Meridian Source - April 11, 2024

SATURDAY STAND-OFF

Lloydminster anticarbon tax protesters continue to stand their ground at the Alberta Information Centre on the east side of the city.

The westbound lane was closed completely

on Saturday afternoon, and traffic was re-routed to the south. The police presence was substantial, but the media wasn’t allowed to enter the property.

“It was hours and hours of this stand-off with us and every bit of what they asked us to

do, we did,” said protest organizer Miranda Courts Sunday.

“They told us to stand behind the cat tails in the ditch—we all went back to the hill. We were told we could be on the sides of the access road here because it’s private

property and we have permission.”

During the first three days of the protest, they were allowed to stand on the shoulder of the road with signs and flags. They shut down the right lane as a safety buffer and enforced a 30/

kph speed limit. But by Wednesday evening things had changed.

“Wednesday night it was no, sorry, you’ve got to be at the grass line. So Wednesday late night we moved to the grass line,” said Courts.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Photo courtesy of Dallon Byrt

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

SIRT notified of death investigation

On Wednesday, April 3 at approximately 6:27 p.m., the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) received a notification from the RCMP related to a serious injury following a call for service at a rural address near Lloydminster.

SIRT’s Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT’s mandate and directed an investigation by SIRT.

On April 3, at approximately 7:14 a.m., the Maidstone

RCMP received a call from an individual requesting a wellness check on a relative after having been informed that the relative, a 68-year-old man, was deceased. This call was dispatched to an on-call member of the detachment. At approximately 4:30 p.m., the man’s relative contacted RCMP again, to request an update on the wellness check, and at 4:39 p.m., the originally dispatched member departed the Maidstone detachment. At approximately

5:01 p.m., the RCMP received a call from another relative of the man, who had physically attended to the residence, reporting that the man was seriously injured but alive. RCMP attended to the residence shortly after this call and located the man.

EMS was contacted and transported the man to hospital where he later died.

Following the notification, a SIRT team consisting of the Civilian Executive Director and five SIRT investigators was deployed

to Maidstone to begin their investigation.

SIRT’s investigation will examine the conduct of police during this incident, including the actions and omissions associated with the police response to the initial call for service. The RCMP will maintain the conduct of the investigation into the circumstances of the man’s death.

No further information will be released at this time.

A final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.

Lloyd RCMP lay weapons charges at Superstore

On April 7 at 2 p.m., Lloydminster RCMP received a complaint of theft from Superstore. RCMP attended and located a male concealing store merchandise. Upon investigation, the male was also wanted on a warrant out of the Edmonton area and was

subsequently arrested.

During a search of the male, RCMP located a large bowie knife and a pair of brass knuckles. In addition, the male was also in possession of registration documents from a stolen vehicle out of Whitecourt.

Lloydminster RCMP searched within the area and located the stolen vehicle which contained the follow -

“We woke up Thursday morning to find out—no, no, no sorry. We changed our minds again, now you have to be up on the hill. So we moved up on the hill—which is private property.”

She said the reason RCMP gave for the change was they were ‘impeding traffic by being a distraction’.

Spokesperson for the Saskatchewan RCMP Keely Grasser said the officers that were called in on Saturday afternoon were there in the name of safety.

“As you saw, Saskatchewan RCMP officers are on the scene there. They are monitoring the protest and what they’re doing is ensuring the protestors are exercising their right to protest, which we acknowledge, in a safe and lawful way.

“We worked with

ing items:

- A winbag (Breakin instrument) used to hold open the door

frame of a vehicle to assist in unauthorized entry into a vehicle;

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Supplied Photo

the organizers. We reminded them of that law, and we’ve provided some suggestions of safe and legal areas where they could exercise that right,” said Grasser.

“We’re just trying to keep it lawful and also safe for both the protesters and the people that are driving through.”

There was an arrest made Saturday afternoon. A 61-year-old great-grandmother was charged with mischief and detained for about six hours.

“She kind of got pushed back a little bit by the cops and so she pushed back. They said if you cross that line you’re going to get arrested and that’s what they said to all of us, and she just snapped and she stepped over the line and she said ‘Then arrest me’.

Protesters remain at the site day and night in opposition of the carbon tax, and they welcome people to stop in. Courts said the honking support is constant and appreciated but they really do want that in-person connection as well.

“That horn honking is totally grassroots and it is literally all day and night. We hear it at 2,3,4,5 in the morning. The support is all the time,” said Courts.

“If anyone wants to know what’s going on out here, feel free to come on out. We have breakfast, lunch and supper. Come out for dinner, come talk to us.”

“And they literally did. They roughly took her up to the vehicles and placed her under arrest,” said Courts, adding once she was released, she was not allowed to return to the protest.

PROTEST FROM PAGE 1

SASKATCHEWAN RCMP

Construction looms for dialysis unit

The design phase of the planned relocation and expansion of renal dialysis services in Lloydminster is now complete with construction expected to start later this year.

Nearly three years ago, dialysis expansion was identified as one of our group’s top 12 priorities; There will be much to celebrate at the grand opening.

The milestone achievement, which was announced by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) last Thursday, is welcome news to project advocates.

“Nearly three years ago, dialysis expansion was identified as one of our group’s top 12 priorities,” said Paul Richer, chair of the Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council.

“There will be much to celebrate at the grand opening.”

Currently, Lloydminster hemodialysis operates at the Lloydminster Hospital with five stations, allowing treatments for 20 patients per week.

The dialysis unit will expand to six stations serving 24 patients. The new unit will be built to be fully functional for nine stations and 36 patients to respond to increased patient needs in the future, should funding to operate these

stations be secured.

“We are perpetually a central health service area between Edmonton and Saskatoon, and to have this service recognize the future needs and capability for up to nine chairs is significant,” said Richer.

This project will involve local renal dialysis services moving from Lloydminster Hospital to the Community Health Services Building adjacent to the hospital at 3830 43 Ave.

“We know that travelling for medical needs can be a burden to rural patients and their families,” said Tracy Delorme, interim executive director of Alberta Kidney Care North.

“Receiving treatment close to home helps decrease the burden of travel and improves the quality of life for our patients.

“We are very grateful to all the stakeholders involved in making this expansion of capacity in Central Zone possible.”

Lloydminster Region

Health Foundation CEO, Stephanie Munro, is also first pumping the air knowing the project is moving steadily forward.

“Our organization, donors and patients are thrilled to see we are one step closer to seeing the doors of a new dialysis unit for our community open,” said Munro.

“This project has been years in the making and to see it coming to fruition after various setbacks is truly encouraging.”

The original location within Prairie North Centre was deemed unsuitable in late 2022, which led to the current project site.

To make way for construction, the Lloydminster Home Care office relocated from the Community Health Services Building to the Prairie North Centre last month.

The dialysis project has received $4.25 million in funding from the Alberta govern -

ment’s Rural Health Facilities Revitalization Program.

