Thursday, December 2, 2021
VOLUME 4 I ISSUE 23
MERIDIANSOURCE.CA
Kiwanis wraps up Christmas GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas. Those cheery words were heard from Santa, who teamed up with members of the Lloydminster Kiwanis Club to deliver Christmas gifts to students at Rendell Park Elementary School on Tuesday. Rendell was the last stop in the public school division for the Kiwanis Santa Project, which provides presents to boys and girls from Santa each year. “The Santa Project is something we’ve been doing ever since Kiwanis was formed here in Lloydminster, 36 or 37 years ago,” said club secretary Vera Gallant. “Every child from pre-K to Grade 2 receives a bag.” Santa will be back soon to help Kiwanis deliver similar goodie bags to students in the Catholic school system in time for Christmas. “I’ve been doing it for years; I love it,” said Santa.
For the second year said Gallagher. initely in the air in our North Pole outfit. makes all the work in a row, however, the He says his visit in school,” said Gallagher. “ I t i s a w e s o m e . worthwhile,” she said. man in a red suit is the schoolyard and “As soon as it turns It’s very heartwarmMost of the funding not able to step inside e n t r a n c e w a y w a v i n g December, everything ing—knowing that for for the Santa Project schools to provide chil- to students was pretty turns to Christmas and some kids, this is the comes from the 50/50 dren with the oppor- special. Santa Claus.” only gift they receive, raffle tickets Kiwanis tunity to sit on his “I can see lots of kids The Santa Project is se l l s i n th e f a l l w i th knee for a chat, due to looking through the win- a Kiwanis favourite for support from some local COVID-19 restrictions. dows. The Gallant, who can easily businesses. “It’s a different world, buzz is defbe mistaken for Mrs. “Real Canadian but we do the best we Claus in her Superstore is always can and make sure distinctive awesome. They give us every little boy and girl red and gift cards to help us gets a treat at Christwhite out. Some of the other mas,” explained Santa. retail stores give us Gallant says about discounts,” said six Kiwanis members Gallant. helped to drop off boxes with the bags in them at all the schools for teachers to hand out on behalf of Santa. Rendell Park principal, Sheldon Gallagher, says the Santa Project is awesome in any given year. “Kiwanis does so much for the community and so much for kids. I can see the excitement on the students as they saw Santa walk Hadley, a Grade 1 student at Rendell Park Elementary School, got to sit on Santa’s knee on into the Tuesday during his visit to the school with the Kiwanis Club’s Santa Project that gives a gift to building; each student up to Grade 2 in Lloydminster in both school divisions. Geoff Lee Meridian Source it’s pretty cool,”
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Thursday, December 2, 2021
LloydMall officially reopens for business
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
Mayor Gerald Aalbers and Kim Richer, general manager, LloydMall, made things official last Wednesday afternoon as the ribbon was cut to mark the grand reopening of the mall after a water line burst on Aug. 15 caused substancial flooding. TAYLOR WEAVER
EDITOR
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After a water line break on Aug. 15 caused severe flooding to the majority of businesses, LloydMall is now officially back and ready for the Christmas shopping season. “It feels fantastic,” said LloydMall general manager Kim Richer. “I would say in the past three-and-a-half months, today feels normal, and it’s such a great feeling. Who would think normal is a great feeling, but after what we’ve been through – of course, COVID and the flood, normal’s a really good feeling. We can breathe. “I said about a month ago I could see the light.
Just that little dimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, and today feels like a nice bright light, and I can feel we’re back and that the community is going to support us, and we’re actually going to get our Christmas season.” Aside from a couple of new retailers, the mall is excited about some changes they’ve made to pump up aesthetic appeal. “We took the opportunity to make everything bright and cheerful,” said Richer. “Everywhere you look you’ll see that we’ve gone really crisp white. We are planning other changes in the new year that I can’t announce yet. Obviously, we hit our Christmas season,
so we took the opportunity to put up our Christmas decor. We have our seasonal tenants back in, so that’s nice to have them, and we have a couple of new tenants; Just Cozy opened, Craze Mania opened, so we’re just trying to get the public to know it’s fun to come out and see what is new and that we are back.” One of the first things shoppers will notice as they walk the halls of the mall is the current lack of food court vendors. “With the food court tenants, they have more work to do than a typical retailer. A typical retailer is four square walls, shelving, things like that,” said Richer. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
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Credit union, HRHS unveil Synergy Studios they stay local and become vibrant parts
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
Synergy Credit Union CEO, Glenn Stang, helped HRHS student Nathal Eckel and teacher Skye Ferguson with the official unveiling of Synergy Studios on Monday morning in the tech warehouse on the second floor of École St. Thomas. TAYLOR WEAVER
EDITOR
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It’s safe to say Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) is now the envy of provincial tech programs thanks to a prior funding partnership with Synergy Credit Union for the naming rights.
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If the children get educated well, locally, they stay local and become vibrant parts of our sustainable community.
The doors leading into Synergy Studios officially opened on Monday morning, as staff from the Lloydminster Catholic School Division (LCSD) and Synergy Credit Union were welcomed and taken on tours by students who will be utilizing the classroom. Work on the new studio, which is located in the tech warehouse on the second floor of École St. Thomas, began in August, and students now have access to three photo/ video studios, 25 Apple computer stations, as well as an audio recording room. “My goal as a teacher has always been to build the essential skills for students to be successful in the future workforce,” said Skye Fergu-
son, HRHS and Synergy Studios teacher. “I have three studios at the back with three different backdrops and lighting setups,” added Ferguson. “So kids can flow in and out of them. This way we are not all waiting on one studio. There’s flexibility for kids to be constantly learning all the time. Then they have got the computer setups as well as the audio room. So this morning I had three kids in the audio room recording their song. Then I had two kids recording on the green screen in the studio and then other kids working on Ipads doing some animation for their film.” Ferguson explained her class helps create the building blocks of skills such as, writing, oral communication, thinking, working with others, digital skills and continuous learning, which will help students be successful in any future career they hope to pursue from the trades to business and everything in between. “This skill development is possible with the support from division and the implementation of this new studio,” she said. “Students will continue to partake in realworld projects from video production for mass, non-profit organizations and busi-
nesses within our community. Students will also have the opportunity to compete in various video competitions such as Skills Alberta.” LCSD director of education, Nigel McCarthy, never grows tired of celebrating the current and future success of LCSD students, and Monday was no exception. “The partnership with Synergy Studios takes us beyond what a typical classroom can do, into the possibilities of the communications and media economy,” he said. “Synergy Studios is
an expression of t he belief that our students can reach beyond the classroom, succeed and compete in the world of media, communications and production.” Synergy’s CEO, Glenn Stang, is also a big fan of supporting local, and he’s well aware tomorrow’s future starts with today’s youth. “What really made it today was the kids,” said Stang. “They’re really pumped and anxious to show you what they can do with the new studio they have. “If the children get educated well, locally,
of our sustainable community.”
