A graduation and awards ceremony was held for Southeast College students of the Weyburn campus at the Weyburn Legion on June 2. Graduations for the Whitewood campus was held June 4, and the Estevan campus will be held Friday, June 6.
The City of Weyburn will welcome two new names to its Walk of Fame next month, honouring the achievements and hometown ties of Jason Bohn and James K. Hill.
Bohn and Hill will be formally inducted during the Walk of Fame ceremony at Weyburn City Hall at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Alongside family members and the community, their remarkable careers and lasting connection to the community will be celebrated.
“This year’s inductees exemplify the spirit, ambition and values that define our community,” said Coun. Laura Morrissette, Chair of the Walk of Fame Committee. “We are honoured to celebrate Jason and James, not only for their accomplishments on the national and international stage, but for the pride they continue to show in their Weyburn roots.”
Jason Bohn, inducted in the Arts & Entertainment category, was born and raised in Weyburn,
where his early passion for the arts shone through band, drama, and even a stint as “Captain United” for Communithon.
After moving to Saskatoon in 1996, he began his career as a production trainee and rose to become a respected First Assistant Director and member of the Directors Guild of Canada. With credits on numerous film and television productions — including work with Netflix, Hallmark, and Lionsgate — Bohn has remained in Saskatchewan, contributing to the growth of the province’s film industry and mentoring future filmmakers through Creative Saskatchewan. Today, filmmaking is a family pursuit, with both his wife and son in the industry.
James K. Hill, inducted in the Business & Industry category, is a Canadian diplomat whose 35-year career with the Department of External Affairs has taken him around the world. A Weyburn native and University of Sas -
katchewan graduate, Hill has served in the Middle East, Europe, and Central America, including a posting as Ambassador to Costa Rica. In leadership roles with Global Affairs Canada, he has advanced Canada’s economic ties in complex regions. Most re-
cently, as Consul General in Atlanta, he helped mark the 50th anniversary of the U.S./Canada partnership, inviting fellow Weyburnite Tenille Arts to perform. Though his work spans the globe, Hill’s pride in his hometown remains strong.
As part of this year’s
ceremony, the City of Weyburn will unveil a commemorative plaque in honour of the late Councillor Dick Michel, recognizing his many years of dedicated service as Chair of the Walk of Fame Committee. This tribute celebrates not only his
dedication to uplifting the achievements of others, but also the lasting impact he made on a community he held close to his heart. For information on the Walk of Fame nomination criteria and past inductees, visit www.weyburn. ca/walk-of-fame.
Cornerstone school board discusses Yellow Grass daycare at monthly meeting
Norm Park
Contracted Reporter
SE Cornerstone
A token fee of $1 has been paid to the South East Cornerstone Public School Division (SECPSD) for a piece of land that is adjacent to the Yellow Grass School. The land will be used for a new day care facility in that community that will include up to 36 spaces.
Director of education
Keith Keating noted these types of projects have been supported by some federal government funds, and similar projects have
been completed or are in planning stages in Estevan and Moosomin. It is anticipated that other facilities may be planned if the projects continue to receive funding support from senior governments.
The May 28 meeting was a marathon day for Cornerstone board members, who were required to stack up a number of hours tending to school division business and connections.
They started with a traditional monthly incamera session beginning around 9:30 a.m.,
followed by a brief lunch and then an open public meeting that absorbed another two and half hours.
Later that afternoon, the board’s governance and human resources committee was scheduled to meet. The board’s day was to conclude with an evening meeting with the South East Cornerstone Teachers’ Association executive.
On June 5 and 6, board members will attend a provincial school board general meeting for public section members that will include a professional development event and
address general business, funding and operational concerns.
The board will meet again in Weyburn on June 17 for a committee-of-thewhole session followed by the regular open business gathering that will be streamed live online, starting at 1 p.m. It is to be their final meeting of the 2024-25 school year.
The Saskatchewan High School Athletic Association will be holding its annual meeting from June 18-20, which will also include representation from cornerstone.
Photo – Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
COMMUNITY
Community members voice strong support for the Seven Stars Energy Project.
“A project of this magnitude will have a major effect on our community The way our economy is right now, with what’s going on in the U.S., we need everything we can get in terms of economic development We have agriculture and we have oil and gas, but we need something more to counteract the tariffs and we need more diversity in our economy.”