The health foundation also plans to provide additional financial support from its donors with funding details to be released as the project progresses.

AHS and the SHA will continue to update the community as further details about this project become available.

Richer, meanwhile, is also excited about a new

Health Facility Infrastructure Needs Assessment for Lloydminster in the works with input and approval from both provincial health authorities.

He expects it should be completed in 2025 or early 2026.

“This document will be most useful in identifying future needs of this region,” said Richer including what use the hospital will make of the space once

the dialysis chairs are relocated.

Richer says the Lloydminster Hospital is built and sized for a population of 15,500, so floor space is well beyond a premium.

“Our group looks forward to the SHA plans to utilize this valuable floor space once it becomes available in early 2025 with the expected relocation of the dialysis unit,” he said.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Source File Photo

The Lloydminster dialysis file has been updated with the completion of the design phase. Dialysis was discussed by a panel of Saskatchewan Health Authority leaders, at a community health meeting in Lloyd in September. Panel members are also working on updating the Lloydminster Integrated Health Services and Facility Infrastructure Needs Assessment.

Lloyd Co-op in give back mode

The Lloydminster and District Co-op will be making more news in May with an expected soft opening of the new Co-op car wash at 12 St. and 50 Ave. The Co-op will also be celebrating its 110 anniversary at its AGM in May.

It’s shaping up to be a merry month in May for the Lloydminster and District Co-op as it prepares to celebrate its 110th anniversary. Events are still in the planning stage, but the Co-op will be holding a special annual general meeting on May 6 to mark the milestone.

“We normally do a regular business meeting, but this year we’re actually offering a dinner at a very reduced cost. All the proceeds are going to a charity,” said Co-op CEO Peter Brown.

The Co-op also expects to add to the more than $20 million in cash and equity it has given to its mem -

bers over the past five years for buying everyday items like groceries and gas.

“The membership supports us very well in the community and we’re very thankful for that. We want to be a part of it and give back,” said Brown.

“We’re excited about our allocation going out to members this year,

too. It’s going to be pretty strong.

“We’re excited. It’s a good time right now for Lloydminster and District Co-op and for Co-op members to be part of it.”

Meanwhile, the Co-op is counting down the days in April to accept the keys from the contractor and take full ownership of its new Co-op car wash and retail outlet at the corner of 12 St. and 50 Ave.

Brown says he expects the handover will take place by the middle of April, then the business needs to be stocked with products before opening to the public.

“We’re optimistically looking at an early May soft opening and we’ll plan a grand opening once we get that under our feet after we get going for a month or two,” said Brown.

The Co-op also continues to give back to the community by partnering with the City of

Lloydminster to sponsor facilities, with the latest being the outdoor pool.

The Co-op is committing $50,000 to rename the facility the Co-op Community Outdoor Pool in a five-year deal, announced jointly with the city last week.

The city says the Coop’s contribution will enable them to maintain and improve the outdoor pool, ensuring residents and visitors can enjoy a safe and welcoming aquatic facility for years to come.

“Their dedication to our community aligns perfectly with our vision for providing exceptional recreational amenities,” said Joel Turcotte, the city’s director of recreation and culture services.

A celebration of the partnership is scheduled to take place in mid-June to coincide with the seasonal opening of the renamed Co-op outdoor pool.

The Co-op recently demonstrated its commitment to local community infrastructure by naming the Co-op Community Arena at the Cenovus Energy Hub.

That was a 10-year $300,000 sponsorship announced in February with the city that Brown says fits what the Co-op is all about.

“As a co-op, we feel we embody what the community is and we want to be stepping up as a partner on community projects,” he said

“We’re just trying to explore a little bit more with our donations and sponsorship side of our organization and try to be a little more active in the community in that regard.

“Ultimately our goal is to have earnings and share earnings with our membership which we have done very well but we still want to work with helping to build a stronger sense of community.”

Supplied Photo

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

D&A Optometry opens in style

Excitement was in the air as husband and wife co-owners Dr. Darren Phillips and Adele Wakaruk hosted hundreds of guests at their new location.

D&A Optometry, located on the east side of the city, has been open since October, but the couple decided to wait until April 6 for their grand opening event.

“By 10:05 there was just a burst of people through the door, it was actually pretty amazing to see,” said Phillips, adding the gift bags promised to the first 100 people were gone in roughly 35 minutes.

“For a new business, we didn’t know what to expect. The community support has just been phenomenal.”

He said the support of their customers means the world to them.

“The reason we ended up completely opening up on our own was so that we could maintain patient care to the level that we want. We want to do what’s right for each person and their eyes,” said Phillips.

There were also some dignitaries in attendance at the grand opening ceremony: Mayor Gerald Aalbers,

MLA Colleen Young, and MP Rosemarie Falk participated in the ribbon cutting.

“For all three of them to take the time out of their day on a Saturday was just amazing,” said Phillips, who has been practising optometry in Lloyd since 2016.

He said after years of working alongside an optical shop, they decided to open a fullservice location of their own.

“We decided, let’s just move on and do our own thing, so now we do glasses, lenses, contact lenses, exams—everything ourselves here,” said Phillips, adding they are looking to expand their capacity by adding another optome -

trist to the D&A team.

“We do plan to expand our services. I do need to get another optometrist working with us, because we have the space for it, we built it for that.”

Phillips said opening up their new location didn’t come without its challenges.

“Lloydminster is a unique location, so I have to have two licences with both Alberta and Saskatchewan, so to be honest it’s harder to do business from our perspective, but it’s worth it because our patients are great.

“We’ve got a really good community, and for a city, we have a really small-town feel.”

Phillips is no stranger to a small town, as he

grew up in Two Hills, AB. That’s where his interest in optometry began.

“Back in high school, we did a dissection of a cow’s eye. Gross, but it was the coolest thing in the world. You open it up and there’s nothing to it, but our eyes are such an important part of our daily lives,” said Phillips, adding it’s been documented that losing your vision would be more detrimental to an individual’s life than losing a spouse, or even a limb.

“I knew I wanted to be a doctor of some sort, I knew I wanted to be in healthcare but as soon as I did that dissection it just kind of pointed me right into optometry.”

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

Photo courtesy of Narra Studios Dignitaries assisted Dr. Darren Phillips in cutting the ribbon at D&A Optometry’s new east side location on April 6.

From left: Mayor Gerald Aalbers, MP Rosemarie Falk, optometrist and co-owner Dr. Darren Phillips, and MLA Colleen Young.

Pick The Guitars at Vic Juba

The Guitars expect to strike the right chord during an upcoming one-day performance and free workshop at the Vic Juba Community Theatre.

The group of six outstanding local musicians and friends is very busy rehearsing for a 20-song concert on the evening of April 20.

It will start right after four complementary Strummin’ Workshops

on guitar techniques.