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Thursday, December 2, 2021
LloydMall ready for holiday shoppers FROM PAGE 2
“Food court (tenants) have to go through health inspectors, (and) all of their equipment has to be either cleaned or replaced. A lot of our retailers are hitting demand and supply (issues). Specialty millwork, when you’re a branded name, you can’t just throw in whatever carpet you want, so all of those things are slowing down some of our tenants, and unfortunately, our food court tenants seem to have a long battle.” With the food court cu rrent ly st ill u nd er renovations, Richer noted the mall has taken steps to accommodate shoppers. “To offset that, we’ve partnered up with Safeway and Starbucks,” she said. “They have grab-andgo items for our customers (such as water,
coffee, salads and sandwiches). “Coming to the mall is all about being social and sitting and having a coffee with your friend, so not having the food court open was a challenge, (but) doing that partnership has really worked. Safeway has told me they’ve seen an uptick in their deli and Starbucks store, so that’s really good.” Aside from being the official ribbon cutter, Mayor Gerald Aalbers spoke on the importance of the reopening and touched on the importance of the local shopping centre. “Here we are at the LloydMall 48 years after it was first conceived and constructed,” said Aalbers. “We know they had a flood and they brought in some excellent teams, some of those are surrounding us
today. “The last 18 months, as we all know, have been full of challenges. COVID has been challenging for our community and has certainly been challenging for our retailers throughout the city, and I commend the retailers and staff, who show up each and every day to carry on business, to supply goods and services to our consumers, to people in the region. This mall doesn’t just serve the City of Lloydminster, it serves a very wide trading area.” Aalbers also reiterated the importance of shopping local, now more than ever. “I would encourage everyone to shop local. Think Lloyd first; think LloydMall first. As you plan for your Christmas purchases, this is a great opportunity to support a local business right here in
the mall.” Despite all the added stress over the past few months due to flooding, on top of the pandemic, Richer was almost at a loss for words when asked to describe how she felt seeing patrons once again walking the halls of the mall. “It’s phenomenal. I think the night of Aug. 15 I just wanted to stand in the parking lot and cry for the tenants because I knew what was going to be ahead of us, and it’s heartbreaking, especially when we’ve all gone through COVID and the difficulties retail has seen because of COVID,” she said. “LloydMall is back. Please support our LloydMall retailers. We’ve already lost 50 per cent of our holiday season, which is huge, so getting that community support is so critical.”
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Library to follow museum opening GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. The new Lloydminster Museum + Archives is the first of several facilities expected to fall into the completed file in the coming months.
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It’s extremely exciting to see facilities that taxpayers fund that we often hear about at budget time. Now, you can see where the money’s been invested.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers, one of the officials at the museum opening a week ago, noted the relocated library in the LloydMall is next in line to open in the new year. “It’s extremely exciting to see facilities that taxpayers fund that we often hear about at budget time. Now, you can see where the money’s been invested,” said Aalbers. “Sooner or later, we will get to a wastewater treatment plant. There’s a lot of great things happening in our city.” He called the opening of the library “a huge event” for the city. “I know there’s been a lot of discussions in the city from residents and businesses wondering what we were going to do differently with the Lloyd Cultural and Science Centre. And now you can see it,” he said. The new facility, located at 4207 44 Street, features the permanent gallery depicting the history of Lloy-
Geoff Lee Meridian Source
The new Lloydminster Museum + Archives features many current historical displays including this one on reconciliation. Travelling exhibits will help welcome visitors coming back.
dminster from settlem e n t t o m o de rn - d ay that was a popular feature at the old building. There is also plenty of available space and humidity controls to showcase travelling exhibits. The Hiding in Plain Sight exhibit about Metis culture opened for viewing on Dec. 1, on loan from Library and Archives Canada, until April 16, 2022. Natalie Clysdale, the museum manager, says there is a full year of travelling exhibits booked through 2022 and into 2023 that will boost attendance. “We’re hoping the travelling exhibits encourage repeat visitation from residents and help the community engage in Lloydminster’s culture on a muc h more p erso nal and interactive level,” said Clysdale. She also thinks the
new facility will become a major year-round tourist attraction for the city. “Part of the experience for tourists is allowing us to share our history,” said Clysdale. “Lloydminster is a very uniquely settled area given its bi-provincial status. So, one of the most common questions we got at our old location is how it became a bi-provincial city and why. This exhibit speaks to that as well.” Clysdale says the opening is well-timed with people being cooped up indoors during COVID. “As we get into the winter season, I think the public and tourists are going to be excited to have an indoor recreation activity to do for the winter,” she said. The museum will welcome back school
programming, rentals, archives and public recreational activities. Aalbers says the city will continue to build on arts and culture when the library opens. “The Library will be the next addition, a brand new front-facing facility with ground level entry at the mall,” he said. Aalbers noted if the city can get the wastewater treatment plant open by 2023, that will pretty much be ‘the creme,’ then the talk will be about a new arena until that gets built. “Our city is not sitting behind the wheel and not going anywhere. We are moving forward,” Aalbers said. “Yes, it’s challenging times for everybody, but the opportunities lay before us and we are going to try and address each and every one of them as they come up.”
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Thursday, December 2, 2021
Kiwanis Festival of Lights kicks off season TAYLOR WEAVER
EDITOR
.................................. ‘It is my pleasure to officially turn on the lights of 2021 at the Kiwanis Park.’ Those are the words Mayor Gerald Aalbers used on Sunday as he flipped the switch at Kiwanis Park to officially kick off this year’s Lloydminster Kiwanis Club Festival of Lights. Sunday’s light-up ceremony marked four years for the festival of lights, and as Kiwanis Club secretary, Vera Gallant put it, it gets bigger and better every year. “For the City of Lloydminster, for the Kiwanis Club, and for me, this has to be the most exciting day of the year,” said Gallant. “As most people know, I absolutely, love Christmas; I love the lights, the glitter, everything that goes with it, but, what I really, really love, is what the
spirit of Christmas is all about, and that is why we have the nativity scenes, and for me, that brings me much peace, joy, and especially hope.” When it comes to the spirit of Christmas, Gallant isn’t talking about gift giving. “I’m talking about what Christmas is all about. I’m talking about the getting together of family and friends, show kindness to one another, love one another like we’re called to do,” she said. Despite less funds coming in to support this year’s festival, Gallant was excited to announce there are more lights in the park this year compared to last. “This year we were able to expand with a whole lot more lights, and there’s gotta be 50,000 lights here this year, if not more,” she said.
“What we have created here brings families together, and it brings our community together, and for a little while, hopefully this little environment helps us forget all of the problems in the world and we focus on the magic of Christmas, which is hope,” said Gallant. Aalbers was also excited to light up the park on Sunday, as he knows just how strong a role the Kiwanis Club plays in the community. “The work the Kiwanis Club does is just tremendous,” he said. “They affect the youth in our community, and around the world, each and every day. “It’s a real pleasure, on behalf of the City, thank you, Kiwanis Club, for bringing this event to life, because that’s what we’re doing here tonight, and we’re going to bring it to light year and year.”
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
Mayor Gerald Aalbers flipped the switch at Kiwanis Park (56a 51 Ave.) to officially kick off the Lloydminster Kiwanis Club’s Festival of Lights. The lights will be turned on every night when the sun goes down until mid-January and are definitely worth checking out.
As of Sunday, the lights will be turned on at roughly 4:30 p.m. and shut off around 11 p.m. and will continue
to light up the park until early January. “It was great seeing so many members of the community out
tonight,” said Gallant. It’s because of you guys that I continue to doing this and why I’m so passionate about it.”
