There are definite signs of spring showing up in the countryside and our local towns and villages. While gophers and geese are making their presence known, another traditional sign of the season took place on March 20th, the first day of spring. That’s the day the Big 10-4 in Leader opened to serve and welcome back their customers and offer some good food.
Kindersley RCMP respond to 63 calls for service
Between March 15th to March 21st, 2021, Kindersley RCMP responded to 63 calls for service*.
Saskatchewan RCMP Roving Traffic Services attended the Kindersley area over the last week which resulted in several speeding tickets being issued amongst other enforcement activities. This serves as a good reminder that even though it is tempting to hit the gas pedal with the improving road conditions that drivers still need to keep an eye on their speeds.
Other calls for service included, but are not limited to, several thefts, six suspicious persons calls, two uttering threats as well as one assault.
If you need to report any suspicious activity in your community, please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment by calling 306-463-4642 or their local police service. Information can also be provided anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers by calling 1800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Online Crime Reporting can be accessed at: https://ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/saskatchewan.
*For more information on the calls to service please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment.
| PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
It was a busy place on the weekend, with a dozen or so vehicles filling the parking lot periodically throughout the two days. Chilly weather didn’t deter customers from indulging in cold treats and taking advantage of some good take-out food.
Extended support for Saskatchewan Small Businesses
Next issue of The Voice will be TUESDAY, APRIL 6
The strength and resilience of Saskatchewan has been on display like never before in the past year. Just as we have all been helping our neighbours by supporting local businesses, the Government of Saskatchewan has also been supporting those businesses and protecting the jobs that they have created through a number of programs. If you are one such employer, I would encourage you to apply for one or more of these support programs as many of the application deadlines are approaching soon.
The Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) has now been extended for February and March 2021. Eligible businesses, like retail stores or restaurants, who have been ordered to temporarily close or scale-back operations through a public health order, could receive up to $5,000 per month that can be used for any purpose. The application deadline is April 30, 2021.
Doug Steele Saskatchewan
Party MLA for Cypress Hills
The Strong Recovery Adaptation Rebate (SRAR) reimburses eligible small businesses for investments made to adapt their business to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial assistance includes a payment of up to $5,000 for 50 per cent of total eligible business-adaptation investments made by the applicant prior to February 28, 2021. Eligible expenditures include establishing physical barriers or reconfiguring space to operate safely, providing services through digital tools, and shifting to delivery or curbside services, including third party delivery fees. The application deadline for the SRAR is March 31, 2021.
Greater
Coverage with
the 2021 Crop Insurance Program
The Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) is also available until March 31, 2021. This temporary training subsidy provides businesses with financial support to train employees as they adjust to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The RSTS reimburses eligible private-sector employers 100 per cent of employee training costs up to a maximum of $10,000 per business.
This year, Crop Insurance coverage will reach a record level due to higher commodity prices and increased yield coverage. March 31, 2021 is the deadline to select insured crops and coverage levels or make additional changes to Crop Insurance contracts. Producers need to also apply, reinstate or cancel by this date. For more information about the 2021 insurance options, call 1-888-935-0000 or visit www.scic.ca.
We have also announced a second offering of the Saskatchewan Tourism Sector Support Program (STSSP) for eligible tourism businesses in the accommodations, attraction and tours, events, and major event facility sectors that have seen a 30 per cent drop in revenue as a result of the pandemic. Applications will be available March 8 and the deadline to apply is April 30, 2021
For more information on all of the provincial and federal government supports available, please contact our office, the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-8688 or visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses.
Local band is enjoying creative freedom
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
More than a decade ago, four young men from Kindersley began playing music together, and they haven’t stopped. Guitarists Paul Hillacre and Justin Thompson, along with bassist Evan Knouse and Calen Miller on the drums, have created a unique sound since their earliest instrumental pursuits. These talented musicians now live in Saskatoon, where their band, known as Basement Paintings, has achieved some well-deserved notoriety.
Miller said their album Mystic was a turn-
ing point for the band and was nominated for SaskMusic’s Best Album of the Year in 2016 and made several best-of lists across North America.
However, their album Antipodes is their crowning achievement to date. “We started to get more global recognition from Antipodes, plus the award for Best Metal/Loud Artist of 2020,” Miller said. Knouse said the band hired a publicist to promote their latest album, which helped garner positive reviews from higher-profile outlets. “The fact that we nurtured and articulated some of our best music to date made Antipodes our best release
TENDER
The R. M. of Kindersley No. 290 is calling for tenders for maintenance of the following cemeteries:
• Clearview Cemetery (NW 10-30-24-W3M)
• Brock Cemetery (SE 03-29-20-W3M)
• Eagle Lake Cemetery (NE 36-29-21-W3M)
• Netherhill Cemetery (NW 10-29-21-W3M)
Mowing is to be done as often as necessary from June through September.
Equipment must be provided. Rates for the following must be included:
• Grass cutting, hedging & whipper snipping
• Grass cutting with tractor
• Non-equipment work, such as filling gopher holes.
Tender also includes maintenance of the highway signs in the Kindersley Signing Corridor along Highway #7 east and west of the Town of Kindersley.
Tenders to be submitted to the following by 4:00 p. m. April 12, 2021:
For more information, contact Glenda Giles, Administrator at the above address.
so far,” he added.
Winning the award was “quite a surprise since we are a bit outside the box,” Hilacre added.
Miller described their music as more aligned with the post-metal genre, but their sound is constantly evolving. “Our first albums were more progressive and technical,” he said but described their latest two albums as having a sound with more breathing room, allowing the listener to sink into a mood.
That sound is void of any lyrics. “I would describe it as instrumental landscapes inspired by a psychedelic rock,” Hilacre said.
Despite the pandemic and restrictions, the band is making good use of this time, finding inspiration and creating new music when live music venues are open again.
“When we’re in writing mode, we play together quite regularly and record all of our jams. We listen to the recording individually; often, there are only a few 15-30 second pieces that are worth keeping,” Miller said, explaining the process.
Knouse added that they are constantly experimenting with new sounds and techniques, “trying to gather inspiration and find the next new flavour.”
Their talents reach beyond music as each band member pursues their careers, but being part of the band is important to each one of them. “‘The creative freedom that comes with this band is unmatched in my opinion,” Miller said.
Knouse agreed, saying, “Being able to exper-
NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL TOWN OF KINDERSLEY
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the Town of Kindersley for the year 2021 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the office of the assessor from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following days:
Monday to Friday, March 26, 2021 to May 25, 2021.
A bylaw pursuant to Section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal with:
The Assessor, Town of Kindersley Box 1269, Kindersley SK S0L 1S0 by the 25th day of May, 2021. Dated this 26th day of March, 2021. Audrey Hebert, Assessor
iment and uncover new ideas like we do takes a level of trust and understanding that is pretty unique to this group of guys.”
As for the future, these guys want to “take it as far as possible so that we can keeping doing it,” Hilacre said.
“Our long-term goal is to tour Europe. I think they are a bit more receptive to our music than in Canada,” Miller added.