“It’s a celebration of our community’s talent and creativity,” said Vic Juba general manager, Jen McConnell, noting The Guitars are part of the Dr. H.A. McDonald concert season.

The local ensemble of Murray McDonnell, Bill MacArthur Trent Bloch-Hansen, Evan Davis, Stephen Davis and Teague Smith will play a combination of jazz, pop, fusion, blues and funk.

They’ve played together many times before, but never with this configuration or variety of sounds and genres.

“It’s not guitars only, because we also have a bass and drums, vocalists and a clarinet and keyboards,” said McDonnell during one of many recent rehearsals with himself, BlochHansen and MacArthur in attendance.

“Each of us chooses three to five songs. Because there’s such a wide difference between the songs that were chosen, it requires a profound amount of rehearsal.”

“Some of them we can stand and play off the get-go and others require some work.”

McDonnell says the audience can expect “a pleasant evening of music that will touch their hearts and make them tap their toes.”

He’ll be on stage with his Godin Multiac SA nylon string guitar that he uses to drive a synthesizer to create certain tunes like organ or keyboard sounds.

McDonnell is also an active member of the local group xCentricity and a visual artist who paints and sells through a gallery in Banff Alberta.

His friend MacArthur

is a guitar instructor who also loves performing live and relishes the opportunity to do it again soon with his pals in The Guitar group.

“It’s always fun. We get to do this once a year to get together. We’ve known each other forever, so it’s always good to challenge ourselves and play together,” said MacArthur.

He owns a ton of guitars and will play his Godin and Schecter guitars on the Ulmer Chev Stage.

“It’s just fun for me to perform music. That’s the end goal of all this, is to have a good performance and have the audience enjoy it,” he said.

“Then, when it’s done, you have a big sigh of relief and go home and have a sleep if you can sleep.”

Bloch-Hansen, who is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and allaround music enthusiast, says the concert means a lot of fun for himself, his fellow musicians and the audience.

“They see us having fun up there because it’s great when you get to share the stage with a bunch of really talented musicians, he said.

Bloch-Hansen will bring his electric PRS SE guitar, his Godin Multiac nylon string acoustic and Roland Juno DS88 keyboard for keys, piano and organ sounds.

Meanwhile, practise makes perfect with so many sounds to learn.

“Some of these pieces require some intricate

learning of lines rather than some chording and improvisation that we are typically used to,” said Bloch-Hansen.

He is one of four members of The Guitars who will put on a workshop with his focus on stylistic techniques and modular playing with flamenco and blues examples.

The other workshops are titled The Highway of the Fretboard, Chords, Chord Extensions and the Fretboard and Pumping Nylon.

“It’s an opportunity to share some of the knowledge we’ve gained over the many many years we’ve been playing and give it back to people who are interested in advancing their technical abilities,” said McDonnell.

“We’re providing them with tips on how to play and with solid information they can use to further their technical ability after that fact.”

Vic Juba’s McConnell adds the workshops are “our way of giving back, providing an opportunity for everyone to experience the joy of music-making and perhaps discover a new passion for arts and culture.

“These initiatives not only enrich our local arts scene but also encourage a deeper appreciation for the diverse talents and interests within our community.”

Reserve seating is $25 per person with the live show starting at 7:30 p.m. after the workshops from 6 to 7 p.m.

24042BS0

Supplied Photo

Back row from left: Local musicians, Stephen Davis, Evan Davis, Bill MacArthur and Trent Bloch-Hansen and front row: Murray McDonnell and Teague Smith will perform together as The Guitars at Vic Juba Community Theatre on April 20.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

HRHS hosts UR Day

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) students were in for an academic treat Tuesday, with University of Regina professors on hand to answer questions about their specific areas of expertise.

The university graced HRHS with 27 faculty and grad students as well as their recruitment team, heading up a career fair in the library.

“They kind of take their university and transplant it in our high school, and so we have over 29 guest lectures or activities happening in our classrooms today,” said HRHS career counsellor Lisa Marie Kreese, adding teachers had the opportunity to sign up ahead of time to have a guest speak to their class.

“We have experts in their fields coming from all these different faculties into the classrooms to give us lectures and kind of peak some curiosity in the students about post-secondary and what there is beyond high school. It’s just been a phenomenal opportunity.”

Among the special guests was U of R president, Jeff Keshen.

“We’ve done this for the last couple of years, where we go to different high schools. We take people from our faculties, our athletic programs, and international and we show off the university.

“When we came here and spoke to the fantastic students at Holy Rosary and the staff here they said why don’t you come back with a UR day here, and we’re absolutely thrilled to do so. It’s been an absolute joy being here,” said Keshen, adding they’ve done the same in other cities throughout Saskatchewan as well.

HRHS principal, Jeremy Blais, was ecstatic to have U of R staff visit and offer new learning experiences for high school students.

“We’re very excited to have a partnership with the University of Regina … it’s a great opportunity for our students and staff to learn alongside the University of Regina staff,” said Blais.

“They’ve set up a career fair here, where students can go through and see all the different programs that they offer.

“It’s a good opportunity for all of our students to start thinking about post-secondary and start getting

prepared for that next chapter in their lives.”

Kreese said the insight and experience the U of R brings right to the students’ fingertips is amazing, and may open up doors even for students who didn’t plan on attending a post-secondary institution.

“I think that some students in high school assume that they’re going to enter postsecondary training in trades or post-secondary training in universities, colleges, polytechnics and I think there’s other students who maybe don’t think it’s a possibility for them,” said Kreese.

“So to have a professor from a university who’s very passionate about their field, come and peak some curiosity is just exciting for our students, to have that opportunity.”

She says the U of R has been great to collaborate with to make UR Day happen.

“The recruitment team at U of R has been excellent, working with us and seeing what we need and how can we create this day to be the most effective use of their time and ours, and making sure that the students get the most out of it,” said Kreese.

Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source

A University of Regina representative answers student questions during a career fair held in the Holy Rosary High School library April 9. In addition to the career fair, professors shared their knowledge in classrooms during specialized sessions.

Lions Club all heart

Volunteers from the Lloydminster Lions Club were out and about over the weekend, telling folks about the most important donations they can plan to make. Organ donations.

“This year, April 6 is the sixth anniversary of that devastating tragedy that happened to the Humbolt Broncos.

Sixteen young athletes lost their lives, and 13 had their lives changed forever,” said Lions Club 1st vice district governor Ray Tatro.

“On the follow -

ing day, the family of Logan Boulet, who had heard Logan express his desire to be an organ donor just a month before this, had made the tough decision to pull the life support on Logan.”

Boulet’s parents, Toby and Bernadette, made the excruciating decision while recalling something important Logan had told them just a month before the tragic bus crash: if anything happened to him, he wanted to be an organ donor.

“And because Logan desired to donate, six people lived that otherwise wouldn’t have.