George Siourounis, Owner, Travelodge Weyburn
“Weyburn has a proud history of pioneering transformative projects…This project will move forward somewhere—let’s ensure Weyburn is the beneficiary rather than turning investment away.”
Nick Coroluick, Chairperson, Weyburn District Planning Commission
“The influx of workers and contractors means more customers for coffee shops, restaurants, and retail stores, driving additional sales and foot traffic. More economic activity can also lead to increased wages for employees, further supporting the financial well-being of residents and families in our region.”
Monica Osborn, Executive Director, Weyburn Chamber of Commerce
“The economic ripple effect of this project will have lasting benefits, making our region a more attractive and competitive place for businesses, investors, and families alike.”
Darcy McCormick, CEO, Jerry Mainil Ltd.
Dignitaries walk towards the head table during the opening ceremonies of the Catholic Women’s League provincial convention held at McKenna Hall on June 1. A number of CWL groups from around the province were in Weyburn for the two-day event.
Busy May for Duplicate Bridge
The Weyburn Duplicate Bridge Club plays bridge at the Wheatland Senior Centre on Mondays at 7 p.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. During July and August, however, the Club only plays on Monday evenings.
In regular Club play on May 1 with two tables playing, first place went to Marg Stewart and Diane Bell, and second place went to Jerry Ponto and Millie Nimegeers.
Two and a half tables played on May 5. There was a tie for first place between the pair of Boyd Stewart and Garnet Hart, and the pair of Denis Tremblay and Lucie Nickel.
May 12 had two and a half tables and Barry
Mactaggart and Marg Stewart took first place, edging out Denis Tremblay and Garnet Hart who placed second.
With three tables playing on May 15, Barry Mactaggart and Lucie Nickel took top honours; while Theresa Istace and Erskine Sandiford placed second. On May 19 there were two tables and playing with a strong game at 70.5 percent, Gord Bell and Marg Stewart claimed first place while second place went to Erskine and Mildred Sandiford.
May 22 had two and a half tables and first place finishers were Jeanne Molnar and Lucie Nickel, edging out Erskine Sandiford and Dave
VILLAGE OF CREELMAN PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Village of Creelman intends to adopt a bylaw under The Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No 141/88 known as the Zoning Bylaw.
INTENT: The proposed bylaw will increase the permitted size of garages to 83.6 square meters in the R – Residential District and will allow garages over 83.6 square meters as a discretionary use in the R – Residential District
AFFECTED LAND: All parcels of land within the Village that are zoned as R - Residential.
REASON: The reason for the amendment is to update the bylaw to align with the construction needs of residents
PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaw at the municipal office until June 11 at 7:00pm Copies are available at cost
PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on June 11 at 7:30pm at 28 Main Street to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the municipal office before the hearing.
Issued at Creelman this 20th day of May, 2025.
Amanda Baumgartner, Administrator
Frayn who were second. Two and a half tables played on May 26 and Gord Bell and Boyd Stewart finished in first place, followed by Marg Stewart and Diane Bell who came second. The last game of the month was played on May 29 and with two tables playing, Boyd and Marg Stewart placed first while Jeanne Molnar and Lucie Nickel were second.
A number of games were held at the Wheatland Senior Centre News.
In Spades on May 26, Janet Van Winkoop won first, Erskine Sandiford placed second, and tied for third was Marge Schultz and Rose Levesque.
In Kaiser on May 27, Norma Kapusaniuk and Melba Bent won first, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson placed second, and Brenda Paul and Marlene Szczecinski took third.
In Canasta on May 28, Pat Peterson won first, Sheila Wendel placed second, Cris Herlick took third, Brenda Paul finished fourth, and Elaine Frasz placed fifth.
In Hi-Low Whist on May 21, Gladys Lokken and Sharon Eggum placed first, Marge Schultz and Fay Johnson took second, and Cris Herlick and Phyllis Lindskog finished third.
In Thursday Crib on May 29, Garth White and Dave Frayn won first, Elaine Frasz and Ruth Boren won second, and Shirley Sparks and Brenda Paul finished third.
In Friday Bridge on May 30, Lucie Nickel won first, Millie Nimegeers placed second, and Dave Frayn finished third.