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Students rally for Rudolph charity GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. Lloydminster Comprehensive High School (LCHS) is in the midst of an elf outbreak with a horde of students pitching in for their 24th annual Rudolph Roundup. The two-week collection of donated cash and gifts for clients of the Lloydminster Interval Home women’s shelter wraps up on Dec. 3 under the direction of Grade 12 leadership student, Yeshaia Hager. “In total, our leadership class does have more than 50 people, which is really amazing because leadership class normally has 25 to 30 students on a good year. Just this year, there’s been so many kids to help out,” said Hager at the end of the first week. More than 600 items were collected for the Interval Home in the first four days, compared to just 22 donations during the same period a year ago. “This is only the first week and we still have another entire week, so I’m really excited to see what’s going to happen next week as well,” said Hager, who is president of the school spirit committee. Helping to motivate students is a pizza party for the class generating the most points for donated items, with ice cream and donuts going to the second and third place classes. Points are awarded for different items and users each day with double and triple point days awarded for more expensive items like diapers needed by the Interval Home. Monday was stuff for toddlers from ages 2-4, Tuesday children 5-12, Wednesday teens, Thursday women and Friday, gift cards. “We just counted up the money that we got and there was $610 in gift cards. Absolutely insane. It feels amazing the amount of positive support we’ve gotten, not only from the community, but peers,
teachers and staff here at LCHS,” said Hager. Community collection boxes are set up at Winners and HomeSense stores as well. Grade 12 leadership teacher, Dwayne Jeffery, says it’s always fun to see kids enthusiastic about something. “It’s been a tough two years with COVID. You can’t do some of the leadership activities. With Roundup, every kid in the school can contribute. My goal is that every kid brings one thing. If we did that, we’d have 1,000 items,” said Jeffery. “We are ahead of our goal this week and hopefully, we will continue it.” With so many donations at the school, the Interval Home had to make an early pickup that afternoon. Jeffery says what keeps the program going all these years is the passion the students have for it. “Kids will latch on to something they find interesting. It’s a tradition, and traditions are powerful in schools,” he explained. “Secondly, the Interval Home works with us and we work with them, so the kids get to understand what the leadership they’re doing is going for.” Avery McGarry, a Grade 11 student working with Hager, says community is one of the different groups they have within the leadership program. “It’s where we get involved with the community to donate. It’s being a leader and helping out with the community,” said McGarry. “It feels good to help out other families in need. My family is well off, but it makes me feel really bad to see people not be able to celebrate the holidays.” McGarry was thrilled to see a fresh donation of teddy bears from Ram Printing and Promotions for kids at the Interval Home. “It’s very nice of them to do that,” she said. This week’s Roundup
Geoff Lee Meridian Source
Lloydminster Comprehensive High School students Yeshaia Hager, left, Paige Brost and Avery McGarry, sort through bags of donated bears for the Rudolph Roundup charity for the Lloydminster Interval Home. It wraps up on Dec. 3.
focus is all about donations for other Internal Home Society entities, such as For the Interval Store. “Friday is cash donations, which are always great because some-
times the Home can purchase what they need that we don’t collect enough of,” said Jeffery. The Interval Home will make their final pickup that day.
Church Directory
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Thursday, December 2, 2021
LRHF ready for round three of Gift to Health After the success of last year’s 12-hour
radio/running marathon, the Lloydminster
Region Health Foundation (LRHF) is ready
for more. The LRHF will be hosting its third annual Lloydminster’s Gift to Health digital stream on Dec. 7 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a fundraising goal of $500,000. All funds raised from the stream will go towards supporting the purchase of diagnostic imaging in the Lloydminster Hospital. “We need to raise $500,000 for diagnostic imaging at the Lloydminster Hospital,” said LRHF CEO, Malcolm Radke. “We are going to purchase four new machines for the department that will significantly improve patient care, wait times, and more efficiently use staff time.” The main focus for fundraising will be a new mobile digital radiology unit, two new portable ultrasound units with echo extension, as well as a mobile C-arm, which will be
used extensively for intraoperative orthopedic surgeries allowing more orthopedicrelated surgeries to be completed in the interchangeable operating room. Last year’s event saw local super-human runner, Mikey Dubz (Welygan) run more than 120 km over a 12-hour period while “sending it” on a treadmill. This year is a little bit different, and a lot more exciting. Dubz will once again be running for 12 hours this year, but he’s being joined by 23 other members of the running community who all have their own treadmills and their own 12-hour run. There will be eight “pro” runners and 16 community runners sending it along with Dubz. All 24 runners will be set up and running on their treadmills at the Stockade Convention
Centre from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. “The other 23 runners have made a huge commitment to Lloydminster’s Gift to Health this year. They will be running for 12 hours to help raise money for a great cause,” said Dubz. “We all understand how important diagnostic imaging is, and how we need to continue to upgrade important items in the Lloydminster Hospital.” Some of the runners joining Dubz on his 12-hour trek are Dr. Kent Weir, Jennifer Gilbert, Vera Koster, Dr. Kevin Govender, Greg Frey, John Winter, Monty Christie, Kaeli Spence, Carey Mase , Cam Whe e l e r, Brian Stevenson, Warren Aguinaldo, Mindy Hawthorne, Kristine Knourek, Clark Drury, David Lopez, and Jody Herbus. Donations can be made online at www. lrhf.ca/gifttohealth/
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PAGE 10 Thursday, December 2, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Viewpoint Through the readers’ lens
5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4 Phone: 306-825-5111 Toll Free: 1-800-327-3899 Fax: 306-825-5147 meridiansource.ca Mail: Box 2454, Lloydminster, SK S9V 1W5 Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday THE MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday. All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion. Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.
Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca
Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca
Mike from Canmore Submitted to the Meridian Source Well, it sure looks like Mike From Canmore got into some adventures over the last couple of weeks after getting stranded on the Banff Gondola!
Marketing Manager Deanna Wandler deanna@meridiansource.ca
Just kidding! Mike actually volunteered to play the victim as part of a training exercise. He said the worst part was having the gondola come to a complete stop waaaay above the snow, but the best part was the ride down. So, if you find yourself riding the gondola this winter and are concerned the rescue teams aren’t up to the task of getting you off the mountain, fear not, they’ve already practised on a guinea pig!
Marketing Consultant Ashley Miazga ashley@meridiansource.ca
Publisher: Reid Keebaugh Production Manager: Amanda Richard CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING admin@meridiansource.ca NEWSPAPER DELIVERY If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification. Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca
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Residential snow removal underway
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o improve residential road conditions, the City of Lloydminster started a full-scale snow removal starting Monday, Nov. 29. Since mid-November, Lloydminster has received approximately 20 cm of snow. The City is requesting the co-
operation of residents and drivers to ensure garbage carts, vehicles and other obstructions are removed from the street before crews arrive. Signage will be posted approximately 36-48 hours before snow removal begins. Removal will follow the yel-
low, pink, blue, green and orange curbside collection zones. In most residential areas, snow will be plowed into windrows along the street’s centre and picked up by snow blowers and loaders. Removal of windrows typically occurs within 24 hours.
PAGE 11 Thursday, December 2, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Opinion
Leeway from Lloyd: Suzuki veers off course STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE
David Suzuki’s recent comment that “pipelines will be blown up” if political leaders don’t act on climate change is rightfully being interpreted as inciting violence. He has since apologized. Suzuki made the comment in an interview with CHEK News at an Extinction Rebellion protest on Vancouver Island on Nov. 20 while people in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley were dealing with the environmental issue at hand in the wake of the devastating floods. What kind of environmental leader says something like that?