They received organs from him, and two corneas as well,” said Tatro, adding that was the beginning of what is now known as the Logan Boulet effect.

When Boulet’s story got out there was a surge in organ donor registration all across the country, with about 150,000 extra people signing up.

“Now every year since on this anniversary it’s green shirt day. There’s approximately 100,000 extra people who get inspired to register,” said Tatro, adding it’s a very simple process.

Anyone interested in becoming a donor can

Driving range opens for season

The driving range is now open at the Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre and buckets start at just $10.

The popular outdoor amenity also has multi-bucket passes for regular hitters and those looking to perfect their swing.

The range officially opened on Tuesday and will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the season, weather permitting.

More information about the opening of the 18-hole course will be announced soon.

Memberships can be purchased at the pro shop or online at the lgcc.ca website.

visit greenshirtday.ca. It only takes a couple of minutes to register online, but there is one other thing a person should take the time to do as well.

“The other aspect is that you need to talk to your loved ones, because they can trump and change what happens to your body, so you need to let them know that your desire is to donate what you can to help somebody else improve their life” explained Tatro.

He and other Lion’s Club volunteers spent April 6 and 7 handing out green swag and

talking to people about the importance of organ donation.

“We were very well received at the multiplex on Saturday and then at the Civic Centre on Sunday.

“There’s a lot of families that have been touched by someone that needed an organ and passed away while they were awaiting an organ, or they’ve donated. There’s some living donors of kidneys—that’s pretty common,” said Tatro.

There are approximately 4,800 people on the organ waitlist in Canada at any given

time, and about 30 per cent of those will pass away before they get the organ they need.

According to Statistics Canada, less than 25 per cent of people are registered organ donors.

“We might have inspired some people to go home and sit down at their computer and register,” said Tatro.

“Green shirt day is … to get people talking. You know, if someone has a pin on their lapel somebody might ask what it’s about.”

For more information or to become a donor visit greenshirtday.ca.

Supplied Photo

Lions Club members volunteered their time at the Servus Sports Centre on April 6 talking about the importance of organ donation in support of Green Shirt Day. From left: Ray Parr, upcoming Lion’s Club president, Shelley Tatro, fundraising committee co-chair, and Ray Tatro, 1st vice district governor.

JEANNETTE BENOIT-LEIPERT STAFF WRITER

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

OP-ED: ONE STEP FORWARD; TWO BACK

Itry to write about government-related stuff as a non-partisan independent and be as fact-based as I can rather than emotional.

However, looking at our circumstances across the country, it seems a pandemic of insanity has taken hold and economic common sense has disappeared.

Due to COVID impacts, supply chain issues, extreme federal deficit spending, and the imposition of constant tax increases by all levels of government, Canada’s inflation rate jumped to 6.8 per cent in mid-2022.

Since then, while prices themselves have not dropped, the speed of their increase has slowed to 2.8 per cent in February; a substantial drop! But again, not a drop of prices or interest rates; only a slowing down.

Unfortunately, personal incomes are not keeping pace and the unemployment rate jumped to 6.1 per cent in March from 5.8 per cent in January.

When gas prices jumped 15 per cent in one day, along with carbon-tax related costs (+23 per cent) on the price of natural gas, including what we pay in taxes to support our public infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, courthouses, police cars, fire trucks, ambulance, government offices, how is this not inflationary?

Yet we keep hearing from politicians, particularly the feds, about their angst and concern regarding “affordability”.

An old idiom in the market -

WEAPONS FROM PAGE 2

- A stolen 9 mm handgun; - 9 mm ammunition; and - Stolen tools.

As a result of the investigation, Shaun William McLeod, 29, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with 16 criminal code offences, some of which include:

- Possession of stolen property;

- Possession of break-in tools;

- Possession of prohibited weapon;

- Possession of a weapon while unauthorized; and

place is that companies should “charge what the market will bear” to maximize profitability. This practice simply means that you charge the maximum of what people are willing to pay.

In the case of government, however, the amounts of taxes and fees they impose seem to be whatever they think they can get away with regardless of whether we, the public, can afford it or not.

Years ago when power and telephone services were Crown Corporations, the mandated prices charged were based on the cost of delivering the service, plus a reasonable profit margin; say 10 per cent. With

- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. McLeod was held

the phone company, at least you got phone service for what you paid.

With governments of today it seems that what we get back for a constantly increasing tax load is increased surgery wait times, doctor shortages, teacher shortages, no maintenance allocation for infrastructure repair and a wide range of other supports that were promised but not delivered; such as viable and practical alternative form of green energy.

If they’re really concerned about our financial health, maybe stop taxing us to death for no appreciable return.

- Darrell Dunn

for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and was released on conditions. McLeod is

to appear next at the Alberta Court of Justice in Lloydminster on May 7.

File Photo

Leeway from Lloyd: Best protest is at the polls

The latest public protests across Canada over the carbon tax are not hassle-free as they tie up countless hours of policing to prevent any illegal activity.

I don’t think people who organize endless protests, realize they also inconvenience others at the same time and cost taxpayers a lot of money.

In Toronto, for example, police have been called out to more than 500 demonstrations since the Oct. 7 start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

The city’s police

recently told a Toronto TV show that an estimated $9 million had been spent on policing protests in a fourperiod period and that includes regular and overtime hours.

Since the carbon tax protest kicked off in Lloydminster on April 1, there have been dozens of police vehicles on patrol at a time when these resources are better needed elsewhere.

The local rally is just outside of the jurisdiction of K-Division so police from Saskatoon are called in.

The ironic part of these protests, especially the political ones over the IsraelHamas war is, they

don’t change anything on the ground where the conflict is taking place.

If you are going to protest this war, please advocate for the Canadian government to bring about a truce or give aid to the whole region instead of spewing hate for your fellow Canadian Jews or Palestinians.

This is Canada, not Gaza, and the Canadian government is not going to pick sides. There is no war here. These protesters need to stop hate-mongering other Canadians because of their place of origin or beliefs and embrace living in a democracy where everyone values peace -

ful living. I have never seen a Canadian-born person who is a resident of another country protesting anything happening in Canada on TV, so why do others do it here?

The carbon tax pro -

test is almost a relief since it’s something all Canadians can rally against for change within our own borders.

Maybe it will help to convince all governments to live within their means and quit taxing us so they can

spend like there’s no tomorrow.

As a voter, I plan to lodge my protest at the polls at the next federal election and inconvenience the Trudeau Liberals at no cost or trouble to other taxpayers.

Border Banter with Benoit-Leipert: Frogs in the pot

I’ll start this week’s column with a quote I believe to be true and end it with an apologue that shouldn’t be ignored.

‘A free press is one of the pillars of democracy.’ -Nelson Mandela

Saturday afternoon I was denied access to the anti-carbon tax protest on the east end of Lloyd. In 20 years as a journalist, I have never been denied access to anything going on in public.

