Another measles case has been confirmed in Saskatchewan, prompting an exposure risk in about a dozen locations between Saskatoon and North Battleford.

The City of Swift Current is dealing with rising water levels from the spring run-off.

They've placed barricades on the Chinook Parkway near Chaplin St. bridge on the east side of Elmwood Groceries and the section along Connaught Dr. 

City officials are asking the public to stay away from those sections of the parkway.

They also closed Lee Lam Bridge last week due the rising water levels. 

Said Abdelhadi leads chants during one of Canadians  for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) - Saskatoon Chapter’s rallies. The group meets every Sunday near Staples on 8th Street in Saskatoon. Photo from CJPME - Saskatoon on Facebook 

Said Abdelhadi’s story, like the genocide in Palestine, starts in 1948 when his parents were forcibly displaced from their hometown of Walajah (seven kilometers south-west of Jerusalem). The couple left for Jordan thinking the move would be temporary. It has now been 76 years. His mother passed away before she could return to her homeland. Abdelhadi credits his activism to his mother and her passion for Palestine. Because of the Nakba, she did not have the chance to complete her formal education. However, she was sure to instill a strong sense of curiosity and a love of  learning in her children.      

Though such visible support for Palestine may be  new to Saskatoon, it certainly is not new for Abdelhadi, who is a husband, father, research scientist, and activist living in the city. As a Palestinian born and raised in Jordan, he was taught perseverance, persistence, and possibility at an early age. “I know Palestine from my mom’s tears and my dad’s stories,” he explains. Growing up in Jordan meant not discussing politics and not criticizing the government. 

Remembering Palestine, half a world away 
The fifth of eight children in a family of farmers, Abdelhadi attended post secondary school to expand his knowledge of agricultural sciences and technology. In 2010, he completed his master’s degree in agriculture from the University of Alberta and continues to work in the field today as he supports farmers and growers with expansion and strategies to increase yields.

While in school, he continued to educate himself on the situation in Palestine through conversations and extensively reading books on the topic. As information and fresh perspectives became more accessible, he sought out sources beyond what mainstream media allowed for a well-informed perspective. But this is his history. He knows the truth from his mother’s own tongue.

“I know Palestine from my mom’s tears and my dad’s stories,” Abdelhadi explains.

Abdelhadi met his wife in Jordan, and they connected over their shared cultural values and passion for Palestine, Together they have one son. After his undergraduate degree, he lived in different parts of the Middle East for work, including Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Arriving in Canada in 2003, he initially landed in Montreal and briefly lived in Toronto before moving to Edmonton for eight years. Abdelhadi has now been settled in Saskatoon for more than a decade, where he and his family have built a community. And while the weather may have taken some getting used to, he notes that the beautiful long, dry summer days balance out the bitterly cold winters.

Despite making a home here, he has never forgotten where he comes from. His parents constantly reminded him, “Wherever you go, never forget Palestine, our land, our house, our life.” And Abdelhadi has taken that to heart. 
 

Conviction to stand on his own
When he first arrived in Saskatoon, he did not know many people, and as such, much of his resistance work has been done alone. In 2023, Golda, a film depicting the actions of fourth Prime Minister of Israel, Golda Meir, during the October war of 1973, was being screened in Saskatoon. Abdelhadi protested the showing by himself, Palestinian flag in hand, and shared his insights with anyone who would listen. Some folks stopped and asked questions while others ignored him, but he persisted. He was clear in his message and shared what he had learned from his experience, his parents, people he had met, and books he had read.  “She is not a hero, she is a criminal. She is the Prime Minister of the occupation,” he says.

Though it can be frustrating repeating the same messages, Abdelhadi knows there are many who don’t know about Palestine and the Nakba, and learning from him may be the first time they’re encountering that information. If there is an opportunity to share his knowledge, he takes it. 

