Meridian Source - November 19, 2020

Thursday, November 19, 2020

VOLUME 3 I ISSUE 21

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

Council sworn in, ready to work

Photo courtesy of the City of Lloydminster TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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The Ts have all been crossed and the Is have all been dotted as newly-elected council members were officially sworn in on Monday evening.

After being sworn in himself, Mayor Gerald Aalbers swore in newly-elected councillors Lorelee Marin and Jason Whiting, as well as incumbents Coun. Aaron Buckingham, Coun. Michael Diachuk, Coun. Glenn Fagnan and Coun. Jonathan Torresan.

“There is a lot of experience in that chamber, and hav-

ing Coun. Whiting reelected again after being away for four years, I think it’s terrific, and Coun. Marin brings a lot of experience (in) from outside the chamber,” said Aalbers. “I think with six individuals and myself there will be good discussion, good debate, and we’ll help move the city forward over the next four years.

The post-election party will be cut short, however, as Aalbers and council get right to work.

“We’ve got some challenges right off the hop, but with the council we have today,

I am excited to face those challenges head on,” said Aalbers, noting one of the newlyelected council’s first agenda items will be the 2021 municipal budget.

“As I look back on the last four years, moving to a new council and a new term, there’s always challenges here at city hall, and moving forward, I’m sure there will be some active debate about the budget,” he said.

“We’ll look to the COVID report (which is set to release soon) to see where we’re at as a community, as a

budget from this past year, the impacts on our city, and we’ll wait and see what the federal and two provincial governments have in store for us in the budget that comes out in the spring, and how that will affect our community.”

Once all six councillors were officially sworn in, Aalbers delivered a short, impromptu pep talk to start things off on the right foot.

“I think it’s very important that we start with some positives,” he said. “We have some challenges; we all have challenges, everyday. We will face those challenges head on, and there’s some optimism.

“I hope to bring some optimism and I hope council brings some optimism for better days ahead.

Once we get through COVID that will be huge. We still have some challenges with oil and gas, and we’ll work through those with the provincial and federal governments.”

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New public health measures now in effect MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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New COVID-19 protocols are now in effect to all Lloydminster residents. They, and all other public health measures, will be in effect until Dec. 17 and then subject to review by the provincial Chief Medical Health Officer.

Enforcement of public health orders is permitted under The Public Health Act, 1994.

Mandatory Masking Province-wide While the province continues to recommend wearing masks whenever you are outside the home, wearing a non-medical mask will now be required in all indoor public spaces in Saskatchewan.

Information on masks and their use and what qualifies as an indoor public space is available at http://www.saskatchewan.ca/masks.

- The list of indoor spaces may be amended for clarity; however, if you unsure if a location qualifies as an “indoor public space,” defer to wearing the mask –

choose the option that promotes public safety.

- Masking in school settings is described in the back to school plans as set out by the respective school divisions.

- Masking guidance for childcare centres and daycares is described in the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan.

- Mandatory masking posters to assist businesses and organizations to inform their customers are available at www.saskatchewan. ca/covid19-posters.

Protecting Residents of Long-Term and Personal Care Homes Visitation to all longterm care facilities and personal care homes will be suspended, with the exception of compassionate reasons as per the current family visitation policy.

This measure is in addition to long-standing protections that have been in place, including mandatory masking of all staff, staff cohorting and symptom screening prior to shift.

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Thursday, November 19, 2020

Councillors ready to work

File Photo FROM PAGE 1

The two newlyelected councillors and four incumbents are all champing at the bit to get back into council chambers, and they won’t have to wait long as the next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 30.

“For me, it’s been a very humbling experience,” said Buckingham. “Once again, when the people get to vote for one of 18 people and you get to get back here, it’s very humbling, to say the least.

“I hope it’s a message from the community that, we were doing what the community asked us to do. We were doing a good job, so the incumbents all got back in, hopefully, speaks to that, and I’ve enjoyed working with them all so far, and I’ll enjoy working with the two new ones as well.”

Diachuk was also excited about his reelection and is looking forward to continuing the work he’s been doing since he was first elected four years ago.

“It’s pretty exciting. It feels great to come back a second term and have the confidence of the community to represent them and do the work that we do,” he said.

“I’m excited to have two new members, and in particular I’m happy to have another female (on council). I think that we should be finding more gender balance and even cultural representation, but the voters have the final say

on that.”

Fagnan shared in Diachuk’s re-election excitement and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“I’m very excited and honoured and humbled that I was part of the four incumbents that came back, and certainly looking forward to working with Lorelee and Coun. Whiting,” he said. “I’ve worked with them (both) before on different things. They’re great people and I think it’s going to be a strong council again.”

Torresan said he was “ecstatic to get the opportunity to be able to represent residents of Lloydminster and the voters to help lead us through some tough times ahead.”

“We’ve overcome quite a few challenges up to this point, but I know there are a lot of things we can start to work away on now,” he said.

“There’s an opportunity for us to roll our sleeves up and get to wo rk, a nd I’m re al l y looking forward to it.”

Marin felt honoured to be elected and noted it’s nice having people in your corner rooting for you.

“What an incredible privilege it’s been tonight to celebrate the new council (coming) together to be sworn in, and just a huge thank you to Lloydminster for the support that they provided, and for cheering me on,” she said.

“I’m so grateful for

people cheering me on and wanting me to be successful and do a good job on their behalf.”

Marin may be the new kid on the block in regards to experience in municipal politics, but she’s looking forward to those challenges.

“I’m the newbie, but fortunately for me we have a really strong council that I get to serve with, along with the mayor and our executive leadership team, so I anticipate asking lots of questions and having great conversations, but I’m not nervous about that because I have a lot of good support here.”

Whiting is looking forward to getting back in one of the six hot seats after serving as a city councillor from 2012-2016.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to council and bringing my experience from before and my connections around town here that I’ve continued to grow, and I’m looking forward to being another voice on council with everybody else,” he said.

“The next couple of days will be orientation and getting updated on all the city’s operations and different pieces of the city. There’s a lot to the operations and the running of a city, and then after that, it’s straight into budget, so it’ll be a hard few days and a lot of information, but I’m looking forward to it to get informed.”

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Leader from Sweetgrass inspires others

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Kendal Netmaker, CEO and founder of Neechie Gear based in Saskatoon, talked about the importance of Indigenous and non-Indigenous partnerships based on respecting each other’s values during the second of four Zoom presentations in this year’s virtual Economic Partnership Summit.

GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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Kendal Netmaker, CEO and founder of Neechie Gear sports apparel, wrote the book on how to build Indigenous and non-indigenous partnerships by living it.

The Saskatoon-based entrepreneur grew up on Sweetgrass First Nation and says the key to successful business partnerships is to learn how to walk in other people’s cultural shoes.

He shared the power of that lesson, delivering the second of four virtual webinars at the Economic Partnership Summit, hosted by the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 12.

“I really believe that the future is working together in different ways to help us succeed,” said Netmaker.

“We have to learn how to understand each other.”

That idea hit home early for Netmaker in Grade 5 off-reserve in Cut Knife.

He befriended a young boy from South Africa, whose family drove him to soccer games and practices when they learned his mom had no means to buy a car.

Two years later, when that family was relocating, they gave Netmaker’s family their car after learning more about what life was like

on reservations.