The Alberta government demanded an apology to ensure pipeline protesters like those who sought to stop the Trans Mountain pipeline through B.C. don’t jeopardize pipeline safety or workers. Ironically, the floods put that pipeline out of commission, prompting B.C. to set a 30-litre purchase limit on gasoline. Now at least, even people like Suzuki who drive, will realize the importance of Alberta oil flowing through that line. The good news is, he won’t be able to fill his tank and incite violence against pipelines in many other communities without running out of gas that he hates so much. B.C.’s backup plan
was to barge in fuel from the U.S. and by rail, but how safe is rail given the recurring washouts on CP and CN railways in that province. That’s what pipelines are for. If Suzuki really cares about the environment, why wasn’t he helping out on a weekend when hundreds of other people were pitching in. None of them were inciting violence against pipelines. Suzuki is just another all-or-nothing environmentalist when it comes to fossil fuels. Try living without gasoline for the next six months of winter in B.C. and see how well that works. While Suzuki says “pipelines will be blown up” if the world doesn’t get a handle on climate
File Photo change, the oil and gas industry is working constructively with the federal government to meet net-zero emissions by 2050. Suzuki should know
that as the world slowly spins to electric vehicles, cleanburning natural gas is going to be the bridge fuel that generates the electricity that will be
needed. Solar and wind can’t meet peak load demands. Let’s hope that ‘blows up” Suzuki’s nice little gotta go green or else message.
Take home drug checking kits available across Saskatchewan
The Government of Saskatchewan is expanding access to fentanyl and benzodiazepine drug checking strips, to help curb the number of overdose deaths in our province. These test strips are now available to the general public for the purpose of at home drug checking. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times more toxic than other opioids. Of 149 confirmed accidental drug toxicity deaths in Saskatchewan in 2021, 108 (72 per cent) involved fentanyl.
People who use drugs often do not know if fentanyl is present. It cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. Mixing benzodiazepines (benzos) with opioids increases the risk of overdose, because they both have sedative properties. As well, naloxone, which normally reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, is not effective in counteracting benzos. “The tragedy of overdose and toxic street drug deaths continue to be a heavy burden on our communities,” said
Mental Health and Addictions Minister Everett Hindley. “Our government remains committed to expanding addictions services, and providing widespread access to drug checking strips is one way to save lives.” Take home test strips are now available at over 30 locations across the province. In the Border City, test strips are available at the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre and Lloydminster Public Health. “We are grateful anytime we see the adoption of evi-
dence based harm reduction measures on a large scale,” said Provincial Lead of Mom’s Stop the Harm Canada Marie Agioritis. “It gives me hope that someone else’s mother could be spared the pain of burying a child. These test strips will save lives. Let’s get them into the hands of people who need them.” “This is a major step to help reduce the risk of overdoses throughout Saskatchewan,” added Prairie Harm Reduction Executive Director Jason Mercredi. “Prairie Harm Reduction is pleased to be a partner with the Government of Saskatchewan to ensure this harm reduction tool is widely available to everyone in Saskatchewan, both urban and rural.” A negative result on a test strip does not guarantee the substance is safe. Test strips only check if certain fentanyl or benzos compounds are present in the portion of the drugs tested. They do not detect other drugs and do not show the amount of fentanyl or benzos present in the substance.
These strips are an additional tool to limit potential overdoses. The Ministry of Health asks all those using street drugs to not use alone. Use the buddy system or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888688-6677. Naloxone kits to reverse opioid overdoses are available throughout the province. Visit saskatchewan.ca/opioids for more information. In the event of an overdose, call 911. Under the Good Samaritan Act, you will not be charged for possession of an illegal substance if you are calling for assistance during an overdose. The Ministry of Health is investing a record $458 million for mental health and addictions services in 202122, an increase of $23.4 million over last year’s budget. Of that investment, $2.6 million is specifically for harm reduction initiatives across the province, an increase of $1.4 million from last year. Test strips for drug checking is one of several new harm reduction initiatives being funded this year.
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DreamCatchers celebrate in a tipi GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. The planned Indigenous Centre in the new Holy Rosary High School expansion will go a long way to advance Truth and Reconciliation in the community. That’s the expectation of project partner Synergy Credit Union and other officials on hand for an outdoor smudging and pipe groundbreaking ceremony in a tipi at the expansion site last week. Synergy is contributing $200,000 towards the contents of what is being called the DreamCatcher space. “We’re contributing to the Holy Rosary project because it’s a great project for our community, helping everybody to progress their learnings and evolution around Truth and Reconciliation, just so everyone can benefit and prosper
together,” said Synergy CEO Glenn Stang. The DreamCatcher project will promote authentic cultural and traditional Indigenous ways in the classroom and the community. “This is top of mind for everybody right now—to learn from the past, to reconcile to the past and to become better and more empathetic going forward in the future, so real solutions can be found to today’s problems,” said Stang. Mike Young, a junior elder cultural advisor who likes to work with students when he can, called the groundbreaking a historic event that means a lot to him. He says he’s been working with his wife, Cynthia, an aboriginal program coordinator at Lloydminster Catholic School Division (LCSD), on the idea since she started work 18 years ago.
“One of our missions was to bring some education to the school system, especially the Catholic school system, and they’ve come this far and we’re building a centre for our Indigenous people,” said Young. He says the DreamCatcher space will be the focus for teaching anything of an Indigenous cultural value, such as Aboriginal Week at the school in June. “We’ll start there with a pipe ceremony. We can smudge there every morning and not have to worry about alarms going on,” he said. “When we have elders come in to share teachings with us, that will be the room it will take place in.” Young says he likes to work with Indigenous students and take them out moose hunting and things like that.
Geoff Lee Meridian Source
Cynthia Young, aboriginal program coordinator with the Lloydminster Catholic School Division, prepares hot coals for a groundbreaking smudging and pipe ceremony for the new Indigenous Centre at the Holy Rosary High School expansion site. The pipe ceremony was held inside a tipi.
“That’s part of my job when I’m not working in the oil industry,” he said. Young led Indigenous students in the raising of the tipi and helped plan t he cer emonial activities, including the laying down of tobacco on the ground at the end. “When we put
tobacco in the ground, it’s an offering for our grandfathers to come and hear our prayers and carry them to the Creator,” Young explained. Lloydminster MLA, Colleen Young, says the actual type of ceremony and the consecration of the Dream Catcher space itself is
very unique and a lesson about Truth and Reconciliation. “It’s something that shows we are willing to work with our Indigenous partners as we move forward in building our learning centres across the province,” said Young. CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Lloyd residents want voices heard
Geoff Lee Meridian Source
A group of individuals gathered in the front of the Lloydminster RCMP Detachment Monday, protesting a range of vaccination-related issues and supporting actions of the Mounties for Freedom anti-vaccine mandate group, which claims to represent police officers across the country.
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The Province of Saskatchewan contributed $10 million toward the Holy Rosary Expansion including room for the DreamCatcher addition. Several other schools in the province also have designated space for Indigenous activities. Stang says for people like him that have been around for awhile and really don’t truly understand the past, facilities like this will actually help them learn about our true
Canadian history. “My grandchildren, they’re going to learn their truth from the beginning,” he said. “So as you can see the generations move forward, you can actually see a lot more cohesive, a lot more peaceful, harmonistic society going forward.” Stang also noted staff at Synergy have been part of an aggressive training program to be certified in Truth and Reconciliation. He says in addition
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to that, they are also doing a lot of training and development around equality, diversity and inclusion. “People are learning things and becoming more empathetic. They can actually understand and put themselves in the other person’s shoes for a day,” said Stang. He says that’s a different type of learning experience that you just can’t get unless you immerse yourself in the training.