He had been following the official Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) Facebook page and in late 2022 saw that a chapter was starting up in Saskatoon. When he joined, the chapter initially consisted only of four people. One of their first actions as a group was a banner drop showing their support on International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on University Bridge. Now an integral part of CJPME – Saskatoon Chapter, Abdelhadi  works with the group, spreading awareness for and teaching about Palestine through marches, rallies, vigils, fundraisers, and events. 

Abdelhadi knows there are many who don’t know about Palestine and the Nakba, and learning from him may be the first time they’re encountering that information. If there is an opportunity to share his knowledge, he takes it. 

In rain or shine, rallying for Palestine 
Every Sunday, the group holds a ceasefire rally from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Staples and Winners parking lot on 8th Street. The rallies are open to anyone interested in participating and more information can be found on their Instagram. Supporters have been dedicated and consistent, showing up on the hottest and coldest days of the year.

They also host other acts of resistance in many other forms. The chapter has engaged in artistic activism, hosting film nights and discussions, and co-sponsoring a local theatre production of a play about Rachel Corrie, a young American woman who was killed by an Israeli bulldozer in 2003 as she protected Palestinian homes from demolition. They have also gone through official governmental channels, creating petitions and demanded action from local politicians. The group has not received support from their local Members of Parliament and their requests to meet are consistently denied. However, the group is not discouraged, and they have no plans of slowing down. Abdelhadi strives to reach more people around the city and share dependable sources of factual news and information. “Some people think that everything started on October 7, 2023 […] it started 76 years ago.”

“Ceasefire today, liberation tomorrow” read a sign at their first rally of 2025. Their work is not done. Boycott, protest, share, resist. Free Palestine.

Abdelhadi is pleased that support for Palestine has grown in this community and globally since October 2023. Though this work has been ongoing for nearly eight decades, the renewed rise in support is encouraging. He wants people to know that the chapter welcomes anyone at any time. It is never too late to learn and people from all walks of life have shown their support. Some come out every Sunday with their flags waving and buttons shining, some honk in solidarity as they drive by. Others have found the group on social media, where they have grown to several hundred followers. 

However, Abdelhadi can’t help noticing that, after more than a year of resisting, protesting, and advocating, some are burning out from the  frustration and mental exhaustion of the organizing and protesting only to face government inaction. There are people he used to see come out to events consistently who no longer do. But this only stregthens CJPME’s resolve. At their annual meeting, they reflected on their ongoing work and strategized for the upcoming year.

“Ceasefire today, liberation tomorrow” read a sign at their first rally of 2025. Their work is not done. Boycott, protest, share, resist. Free Palestine.

To find out more about CJPME - Saskatoon, visit their Instagram @cjpme_saskatoon_ or on Facebook @CJPME.Saskatoon.

Former Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is urging trade diversification in the face of American uncertainty.

While a lot of focus in the federal election campaign has been on dealings with U.S. President Donald Trump, Wall doesn't know if anyone is really prepared for Trump's approach.

"Either are going to be as able as the other one to deal with the President," Wall said. "It changes every day. I'm not sure if there's anybody including people in the President's own administration who are ready for that kind of volatility and the changes we've seen.

"It's really, really important for Canada to diversify away from our dependence on the United States."

That doesn't mean giving up on the relationship.

"They will always be an important trading partner," Wall said. "When we get through this Trump era of tariffs and even through it they're going to be a huge part of our economy, but we need to diversify."

What stands out in that way for the former premier is Canada's inability to get energy products to other markets.

"We have the third greatest oil reserves on the planet, and we have one customer in the United States," Wall said. "Why is that? Because we can't build pipelines to the coast to export it to other markets. Especially when it comes to (liquefied natural gas) we had a previous Liberal government, and it doesn't appear to be changed under Mr. Carney, that doesn't even seem to be interested in trying to export LNG to the world.

"We don't even sell Canadian oil to Canadians. We're importing it into eastern Canada from various countries around the world."

Wall questions how Canada will diversify if the party in power isn't supportive of finding ways to get Canadian energy products to the market. 