To be fair, the RCMP did have a media relations representative call me to answer some questions after I was turned away. But part of my job is also to take photos of events, which is tough when I can’t get anywhere near the action.

So many things flew through my mind as I drove south on the detour road after being denied access.

I thought, no, this isn’t right. I should go back, and try to find a way in somehow.

Then the thought of being arrested flashed into my head. I can’t do that; I still have teenage kids at home that depend on me. Then my mind went in the opposite direction—I SHOULD do that; I have kids at home who need to see what it is to stand up for their rights.

Young people need to be bolder than ever in this strange reality that is now our Canada.

Without a free press, we are dangerously close to losing our rights and freedoms.

Some of the things that have gone down in the past eight years have me questioning everything I thought I knew about the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

It seems things are falling apart around us—and the solution being offered is more and more tax. Are you kidding me?

One analogy always sticks out in my head when I analyze the way things are heading in this once prosperous and proud democratic

country of ours: the boiling frog analogy. Drop a frog into a rapidly boiling pot of water and it will jump out as soon as it senses the heat.

Put it in a cool pot of water with the burner on underneath and it will warm up slowly. It settles in, gets comfortable in the warm water, and before the frog knows it, it’s been boiled.

Put Canadians into a pot of lukewarm, ineffective government policies, subtly add more regulations, limit free press, gradually add a bunch of meaningless

taxes, and crank

cost of living.

STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

up the

Our freedom seems to be coming to a slow boil, and that’s a recipe for disaster.

Source File Photo

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.

BINGO IS BACK!

Bingo is back at the Moose Lodge every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. Must be 18 to play.

Legacy Dinner Theatre

Tickets Available

Tickets are now on sale for the Legacy Centre’s 12th annual Dinner Theatre, featuring the Lloydminster Little Theatre presenting “Barefoot In The Park,” scheduled for April 25-28. Tickets are $55/person and can be purchased at the Legacy Centre.

Marwayne PBR

The 12th annual Marwayne PBR, with all proceeds going to the Marwayne Arena, is back on April 12 with wild pony races at 6:30 p.m. and bulls at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 at the door with live music provided by The Prairie Dogs (dance-only tickets are $20 ... there WILL be an ATM on site).

Passport to YLL

To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147

Cards, games, food, meetings and live music Church Directory

Legacy Supper

The Legacy Centre will be hosting its monthly supper on April 12. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m., then dance the night away to The Plaiders. ADVANCE TICKETS

ONLY. Please purchase or reserve tickets ($25 each) by noon on April 11. All members and guests welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more details.

Gord Bamford in Turtleford

Gord Bamford is bringing his Canadian Dirt Tour to the Turtleford Community Centre on April 12 with special guest Dallas Alexander. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., tickets are available at showpass.com.

Islay Crib Tournament

The Islay Community Association is hosting a crib tournament on April 13 in the Islay Hall. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., registration cut-off is 10:15 a.m. and play commences at 10:30

a.m. Cost is $25 per person, which includes noon lunch. Please pre-register by calling Linda at 780-5810570.

Doubles Crib Tourney

The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is hosting a doubles crib tournament on April 14. Registration is from 9-9:45 a.m. and play begins at 10 a.m., 12 games guaranteed. Cost is $25 per player, which includes a hot lunch. Enter as a team or an individual (They will team you up). To pre-register, contact Bruce at 780-522-6972.

Islay Jamboree

There will be a Jamboree on April 21 at 1 p.m. in the Islay Community Hall. Admission $15, participants are free. Everyone welcome. Lunch served. For more info call Dixie at 780-744-2204.

The Bellamy Brothers

The Vic Juba Community Theatre will be hosting country music legends The Bellamy Brothers (yes, it’s really the original brothers) on Tuesday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 and available online or at the Vic Juba box office. Call 780-872-7400 for more info.

Crib Tournament

The Dewberry Seniors Centre is hosting a crib tournament on April 27. Registration wraps at 10:15 a.m.

Spring Fling Dance

Head down to the Lloydminster Moose Lodge, 5213 57 Street, on April 27 for an all-ages Spring Fling Dance. The dance goes from 8 p.m. to midnight with music by 1st Class Entertainment. Cost is $25 for adults, $10 for youth 15-17, 14 and under are free. Price includes a late lunch. Tickets can be purchased at the Moose Lodge on Monday and Wednesday from 5-9 p.m. or call Susan at 780872-1871 for more details.

Flavour Festival

Flavour Fest returns to the Border City on May 4 and will be hosted at the Centennial Civic Centre from

5 to 10 p.m. This event features live music, drinks, and food, all in one place! Vendors from across western Canada will be bringing their products for you to try, and the best part is, the event runs as a fundraiser for the Lloydminster Bobcats.

Potters Guild Sale

The Lloydminster Potters Guild Spring Sale is Sunday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lloydminster Museum + Archives (4207 - 44 Street). Meet the artisans and shop the largest selection of hand-crafted pottery in the region. Cash, credit card and debit accepted.

Classified @ The Civic Canadian rapper and record producer Classified will be live at the Centennial Civic Centre on May 18. Tickets are $45 and available through Eventbrite.

69th Annual Lea Park Rodeo

The 69th Annual Lea Park Rodeo will be held on June 7 at 6:30 p.m. and June 8-9 at 1 p.m. with the dance in the Marwayne Arena to follow at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Win a 2024 Dodge 3/4 ton. Truck tickets are $100. Call 780-205-9010 or 306-821-6352 for more details.

Hotel California at The Vic Juba VaughnCo Entertainment is excited to bring the original Eagles tribute, Hotel California, to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 20 for a 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 each and available online or at the theatre’s box office. Call 780-872-7400 for more info.

Taylor Swift Tribute

The Vic Juba Community Theatre is excited to bring a Taylor Swift Tribute featuring Katy Ellis to the Border City on Wednesday, Nov. 13 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $39 each and are available online or at the theatre’s box office. Call 780-872-7400 for more info.

- Have something you’d like listed in our community calendar? Email it to taylor@meridiansource.ca

The story of Hougham Cattle Inc.

Nestled 53 miles northeast of Lloydminster lies the Hougham family farm, a sprawling testament to four generations of hard work, dedication, and agricultural excellence.

At the heart of this operation are Aaron and Julie Hougham, alongside their three children, Hannah, Ken, and Kate. Their story is one of resilience, passion, and the enduring spirit of family farming.

Roots of Tradition

Hougham Cattle Inc. traces its origins back a century, when Aaron’s grandfather, Ken Hougham, laid the foundation for what would become a cherished family legacy.

Today, with Aaron and his father, Winston, at the helm, the farm stands as a symbol of enduring tradition and innovation. Their oper -

ation boasts 370 Hereford/Angus cattle, a testament to their commitment to quality livestock.

