Meridian Source - March 9, 2023

LCHS hosts tour of renovations

Lloydminster Comprehensive High School (LCHS) hosted a media tour of its estimated $28.8 million expansion with a focus on a completed renovated area for student services.

The tour was led by school principal Dwayne Marciniw on Tuesday in the context of needing space to accommodate about 330 Grade 9 students starting this fall.

“It was important for us when we designed the space to create a central hub for student support services,” said Marciniw.

“Those supports come in terms of social and emotional supports and counselling services.”

Marciniw thinks the space will benefit the Grade 9s by allowing them to look at career options down the road, maybe a little bit earlier, along with a greater selectivity of courses at LCHS than at middle schools.

“It’s planning ahead for when the Grade 9s get here,” he said.

Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD)

chair, David Thompson, said the dream of changing the grade configuration and bringing Grade 9s to LCHS started about seven years ago.

“To do that, they needed to renovate the main area,” said Thompson, who expects enrolment to total up to 1,200 students with the added Grade 9s.

He also notes the concerns for student mental wellness that arose during the pandemic are reflected in the student services space.

“It’s a very attractive place for students to come to, and it’s an opportunity for some privacy and lots of support,” he said.

The student services area, along with some offices, opened in January with Grade 12 students Tyra KrykowskiLumgair and Ryha Payne frequent users of the space they see as an oasis from the classroom.

“It’s an area where students who aren’t comfortable—like, talk about myself— I struggle in a classroom environment—we can go here and work some -

where privately and quietly,” said Lumgair.

“We can catch up on our schoolwork and get the help we need. You can get emotional and academic support.”

There is also an Indigenous grade coach connected to the area where Indigenous students can go for mentorship and advocacy.

The student services room has seven counsellors, including three education support teachers (EST) that Payne relies on to cope with her learning disabilities and anxiety.

“Being able to come here and being able to have support systems like during tests or when I’m struggling in math classes is really helpful,” said Payne.

The teen says she can request an EST to read her a test in a quiet place in the student services area.

“I freak out a lot and I forget all my materials, so they usually read me my tests and put me in a different room than anyone,” explained Payne.

Thompson says Marciniw put a lot of his work into designing the space with the archi -

tects and concludes the board is extremely pleased with how it’s turned out.

“It’s very functional and very attractive,” he said.

Marciniw describes it as a modernized space with an elevated workspace in front of windows for natural light equipped with cubicles for individual work and tables for groups.

“The feedback has been tremendous from

staff and students,” he said.

“They love the area; they know where to go. Students come in here that don’t require support, but want to look at the area and what it has to offer.”

LPSD facility manager Wayne Grass provided media with a quick look at the construction of the new wing that will house 17 classrooms, a new home economics lab and the

Synergy Place gym.

Grassl says they are hoping to start occupying the addition at the beginning of 2024.

“It’s awesome to have some new classrooms for kids to grow into.

Integrating the Grade 9s with the 10 to 12s will be interesting,” he said with 9-12 high schools being the trend.

“That kind of evens the playing field the way we do things with athletics.”

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Wayne Grassl, LPSD facility manager, right, talked to media about the ongoing expansion at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School on Tuesday following a tour of completed renovations.

OUR FLYERS HAVE GONE DIGITAL

There is not a lot of funding in the 2023 Alberta budget for the City of Lloydminster, despite a projected surplus of $2.4 billion this fiscal year.

BIG ON CHEERS

Mayor Gerald Aalbers says nothing jumped out at him in the Feb. 28 budget, but he was hoping for more capital funding to maintain the infrastructure of roads and things like that.

“We will continue to work with what we are given and wait for next year and hope for a little bit more next year,” he said.

Aalbers thinks the big winners in the budget are health-care ($965 million operating increase) and education ($1.8 billion increase) with a role for the city to play on the health front.

“We’ll try to ensure as we do from my chair and people do in the community, working with the health advisory council, to bring the needs of our community to the forefront and working with Alberta,” he said.

The mayor is also waiting for the Saskatchewan budget this month with the local task of

attracting healthcare dollars from both provinces in Lloydminster.

“The city is constantly advocating for all residents in the city on that front,” said Aalbers.

The city will benefit from about a $150,000 increase this year in Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) operating funds from the Alberta budget.

“It’s the small amount versus the large capital grants for projects such as roads, sewers and things like that,” he explained.

Next year, the province will replace MSI with a new Local Government Fiscal Framework and bump up capital funding for all municipalities from $485 million this year to $767 million next year, with funding indexed to provincial revenue.

“That restores us to where we were in the past. It’s always appreciated when we get a base level of funding,” said Albers.

He says those MSI funds go toward repairs of roads and major projects you see capital works done throughout the city.

“It could be roads, water and sewer and improvements to rec -

reation and cultural facilities etc. The list is long and endless,” he explained.

The mayor is also pleased the budget notes Alberta will continue to cut regulatory red tape that acts as inter-provincial trade barriers.

“We’ll continue to try and help bring that forward as a city to both governments and working with the respective ministers and committees,” said Aalbers.

The City will also look for opportunities to apply for some of the $1.2 billion in grants over the next three years for any eligible wastewater treatment plant projects, etc.

“It’s not jumping out at us right at this moment, but it might be something as we move forward; we’ll certainly be looking at applying for those grants where we fit,” said Aalbers.

The budget also includes $355 million over three years for municipal roads, bridges and wastewater infrastructure.

“The administer teams that work in roads in engineering will be looking at those opportunities from the government grant applications for sure,” said Aalbers.

There are a couple of repaving projects in the Lloydminster region in the 2023 budget including a 10-kilometre section of Highway 16 from the City of Lloydminster to eight kilometres west of Hwy. 893.

A 14 km section of Hwy. 16 from 3 km west of Kitscoty to 9 km east of Hwy. 89 is also up for repaving.

Klunker Dunker supports new Kitscoty event centre

through the ice during your time slot, you win half the pot.”

Talks of a new curling rink have been in the works for years, but serious talks began in late 2019 after the passing of Ethel Beaton, a long-time resident of Kitscoty who left some money to the curling club when she passed.

the new facility will come in at just over $2M.

“That’s what we’ve

had it priced out at and that’s what we’re working towards,” he said.

Have you noticed a white delivery van sitting on the ice just outside of Kitscoty and wondered what was going on? Fear not, we got you covered.

vated at the moment it hits the water.

“We’ve got a delivery van parked on a water body just outside of Kitscoty, on the corner of Hwy. 897 and the road that goes into Kitscoty,” said fundraising committee chair

“We’ve got switches mounted to the van, and when the ice melts and the van drops into the water, the switch will send a message to my phone informing me of the winning time. If the van drops

“Then talk of building more than just a curling rink began and it was decided to move the curling rink down to the regional park and have it also run as a clubhouse for the golf club, a new concession for the ball diamonds, of course, the curling rink, as well as some stalls and wash racks for 4-H on the side of the building,” said Newman. “It will be a multi-use, multiuser group facility that will get used all year round.”

Of course, funding is always a big question, and Newman explained

With many amenities past end-of-life, particularly the curling rink, the village of Kitscoty is in dire need of a new sports and event centre, and they need your help to reach the fundraising goal.

A very unique fundraising campaign, the Klunker Dunker kicked off the first week of February and wraps up when the weather starts getting warmer … when the campaign actually comes to a close is all up to Mother Nature.

The Klunker Dunker is a 50/50 ice-drop raffle where the winner buys tickets for the date and time they believe the klunker vehicle will fall through the ice in the spring. The winner will be the person who bought the correct time the vehicle falls through the ice, triggering a float system acti -

Dustin Newman.

Supplied Photo

The Klunker Dunker fundraiser is currently taking place in Kitscoty to help raise funds to build a new curling rink, golf course clubhouse, a concession at the ball diamonds, and stalls and a wash rack for the 4-H club.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

If the van drops through the ice during your time slot, you win half the pot.

When will the funder klunker dunk?

of-life. The clubhouse is starting to fall down as well, so it’s at endof-life. We’ll have a lot more space in a facility like this, and each aspect of the design has different purposes,” he said.

to give these kids something they’ve never had in Kitscoty before.”

“We just had the building design finalized in the last few months and we’ve got a few things to finalize,

but things are going well. With the fundraiser kicked off, further fundraising and grant writing is the plan for the next two

years or so.”

Newman explained the idea of a new sports and event centre has the entire community buzzing, especially con-

sidering it’s been so long since new amenities have been built in the community.

