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Andy Capp and his wife Flo were characters in a popular comic strip before political correctness came calling. Andy's character was more colourful than sterling - being a drinker, smoker, gambler, womanizer and general, all-purpose lay-about.
Flo: I gave you the best years of my life. Andy: Yeah, well - who made 'em the best?
February is the month of love and marriage. National Marriage Week is Feb 07 - Feb 14 in the US; World Marriage Day is on Feb 09.
And of course, Feb 14 is Valentine's Day. Well, in full, it is St. Valentine's Day, so called because you need a saint's blessing if you want to be married for any period of time - marriage isn't for the less than stalwart.
The longest marriage, according to The Guinness World Book of Records, is 86 years and 290 days, achieved by Zelmyra and Herbert Fisher of the United States. They were recognized at the time, 2010, by then US President Obama at a ceremony held in their honour. The marriage ended in 2011 when Mr. Fisher died at the age of 105, Mrs. Fisher died 2 years later, also at age 105. (Forgive me if I note that in the picture taken of the couple at the recognition ceremony, Mrs. Fisher is smiling prettily but Mr. Fisher is looking sorta shell-shocked. Just sayin'.)
The Fishers were married in 1924, and their marriage held up through “the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement and 15 presidential administrations.” Mrs. Fisher noted that when they got married a loaf of bread cost just nine (9) cents.
Some marriages are entered into when the couple is young, and the marriage grows and matures with them. And some marriages are entered into when the couple is old, and the marriage makes them feel young.
George Faulkner, 89, and Barbara Paddock, 85, say you're never too old to fall in love - they got married last year after meeting each other in the retirement home in Great Falls, NL where they both live.
George, best known as the first professional hockey player from Newfoundland and Labrador, had been living in the Hollett Retirement Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor for almost a year before his bride-to-be moved in just down the hall.
About a week after moving in, Barbara, the bride-to-be, was heading back to her room after breakfast when she rounded a blind corner and collided with Faulkner.
"That's exactly what happened … and I didn't have my skates on either yet, so I couldn't get away from her, you know," George said. "I don't know when I was so happy and I never laughed so much in my life since I met this crazy man," Barbara said.
Colin Oates, 95, and Suzanne Scott, 84, also met when they were residents of the same retirement home in London, ON. Their wedding last year took place on the back lawn of the retirement home and all 200 residents and staff were invited.
"It's going to be a good party. But the most important thing," Oates said, "is everybody in here is now happy again. They're happy to be alive."
(And in another example of how age doesn't necessarily bring wisdom: In each of these instances, the elderly gentleman got down on one knee to propose and in each instance, needed help to get back up.)
The marriage road is not always the super-highway of love, it doesn't always run straight and true. It is often littered with detours and construction projects impeding progress and can dwindle down into a meandering country road full of potholes and frost heaves, lined on both sides with deep ditches and sometimes, sadly, coming to a dead end.
Many years ago (in the olden days, as my kids like to refer to my youth), I went with a friend to visit her grandparents. The grandparents lived in one of the older districts in Calgary, a couple blocks back from the ridge overlooking the Bow River and the downtown area. It was a Saturday, a beautiful, sunny, summer afternoon when we parked in front of their house.
I had stepped out of the car onto the sidewalk and was looking at the housean old house with a white picket fence and a narrow cement walkway leading up to the three or four stairs that fronted the porch. The porch was an integral part of the house, with an overhanging roof and half-walls enclosing it and with a wooden screen door leading to the inside.
Just as my gaze got to the screen door, out came Grandma, the screen door slamming loudly behind her as she bustled down the stairs coming to greet us. Grandma was 87 at the time and her husband was in his early 90's - they had been married for more than 65 years.
Grandma was a plump woman with perhaps some mobility issues, noticeable by her side-to-side rocking gait but offset by the speed of her approachsomething was on her mind, she was red-faced, and she was steamin'. She pulled up in front of the gate where we were standing and, with clenched fists on her somewhat ample hips, announced, "One of these days I'm going to divorce that man." (As far as I know, Grandma didn't follow through on her threat.)