Indigenous leaders are demanding action as Canada's federal election heats up, hoping their peoples' past sacrifices to secure and defend this country aren't forgotten in the trade and affordability focused campaign.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s efforts to defuse an escalating trade war with the United States should be commended.

Moe’s comment comes as Smith heads to Florida for an event at an undisclosed location with a far-right U.S. influencer who has mocked Canada as a “silly country” and spoken about it being annexed as the 51st state.

Amid continued tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, Moe says Smith is one of Canada’s strongest advocates.

He says he commends Smith and all premiers for doing their best to advocate and educate Americans on how integrated both countries’ economies are “despite the rhetoric.”

Smith gave a passionate speech in the house Wednesday denouncing those who would accuse her of treason, saying she’s being unjustly criticized for trying to convince American decision-makers to abandon the tariffs.

Alberta’s Opposition NDP has called for weeks on the United Conservative premier to cancel her appearance in Florida, saying Smith is using taxpayer money to fundraise for an extremist, Islamophobic organization that denies the history of American slavery.

A local man was recently sentenced on a charge stemming from a break-and-enter at a company-owned worksite.

Swift Current's Austin Hill appeared in Swift Current Provincial Court on Wednesday, March 26, where he pleaded guilty to one count of break-and-enter.

The 29-year-old was given a 90-day conditional sentence to be served at an approved residence with a 24-hour curfew for the first 45 days and 90 days of probation.

He was also ordered to pay a $200 donation to Maverick School, an additional $300 donation at the end of his probation period, and a $100 fine.

Hill initially faced two charges after entering a worksite with two other adult individuals and stealing property of significant value.

Swift Current Online will provide more details about the incident and the other individuals when made available.

Plenty of southwest communities and highway corridors have been upgraded to SaskTel's 5G network.

The Crown corporation announced on Tuesday that 17 communities and four highway portions locally were recently switched over from 4G to 5G service.

Greg Jacobs, an external communications manager with SaskTel, said the 21 local improvements were a part of nearly 100 cell site upgrades across the province.

"I can't really say that the southwest was a prime focus for the most recent," he said. "We're just picking away at cell sites as everything is falling into order. This is a very complex project and every cell site requires a little different approach depending on the infrastructure that's already in place."

According to Jacobs, improvements to cell sites could include new towers, modernizing the power input, and enhancing backhaul feeding the cell site.

SaskTel's 5G network can reach data speeds of up to 1.2 gigabits per second - well above the 300 megabites per second its 4G service could offer.

"We can deliver significantly faster data speeds, meaning that customers will have a more seamless experience when they're surfing on their phone, maybe making a FaceTime video call or things like that. The exciting part about 5G is what's going to come down the line. We're really just scratching the surface of what you can do with that technology."

Abbey (north), Beechy, Cabri, Central Butte, Cypress Hills, Fox Valley (north), Pennant, Kyle, Lafleche, Lucky Lake, Ponteix, Prelate, Rockglen (south), Sceptre, Stewart Valley, Val Marie, White Bear (southwest) are the 17 southwest communities with 5G services after recent upgrades. The four highway corridor improvements are Highway 21 (south of Fox Valley), Highway 4 (south of Elrose), Highway 42 (east of Lucky Lake), and Highway 58 (north of Lafleche) are the communities upgraded in this initiative.

Premier Scott Moe announced his government will pause Saskatchewan's Output-Based Performance Standards program. The change will come into effect on April 1.

Ottawa slashed Saskatchewan's 2025 allocation to 3,625 — the lowest level since 2009 — and now 75 per cent of all nominees must already live in Canada as temporary residents.

A man charged with harassing women in Saskatoon's Mayfair neighbourhood last summer has pleaded guilty. Jithin Jose was given a conditional discharge and six months probation in provincial court.

Southwest residents and local businesses are preparing for the removal of the provincial sales tax exemption on vapour products, coming up in just a couple of months.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced the amendment to The Provincial Sales Tax Act, 2025, on Tuesday, which is set to come into effect on Sunday, June 1. 