The gift helped his mother access all kinds of basic necessities and meant Kendal and his sisters could now take part in after-school sports.

Netmaker is repaying that generosity with a percentage of all Neechie Gear profits going toward funding sports programs for underprivileged youth.

He grew up in poverty, raised by his hardworking single mother who left an unhealthy relationship to give her kids a chance at success.

“They saw my mom was sacrificing something for her kids. They stepped in to help,” said Netmaker.

“Without sacrifice, you can’t get rewards.

You have to go through the obstacles to get something. Every obstacle that you are going to go through is building you up.”

Netmaker was introduced by City of Lloydminster economic development officer, Katlin Ducherer, as one of Canada’s “most accomplished entrepreneurs” with more than 25 awards in business.

Kendal speaks profes-

sionally to thousands of people every year about motivation, leadership and the power of telling your story.

While finishing two university degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, Netmaker started his business in his apartment and went to open several pop-up stores and a retail outlet.

The brand is exclusively sold now on an e-commerce platform sped up by COVID-19.

“We have different suppliers so when you order something it gets printed and shipped, so we no longer have to hold inventory in our retail outlets, said Netmaker.

He says COVID has also given him more time to speak, train and coach new business owners and create an online academy.

“I’m trying to help other people to grow,” he said.

He has also authored the book Driven to Succeed from Poverty to Podium to share his story.

“There’s a lot of systemic racism that is targeting toward my people that has stopped us from progressing,” said

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Netmaker.

He says Indigenous people couldn’t even

start businesses several decades ago.

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Thursday, November 19, 2020

Hunting an economic shot in the arm GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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The pace of hunting and trapping activities in Saskatchewan hasn’t skipped a beat during COVID-19 other than the need to practise social distancing.

Lloydminster and District Fish and Game Association president Dwayne Davison reports membership has jumped from 1508 in 2019 to more than 1650 this year with lots of mask-free hunts taking place.

Davison has been out for elk this year with a second season coming up in December and was planning to take his son and daughter out for a mule deer hunt in the safety of a small cohort.

“We’re sticking close with family and doing some hunting—contact all the landowners and get permission and we fully support that all that time,” he said.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young, flanked on the left by Mayor Gerald Aalbers, and on the right by Lloydminster and District Fish and Game Association president Dwayne Davison, led a socially-distanced elbow bump photo op outside her office on Nov. 13 to promote Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day marked on Nov. 15.

Davison teamed up with fellow hunters, Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers and Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young at her constituency office on Nov. 13—all wearing camouflage for a photo op.

It was their way to promote the provincial Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day marked on Nov. 15.

“What we’re trying to achieve here is just get the message out that hunting, fishing, trapping, outfitting and all that, is incredibly important to our province,” said Davison.

The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) notes there are 270,000 resident licensed hunters, anglers and tappers.

Provincially, 30 per cent of all licence sales go to manage fish and wildlife habitat through the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund.

The SWF says hunting, fishing and trapping generate more than $600 million a year in economic activity in the province.

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Thursday, November 19, 2020

Rotary stoked on cannabis pitch GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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The bubble has burst for many publiclyfunded cannabis companies in Canada during COVID-19, but privately-held AgroGreens Natural Products Ltd. in Macklin is thriving.

The company has been operating as a licensed cultivator, processor and seller of medicinal and recreational cannabis since 2015 in a fast-changing industry.

Co-founder and managing director, Jeremy Vokins, spoke to the Rotary Club of Lloydminster on Monday about how they’ve found success when others have failed.

“It’s a very difficult market today, but being privately held, we are not at the mercy of the public market and we’re just taking off,” said Vokins.

“We are expanding in all directions and as aggressively as we can.

SUMMIT FROM PAGE 3

“We have opportunities now to make things happen. Without partnerships we can’t progress together; there will always be some kind of conflict,” said Netmaker.

“But if we find ways to work together to build things together, now we’re talking prosperity for everyone regardless of where you come from.”

He says in order to do that we have to understand our stories, but he says Indigenous people are always the ones who have to learn about other races.

“It’s never viceversa. In return, we’ve had very little Indigenous awareness about our people and what we’ve gone through like residential schools,” said Netmaker.

He says most people don’t know about this stuff, so inevitably there’s conflict when they come to the table.

We’ve grown from 15 to 55 employees over the past year that has been very challenging for the industry.”

The country’s cannabis product manufacturing sector lost onethird of its jobs in the first six months of the year alone, according to Statistics Canada.

Agro-Greens is set up to grow plants from clones using aeroponic technology to monitor and control every asp ec t o f the p lant’s life-cycle, but they’ve found a more profitable niche in processing.

“Processing is its own world inside the cannabis industry. It’s one we’re really into doing and succeed at. Currently, we are selling at capacity,” said Vokins.

A key move for AgroGreens was partnering with cannabis marketer, Shelter Cannabis, that rebranded them as a “route-tomarket micro cultivator” in 2019.

Vokins says Shelter

“They don’t understand why we don’t stare at them in the eye. I was raised around ceremony and in ceremony, our cultural belief systems, when looking people in the eye, it’s very disrespectful.”

He says we all need to find ways to live in harmony with each other and respect each other values.

“It’s very difficult for us to feel included.

This conference that we’re having right now is one of those prime examples of allowing us to be included. allowing us to create partnerships,” he said.

Netmaker noted his people need the help of non-indigenous people, non-profits and so on to make things inclusive for everyone.

“This webinar is to hopefully inspire you to make that decision to partner and for the betterment of future generations,” said Netmaker.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Jeremy Vokins, son of Rotarian Dick Vokins, spoke about the success of a Macklin-based cannabis company he co-founded.

helped them to rebrand their medical cannabis platform and assisted them with recreational cannabis distribution in Western Canada.

“We’re positioned in a place where wholesale, there’s a glut of

supply cannabis, but not to the market, so we are the processor in the middle that is able to take that and get it to market,” explained Vokins.

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Thursday, November 19, 2020

Sask-Alta firms make top 100 list MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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SaskTel is dialed into being recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers along with Saskatchewan agricultural companies Nutrien Inc. and K+S Potash Canada GP. Alberta top 100 companies include Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, Alberta Health Services, PCL Construction, Pembina Pipeline Corp. and Suncor Inc.

The 2021 winners of the Mediacorp Canada Inc. competition were announced on Nov. 13 in a special magazine published in The Globe and Mail.

The Canada’s Top 100 Employers ranking, now in its 21st year, is a national competition that identifies employers leading their industries with innovative programs to attract and retain top talent and foster exceptional workplace envi-

File Photo ronments.

Employers are evaluated by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers using

eight criteria, which have remained consistent since the project’s inception: (1) physical workplace; (2) work atmosphere and social; (3) health, financial and family benefits; (4) vacation and time Off; (5) employee communications; (6) performance management; (7) training and skills development; and (8) community involvement.

Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking programs.

ROTARY FROM PAGE 5

“That’s a very specific niche that we’ve really excelled at. That’s why we’re actually doing that now on a contract for many larger local producers where we will process for them.

“We are producing all sorts of dry cannabis SKUs and we offer additional products for sale from other producers.

Our strength has really been the processing.”

Agro-Greens processes raw bud into saleable products including pre-rolled joints and dried cannabis SKUs for the medical and recreation market.

In addition to processing, the company provides route-to-market services for experienced Western Canadian producers like Habitat, North 40 and Verte West.