Photo – Sabrina Kraft/Weyburn Review
Grade 6 students Alexandria, Hannah and Tatum from St. Michael School donated $145.25 to Canadian Mental Health Association representative Heidi Vogel. The students held a bake sale fundraiser as a service project completed during Lent, meeting multiple outcomes in Grade 6.
results from your team! Email Sabrina Kraft at skraft@glaciermedia.ca
EDITORIAL
OPINION: REASSESSMENT MEANS TOUGH DECISIONS FOR MUNICIPALITIES
David Willberg/SaskToday.ca
It’s an issue that comes up every four years for Saskatchewan municipalities: the impact of reassessment on property taxes.
The assessment system in Saskatchewan has long been a source of frustration. The Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency carries out its work every four years. And it takes two years to release their findings. So that means the most recent reassessment occurred in 2023, and the adjustments weren’t applied to this year. To top it off, the changes take effect after many municipalities have passed their budgets.
For new members of municipal councils in Saskatchewan who were elected last November, they face a steep enough learning curve as it is. Reassessment is just another thing they have to contend with.
Complaints about SAMA’s process are nothing new. People who were in the Estevan area in 2017 remember all of the (understandable) griping by business owners when they saw their property taxes soar despite the fact we were well into an economic slowdown stemming from a crash in the price of oil. But because reassessment occurred in 2015, less than a year after the oil plunge occurred, they were particularly hard to swallow in 2017.
Four years ago, the impact of reassessment would have meant a $5 million hole in the city’s budget without action. This year, it would have been $1 million.
There’s always going to be lots of complaining about SAMA and the way they do things. Suggestions
have been brought forward on everything from a two-year cycle instead of four, to having a cap on the assessment increase. SAMA’s presentations tend to be long-winded and dry. But nothing seems to ever change, and so we’ll likely get more complaints in four years.
I’m sure being part of SAMA is difficult work, but it would be nice to see a system that better serves residential and business property owners, as well as municipalities.
Until that unlikely day comes, it’ll be up to municipalities to react to the system in place.
Estevan city council’s response was a proposed increase to the minimum tax for residential properties from $750 to $1,200, and to have a base tax on commercial properties of $1,000. But council since decided to have the minimum tax at $1,000 for this year and $1,200 in 2026.
I’m all for a minimum tax in an effort to cover the cost of providing services to residents. Most of a municipality’s revenues are from taxes, and they are responsible for a lot of services.
But the proposed increase for the minimum tax was 60 per cent. It wound up being about 33 per cent. And while some people who pay the minimum tax can afford the increase, a lot of them are low-income people who would struggle with a significant property tax increase, or renters who have little margin for their financials.
For those who aren’t on a monthly plan to pay property taxes, the extra $250 will be even more difficult.
Granted, the long-overdue demise of the federal carbon tax for consumers helps put some money back in our pockets, but expenses are still higher for a lot of people than they were before.
The minimum tax has been around for a while in Estevan. I want to say it was introduced in 2004 and was $500 at that time. There weren’t a lot of properties affected, but it was tough on them. The reasoning was what you’d expect: trying to get people’s property taxes to cover the cost of services. It’s gone up a few times since, but obviously council thought it had fallen behind if it’s looking at an increase of $250-$450.
I’m not one of those who pays the minimum tax, and I’m not living paycheque to paycheque. But I remember when I was, and an increase of $20 per month on an expense would have been difficult.
It’s death by 1,000 increases. The rising costs usually aren’t staggering. But it’s a little bit here and a little bit there that all add up. And in most cases, wages don’t keep pace with the cost of living.
I’m glad council opted for a lower increase to the minimum tax, and that it’s taking a phased-in approach. I hope the increases are actually more frequent to keep pace with the cost of doing business. I’d rather have a smaller, incremental and even annual increase in the cost of something, than a large increase every few years, especially if I haven’t budgeted for it.
Hopefully, the next time SAMA goes through the reassessment process, the impact on our community won’t be as significant.
And the next time council looks at the minimum tax, there won’t be a staggering jump.
The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed June as Parks and Recreation Month to recognize the many important contributions community park spaces and recreation professionals make to improve the quality of life in our province.
“Recreation areas and activities are at the heart of our communities and easily accessible to everyone,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “They provide social connections and activities that are essential for our physical and mental health, improve our wellbeing and help us live longer, healthier lives. We are excited to join the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association in encouraging residents from all walks of life to connect with their families and friends in parks and recreation spaces throughout the province.”
This year’s theme is once again, “Connect on Common Ground.” The focus is celebrating the inclusiveness and diversity of our province’s parks and outdoor recreation spaces.