Navin NS, a manager at Cloud9 in Swift Current, highlighted that he believes these taxes will send people back to more traditional tobacco products.

"We're starting our rollback on April 1, and the tax is going to come into effect in June," he shared. "Our sales will definitely go down, some customers are already saying that they will switch to tobacco instead of vaping,

"These taxes are not helping people to quit tobacco, we feel it's sending people back to tobacco."

NS noted that the taxation will impact small businesses like theirs and may lead to the establishment shifting to sell tobacco products as well to meet demand. 

"The prices will be higher, which will be closer to the price of what cigarettes and other tobacco products are," he said. 

According to the provincial government, this tax addition will not only increase prices for consumers but also increase provincial sales tax revenues by as much as $3 million annually.

Additionally, the Government of Saskatchewan hopes to dissuade young people from using nicotine. 

Future playgrounds in Regina will use rubber surfaces instead of wood chips and have wider pathways for children using mobility devices.

Story Bay:  Sask Today

REGINA – A wintery mix of precipitation is forecast for Thursday and Friday across much of southern Saskatchewan. Expect hazardous winter travel conditions.

Environment Canada says heavy, rapidly accumulating, snowfall was to begin early Thursday morning in western Saskatchewan along the Yellowhead corridor, spreading eastward towards the Manitoba border by Thursday evening. The heaviest snowfall is forecast through Saskatoon and continuing east towards Yorkton. 10-20 cm of snow is forecast across the province before the snow eases Friday evening.

In addition to snowfall, strong easterly winds will also develop causing reduced visibilities and poor highway travel conditions.

Check the Highway Hotline before heading out.

https://hotline.gov.sk.ca/map#map

Aja Burton's house in Regina is brimming with greenery, and she couldn't be happier about it. Here are her tips and tricks for getting them to thrive ... even when the sun isn't shining.

Story By:  Sask Today

REGINA – The Regina Police Service are issuing a fraud warning to alert the public to be careful of emergency scams

In the past 48 hours, the Regina Police Service (RPS) has seen seven reported cases of emergency scams where fraudsters target grandparents and play upon their emotions to compel them to release thousands of dollars.

Common occurrences in these scams can include but are not limited to:

 The grandparent receives a frantic phone call.

 The “grandchild” pleads to the grandparents not to tell his or her parents.

 The “grandchild” asks that they provide thousands of dollars to post bond for bail money, repair the car, cover lawyer’s fees, or pay hospital bills for someone allegedly hurt by the “grandchild” in an accident.

 Fraudsters urge the victim to not tell the bank about what the money is needed for.

 In some cases, fraudsters posed as police officers, lawyers, or other legal system officials and the victims provided their home address to pick up bond money.

RPS would also like to remind citizens that police will never pick up bond money.

If you believe you are a victim or suspect someone is trying to defraud you, contact police immediately at 306-777-6500.

Call 911 if it is an emergency.

Old Man Winter won’t let go of it’s icy grip on Saskatchewan just yet. A storm system is expected to move across the province bringing significant snow to areas along the Yellowhead highway (#16) corridor.

As of Thursday morning Environment Canada declared snowfall warnings for several areas from border to border including North Battleford, Unity, Wilkie, Saskatoon, Watrous, Imperial, Davidson, Raymore, Kelliher, Melville, Yorkton, Canora, Kamsack, Fort Qu’Appelle, Grenfell, Kipling, and Moosomin areas. The highest snowfall amounts of 10 to 20 centimeters is expected along the the Yellowhead corridor from Saskatoon to Yorkton. The snow is expected to start Thursday morning along the Alberta/Saskatchewan border and move east across the province reaching the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border by Thursday night. Areas south of the Yellowhead will see lesser amounts of snow. The snow is expected to taper off by Friday.

Parts of west central Saskatchewan including Kindersley, Rosetown, Eston, Lucky lake, and Swift Current regions are under a freezing rain warning. The storm is expected to making driving challenging in the affected areas.