Diversified Endeavours

The Hougham farm is more than just cattle. With 900 acres of barley silage and swath grazing, the family has diversified their endeavours, ensuring sustainability and success for generations to come. This multifaceted approach to farming not only secures their livelihood but also enriches the surrounding community.

Family Values in Action

At the core of Hougham Cattle Inc. lies a deep-rooted commitment to family and community. Julie, Aaron’s wife, is not only a dedicated partner in the farm’s operations but also serves as a substitute teacher, impart -

ing knowledge and values to the next generation. Their children, active members of 4H, embody the family’s dedication to agricultural education and stewardship.

The Challenges of Farming

For Aaron, the challenges of farming are manifold, with time management ranking among the most daunting. In an industry where there’s always work to be done, balancing family, farm, and other responsibilities requires skill and dedication. Yet, amidst the challenges, Aaron finds solace in the satisfaction of a job well done.

The Mental Game

But farming isn’t just about physical labour; it’s also a mental game. Aaron knows all too well the toll that stress and uncertainty can take on

farmers. Yet, he emphasizes the importance of finding joy in one’s work and life. It’s a sentiment echoed by many in the agricultural community—a reminder to savour the moments amidst the chaos.

Words of Wisdom

For Aaron, passion is the driving force behind success in agriculture. His advice to fellow farmers is simple yet profound: if you love what you do, you’ll find fulfillment in both work and life. It’s a philosophy rooted in generations of tradition—a reminder that the true measure of success lies not just in the yield of the land but in the richness of family, community, and the land itself.

As Hougham Cattle Inc. celebrates a century of farming excellence, their story serves as an inspiration to all.

Through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to their craft, the Hougham family has not only built a thriv -

ing business but also a lasting legacy—one that will continue to shape the landscape of agriculture for generations to come.

Supplied Photo

Top-up with Canada-Sask feed program

On Monday, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, and Saskatchewan Agriculture, Minister David Marit, announced additional payments will be provided to eligible livestock producers already enrolled in the 2023 Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program.

The program, introduced on Oct. 20, 2023, was put in place to help

maintain the breeding herd in droughtimpacted regions of the province.

“Drought conditions are having a serious impact on livestock producers right across Saskatchewan,” said MacAulay.

“We will continue working closely with the province to ensure affected producers have access to the financial tools they need to protect their operations.”

“These additional

payments will assist livestock producers who have felt the impact of drought throughout the province,” Marit said.

“The Program provides additional relief measures to offset extraordinary costs to secure feed for livestock. This is a government that will always stand up for the needs of producers and the industry as a whole.”

Initial payments were prorated to a maximum of 75 per cent of

the total payment based on the application from producers.

This prorated approach ensured that all eligible producers could receive support. The current outstanding total program budget allows for the remaining 25 per cent to complement the initial payments issued to producers who applied and were deemed eligible before the deadline.

Producers within the designated regions, as originally guided by the Canadian Drought Monitor map will receive a top-up of up to $50 per head. Applicants that were in the provincial-only area will receive a top-up of up to $20 per head.

“The last couple of years have been a struggle for cattle producers in the province,” Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Vice-Chair Chad Ross said.

“Minister Marit and the Saskatchewan government were quick to respond to the challenge through the Can -

ada-Saskatchewan feed program. We appreciate the investment in our industry made by both levels of government and thank you for the additional support announced today.”

Applicants were required to submit receipts or appropriate documents for the extraordinary expenses. The deadline to submit applications to the Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program ended March 15, 2024. Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation’s Feed Team will automatically reprocess all applications for producers who previously submitted applications before the deadline for funding through the Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program. Producers should expect to receive funds in the coming weeks.

“SARM appreciates the top-up funding to the Canada-Saskatchewan Feed program which will help livestock producers who are experiencing extra costs associated with drought,” Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities President Ray Orb said.

“SARM values the ongoing commitment from both levels of senior government to Saskatchewan agriculture.”

“Producers greatly appreciate this additional drought assistance that will bring the per-head assistance

up to 2021 support levels in the hardest hit regions of the province.” Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association President Garner Deobald said.

The Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program received 3,486 applications.

Saskatchewan’s AgriRecovery Program has been referred to as the Canada-Saskatchewan Feed Program since October 2023. AgriRecovery is a federal-provincial-territorial disaster relief framework to help agricultural producers with the extraordinary costs associated with recovering from disaster situations.

AgriRecovery initiatives are cost-shared on a 60:40 basis between the federal government and participating provinces or territories, as outlined under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

Producers also have access to a comprehensive suite of business risk management (BRM) programs that are the first line of defence for producers facing disasters, including AgriStability, AgriInsurance and AgriInvest. With joint funding from the federal government and provinces, these BRM programs provide protection against different types of income and production losses.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

File Photo

Youth Academy grads immerse in policing

Ask any of the 26 participants from this year’s RCMP Youth Academy and they’ll tell you the future of policing looks bright in the Border City ... Lloydminster detachment commander, Staff Sgt. Brian Nicholl, who has roughly 21 years of experience with the RCMP, had other things to say.

“I would say no because my son is one of them and that concerns me a whole lot,” said Nicholl with a laugh before last Thursday’s graduation ceremony.

“We also talked about community policing, an introduction to the criminal code, then we broke off into groups in the afternoon and worked with our fitness and wellness coordinator, who came down from Edmonton to work with the kids.”

The academy is open to students 15 to 19 years of age and is funded by a Sask Lotteries grant.

The RCMP’s youth academy is a three-day on Tuesday with discussions surrounding the criminal code and police intervention model so youth can understand why police do what they do,” said Const. Melanie Flynn of the Lloydminster RCMP.

RCMP officers do,” said Flynn, adding a common theme for students interested in applying is a want to help.

“I think a lot of police officers join the RCMP because we want to be part of and help our community, and new this year is a one-hour time slot dedicated to talking about community action plans,” said Flynn.

“I guarantee you, when a lot of our members initially became police officers, that was what they all said at some point in time; ‘we want to help people,’” echoed Nicholl.

For Hannah Morgan, a Grade 11 student at

thing she’s considered as a career path.

“All the different units that came in; I was so intrigued. Police Dog Services (PDS) came in and that was my favourite unit, so I wanted to come back again to learn more, and it’s been great again this year,” she said, noting a career as a PDS officer has been a dream since she was a little kid.”

For Rhiannon Wendland-McCaw, a Grade 12 student at Avery School, demonstrations from the forensics team were a highlight, as well as being open to new experiences while making new friends.

Leah Willard, another second-year student who’s currently in Grade 11 at the Comp, said she’s already thinking about applying for a third time next year.

“Since I was young

Left:

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos

and I’ve always wanted to pull people out of that and help them. I also want to stop the bad people in this world and get them on a better path for themselves.”

Taelor Nelson, a Grade 11 student at Vermilion’s J.R. Robson School, said her uncle gave her the push she needed to apply for the program, a decision she doesn’t regret.

