Could the lack of a Green Party candidate in Swift Current—Grasslands—Kindersley have impacted their place in the federal leaders' debates?

Green Party co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault was pulled from the stage by the debate commission after the party claimed they had pulled back their number of candidates for strategic reasons.

That may have included the southwest Saskatchewan riding. 

At the start of the election, they had listed North Hunter as their Green Party candidate for Swift Current—Grasslands—Kindersley, and Hunter conducted an interview with Swift Current Online.

Hunter's name then wasn't listed among the riding's candidates on the Elections Canada website and her profile was removed from the Green Party website as well.

"North Hunter is indeed no longer running in the riding of Swift Current—Grasslands—Kindersley," the Green Party told Swift Current Online via e-mail. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused."

The party didn't clarify why Hunter's candidacy ended. We reached out to Hunter and have yet to receive a reply.

The Leaders' Debates Commission removed the Green Party from federal leaders' debates shortly before yesterday's French debate for failing to meet participation requirements. 

"Deliberately reducing the number of candidates running for strategic reasons is inconsistent with the Leaders' Debates Commission's interpretation of party viability, which criterion (iii) was designed to measure," said a commission statement. "The Commission concludes that the inclusion of the leader of the Green Party of Canada in these circumstances would undermine the integrity of the debates and the interests of the voting public."

North Hunter recently ran in Weyburn-Bengough for the Saskatchewan Green Party in the provincial election.

Carol Vandale received 0.83% of the vote as the 2021 Green candidate in the former riding of Cypress Hills-Grasslands.

The English language leaders' debate is set for tonight. 

A timely field trip for some local teachers.

Several Chinook School Division teachers recently participated in a professional development opportunity with the Social Studies Teacher Institute on parliamentary democracy in Regina.

"Essentially it was kind of an inside look at how our political system kind of works," said Ecole Centennial teacher Ashley Wagner. "I teach grade 3 and we did a student vote with the provincial election. So the kids get to look at some video and we learn about the candidates, and they're all confused. Well, why don't I get to vote for Scott Moe? I think during that teaching some of that to High school kids is one thing, but kids are like what's the party? What's a seat? What is a caucus? For me it was just like getting a really firsthand look. I feel so much more confident in how it works."

The level of cooperation stuck out for Wagner.

"During this political time, it was really interesting to kind of get to see how much all the MLA's kind of work together," she noted. "As much as they fight on question period, it's really about problem solving and working together. So that was pretty cool."

It was several days of activities for all the educators in attendance.

"We first kind of toured around," Wagner said. "Then we got to meet with various people from the Ministry of Education, different MLAs, we got to sit in Scott Moe's office and around the big table where they have meetings which is pretty amazing.

"We got to meet the caucus leaders of each group and the whips, which was fascinating to kind of learn how they, I feel like it's a little bit like principals and vice principals, but within each caucus. We got to go to a question period and then watch the scrum after. Then the last day we got to actually pretend that we were MLAs and we had arguments about funding zambonis around the province and things like that. Kind of gives you a real look at the process and how it works."

Wagner felt they took a lot from the experience that will contribute to how they teach their kids about these issues at varying stages of their learning.

After returning she had her class watch a segment of question period and had them ask to keep watching during lunch.

"It's in English and it is a French immersion class, so that might have been part of the appeal," Wagner joked. "But I think they really like it more than you'd think."

Fred Sandeski, 71, was evicted from his long term care home in Weyburn on Wednesday. He was assessed twice, with the province ultimately saying he does not fit the care requirements.

A Saskatchewan man was in court in Swift Current earlier this week, where he was sentenced on charges in relation to a break-and-enter at a gas station and a stolen Pontiac that was recovered near Waldeck.

Mario Villeneuve appeared in Swift Current Provincial Court alongside his defence counsel on Wednesday, April 16, pleading guilty on two of the four charges he faced. 

The resident of Chaplin was handed a 90-day intermittent sentence to allow for him to maintain employment and complete parenting duties. 

Beginning on Monday, April 21, he will be in custody from Monday at 7:00 p.m. to Thursday at 7:00 a.m. 

Villeneuve was also ordered to pay $2,200 in restitution and surcharge fines, in addition to being subject to a probation order for the duration of his sentence.

He was initially arrested and charged in August 2024 after stealing a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire from a residence in Chaplin and later gaining entry to the Chaplin Esso Bar and taking a number of items, including tobacco and cigarettes.

The Sunfire was located in a field north of Waldeck, and Villeneuve was later arrested without incident.

Police in Regina are warning the public Jason Paul Thorn, 48, who is considered a high risk to reoffend sexually, is unlawfully at large. 

School divisions across Saskatchewan now need formal approval to purchase products or services from the United States.

Chinook School Division Director of Education Mark Benesh told Swift Current Online last month that they had received a request from the Ministry of Education to focus on procurement from Canadian companies and inform them if they are forced to use an American company.