Story By:  John Cairns

REGINA – Premier Scott Moe has announced Saskatchewan will be the first carbon tax free province in Canada.

Moe made the announcement in a social media post that went out on the X platform on Wednesday afternoon. In his announcement he pointed to both major federal parties having announced plans to remove the carbon tax as reason for this decision.

“Saskatchewan is now a carbon tax-free province, the first carbon tax-free province in Canada. Now that the two major federal parties and their leaders have announced their plans for removing the carbon tax, Saskatchewan is taking the next step by reducing the industrial carbon tax rate charged in our province to zero to give our consumers a break and make our industries more competitive in this new tariff environment.

“So what does this mean for you? Well, the immediate effect is the removal of the carbon tax on your SaskPower bills, saving Saskatchewan families and small businesses hundreds of dollars a year. And in the longer term, it will reduce the cost of other consumer products that have the industrial carbon tax built right into their price.

“Saskatchewan is producing some of the most sustainable products in the world today. We want to create the environment to produce more of those sustainable products, to make our industries more competitive in the face of U.S. and Chinese tariffs, and to protect and create Canadian jobs right here in Saskatchewan.

“Making Saskatchewan a carbon tax-free province will do just that, and I would hope that all of the parties running in the federal election would agree with those objectives and allow the provinces to regulate in this area without imposing the federal backstop.”

You can watch the video on-line here:

https://x.com/PremierScottMoe/status/1905024611370054005

Tasha Dobni says she doesn’t feel safe calling the Moose Jaw, Sask., police anymore. That’s because the last time she called them for help after a former partner assaulted her, she ended up getting charged herself.

The City has announced a road closure in Swift Current for Thursday.

Starting at 9 a.m., 11th Avenue Northeast with be closed in the 800 block section. This is expected to last until 4:30 p.m.

This work is to do water line repairs. 

The City apologizes for any inconvenience this work may cause. 

The Swift Current Fire Department is still waiting on the new firetruck that was ordered last year. 

Swift Current Fire Department Fire Chief Ryan Hunter confirmed that the build of the truck was progressing and that the chassis was officially being shipped off for the next stage of the build. 

"They will get a cabin chassis and then that gets sent on to another assembly plant and they build the cab to how your specifications of the city that you want," explained Hunter.  "Our cabin chassis is expected to land at the assembly plant sometime before this summer and then they will take approximately a year to build the box."

The Truck was ordered originally in 2023. However, due to a regulation change on emissions, the truck price was adjusted in 2024 for a total purchase cost of $1,558,000. Hunter says this price remains unchanged and is locked in. Tariffs should not affect the order.

"We have a signed agreement before the tariffs came in and there will be no price adjustment whatsoever," said Hunter. What the tender was back in 2024 is what we're going to be paying."

The truck will take two and a half years to build and will arrive in 2026. It is taking so long because there isn't a centralized location to assemble the vehicle. 

"It blows my mind that that truck takes that long to build," admitted Hunter. "But the other tender came in at 1,100 days to build it, and that's over three years." 

Once the truck arrives, it will be replacing the aging Engine Two at the Swift Current Fire Department. 

The City has unveiled a new Recreation Levy for Swift Current ratepayers. 

The levy will be for $140 per property per year, and will be going towards not only the maintenance and general upkeep of existing recreation spaces, but also towards saving for a new Aquatic Centre or Field House.

Swift Current Mayor Al Bridal hopes that the public understands why the council finds this measure necessary. 

"We want our citizens to understand that recreation does cost money," said Bridal. "The only way we can continue to have these facilities is to maintain what we have or build new ones."

In the first year, the City expects to raise $1 million to put directly into savings for a new Aquatic Centre or Field House. Both projects are being pursued by the City through grant applications, witht he Aquatic Centre taking precedence. 

Bridal noted that this is a move they need to tmake to show those in charge of the grant programs that the City of Swift Current is seriously committed to getting the updated indoor pool. The total cost of the new Aquatic Centre is estimated to be around $36 million dollars total.