And for those who prefer a simpler, less fraught love-life, the month of love also includes National Carrot Cake Day on February 03. The National Carrot Cake Day website suggests the best way to celebrate this day is by baking a carrot cake and inviting family and friends to share it with you. (I still have a few openings in my schedule on that day, but best not to dally.)
And of course when we celebrate love, true love that is, deep and abiding love, we can't forget National Tofu Day on Feb 30.
Happy all things February, everybody.
And Happy Valentine's Day, especially, to Mrs. B.
DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTIONS
Will Tariffs Finally Make Canadians Question
Their Consumerism?
Across Canada, in coffee shops, at kitchen tables, on radio call-in shows, when speaking with neighbours and work colleagues and of course on social media the angst-ridden talk is...
Tariffs are coming!
Tariffs are coming!
Tariffs are coming!
American politics tends to be characterized by theatrics; showmanship often takes precedence over substance. Donald Trump's threats, which aim to impose a US-led world order by having countries bend to his will, he'll be imposing an across-theboard 25% tariff on Canadian imports, has the feeling of setting the stage for a four-year "Will there be?" and "What next?" saga.
On the other hand, beneath the bravado and brazenness lies a potentially transformative force that could redefine Canada's consumer culture. Should Trump's tariffs come into effect, either on February 1st or anytime during his term, Canadians will suffer economic consequences and find themselves at an existential-like crossroads—similar to a reckoning—that forces them to question their spending habits and redefine their notions of needs versus wants.
Economic Fallout
Straight talk: a 25% tariff on Canadian imports would severely damage Canada's economy. Canada is an export economy. Two-thirds of Canada's exports go to the US. Since it had a substantial trading partner next door, Canada became complacent and did not actively pursue additional trading partners, making the US market its economic lifeline. Tariffs would result in significant job losses in Canada, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on exports to the US, such as automobiles and timber. The ripple effects would extend beyond Canada's job market. With job losses, a contracting economy, and higher prices, Canadians will have no choice but to rethink their spending habits, more so than postCOVID inflation has.
As Canadians struggle in a high unemployment rate and high-price environment, creating financial strains that force a re-evaluation of spending priorities, "affordability" will take on a whole new meaning.
Financial Waste of Consumerism
"The more you have, the more you are occupied. The less you have, the more free you are." - Mother Teresa
During COVID, when non-essential retailers, services and restaurants were mandated to close, I quickly realized how much money I was spending frivolously, confirming what I have always known: In our culture of consumerism, much of what we buy is financially wasteful.
Sales and discounts entice us to buy things we don't need or genuinely desire, creating a glaring irony; we fill our homes with "stuff" and fail to recognize that less is more.
How many gadgets, clothes, or trinkets do you own but seldom use? Consumers accumulate staggering amounts of "stuff," the majority of which end up in landfills, contributing to financial and environmental waste. It'll be interesting to see if tariffs creating a stoic Canadian economy will result in Canadians rethinking their buying habits, prompting a longoverdue broader discussion about simplicity over excess.
Environmental Consequences
Everyone claims to be concerned about the environment and climate change, yet their consumerism says the opposite. It's hypocritical to claim you care about the environment while stirring your Starbucks coffee with a plastic stir stick, tossing it into the garbage, placing a plastic lid on your cup and then walking to your SUV. The sense of entitlement that we're owed convenience and the ability to buy things we don't need drives a production cycle that is indifferent to the planet's well-being. It's our quest to chase "the latest and greatest" and to project an image hoping it'll help us "fit in" that contributes to deforestation, pollution, and climate change. In other words, it's not government policies that are killing our planet; it's our embracing marketing propaganda that perpetuates the self-serving narrative that you can purchase happiness.
If it takes Canadians grappling with rising prices and shrinking income to consider their consumption's environmental impact seriously, tariffs do have one silver lining. We can't keep trashing our planet. As prices increase, will the environmental cost of producing [whatever] outweigh the allure of owning [whatever]? When was the last time you considered the carbon footprint of buying Californiagrown strawberries in mid-February or purchasing toothpaste off Amazon, which you could easily purchase at your local grocery store, knowing how it'll be packaged for delivery?