“It’s always been in the back of my mind, and then my uncle brought it up and I thought I’d give it a try,” she said.

academy a try as he’s still trying to figure out the career path to follow.

“I mainly did this for job experience,” he said.

“I’m currently trying to figure out what I want to do with my life, so this is an option.”

Local issues discussed by the group included the complexities of unhoused individuals, gang recruitment at a young age and the normalization of substance use at a young age.

“There’s already lots of great youth directives and organizations in Lloyd, but when you put together 26 motivated youth that want to do ing things happen,” said

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Dane Segberg practised his pepper-spraying skills last Thursday at the Synergy Vault as students from throughout the Border City took part in the Lloydminster RCMP’s annual Youth Academy. Above: Const. Cory Booth of the Lloydminster RCMP helped a youth academy student with her handcuffing technique last Thursday before graduation.

Rustlers hockey reflects on record-setting year

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

The Apex Automation Lakeland College Rustlers women’s ice hockey team get better each time they hit the ice and recently celebrated a silver medal to put the 2023-’24 season in the books.

The team’s season came to an end in Edmonton at the hands

of NAIT on March 16 after the Ooks bested the Rustlers 3-1 in a best-of-five series.

“We didn’t win the ultimate prize at the end, but we’re extremely pleased with how the year went,” said head coach Morgan Mann on Tuesday afternoon.

The Rustlers finished the regular season with a 21-4-2-1 record for 62

points, putting them first overall above the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens (19-6-1-1) who finished with 57 points.

“

To do that in our second

year in the ACAC is certainly something to be proud of. We also set the record for most goals in a season with 116.

The ladies scored 116 goals and only allowed 41, tying and breaking league records for most wins and most goals scored in a season.

“We tied the ACAC record for wins in a season at 21, tying Mount Royal and Grant McEwan, and both of those teams are now in the USport division,” he said. “To do that in our second year in the ACAC is certainly something to be proud of. We also set the record for most goals in a season with 116.”

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos

Top: Rustlers goaltender Mackenzie Dojahn makes a save during regular-season ACAC action at the Russ Robertson Arena earlier this season. Above: Rustlers forward Hailey Carothers gets set for a faceoff against the Olds Broncos at the Russ earlier this season.

PBR to pack Marwayne Arena for 12th year

WEAVER EDITOR

Hold onto your hats, folks, the PBR’s (Professional Bull Rider) Canadian Touring Pro Division is set to pack the Marwayne Arena tomorrow night, and it looks like it’s already standing-room only.

Friday’s event will mark the 12th annual Marwayne PBR, and for organizer and arena board member Justin Volz, who’s been around since day one, there’s no better event for those looking for family fun.

“It sounds like we’ve been getting lots of calls from people in sur -

RUSTLERS FROM PAGE 17

Mann also explained there were a couple things he wanted the girls to work on coming into this season.

rounding communities looking for something to do this weekend, so it’s shaping up to be a good event,” said Volz. “I think we’ll see a good turnout, and the event seems to grow every year; we’ll probably have over 800 people packed in the rink that night.”

The PBR will feature bulls from four stock contractors, including Thompson Rodeo Co., Lloydminster’s Foley Bucking Bulls, Skori Bucking Bulls out of Kinsella, and Eno Bucking Bulls, as well as the best riders in the touring pro division.

“The stock’s looking good this year, we have a good roster of guys coming, and we also have roughly eight steer riders coming out,” said Volz. “It’ll be a fun night, and the event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with the wild pony racers, so we’ll have a bunch of local kids try to tame a wild pony, which is always good entertainment.”

All proceeds from the event support the upcoming Marwayne Arena renovations, which will include a new ice surface, new boards, and a new ice plant.

“We had a deficiency in scoring goals in offence, and we led the league in penalty minutes by quite a stretch (with 234), so we needed to tighten up on penalties and score more goals, and we succeeded in both areas,” he said.

proud we took another step forward this year, but I’m excited for next year after the experience we gained this year.”

“As a group, we were

Looking to next season, Mann noted the Rustlers will be bringing in four new recruits to help fill the void left by graduating players.

“Up front, we’re losing Mykayla Pylypow, Kaylee Hill and Madelyn

Mann, and those three bring a lot on the ice, and off the ice,” he said.

Replacing goal-scorers can be difficult, but replacing a netminder is every coach’s worst nightmare.

“Our goaltender, Mackenzie ‘Doj’ Dojahn, she’s committed to the U of A Pandas, which I consider a top program in the country.

We’re thrilled for her, but we’ll miss her,” said Mann.

“She’s a great person and an outstanding goalie. That’s a big hole to fill, but we’ve recruited Red Deer’s Mackenzie GouldSharpe, who plays for the Junior Oilers that just won gold in Alberta and is currently at the Esso Cup nationals in B.C. She’s a high-end goaltender.”

“Goaltending’s the most important position in hockey, and losing our Mackenzie, who for two years was a recognized all-star in the league, that was an important piece to try and fill and we’re hopeful we’ve found someone who can be a top goalie in our league.”

LloydMall hosting summer Games rally

Bring your Games face to the LloydMall this Friday to help celebrate the 100-day countdown to the 2024 Saskatchewan Summer Games in the city.

The 2024 SSG Host Organizing Committee and the City of Lloydminster are hosting a community event outside of the Lloydminster Public Library in the Lloyd Mall on April 12 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It’s an opportunity to crank up excitement for the Games, encourage local residents to volunteer, and provide an update on the Saskatchewan Games Sport Legacy projects. The event will prize giveaways, mascots, a photo booth, and volunteer registration opportunities.

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers will be on hand to discuss the progress and the launch of various sport legacy projects that will benefit our host city.

The projects represent $500,000 in community investment towards sport and recreation equipment and facilities in Lloydminster.

The Games will be held July 21-27, 2024 and will bring more than 2,000 athletes, coaches, and officials to the city, with a core of 1,000 local volunteers.

The Games are expected to generate upwards of $5 million in economic activity to Lloydminster and surrounding area.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

TAYLOR

Source File Photo

Dear Money Lady,

How do I get a prenup agreement without paying high lawyer fees? This is a second marriage, and I am very close to retirement plus we both have government pensions. My partner has three adult kids and I have two. We both agree we should have something in writing. Thanks, Helen M.

Hello Helen,

This is a question I get often. Seems like people know it’s a good idea to have a pre-nup or co-hab agreement but they don’t want to spend the money to get one. My answer to this is – Why not?

If you have assets: the car, the house, the cottage, and all your stuff, why do you want to risk all that you’ve worked for, by not having a written understanding? Even if it costs you a couple of thousand dollars to get one, isn’t that money well spent, for both of you?

Let’s start with the easiest domestic contract, and the least expensive: a cohabitation agreement.