Our new digital branch is open. Same Synergy experience, now available from the comforts of home. Take a tour at synergycu.ca
21041PS0
Basement Paintings, now based out of Saskatoon, is comprised of 4 young men originally from Kindersley.
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Here’s a riddle:
Q: Which is the worst day for a guy to propose to his girl? A: April Fools Day!
Now, isn’t that the truth? On April Fools Day, we often don’t know if a joke is being played on us or if what is taking
OPINION
CHECK IT OUT with Joan Janzen
April Fools, 2021 is no joke
place is for real. However we do know that it’s no joke that the carbon tax is scheduled to increase by 33% on April 1. According to the Canada Revenue Agency, this year’s hike will increase the total federal carbon tax charge for gasoline to 8.8 cents per litre.
We also know that while unemployment rates are rising in Canada, your members of parliament are giving themselves a $3,000 pay increase. And that’s not an April Fools joke; it’s for real. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation believes Canadians have made sacrifices during
this past year and elected officials need to do their part as well.
One of the comments posted on social media said, “These raises should not continue every April 1. Workers, even unionized, don’t get the increases they have voted for themselves. This needs to stop, along with the gold plated pension of 100% of their salary for lifetime. No one has such a pension in the private sector, and taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for theirs.”
“We’re all in this together” is one of those phrases that’s been tossed around throughout the past year of restrictions. While people hunkered down inside, posters were on display stating “We’re All in this Together”. But are we really? Members of Parliament have not lost any wages during this time; instead they are being awarded raises.
It’s also no joke that a new poll by Morning Consult says the most despised industry in North America is the film industry. One of the reasons for this may be because the entertainment industry fully embraces the cancel culture. One example is
actress Jane Fonda protesting the Line 3 pipeline which has been bringing Canadian oil through Minnesota for decades. Fonda called our oil sands “the worst in the world”.
Unfortunately that is a bad joke, because it is simply not true.
The carbon intensity of oil sands production is declining thanks to innovative technology and improved efficiency.
In fact oil sands projects have decreased emissions intensity an average of 24 per cent since 2012. And Canada’s oil and gas sector accounts for just 0.3 per cent of global GHG emissions, and the oil sands accounts for just 0.1 percent of global emissions.
Those statistics haven’t stopped features such as the animated “The Bigfoot Family” casting the oil industry as murderous with the intent to kill animals and flooding Alaskan valleys with oil. It’s no joke that this fictitious story line could leave a lasting and misleading impression on children. That’s why it’s important to have groups like Suits & Boots and Canada Action who defend and support the oil and gas sector.
It’s vitally important for Canadians to speak up when it sounds like they’re being fooled, not just on April Fools Day but every day. Why is this important? Because the absence of freedom of speech clears a path for discrimination and oppression to take place. People who have come to North America from developing countries know better than anyone about the risks of this progression taking place.
Many of them came to North America expecting to benefit from a democratic society, but are often disappointed when they witness a lack of free speech, which will lead to the very oppression from which they escaped.
You can contact me at joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Moe aims to confine lockdown to Regina
Regina is now under a COVID-19 lockdown, not unlike the one the entire province was experiencing exactly a year ago.
It is something Premier Scott Moe vowed he would never do — a commitment he made just days before the October vote when daily cases in the province were in the single digits and there had only been a total of 25 deaths.
But rather that condemn the move —unpopular with those in running businesses or within his political base, regardless where in the province where they live — Moe should be credited for making the tough decision.
Unfortunately, new variants hammering Regina made this a decision he had to make.
In fact, the day Moe announced the strict new lockdown-like measures for Regina, the capital city was accounting for 763 of the 891 new variants cases in the province.
That day, Regina was also accounting for 91 of the 150 new cases in the province 755 of 1,422 the province’s active case.
“The concentration of the variants in Regina is quite high and that is why we are coming forward with a number
of tools at our disposal,” Moe said at a press conference.
“We have a higher concentration of variants anywhere else in Canada.”
It was a grim and uncomfortable admission for Moe to make — especially given the hope that mass vaccinations would allow Saskatchewan to get through the waning days of this pandemic.
Unfortunately, the reality for Regina is a growing fear of running out of ICU beds of the new variants’ fast-pace spread.
Theatres, bowling alleys, arcades, museums and libraries that had been reopened in Regina were ordered closed.
Some of Moe’s tough new measures are things the province hasn’t seen in a year — the closing of indoor dinking at restaurants and bars except for takeout orders, restrictions households to their immediate residents only with no visitors and limiting outdoor gatherings to no more than 10 people.
MURRAY MANDRYK Political Columnist
And religious services in Regina were capped at 30 people until April 6, meaning that traditional Easter services would again be severely limited.
Moe even went one step further in at least one area — recommending that Reginans only travel for essential reasons. The stay-at-home recommendation was even extended to the neighouring communities including, Pense, Belle Plaine, Grande Coulee, Regina Beach, Lumsden, Craven, Edenwold, White City, Balgonie, Kroneau, Davin, Gray, Riceton and Lajord.
Essentially, Regina is now experiencing the lockdown Moe vowed would never happen.
Given that Moe has shown he’s not exactly inclined to give in to the wishes of the NDP Opposition or some public health critics who were clamouring for such a measure, this very likely was a
last resort.
The Premier said he was following the advice of the province’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab.
So the question for many worried people elsewhere in the province is a simple one: Who after Regina might be next to face a lockdown?
Well, the good news — at least hopeful — is that it may be no one.
Let is be clear that Moe’s unpopular measures may need to applied elsewhere. At this point, we really don’t know.
Those tracking variants now see numbers in south central and southeast Saskatchewan that were similar to Regina’s numbers a week or two ago. This only heightens the fear that new variants could spread from Regina to not only these areas but virtually every area in the province.
But here is the good news: While both the spread within the city has been dramatic, we are still only talking about a Regina outbreak.
There are those who argue Moe could have and should have acted faster, butby acting now, it might be possible that the outbreak will be confined to Regina. That surely is the hope.
Transforming recycled rope into decorative decor
JOAN JANZEN joanjanzen@yahoo.com
What do you do when you find yourself stuck inside during a long, cold winter? Well, Cori Fyke, who lives on a mixed farming/cattle operation south of Lemsford, Sask. decided to use her free time to get creative, and her small business venture - Rustic Ropes, was the result.
The idea for her venture came as the result of seeing a couple of other individuals in Western Canada constructing decorative pieces out of repurposed rope. “I talked to one of the ladies, and she told me how she did it. It was just a learning curve from then on,” Cori said. “I looked at pictures and learned how to do it by trial and error, with quite a number of burnt fingers.”
In January of 2021, Cori turned her boredom into a home business venture, but first, she had to find some rope to work with. “Rope is difficult to get; you have to know the right people,” she explained. Since new rope is too expensive to use for
these decorative projects, Cori looks for used rope. “I guess I’m recycling,” she added.