“It made sense for us to partner up with guys who have been doing that for decades and really take the headache off their hands of putting it into a saleable unit and getting it to market,” said Vokins.

Vokins says he is stoked for the future of the cannabis industry while reflecting on the business start-up hurdles in a new, heavily regulated industry.

“We actually went in with an 18-month business plan and due to the intense regulations that have loosened, but are still very strict, it took us five years to achieve that goal,” he said.

“It was a very difficult road. Now we’re really taking off and our nose is really pointing up and it’s kicking in the afterburners.”

Vokins is originally from Lloydminster and graduated from SAIT with a diploma in automation design that enabled him to design and install the cultivation chambers at AgroGreens.

“That was a lot of fun, but as we have grown, I’ve stepped more into pushing forward role w i th H e a l th Ca na d a with different divisions and SKUs” he said.

His dad and Rotarian, Dick Vokins is a senior company director.

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COVID wipes out seniors’ agenda GEOFF LEE

WRITER

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Geoff Lee Meridian Source Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society will meet with Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Rosemarie Falk on Dec. 14.

The second wave of COVID-19 is washing away plans for a December annual general meeting of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society.

The seniors’ group met at the Lloydminster Legacy Centre on Nov. 17 to postpone all regular meetings for the remainder of the year.

The changes include the planned Dec. 15 AGM that will take place on Jan. 26 with a 1 p.m. start.

“We postponed meetings until January mainly because of COVID issues and our governments are really asking us to not meet if we don’t have to at this point,” said Concerned Citizens’ president Graham Brown.

“I think we should see how our community is going to do with COVID and the number of cases in the next few weeks, and then take it from there.”

The AGM was originally set for June, but COVID put an end to those plans as well.

The planned meeting with Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Rosemarie Falk will go ahead on Dec. 14 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m, with Falk being the seniors’ critic for the Conservative Party of Canada.

Brown says it will be a timely and topical meeting with COVID ravaging seniors care homes across the country with hundreds of deaths.

“There’s been a real

failure of long-term homes as we’ve seen now across the country and governments want to address that,” said Brown.

“

The residents of Lloydminster will be better served when their healthcare providers can access important patient information in Alberta Netcare, no matter which side of the border they live on.

“Hopefully, we can have some input into this about what we think should happen and standards could be increased.”

The agenda with Falk includes Pharmacare, a national seniors strategy, retirement income security and national standards for seniors care homes with COVID in mind.

“Hopefully, when we come out of this, we’ll have a better system,” said Brown.

“If the national government is looking at this issue and wanting to do something about it, we would want to contribute as much as we can.”

Brown will team up with Concerned Citizens’ members Ruby Trudel and John Erkelens to meet with Falk, likely at the Legacy Centre.

Meanwhile, the Alberta Societies Act is pushing the Concerned Citizens to have an AGM as soon as possible.

“Hopefully, everything will go okay with COVID-19 and we’ll be in a position to have our AGM and report to our members and appoint new board members,” said Brown.

In other news, Vermilion-LloydminsterWainwright MP Garth Rowswell earned kudos for helping the Alberta government to table amendments to the Health Information Act in the Legislature on Nov. 6 that may help Lloydminster seniors.

“Delays in access to essential health information for Albertans who are receiving health services in other provinces can disrupt the continuation of their care,” said Rowswell in a statement.

He says the amendments in Bill 46 set the stage for future regulations that would enable health-care professionals, particularly in border communities such as Lloydminster, to access patient information in Alberta Netcare.

The amendments regarding Netcare also got the approval of Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers.

“The residents of Lloydminster will be better served when their health-care providers can access important patient information in Alberta Netcare, no matter which side of the border they live on,” said Aalbers.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Camo Day in Sask FROM PAGE 4

The downside, says Davison, is that the popularity of hunting makes it harder to get a tag in our Wildlife Management Zone 45 West, citing the quota of 175 licences and 1,640 applicants as an example of the long odds.

Fortunately, Davison snagged a priority legacy licence for an either-sex elk draw in 45 West for hunters who have been in the draw for at least 10 years.

“Right now, there’s a mule deer season on for a draw and later on there will be a whitetail season and another moose season relative to this area,” said Davison.

Young says she and her husband were planning to join their son to celebrate Heritage Day and reflect on what it means for the province and the region.

“I think for local organizations like our

Lloydminster and District Fish and Game Association, it’s good to promote an activity that supports good stewardship of our wildlife for starters,” said Young.

She says right now, especially during COVID, hunting encourages people to get out and spend time outdoors with like-minded family members.

“You’re doing hunting responsibly— licensed hunters, licensed guns, licensed permits—but to stay within their family cohorts out hunting to ensure they are safe,” said Young.

Permits are also available in the province to hunt wild boar, with newspaper ads asking residents to report sightings to the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance hotline 1-888-935-0000.

“There are areas of our province that are seeing a rise in wild

boar—even to the south of Lloydminster there has been a rise in population,” said Young.

She says boars destroy crops, ruin fence lines for farmers and people and cause other property damage.

Aalbers says he did some moose hunting this fall along with helping a family process some wild game that they shot.

As the mayor, he knows the importance of hunting and fishing activities on the local economy.

“We have a strong association that supports the community, but we also have businesses that make their living selling sporting goods. We employ a lot of people in those fields,” said Aalbers.

“It’s a big picture and I don’t want to forget about trapping because there’s people that trap for furs in the area and also control some of the varmints.”

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PAGE 10 Thursday, November 19, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint Through the reader’s 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.

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John Van Cleemput Submitted to the Meridian Source Thanks, John, for this photo you appropriately named “Can you hold a sunflower seed between your toes and crack it open and devour it ??” Want to see your photos in the Meridian Source? Email them to taylor@meridiansource.ca

Leave it to Weaver Should you stay or should you go ... home for the holidays EDITOR Taylor Weaver

One of the first “headlines” I read after arriving to work on Monday morning was “Trudeau cancels Christmas,” and I thought to myself … well, he can’t do that … can he?

The truth of the matter is, no, Trudeau has NOT cancelled Christmas (but don’t you just love how news outlets will spin a story, no matter how untrue, just to ensure it lines up with their agenda?).

Christmas isn’t cancelled, but it’s definitely going to look a little different this year.

With the holidays quickly approaching, many Canadians are asking themselves if they should travel to visit friends and family or stay home.

I am one

of those Canadians. I’ve spent the past two Christmases at my dad’s place in Canmore, and was even lucky enough to have my brother fly out from Ontario to join us last year.

This year’s plan was to visit my mom in Ontario, but things change.

The general consensus among members of my immediate family was “stay home this year.”

This isn’t the time to be taking unnecessary trips ... anywhere ... especially with Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister being quoted as saying ‘Thou shalt not kill’ on Monday as he promised to fine people who attended an anti-mask rally on the weekend as the province’s COVID-19 numbers continued to rise.

He followed up the quote of Biblical proportions by saying “I’ll simply say that the consequences of stupidity are going to be felt by the people who were there violating the rules, and they should look forward to and

check their mailbox — waiting for a penalty to come in the mail to them.”

Premier Scott Moe was quoted in a provincial address on Tuesday saying Saskatchewan isn’t going into a lockdown, but a slowdown.

Lockdown or slowdown, I’m trying my darndest not to let the current state of the world bring me down.