"Then next year if they don't give us a grant by the end of next year, we will say we have $2,000,000 saved," said Bridal.

He confirmed that the Recreation Levy will be kept in place during the application for grants, and even after the Aquatic Centre is built. 

"I don't think it will ever come off," said Bridal. "Because we're always going to have recreational facilities and we're always going to have to maintain and build new facilities."

For the taxpayers, Bridal says this levy has the benefit of showing where the money is going directly. With a general tax increase, the money is dispersed to all aspects of governing. The Recreation Levy goes directly into the maintenance of public facilities, and into the savings account for new ones. 

"In 20 years' time, hopefully, that Aquatic Center is paid off and the levy of $140 will be targeted towards something else," said Bridal.  

In the midst of an overdose crisis, organizations are calling for the Saskatchewan government to fund naloxone nasal spray, which is easier to use.

Saskatoon city council approved the functional designs for a project meant to upgrade a busy westside intersection.

Anna-Ise Dutka-Stainbrook feels unsettled about voting, not yet having seen a party deliver a platform that she thinks will meaningfully address Canada's housing crisis for low-income renters.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has a mixed view of the Swift Current budget.

Gage Haubrich, the Swift Current-born Prairie Director of the CTF, had some praise and some concern.

"It's good to see the city bring in a lower property tax compared to other cities around the province," Haubrich said. "They're much lower than what taxpayers are getting in Saskatoon and Regina. The introduction of that new levy is something taxpayers should be worried about. Anytime the government takes an additional way to get more money from taxpayers, it's unlikely they're going to take it back in the future."

City council approved a 2.71% property tax increase alongside an additional $140 annual levy for recreational services.

"It's doing alright, especially when it comes to that property tax level," Haubrich said. "It's one of the lowest that I've seen and way lower than what's being sold to taxpayers in Regina and Saskatoon. However, when you that extra money that's going to get paid with that recreation levy it gets closer."

He felt the city should have just raised the funds they needed through property taxes.

"The city should be taking all of its money through taxes and then looking at the priorities it wants to spend on," Haubrich said. "Not inventing new levies that even when this recreation project is paid for in the future might still exist."

Winter isn't going away quietly.

Despite the switch to spring and warmer temperatures lately, we could see snow and freezing rain today.

"We have a low pressure system that's going to move in from the west," said Justin Shelley, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. "That is going to bring an area of precipitation in the southwest and west central regions of the province starting early (Thursday) morning and spreading east throughout the province during the day."

Our region may not get the worst of it.

"We're not expecting the main impacts from this system to be affecting that region," Shelley said. "Starting on Thursday morning there will be a slight chance of showers with the temperature just at or above the freezing mark. It looks like the best chance of seeing some precipitation will be the evening and overnight hours on Thursday.

"As that system exits the region, the backside of that system will have a risk of freezing rain as well as a risk of some flurries in the region." 

Environment and Climate Change Canada is calling for the temperatures to drop into the minuses overnight and throughout the weekend. 

The family of Erwin Lukan says they hoped moving him into a care home would provide him with the care he needed for a urinary tract. Instead, after moving into Northern Light Care Home in Saskatoon, his health swiftly deteriorated, and he died just 13 days after being admitted.

Victoria-based DJ Danny Elder, who goes by the stage name Rumpus, has been producing music for eight years and touring internationally. He shared how his song 'Set it Off' recently appeared on an episode of The White Lotus, a popular American dark comedy drama anthology television series.

A Wymark couple are making a name for themselves with an unprecendented and effective irrigation system, recently claiming the title of Saskatchewan's Outstanding Young Farmers for 2025.

Brady and Lindsay Funk of Braylin Acres Ltd. received the coveted award at the regional Canada Farm Show event last week after being tested on environmental stewardship, new technology, farming operations, and more.

Ryan Mercer, vice president of Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers, highlighted that the pair will head to Toronto in November to represent the province and compete nationally in Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers competition.