The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) invites everyone to take advantage of the benefits parks and
recreation spaces have to offer. The SPRA is a provincial, non-profit organization dedicated to connecting, educating and inspiring recreation and parks providers.
“Saskatchewan’s parks and outdoor recreation environments are as diverse as the people who enjoy them,” Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association President Darcy McLeod said. “This June, we encourage people from all walks of life to connect on common ground and enjoy the benefits of parks and the outdoors. Everyone belongs in parks and recreation.”
The Sask Lotteries-funded parks and recreation delivery system provides thousands of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Sask Lotteries benefits more than 12,000 sport, culture and recreation groups in communities across Saskatchewan. Proceeds from Sask Lotteries support a wide range of sport, culture and recreation programs, services and initiatives throughout the province.
To learn more about Parks and Recreation Month or “Connect on Common Ground”, visit www.spra.sk.ca.
Prime Minister, premiers get to work at First Ministers Meeting
John Cairns SaskToday.ca
The first First Ministers Meeting held in Saskatchewan in 40 years is now under way.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Premiers of the 10 provinces and three Territories (excepting B.C.’s David Eby, who is in Asia) arrived at TCU Place for what is expected to be a day-long meeting focused mainly on nation-building projects and how to get those approved. It also comes amid a push to remove interprovincial trade boundaries with Ontario signing a deal with Saskatchewan, as well as PEI and Alberta, the previous day.
Carney provided opening remarks at the start of the conference Monday
morning. Carney noted during the time of the last First Ministers meeting in Regina 40 years earlier, it was the run-up to the free trade deal with the United States. He pointed to the trading relationship they had had with the U.S.A. with USMCA.
“But that situation has changed. We’re in the process of redefining our relationship with the United States. That’s ongoing. We’re working very much in partnership around this table in terms of our priorities and how to define it but also taking matters very much into our own hands…
“That’s what this meeting is about. Building a stronger Canadian economy. Building one Canadian economy and I really want to salute
the leadership around this table. I can’t keep up with the flurry of announcements of free trade agreements between the provinces across the country. The federal government will do its part to table legislation very shortly to eliminate federal barriers to interprovincial movement of goods and people and also to put in place an ability to advance the projects of national interest. We have seen a lot of leadership around this table consulting, approving nation-visual projects. This is just the start. This is just the start of what Canadians expect and what they deserve.”
In his opening remarks Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe paid tribute to those fighting the wildfires, and spoke of the re-
cent collaboration among the provinces and federal government to share resources to fight the fires.
“It’s that ability for us to be more than the sum of our parts in Canada that is the approach that I hope each of us takes to our meetings today,” said Moe
“I think when we look at the collaboration in which we come together to protect our communities, our homes, and our families across this country year in and year out, we approach this conversation today in the weeks and months and years ahead, in building towards those goals of strengthening that economy so it is leading the G7 — strengthening our opportunity and providing an opportunity for us as Can-
adians to become a global energy superpower. Canadians will be well-served by the work that we collectively are doing here today.”
Moe reiterated that there was an opportunity “to unite this nation, and to really seize the opportunity that I see before us as Canadians.”
One issue is whether the
final communique issued later today will be enough to satisfy Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s list of demands which include getting a pipeline built. “I hope so, I think there seems to be an appetite to talk about getting pipelines built,” said Smith. The full story can be found on SaskToday.ca
Payden Benning has captured the 36-hole tournament at the Estevan Oilfield Technical Society’s (OTS) Oilmen’s Golf Tournament for the first time.
He shot a one-underpar 71 on May 31 to win the 36-hole championship by one stroke over Taysen Holt, Mark Spencer and Jayson Fenwick.
Benning won the OTS in 2020, when it was held amid the COVID-19 pandemic and contested over 18 holes. He enjoys the 36-hole event, playing in it every year, and said it was more meaningful to win it this time around.
“I squeezed into the championship flight … so to come out and play as I did today, it feels really good,” said Benning.
He shot a 78 in his first round on May 30 to claim the 12th and final qualifying spot in the championship flight. Then in the second round, he shot a 37 on the front nine and didn’t record a birdie until the 11th hole. He then birdied 13 and 14, had a
double-bogey on 15, and recovered with a birdie on the 18th hole.
“Off the tee, I couldn’t hit my driver very well yesterday, and today it was down the middle most of the time, so it made the round a lot easier,” said Benning.