Sure, we currently have to wear masks indoors, but that’s been the case in Ontario for months, and cases per 100,000 in Alberta and Saskatchewan have now surpassed Ontario.

What does that tell you?

Masking works, and you’re wearing that mask to protect those around you.

So, if you find yourself contemplating taking a trip this Christmas ... don’t.

Save it for a time when you’ll actually get to enjoy that trip without having to worry about a global pandemic.

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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Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: Facts clash with opinions STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

Just the facts, ma’am. That what Sgt. Joe Friday said during every episode of Dragnet. I used to watch that show on TV when I was a kid in the 1950s.

Last week I watched part of an old episode on YouTube and I have to conclude there were probably too many facts spewed out by

Friday and his partner Smith for my liking.

It wasn’t my favourite show as a result.

Today, however, there may be too few facts being offered by news organizations, especially online news talk shows that are heavily loaded with rhetoric.

The opinionated garbage we have all been hearing for at the least the last four years of Trump’s presidency has replaced thought-

ful discussion supported by some factual data.

Thanks to Trump and news outlets like Fox News and CNN, it’s the battle of who can shout the loudest, and say whatever they want with zero accountability.

The news has morphed into entertainment in many media circles.

We could all use a bit of Dragnet thinking before speaking.

That might help put an end to the endless ridiculous line of conspiracy theories that are all based on just one or two facts while ignoring the massive pile of evidence to the contrary.

It’s coming up to the anniversary of the Kennedy assassination again, with the likelihood of new conspiracy theories based on opinions floating to the surface.

It’s easier for some to

20113ge0

think the CIA did it, the Cubans did it, the Mob did it, the Secret Service did it rather than the lowly Oswald.

However, when it comes to evidence, I have never heard of an ironclad motive for Oswald to kill the president.

Oswald did kill a police officer later that day, so he likely shot both men whatever his reasons were.

Back in 1963 journalists seemed to take

everything the government said as being truthful, so they tended to follow the story being told to them instead of investigating other possibilities.

Maybe like me they probably didn’t like Joe Friday as a role model who was always on a fact-finding mission.

Give me your opinions ma’am, maybe that’s what we really want to hear. Facts just mess with your beliefs!!

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Bear Paw Campaign set to help those in need MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services (LSAS) is onace again following up Child Abuse Prevention Month with their annual Bear Paw Campaign, in partnership with the Esso/Husky Truck Stop.

The fundraiser’s original intent was to bring in funds for LSAS building renovations in 2014 after their committed team approached Husky

regarding partnership for the cause.

The main goal of the fundraiser now is to make sure the community is able to contribute to helping children and youth feel safe and supported and help make a positive change in people’s lives who have been affected by sexual violence and family violence.

“What this goes towards is supporting clients, children,

youth that have been impacted by violence, or been witness to violence or abuse,” said Tammy Lynn Adamson, Little Bear Advocacy & Engagement Director.

“Funding is mainly for supporting survivors. Mainly, what that looks like is maybe it’s blankets, or journals, different toys, and getting them supplies they need,” she said.

The Bear Paw campaign runs until the end

of November and anyone interested in supporting the cause can purchase a bear paw at the truck stop on Highway 16.

Bear paws are being sold by donation, as every little bit helps.

“We are so grateful for this on-going relationship with (the truck stop). It’s so impactful on the contuinal running of our programs,” said Adamson.

Derrit Daigle, business owner and opera-

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source tor of the Esso/Husky locations on Hwy. 16 is excited to be working on this year’s campaign.

“With COVID being first and foremost for everybody, all of these other needs still exist,

and this is one we’ve chosen to do,” he said.

“This is a good cause, and we can’t support everything, but this one is needed in Lloydminster and surrounding area.

Masking protocols released for City-owned facilities MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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As mandatory masking will be implemented throughout Saskatchewan, including the City of Lloydminster, in its entirety, beginning Monday, Nov. 16, the City of Lloydmin-

ster has released masking protocols for cityowned facilities.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced the latest COVID-19 risk mitigation measures on Friday, Nov. 13. The new guidelines are in effect

20113bs0

until Monday, Dec. 14, when the provincial government and health authority will re-evaluate the imposed mitigation measures.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, the City of Lloydminster has respected the restric-

tions made by its provincial partners and respective health authorities. The measures introduced today are another step forward in aiding to reduce the spread of COVID19,” said Manager of Emergency Measures and Operations Jordan Newton.

“We are confident the safety measures currently implemented at City facilities, and the enhanced measure of mandatory masking will continue to provide a safe space for patrons and staff.”

Patrons of City-operated recreational and sporting facilities can expect the following beginning Monday, Nov. 16: All visitors must wear a mask, except while participating in physi-

cal activities (for example hockey, swimming, curling, pickleball, badminton, or actively working in the fitness centres).

Spectators are always required to wear a mask.

In addition to mandatory masking: Group fitness activities (example: spin, class circuit training, aquacise) are limited to a maximum of eight participants.

Group aerobic activities are permitted only if participants can be three metres apart throughout the duration of the activity, as required by the current Re-Open Saskatchewan guideline.

Individual aerobic activities (example: treadmill, stationary bike, lane swim-

ming) are permitted if all required equipment is properly distanced according to the Re-Open Saskatchewan guidelines.

While masks were not mandatory in City buildings until Nov. 16, patrons were encouraged to wear non-medical masks over the weekend.

Visitors of municipal buildings must wear a mask, as will staff when interacting with the public unless appropriate safety barriers are in place.

Masks are not required for children under the age of two or anyone unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

More information is available at Lloydminster.ca/COVID-19.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Snow anyone?

PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

What a storm! One minute we’re pottering around outside, completing a few last jobs in preparation for winter, and the next we’re shovelling the car out from under a foot of snow.

It’s remarkable how quickly the weather can change here on the Prairies.

Fortunately, my school bus route is pretty straightforward. I don’t have the hills and gullies that some drivers do; those are hazardous.

The snow was no picnic when I drove a corral cleaning truck either. We’d work until just before Christmas each year, but a layer of snow would sometimes make an already slippery situation quite unmanageable.

We’d use the tow

rope a lot; sometimes three of us, hooked up in a row, were needed to pull out of a sticky situation.

During my time driving a truck there, I worked with a young man who was the strong, silent type. He was a dandy driver who, in my boss’s eyes, always did everything right.

Annoyingly, he kind o f did do everything right. (There’s nothing more irritating than so m e o n e w h o t hin ks they’re superior, and then really is).

He was a fellow of few words; preferring to slant a scornful stare out his truck window; cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth, rather than speak. In all the time he was there, I’ll bet he only said 15 words to me.

And most of them were to criticize.

When I worked for Dave and his corral

cleaning company, I was hollered at plenty for dumb things I’d done.

I rolled down a hill in second gear (risking a run-away), I drove with the wind behind me (causing the manure to blow up and over the cab making a mess) and once, on a frosty morning in November, I didn’t run the floor chains (they moved paddles along the box to push everything out the back) long enough, and they froze solid. But the Golden Boy did no wrong. Ever.

When new drivers joined our team, I was the one who showed them how things were done (partly because I spoke), and I often helped them with cleanup at the end of the day.

The young fellow only looked out for himself.

One day we pulled into a farmyard where snow had fallen through the night.

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File Photo Everything was a beautiful, pristine white—even the manure pile. I was first in line to be loaded and took care to follow the same path we had entered on, since I didn’t know what lay under all the hummocks in the small field we were rumbling through.