"The Funks are amazing in the fact that they're really stepping outside of the box, installing the largest drip irrigation underground system in Canada," he shared. "It's larger than any system out there and it's very efficient, you don't have evaporation losses that you'd get from a sprinkler.

"It was very forward thinking and leading edge for them to install this type of system that's currently fairly unknown."

The Funks both grew up on farms, Lindsay in Wymark and Brady near Consul, and now help their family farm in addition to tending to Braylin Acres which is located near Lucky Lake.

Brady also holds a John Deere Agriculture Technician trade certificate from SIAST, while Lindsay helps to run another family business with her sister-in law and works as a Registered Nurse in Inpatient Mental Health.

"I was amazed with the turnout at the event, there were nearly 200 farmers in the industry present," added Mercer. "I found it excellent to have the dialogue and networking that goes along with getting together and meeting new people."

For more information about the program, head to Canada's Outstanding Young Farmer's program's website.

In typical Spring fashion, March wants to go out like a Lion.

That forecast is not stopping the BEACH BOYS from hitting Regina this Friday at the Brandt Centre.  Good Vibrations will be wash over all the Surfer Girls and those that drive a Little Deuce Coupe might just want to leave the hot wheels in the garage.  Tickets were selling as quick as people flood to the surf, so check on line to see if tickets are available.

The country vibe time once again at the Brandt Centre on Sunday night at 7pm.  Riley Green and the Damn Country Music Tour roll in with Ella Langley, Jake Worthington & Erik Dylan.  Big hit makers and pretty eye appealing this should be a great night out.  Tickets are still available, some single tickets but what a great way to meet new friends.

Regina welcomes Scotty McCreery to Casino Regina Friday night.  Recently, Scotty slipped on stage! How embarrassing is that?  He bounced right up and will be good to go this weekend.

Conexus Arts Centre will be filled with nostalgia Saturday night when Walk Right Back: The Everly Brothers Story unfolds on the main stage.  Tickets are available at the Box Office or online at Walk Right Back : The Everly Brothers Story | Conexus Arts Centre | Conexus Arts Centre

The Saskatchewan Science Centre / Kramer Imax Theatre has a couple of things you should know about.  First, Disney’s Snow White is playing at the IMAX.  This live action musical reimagining of the 1937 classic will be a treat for the whole family.  There are a variety of show times.  Live theatre is also part of the venue.  Curtain Razors’ Johanna Bundon made an appearance with us on Tuesday morning inviting everyone to “Tommy & Pere”.  There are various times and there is also a pay scale for those that would like to attend but live theatre is not in their budget.

Curtain Razors presents “Tommy + Pere” (Audio) | 620 CKRM – The Voice of Saskatchewan | Harvard Media

We cannot forget about the sporting side of things with the BKT Tires Men’s World Curling Championship underway this weekend in Moose Jaw.  The Original 16 Patch will have not only the International Curlers on the main stage answering questions, but great entertainment like JJ Voss and Men Without Shame.  Daily Ticket Packages are available as well as single tickets.  We are pulling for who else but TEAM CANADA!  Congratulations to all of our single draw ticket winners.

Remember to get out and do something that works your mind, your spirit and offers you a learning moment.  Most of all, have some fun!

March 27 – 30 Weekend

Regina police charged a 26-year-old man and a 16-year-old female after a firearms incident on Tuesday Officers responded to a business on Hamilton Street at around 10:20 a.m. , where they found EMS treating a man for a gunshot wound .

REGINA – The opposition New Democrats shredded the Sask Party government’s budget on Wednesday, in every way.

At a media event at the Legislature, NDP Finance Critic Trent Wotherspoon took the printed contents of the 2025-26 budget and in front of the cameras he put them into a shredding machine.

The message from Wotherspoon was that the budget, with its $12 million projected surplus for 2025-26, had failed to take into account the tariff threat from President Donald Trump.