The distance on his wedges was also really good, he said, which left him with a lot of short putts.
After his round was finished, Benning had to watch the two other groups in the championship flight finish before knowing he had won.
“I knew that if I could hit a good drive off of 18, I had a good chance at birdie, and ended up birdieing 18,” said Benning.
The forest fire smoke that blanketed southeast Saskatchewan on May 30 and 31 didn’t hinder his game, but winds picked up during the final round, which made scoring a little more difficult.
Benning praised the course conditions, saying superintendent Bob Currie and his crew always do
such a great job. He was also pleased with the tournament’s social element.
“It’s always fun. It doesn’t matter how I play out here. It’s always a good time.”
Spencer won the tournament last year and had the best score in the opening round with a 68, highlighted by a 33 in the first round. After shooting a 35 on the front nine for his second round, he triplebogey on the 10th hole that diminished his championship hopes.
Fenwick had a chance to tie Benning and force a playoff, but parred the 18th hole. Holt shot a 36 on both the front and back nines, and finished second on a countback.
For the 36-hole event, a golfer played a qualification round May 29 or 30 to determine their flight. Then they played a second round on May 31. The score on the final day determines the champion. Forty-eight golfers were entered the 36-hole event.
Nolan Rohatyn won the first flight with a 71 in the second round, which tied Benning for the lowest
round of the day. The winner of the 36-hole tournament has to come from the championship flight.
Dallas Kuntz won the second flight with an 85 and Warren Gall took the third flight with a 90.
The tournament also had an 18-hole competition that was won by Jeff Clauson with a 72.
Southern Plains Co-op celebrates successes at annual meeting
David Willberg
SaskToday.ca
It was another busy year for the Southern Plains Co-op, according to information released at their annual general meeting on May 26 at the Estevan Days Inn.
In his report to those in attendance, board president Scott Kienlen reported sales were $105,965,226, down $2.9 million from the previous year. The fuel loyalty program and patronage allocation from Federated Co-operatives Limited was $3,543,234, which dropped $1.35 million, but net savings were $2,297,112. The co-op paid $1,482,498 back to its members for 2024.
Equity allocations for members will be three per cent on dyed diesel fuel, oil, and groceries and spirits, 2.25 per cent on petroleum, two per cent on general merchandise, and 0.5 per cent on agro equipment, fertilizer, chemical and feed.
“Since the incorporation of Southern Plains Co-operative 78 years ago, sales are just shy of $2 billion, with nearly $31 million in repayments made to members; that is pretty impressive,” said Kienlen.
He noted the sales reduction could be attributed to the decrease in the price of fuel, as well as a cyber-attack in June and
July that affected various systems, especially cardlocks, which were down for over a week. Food and convenience store sales dipped slightly, while agro sales continued to grow, he said.
“That being said, our financial position remains strong. We continue to look for diversification opportunities to grow our business,” he said.
Audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2025, show the co-op had a cost of goods sold of $91,421,012, and the gross margin was $14,544,314. Operating and administration costs were $15,856,935, while interest generated $242,632, leaving the expenses listed at $15,614,303 and a loss of operations of $1,069,989. The FCL loyalty program was $1,621,053, and patronage refunds were $1,922,181. Savings after $176,133 paid for income taxes were $2,297,112.
The co-op currently employs 228 people, which is an increase from the previous year.
Among the highlights was the opening of the new Carlyle food store in November.
“The community support has exceeded our expectations, welcoming the fully modern store, which offers additional inventory and an increase
in product offerings. This project was just over budget and was a $10.9 million investment,” Kienlen said.
The administration office has also been relocated to Kensington Avenue in Estevan.
The co-op has contributed $169,013 back to local communities, which general manager Brian Enns said reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting local initiatives through various donations and sponsorships, fundraisers and community projects.
More than $115,000 was invested in member engagement, helping approximately 130 organizations through sponsorship, donations or teaming up with them in fundraising. Communities throughout the southeast benefitted.
“These efforts are made possible by the continued support of our members, customers and staff,” said board member Connie Hagel, who is part of the member engagement committee.
Three directors were elected to another threeyear term: Hagel, James Lainton and Rhonda Huish. Also, Erin Wilson of Estevan was elected to a threeyear term on the board.
The Co-op has operations in Estevan, Carlyle, Oxbow, Alameda and Gainsborough.