I passed the young fellow as he was next in line and noticed,

with surprise, that he was taking a shortcut straight through a large hump in the middle of the field.

Suddenly, a horrible grinding noise pierced the still morning air and he came to an abrupt halt. The cigarette fell from his lips in alarm.

He had driven over a pile of rocks.

And while I wasn’t happy the truck was

damaged, or that Dave now had expensive repairs to make—all in all, it was a pretty good day.

Give the gift of a smile this Christmas. Helen’s books are available on Amazon or meet her for a signed copy Saturday, Nov.21 at Dawn’s Interiors in downtown Lloydminster. myprairiewool.com

16

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Thursday, November 19, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Heritage can anchor you MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

I was visiting with my oldest son this last weekend when he referred to an incident mentioned in a book written by his grandfather, my father, about the history of the township his family homesteaded on in 1905.

Dad was my age when he sat down to record the interactions of a group of people who farmed in the area for a period of over eight decades.

He did so as he felt most of the history had not been adequately captured in any of the region’s books chronicling the various school districts.

Frankly, I had forgotten I had been his photographer, and my wife, the editor, for the two years plus it took him to assemble the background material, then write it up.

So, for the first time in 35 years, I sat down to re-read it today.

Dad detailed the Indigenous peoples’ mobility within and on

the North Saskatchewan and Battle Rivers, home at various times to the Cree, Gros Ventres, and several tribes of the Blackfoot Confederacy.

He outlines the coming of the European explorers in the mid1700s, followed by eastern Canadian fur-traders looking to establish supply networks with the First Nations, and the real reason why three forts were built on Pine Island, and not on either bank.

The area was first surveyed in 1882 with three separate expeditions, the first developing the north boundary of each township, followed by a second one going east-west then another north-south.

Two years later, a fourth team followed up by establishing the corners of each quarter section.

These survey teams were the consummate professionals, as it wasn’t that many years ago with the assistance of modern satellite technology it was determined the measurement error of their work was so minimal as to not be noticeable.

17

File Photo Amazing, given they used only the tools the men could carry, and all supplies were transported by horse and wagon.

But back to the book.

Or in my case, the memories it brought back of spending time with my father as we went from location to location within the target 36 or so square miles and the stories behind each one.

How horses and mules used to build the roadbed for Canadian National Railroad track were the original livestock kept on what

201136G0 201136G1 201136G2 201136G3

eventually became his family’s ranch.

Why a young hired man took the blame for his employer’s grievous assault on a neighbour, even serving time in prison.

It is a story only half of which is revealed in print. The other half I learned one day over a noon campfire while hunting whitetail with

Let us help you take your business to the

him. It will stay buried.

What was most amazing to me was the realization that the trust and friendships forged three or four generations ago still tie us together as neighbours today.

It may be light sandy soil in this part of northwest Saskatchewan, really only good for pasture, but the

roots of the people who live here have gone deep.

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.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Cenovus, Husky shareholders to vote MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Cenovus Energy Inc. and Husky Energy Inc. are closer to officially tying the knot.

Both companies are holding virtual meetin g s for t h e i r s hareholders to approve the details of Cenovus’s friendly $3.8 billion takeover of Husky in an

all-stock deal.

The Husky virtual meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Mountain Time on Dec. 15 and the Cenovus virtual meeting will commence at 1 p.m.

MT the same day.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Husky and Ceno-

vus and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

The consolidation of the two companies was announced on Oct. 26.

The combined company will continue to operate as Cenovus and remain headquartered in Calgary.

File Photo

FCSS Lloydminster recognizes community volunteers MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Family and Community Supports Services (FCSS) Lloydminster would like to express its gratitude in recognizing community volunteers with a token of appreciation from a local coffee shop.

“Whether it be raising thousands of dollars for a local sports team or a loved one needing medical support, making sure our most vul-

nerable are fed during a pandemic or offering positive messages, our community members continue to show us their can-do attitude and get things done for Lloydminster,” said Patrick Lancaster, manager of social programs and services.

“Volunteers play an important and impactful role within the community, and we’d like to take every opportunity to recognize them.”

To help recognize those who dedicate their time and efforts to the community, FCSS Lloydminster asks residents to nominate someone they know who volunteers.

Whether the individual volunteers once a week or once a year, FCSS Lloydminster wants to know.

Learn more about the nomination process at lloydminster. ca/volunteer.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Sask to sit on Nov. 30 MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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On Monday, Premier Scott Moe announced the first session of the new Legislative Assembly will begin on Monday, Nov. 30.

The session will begin with the election of the Speaker in the morning followed by the Lieutenant Governor delivering the Throne Speech in the afternoon.

“Our government has received a new mandate from the people of Saskatchewan and I know all MLAs on both sides of the House are looking forward to getting into the Assembly and debating the important issues facing our province,” said Moe. “Of course, our immediate focus will be on managing through

the ongoing pandemic keeping Saskatchewan people safe while keeping our economy open and working toward a strong recovery.”

“

Of course, our immediate focus will be on managing through the ongoing pandemic keeping Saskatchewan people safe.

The Assembly has been reconfigured to create more space for safe physical distancing between the members and plexiglass shields are being installed on the desks.

Members will all

wear masks when in the Assembly. The number of members who will be present in the Assembly at one time remains under consideration.

The fall sitting is expected to last two weeks, which will allow for debate and passage of the Throne Speech and introduction of several pieces of legislation, including bills required to fulfill the government’s campaign commitments.

“We are grateful that the people of this great province gave our government a strong renewed mandate to keeping building a strong economy, strong communities, strong families and a strong Saskatchewan, and that’s exactly what we intend to do,” said Moe.

Whopping $476 million saved by cutting red tape MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The first annual report on red tape reduction highlights key initiatives that have eased the regulatory burden in Alberta, saving Albertans more than $476 million.

Alberta’s government tabled the first annual red tape reduction report which highlights progress made towards the goal of cutting red tape by onethird. Between May 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020, Alberta’s government cut more than six per cent of red tape, saving job creators both time and money.

“Alberta’s government has made great strides in our first year of red tape reduction,” said Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction.

“We’re moving quickly to becoming the freest, fastest moving economy in North America … but we’re not done yet. Now, more than ever, it is critical we get out of the way of our job creators so they

can do what they do best – create jobs and grow the economy.”

The report includes a definition of the baseline count, a measure of all the regulations, forms, statutes, and policies that exist within all departments, agencies, boards and commissions. In total, Alberta’s government has counted 670,977 requirements.

“Earlier this year the CFIB recognized the Alberta government’s quick action to reduce red tape with a B- on our annual Red Tape Report Card,” said Laura Jones, vice-president, Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

“The Report Card also acknowledged the government had not developed its comprehensive measure of the regulatory burden in Alberta.

We are pleased to see the government correct that by counting its regulatory burden and making that count public.”

Ongoing red tape reduction efforts are being driven by advice from key leaders in

Alberta through panels including small business, oil and gas, and tourism and hospitality.

The first annual report on red tape reduction highlights the red tape burden that Albertans have to deal with which is expressed by the baseline count.

The Alberta government has a baseline count of almost 671,000 regulatory requirements with a goal to reduce these requirements by more than one-third by spring 2023.