Wotherspoon again pointed to the lack of a dedicated contingency plan in the budget to address the impact — a move Premier Scott Moe and Finance Minister Jim Reiter have resisted on the grounds it would have to be deficit financed.

“We had a budget that was presented last week that denies the realities that we face in this province,” said Wotherspoon.

Wotherspoon said it “doesn’t incorporate or plan for any of the impacts of threats and tariffs on Saskatchewan’s economy, producers or workers… It doesn’t meet the moment, doesn’t reflect the reality that we face, certainly doesn’t focus on the future and really it’s not worth the paper that it’s printed on.”

Wotherspoon noted debate on the budget was still ongoing and a vote on it was planned for Thursday, when the Sask Party majority expects to pass it.

“But really there should be no vote,” Wotherspoon said. “The Premier needs to do the right thing and pull this budget and to send it through the shredder, and ultimately bring forward a budget that’s based on reality, focused on the future, and has the backstop that Saskatchewan people deserve.”

Wotherspoon’s media event came one day after word hit the Legislature that President Trump would be opening up Russian market access to ag and fertilizer, a move directly impacting Saskatchewan industry including potash. It also came on the same day that Trump was set to announce auto tariffs at a news conference at 2 p.m. Saskatchewan time.

When asked about this latest tariff threat Wotherspoon said Trump was “completely out of line.”

“We need to be pushing back in all the effective ways we can, standing together as a country, standing strong as Team Saskatchewan, all hands on deck. It’s completely reprehensible the way he is going about this, aligning with a dictator that’s committing atrocities beyond description while threatening an ally, both us economically as well as our sovereignty. It’s beyond the pale.”

SASKATOON — Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said the Saskatchewan government recognizes the importance of the province’s Indigenous Business Sector, with several programs in place to support its growth, as it is also beneficial to the entire province.

Kaeding represented the provincial government in hosting the 4th Annual Indigenous Business Gathering on Tuesday, March 25, at Prairieland Park, which various Indigenous business leaders and other officials attended.

Kaeding said the government has several programs involved, including those in trade and export development, which have specific business entities to deal with Indigenous-owned industries, making the event a success and now being recognized inter-provincially and nationwide.

“Indigenous businesses are helping the Saskatchewan economy. Our government certainly focuses on supporting Indigenous businesses, as evidenced by the establishment of specific departments dedicated to supporting Indigenous businesses. We’ll find that they help facilitate opportunities we see between the different sectors in the province,” said Kaeding.

“Through the various opportunities that exist across the province, I think we have a lot to gain every time we see an event such as this, as popular as, and just ultimately witnessing the growth we’re seeing in the Indigenous business network out there.”

He added that Indigenous businesses are in numerous sectors, including drilling, supply safety, activewear, sportswear, and tourism, where people can build a network and connect with the provincial government. Seeing them flourish inspires them to create more ways to provide assistance and fulfill Indigenous economic reconciliation.

Kaeding mentioned that Indigenous businesses and communities have contributed significantly to the province’s resource sector, particularly in uranium mining at the Athabasca Basin and the forestry industry, where substantial investments are being made in these two key areas.

He added that the agriculture and tech sectors are other areas where we must see more Indigenous engagement, with the latter growing exponentially, which could give Indigenous businesses and communities more opportunities.

“We will see a lot of Indigenous engagement and participation in the renewable energy sector. We discussed the Seven Stars project, and we’re providing a significant loan guarantee to support Indigenous communities in participating in the natural energy sector. You will also see significant investment in the oil and gas sector. I think those are all key areas you’ll see further development,” said Kaeding.

“This is exciting. It’s a good indication of where our economy is headed in this province and, ultimately, who will participate in that economy. With the trade shows and the diversity of businesses, I think you’ve seen from the interest here today that Indigenous communities and Métis communities will be a big part of our growing economy. What you’re going to see from an event like developing synergies and strategic alliances is that they’re going to be able to develop the resources that we’ve got in this province with that much more efficiency.”