She buys rope from cowboys who compete in rodeos and from auction marts. “Black is burnt into the rope from being wrapped around the horn of the saddle,” she said, which adds a decorative look to her pieces. However, there’s much work to be done before the rope is ready to be crafted into a unique creation.
Cori explained that there are different kinds of rope, ranging from soft to hard. She begins by boiling the rope, soaking it in a tub with laundry detergent and borax for 24 hours, and then washing it in the washing machine.
Dyeing the rope is the next step. “White rope is hard to come by, and dyeing the rope can be hit and miss,” Cori said and explained that the rope doesn’t necessarily come out the colour you anticipated, so there is much experimenting involved.
“The process is not as easy as I figured. The best way that seems to
work is to simmer the rope until all the wax has melted off, then exchange the waxy soapy water for clean water. Then I bring the clean water to 181 degrees F before adding the dye, mixing, and adding the rope. Some rope dyes within ten minutes and others take hours.” After the dyeing is done, she puts the rope in a warm place to dry for a few hours.
Once the rope is dry, Cori melts all the way around the rope with a soldering iron. “That’s where the burnt fingers begin,” Cori explained. It takes Cori between two to three hours to create one decorative item. After she had completed a dozen or so items, Cori started a group page on social media, and people began to message her, requesting different items. Although making the shape people want isn’t a problem, there’s no guarantee the colour will be exactly as requested, Cori explained.
Cori does this work in her basement. “If it’s a good week, I can make an item a day, depending on what we’re doing at the ranch,” she said. “We’re busy people. We feed cows every day, so we’re up doing that every morning.”
“I enjoy doing it,” Cori said. “Everybody who has purchased items has been pleased with them.” Cori’s creations are not only sturdy and decorative, but beautiful as well. One satisfied customer asked Cori if she would help out with a fundraiser auction in one of the local villages, so Cori donated an item to the auction.
Life on the farm will soon become busy with calving, branding and other jobs that need to be done, so Cori will have less time to spend on her RustIc Ropes creations. But whenever she has free time, you can be sure she will be back in her basement making more beautiful rope decor.
FARMLAND & YARDSITE FOR SALE BY TENDER
R.M. of Newcombe #260 N1/2 16-27-23 W3rd, SE 15-27-23 W3rd,
R.M. of Chesterfield #261 SE 35-25-26 W3rd, PT NE 25-25-26 W3rd, PT NW 25-25-26 W3rd Includes 2420 sq bungalow, 38’ x 66’ cold storage shed, 1x3000 bushel steel bin. Land is leased out for 2021 Crop Year
Refer to: www.edgerealty.ca website under farmland for information on tender or call Brad Edgerton at 306-463-7357.
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF MILTON NO. 292 PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Milton No. 292 intends to adopt a bylaw under e Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No. 2017-08, known as the Zoning Bylaw.
INTENT
e proposed bylaw amendment will:
• Provide requirements for the location of temporary agriculture or resource based buildings or structures.
• Provide for the development of “Temporary Work Camps” as a discretionary use in the Agricultural Resource District (AR).
• Provide for the development of “Racetracks” as a discretionary use in the Agricultural Resource District (AR) including speci c discretionary use evaluation requirements.
• Provide for the development of “Storage Facilities” as a discretionary use in the Special Service Area District (SS) including speci c discretionary use evaluation requirements.
• Provide for the development of “Agricultural Principal Uses” as a discretionary use in the Special Service Area District (SS) including appropriate development standards.
• Increase the maximum height of fences and hedges located in the Special Service Area District (SS) from 2.0 metres (7 ) to 2.5 metres (8 ).
REASON
e reasons for the amendment are to:
• Minimize potential land use con icts with respect to the location of temporary agriculture or resource based buildings or structures.
• Facilitate the development of “Temporary Work Camps” and “Racetracks” in the Agricultural Resource District (AR).
• Facilitate the development of “Storage Facilities” and “Agricultural Principal Uses” in the Special Service Area District (SS).
• Increase the maximum height of a fence or hedge in the Special Service Area District (SS).
Please note, that should Council adopt these amendments to the Zoning Bylaw, they will subsequently hold a public hearing and consider the following discretionary use applications:
• A Temporary Work Camp proposed by Kelly Panteluk Construction Ltd. on the NE-27-29-27-W3 to house workers for the construction of passing lane on Highway 7.
• A Racetrack for motorized vehicles proposed by Lisa Ensor on the NE 06-29-27W3. Existing slough area to be utilized to create an oval dirt track with existing materials.
PUBLIC INSPECTION
Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Municipal O ce, located at 20 1st Avenue North, in the Village of Marengo, between the following hours and excluding statutory holidays: Monday, Wednesday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tuesday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Copies of the proposed bylaw are available at the Municipal o ce.
PUBLIC HEARING
Council will hold a public hearing on April 14, 2021 at 8:30 AM at the Marengo Community Hall located at 13 Main Street in Marengo, Saskatchewan 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 o ce before the hearing.
Issued at the Village of Marengo this 18th day of March, 2021. Robin Busby, Administrator
Cori Fyke working on a rope creation.
Introducing Jordan Parker
Jordan Parker is a communications professional who runs his own television and film firm Parker PR. An award-winning journalist, Parker has worked all over the country, including in Swift Current, Gull Lake, Maple Creek and Grande Prairie, but calls Nova Scotia home.
He has a deep love of film and movie theatres are among his favourite places. He holds a Masters in Investigative Journalism from Halifax’s University of King’s College, and an Advanced Diploma in PR from NSCC.
When Parker isn’t watching movies, he’s hopelessly devoted to cheering for his sadsack Maple Leafs. Reach out to him at 902-240-7384 or jordanparker339@gmail.com with story ideas.
Editor’s Note: I have had the priviledge of working with Jordan for the past several years. Don’t hesitate to give him a call with your story ideas. He may live in Nova Scotia now, but in these days of social distancing and communicating through phone and email, he is a welcome addition to our editorial team! - Kate
University of Manitoba student seeking cover crop survey participants
JORDAN PARKER
A study on cover crops and their uses by a University of Manitoba Ph.D. candidate could provide much-needed context and knowledge for the Prairies.
Callum Morrison, a second-year student focusing on plant science, wants to capture and encapsulate Saskatchewan’s unique experiences and other provinces but needs farmers’ help.
“I want to see the current state of cover cropping in the Prairies. We want to see what has been done, why it was done that way, and what’s leading farmers to their decisions,” he said.
“I’m looking at how cover crops are used, the benefits farmers have seen, and any trends over time. We also need to look at the challenges farmers face. This can allow farmers, researchers and policymakers to mitigate issues, find better support, and research what the future holds.”
This marks the first cover crop survey across the three Prairie provinces – Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba – and a similar project in Ontario.
“A cover crop can be grown to provide cover to soil, and they’re usually grown when cash crops aren’t. Any crop that provides a farmer income is a ‘cash crop,’ “he said.
“Cover crops are also grown in the shoulder season and are often done by organic and livestock farmers.”
Morrison said the information he’s been seeking just wasn’t there before, so he made a choice to try to gain it.