“There’s a concession in Kitscoty that’s end-

“When it comes to 4-H, 4-H has been a part of Kitscoty forever, they’ve just never had a home. Traditionally, they’ve used the hockey rink, but there’s a lot of setting up and tearing down at the end of each 4-H achievement day, where something like this would have permanent stalls for the animals and wash racks, which they’ve never had before, and they could also set up a permanent outdoor show ring if the weather’s good .. and if the weather is not good, they can use the curling rink for indoor shows. We’re excited to be able

The last thing to be built in Kitscoty was the Kitscoty Hall, which is now already 20 years old and has been a major staple in the community since its opening.

“The curling rink is roughly 70 years old and the clubhouse and concession are both over 50 years old, so they’re in dire need of replacement,” he said.

Tickets for the Klunker Dunker are available at www. klunkerlunker.com and Newman noted those interested can buy as many time slots as they’d like.

“The times are divided into 10-minute intervals, and once you buy your 10-minute interval no one else can buy it,” he said.

Kitscoty RCMP lay multiple charges during auto-theft investigation

In other Kitscoty news, on Feb. 27 at approximately 11 p.m., Kitscoty RCMP located a vehicle that was believed to be stolen at a rural residence, located south of Lloydminster near the Alberta/Saskatchewan border.

During the investigation, utilizing resources from Maidstone and Lloydminster RCMP, a warrant was granted to enter the residence. Five individuals were arrested from within the residence, two of which had outstanding warrants.

As a result of the investigation, a stolen vehicle was recovered from the property

and various charges were laid.

Bradley Nowlin, 36, a resident of the RM of Wilton, Sask., was arrested on outstanding warrants and charged with the following:

- Fail to comply with a release order (x2)

- Obstruct a peace officer

Louisa Simpson, 25, a resident of Lloydminster, Sask., was arrested and charged with the following:

- Possession of stolen property over $5000

- Fail to comply with a release order

- Obstruct a peace officer

Jamie Millard, 22, a resident of Lloydminster, Sask., was arrested on outstanding warrants and charged with

one count of obstruct a peace officer.

Kade Schacher, 19, a resident of Lloydminster, Sask., was arrested and charged with one count of obstruct a peace officer.

Shawna Blueeyes, 38, a resident of Lloydminster, Sask., was arrested and charged with one count of obstruct a peace officer.

After a judicial interim release hearing, Nowlin was held in custody pending his next court appearance scheduled for March 7 at Lloydminster (Alberta) Provincial Court. Simpson, Millard, Schacher and Blueeyes were each released on an appearance notice with

court set for April 24, 2023, at Lloydminster (Saskatchewan) Provincial Court.

“This is a great example of how RCMP Detachments can

seamlessly work together, even across a provincial boundary” said Sgt. Corey Buckingham, Kitcoty RCMP Detachment Commander.

The Klunker Dunker can be seen on the water body just as you’re driving into the village of Kitscoty. Suppled Photo

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Lace up to Play it Forward

GEOFF LEE WRITER

It’s game on for the second annual Play it Forward 12-hour charity hockey game.

We will be live streaming this event all day with the ability for people to watch and donate live as well as attend the Servus Sports Centre and watch live for a donation at the door.

The pucks for bucks event will be held on April 21 at the Servus Sports Centre to raise $70,000 for a new Care-A-Van for Border City Connects.

The Care-A-Vans in the fleet take hundreds of residents to and from out-of-town medical appointments each year for the cost of a donation.

“Without this fundraiser, services for those in need are in jeopardy,” said organizer Aaron Buckingham, who has sent rules and pledge forms to those on his email list.

The first 48 players who register will be assigned to one of four teams with each person required to raise a minimum of $500 toward the target goal.

The match will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with each player on the ice for a six-hour total shift.

Two teams will skate for two hours and check off during a rink flood break for the next two teams, with the pattern repeating for 12 hours.

The score will be cumulative with a winning team announced at the final buzzer.

“We will be live streaming this event all day with the ability for people to watch and donate live, as well as attend the Servus Sports Centre and watch live for a donation at the door,” said

Buckingham.

In the meantime, the search is on for corporate sponsors and donations to the cause.

The top three players raising the most donations will be entered into a draw to win a cash prize of $500.

A signed player waiver form must be submitted no later than March 17 and pledge forms and donations are to be turned in no later than April 14.

All players get socks and a returnable jersey and food and drinks are supplied.

Last year’s Play it Forward event brought in just under $60K to support Border City Connects and organizers are hoping for another good year. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos

Caring women hope to draw givers

called street teams.

Twice a week they provide homeless people with food and water and personal care items from the goodness of their hearts.

“They treat them just like everyone else deserves to be treated,” said Haughian.

Haughian.

Members get to nominate a non-profit and three are randomly drawn from a hat.

Haughian says for her, giving back is a huge part of who she is.

It’s been harder times for charities as well as charitable groups the past few years.

The 100 + Women Who Care Lloydminster group is encouraging more members to take part in three giving circles a year, so each of them can donate $100 to one of three charities that present their case.

A total of $4,500 will go to Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity following the recent winning pitch by representative Tigra-Lee

Campbell to the women’s giving circle at the LloydMall.

The group’s largest donation since the startup in 2017 was more than $28,600 from 286 participating women.

“We still have over 200 members, so we just need to encourage more women to come out and kind of feel the impact of 100 women,” said the organization’s co-founder Janice Haughian.

“That’s kind of what we’re hoping to do.”

Haughian thinks peo-

ple are really busy and maybe they’re financially struggling with inflation and the rising cost of living, which limits their ability to give, along with a lack of awareness about the group.

“We encourage our members to still come out because they can learn about the different non-profit organizations,” she said.

Haughian says even if they can’t give financially they can still give through volunteering or acts of service.

“We still want to have

a good fundraiser effort to give to non-profits, but we still think it’s important for the community to learn about the non-profits. They do such vital work in our community and we just want to support them,” she said.

Haughian says prior to their collective donation to the Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity, most people hadn’t heard of them, while noting Campbell was in tears accepting the donation.

Haughian says that charity has something

The two other pitches for funding were made by the Lloydminster Local Immigration Partnership and Lloydminster and District SPCA.

“It’s such a hard decision every time because they all have such great presentations. You just wish you could give to all of them. They all do great work,” said

“It’s such a heartfilling event every time. You see the local impact,” she said.

“Our previous recipients come and share what their donation has done for them. In one short hour, the impact a group of people can have is just incredible and really fills your heart.”

The next donation meeting will be in May with the venue to be determined.

Supplied Photos

Participating members and recipients of the latest donation from the 100+Women Who Care Lloydminster pose for a photo following a recent gathering at LloydMall. A total of $4,500 was donated to Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity, including $3,900 from the live event.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Fullarton floored by surprise teaching award

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

When Holy Rosary High School’s (HRHS) athletic director, Ashley Fullarton, returned to school last Monday after the February break, she wasn’t expecting the surprise she received.

Fullarton was this year’s Lloydminster Catholic School Division recipient of the Excellence in Catholic Education Award, presented by the Council of Catholic School Superintendents of Alberta.

“She doesn’t know we’re here this morning doing this award, so you’re part of the surprise,” said LCSD director of education Nigel McCarthy told media prior to the event.

“Ashley is a mentor, and that word really means something in Catholic education because it’s about walking together with children throughout the experience of their high school years and having them understand not only their potential, but what their responsibilities are to the future.”

Fullarton has been with the LCSD for the

past nine years and started out as many educators do, teaching physical education.

“Then you take on roles of responsibility, like the director of athletics, and coordinate between all the schools,” said McCarthy. “As a young person, Ashley is full of life. She’s vibrant and she really enables us to reach out to schools across the entire region, and the whole province. She never lets an opportunity be missed for our kids,” added McCarthy.

“I think this will inspire others. As we mentor, we motto, and that gives us a pathway to understanding what we need to do as teachers.”

For Fullarton, the shock of receiving this prestigious award left

her a bit speechless.

“Oh my goodness, I’m very shocked but I’m completely honoured,” she said last week.

“I love our school division, I love our school, and I’m so happy to get to represent our school in such a great way. I always say I bleed burgundy. I eat, sleep and breathe Holy Rosary Raiders and I absolutely love everything our school has to offer. I think everyone who works here is so lucky to get to come to school every day and get to do this as a job.”

One of the aspects of Fullarton’s mentorship within HRHS was the introduction of Raider Mass, which was something she was recognized for through this award.

Working with vice principal Chelsey Strilchuk, Fullerton explained HRHS wanted a stronger connection to the church and the community, and after discussions with the school’s various coaches, Raider Mass was born.

“When you walk into mass on Sunday nights, our Raiders are the greeters,” said Fullarton. “It’s nice to have our Raiders out in the community but also within the church community as well.”

This relationship with the parish is something McCarthy is in full support of.

