Marit apology after Queen’s medal nominee pleads guilty

By John Cairns Staff Reporter

Agriculture Minister

David Marit has issued an apology after nominating an individual charged with domestic abuse for a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.

The apology was issued shortly after Global News reported Marit had nominated Jim Wickett, treasurer and secretary and former chairman of farm advocacy organization Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association, for the medal after Wickett was charged with domestic assault.

The Global story cited court documents they obtained from Freedom of Information indicating Wickett was charged with assaulting his wife and for possessing a firearm without a licence in 2022, and had pled guilty to the assault charge on Feb. 9, 2023.

Marit has issued the following statement on the situation which is printed here in full:

“It is not appropriate for someone who is guilty of domestic abuse to re- ceive a medal or an honour from the province.

“As Minister of Agriculture, last year I accepted ministry recommendations and put forward nominations of individuals who have served in the agriculture industry for the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

“Last week, I learned of the legal circumstances of one of the nominees, including a domestic violence charge and guilty plea. As a result, this individual was immediately asked to return the medal and he has done so.

Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Registration

Light of Christ Catholic School Division and Living Sky School Division are accepting students into the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Programs for the 2023-24 school year. Students must meet the following criteria:

Kindergarten:

Children who are five years old as of December 31, 2023

Pre-Kindergarten: Children must be 3 or 4 years of age at the time of application. Please see the LOCCSD website (www.loccsd.ca) or the LSKYSD website (www.lskysd.ca) for further Pre-K criteria.

Please contact your local school for registration details.

North Battleford Schools –Light of Christ Catholic Schools

Holy Family (Pre-K & K) 306-445-2360

St. Mary (Pre-K & K) 306-445-5152

Notre Dame (Pre-K & K) 306-445-0283

Ecole Monseigneur Blaise Morand 306-446-2167

French Immersion (K only)

North Battleford/Battleford Schools –Living Sky Schools

Battleford Central (Pre-K & K) 306-937-2112

Bready (K Only) 306-445-4954

Connaught (Pre-K & K) 306-445-3661

Heritage Christian School (K Only) 306-446-3188

Lawrence (Pre-K & K) 306-445-4944

McKitrick (Pre-K & K) 306-445-3851

St. Vital Catholic School (Pre K & K) 306-937-2233

Growth That Works For Everyone

New Investments in Policing Build Upon Success

The 2023-24 Provincial Budget includes over $1 billion in investments in public safety and the justice system. This year’s budget builds on past investments to advance programs and services in policing and corrections. This has resulted in removing dangerous drugs, guns, and ammunition as well as making human trafficking interventions. While there is more work to do, we are seeing progress in making our province safer for everyone. Learn more at Saskatchewan.ca.

306-445-5195

306-893-2619