Alberta performed three times better when compared to other jurisdictions such as British Columbia and Manitoba in their first year of red tape reduction efforts.

Key panels include: - Small Business - Oil and Gas - Tourism and Hospitality - Industrial Manufacturing - Chemical Manufacturing - Forestry - Agriculture, Agrifood and Bio-industrial - Non-profit - Construction

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Sask. COVID update: One additional death, 132 new cases, 76 in hospital, 86 recoveries MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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One resident in their 60s from the North East zone who tested positive for COVID-19 has died. This brings the total number of deaths in the province to 32.

There are 132 new cases of COVID-19 to re p ort in Sas katc hewan on November 18, 2020, bringing the provincial total to date to 5,553 cases. The new cases are located in the Far North West (1), Far North Central (8), Far North East (6), North West, which includes Lloydminster (6), North Central (10), North East (4), Saskatoon (56), Central West (1), Regina (18), South West (2), South Central (4) and South East (8) zones and eight (8) new cases have pending residence information.

One case with pending residence information was deemed to be an out of province resident and removed from the total case count.

Of the 5,553 reported cases, 2,099 are considered active. A total of 3,422 people have recovered.

Seventy-six people are in hospital. Fiftynine people are receiving inpatient care; four in the North West, six in North Central, two in the North East, 30 in Saskatoon, six in Regina, four in the South West, one in South Central and six in the South East zone.

Seventeen people are in intensive care: three in North Central, seven in Saskatoon, two in Central East, one in South West and four in Regina.

Of the 5,553 cases in the province:

- 419 cases are travelers; - 2,419 are community contacts (including mass gatherings); - 1,138 have no known exposures; and - 1,577 are under investigation by local public health.

Overall in Saskatchewan to date: - 156 cases are healthcare workers; however, the source of the infections may not be related to healthcare in all instances.

- 1,165 cases involve people 19 years of age and under, while the remainder are adults.

- 2,026 cases are in the 20-39 age range; 1,515 are in the 40-59 age range; 685 are in the 60-79 age range; and 157 are in the 80-plus range. Confirmation of age is pending for five cases.

- 51 per cent of the

cases are females and 49 per cent are males.

- 32 deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported to date.

Of 5,553 confirmed cases: - 1,618 cases are from the Saskatoon area - 1,167 cases are from the north area (386 north west, 544 north central, 237 north east) - 808 cases are from the Regina area - 730 cases are from the south area (279 south west, 299 south central, 152 south east) - 693 cases are from the far north area (505 far north west, 49 far north central, 139 far north east) - 496 cases are from the central area (224 central west, 272 central east) - 41 cases have pending residence information To date, 305,260

COVID-19 tests have been processed Saskatchewan. As of November 16, 2020 when other provincial and national numbers were available, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 200,748

people tested per million population. The national rate was 278,351 people tested per million population.

A total of 1,619 COVID-19 tests were processed in Saskatchewan on Tuesday.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Tree of Hope GREEN FILE MARK & BEN CULLEN

Toronto is a Champion of Trees. It was chosen from all the cities in North America for this honour on October 1 by the Arbor Day Foundation.

As Mayor Tory remarked with this recognition, “A healthy tree canopy is a cornerstone of Toronto’s environmental sustainability.”

Perfect timing. Just as the campaign to preserve Toronto’s Heritage Oak, our oldest tree, is gaining steam, we hear this wonderful news.

This magnificent specimen stands tall, very tall, and more than 160 centimetres wide (that is five and a half feet) in Humbermede, a community within our city in the northwest corner of North York.

The campaign to raise $430,000 is underway, with lots of room for more giving.

Mark volunteered to chair the fundraising campaign and the Cullen family has agreed to donate $100,000 to support the preservation of the tree. The City of Toronto has agreed to match private funds, remediate the soil, tear down the house and convert the real estate into a park for public use.

The City is matching private donations $3 to $1. All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt.

Since we last wrote about Toronto’s Heritage Oak, we have received a surge of stories and generosity from readers. Here are just a few: Robbie R. from Uxbridge contacted Mark in a phone text. “I would like to meet you personally and give you money to support the Heritage Oak.” After a few message exchanges, Mark arranged to meet Robbie at his home.

As the stranger approached the front porch, he held out his

hand and gave Mark five $100 bills. Stacked neatly and crisp.

“Would you like a tax receipt?” Mark explained.

“No point” was the answer, “I am a senior on a fixed income and the deduction wouldn’t do me any good.”

Reminds us of the axiom, “not equal gifts but equal sacrifice.”

On another occasion, Mark picked up his business mail from his mailbox. Inside was a white envelope with no return address and inside the envelope a plain sheet of paper with the handwritten message, “For the Save the Red Oak Campaign.

Thank you.” With $100 in cash paper-clipped to the note. No signature.

No contact information.

It would take some serious sleuthing to figure that one out.

While playing golf with a friend, Mark was asked how the campaign was progressing.

“Well, but there is urgency as fundraising needs to meet the Dec. 12 deadline” Mark replied. The golfer wound up for a shot and replied, “I read your article about it and donated”.

End of conversation.

Speaking of personal stories, it does not get more personal than this. Carol Dillon, of Perth Ontario, sent us a donation and wrote, “In 1936 my father was a cyclist on the Canadian Olympic Team in Berlin. At the games, red oaks were presented to

Olympic gold Medalists as a living memory of the games.

My father was not a gold medalist, but he was impressed by the thought of a living legacy of the games.

So, when he returned home, he dug up a red sapling from a neighbour’s front lawn at 55 Haven St in North York.

It has been there ever since and is referred to as “Dad’s Olympic Oak.” Sophia, 9 years old, who lives near the Heritage Oak on Coral Gable Drive has been selling handmade bracelets using beads that have been donated to the cause. She reflects, “A couple from Flesherton has donated more than $1,000 worth of beads and supplies.”

In total, she has raised over $1,600 since midSeptember.

Alice Casselman, founding president of ACER, the Association for Canadian Education Resources reports that Toronto’s Heritage Oak has stored 31 tons of carbon in its lifetime.

Each year it contributes to the environment by storing two and a half tons of carbon dioxide.

“That is equivalent to my car’s annual emissions plus one half of someone else’s!

The Heritage Oak locks up carbon as wood, from the carbon dioxide being produced daily.

This is only one of its many valuable historical, cultural and ecological services.”

The tree is an Olympian, a living his-

MERIDIAN SOURCE

21

File Photo tory book, a clean air machine and it holds the key to many more stories, yet to be told.

But only if we save it.

To learn more and to donate to the preservation of Toronto’s Heritage Oak, go to http://www.toronto.ca/ redoak” www.toronto. ca/redoak or call 416292-1144.

Mark Cullen is an expert gardener, author, broadcaster, tree advocate and Member of the Order of Canada. His son Ben is a fourth-generation urban gardener and graduate of University of Guelph and Dalhousie University in Halifax. Follow them at markcullen.com, @ markcullengardening, and on Facebook.

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Supporting Global Entrepreneurship Week MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Entrepreneurs across Alberta drive the province’s economy forward, create much needed jobs and are vital to our economic recovery.

This year, the themes of Global Entrepreneurship Week focus on education, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, policy and inclusion.

The Government of Alberta is proud to support the province’s innovative and hardworking entrepreneurs as they create new businesses, which are the backbone of communities across the province.