“We have hundreds

of students on sports teams, and each of those sports teams comes and greets and serves at the mass, and

connects the school’s athletic endeavour, to the faith that we hold dear as a Catholic school system

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Holy Rosary High School’s athletic director, Ashley Fullerton, (front row, centre, left) was left speechless last Monday after being told she had won the LCSD’s Catholic Education Excellence Award.

I always say I bleed burgundy. I eat, sleep and breathe Holy Rosary Raiders and I absolutely love everything our school has to offer.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source LCSD board chair, Paula Scott, right, breaks the good news to HRHS athletic director, Ashley Fullarton, left, after she was named this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Catholic Education Award.

Budget omits Residents in Recovery

not surprised.

“We don’t fit into their model. All of their money so far has been directed towards the major cities in Alberta,” he said.

“The focus of this government is on building therapeutic communities in the large centres.”

The province is investing $155 million over three years to build five recovery communities in Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Gunn and the Blood Tribe First Nation.

The Residents in Recovery Society will receive zero dollars from the $275 million in funding for mental health and addiction in Alberta’s 2023 budget.

The communitybased addictions treatment centre isn’t expecting any additional funding from Saskatchewan Health Authority either in their provincial budget later

this month.

“We actually submitted a funding increase request which was already turned down, but they are going to extend our funding agreement another two years with the same amount,” said Tyler Lorenz, executive director of Residents in Recovery.

As for the funding goose egg from Alberta, Lorenz says he’s disappointed, but

“We do not expect to get any of this funding,” said Lorenz.

He says Residents in Recovery hasn’t received any funding under the Alberta model mental health and addiction program even though it is similar to the services they have been providing in Lloyd since 2018.

Without any Alberta funding agreement, the local downtown facility can’t accept any individuals from Alberta for

treatment unless they are from the greater Lloydminster area.

“Alberta Government funding would open up applications to more Alberta residents,” said Lorenz.

“Most of our clients come from Lloydminster, Onion Lake and throughout Saskatchewan.”

Lorenz says those new therapeutic centres in cities will be similar to the long-term treatment programs at the Thorpe Recovery Centre that will require individuals to move away from their community for a year to get treatment.

He says this approach contradicts much of the evidence that was presented at the Recovery Capital Conference in Calgary on Feb. 20.

“However, it seems to be their primary focus,” said Lorenz.

The therapeutic centres will be run by Edgewood Health Network, but Lorenz doesn’t think putting people in

a year-long brick-andmortar treatment program works either.

“I want to be integrated into my community. I don’t want to pack up and go to Edmonton just to get treatment,” said Lorenz, speaking for his local clients.

“They’re building all these big integrated long-term facilities in the city to do that rather than having community-based organizations do it.”

With the lack of funding sources, Residents in Recovery finds itself about $200,000 in debt.

“We’re always behind,” said Lorenz.

He said about 10 per cent of their funding come from the Saskatchewan government and they also do fundraising.

“We have a pay-forservice in-patient program. Most of our funding for that comes from Onion Lake Family Services,” explained Lorenz.

When it comes to funding he thinks half the problem is living in Lloydminster.

“The border is an issue,” he said, noting the Thorpe Recovery Centre is fully funded by the Alberta government.”

Lorenz hopes Thorpe will be able to get a detox again in the budget to serve Lloydminster.

“It costs us a fortune in Lloyd because now we have to transport people to Edmonton or Saskatoon,” he explained.

Residents in Recovery currently has 92 individuals on their individual Sober Living program wait list, and if they don’t check in within two weeks, they are removed from the list.

“I don’t even know how many applications we get,” said Lorenz, with an ever-growing demand for their sober living programs and healing centre.

Meridian Source File Photo

Residents in Recovery Society executive director, Tyler Lorenz, shares a moment with Mayor Gerald Aalbers while receiving his Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in January.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Man air lifted to YEG after altercation with cop at Vermilion Hospital

injured during this incident.

On March 1 at approximately 3:12 p.m., Vermilion RCMP responded to a request for assistance from EMS for an agitated male having a panic attack.

Upon arrival, officers determined the male was impaired by drugs and required medical attention. Officers assisted in transporting the male to Vermilion hospital, and were asked to remain there while the male was being treated.

At approximately 10 p.m., an officer accompanied the male outside so he could have a cigarette. When they were retuning to the hospital room, an altercation occurred between the male and the officer that resulted in the officer discharging his service pistol. STARS air ambulance was called and the 33-year-old male, a resident of Lloydminster, was taken to an Edmonton hospital.

No officers were

The Alberta RCMP believes in processes that seek the facts and it’s important that processes taken to assess the actions of all those involved, including the police, are fair, transparent, and defendable. This is why, as soon as we became aware of this incident, we immediately notified the Director of Law Enforcement and initiated our internal review process.

The Director of Law Enforcement deemed this to be “in scope” and has directed the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) to investigate.

Independent of ASIRT’s investigation, the Alberta RCMP’s internal review process has been implemented to gather a full account of what took place during this incident. RCMP training, policy, police response, and the duty status of the members involved will be subject to review.

Sask to achieve $10/day child care by April 2023

The Governments of Saskatchewan and Canada are pleased to announce parent fees for regulated child care in the province will be reduced to $10 a day starting April 1.

Saskatchewan is one of the first Canadian provinces to achieve this milestone, which is three years ahead of schedule as outlined in the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement to bring down child care fees to $10 day by 2025-26.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to investing in affordable, inclusive and high-quality child care that provides children with a positive start in life while also giving parents the flexibility and choice to build both a family and career,” said Education Minister Dustin Duncan.

Parents whose children are under the age of six and attend regulated child care on a full-time basis can expect to pay $217.50 per month.

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Viewpoint

Leave it to Weaver:

No shortage of local sports action these days!

EDITOR Taylor Weaver

It’s almost that time of year when the hockey sticks get put away and the bats, gloves and golf clubs come out, but man oh man, it’s a great time to be a sports fan in the Border City!

It’s also a great time to be a sports reporter as there’s an abundance of exciting stories to be told.

Let’s start on the volleyball court with the Lakeland College women’s volleyball team.

This veteran squad has done what head coach Austin Dyer described as “completely unheard of” and went 65-3 in sets this season.

They swept at the provincial championships last weekend in Red Deer and are currently competing for a national title in Nanaimo in the CCAA volleyball championships. To top it all off,

The fee reductions will result in families saving an average of $395 to $573 per month for each child under six from the average comparable fees as of March 31, 2021.

“Today is a major achievement for families in Saskatchewan,” said Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould.

“By working together, Canada and Saskatchewan have achieved our shared goal of affordable child care three years ahead of schedule. We are continuing to focus on achieving other important targets through the Canada-wide system, such as space creation and support to early childhood educators, to ensure that every family has access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive child care.”

This parent fee reduction is the third fee reduction since the

Dyer was named the CCAA coach of the year yesterday morning. But more on that on Page 14.

Now to the ice!

The Lloydminster Bobcats secured a spot in AJHL playoff action and start their best-ofseven series against the Bonnyville Pontiacs on the road this weekend. But more of that on Page 15.

The Lakeland College King’s Energy Rustlers Hockey Club is back on home ice for Game 2 of semi-final ACAC women’s hockey championship action at the Russ Robertson on Saturday night for a 7 p.m. puck drop.

These ladies finished third overall in their first season competing in the ACAC and have come a long way since winning the Alberta Female Junior Hockey League title last year.

The Holy Rosary High School Raiders senior girls and seniors boys curling teams also recently returned from zones in St. Paul where they both won silver med-

signing of the CanadaSaskatchewan CanadaWide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement in August 2021.

The agreement includes a federal investment of nearly $1.1 billion over five years for regulated early learning and child care programs and services for children under the age of six in Saskatchewan.

A total of 19,790 regulated child care spaces are operational in Sas

als! Of the nine medals the Raiders were competing for last weekend in the North East Zone, they claimed a total of five, but more on that next week. Great job everyone!

Of course, there’s an abundance of other big games currently taking place, these are just a few on my radar that I felt like sharing my thoughts on.

It’s mentioned in the sports story on Page 14, but Rustlers CCAA volleyball is actually being live-streamed on YouTube throughout the tournament and can be found by searching CCAA women’s volleyball on YouTube.

As much as I’d love to, I couldn’t make it to Nanaimo to watch the action unfold live, so streaming it will be my plan!

The 12-hour Play it Forward charity hockey game is also quickly approaching with funds raised supporting the purchase of a new Care-A-Van for Border City Connects. The goal is $70K; let’s show our support!

katchewan across 144 communities as of December 31, 2022.