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Artsy gazebo shelters skaters
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A new all-season gazebo is set up on a skid for winter use as a skate-changing shack, open at the rink in the Martin Browne neighbourhood. It was built by Ecoplast Solutions and paid for by Jason Arden and Associates- Co-operators in Arden’s partnership with the city. It features artwork by local painter Brandi Hofer. GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. The Martin Browne neighbourhood has a new year-round amenity for public enjoyment.
A colourful new gazebo featuring the artwork of local artist Brandi Hofer is already getting its first use this winter as a skate-chang-
ing shack near the outdoor rink. The project is the result of a partnership between Jason Arden and Associates Ltd. –
Co-operators that paid for the project, and the City of Lloydminster. It was built and installed for Co-operators by Ecoplast Solutions using their unique structural insulated panels, made from 11,248 recycled plastic bottles and includes bench seats and windows. The gazebo could see use as a rest area during the summer for those using the nearby basketball courts and other nearby outdoor amenities. “In a strong and healthy community, local businesses have a part to play in supporting enhancements to public space, and the Co-operators is pleased to contribute to the beautification and usability of the city’s green spaces,” said Arden in a release. “We hope the residents of the Martin
Browne area and people from across the community enjoy this new addition.”
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In a strong and healthy community, local businesses have a part to play in supporting enhancements to public space, and the Co-operators is pleased to contribute to the beautification and usability of the city’s green spaces.
The city says the community will get to experience the contribution of Jason Arden and Associates throughout the lifetime of the gazebo. The open-air struc-
ture currently sits on a wooden skid and will become a permanent neighbourhood fixture as the area redevelopment plan advances. “We welcome other opportunities to collaborate with local businesses as we enhance the quality of life for Lloydminster residents and those we welcome in the future,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. Ecoplast Solutions’ managing partner, JeanMarc d’Entremont, was thrilled to build it for Co-operators and the city. “Our team at Ecoplast is always eager to take on local projects that will benefit Lloydminster and its residents for many years to come,” said d’Entremont. “We’d like to thank Jason Arden, Brandi Hofer and the team at the City of Lloydminster for collaborating with us on this project.”
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It’s Violence Prevention Week in Sask MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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Nov. 28 – Dec. 4 has been proclaimed Violence Prevention Week in Saskatchewan. The proclamation was requested by Saskatchewan Towards Offering Partnership Solutions (STOPS) to Violence. “We are proud to work with STOPS to Violence,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant. “I applaud their work and that of all other agencies to build a safer Saskatchewan. This year’s theme, Reach Out, addresses survivors, friends, families and communities. It encourages us all to work together to stop violence in Saskatchewan.” “Violence pulls families and communities apart,” said Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office Laura Ross. “As individuals we
need to recognize our role in understanding, preventing and addressing it. Violence Prevention Week provides us the opportunity to Reach Out and participate in addressing violence.” Over the past year, the Province has been developing several new tools for those encountering violence and for those working to support victims, including: - Enhancements to 211 Saskatchewan to ensure that all Saskatchewan Citizens have a place to reach out for information and support. 211 Saskatchewan is a free, confidential, 24/7 service that connects individuals to human services in the province - Partnering with community service providers to establish FIRST, violence outreach teams that provide collaborative, timely services to fami-
lies that are experiencing and using violence or display risk factors associated with violence. - Expanding Victim Advocate Case Review project, which gives civilian, sexual assault experts access to police sexual assault files to determine challenges and identify opportunity to improve investigation outcomes. - Passing The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act, 2021 legislation to support victims experiencing sexual violence by enabling them to terminate their lease early without paying financial penalties. - Introducing The Privacy (Intimate images -Additional Remedies) Amendment Act, 2021, which builds on existing privacy legislation to expand the remedies in an action to stop the non-consensual distribution of
intimate images. - Information on additional services for those experiencing violence can be found at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/justice-crime-and-the-law/ victims-of-crime-andabuse/interpersonalviolence-and-abuseprograms. “Saskatchewan Violence Prevention Week
is held each year to raise awareness with a focus on building healthy relationships and strong communities,” said STOPS to Violence Executive Director Tracy Knutson. “The 2021 theme is Reach Out and I encourage everyone to take time this week to learn about healthy relationships, to rebuild
connections and to support others. Recognize we all have an active role to play in building safe communities for everyone.”
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Thursday, December 2, 2021
Lider’s moustache bites the dust!
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The Lloydminster Fire Fighter’s Association has a team funding bounty of $5,000 on Capt. Kevin Lider’s moustache in their Movember campaign. It’s gotta be shaved off by the end of the month if they reach that total. GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. Lloydminster Firefighters are still in
shock and awe seeing Captain Kevin Lider report for work on the first day of December
with a bare upper lip. The traumatic moment brought the hairiest month of the
year to an end. The Lloydminster Fire Fighters Association’s $5,000 Movembe r f u nd r aising goal was dusted with a total of $6,734 raised. “It’s a big win for men’s health but an even bigger loss for Captain Lider’s upper lip as he followed through with his pledge to shave his iconic moustache that he has sported for the past 40 years,” proclaimed association president Brad Martin. “He stepped up to the plate and got it done,” said Martin, noting the few holdouts will be dropping their moustaches in short order. Martin says the team is very appreciative of everyone who has contributed and supported their Movember campaign in support of men’s health. Movember is an annual campaign held worldwide in support
of mental health and suicide prevention, prostate, and testicular cancer.
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We appreciate what the Movember campaign serves to accomplish, and we’re proud to be a part of it.
E i gh te e n o f th e 4 9 Lloydminster firefighters helped to raise funds and awareness by either growing a moustache or moving 60 kilometres in November in support of Movember. “Among our own, we continue to try to reduce the stigma around mental health and utilize (the) best practices to reduce our risks of occupational cancer,” said Martin. “Growing moustaches has been a fun way to
keep those conversations at the forefront.” Martin says this is the first year for firefighters in Local 5182 to participate in the Movember campaign. “I think we probably will be taking it on again next year. It’s definitely a worthy cause that we feel is important to us,” he said. Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men. Martin says firefighting is a profession with a higher prevalence of cancers, injuries, and mental health pressures due to the nature of the work. “We appreciate what the Movember campaign serves to accomplish, and we’re proud to be a part of it,” he said.
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Managing diabetes with your local pharmacist
DR. ASAD KASHANI
SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE
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November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to diabetes and its impact, diabetes management, and the risk factors that come with improperly managing diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition where people don’t produce enough insulin to meet their body’s needs, or their cells don’t respond properly to insulin.