“This partnership with Futurpreneur ensures the organization can continue providing collateral-free loans and critical mentorship and support to Alberta’s young entrepreneurs who are so

important to Alberta’s economic recovery,” said Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs.

“

This partnership with Futurpreneur ensures the organization can continue providing collateral-free loans and critical mentorship and support to Alberta’s young entrepreneurs.

“These individuals work every day to create jobs for their fellow Albertans, and to them we are grateful. Their drive, resiliency and dedication are second to none.”

Futurpreneur is Can-

File Photo ada’s official host for Global Entrepreneurship Week.

To support young Alberta entrepreneurs, Alberta’s government has provided multi-

year grant funding to Futurpreneur, which will result in 225 new Alberta businesses being created in the next three years.

“We’re very grateful for the Government of Alberta’s support and look forward to increasing our efforts to help even more young entrepreneurs launch and sustain resilient businesses provincewide,” said Karen Greve Young, CEO, Futurpreneur Canada.

“Futurpreneur provides young, aspiring business owners with the loan financing, mentorship and resources they need to launch successful businesses that will drive Canada’s inclusive economic recovery in the

years ahead.”

Alberta’s government is also supporting entrepreneurs in the province through the $175 million recapitalization of the Alberta Enterprise Corporation and investments in its Accelerate Fund, ensuring Alberta startups can easily access funding.

Entrepreneurs in Alberta also have access to funding, coaching, expertise and research through Alberta Innovates.

“Entrepreneurs will help build the future economy. We have identified more than 1,200 technology companies in Alberta,” said Kristina Williams, CEO, Alberta Enterprise Corporation.

“Through our invest-

ments, we provide access to venture capital so these companies can stay and grow right here at home.

Our funds also provide much more than capital, they provide access to experienced mentorship, markets beyond Alberta, as well as management talent.”

Supporting the province’s tech start-up community is a key part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure, we are benefiting our communities.

By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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PAGE 24 Thursday, November 19, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Alberta college athletics step into eSports JAMIE HARKINS

WRITER

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The Lakeland College Rustlers are climbing down a rabbit hole into the world of eSports this weekend.

Alan Rogan, the Rustlers’ athletic director, said they have sent an invitation welcoming any interested full-time students and studentathletes to compete in an Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) eSports trial event on Saturday.

Rogan said they’re confident a majority of students who already game will log onto and participate in the Nintendo Switch Super Smash Brothers Ultimate competition due to the immense popularity eSports is generating among Canadian postsecondary players right now.

“This gives us something else we can offer our students at the college to engage in,” said Rogan.

“I know in some peo-

An eSports competition in pre-COVID times. Supplied Photo ple’s minds it’s not looked at as a competitive sport. But, it definitely is. It’s becoming more of an athletic

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offering across North America. We’re kind of interested to see where this is going to lead.”

Rogan said a chance encounter with an Ontario institution’s eSports team during his involvement at a traditional national sports championship last fall peaked interest in the project.

He said a fellow athletic director also noted at the time they were looking int o eSport s making it a continued topic of conversation.

“As a conference, we’re probably at a very initial startup phase to see if there is interest,” he said, when queried about the chance of eSports eventually

becoming an ACAC sanctioned sport.

“If there is a significant amount, than I think we would start looking at those next steps.”

Mark Kosak, ACAC CEO and a driving force behind the conference’s pilot eSports project, said 10 of their 17 members initially signed on when a survey was distributed earlier this year about possible involvement in an online event.

He said there are normally metrics developed beforehand when engaging in an experiment, but because eSports is so new a decision was made to simply run this first competition and evaluate the

data afterwards to see how it went.

“Were there any hiccups, problems, obstacles, issues and how many institutions were involved, how many student-athletes registered, how long did the event take, and we’ll do a little bit of a cost-benefit analysis,” said Kosak.

“We haven’t really identified specifically what would be a successful event. The more players we have and the more institutions would certainly influence the perception that it was successful. I would suspect we wouldn’t just run one event and then call it a day if we don’t get impressive numbers. I have a feeling we

will move forward and conduct a few more.”

Kosak said exploring the viability of eSports inclusion didn’t start with the onset of COVID, but the restrictions caused by this pandemic did provide more time to dig a bit deeper.

He said having an opportunity to contribute to the legitimization of eSports is an added bonus.

“Most people don’t see it in the same light as a traditional sport, but I’m learning the athletes are just as serious, they train just as hard, they have coaching, they go to competitions and they aspire to progress to higher levels,” he said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 25

Thursday, November 19, 2020

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25

A few notes undeserving of deep contemplation SPORTS EDITOR JAMIE HARKINS

For the most part, dear readers, these columns over the past few months have pretty much stuck to a single focus.

Well, let’s head back to the starting line after this one runs its course.

We’re knee deep into the momentum surrounding the CFL’s Grey Cup Unite weeklong series of events.

There has already been a CFLPA State of the Union address,

a Riders podcast and a Redblacks Twisted Tea tailgate showdown among other online wonders.

The next few days promise an all-decade awards presentation, Grey Cup champion reunions and finally a chance to rewatch these shows.

My favourite aspect of the CFL is its less than polished and obvious for-love-ofthe-game product, but sometimes its earnest appeals to fans turns into uncomfortable yearning.

The only reason that

could warrant a Grey Cup Unite weeklong series of events is the revelation of a detailed plan for the league to get back on the field and playing in 2021.

It’s time to man up CFL. Give your fans something that actually means something.

Point two, and just as an aside, the Lloydminster Bobcats regular season starts this weekend with Friday and Saturday games at the Centennial Civic Center against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.

I’m positive all Bobcats fans know and fol-

low the COVID precaution rules in place for attending games such as wearing masks throughout, keeping six feet apart while in line and sitting four seats away from other cohorts.

The team has made a great video available on their Twitter feed that highlights these points.

Now, I respect the opinions of almost everyone, but I also really like hockey and would like to see it continue through the winter. So, please, wear a mask, socially distance and keep to your cohorts.

File Photo Finally, the Meridian Source completes a regular feature called Athlete of the Month. It’s a 100 to 150 word writeup with complementing phot o show c ase that honours a deserving local athlete.

The next Athlete of the Month feature is

scheduled to come out in the Dec. 3 issue.

If you know of someone from Lloydminster or its surrounding area who is deserving of this honour please email taylor@meridiansource.ca as soon as possible.

Thank you.

ACAC athlethes exploring the world of eSports FROM PAGE 24

“I was talking to a colleague of mine this morning about the so-called controversy, is eSports really a sport, and he defined sport as an activity that challenges you physically and mentally

but that doesn’t have to necessarily mean physical exertion. He probably said it more eloquently, but that was the gist. A sport doesn’t necessarily require physical exertion in order to be categorized as sport.”

Rogan said Lakeland College’s future involvement in eSports will not be based solely on their athlete participation numbers this weekend nor will it be judged on the success they achieve.

He said it’s just a trial

event and if the ACAC moves forward a lot of work still needs to be done, but there is definitely a feeling eSports has potential.

“We just need to see where it goes and if we move down the road how do we set it up,”

said Rogan.

“I think there are other conferences that have gone through the setup process we could lean on a little bit to ask for guidance. If it works out we could have another ACAC sport here in a year or so.”

PAGE 26 Thursday, November 19, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Considering the gig economy? Remember these things

B

eing an independent contractor is not a straightforward endeavour, but it can lead to more diversity in your work, better income, and greater flexibility.