Since actions speak louder than words, our commitment to a cleaner world is questionable. If we are seriously committed to a cleaner world, we'd consume less—much less.
Much of our consumerism is fueled by a desire to project wealth and status—we spend our money trying to look rich. Our obsession with appearances— keeping up with the Jones—blurs the lines between need and want. Often, we purchase products not for their utility but for the image they convey.
As tariffs drive up the cost of upscale goods, maintaining a façade of being financially successful becomes more difficult. Ideally, Canadians will start asking themselves what makes them chase illusions advertisers create and who they're trying to impress. The pressure to look affluent has led many Canadians into crippling debt. Today, Canada has the highest household debt to disposable income ratio in the G7, at 185%, compared with an average of 125% for all G7 countries.
Will tariffs force Canadians to confront their purchasing habits? Do you need the latest car, fashion, or technology, or to eat out as much as you do? Will
Canadians continue to be seduced by a marketing machine preying on emotional vulnerabilities, insecurities, desires, and social needs? Could a shift in societal values be on the horizon? Will Canadians change their frame of reference to what a successful life looks like? Many Canadians could reduce their spending by almost half and still live a better lifestyle than most worldwide.
According to the World Bank, the average person globally lives on less than $6.85 per day, with half of the world's population falling below this threshold. In 2021, 53 percent of the world's population—4.1 billion people—had no social protection. In comparison to most of the world, Canadians live an unimaginable lifestyle.
Within five days of taking office, Trump has kept all of his campaign promises, so it's safe to assume he'll keep his promise to impose tariffs on Canadian imports, along with Mexico and China. Canadians would be wise to prepare themselves for the consequences of tariffs. I'm not talking about adjusting spending habits or finding alternative products; I'm talking about rethinking values and priorities and how first-world consumerism negatively impacts our environment and financial health.
Ironically, tariffs could serve as a much-needed wake-up call for Canadians to critically examine their relationship with their consumerism, redefine what it means to live well, differentiate between actual needs and wants, and create a future in which we acknowledge less is truly more.
Nick Kossovan is the Customer Service Professionals Network’s Social Media Director (Executive Board Member) Feel free to send your social media questions to nick.kossovan@gmail.com On Twitter and Instagram follow @NKossovan
COUNCIL REPORTS
Submitted by your local Council Administrators. Ask your local Council to send us a monthly report.
TOWN OF ASQUITH
The Town of Asquith held its regular council meeting on January 8, 2025. Monthly utility rates will increase beginning this month. The minimum monthly water charge will increase by $1.25 to $33.00 and garbage/recycling fees will increase by $1.00 to $22.00. This brings the minimum residential monthly utility bill to $100.00. If you’d like to receive your utility notice by email instead of regular mail, please visit our website www.townofasquith.com or contact the office for the required form.
The biological filtration project for the water treatment plant has begun. Updates will be provided once it has been completed.
The Town would like to remind residents that Pet Licences must be purchased every calendar year and are now due for 2025. The new Animal Control Bylaw passed in 2024 requires that photos of your pets be submitted to aid in identification. Two photos are required, one clearly showing the face of the cat or dog and one that shows the entire body. Photos can be emailed to office@townofasquith.com
Our website now includes an events calendar. If you’d like your event to be included, please send details to office@townofasquith.com To view the calendar visit www.townofasquith.com/my-calendar or visit the homepage and click the link to Event Calendar.
Sonningdale
Seniors Lounge
Pie and Coffee
Wednesday 2pm - 4pm
Cookies and Coffee Fridays 2pm - 4pm Pancakes & Sausage
February 19, Noon, $5 Irish Stew Luncheon March 19, Noon, $5
TOWN OF DELISLE
Council held a regular meeting on January 9th and the following items were addressed:
Council supported a new snow clearing policy. A resolution was made to remove the lane separation sign located on 5th avenue and 3A Street East Bylaw 9-2024; being a bylaw amending the nuisance bylaw, was passed requiring property owners with adjoining sidewalks to clear their sidewalks of snow, ice, dirt, and debris within 24 hours of such being deposited thereon Bylaw 1-2025; being a new Council Procedures Bylaw, was passed.