Through the agreement the governments are also providing funding for free training and education to increase the number of early childhood educators, wage enhancements of up to $5.00 per hour, and a range of grants for regulated child care facilities.

“These subsidies help families like mine because my wife and I

both work and we have two kids,” said Sanjay Patel, a Saskatoon parent whose children attend a regulated family child care home.

“I’ll probably be saving around $500 to $600 a month compared to last year with this most recent reduction in parent fees. This is going to help my family out a lot because we’ll have more money left over for other things our family can use.”

CHILD CARE FROM PAGE 9

Leeway from Lloyd: Trudeau not fooling consumers

prime minister, based on contract data published by the federal government.

It’s going to be an expensive April Fools Day this year thanks to the federal government. The federal carbon tax will increase to 14 cents per litre of gasoline and 12 cents per cubic metre of natural gas on April 1.

In addition, alcohol taxes on beer, wine and spirits will rise by 6.3, which makes it unaffordable to drown our sorrows.

To add insult to injury, Members of Parliament also get pay raises every year on April 1.

This year’s pay raise is estimated to range from $5,100 for a backbench MP to an extra $10,200 for the

This, by the way, will be the fourth MP pay raise since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the carbon tax is the most annoying federal policy yet.

A lot of people, including myself, don’t understand why consumers have to pay a carbon tax since we are ants on the scale of giant industrial polluters.

It’s probably not farfetched to assume any big oil company emits more carbon dioxide in one hour than my Toyota would in 100 years of idling in a Tim Hortons drive-thru.

More importantly, paying a carbon tax actually doesn’t cut emissions. They keep going up. Ask B.C.

that’s had a carbon tax since 2008. You can’t drive just nine kilometres to work if it’s 10 km away to save the planet!

Also, most consumers can’t afford to buy an electric vehicle. Paying more for gas makes it unaffordable.

The annual rebate

doesn’t make sense either. Just lower the tax with the corresponding refund!

Carbon taxes are the problem, not the solution and they have Justin Trudeau’s name all over them for voters to remember.

When the carbon tax goes up, so does the

cost of everything else. The world runs on gas and oil. Oil is financing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and companies are pumping more of it. If the feds want to reach climate goals, give the major industrial polluters incentives to cut emissions at the source and

rescind the carbon tax once and for all so we can afford to drive to work.

The carrot works better than the stick, so quit sticking it to us, Mr. Trudeau because voters out here will continue to stick it to your Liberal party.

Trucks park in downtown Ottawa during last year’s Freedom Convoy. 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.

Square Dancing Introduction

NEW LOCATION!

Intro to square dancing will be held on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at City Church, 5115 - 49 Street. Walk to the beat of music by following simple instructions from the caller. Come alone or bring a friend. Wear whatever is comfortable.

First evening is FREE!

Bingo at the Moose

The Moose Lodge, located at 5213-57 Street, Lloydminster, hosts bingo nights every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. The Moose also hosts crib tournaments every second Sunday of the month. Start time is 10 a.m. The cost to play is $10 and lunch is $12.

Job Fair

The Lloydminster and Region Job Fair is taking place at the Gold Horse Casino on March 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Passport to YLL

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

All employers wishing to host a table can register by calling 780-875-9013 or email tinisha@lloydminsterchamber.com

Reapers Info Night

Come to Cheers in Lloydminster to learn about rugby in our community on March 10 at 7 p.m. We are hoping to get enough interest to revamp the Reapers teams.

Spades Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a spades tournament on March 16. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10/ person; lunch is available for $12/person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780875-4584 for more info.

Jamboree/Dance

The Legacy Centre is hosting a jamboree/dance on March 17. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m., supper served at 6 p.m., then the jam begins! All musicians welcome! All members

and guests welcome. Cost is $15/person at the door (musicians-no charge). Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

Jamboree

There will be a Jamboree on March 19 at 1 p.m. in the Islay Community Hall. Admission $10, participants free. Everyone welcome. Lunch served. For more info call Dixie at 780744-2204. Funds raised support maintenance of our hall.

Concerned Senior’s Group AGM

The Lloydminster Senior Citizens Society’s annual general meeting is being held at the Legacy Centre on March 20. The meeting begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Main Hall. All members are encouraged to attend.

Cribbage Doubles

Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on

March 23. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost to play is $10/person; lunch is available for $12/person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more info.

Kid Midnight & The Midnight Kids

@ The Sticks!

Kid Midnight and The Midnight Kids will be returning to The Sticks Billiards and Lounge for a show on March 25. Come hear your favourite cover band play their favourites as well as some originals written by Lloydminster’s own Brandon Morrison! Tickets are only $10! Doors at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m.

Hillmond 4-H Pancake

Supper/Pie Bingo!

The Hillmond 4-H Club is hosting a pancake supper and pie bingo on March 25 at the Hillmond Hall. Supper is at 4:30 p.m. Pie

bingo starts at 5:30 p.m. Every bingo win is a pie! Silent auction items available to bid on.

Rural Crime Watch AGM

The RM of Wilton is hosting a Rural Crime Watch annual general meeting on March 31 at the Marshall Three Links Hall. Supper is at 6 p.m. and tickets are $20 each.

Walking Through Grief Society AGM

The Walking Through Grief Society is hosting its annual general meeting on March 27 at the Kitscoty Community Church (lower hall) at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and learn what the society has done in 2022.

Cribbage Tournament

A cribbage tournament is being held at the Hillmond Hall on Sunday, March 26. Start time is 11 a.m. (don’t forget about daylight

savings time!). Lunch served at noon. Everyone welcome.

Diabetes Education Class

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting a diabetes education class: “An Introduction to Diabetes,” on April 3 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Prairie North Plaza’s Klinger Conference Room, across the hall from Suite 115, 4910 50 St. To register, please call 306820-4887.

Legacy Bus Trip to Rock of Ages!

Tickets are currently on sale for the Legacy Centre’s bus trip to the Mayfield Inn dinner theatre on April 12 for the production of “Rock of Ages!” Leave the Legacy at 7:15 a.m., arrive at the Mayfield Inn for brunch and the show, and return to Lloyd around 5:30 p.m. What a great “day away!” Call the Legacy office at 780875-4584 for more info.

Winter weights removed later this month

Truckers are advised to closely monitor their loads when using secondary highways in Saskatchewan.

This is the time of year when truckers must reduce the weight of their loads, since all secondary highways revert back to regulation weights. This prevents damaging important roads in the spring.

“It’s imperative we protect our road network at this time of year by reducing the weights trucks are allowed to carry,” said Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill.

“On different occasions throughout the year, we

adjust allowable weights to ensure the efficient movement of goods while protecting our highway infrastructure.”

Winter weights are being removed effective Wednesday, March 15 at midnight (12:01 a.m.). Any existing winter weights will be removed and revert back to regulation weight.

Spring road restrictions will begin soon. These road bans reduce allowable weights on RM roads and secondary weight provincial highways by 10 to 15 per cent and typically last about six weeks.

Road bans typically begin

in March and run for six weeks, ending in late April to early May.

The bans only impact secondary weight highways and not primary highways such as 1, 11 or 16.

Truckers are advised to monitor their loads and watch for restrictions during this period.

To check which highways are impacted by weight restrictions, please visit truck weight classifications and restrictions at saskatchewan. ca/truckingweights. Commercial truckers and shippers are encouraged to check the status regularly.

Information is also available by contacting the Highway Hotline at www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline or dialing 511.

Technical and regulatory information is avail -

able by calling 1-866-9335290, while truckers outside of Saskatchewan call: 306933-5290. The line operates weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except statutory holidays.

Lakeland excited for Feast on the Farm

City of Lloydminster Public Notice

Draft Bylaw 23-2022

Intent: Bylaw No. 23-2022, LPDC OCP Future Land Use Map Amendment

The Rural Municipality (RM) of Britannia No. 502 is proposing to designate approximately 259.20 ha. (640.49 ac.) of land adjacent to the City as Industrial Policy Area within Map 1 of Bylaw No. 31-2014 being the Lloydminster Planning District Commission (LPDC) Official Community Plan (OCP) to support future industrial development.

The land indicated above and identified on the map in red are proposed to be dedicated as Industrial Policy Area.

How do I get more information?

The draft bylaw is also available online at www.lloydminster.ca/bylaw23-2022. For more information on the draft bylaw, please contact Legislative Services at 780-871-8328.

How can I be a part of the Public Hearing?

Anyone wishing to present at the public hearing, either verbally or in writing, concerning this bylaw may do so during the City Council with or without notice at the meeting specified below. Please notify Legislative Services by 2 p.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023, to provide a submission for the agenda. All submissions will become part of the permanent public record.