But, before you make the jump to launching your own freelance

business, keep these three things in mind: Do your homework Research your market to determine your customers’ needs, your competitors, and the range of pricing for your service. If you’re considering offering something that hasn’t

been offered on a contract basis before, think about how you’ll actually do this. Then, take each client as a learning experience; for instance, see which type of work you enjoy and which jobs are the best paying.

Keep your taxes

straight When you start out and before you incorporate you’re considered a “self-employed sole proprietor.” This means the CRA views your personal income and business income as the same —?both of which you file under your per-

sonal income taxes. But, this also means you’re responsible for selfemployment taxes, such as Employment Insurance and Canada Pension. Or, if you need Workers’ Compensation coverage, this again falls on you to provide for yourself.

The more you know Even if you’re a sole proprietor, think of yourself as a business.

Make sure you get paid by issuing invoices on time. And get a signed contract before you start work on a project. Above all, know the difference between an employee and contrac-

tor. One of the main differences being that freelancers pay their own employment taxes, also known as payroll taxes, while employers will manage an employee’s payroll taxes. As your buisness grows, you’ll also want to keep this in mind when you find yourself needing to hire.

To learn more about the differences between employees and contractors, blogs like Wagepoint’s, a small business payroll provider, are an excellent resource.

Check out blog.wagepoint.com to see for yourself.

Direct Service Worker As part of Men’s Shelter and Drop In Centre team you would perform general duties consistent with the quality service we provide to the homeless and at risk members of our community. You should have strong client service, organization and time management skills. You must be available for day, evening or overnight shifts on weekdays and weekends.

A variety of duties include cleaning, housekeeping, laundry, preparing and serving nutritious meals, checking in clients, record keeping, providing essential items as needed by clients, and other duties as required.

Please note there is some heavy lifting and carrying supplies up and down stairs.

We offer a competitive wage. Thank you to all who apply. Only those chosen for interviews will be contacted.

Please send your resume to hfalloydminster@gmail.com

DRIVERS • Applicants must have minimum Class 3 Air Endorsed license (abstract required with application) • As a driver you will be required to operate, but not limited to; Frontload, Roll-Off, Residential & Septic Vac trucks.

Monday to Friday (most weekends off) Competitive Salary, Benefits Package, Safety Program Applications without drivers abstract will be discarded.

Only those considered for interview will be contacted.

Apply in person 7:00am to 4:30pm Mon-Fri

5502 - 59 Avenue P.O. Box 710 Lloydminster, AB T9V 3A7 Fax: 780-875-6015 or Email: quikpick@telus.net (Subject Line: Resume) No Phone Calls

PAGE 27 Thursday, November 19, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridansource.ca

SERVICES

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NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE OF: THEODORE WILLIAM BIELECKI late of Waseca, Saskatchewan, Deceased, who died on December 21, 2016.

All claims against the estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 15th day of December, 2020.

REVERING LAW OFFICE

Barristers & Solicitors 5018 - 50 Avenue Lloydminster, Alberta T9V 0W7 Attention: Donnon F. Revering

Classifieds NOTICES

Health GET YOUR MESSAGE GET UP TO $50,000 SEEN ACROSS Alberta. from the Government The Blanket Classifieds of Canada. Do you or or Value Ads reach over someone you know 600,000 Alberta readhave any of these coners weekly. Two opditions? ADHD, Anxiety, tions starting at $269 Arthritis, Asthma, Canor $995 to get your cer, COPD, Depression, message out! Business Diabetes, Difficulty changes, hiring, items Walking, Fibromyalgia, for sale, cancellations, Irritable Bowels, Overtenders, etc. People weight, Trouble Dressare increasingly staying...and Hundreds ing home and rely on more. All Ages & Meditheir local newspapers cal Conditions Qualify. for information. KEEP Have a child under people in the loop with 18 instantly receive our 90 Weekly Commumore money. CALL THE nity Newspapers. Call BENEFITS PROGRAM THIS NEWSPAPER now 1-(800)-211-3550 or email classifieds@ or Send a Text Mesawna.com for details. sage with Your Name 1-800-282-6903, 780and Mailing Address to 434-8746 X225. www.

403-980-3605 for your awna.com.

FREE benefits package.

FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS

AUCTIONS NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE ESTATE OF: JOHN TRISCHUK, late of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Deceased, who died on October 19, 2020.

All claims against the estate, duly verified by statutory declaration and with particulars and valuation of security held, if any, must be sent to the undersigned before the 30th day of November, 2020.

REVERING LAW OFFICE

Barristers & Solicitors 5018 - 50 Avenue Lloydminster, Alberta T9V 0W7 Attention: Donnon F. Revering

HEALTH

AUCTIONS are our business! Contact Copeland Auctions Ltd. located in Lloydminster, AB for all your auction needs. Call Russ 780-870-1181 or visit our website: www.copelandauctions.co m

Auctions Ward’s & Bud Haynes Firearms Auction, Saturday, December 12th, Edmonton, Alberta.

Hundreds of Lots in all Classes. www.WardsAuctions.com.

Call Brad 780-940-8378; Linda 403-597-1095 to consign.

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer.

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-4535372.

GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta.

The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@ awna.com for details.

1-800-282-6903, 780434-8746 X225. www. awna.com.

Follow us on Social Media

FOR RENT FOR RENT 1,700 sq ft + on 2+ acres, open plan, 3 bedroom, 2 full bath. Five minutes from Kitscoty. $1,300.00 per month plus utilities approx. $285.00 per month.

No smoking and no pets please. For more information please contact Liz Papp at Mac’s Realty at 780-875-9449

CAREER TRAINING Career Training BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less).

Reach 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details.

1-800-2826903 Ext 225; www. awna.com.

FEED AND SEED Feed and Seed HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola.

Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed.

Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252.

WANTED

To ensure efficient newspaper delivery, please make sure of the following: • Sidewalks are clear and clean • Mailbox is visible • Mailbox is emptied on a regular basis • Pets are tied or in a fenced yard

Call (306) 825-5111 if you have any questions or concerns.

CLASSIFIED ADS 1 FOR $15 OR 2 FOR $25 *Based on 20 words - additional words 15¢ each *Prices do not include GST

Call 306-825-5111 or drop by at 5921 50 Avenue Lloydminster, SK

*Deadline for Thursday’s issue is Tuesday at noon.

28

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Local Business Directory

Lloydminster’s Leading Waste & Recycling Hauler • Garbage & Recycling Services • Paper Shredding • Temporary Fencing • Portable Toilet & Septic Services

Service by Quik Pick Waste Disposal

KEEP IT LOCAL

www.quikpick.ca 5502 - 59 Ave. (780) 875-4100 Toll Free 1-877-475-4100

Church Directory

Contact us today to place your announcement in next week’s issue Box ad......... $14.50 (Column Inch Rate) Obituaries.... 20¢ per word plus $15 to include photo $2.50 e-edition charge per issue

LIFE’S

milestones

Are you celebrating an anniversary or birth, or you’d like to announce your engagement? Is your child graduating, or perhaps a colleague is retiring? Has a loved one passed away, or would you like to remember one in some special way?

CONTACT US TO ADVERTISE YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT IN NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE AT (306) 825-5111.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

Obituaries & Memoriams

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Obituaries & Memoriams

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