“We knew there were innovative farmers doing cover crops, but we didn’t know the results of their work. We needed specific regional data. We have diverse climates, moisture and season changes,” he said.
“It wasn’t enough to just rely on numbers from the U.S. We needed
local stats. We needed numbers good enough for our local farmers.”
The survey began in 2019, and it was the first across the prairie provinces. It became imperative when – due to COVID-19 – no field studies could be conducted.
They currently have over 400 respondents from the Prairies – with 225 who did cover crop in 2020.
“We want to expand participation. We asked farmers questions they’d like answers to as well, and we want to extend a survey to those who didn’t do cover crops and ask why,” he said.
“The possible adoption of cover cropping can be gauged, as well as what is limiting cover crop use. We can attempt to reduce barriers to doing it and gain all sorts of necessary data.”
To learn more about the survey, please visit https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/prairiecovercrops2020.
Farmland For Sale By Tender
R.M. of CHESTERFIELD #261
Conditions of Offers:
1. All offers and inquiries to be submitted on or before Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.
2. Highest or any offers not necessarily accepted.
3. Persons submitting offers must rely on their own research, inspection of land as to conditions and No.of acres.
4. Deposit cheque for 5% of the offered amount must accompany the offer. Cheque made payable to Edge Realty Ltd. in Trust (cheques will be returned to unsuccessful bidders).
5. No offers will be considered which are subject to financing.
6. Mineral rights not included.
7. Please forward all bids and inquiries to:
NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL
R.M. of
Deer Forks No. 232
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the RM of Deer Forks No. 232 for the year 2021 has been prepared and is open to inspection in the o ce of the Assessor from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the following days: Monday & Wednesday, April 1 to June 1, 2021.
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of e Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to le his or her notice of appeal with: e District Board of Revision Secretary, Ms. Aileen Swenson, 2405 Gordon Rd, Regina, Sask. S4S 4M4, by the 1st day of June, 2021.
Dated this 1st day of April, 2021.
Conditions of Offers:
1. All offers and inquiries to be submitted on or before Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
2. Highest or any offers not necessarily accepted.
3. Persons submitting offers must rely on their own research, inspection of land as to conditions and No.of acres.
4. Deposit cheque for 5% of the offered amount must accompany the offer. Cheque made payable to Edge Realty Ltd. in Trust (cheques will be returned to unsuccessful bidders).
5. No offers will be considered which are subject to financing.
6. Mineral rights not included.
7. Please forward all bids and inquiries to:
Kim Lacelle Assessor
Your West Central Voice
Freelance journalist, Jordan Parker
Moe responds to carbon tax ruling with five strategies
BRIAN ZINCHUK Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
REGINA – Saskatchewan’s fight against the federal carbon tax was lost on March 25, when the Supreme Court of Canada ruled 6-3 that a federal carbon tax is indeed constitutional.
It’s been a long haul for Premier Scott Moe, who recounted the fight going back to his days as environment minister, prior to assuming the leadership of the Saskatchewan Party and premiership.
Speaking to a press conference at the Legislature in response to the court loss, Moe said that back in October, 2016, he and the other environment ministers were meeting to discuss reducing greenhouse gas emissions “while respecting provincial jurisdiction and recognizing the unique characteristics of each region across this great nation.”
“At the very moment that we were meeting in 2016, at that very same time, when we sat down in Montreal, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, he rose in the House of Commons to announce that the federal government would unilaterally impose a carbon tax on all of the provinces and territories. This was a stunning betrayal of the prime minister’s promise to premiers to work in a cooperative fashion on climate change. A promise that He had made just a few months prior, at the first ministers meeting in Vancouver, where all 13 of the provinces and territories they signed the Vancouver Declaration and agreement to work together as Canadians to address climate change and to respect provincial diversity.”
Moe said, “We saw the federal carbon tax for quite frankly what it was and what it is today, a blunt ineffective instrument that kills jobs and threatens our energy-intensive industries. We knew that we had to do all that we could to stop this federal carbon tax or at least we had to do everything that we could to try because standing up for Saskatchewan people. It’s always a fight that’s worth having.”
Thus, Saskatchewan launched a constitutional challenge in the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, where it lost in a split decision. Ontario did the same in its own Court of Appeal, and Alberta won it its Court of Appeal, setting the stage for the final battle at the Supreme Court of Canada.
Moe said, “Today, the Supreme Court has released its judgment. The court has ruled that the federal government does have the constitutional authority to impose a carbon
tax on the hardworking people that I represent in this province of Saskatchewan.
“The ruling does come with a strong dissenting opinion, one that warns that the decision has far-reaching implications for further federal intrusion into areas of provincial jurisdiction. For example, in his dissenting opinion Justice Brown wrote and I quote, ‘This is a model of federalism that rejects our Constitution and rewrites the rules of Confederation.’
“He goes on to say, ‘Its implications go far beyond the carbon tax law, opening the door to federal intrusion by way of the imposition of national standards into all areas of provincial jurisdiction including interprovincial trade and commerce, health, and the management of natural resources.’
“He goes on, “It is bound to lead to serious tensions in the Federation,’ end quote. It’s a very sobering warning from a Supreme Court justice,” Moe said.
“While today’s decision does effectively and our legal avenues as a province, it does not end our opposition to this costly and ineffective tax. And just because Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has the legal right to impose a carbon tax, I would say that it doesn’t mean that he should.”
He added that, “This decision does not in any way invalidate our government’s position that there is a much better way to address climate change,” referencing the province’s “Prairie Resilience” climate change strategy.
Five strategies
So what now? Moe said, “Here are some of the measures that we will take in the months ahead to ensure that we can forge our own path, as we deal with those impose consequences.
“First, we will bring electrical generation and our natural gas transmission, our SaskPower and SaskEnergy companies, under the provincial greenhouse gas emissions regulations that are now under development. Currently SaskPower and SaskEnergy operate under the federal rules. Under provincial legislation we will have more control over the regulations that they operate under. And we will have more flexibility in how carbon tax revenues are then distributed. A request has already been made, dating back to February the 4th, to the federal environment minister for this to occur, and to occur retroactively, dating back to January 1, 2019.
“Second, the government will submit a proposal that will see Saskatchewan design its own carbon pricing system for fuel; a system that will be similar to the one the federal government has approved in the province of New Brunswick, and it would be our expectation that the federal government would approve Saskatchewan’s proposal. This would provide an immediate rebate, right at the pump, to Saskatchewan people.
He continued, “Third, Saskatchewan will develop a greenhouse gas offset program as an option for regulated industries to meet their annual emission reduction target. Under the program companies could buy carbon credits from farmers, from ranchers, from our forestry operators, from municipalities and other businesses that may have the opportunity to sequester carbon.
“The Ministry of Environment is conducting these consultations and will continue throughout this year, and the program should be in place sometime in 2022.”
In a strategy that seems to be gaining steam in four provinces, Moe said, “Fourth, we will be asking the federal government to support the development of small modular nuclear reactors in this nation. As you know, Saskatchewan and Ontario are teaming up with New Brunswick, and very shortly, Alberta, to advance small modular reactor technology. This literally is game changing technology, and one we would ask the federal government to participate in.”