Lakeland

College

is excited to welcome guests for the ultimate in grassroots dining – Feast on the Farm 2023, presented by Cenovus Energy.

“Feast on the Farm is one of our premier fundraising events at Lakeland,” said Alice Wainwright-Stewart, president and CEO of Lakeland College.

“It’s a fantastic evening that allows us to celebrate what we do best here, providing our students with the hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that are an essential part of a Lakeland education. And we get to do it while enjoying one of our beautiful campuses. It’s an honour to welcome our longstanding supporter Cenovus Energy on board as presenting sponsor for this event once again. I can’t wait to see everyone under the tent.”

On Aug. 17, guests will gather at the campus farm in Vermilion for an evening of food, fellowship, live entertainment featuring Garrett Gregory, and a

silent auction with proceeds going directly towards creating experiences where students can learn, lead, and manage.

life by funding experiential learning opportunities for students.”

A long-time supporter of Lakeland, Cenovus has supported the college in many ways throughout the years.

This includes supporting the student awards program and being a major contributor to the college’s Energy Centre, which includes the Cenovus Energy Lab at the Lloydminster campus.

Last year’s Feast on the Farm sold out well before the event, with guests coming together to raise $70,000.

“Developing futureready youth and building resilient communities are key focus areas for Cenovus,” said Patricia Hill, director, Cenovus Lloydminster Refinery.

“We also recognize the importance of hands-on learning opportunities like those we provide through our co-op and new grad programs. Feast on the Farm helps bring Lakeland’s programming to

In the past, funds have been used to support student-led projects such as installing wall-mounted info stations in the automotive lab, purchasing scientific equipment for hands-on physics and math projects, constructing a natural playscape, redesigning the interior design cutting room, and designing and replacing farm outbuildings.

Tickets for this year’s Feast on the Farm went on sale yesterday.

For more information, see lakelandcollege.ca/feast.

Supplied Photo

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

It’s a fantastic evening that allows us to celebrate what we do best here, providing our students with the hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that are an essential part of a Lakeland education.

Rustlers women’s v-ball going for national gold

quee matchup of the whole tournament.”

For captain and veteran middle, Kaylie Lueck, it’s all about the experience of the next few days.

“I feel like we’re all pretty chill. We have no pressure going into this tournament, so everyone’s really excited,” she said.

“We’re trained and ready, and we’re feeling good. I’m just soaking it all in, it’s really exciting.”

accomplishments as “unheard of” as they go into nationals with a 65-3 set record.

After sweeping the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens in three sets to win the Alberta Col -

leges Athletic Conference (ACAC) provincial title on the Queen’s home court last weekend in Red Deer, the Lakeland College Rus -

tlers women’s volleyball is currently fighting for a national title at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAA) championships in Nanaimo, B.C.

“We’re ready,” said head coach Austin Dyer while travelling to Edmonton by bus before flying into Vancouver. “The team’s pretty jacked up to be able to compete for a national championship.

“We’re in a really good spot the way we finished our conference championship and the way we played in the final, I think we’re going in with all kinds of confidence that we’re going to be able to compete

CCAA volleyball action kicked off last

night with Lakeland playing its first match against the Rouges de Saint-Boniface out of Manitoba.

“They’re new to the CCAA as of last year, so the hope is that will be a bit of a warm-up game for us to get us going, and if we can manage to win that game, our semi-final would be against the winner of the VIU Mariners and Humber College Hawks, so whether we win or lose on Wednesday, we’ll have VIU or Humber the following day, and that’s going to be a very big game, regardless of what side of the bracket we’re on.

“Those two teams are going to be very good, but things are shaping up for us and VIU to play each other in the semi-final and I think that might be the mar -

Fifth-year setter Jana Laing is also feeling confident going into this week’s action after such a successful season.

“I’m super excited, and we’re all just taking it day by day,” she said.

“Right now, everyone is pretty chill and there’s not a lot of pressure on us … we’re just going to have some fun.”

For Laing, being able to compete against the best teams in Canada is something she’s looking forward to.

“Playing at a higher level will be a change,” she said. “We’ve been playing the same teams all year, so playing some new teams will be exciting and a test for us to see what we can do. It’s exciting to see if we can live up to the potential we’re supposed to be playing to.”

Looking back at the season as a whole, Dyer described his team’s

“It was a crazy year,” he said. “We went 18-1 in the regular season and only lost three sets all season. Heading into conference championships, we won our quarter, our semi and the final, all 3-0, so, we’re heading into nationals 65-3 in sets, which to be honest, is completely unheard of. I don’t think that’s something that will ever be matched, or beat.

“This year has been significantly more dominant than in years past; we had a real good run this year and played really solid all season.”

If the Rustlers won last night’s quarter-final they play in the semis tonight at 8 p.m. B.C. time against the host VIU Mariners.

“If we can get past VIU in that semi-final we look at the other side of the bracket, which would be the Camosun Chargers out of Victoria, B.C. They’re going to be very good,” said Dyer.

“We’re going to have a lot of potential matchups, but obviously we have to win our quarter-final on Wednesday; that’s going to be a very big game.”

All games are being live-streamed free on the CCAA YouTube page.

Supplied Photo

After winning the ACAC provincial championship in Red Deer last weekend, the Lakeland College Rustlers women’s volleyball team is currently fighting for a national title in Nanaimo, B.C.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Bobcats take on ‘Yaks in first round of playoffs

Right:

It’s going to be a series to remember as the Lloydminster Bobcats head into the first round of AJHL playoff action against their old rivals, the Bonnyville Pontiacs.

Rustlers hockey hosting Saturday semi-final

The Lakeland College King’s Energy Rustlers Hockey Club has a big weekend as they bring ACAC championship hockey to the Border City to host the Red Deer Polytechnic Queen’s for game 2 of the league semi-final on Saturday at the Russ Robertson Arena.

The Rustlers finished third overall in the ACAC women’s hockey standings, not bad considering it’s their first season in the league. It’s also worth noting the team won their league last year while playing out of the Alberta Junior Female Hockey League.

They play the Queens in Red Deer on Friday night before bringing the noise to the Russ Robertson. The puck drops at 7 p.m. on Saturday; let’s pack the rink!

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

to be held on March 27th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

Finishing third in the AJHL north standings, the ‘Yaks ended their regular season with a 36-21-2-1 record for 75 points and the ‘Cats finished up with a 23-341-2 record for 49 points.

On paper, the Pon -

tiacs are the favourite, but if the Bobcats can continue playing like they have been throughout the month of February, it should be a great series.

Games 1 and 2 take place this weekend

in Bonnyville before returning to the Border City for Game 3 on Tuesday and Game 3 on Wednesday at the Centennial Civic Centre. Puck drop for both games is at 7 p.m. Let’s pack the rink!

23033PS0

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Photos by Jackie Tomayer

The Lloydminster Bobcats wrapped up regular season play last weekend as they hosted the Grande Prairie Storm for back-to-back games at the Civic Centre. The Storm took Saturday night’s game 6-5 in a shootout before beating the ‘Cats 5-3 in Sunday afternoon. Pictured above are members of the Bobcats celebrating one of their many weekend goals.

Right: Bobcats forward Jayven Leslie takes the puck to the net against the Grande Prairie Storm at the Civic Centre this past weekend.

File Photo

Homestead Aerial to bring vintage photos to Lloyd

at the Lashburn Community Hall from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 3 as well as at the C.E. Wing United Church in Maidstone from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 4.

“All people have to do is stop in with their land location. If they don’t know the legal land location, giving us the distance and directions from the nearest town will help, or just show us on our map where they think the farm is,” said Bessette.

snapshots in time and allow people to tell their family history,” he said, adding the fact photos are printed by hand using the original negatives.

“We still use a darkroom and print the photos from old black and white negatives, so everything is done by hand and the details are amazing because the negatives are high definition,” he said.

Are you looking for archival photos of your family, farm, business, country school, church or town? Well if so, you’re in luck. Discover photos you never knew existed when Homestead Aerial Photos Ltd. comes to the LloydMall on April 5-6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Homestead Aerial is based out of Edmonton and owned by Kim Bessette and his wife, Eileen Deringer. The company has been around for quite some time and has a library of over 1.5 million historical images dating back to the 1950s.

“The library began in 1953 and was based out of Edmonton,” said Bessette.

“When we took over the library in the early ‘90s it covered all the provinces in western Canada, so pretty much every farm. These photos were taken at very low altitudes and completely shot on spec. You get a lot of great fly-by detail of the farm yard because there were a lot fewer restrictions for flying back then.”

Bessette explained

how over the years Homestead Aerial has helped many people find a piece of family history they might not have known existed.

