After crossing, they pushed along, capturing their targets and advancing into German held territory.
Following the first attempt by the Allied forces to liberate the Netherlands, Operation Market Garden, Pearson’s unit saw action in the Netherlands. The land they moved through on their advance across the low countries was a water logged and muddy landscape.
“There was so much water, the British had blown the dykes, so the sea came in.”
Pearson and the South Saskatchewan Regiment
were in Oldenburg, Germany when they received news that Germany had officially surrendered. Pearson says that all he can remember thinking is, “Well, we can finally go home.”
However, he would not return to Canada immediately. Pearson remained in England for over a year, serving at No. 1 Repatriation Depot, in Surrey, England, helping organize the transportation of the Canadian troops serving in Europe. He finally returned to Canada in time for Christmas of 1946.
Serving in the CAF remained his full time occupation after the war, when he transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force. He spent three years deployed to Whitehorse, Yukon, another five years in Flin Flon, Manitoba, and several other postings. Pearson retired as a Chief Warrant Officer after more than 36 years of military service. For his service he was awarded the 1939 1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Victory Medal, the Canadian Centennial Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Forces Decoration.
Pearson has travelled to the Netherlands every five years since 1980, to attend events marking the country’s liberation. He says that making friends during the
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liberation of Europe was difficult at the time, he has since become close with some locals and spent time exploring the region as he has returned to where he once fought. Following the Second World War he married his wife, who has since passed away, and together they had three sons. He currently lives in Nanaimo, British Columbia where he remains an active member of the Air Force Association, the Royal Canadian Legion, Armed Forces Pensioners and the United Services Institute of Nanaimo and North Islands.