Council had a special meeting on January 21st. A resolution was made accepting the Town Insurance Policy and Employees’ Fidelity Bond and authorizing payment of the premium in the amount of $77, 598.36 (includes PST).
Notice of Vote
The Rural Municipality of Harris No. 316 Municipal Bi-Election 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that:
(1) A vote will be held for the election of Councilor Division Five.
(2) The Advance Poll will take place on Tuesday the 25th day of February 2025, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at:
Municipal Office – 110 Main Street – Harris, Saskatchewan
(3) The vote will take place on Wednesday the 5th day of March 2025, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm at:
Municipal Office – 110 Main Street – Harris, Saskatchewan
(4) I will declare the result of the voting at the Municipal Office at Harris, Saskatchewan on Wednesday the 5th day of March, 2025, at 9:00 pm.
Dated at Harris, Saskatchewan this 31st day of January, 2025.
Adrienne Urban, RMA
Returning Officer
** only eligible voters for Division Five are permitted to vote. Please check the 2024 Assessment Notice, 2024 Tax Notice or www.rmofharris.ca to determine eligibility **
Notice of Abandonment of Poll
(Subsection 160.23(2) of the Act) – FORM E The Rural Municipality of Harris No. 316 Municipal Bi-Election 2025
Whereas:
Name of Candidate Nominated for Office Brent Genest Reeve is the only candidate, I hereby give notice that no voting for Reeve will take place on March 5th, 2025
REGULAR LOCAL COUNCIL MEETINGS
RM OF CORMAN PARK - February 25, 9:00am
RM OF DUNDURN - February 18, 8:00am
RM OF EAGLE CREEK - February 4, 9:00am
RM OF GREAT BEND - February 12, 9:00am
RM OF HARRIS - February 13, 8:00am
RM OF MCCRANEY - February 20, 8:00am
RM OF MILDEN - February 12, 9:00am
RM OF MONTROSE - February 13, 9:00am
RM OF PERDUE - February 11, 9:00am
RM OF ROSEDALE - February 11, 8:00am
RM OF RUDY - February 12, 6:00pm
RM OF VANSCOY - February 13, 9:00am
TOWN OF ASQUITH - February 12, 7:00pm
TOWN OF BIGGAR - February 4 & 18, 7:15pm
TOWN OF DELISLE - February 13, 7:00pm
TOWN OF DUNDURN - February 11, 5:30pm
TOWN OF HANLEY - February 10, 7:00pm
TOWN OF LANGHAM -, February 10 & 24, 6:30pm
TOWN OF OUTLOOK - February 12 & 26, 7:00pm
TOWN OF RADISSON - February 12 & 26, 7:00pm
TOWN OF ZEALANDIA - February 19, 7:00pm
VILLAGE OF BORDEN - February 4, 7:00pm
VILLAGE OF BRODERICK - February 12, 7:00pm
VILLAGE OF CONQUEST - February 11, 7:00pm
VILLAGE OF GLENSIDE - February 12, 7:30pm
VILLAGE OF HARRIS - February 12, 7:00pm
VILLAGE OF HAWARDEN - February 20, 7:00pm
VILLAGE OF KENASTON - February 19, 7:00pm
VILLAGE OF KINLEY - February 11, 6:30pm
VILLAGE OF LOREBURN - February 12, 7:00pm
VILLAGE OF MILDEN - February 19, 7:30pm
VILLAGE OF PERDUE - February 18, 7:30pm
VILLAGE OF STRONGFIELD - February 11, 7:30pm
VILLAGE OF TESSIER - February 10, 7:00pm
VILLAGE OF VANSCOY - February 12, 7:30pm
Regular Council meetings are open to any and all members of the public. COVID restrictions may apply.
Dates may change. Check with local Councils.
EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
The R. M. of Harris No. 316 is accepting applications for the position of a Full-Time Equipment Operator to handle various outside operations for the municipality. The successful candidate will also be required to carry out other duties as directed by Council or the Municipal Foreman.