“That’s what we’ll be doing when we come to Lloyd on April 5 and 6. We’ll be set up in the LloydMall empty space by Shoppers Drug Mart,” he said.

Homestead Aerial Photo will also be set up

“We’ll give them a pack of proofs and they can flip through them and identify the yard. Some of the photos have the original owner’s name on them, some don’t, so they just need to identify the correct farm.”

Bessette also noted the library of images is especially interesting for people who don’t have contact with the old family farm anymore.

“These photos are

“As we continue on, we’re digitizing our entire library because the negatives only last so long, so we’re preserving them that way. Although it takes forever to do, the advantage with digitizing the negatives is we’re able to edit out the imperfections or scratches on them.”

Although not done on spec anymore, Bessette noted Homestead Aerial continues to shoot photos today by appointment, and all shoots are custom these days.

23032dg0

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Photo courtesy of Homestead Aerial Photos Ltd.

Mental health walk to cover city

A three-day walk around Lloydminster will be a stepping stone for former resident Paul Laberge to promote mental health in six cities, then walk all across Canada.

Laberge talked about his plans to help Canadians open up and talk about mental health and suicide as a guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Lloydminster on Monday.

The inspirational speaker and mental health advocate is planning to kick off his second Walk the Talk since 2019 at Bud Miller All Seasons Park May 5-7.

Laberge was supported by residents on his first walk from Saskatoon to Lloydminster to raise awareness of mental health and remember his dad who committed suicide in 2018.

“A smile is the most dangerous mask out

there because we try to hide our struggles and how to deal with them. That’s exactly why I want to walk across Canada,” said Laberge.

“My plan is, I want to start to walk here in Lloyd first.”

ing from Bud Miller to try to raise awareness about mental health and suicide and fundraise for mental health resources.

Funds from his initial Walk the Talk went to the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation for Project Sunrise.

Laberge told Rotary he has been diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety and depression and finds talking about it is good medicine.

He says his nickname at work is Happy, so the advice works.

“I try to encourage people to open up. It makes life easier to open up. Your story is out there, you have nothing to hide,” he said.

Laberge wants to get schools, sports teams, all businesses, the RCMP and firefighters involved and is looking for volunteers to help to spread the word.

He plans to walk 12 hours a day start -

Laberge says what he plans to do in Lloyd is a building block for what he wants to do in six other cities.

“I want to go to six cities in Canada. I want mental health to fall underneath the health system, so when you’ve got to a therapist, you don’t have to pay like $250. It’s like going to see a doctor, it’s for free,” he said.

After that, he aims to walk across Canada setting 2025 as a target date and raising money for mental health research.

“If we don’t have the research, we don’t have the resources, so we’re

going to continue to struggle,” he explained.

Laberge offers mental health advice on his One Step Forward Facebook page.

The mental health advocate currently lives in Saskatoon and commutes to work up north, but he hopes to move back to Lloydminster one day with a new set of aspirations in mind.

“I’d like to become a full-time speaker and share my message and start doing workshops and try to help people with their mental health struggles,” he said.

Laberge previously worked on Project Little Bear for Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services setting up toy bins around the city for children’s services.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Mental health advocate Paul Laberge spoke to the Rotary Club of Lloydminster on Monday about his upcoming Walk the Talk trek around Lloydminster on May 5-7 to promote mental health awareness.

A smile is the most dangerous mask out there because we try to hide our struggles and how to deal with them. That’s exactly why I want to walk across Canada.

Sometimes in life, you just don’t know

it a contradiction?

Sometimes there are questions in life that have no answer.

I thought about this today as my husband and I drove our daughter to the Edmonton Airport. She’s attending university in B.C. this year. Anyway, we’d been silently cruising the highway, each of us lost in our own thoughts, when suddenly, she spoke.

“Why is Fort Saskatchewan in Alberta?”

And there you have it. The perfect unanswerable question—for me, at least. I’m sure someone knows the correct response. I don’t.

After hugging our daughter tight and wishing her a safe journey, Tom and I stopped at a fast-food restaurant before heading home.

As we approached the counter to place our order, I noticed a colourful poster announcing a caloriewise milkshake with wholesome ingredients and real whipped cream.

Okay, while that sounds delicious, isn’t

How is it possible to have a diet milkshake that, by definition, is made of ice cream, sugar, full-fat milk, and topped off with a swirly pile of whipped yumminess? Am I wrong?

This has got to be one of those same unanswerable questions?

Sometimes inanimate objects, such as the lowly windshield wiper, throws us into wild speculation.

For me, this has been something I’ve never understood. Perhaps you can help. Why is it always the wiper on the driver’s side of the vehicle that messes up?

Invariably, the rubber strip goes haywire, or the whole thing flies into the ditch as I’m hurtling down the highway at top speed.

My passenger enjoys a great view of the road, and I’m hunkered down and sideways on the seat, trying to peer through a space the size of an M&M. (And not the bigger, candycoated peanut size.)

Here’s another thought to ponder. Why do big online shopping companies send small items in huge boxes?

My son ordered a music book not

long ago and was so astounded by the packaging it arrived in that he saved it to show me.

The book was 10x11 and only about 50 pages long, but it had been sent in a box that could have safely held 25 of them.

Instead, the book lay sad and alone beneath scads of air-filled tubes to keep it from rattling around and was stamped, FRAGILEHandle with Care on the outside . Really? Was that strictly necessary? It was a book, for heaven’s sake, not a piece of Waterford crystal.

This brings me to

New docu-series features northern Sask emergency responders

Creative Saskatchewan and Wavelength Entertainment, along with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), are celebrating the premiere of a new television docuseries Guardians of the North, which was filmed in the province.

The docuseries follows wildland firefighters in Saskatchewan’s Indigenous and northern communities while they protect the people, property, and resources of the north.

The first of six episodes aired Tuesday March 7, at 10 p.m. CST on City TV Saskatchewan.

“Protecting the north requires several partners working hand-inhand to help mitigate, protect and respond when needed,” said Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell.

“Nobody can do it alone. We are grateful for the highly trained men and women who dedicate themselves to providing the best protection possible in our province.”

Guardians of the North features personnel from the SPSA, Muskoday First Nations Fire Department and Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management (FNEM) as they train for and battle wild-

fires on the ground and from the air during the summer of 2022. The MCCAFE wildfire near Stanley Mission, which burnt more than 12,000 hectares, is featured in the show.

“It was an honour for us to embed with the brave men and women as they worked tirelessly battling fires in extreme conditions with the express goal of protecting the North,” said producer for Guardians of the North Chris Triffo.

“We are grateful to have collaborated with SPSA, SFNEM, Creative Saskatchewan and City TV on this exciting docuseries.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

a pet peeve (play on words) as well as an unanswerable question. Why can I offer our cats a morsel of salmon, they sniff it with an air of revulsion, and look at me as though I’ve tried to poison them. Yet, five minutes later, I catch them busily gobbling up a clump of their own fur? What the heck!

Does that make any sense at all?

Furthermore, our dog, Chili, the same hound that chewed a hole in the drywall near her bed because she was bored, turned her nose up at a tidbit of leftover hamburger.

Yet, later that same day was found in the pasture contentedly

gnawing on a lump of frozen horse poop. Answer that one, will you!

On this nasty note, I shall end. I’m sure you have questions of your own. Let me know if you know the answers to any of mine. Find Helen, more stories, and her books at helentoews.com.

PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

File Photo

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Politics more than a “Hill” of beans in 1916

the total prohibition of liquor traffic in the province which included making it an offense to consume intoxicating liquor as a beverage.

It was alleged that the province itself did not have this power.

The result of public sentiment eventually forced the House of Commons to pass the Doherty Act.

This act makes it “an offence for a Railway Company, Express Company, or other common carriers, to bring intoxicating liquor into a Prohibition Province.”

Folks in town were only taxed if they had a telephone. The Conservatives proposed to treat everyone alike and have the phone systems owned by the government. Their upkeep should not be at the cost of the farmers who just happened to own the land on which the poles stood; rather, the province should be paying.

Farmers who had phones in Alberta paid far less than their counterparts in Saskatchewan.

Voters were encouraged to vote for James Hill, a local farmer and rancher nominated to serve the Lloydminster constituency for the Conservative Party.

He sought votes for the June 26 (circa 1916) election.

Newspapers had previously included infor -

mation about the Conservative Party platform; Hill wanted to share his thoughts on what he felt were issues of vital importance to the future of Saskatchewan.

He raised the question about a recently circulated Liberal pamphlet titled, Facts vs. Fiction concerning the teaching of English in schools.

“The law provides that every school shall be taught English and

that every teacher shall be qualified to teach English…With this law is there any danger that our children of all nationalities will not learn English?”