Photo by David Willberg/SaskToday.ca
Payden Benning, left, accepts the championship trophy from 2024 winner Mark Spencer.
SASKATCHEWAN MINING WEEK
JUNE
1-7, 2025
Estevan city councillor calls for report on recycling, processing
David Willberg SaskToday.ca
The issue of recycling in Estevan came up during the May 26 meeting of Estevan city council.
While discussing the April report from GFL Environmental, which handles residential garbage pickup and curbside recycling for the city, Coun. Brian Johnson asked for a report on how they are presently handling and processing all of the recycling.
“I’m not sure, I’m not clear on where they do it, or how it’s baled, or where it’s sent to, and if it’s separated. I’m very curious to that fact,” said Johnson.
The April numbers show a total of 2,660 blue carts were emptied with a total weight of 15,077 kilograms. The average recycling cart weighed 5.67 kilograms. There were four single-stream recycle pickup days in the month.
• Council denied a request from the Hockey Canada Skills Academy at Sacred Heart School/École
Sacré Coeur for a reduction to $105 an hour for ice surface rental.
Principal Amber Hilstrom said the program is a self-funded, tuition-based effort that operates with no profit margin. Its goal is to provide all students with access to a high-quality, skillbased hockey program that supports personal growth and physical development.
Ice sessions take place during school hours.
The cost per student has been $700, she said, but due to rising costs across all components of the program, it is to increase to $750 per student.
“While we considered a steeper increase, we are mindful of the growing financial strain on families due to the current economic climate. We fear that additional increases could prevent some students from participating,” she wrote in a letter to council.
Families with financial hardships are able to apply for support through a process modeled on programs
such as KidSport.
Coun. Shelly Veroba said if the city gives Sacred Heart the rate, other user groups would come back to the city.
Coun. Kirsten Walliser suggested the use of the Power Dodge Arena, which would provide cost savings to the academy instead of reducing the rate. She would not support a change to the rate for Affinity Place.
• Council approved a lot consolidation request from McComb Automotive to bring all of the properties into one.
In a report to council, land development services manager Richard Neufeld wrote the purpose of the consolidation is to eliminate the issues related to property lines crossing through buildings and to allow more room for expansion in the future. Since it is not a formal subdivision, Neufeld said all that is required is a consent letter from the City of Estevan to land titles.
“The landowner has in the past been denied the ability to expand or connect his buildings due to conflicts with property lines extending through existing buildings,” Neufeld wrote. “Both our zoning bylaw and the National
Building Code generally prohibit buildings crossing property lines. With a consolidated parcel the landowner will be able to develop the property in a more orderly fashion.”
• During the inquiries portion of the meeting, both Veroba and Johnson brought up matters related to bylaw enforcement. The city is currently looking for a bylaw officer. Veroba noted many people think there is too long of a wait from when a bylaw notice is issued until it is enforced.
Sask. Mining Week celebrates sector’s importance to province
The Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed June 1 to June 7 as Saskatchewan Mining Week, an opportunity to recognize the important contributions of the people who work in the industry and the significant impact mining has on the provincial economy. “Our world-class mining industry is key to the prosperous way of life we enjoy in Saskatchewan, creating good jobs, economic growth and a sustainable, secure future,” Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young
said. “As global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, we are increasing production in core sectors like potash and uranium and seeing growth in emerging commodities like helium, lithium, copper and zinc. This year’s Mining Week
theme of Talent, Technology and Trade: Opportunities for Saskatchewan’s Mining Sector reflects our optimism for the future of mining in our province.”
The mining industry directly or indirectly employs over 30,000 people and procures billions of dollars in goods and services annually from local mining supplier businesses. Mining is a major source of private investment and generates government revenue to fund the programs and services Saskatchewan people rely on, like education and health care.
“In the next decade, Saskatchewan’s growing mining industry will need 15,000 new employees in rewarding careers like trades
and engineering. To increase the mining labour pool, we are promoting career awareness of prevalent and critical careers and showcasing some of the innovative ways that mining companies and their partners are training and attracting the new generation of talented employees that underpin the success of Saskatchewan’s mining sector,” said Saskatchewan Mining Association President Pam Schwann.