A valid 1-A Drivers License will be an asset as well as previous experience operating machinery. The municipality offers a competitive benefits package including Pension Plan. Applicants should provide previous work experience, including types of equipment operated, 2 references and salary expected.
Phone 306 - 493 - 2771 Cell 306 - 361 - 9767 bobgoodnough@gmail.com
Dated this 31st day of January 2025.
Adrienne Urban, RMA Returning Officer
Applications will be received until 4:00 pm on Thursday February 6th, 2025 at the following address: R. M. of Harris No. 316 Box 146 Harris, Sask S0L 1K0
Ph: 306-656-2072
Fax 306-656-2151
Email: rmharris316@gmail.com
Old Bone Trail Multiple 4-H Club
The Old Bone Trail Multiple 4-H Club recently passed its halfway point in the year. Our club, is based out of Delisle, has 25 members participating in 12 projects. We usually meet on the second Monday of every month in the Lodge Room in the Delisle Hall.
Our projects this year are: Archery, Beef, Cake Decorating, Crafts, Foods, Geocaching, Light horse, Outdoor Living, Sewing, and two 4-U projects.
We have had 5 general meetings so far this year and each of our projects have at least one meeting every month. We had a late Christmas party in January where we played games, skated, and roasted hotdogs.
Our biggest fundraiser every year is our Petting Zoo at the Lawson Mall over the Easter weekend. We are excited to invite everyone this April 18 & 19 to come pet some animals.
We usually have your normal household animals, a calf and a donkey, some rabbits and even a snake. We have a fish pond and guessing games. We’ll bring the animals so please bring your children.
Our club helps out at various events in Delisle and neighbouring communities.
This was our second year to participate in the Pike Lake Festival of Lights. We will have our Achievement day some time in mid June. Our annual public speaking day was planned for February 1st, but has been postponed due to weather.
If you check out our Facebook page you can see what our club is up to, see pictures of events, and see what our project’s are up too.
February Happenings in Borden & Radisson
- RM Corman Park - Ross Acreage, 1629 sq.ft. home on 15 acres just minutes from Saskatoon.
- Grandora North - 2 - 10 acre parcels great bush for acreage development.
- Grandora - 20 acre & 38 acre lots available just minutes west of Saskatoon.
- Montrose - 58.79 acres with 69000 cu yd. of gravel inventory.
Violets Jones, Old Bone Trail Club Reporter
AGRICULTURE REPORTS
ANNUAL MEETING DELISLE CO-OP
Thursday April 24, 2025
7:00pm at Delisle Town Hall
Call for Nominations
Three Director Positions
Please submit your signed nomination papers to the Delisle Co-op by March 21, 2025
For further information please call Darin Sekulich - General Manager or Michelle Rathgeber - Office Manager 306-493-2212
Pat “Duke” Bueckert
306-291-9675 Alvin Busby 306-227-0575
Alan Jackson
306-961-5682
Aiden Zwack
306-961-5198 Spencer Fox 306-361-9701 Boden Letkeman 306-230-1309 Lyal Fox (cull cows & bulls) 780-808-9731
The proposed Bunge-Viterra merger raises serious concerns for workers, farmers, and local communities. These issues had been highlighted by industry groups, unions and farmers for months. For the federal government to now approve the merger with such limited conditions is troubling for various reasons.
The approval conditions set by the Canadian Federal government only guarantees the retention of the Viterra head office in Regina for a mere five years. This short-term commitment provides little assurance for our members, leaving them facing uncertainty and anxiety about their long-term job security.
“The lack of stronger protections for Canadian jobs is deeply disappointing, especially given the absence of vocal support from our provincial government and federal political leaders to address this concern." said GSU General Secretary Steve Torgerson, “I would hope it doesn’t take a lobbyist to convince our provincial leaders of the importance of keeping good-paying jobs in our province—they should not only know it but be fighting relentlessly to protect them.”