Moe said, “And finally, we are asking the federal government to provide Saskatchewan with its fair share of funding from the federal Low Carbon Economy Fund, which to this point, has not been provided. It’s been withheld. Each and every province and territory has benefited from this initiative, Saskatchewan has not, because we chose not to sign a pan-Canadian framework agreement that included the imposition of a carbon tax. By our estimate, our province should now receive $126 million from the Low Carbon Economy Fund, and we would ask for that to be submitted shortly. We’ve already submitted a number of projects that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 190 million tonnes over their lifespan. The federal government, I would say, should treat all Canadians fairly. We should not treat Canadians differently, and we would ask that they provide this Low Carbon Economy funding to the province of Saskatchewan immediately.”
Stuck in Stranraer
kate@yoursouthwest.com
Ihad a pretty good first weekend of spring. I travelled down to Gull Lake on Friday after work and helped Robert with some never-ending renovations on our house.
We got up early on Saturday morning and travelled to Medicine Hat. After a quick trip to the Home Depot, I called my Mom to see if she was allowed any visitors at her condo. Mom was surprised that we were in the city, as we haven’t made many trips over the past year due to Covid. We had a good visit and got to watch a bit of the Mixed Doubles Curling on TSN - curling is my Mom’s absolute favourite thing to watch. I’m kind of surprised she didn’t make us wait to come over until the game was over!
I’m not a big shopper, but before we left Medicine Hat, I told Robert that I was in desperate need of a new pair of running shoes. The ones that I had were
starting to come apart at the sole, and I didn’t want to get my feet wet with the spring thaw.
We toddled back to Gull Lake for the evening, and after a good night’s slumber, I was headed back to Kindersley to get papers ready for mailing for Monday morning.
It was such a beautiful drive, hardly another vehicle on the road—lots of deer, geese and gophers. I had brought my camera with me, but alas, I forgot my SD card in my computer at workno photos on this trip.
I thought that I should stop by Peavy Mart when I got back to town and pick up some rubber boots. It is pretty dry out there, but the odd puddle and sometimes getting that “perfect shot” require going places that you probably shouldn’t in everyday footwear.
I didn’t even stop at the house upon my return. I headed straight to the office as I figured my kids would be sleeping in on a Sunday morning anyhow.
Notice of Preparation of Assessment Roll R.M. of Winslow No. 319
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll for the R.M. of Winslow No. 319 for the year 2021 has been prepared and is open for inspection in the office of the assessor from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following days: Monday to Friday – April 1 to June 2, 2021.
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of The Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person who wishes to appeal against his or her assessment is required to file his or her notice of appeal with:
Aileen Swensen
The Secretary of the Board of Revision
Gord Krismer & Associates
2405 Gordon Rd Regina, SK S4S 4M4 by the 2nd day of June, 2021.
For information regarding your assessment please contact the Assessor at:
Rural Municipality of Winslow No. 319
Box 310, Dodsland, SK S0L 0V0
Dated this 1st day of April, 2021.
Regan MacDonald Assessor
I finished doing my work chores shortly after lunch and went back home. My daughter greeted me at the door and said, “Mom, we should go for a drive. I’m bored.”
“It’s a perfect day for a road trip,” I said. We hopped in the car, drove back to the office for my camera’s SD card, filled with gas and headed north. I had a specific place in mind.
Can you believe that I have never been to Dodsland? Or anywhere along Hwy 31?
We made a stop at the former location of the Algoma SD. #2876 (see photo on the back page of this paper). We turned into Dodsland and were greeted by a colourful “Dodsland Welcomes You” sign. We drove up and down every street in the small village, happily snapping photos of an old gas station, CASE dealership, the cenotaph and much more.
Our journey continued through the community of Plenty and then down
into the Eagle Creek Valley, where the tiny hamlet of Stranraer is located.
My daughter and I both gasped as we saw the old Stranraer School and immediately pulled into the entrance to take a photo. I could see a church steeple over the hill and told Jaidyn that we needed to have a closer look. I failed to drive around the only puddle that I saw on our trip in all of my excitement. You guessed it. We got stuck! For some reason unknown, I must have thought I had 4x4 in my Kia Forte.
Thankfully, we didn’t have to struggle too long, as some good samaritans saw our predicament, and we were able to find dry land again - not before I broke in my new running shoes.
Moral of the story: When going on a weekend road trip, don’t forget your rubbers! Strangely enough, this had an entirely different meaning 30 years ago. Looking forward to more adventures this spring!
FARMLAND FOR SALE BY TENDER R.M. OF OAKDALE NO. 320 AND VILLAGE OF COLEVILLE
1) NW 6-32-23-W3rd
160 acres approximately
Closing date for Tenders is April 2, 2021
• Highest tender or any tender not necessarily accepted.
• O ers must exclude G.S.T. or any other levies which may be payable by the purchaser.
• Purchasers must rely on their own research and inspection of the property.
• 10% of purchase price must accompany tender which will be returned if tender not accepted.
• Approximately $10,000 annual surface lease revenue from 3 wells;
• O ers should clearly state land description and total o er.
• Taxes for 10 acres are paid to Village of Coleville
Forward tender to: Sheppard & Millar Barristers & Solicitors 113 - 1st Avenue East Box 1510
Kindersley, Saskatchewan S0L 1S0 Attention: Mark L. Millar
Please include le 21-6119 when submitting tender.
KATE WINQUIST
So much for new shoes!
The historic Stranraer United Church hides over a hill.
| PHOTO BY KATE WINQUIST
Sports with Bruce Penton
Does CFL need XFL to survive?
It’s rare that the Canadian Football League makes headlines — in two countries, no less — in March, but when there’s money and merger on the line, not to mention potential for salvation and/or demise, headlines come easy.
The CFL, which abandoned its 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, was in infant stages of organizing the 2021 season when Commissioner Randy Ambrosie confirmed that collaboration talks with the XFL, a hangin’-by-athread grid league in the United States, would take place. The XFL is fronted by the wildly popular Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson and his ex-wife, Dany Garcia.
“We look forward to seeing what possibilities our discussions might uncover, and to sharing those with our fans as the process unfolds,” Ambrosie said to ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert.
Immediately, panic set in among a number of CFL followers, who love the Canadian game and its unique rules (three downs, 12 players on the field, longer and wider field, the rouge, Canadian/import player ratios) and are worried that the CFL’s demise might be
imminent if it casts its lot with an unproven entity such as the XFL.
Veteran CFL broadcaster
Bob Irving of Winnipeg, who has covered the league since the early 1970s, has concerns about the CFL’s future. “I think the CFL has been seduced by the Rock’s charisma and worldwide popularity,” said Irving.
“There is no harm in the CFL listening to what The Rock and his group have to offer, but if these talks lead to a merger, my worst fears will be founded.
The things that make the Canadian game so unique … would all be in peril and if the failed CFL expansion to the U.S. in the 1990s proved anything, it’s that the CFL is far better off to find a solution to its problems on the north side of the border. Hopefully, a successful return to play in 2021 will allow the CFL to end this dalliance with the XFL.”