Hill was in favour of English being the only language taught in the schools and noted that it was not being enforced by the provincial government.

The Minister of Municipalities, the Honorable George Langley

stated, “I am in favour of foreign languages being taught in the schools of Saskatchewan.”

A number of districts identified schools, where English was not being taught, were essentially breaking the law.

Some of the inspectors of the school districts who were employed by the Department of Education were accused of not enforcing this law.

Hill also stood for

Interestingly, the motion to make Saskatchewan a prohibition province was defeated by 47 Liberals against seven Conservatives.

The electors themselves voted in 1916 against total provincial prohibition.

The tax system for telephones was rather unfair during this time in history.

Farmers were heavily taxed per quarter section, whether they had a phone or not, if their land bordered a telephone pole.

The conditions of roads and bridges plus their maintenance was also discussed. Hill proposed that 75 per cent of the cost of all trunk roads and their maintenance, plus 25 per cent of all lateral roads should be paid from the provincial revenues.

James Hill felt he could help farmers in the Lloydminster constituency as he had vast agricultural experience.

Hill had firsthand experience with the growing conditions of Western Canada and felt changes needed to be made to benefit Saskatchewan’s future.

Saskatchewan govt. intervenes in single-use plastics case

The Government of Saskatchewan, with the Government of Alberta, appeared vir -

tually before the Federal Court of Canada on Tuesday to seek a judicial review of the federal government’s decision to label sin -

gle-use plastics “toxic substances” under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

“It is our position

that the federal government cannot simply declare plastics to be under its environmental jurisdiction,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre.

“Under the constitutional division of powers, it is well-established that provinces have exclusive jurisdiction to regulate specific industries. Establishing a competing federal regulatory framework in this area will simply create duplication, confusion, and economic harm.”

Saskatchewan will provide a public interest perspective on the constitutional division of powers issue and argue that federal jurisdiction over environmental protection is limited to established toxic substances, such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and

dangerous industrial chemicals.

The province will also argue that the federal government’s declaration that all “plastic manufactured items” qualify as “toxic” is not supported under federal criminal law powers.

Alberta and Saskatchewan are exercising their rights under the Federal Courts Act

to intervene in this constitutional challenge.

Under federal legislation, provinces are entitled to participate and make arguments on constitutional questions without having to apply for leave to intervene.

The challenge will be heard in Federal Court from March 7 to 9 in Toronto.

WHISPERS OF THE PAST SANDRA L. BROWN

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MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Living the life of a Realtor

So, there I was, flailing on my back in twoplus feet of snow, making like a beached whale, hoping like crazy no one would come along and see me flop around while trying to get back on my feet.

It was late February, and I had been attempting to cross a highway ditch to place a for sale sign on the fence some pastureland up for tender, when suddenly the hard-packed crust of the snow gave away under my right leg tipping me straight over sideways.

Frankly, I don’t know what hurt worst, my pride, or my knee, but after finally getting vertically reoriented, I finally made it to the property line and completed the task at hand.

Retracing my steps back to the truck was much easier but I am sure anybody going by

later in the day would wonder what happened at the site as the evidence looked very much like a deer had been hit off the roadway.

Such is the experience of a real estate agent, especially in the country!

I anticipated none of this “glory” when I entered the industry 25 ago. Boy, was I naive.

Over 4,000 and some properties represented later, even though you think you have seen it all, daily work life can still hold some surprises

A pile of dead hogs left uncovered and rotting behind a barn in the summer sun.

Large, growling dogs who can look in your car window at eye level daring someone to step out before their owner gets control.

Little dogs dart in to bite your ankle when entering their home, then disappear into the basement.

Cat excrement was mopped out to the base-

boards of all the rooms on the main level of what was once a nicely remodelled home in an effort by the owner to prepare for my visit.

Dead mice on the family room carpet. Several inches of grey water on the basement floor. Raccoons in the crawl space. An expired rat in the insulation of an electric stove.

Underground storage tanks with lids removed are located next to an actively-used commercial building.

Diamond harrows were purposefully placed upside down in the long grass of an overgrown driveway by an absentee owner angry with the unauthorized intrusions of people looking to explore his vacant acreage, but forgetting to tell me, the Realtor asked to list his property, of their presence.

Good thing I discovered them when walking around the yard, and not driving.

Dirty underwear was left on the hallway floor between the bathroom and bedroom.

Surface disposal of a household sewer less than 20’ from a bored well. No wonder the tenant said they couldn’t drink the water.

Recently abandoned properties with drug paraphernalia, graffiti on the inside walls, and literally truckloads of garbage left behind.

Houses used for marijuana grow operations that need to be totally stripped to the studs because of the damage caused by high humidity.

Tenants who strive to discourage showings by loudly proclaiming all that is wrong with the property to me and potential buyers as soon as we walk in the door.

Being scheduled to

provide an opinion of value on a property in mid-afternoon only to be greeted at the door by a mature matron dressed in a very short bathrobe and smelling of whisky.

I quickly excused myself stating I would come back when it was a more convenient time. I never did.

As one of my mentors in the business used to

say: “Don’t need them all, don’t want them all!”

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.

MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

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Alberta Firearms Act introduced

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

The Alberta government is following through on a commitment to introduce an Alberta Firearms Act.

firearms framework in the country,” said Minister of Justice and Attorney General Tyler Shandro.

“By establishing in legislation the role of Alberta Chief Firearms Officer, this legislation will elevate the responsibilities and legal mandate of the office to the fullest extent of the law. Alberta stands unequivocally with hunters, farmers, sport shooters, and Indigenous peoples, all of whom understand the importance of responsible firearm ownership to Alberta’s heritage and culture.”

Once passed, the Alberta Firearms Act will strengthen Alberta’s ability to regulate, administer, and advocate on behalf of firearms owners.

The act will clarify the role of the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) within provincial legislation to provide the CFO with a stronger, clearer role and require the CFO to issue an annual report in order to enhance public accountability.

“Once passed, the Alberta Firearms Act will be the most comprehensive provincial

The act will also introduce the ability to make regulations that would allow for the licensing of seizure agents; develop a Firearms Compensation Committee to set out Alberta’s expectation that owners receive fair compensation for their firearm; the creation of requirements for forensic and ballistic testing of all confiscated firearms when deemed necessary; and the requirement that municipalities and municipal police services meet regulatory requirements before

entering into any firearms-related funding agreements with the federal government.

“An Alberta Firearms Act will provide stronger support to the lawabiding firearms community whose activities are essential to the economic vibrancy and cultural heritage of our province,” said chief firearms officer Teri Bryant.

The Alberta Firearms Act builds upon steps taken in Bill 211, Municipal Government (Firearms) Amend -

ment Act, 2020 which amended the Municipal Government Act to prevent municipalities from passing firearms bylaws unless authorized by the province.

“As the owner one of over 650 firearms businesses in Alberta I am happy to see the Alberta government stepping in and stand -

ing up for legal firearms owners,” added J.R. Cox, CEO, The Edge Group.

“I believe an Alberta Firearms Act is a sorely needed piece of legislation to provide clarity on firearm use and ownership for our diverse community of hunters, farmers and sport shooters.”

Guardians of the North was a recipient of Creative Saskatchewan’s Feature Film and TV Production grant.

The $276,000

investment is expected to see an estimated $1.3 million of economic outputs back into Saskatchewan.

“We’re thrilled to be able to support this

On average, an additional 30,000 Albertans complete mandatory firearms safety course training annually, as a first step to obtaining their firearms licence.

In 2021, that number jumped to 38,000, indicating a significant upward trend in legal gun ownership in the province.

project,” said Creative Saskatchewan CEO Erin Dean.

“The film industry has an inspiring ability to capture important stories and showcase our incredible landscape to the world through cinematography, and the 200 days of production activity have a positive impact on the local economy while creating jobs.”

“Productions like Guardians of the North are what many hoped to see when our government announced increased investments to grow our film industry last spring,” added Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross. “This is a Saskatchewan story through and through. Every $1 invested into this project is expected to generate an economic output of $4.65, resulting in a significant and lasting impact on Saskatchewan’s tourism, hospitality and trade industries.”

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Alberta’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Tyler Shandro, is in full support of the Alberta government’s introduction of the Alberta Firearms Act.

Once passed, the Alberta Firearms Act will be the most comprehensive provincial firearms framework in the country.

Sask marks International Women’s Day

#EmbraceEquity is the overarching theme for International Women’s Day this year, and the Saskatchewan government encourages all to create a more inclusive and diverse world for everyone.

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the many accomplished women in our province and around the world,” said Parks, Culture, Sport Minister and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office Laura Ross.