Saskatchewan is home to 27 of the 34 minerals on Canada’s critical minerals list. In 2024, potash production reached an all-time high of 15.1 million tonnes of potassium oxide, while uranium production and sales reached record highs of 16,700 tonnes and $2.6 bil-
lion, respectively. Projects in these and other critical minerals like helium, lithium, copper and zinc continue to advance along with the Saskatchewan Research Council’s Rare Earth Processing facility, which has begun producing rare earth metals at a commercial scale. With an abundance of resources, competitive incentives and a predictable and stable regulatory framework, Saskatchewan is one of the best places in the world to invest in resource development. The Fraser Institute’s annual survey of mining companies consistently ranks Saskatchewan as the top jurisdiction in Canada and the top three in the world for mining investment competitiveness.
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Lindsay Van De Weyer and Dali Millio are the City of Weyburn tour coordinators for both Soo Line and Heritage Village. Admission to both locations is free for the 2025 season, due to support of Sask Lotteries and Vermillion Energy. This includes walk-in visitors and school tours.
Photo – Sabrina
Innovation Sask. unveils new research strategy and unified brand
A new plan to position the province as a global leader in research and innovation was released by Innovation Saskatchewan on May 29, in their Accelerating Innovation, Advancing Industry research strategy. The strategy includes enhancements to two Innovation Saskatchewan programs, the Innovation & Science Fund (ISF) and the Saskatch -
ewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI), to promote economic growth through research and innovation.
The announcement also introduced Innovation Saskatchewan’s unified brand, which brings the agency’s programs and supports under one identity and includes the renaming of Innovation Place to Innovation Sas -
katchewan Research and Technology (R+T) Parks in Regina and Saskatoon.
Together, these efforts reinforce the province’s commitment to research, innovation and economic advancement for key sectors in support of Saskatchewan’s 2030 Growth Plan Goals.
“Saskatchewan has a world-class research community that con -
tinues to build upon our reputation as a global innovation hub,” Minister Responsible for Innovation Warren Kaeding said. “This new research strategy and unified brand align provincial supports and programs to unlock future opportunities, enhance creative impacts and excel Saskatchewan’s ambitious growth plan target to triple the technology sector by 2030.”
Saskatchewan’s research strategy is built on three pillars of the innovation life cycle: Invent, Commercialize and Connect. By focusing support on these stages, the province aims to maximize impact through stronger access to talent, infrastructure, funding and global networks, while reducing barriers and risks.
The strategy targets sectors where Saskatchewan has established strengths or high growth potential, ensuring public investment delivers strong returns and tangible benefits for citizens. The four Research Priority Areas are Agriculture, Life Sciences, Energy and Mining and Critical Minerals.
“Saskatchewan’s innovation ecosystem has provided unparalleled opportunities critical to LiORA’s growth from training at top research universities to collabora -
tions with unique research institutions to access to funding and global networks and partnerships,” LiORA Co-Founder and CEO Steven Siciliano said. “Deepening this support will have a profound impact on our province and the world, pushing Saskatchewan even further to the forefront of innovation.”
As part of the research strategy, Innovation Saskatchewan announced upcoming enhancements to Innovation and Science Fund (ISF) and Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI).
ISF will receive a $2.4 million annual increase, nearly doubling total funding to $5.2 million and will expand to support four key streams: research infrastructure, research projects, the broader research ecosystem and international collaboration.
STSI will extend eligibility status to life sciences startups, broadening investor access to the program’s non-refundable 45 per cent tax credit for more Saskatchewan ventures.
“These joint, milestone announcements are a signal to the world that Saskatchewan is ready to lead in research, innovation and industry collaboration,” Innovation
Saskatchewan CEO Kari Harvey said. “By expanding key programs in a government-wide strategy and uniting our supports under a clear, cohesive brand, we are making it easier for researchers, entrepreneurs and investors to work together and deliver solutions with real impact - right here in Saskatchewan.”
Saskatchewan’s Research Strategy was announced during an event at the newly renamed Innovation Saskatchewan R+T Park Saskatoon, a symbolic backdrop for the province’s renewed focus on collaboration, commercialization and global research leadership.
Innovation Saskatchewan is an agency of the Government of Saskatchewan. We fuel economic growth by empowering innovators and supporting Saskatchewan’s vibrant tech sector and research community. They are tasked with faciliating the coordination and strategic direction of the Government of Saskatchewan’s support for research & development (R&D), science and technology with the objective of fostering the development of new ideas, products and processes to ensure the long-term sustainable growth of Saskatchewan’s economy.