One thing the XFL does have, that the CFL covets, is money. Not playing games, or playing games without fans, is a killer for the CFL, which collects the bulk of its revenue from gate receipts. Billion-dollar TV deals exist in the U.S., but definitely not north of the border.
The XFL doesn’t plan to play in 2021, but is looking toward a restart in 2022. Whether that includes some sort of arrangement involving the CFL remains to be seen, There are two distinct views: 1. A lot of flag-waving Canadians pray for the status quo, without any American involvement; 2. A lot of flag-waving Canadians pray for the XFL’s involvement to prevent the CFL’s demise.
• Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg: “Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to a one-year contract extension. The contract includes a $5 million incentive bonus for another drunken boat toss of the Lombardi Trophy.”
• Comedy writer Brad Dickson of Omaha: “Appar-
ently after watching too many sporting events, the Nebraska governor is about to announce that businesses can reopen ‘at 110 per cent capacity.’ ”
• Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star, on Twitter: “Curling observation: Kevin Koe, whether winning or losing, often looks like he’s wondering if he left the stove on.”
• Patti Dawn Swansson, aka the River City Renegade, expressing skepticism about a future CFL-XFL arrangement: “Maybe they’ll make a go of it this time around. And maybe Johnny Manziel will collect as many Super Bowl rings as Tom Brady.”
• Quebec skip Mike Fournier, writing in SI/com, on one Brier game which began with five consecutive blank ends: “I think even the cardboard cutouts were napping.”
• Alex Kaseberg again: “People are either excited about filling out their NCAA brackets for the tournament or they’re not. When I told my co-worker I had Gonzaga in the semis, she suggested I should get a shot of penicillin.”
• Headline at TheOnion. com: “Report: Most NFL teams just 1 or 2 overpriced free agents away from Super Bowl victory.”
• Bob Ryan of The Boston Globe, via Twitter, on the death of middleweight icon Marvelous Marvin Hagler: “At his championship peak, he was Boston’s fifth major sports franchise all by himself.”
• Jack Finarelli, at sportscurmudgeon.com, on March Madness referees prepping for the pro ranks: “They certainly ignored enough travelling violations last night to demonstrate to the NBA mavens that they have that part of their officiating duties down pat.”
• Finarelli, who loves going through rosters of NCAA teams and then playing name games, offered up this one: “Dajuan Harris, Jr. is a guard on the Kansas team. Too bad he is not a twin; if he were, his brother could have been named ‘Da-udda-juan’.”
• Steve Simmons of Sun Media, recalling one of his favourite lines from former NHL coach Harry Neale: “Last season we couldn’t win at home. This season we can’t win on the road. My failure as a coach is I can’t think of any place else to play.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Working together for a Strong Saskatchewan
Everyone is feeling the impact of COVID-19 on their families, livelihoods, and way of life. Together we have worked with medical professionals to reduce the impact, ensure health and safety, rebuild businesses, as well as promote job creation, growth, and investment.
After a year of adapting to all aspects of this global health challenge, we can take comfort in our vaccine rollout’s effectiveness to date. I strongly encourage you to get the COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available to you. If you have yet to receive the vaccine, please watch for regular updates on clinics and eligibility. When it’s your time, you can book an appointment online at www.saskatchewan.ca/ COVID19-vaccine or by phone at 1-833-SASK-VAX (1833-727-5829).
The Government of Saskatchewan has amended The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 to allow for paid time off from work for an employee to get vaccinated for COVID-19. This new regulation comes into force immediately. Special Vaccination Leave is similar to provisions allowing residents to vote during a general election, allowing for:
• three consecutive hours leave during work hours to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, or
• more than three consecutive hours if the employer determines the circumstances warrant a longer break from work; and
• workers do not lose any pay or other benefits while receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.
You can learn about the current public health measures in Saskatchewan at www.saskatchewan.ca/ covid19-measures.
Saskatchewan continues to have what the world needs and is better positioned than any other jurisdiction in Canada for a strong and vibrant economic recovery from COVID-19.
Our economy continues to move in the right direction, with year-over-year manufacturing sales growing well above the national average. We are also seeing significant growth in residential building construction along with remarkable export and job numbers in recent months.
Investments in infrastructure during this extraordinary time provide an opportunity to make our communities more sustainable and resilient. Recently, more than $33 million in joint federal and provincial funding was announced for 26 Saskatchewan projects. Providing communities with reliable and sustainable infrastructure is a shared priority for both governments.
All levels of government continue to work together for the people of Saskatchewan to make strategic infrastructure investments. In Saskatchewan, these projects will provide better access to community amenities such as playgrounds and swimming pools, update sewage systems and ensure reliable, efficient water services.
Rural municipalities play a significant role in our plan to build a strong Saskatchewan. This new funding will ensure projects will be ready for this construction season to help build rural infrastructure while protecting and growing jobs across our province.
Our government has announced $11.2 million in economic stimulus funds for the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth program. This funding boost will provide a head-start on getting projects approved for the 2021 construction season and will continue to assist RMs with the cost of construction and upgrading municipal roads, bridges and culverts to support growth. With the additional dollars, our government contributes more than $39 million to the program in 2020-21.
This program is an important component of the province’s plan to rebuild 100 roads over the next three years and 100 bridges over the next four years.
As always, our Constituency Office is here to assist you.
Please contact us by phone or e-mail if you have questions or need help with government programs or services.
Ken Francis, MLA Kindersley Constituency Box 2620, Unit 5, 1001 Main St., Kindersley Phone: 306-463-4446 / kfrancis@gmail.com
The memorial statue situated in Veterans Park in downtown Medicine Hat is a permanent reminder for Don Bamber of Oyen. Not only does the monument represent soldiers who died in WWI, but it was Don’s grandfather, Albert James Hart, who carved the cenotaph. It was erected in 1922. A great-granddaughter of Albert Hart, Carol (Bamber) Ritchie, collected much of the historical information about her famous relative.
At that time, Canadians in various communities wished to find some way to honour war heroes who had died overseas, so fundraising began. As a result, a war memorial committee was formed in Medicine Hat, which helped with the fundraising project, along with the Great War Veterans’ Association and the Great War Next of Kin Association. Over $4,000 was raised, which is equivalent to $59,400 in today’s currency, to be used to construct a permanent monument in Riverside Park. Everyone got involved in raising funds, including businesses, churches, service clubs, and even schoolchildren.
Don’s grandfather was given the task of constructing the monument. The Bamber grandkids recalled their grandfather coming to visit in Oyen in 1945, driving a 1939 Chrysler. Don’s brother Bob remembered taking a trip to the United States with his grandfather. He told the guard his occupation at the border crossing, and the guard asked if he had brought his tools. When his grandfather said he had his tools, the guard asked if he would carve a date on a grave marker in a nearby cemetery, which Hart willingly did. No job was too small or too insignificant for Albert Hart, even though he was a monument sculptor.