Insulin is an important hormone produced by the pancreas that moves glucose (sugar) into the body’s cells from the blood. Twenty-six per cent of Saskatchewan residents live with diabetes or prediabetes. Concerningly, diabetes-related complications and prescriptions have increased since the start of the pandemic. New data from Shoppers Drug Mart shows a 17 per cent increase in new patients filling diabetes prescriptions when comparing 2019 to 2021, underscoring the importance of access to care for patients with diabetes. As a frontline healthcare worker, I’m qualified to help you with
diabetes management. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for many years, I’ve put together some tips and services to consider when it comes to diabetes management. Make lifestyle changes: Proper nutrition and exercise are key components of diabetes management. You should aim for at least 30 minutes of activity a day. This can help bring down blood sugar, prevent heart disease, and manage stress. While no foods are strictly off-limits, working with a registered dietitian to understand what your body needs can have a major impact
on overall health. Quit smoking: When left unmanaged, the excess sugar in the blood that causes diabet es can eve nt u ally lead to serious health complications, including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, limb amputation, and anxiety or depression. If you smoke, your risk of health complications increases. Your local pharmacist is an excellent resource if you’d like to quit. Manage stress levels: Easier said than done! When stress levels are up, blood sugar levels may also increase. You may also find that when you’re stressed, it can be harder to manage diabetes and stick to routines like getting exercise, eating healthy
File Photo and taking diabetes medications. Consider finding ways to relieve stress, such as meditation, yoga or taking a long walk. Chat with your pharmacist: Sometimes managing diabetes on your own can feel overwhelming. As a frontline healthcare worker, I’m here to support you. Together, we can review your medications and teach you about your blood glu-
cose monitor. We can also explore if there are ad d i ti o na l te c h no l o gies that can help make tracking easier. For more information on diabetes and how you can best manage it, speak with your local pharmacist. Dr. Asad Kashani is the pharmacist and owner at the Shoppers Drug Mart in Lloydminster and in St. Paul. Visit ShoppersDrugMart.ca to find your nearest store.
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A strength found in a good cup of java PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS
Are you a coffee drinker? If so, what constitutes a perfect cup for you? For some folks, like my dad, a few freezedried crystals of instant stirred into boiling water was enough, for others, there can be quite a science to brewing the ideal mug. Here are a few tips in order to brew the best possible cup at home. First, use fresh, whole beans since the preground product may have sat on the grocery store shelf for months. Coffee is finest only days after roasting. Store the beans in an airtight container, and grind them just before brewing. Ground coffee loses flavour within 30 minutes. Hurry! Also, it’s important to
use quality water. My water is high in minerals and apparently won’t “bond” well with the coffee particulates. This leads to weak taste, and who the heck wants that! I was converted to the charms of good coffee while visiting Italy. Every day I’d indulge in a cappuccino—or two. Sure the cups were tiny, but they were deliciously packed with a rich aroma. There was nothing better than to sit on a cobblestone lane amid the hustle and bustle of a busy weekday morning and sip the frothy beverage. This pleasant memory is not shared by my husband. In vain he searched for a “decent” cup of java. By that, he meant a 14-ounce, disposable container of drip coffee, stuffed into a cardboard tray and thrust into his outstretched hand
through a small hole cut into the side of a building. “Bah!” he’d say with disgust, watching as I sipped my caffè latte near the Roman Colosseum. “I want a real cup of coffee.” While abroad, he was so desperate for coffee prepared his own way, he purchased a small Bialetti espresso maker. Then, he pondered which variety of grounds to buy, finally accosting three elderly Italian women in a supermarket to ask their advice. While initially, they were wary of this strange babbling man, they warmed up as he smiled, performed exaggerated simulations of someone guzzling a hot drink, and expressed his utter helplessness. Happily chattering in Italian, they pointed to a brand of coffee they liked best. This is a serious busi-
ness for Tom and not to be trifled with. Several years ago he underwent an operation at the University Hospital in Edmonton. After two days of confinement, and miserable, watery coffee, he rose from his bed to peer out the window. “Well, whaddya know …,” he said, his eyes narrowing in thought. Shortly thereafter, a man could be seen exiting the front doors of that worthy institution. This fellow, one hand dragging a rolling IV pole and the other clutching the ends of a thin hospital gown that fluttered dangerously in the afternoon breeze, crossed the busy thoroughfare. This man was on a mission. He cared nothing for the interested stares of onlookers, the imminent threat of indecent exposure, or the conventions of society. He
File Photo spared no time for the idle curiosity of strangers who wondered at the sight of a man marching briskly across the busy intersection in a pale blue dressing gown and bedroom slippers. He wanted a “decent” cup of coffee. And he had spotted Tim Hortons.
Helen and her books will be at the Lloydminster Farmers Market on Dec. 4 and 11. To read about her humorous Prairie Wool Books, or newly released fantasy series, perfect for Christmas giving, go to helentoews.com. or search Helen Row Toews on Amazon.
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Thursday, December 2, 2021
Support for female entrepreneurs
GERALD POLLARD
MARCH 24, 1930 – JULY 31, 2011 Gerald wrote this poem on his way to the Korean War at the age of 19, which he served from 1950-1952
Fort Lewis Blues
Just below the Canadian border Fort Lewis is the spot We are doomed to spend our time On the land that God forgot Down with the snakes and lizards Down where the men get blue Right in the middle of nowhere And three thousand miles from you I swear I freeze and shiver It’s more than men can stand We’re not a bunch of convicts But defenders of our land We are soldiers of the Special Force Drawing our monthly pay Defending our people with million For two and a half a day Living with our memories Waiting to see our gals Hoping that while we are away They haven’t run out with pals Few people know we are living Few people give a dam Although we are not forgotten at home We belong to Rockingham The time we spend in the army The good times we have missed Boys we hope the draft don’t get you And for God’s sake don’t enlist When we get to heaven St.Peter will surely yell They are from Fort Lewis dear God They have spent their time in hell - G.C. Pollard
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On Tuesday, the Government of Saskatchewan announced new support for women entrepreneurs in the province through two new programs, the Scale Up for Entrepreneurs program and the Digital Literacy for Entrepreneurs program. The government also released a new Women Entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan report, which provides statistical information about female self-employment and womenowned businesses and highlights examples of successful women-led businesses. “Women entrepreneurs and Saskatchewan businesses continue to drive our economy,” said Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison. “This funding will provide continued sup-
port for women and underrepresented entrepreneurs to secure their financial self-sufficiency and create new jobs for Saskatchewan people through the scaling up of their businesses.” The new supports and statistical report further advance the recommendations in the Enabling Scale in Saskatchewan report developed by WESK’s Advisory Committee on Gender Entrepreneurship Gap. “Women entrepreneurs are an important contributor to Saskatchewan’s economic growth and key to advancing our Growth Plan goals,” said Minister Responsible for Status of Women Office Laura Ross. “(The) Collaboration between partners is vital to supporting women entrepreneurs successfully and the Government of Saskatchewan is thankful
for the work of Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK).” The Scale Up for Entrepreneurs initiative will provide $450,000 to help eligible Saskatchewan entrepreneurs receive relevant training to acquire skills and knowledge to grow their businesses. The program will include training to support skills development in areas such as leadership and management, business strategy, marketing and sales, financial management, human resource strategies and others. Eligible entrepreneurs will also have access to coaching and mentorship following the training. The program will provide support for 50 women and under-represented Saskatchewan entrepreneurs (Indigenous, visible minority, youth and persons experiencing disabili-
ties) in Saskatchewan and is expected to be open to applications in January 2022. “This announcement marks a milestone in the province in supporting women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses,” said WESK CEO Prabha Mitchell. “I’m pleased to see the government advancing two of the policy recommendations from the final report of the Saskatchewan Advisory Committee. The release of the Women Entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan report and the Scale Up for Entrepreneurs program will not only support women in scaling but will also drive economic growth in our province.” Digital Literacy for Entrepreneurs will provide $1.6 million to focus on addressing the digital literacy needs of entrepreneurs, including women entrepreneurs, who want to integrate digital technologies into the future success and growth of their business, while mitigating future risks associated with the application of technology. Programming will i n c l u d e b a s i c o p e r ations, foundational, strategic and specialized digital skills to ensure appropriate programming for entrepreneurs in their service area. The program will provide support for over 300 participants and is expected to launch in early 2022.