“This year’s focus, to embrace equity, is at the heart of so many of the important discussions we have with our friends and families and in our communities. When equity guides our interactions and our decisions, we lift everyone up.”

Saskatchewan’s “Face the Issue” campaign to end gender-based violence was presented at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women Conference this week, a lead-up to International Women’s Day on Wednesday, March 8.

“This was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the work being done in Saskatchewan to increase awareness and help end gender-based violence,” said Ross. “I was honoured to be invited and present the campaign to an international audience.”

The United Nations is observing this International Women’s Day under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” to celebrate women and girls who advance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and careers for women and girls.

“Technology is a powerful tool in building equity and advancing the causes of women and girls. It has transformed how we communicate and

interact with each other, and it’s helping build awareness and engagement on the causes and issues that matter to women,” Ross said.

“That thought was top of mind as we planned the Face the Issue campaign which focused on digital elements like social media and video. It was also top of mind with the Women Breaking Barriers Conference held earlier this month. While the conference was held in Regina, it was broadcast to five satellite locations throughout the province. It’s important that women help develop these technologies that are shaping our world. To make that happen we must continue to encourage young women to choose careers in STEM, to see the benefit for them and for society.”

Each year the ministry profiles women who are leading change in the province and breaking down barriers for others.

This year two remarkable individuals have shared stories of the work they do and the impact it has:

Victoria Gagné is responsible for the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Program at the Clarence Campeau Development Fund.

In addition to her work at CCDF, Victoria studies in the Master of Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Communities program at the University of Saskatchewan and UiT the Arctic University of Norway.

Annie Quangtakouneis a Regina associate in McKercher’s Startup and Entrepreneur practice group who believes in providing legal services that are accessible, scalable, and marketfocused.

Her practice focuses on venture financing, tech licensing, and corporate mat -

ters for private technology companies. She serves as the Legal inResidence for Cultivator (a technology incu -

bator in Regina) and has acted for a diverse group of clients ranging from start-ups and high-growth technol -

ogy companies to listed public companies, as well as various venture funds.

This international

women’s day take to social media with hashtag #IWDSask and share your stories and your support.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Promoting Alberta’s responsible energy sector

Alberta’s Energy Minister, Pete Guthrie, will attend the CERAWeek conference to promote Alberta’s role in energy security, achieving emissions reductions and affordability.

Minister Guthrie will renew and strengthen Alberta’s relations with international stakeholders, gather market intelligence and aim to improve access to U.S. and global markets at the CERAWeek conference in Houston, Texas, from March 6-10.

As one of the energy sector’s premier events, CERAWeek is attended by thousands of global

decision makers, industry officials and energy thought leaders.

The minister will promote Alberta’s record as a responsible and reliable producer, and highlight the province’s success in carbon capture, utilization and storage and other efforts to reduce emissions while providing affordable energy to partners around the world.

“Alberta energy is the best choice for allies around the world,” said Guthrie.

“This conference is a global event that provides a unique opportunity to promote investment and strengthen access to

markets. It also provides a chance to showcase Alberta’s leadership in so many areas, including emissions reduction and hydrogen development.”

Minister Guthrie will be accompanied by his chief of staff and one government official from Alberta Energy. Mission expenses will be posted on the Travel and expense disclosure page.

Alberta’s government is committed to working with its national and international partners to advance shared interests that can lead to new opportunities for people and businesses in Alberta and around the world.

March proclaimed Agriculture Literacy Month in Sask

The month of March has once again been proclaimed as Agriculture Literacy Month in Saskatchewan.

Agriculture Literacy Month connects students of all ages to agriculture through presentations led by industry volunteers.

“Connecting our youth to agriculture is an important piece of strengthening Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector,” said Agriculture Minister David Marit.

“Presentations from industry experts can help educate children

on the work that goes into producing the high-quality food that our province is known for.”

Throughout the month of March, industry volunteers, from all levels of food production will join classrooms to share presentations and personal experiences to help students learn more about agriculture.

“Thank you to the many volunteers who will be visiting schools across the province to assist students in learning about such an important industry,” said Education Minister Dustin Duncan.

“Agriculture literacy is about teaching our youth that agriculture is about much more than just growing food, it is also about land management, natural resources such as our water and soil systems, sustainable practices and technological innovations.”

Agriculture in the Classroom has been an important organization in Saskatchewan for many years.

This year’s theme is agricultural stewardship, which will teach students about the important relationship between producers and the environment.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

More apprenticeship spaces for Alberta students

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Alberta is creating more than 1,000 new spaces for students in high-demand apprenticeship programs at post-secondary institutions in the province.

This investment will help postsecondary institutions across Alberta create new spaces for students to build rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

Through Budget

2023, Alberta’s government is providing a funding boost of $15 million over three years to the Apprenticeship Learning Grants. With this increase, total funding for the grants will be $42 million in 2023-24.

The Apprenticeship Learning Grants are important for postsecondary institutions in Alberta that deliver classroom instruction

to complement on-thejob training.

“This investment will help post-secondary institutions across Alberta create new spaces for students to build rewarding careers in the skilled trades,” said Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions Kaycee Madu.

“Strengthening our skilled labour force ensures that Alberta can respond to the needs of industry and the opportunities of our booming economy.”

New seats will be allocated to post-secondary institutions based on student demand and workforce data for in-demand skilled trades.

“Apprenticeship education is an important part of our post-secondary system,” said Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides.

“Making sure students have access to programs, training and resources not only sets them up for success but supports and grows industries and our economy with a worldclass workforce.”

Alberta continues to diversify and grow, and

as more people retire, the province is seeing an increased demand for skilled workers and apprenticeship learning opportunities. Student registration in Alberta’s apprenticeship programs increased to more than 15,600 in 2022 from 7,820 in 2020.

“There is a growing need for skilled trade workers across Alberta,” said Laura Jo Gunter, president and CEO, NAIT.

“This announcement will provide support for new apprenticeships that will build Alberta’s economy.”

“Investment in postsecondary education is a key driver of Alberta’s economic prosperity,” added Stuart Cullum, president, Red Deer Polytechnic.

“The expansion of apprenticeship seats ensures Red Deer Polytechnic can address the increased demand for skilled labour and

trades training as Alberta industry and business continue to grow and prosper.”

In the 2022-23 school year, 11 post-secondary institutions across Alberta are offering a combined total of about 22,000 seats in apprenticeship classroom

instruction.

The Government of Alberta offers apprenticeship education programs in 47 designated trades. Government administers and serves as the registrar, while post-secondary institutions deliver classroom instruction.

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Classifieds

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WANTED

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HEALTH

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MISCELLANEOUS

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 51 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly Call 306649.1405 or visit www. swna.com for details.

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LAND FOR SALE

4 QUARTERS of LAND FOR SALE by Owner

R.M. #76 NE 10-07-10W3

2022 Tax Ass $98,780 SE 15-07-10W3 2022 Tax Ass $101,475 NE 14-07-10W3 2022 Tax Ass $113,090 NW 14-07-10W3

2022 Tax Ass $89,320

YARDSITE ON HOME

1/4 NE 14-07-10 Consists of house, quanset, corrals, garage & bins Contact

Ritchie Pilgrim 306-620-9831 or pilgrimritchie @gmail.com

AUCTIONS

WARD’S & BUD HAYNES FIREARMS AND RELATED AUCTION. Saturday, March 25th, Edmonton. FirearmsAuction.ca. Call Brad Ward 780-9408378; Linda (Haynes) Baggaley 403-5971095 to consign.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

FREIGHTLAND CARRIERS INC. is looking for owner/operators to deliver tri-flat deck freight in Alberta, Saskatchewan or BC. Monday to Friday work. Steady yearround work with substantial increases in rates. Contact Freightland by email at dispatch@freightland. ca or telephone toll free 1-800-917-9021.

REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY:

Person to COOK & CLEAN for heavy construction camp this winter with possibility of year round. Winter location: Arborfield, SK. Must have valid driver’s licence and safe food and handling ticket.

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

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS: needed this winter for dozers, excavators, rock trucks: near Carrot River, Sk. 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

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FEED & SEED

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SERVICES

COMING EVENTS

FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2023 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items for Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-6942609, Email Us @ sales@ switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www switzersauction.com.

Looking for Vendors!

Fort Qu’ Appelle Spring Trade Show, April 22nd and 23rd, 2023. Please contact Tammy at 306728-5690 or accounts@ grasslandsnews.ca for more information. Or you can download the brochure at www. forttradeshow.com

61st DRAGGINS CAR SHOW - April 7 and 8 at Prairieland Park, Saskatoon. Check out the “Battle of the Automotive Technicians”!. Draggins Rod & Custom Car Club. Visit our website; Draggins.com.

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