Hart had apprenticed and worked as a marble cutter after dropping out of high school to help support his widowed mother and siblings in Brandon, Manitoba. As an apprentice, he had created a life-size bust of Queen Victoria. Beginning in 1922, Hart started to advertise himself as a “monumental sculptor.” Later, in 1906, Hart and his wife and children moved to Calgary, where he started his own business.
In 1922, Hart imported slabs of granite and marble from Europe, which he used to create a 5’6” life-like statue of a soldier. The figure stood on a tapered red granite column on a grey granite base. The finished product was so successful that he was asked to build two more, one in Nanton and another in Lacombe. Those statues were similar, with the soldier being positioned in slightly different poses. Each sculpture was carved from Carrara Italian marble. These were said to be some of the Great War’s finest memorials to be found in Western Canada.
Names of soldiers who died in WWI, and succeeding wars, have their names etched into the granite of these cenotaphs. Albert Hart operated his business until 1953 and died at the age of 79 in 1957, and is buried in Calgary. Carved as his epitaph are the words “Rock of Ages, cleft for me.”
Don Bamber stands beside his grandfather’s monument in Medicine Hat. Inset: Amazing detail of the statue carved by Albert Hart. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Eston’s Ice Surface Project is underway
The Ice Surface Project at the Eston AGT Community Complex is already underway. The glass and boards surrounding the skating rink have already started to be taken down to make space for the extensive work that needs to be done on the pad. This project is a large and expensive undertaking but one that needs to be completed in order to continue using the arena efficiently.
The current concrete has shifted enough over time that the difference in ice thickness from one area to another has varied by up to six inches in some areas. The difference in ice thicknesses put a strain on the refrigeration system and has also affected the use of the rink gates. Curling seasons have been cut short due to plant failures.
The complex is facilitated by a joint committee comprised of both Town of Eston and R.M. of Snipe Lake councillors. Together with the Recreation committee, everyone agreed that this surfacing project needed to be completed as soon as possible as is set to be completed already by early fall 2020. The project is currently being tendered.
This project is estimated to cost over 1.5 million dollars. The committees are looking at various grants to fund this proj-
ect, but are also reaching out to the community for fundraising. Currently, the public can purchase squares for $150 and $300.
There will also be an auction held on Saturday, April 17. Donations of various items are being accepted. Even things such as baking, house
cleaning hours, and dinner parties will gladly be added to the list of items. If you would like to donate, please call or email the Recreation Director, Erin Simpson, at recreation@eston.ca or 306962-4460.
More information regarding the auction will be available soon!
FULL-TIME SEASONAL HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
R.M. of Newcombe No. 260
e R.M. of Newcombe No. 260 is accepting applications for the position of heavy equipment operator.
e successful candidate will be able to, or be willing to learn to:
• Operate various pieces of equipment as required (grader, tractor mower, payloader, gravel truck, snow plow)
• Maintain and repair roads
• Service and maintain various equipment
• Perform all duties assigned by Foreman and Council
• Work with minimal supervision
• Be safety conscious, be willing to take direction from supervisor, and be capable of working within a small group is is a seasonal position and usually runs from April to November each year. A Valid 1-A driver’s licence is preferred and a driver’s abstract is required.
e R.M. of Newcombe o ers a competitive wage and comprehensive bene ts package including the Municipal Employees Pension Plan.
Applications should include previous work experience (including types of equipment operated and any special training/ certi cation) and references.
Applications will be received until 12:00 noon on Monday, April 12, 2021 at the following address:
Kindersley Denture Clinic
R.M. of Newcombe No. 260 Box 40
rm260@yourlink.ca
Notice is hereby given that the assessment roll of the
of
for
has been
and is
for inspection. e assessment can be found at eston.ca/ assessment (under the Town tab) or by contacting the Town O ce at 306-962-4444.
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
From March 24, 2021 to May 25, 2021
A bylaw pursuant to section 214 of e Municipalities Act has been passed and the assessment notices have been sent as required.
Any person who wishes to appeal an assessment is required to le a notice of appeal, accompanied by the applicable fee:
e Assessor - Town of Eston Box 757, Eston, SK S0L 1A0 By 5pm on Monday, May 25, 2021
Or drop this o at the Town of Eston o ce. An appeal fee of $50.00 per property must accompany the appeal request.
Dated March 24, 2021 J. Schmidt, Assessor
Classifieds
FOR SALE
Need Excellent Extra Storage? 2-4200 bus. and 1-3800 bus Butler bins on H.D. “Prairie Steel” floors with skids. Asling $9250.00 or best offer for all. 306-4637756. MR29
FOR SALE: 2003 40’ Merritt aluminum grain trailer w/air ride and electric chute openers. $23,500.00. Call 306962-6677. APR19
FOR RENT
ROOMS FOR RENT.
$500. Includes all utilities. Call Tim Schuh at 306460-9292. tn
HOUSE & YARD FOR RENT: 2 miles south of Eston on Hwy 30. $1000 per month. Call 1-306962-7881. AP6
2 bedroom Adult Living Condo for rent in Kindersley. Close to downtown. 5 appliances, central vac and cable TV included. Call or text 306-4639598. MR29
HELP WANTED
Prairie West Historical Society is taking applications for an energetic, enthusiastic post secondary student to work 30 hours per week from May 25 to August 21, 2021. Some weekend work may be involved. Duties include providing tours, taking inventory, care of collections, documentation, cleaning, and maintaining grounds. Applicants must register with Young Canada Works through the online candidate inventory at (www.youngcanadaworks.gc.ca). Appli-
Barristers and Solicitors
Monte J. Sheppard, BA., JD. Mark L. Millar, BA., JD.
cants must be returning to full time studies in the fall. Apply with resume to PWHS, Box 910, Eston,
SK by April 17. For more information text 306-4027534 or email: emljacobson@sasktel.net
WANTED WANTED
• Fax: 306-463-6550 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
Tijuana dish
Harden
Aladdin’s pal
Not at work 31. Party or shower
Sure-Fire Streaming:
The best in TV and film from your living room
BY JORDAN PARKER h ps://parkerandpictures.wordpress.com/
Detective Pikachu – Available On Netflix
This adorable little nostalgia-trip will absolutely delight those of us 20-35 years of age, and this new generation of children as well.
Based on the ever-popular trading card and television dynasty, Pokemon, comes this truly awesome live-action movie set in a world where real-life people collect Pokemon and battle with them.
A young, lonely boy comes across a mythical creature named Pikachu, and soon realizes his new furry friend has aspirations to be a detective.
Featuring an animal voiced by loveable Canadian Ryan Reynolds, and a lovely performance from Justic Smith, this movie is about ten times more fun that it ever should be,
Honest Thief – Available On Netflix
Ever since Liam Neeson kicked butt and took names in Taken 11 years ago, the 69-year-old Oscar nominee has become an unlikely action star.
While Honest Thief doesn’t break much new ground, in a 2020 landscape that saw almost all our popcorn blockbuster fare delayed, it was a whole lot of fun.