Cohabitating partners have very few property rights when compared

TASK THE MONEY LADY

to married couples. Typically, the property you bring into the relationship, plus any increase in its value, usually continues to belong to you alone. This would include investment assets, registered accounts, real estate, or chattels. The main reason for drawing up a cohabitation agreement is to provide for a division of property if the relationship breaks down.

The most straightforward way is to state that all property remains the separate property of each individual and to provide in the contract a “separation of property regime.”

This means that all property, including the

assets that are owned before cohabitation, plus any increases in value, and all property acquired during the relationship is owned strictly according to title.

This type of domestic agreement is very different from a marriage contract and not usually ideal for partners long term.

That being said, cohabitation agreements are not as rigid as marriage prenups, they’re a lot less costly, and contracts can be crafted with a lot more freedom or creativity based on the particular conditions and circumstances that each party is in when they begin their union and plan a

life together. If you don’t have a lot of assets and you’re planning on just living together and not getting married, a cohabitation agreement is a good, less expensive option.

Now let’s talk about prenups. This is a marriage contract that you typically enter into prior to the marriage, hence the term ‘prenuptial. However, they can also be signed or amended at any time during the marriage.

I personally have always recommended getting a marriage contract with older couples who bring any assets to the marriage. Pre-nups are extremely beneficial for comprehensive estate

planning which always must include death succession, not just the possibility of a divorce.

To protect each other, you want your lawyer to be interested in what will happen in the event of one of you dying and you must have the new marriage contract and your new Will “in sync.”

The reason I say this is because marriage contracts can, and often do, override existing Wills.

Marriage contracts can be limited in their scope and to be valid and enforceable, the spouses must have made complete disclosure of all their assets and the current values, including debts and liabilities. You also want ILA, or inde -

April oil and gas public offering nets $15.4M

he Government of Saskatchewan’s Crown petroleum and natural gas public offering, held on Tuesday, April 2, raised $15,454,748.02 in revenue for the province.

pendent legal advice, so the marriage contract is less vulnerable and can’t be challenged by family members after a death and set aside by the courts.

Remember, this is not a lack of love but rather a mutual understanding that you both agree, drafted with your lawyer and signed well in advance of your wedding date.

Good Luck and Best Wishes, Money Lady Christine Ibbotson is an author, finance writer, national radio host, and now on CTV Morning Live, and CTV News @6 syndicated across Canada. Send your questions through her website at askthemoneylady.ca

The Estevan area generating the most cash flow with the Border City a close second.

Of the 147 parcels posted for this sale, 123 parcels received acceptable bids, which covered 16,065.020 hectares.

Six parcels received bids that were rejected as unacceptable after a technical review, and no bids were submitted for the remaining 18 parcels.

CHRISTINE IBBOTSON SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

File Photo

Farmland buyers tend to be local

A recent issue of The Western Producer devoted several pages speculating how farms can continue to expand considering present commodity prices and interest rates.

Once again, the ‘Chinese/ Koreans/name a foreign country’ are buying up all the agricultural land myth was raised.

Our Group serves about a 10,000 square mile area of Alberta and Saskatchewan, plus is currently the number one agricultural team in RE/ MAX Western Canada.

In the course of our daily work as consultants and brokers, Grant and I engage with a lot of farmers, lenders, lawyers, accountants, and appraisers across the Midwest.

We can state with absolute certainty that most farmland buyers are the next-door neighbours.

How do they do it, you say?

Well, the old-fashioned way, is by leveraging

retained profits, equity in existing assets, and the longterm support of a lender.

However, increasingly family farms are turning to private sector capital, which has been a prevalent supply of financial support in the commercial world for decades.

The source could be an extended family member, friend, or even an allied professional such as their accountant or lawyer who believes in the future of the enterprise, and the people running it.

This money is usually

more patient, flexible in application, and often less costly than the mainstream lenders.

The investor may only be there until the farm can repay them for the increased efficiency and certainty land ownership provides.

The current generation of 35 to 50-year-old farm managers, male and female, often have post-secondary education and years of experience in the business world outside the family farm.

Yes, most have benefited initially from the “bank and

wisdom of mom and dad”, not by drawing down on their parents’ savings, but in joint ownership modalities and management advice. It has been a distinct pleasure for us to engage with these astute businesspeople, listen to their strategic plans, and hear about the lessons they have learned along the way. Every country needs to ensure food security for their citizens by fully including farm and ranch families in the development of sustainable agriculture practices.

Not forcing an urban perspective on rural people who have already demonstrated the ability to create solutions which can feed this planet’s increasing population.

“Nothing about us, without us” is still the best way to harvest everyone’s talents.

Vern McClelland is an associate broker with RE/ MAX of Lloydminster and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation. Comments on this article are welcome either by emailing vernmcclelland@remax.net or calling 306-821-0611.

The Estevan area brought in the most revenue, $13,795,439.18 for 84 leases and two exploration licenses covering 9,797.237 hectares.

Following that, the Lloydminster area brought in $1,425,234.16, generated from bids on 32 leases totalling 4,841.643 hectares.

Meanwhile, bids in the Kindersley area generated $234,074.68 in revenue.

Hummingbird Energy Inc. made the highest bonus bid and highest dollars-per-hectare bid in this offering - $2,200,000 for a 193.711-hectare lease prospective for oil in the Frobisher Beds in the Estevan area, northeast of Midale. The bid works out to $11,357.12 per hectare.

The two exploration licenses in this offering were awarded to Crescent Point Energy Corp. One license totalling 1,416.372 hectares received a bid of $2,114,416.78, or $1,492.84 per hectare. The second license totaling 675.971 hectares received a bid of $1,009,116.55, also $1,492.84 per hectare.

These exploration licenses are located in the Estevan area, northeast of Lampman, and are prospective for oil in the Bakken Formation.

This is the first of six scheduled public offerings this fiscal year. The first oil and gas public offering last fiscal year generated $11,113,459.75 in revenue.

The next scheduled date for a public offering in Saskatchewan is June 4, 2024.

MIDWEST

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21

Thursday, April 11, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

Motor scrapers, dozers, excavators, rock trucks, packers; wide range of machines.

admin@meridiansource.ca FOR SALE NUMEROUS KITCHEN ITEMS ETC.

Lots of work all season.

Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages.

Valid drivers license req’d.

Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844

Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca

Please call for a list of items. 780-808-9690

COMING EVENTS

QUEEN CITY

ANTIQUE & VINTAGE MARKET

Friday, april 19

12 noon - 8 pm

Saturday, april 20

10 am - 4 pm Callie Curling Club 2225 Sandra Schmirler Way, regina Admission $6

Antiques, VintAge & ColleCtibles from ACross the prAiries 306-552-8528

queencityvintage1 @gmail com

FB @queencityvin tagemarket

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Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!

FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: TollFree 1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@ switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com.

BLANKET THE PROV-

INCE with a classified ad. Only $269/wk (based on 25 words or less). Reach almost 80 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com.

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306921-9942.

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