Thursday, December 2, 2021
MERIDIAN SOURCE
The price of community progress WHISPERS OF THE PAST SANDRA L. BROWN
Our pioneers boldly faced an ever-increasing cost of living on the prairie which wasn’t always in balance with their earnings. In preparation for a prairie winter, we check our antifreeze, switch to studded tires, etc. In 1919 automobiles were generally parked. Howell Bros., the local Chevrolet garage reminded automobile owners they could repair, recharge and store customers’ batteries over the winter. Due to the anticipated cost increase in good quality leather shoes, Proctor’s Shoe Store purchased a large inventory. Customers were advised to purchase shoes now, as costs would be increasing by $3-$4 per pair in the
new year. The town council election was scheduled for Dec. 8, 1919, to elect a mayor and three councillors to serve in 1920. Mayor Huxley was seeking re-election mayor. He had served as councillor for six years and mayor for two years. He believed the mayor should live in the Town (Saskatchewan side) and not be from the Village (Alberta side). With 1920 quickly approaching, Huxley believed, “The financial end of our municipal affairs will be uppermost in importance, and will have to be carefully handled.” He promised to do everything in his power for the advancement of Lloydminster but any expenses needed to be made with experienced judgement. The previous two
years had been a financial challenge for Lloydminster folks. Some community projects such as cement sidewalks and the purchase of additional firefighting equipment weren’t completed. The local government board had issued debentures (unsecured loans) of $9,000 for firefighting equipment and $8,000 for the sidewalks. The dilemma for the Village Council was making sure these debentures could be repaid at near their value. The vote for Bylaw No. 9 which would grant William Johnson and Edward Thomas Johnson a special franchise for the supply of electric light and energy to the Village was also scheduled for Dec.8. This bylaw included the construction and placement of the poles, wires, regulators and
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File Photo anything else related to providing electricity. This agreement was to be in place for 10 years. The street lights would be lit from half an hour before sunset until one o’clock the following morning. The franchise terms included payment of $90 per year for each 500-watt light and $18 per year for each 60-watt light. The bylaw also states a minimum of four 500-
watt lamps and 10 60-watt lamps shall be in use. If at any time the lights went out through no fault of the Village, the payment would be proportionally deducted. The Village would purchase and claim ownership of the lamps as their property. Consumer prices were not to exceed 16 cents per kilowatt-hour for delivery and 12.5
cents per kilowatt-hour for usage. Prices would be reduced yearly based on overall usage by the Village. Each step of community progress and its maintenance is typically accompanied by a financial adjustment, which trickles down to residents. Someone has to pay for the price of progress and at the same time, enjoy its many benefits.
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Thursday, December 2, 2021
Sask announces $4.38M for skills training MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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On Monday, the Government of Saskatchewan announced the funding of approximately $4.38 million for the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) and several other training institutions to deliver skills training programs to help continue to grow a skilled workforce in the province. This funding will allow these institutions to expand their skills training programs in the construction, welding, and health care sectors to help meet
the labour needs of businesses. It also supports key actions of the Saskatchewan Growth Plan to ensure under-represented groups are enabled to participate in the economy. “Saskatchewan is making significant investments in training our provincial workforce as we enter a period of strong growth coming out of the pandemic,” said Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison. “This funding will prioritize training for individuals who are under-represented
in the workforce, it will promote a more diverse and inclusive workforce, and it will grow the number of skilled workers in highdemand occupations in communities across Saskatchewan.” Several of these new training opportunities will be targeted at Indigenous individuals and will be delivered through partnerships between training institutions and the communities. The expansion of the Tiny House Project is one such project and will provide Indigenous apprentices with work experiences, while
File Photo working towards their journeyperson certificates by building small, modular houses in their local communities. The training will be funded through the Canada-Saskatchewan Labour Market Transfer Agreements and provided by the SATCC and several other training
institutions. In addition to the Tiny House Project expansion, the skills programs include: - Welding - Health Care Aide/ Continuing Care Aide - Medical Lab Assistant - Electrical Applied Certificate
- Steel Stud and Drywall - Introduction to Scaffolding For more information on the training programs, please contact Chris Gunningham with the Skills Training Branch at 306-787-8131 or chris.gunningham@ gov.sk.ca.
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Are you just shopping or earnestly searching? MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND
We went out for a drive in the late afternoon this past Sunday scouting for wildlife. It’s full rut, and sure enough, we came across a nice-sized mule deer standing 30 yards off the trail paying more attention to three does than he was to us. Just down the road were a mama moose and this year’s calf. They too did not seem to care we were watching. After 50 years of carrying a rifle in late fall and early winter, I really don’t have the desire to hunt big game anymore with anything but a camera, but I still appreciate seeing a handsome buck or a majestic moose. My father and big brother were both avid hunters so as soon as I was old enough, they
let me tag along, never complaining about my endless questions and inexperience. At age 14, I got turned around in the spruce meadows north of Turtle Lake hunting moose and remembering their instructions I fired three consecutive shots. They tracked me down sitting on a stump at the edge of a swamp, followed by a long walk out to the road by match light and compass. Nothing like getting lost to make you pay more attention the next time! A lot of dad’s bushcraft came from roaming the pastures near the North Saskatchewan River as a boy. Farm families in the Depression partially subsisted on wild meat, including ducks, grouse, and the occasional deer. It was a necessity, not a luxury, and no permission was sought from
any government. Even though one of his favourite sayings was: “tracks make thin soup!” he taught how to follow a buck’s trail through the snow in a quest to sneak up on him in his midday bed. This became my favourite way to hunt, as it was just me taking it slow and quiet, no phones, no schedule, enjoying what the day had to offer. And if you are wondering, yes, I have a couple of nice racks on our shop wall to prove it can be done. In real estate, I respect buyers who don’t confuse shopping with searching. First, they get preapproved and know what their financial limits are. Then they sit down with their Realtor and go over the plan; budget, the number of bedrooms, preferred neighbourhood, etc.
File Photo An initial list of potential houses is drawn up then the buyers do a drive-by to confirm or shorten the number before we disrupt the occupants in the homes. Showing appointments are made and kept as scheduled. During the tour, the buyers tell their Realtor specifically what they like and don’t like about
each property. If one meets their expectations, an offer is made. If none pass initial muster, and now having sharpened the focus, a new list is made with the process repeated. Just like hunting, you may not find what you are looking for on the first, second, or even third excursion but if you are willing to
learn from the experience, the next time out you may be in the right place at the right time! 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.