This merger poses a significant threat to our prairie farmers. We have all seen the independent economic analysis that concluded that the merger
would result in a substantial loss of income for farmers, amounting to an estimated $770 million per year. This is unacceptable, this reduction in farm income will have a ripple effect throughout our rural communities, impacting the overall economic well-being of everyone on the prairies. Including the reduced competition we are likely going to see as the Viterra canola crush plant near Regina is all but dead in the water.
"GSU is surprised and disappointed that our federal and provincial governments consider it acceptable to sacrifice jobs and farm income in favour of supporting a multinational corporation." says Torgerson, "It is disappointing that, as part of the approval, the Canadian government only required the Regina head office to remain for five years. This merger will create a company likely to last much longer than five years. Yet, by protecting these jobs for only five years, it’s clear how little consideration is given to workers and the communities they call home in these decisions."
GSU continues to closely monitor this merger to ensure our members are protected. We’ve faced similar challenges in the past, and here we are again. Our hope is that the concerns of working people begin to take priority and that all levels of government remember their responsibility is to actually serve these people in their communities.
Snow Clearing & Removal
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Delisle Housing Authority
Providing Safe and Adequate
Housing to Individuals and Families in need. For more
Info regarding availability and qualifications:
Call/Text Sue Stene 306-370-6306
sstene.delisle@housingauthoritysk.com
Jeanie’s Place in Delisle
Short/Long term accommodations
$300/week or $1100/month All taxes & fees included.
Darrell call/text 306-717-0841
Brent call/text 306-380-9664
Digger’ Painting Serving all communities in the RM Review distribution area Delisle 306-231-4258
GED Painting & Decorating European Designs
Delisle/Vanscoy 306-229-8743 eugenegrenier8@gmail.com
Hillbillie Painting Biggar, Rosetown, Outlook, Delisle 306-381-3202 4bparker@gmail.com
Health Foods
Kristi Done Independent Epicure Consultant Vanscoy 306-292-9473 kristidone.epicure.com
OLD MIKE’S Raw Prairie Honey FRESH HONEY... READY ! Wildflower/Dandelion & Canola 2023 Food Safe Certification Pike Lake 306-384-3092 mikesbees@sasktel.net
Jerry's J&L Frame and Alignment
The Shop for a Second Opinion! SGI certified, we offer wheel alignments, frame straightening, and more! 626 Weldon Avenue Saskatoon 306-934-3634 www.jandlframe.com
Home Care
Arborscapes Tree & Landscape Services Ltd. Tree Pruning, Tree Removal Saskatoon 306-222-6494 www.arborscapesltd.com info.arborscapes@gmail.com Pike Lake Lawn & Garden Sales, Service, Parts, Rentals Pike Lake 306-221-8558
Kenny’s Cultivating Professional Garden Tilling Asquith, Delisle, Vanscoy, Pike Lake & surrounding Towns, Farms, Acreages Call or Text 306-281-4111
Specializing in Rural Property 306 - 371 - 6939 dbohle50@gmail.com Dwein Trask Realty Inc. Dwein Trask 306-221-1035 Office 306-653-4100
Pillar to Post Home Inspectors
Seasonal & Temporary worker housing and home inspections. Saskatoon, Rosetown, Outlook, Humboldt, Prince Albert and surrounding areas. Office 306-956-6760 www.pillartopost-saskatoon.com
RE/MAX Shoreline Realty 306-867-8380 / 1-844-838-SOLD www.remax-shorelinerealty.com
Asquith 306-220-4377 bte20@outlook.com
Econo Septic & Sewer Services Pump septic tanks, mud sumps, car wash, commercial/industrial tanks. Unplug sewer lines, replace and repair pumps, switches, alarms. 24-hour emergency service Saskatoon 306-384-6662 Econoseptic.ca
Links Water & Septic Services Certified septic design/consulting. Acreage water/septic install and repair, water testing/treatment and septic system maintenance. Vanscoy 306-493-2410 24Hrs Linksbackhoe.com
Graham Contracting Asquith 306-230-4653
Klassen Trenching Delisle 306-493-7579
Starlings Septic Services Delisle 306-493-2241 darrelpenny@sasktel.net
Sew Kleen Hydro-vacing & Septic Asquith 306-283-4406