It follow’s Neesons character Tom, a successful bank robber who decides to turn himself in when he meets the love of his life in Annie (played by Kate Walsh).
He’s ready to give the money he stole back and work out a plea agreement that won’t keep him from her too long, but at the hand-over, he’s double-crossed by two FBI agents looking to take the money themselves.
It’s one heck of an action tilt, with Walsh leading a set of great performances, including those from Jai Courtney,
Jeffrey Donovan, Anthony Ramos and Terminator 2’s Robert Patrick.
Taken, it is not, but you’ll get your adrenaline kick from Honest Thief just the same.
The Painter And The Thief – Available On Prime Video
Okay, let me level with you. This is a foreign-language documentary. Have I lost 80 per cent of you?
Fair enough, but for those still with me, you’re in for a real treat.
Director Benjamin Ree creates this unbelievable narrative about an artist who becomes friends with a thief who stole her paintings.
The two form an unlikely bond and when he becomes hurt in a car crash and needs full time care, she’s there.
Despite the fact she still hasn’t recovered her paintings, she cares for the man. But there are more changes afoot, and the film will leave you floored.
If you’ll stick with it, this is one of the best things to come out of 2020. Be patient, and you’ll be rewarded.
The Ranch – Available On Netflix
When I caught up with this six-year-
old series this week, it was like I was visiting an old friend.
Given the time I spent out in the prairies, this tale of two sons and the work they do on their family ranch with their curmudgeonly father rang pretty true.
With the same director as That 70s Show, and two of that show’s stars in this, it’s a nostalgia trip.
The difference? This is a foulmouthed, no-holds-barred comedy that you’ll shake your head at while you’re laughing.
Starring Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Oscar nominees Debra Winger and the venerable Sam Elliott, and Elisha Cuthbert of 24 fame, it’s a lovely cast that has amazing chemistry.
Watch for awesome cameos, a big-hearted feeling and a little bit of drama mixed in.
Out Of The Furnace – Available On Prime Video
Put frankly, this is the most underrated films of all time, and the fact it never received Oscar love in 2014 annoys me to this day.
When an ex-con, fresh out of prison for accidental manslaughter, realizes his brother has gotten caught up in drugs and gangs, he sets out to find him.
The police are little help, so Russell Baze goes in search within the underbelly confines of his small town for younger brother Rodney.
With a high-wattage all-star cast including Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Zoe Saldana, a ferocious, terrifying Woody Harrelson, Sam Shepard, Willem Dafoe and Forest Whitaker, it’s one of the best casts ever assembled.
Terrifying, moving and hugely powerful, Out Of The Furnace is can’t-miss cinema.
WEEK OF MARCH 28 TO APRIL 3, 2021
THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK: CAPRICORN, AQUARIUS AND PISCES
ARIES
You may have to jockey your way up the professional ladder to find success. There will be plenty of it, but first you’ll need to deal with a considerable amount of stress.
TAURUS
You’ll need to make a few compromises to reach a suitable agreement with certain people. You’ll get justice and settle a conflict before it escalates further.
GEMINI
There’s a lot of work ahead. The competition will know how to win you over by offering a more interesting position. You risk being tormented by questions about how to maintain your integrity.
CANCER
You’ll attract a lot of attention after you successfully diffuse a situation by making people laugh at your antics. You can also expect some warm applause.
LEO
You’ll have plenty to do at home or with your family. Fortunately, your loved ones will see your balancing act as heroic. You’ll demonstrate your ability to be responsible by establishing your priorities.
VIRGO
You’ll know just what to say to stand out from the crowd and make your point. You’ll spend the week driving people around so you can show off your new car.
LIBRA
You may take steps toward buying a property or finding a more suitable place to live. At the very least, you’ll shop around for something for the family. It’ll end up being quite the adventure.
SCORPIO
You’re a dynamic person who’s up for any challenge, be it at work or in other areas of your life. A quick vacation with your partner, friends or family would be appreciated. No matter how old they are, children can be a challenge.
SAGITTARIUS
If you let yourself become fatigued, you’ll be more vulnerable to germs. Don’t forget to make time for rest when you have several demanding projects on the go.
CAPRICORN
You’ll be surrounded by confused people, and you’ll occasionally need to take some alone time. You’ll also be inspired to explore a new form of spirituality with others who are close to you.
AQUARIUS
Time is in short supply for many people and this week, you’re no exception. You’ll need to work extra hard at your job to get everything done on time.
PISCES
Either with your partner or your friends, you’ll start to plan a trip abroad or somewhere local. You’ll also make changes at home, even if it’s just moving furniture around.
I think my friend is addicted to brake fluid, so I asked him about it. He said he can stop anytime.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS USE AMERICAN SPELLING
Power Plays
by Maureen Ulrich
Published by Wood Dragon Books
Review by Michelle Shaw
In this first book in the Jessie Mac Hockey Series, we are introduced to fourteen-year-old Jessie McIntyre, the new girl at Estevan Junior High. In Saskatoon, at her old school, Jessie was part of a close group of friends. Now, not only does she not have any friends but one of the girls, Kim, a real bully, makes every day of Jessie’s life a nightmare. Things get even worse when Jessie somehow manages to get on the bad side of a group of older kids who have a really scary reputation. She can’t tell her parents. They think she’s the one being difficult.
Jessie’s mom discovers that the local girls’ hockey team is in desperate need of players and signs her up, hoping to give her daughter a fresh start. But Jessie is a ringette player. She’s never played hockey before and she is horrified at what her mother has done. She’s also convinced that the other girls consider her a troublemaker and don’t want her on the team. But slowly Jessie begins to learn the game and fit in, and life starts looking up. Until her nemesis, Kim, joins the team. Another problem arises when Jessie and Kim end up falling for the same guy. There is so much happening in this book that it races along like a fast-paced hockey game.
Power Plays also deals with the important issue of bullying, specifically girl-on-girl violence. I was on the edge of my seat many times with some of the confrontations between Jessie and the other kids.
The Jessie Mac Hockey Series is aimed at a YA audience and is obviously ideal for lovers of hockey. But for those of us who don’t know our power play from our slapshot, there’s a handy “Jessie Mac dictionary” at the back of the
Power Plays Happy Ads!
book with all the hockey-specific terms one might need. I was so caught up in Jessie’s world that I kept turning the pages, desperate to find out what was going to happen next.
Power Plays was originally published in 2007 (this is the revised edition) and won a Moonbeam gold medal award. It was also a finalist for the Saskatchewan Book Awards, the Snow Willow Awards, and the BC Young Readers Choice (Stellar) Awards. There are now two other books in the Jessie Mac series and the fourth book, Shoot Out, will be published in Spring 2021.
Maureen Ulrich was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan but grew up in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta. In 1976, Maureen returned to Saskatoon to attend university and graduated in 1980 with an education degree. Her first teaching assignment was Lampman, Saskatchewan and she has pretty much lived there ever since. Maureen has been writing plays for young people since 1997 and has also written and produced several professional adult productions.
THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM WWW.SKBOOKS.COM
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