PAGE 24 Thursday, December 2, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Agriculture
Lakeland alumnus donates new grain cart MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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When Roy Kubica learned Lakeland College students had the vision to improve farm operations, but no funds to bring it to life, he came to the rescue – with a brand new Demco 1050 grain cart. “The idea to purchase a grain cart came from our students,” said Geoff Brown, dean of agricultural sciences at Lakeland. “One of the great things about the learning experiences available through the Student-Managed Farm – Powered by New Holland (SMF) is students have to plan for the future and ask what needs to be done for long-term success. They developed a pro-
posal for the cart and we are so appreciative that once again, Roy Kubica – an alumnus and long-time supporter – stepped forward to bring our students’ ideas to life.” The grain cart, unveiled at the Vermilion campus on Nov. 19, will increase efficiency on the field. It is equipped with scales to weigh each load of grain. It will hold about 1,000 bushels and works with the Agrimatics Libra grain cart inventory platform. Weights will automatically download into this program so the combine operator will see how large each load of grain is as it’s unloading. The information is stored in the Libra pro-
gram, allowing inventory tracking. “This addition to our fleet adds so many new opportunities for hands-on learning and technological training, which is the backbone of Lakeland’s education system – to learn by doing,” said Tyson Krpan, second-year crop technology student and analysis manager on the SMF crop unit. “We will easily and accurately be able to track our yield and grain inventory, increase efficiency in the bin yard, and have much more confidence when making decisions about grain contracts.” Kubica’s $80,000 gift supported the purchase of the new grain cart as well as any required student
leadership initiatives around its use. “When I started farming, there were so many things I learned at Lakeland that I used in the field,” said Kubica, Class of 1966. “I had taken animal husbandry, fertilizers, soils – and we were using all of it. I never married and have no children, so some of the income I’ve generated over the years, I am using to support Lakeland. That assistance is now being used by students to support their future.” This is far from the first major contribution Kubica has made to Lakeland. His past support allowed Lakeland to expand its land base. CONTINUED ON PAGE 25
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Revenue growth offset by drought support MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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Aspects of Saskatchewan’s economy are performing well, underscoring the province’s economic resilience and strength. However, the severe and widespread drought this spring and summer meant substantially increased support was needed for the agriculture sector. “The drought was unforeseen and farmers were hit hard this spring and summer,” Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Donna Harpauer said. “Our government is here to provide support to Saskatchewan people when they need it. Absent the drought, we would have seen a significant improvement from budget and a much lower GRAIN CART FROM PAGE 24
In 2015, he began the Roy J. Kubica Agriculture Scholarship and began the Roy J. Kubica Agriculture Bursary in 2020. “Throughout the years, Roy has been so supportive of our college and students,” said Alice Wain-
deficit, based on stronger revenue across all major categories.” A deficit of $2.7 billion is forecast, up $97 million from the budget forecast but a $29 million improvement from first quarter. Revenue is forecast to increase from budget by $2.4 billion (16.5 per cent), with significant increases across all categories including $668.8 million in nonrenewable resource revenue due to higher potash and oil prices. “We are seeing indications, in many aspects of our economy, of a return to pre-pandemic strength in Saskatchewan even as the pandemic persists,” Harpauer said. Tax revenue is up $616.7 million from budget, reflect-
ing higher Personal Income Tax and Corporate Income Tax due to higher 2020 assessments, as well as increased Provincial Sales Tax. Federal transfers are up $542.6 million from budget, mainly for drought, pandemic, child care and municipal infrastructure funding. Total expense is forecast to be up $2.5 billion (14.6 per cent) from budget, due to $1.8 billion for Crop Insurance claims, bringing the total crop insurance indemnity forecast to $2.4 billion for 202122. There is also $292.5 million in relief for livestock producers who faced high costs due to the drought. Health expense is forecast to be up $250.0 million from budget
wright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College. “His generosity made it possible for us to grow our campus farm and I know so many students have been helped by his ongoing support of our awards program. This grain cart is another won-
derful contribution, one that will enhance hands-on learning opportunities for our students using the latest agricultural technology. We are so grateful for his ongoing support and are thankful for all he has done for Lakeland and our future ag leaders.”
due to pandemic and drug plan pressures. An increase from budget of $100.9 million in Protection of Persons and Property expense is due wildfires which emerged during a dry spring and summer, as well as continued costs of the pandemic. The province’s real GDP is forecast to grow by 3.6 per cent in 2021, an improvement from
the budget forecast of 3.4 per cent and a substantial turnaround from the 4.9 per cent decline in 2020 which was caused by the economic impact of the pandemic and low oil prices. “Saskatchewan has the highest growth in manufacturing sales and the second strongest growth in housing starts in the country so
far this year,” Harpauer said. “We are seeing many economic indicators trend up.” Employment year-todate has increased by 13,730 jobs, or 2.5 per cent compared to the same time period last year. And Saskatchewan’s employment rate of 62.6 per cent so far this year is second highest among the provinces.
PAGE 26 Thursday, December 2, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Sports
Vegas awaits Lakeland rodeo grads
Supplied Photo
Lakeland College livestock production alum Scott Guenthner (pictured above on the right), will be competing in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas this weekend. Guenthner will be joined LAKELAND COLLEGE SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE
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Lakeland College
will be cheering on two members of the Lakeland alumni family as Scott Guenthner and
Kolby Wanchuk head to Las Vegas this weekend to compete in the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR). Guenthner, a livestock production alumnus, will compete in steer wrestling at the finals for the fourth time in his career. He finished the regular rodeo season in seventh place with $74,953. “It’s a dream come true,” said the Class of
2011 grad. “It’s everyone’s dream and it’s not an easy goal to make. The first time is, of course, a huge deal, but even after, it’s a big deal. It’s still hard work, it isn’t an easy road. Every day, you just have to grind through it. And then you get there and it’s the best of the best. The first night you ride into the arena, the hair on the back of your neck stands up – it’s so
loud.” Guenthner will be joined at the NFR by Wanchuk, who has made it to the finals for the first time in his career. He competes in saddle bronc riding and finished the season in eighth place with $86,859. “It’s tough to say what the most exciting part is going to be,” said Wanchuk, class of 2017 heavy oil
and power engineering alumnus. “The bright lights are a whole different experience. It’s the best bucking-horses in the world, the loudest crowd in the world, and I’m going to have a lot of family and friends coming down. I’m really looking forward to the entire experience, it’s like no other rodeo. And I’d also like to thank Lakeland College and the Lakeland rodeo team for all the great practices and lessons that were learned in the Rustlers arena.” It’s the first time Guenthner will be competing alongside a fellow Lakeland graduate and he’s excited about what his and Wanchuk’s accomplishments say about Lakeland’s rodeo program. “It just goes to show that you can still make it to the NFR without going to the United States for school,” said Guenthner. CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Bobcats face tough times vs. MOB Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
The Lloydminster Bobcats hosted the Fort McMurray Oil Barons for back-to-back home games this past weekend at the Centennial Civic Centre. Friday’s game saw the ‘Cats holding the game at 3-3 before the MOB potted two goals in the third for a 5-3 win. Saturday night’s game would also see the MOB take a 3-1 win. The ‘Cats are back on home ice this weekend as they host the Camrose Kodiaks on Friday and the Blackfalds Bulldogs on Saturday. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. for both games.
RUSTLERS RODEO FROM PAGE 25
“You can stay in Canada, close to home, attend a Canadian college, and still make it to the world finals.” “It has been great to watch their journey from college students running steers and riding broncs in our Equine Centre, to living their dream on the most prestigious rodeo stage in the world,” added Geoff Brown, Lakeland’s dean of agricultural sciences.
“Both Scott and Kolby were culture builders on the Lakeland Rustlers Rodeo Team and they serve as great examples to our students with regard to what is possible with hard work and dedication. There aren’t many Canadian college rodeo programs that can say they have two alumni competing at the NFR. That’s pretty cool.” The NFR is the world’s richest and most prestigious rodeo. The top 15 contestants in the
world in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding compete to take home their share of a multi-million dollar purse. The event runs from Dec. 2 – 11. Lakeland’s rodeo team is based in Vermilion and hosts two rodeos a year, as well as rough stock rodeo, roping and barrel racing competitions, clinics and rodeo schools throughout the year.
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Thursday, December 2, 2021
SUDOKU
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BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS Brooklyn Laut and Jesse Steward would like to announce the arrival of their daughter,
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born on Nov. 19, 2021.
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