Now it's a more formal process.

"If it's an American company, there's a form we have to submit," Benesh said. "We wait for whether or not they'll approve it based on their review of any other Canadian companies that could do that work."

There are still a couple of items the school division can't find in Canada. 

"We have an air quality device we're trying to get for some communities, especially when we have fires and other things where it's not healthy for kids," Benesh said. "The only place we can find those devices is in America. Also, when we purchase school buses, the only place that builds school buses is in the United States."

The changes come as a result of an ongoing trade dispute with the United States and Canada.

The Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation (DNIRHF) has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting another impactful year of community support, record-breaking donations, and healthcare equipment and technology investments for Swift Current and rural southwest Saskatchewan.

The Foundation received nearly $942,000 in donations, a big dip from its record-breaking $4.13 million in 2023. Its total revenue was $2.35 million, and last year's expenses were $1.14 million. The most significant expenses were equipment donations, just above $319,000, leaving it with a total profit of $1.2 million.

The Foundation continued its tradition of hosting highly successful fundraising events, including:

• Darren McClellan Memorial Golf Tournament
• Bob Pollock Memorial Golf Tournament
• RibFest
• Radiothon for Healthcare, presented by Pharmasave

The Foundation's fundraising events in 2024 were met with enthusiastic community participation:

• The Radiothon exceeded its goal, raising over $183,000—well above the $150,000 target. These funds were used to purchase a cardiology stress test console and three Medtronic LifePak 15 defibrillators. With the surplus, the Foundation also committed to acquiring a transvenous pacemaker and a Tango M2 blood pressure monitor for the cardiac unit at Cypress Regional Hospital.
   
• BOB Lobster Pollock: Raised over $40,000 in the three previous years that was donated to the Linda Hallon Chemotherapy Center At Cypress Regional Hospital
   
• Cookies for a Cause: In April, the Foundation partnered with Gull Lake Ambulance and the Grainery Bakery to deliver 45 dozen cookies throughout Gull Lake. Proceeds supported the Gull Lake Ambulance and equipment needs at the Special Care Home.
   
• RibFest: Held in September in collaboration with Living Sky Casino, RibFest featured three rib vendors and various family-friendly activities. The event raised $10,000 for the Foundation's 25 Under 25 campaign.

"Our events are pretty much sold out," said Executive Director Kris Johnson. "From golf teams to hockey draft tables—always a waiting list. It's amazing to see that continued support. We're excited to grow each event and improve it every year."

The Foundation is preparing for another ambitious year, with five significant events underway. Plans are also in place to introduce a seniors-focused event, further expanding their reach.

"People continue to give," said Johnson. "Things are uncertain in the world, but we move forward daily and deal with challenges as they arise. The support we've received keeps making a difference."

The Foundation extended heartfelt thanks to all donors, volunteers, and community partners who helped make 2024 a banner year.

"Thanks to your generosity, whether through donations, events, or volunteering, we were able to enhance the patient experience and improve outcomes for so many close to home," the report concludes. "Your support truly makes a difference," said Helen Arnold

For more information on the Foundation or to get involved, click here 

Representatives from a learning centre in Regina are going to the Legislature Wednesday in the hopes of keeping the doors open.

A public safety alert has been released by the Regina Police Service (RPS) for Jason Paul Thorn, a high-risk sexual offender who is unlawfully at large. 

Thorn is described as a 48-year-old male, who is 5'9" tall, weighing approximately 170lbs, with a medium build, brown eyes, and greying black hair.

Jason Paul Thorn has a criminal history which includes sexual offences and a history of reoffending, the Regina Police Service notes that Thorn poses a high risk for sexual offences against female children.

RPS stresses that the warning is intended to allow the public to take preventative measures and discourage any forms of vigilantism or unreasonable conduct against Thorn.

Out on legislated, statutory release since March 31, 2025, Thorn was living with court-ordered conditions in the Heritage neighborhood of Regina in a residence that provides supervision and monitoring of his activities. He is considered unlawfully at large since the latest unsuccessful attempt at contact. An investigation into his location has been launched and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Efforts the quickly and safely apprehend Thorn are currently underway, anyone with information that could assist the police are asked to contact the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

A former Swift Current Legionnaires player is facing several charges in Regina.

Mason Strutt is charged with uttering threats, possession of a dangerous weapon, assault, and two counts of animal cruelty.

Strutt is in custody and is set to appear in Regina Provincial Court tomorrow by video at 9:30 AM.

Strutt, originally from Estevan, played three seasons with the Legionnaires from 2016-2019.

He went on to play with the Estevan Bruins in the SJHL for parts of two seasons.

SIN3056843 is a lighthearted prairie-centric thriller that was made in Saskatchewan. Writer and producer Dustan Hlady joined The Morning Edition to discuss the making of the 19-part series that will be streaming on Amazon Prime Video this summer.

Bank of Canada is hitting pause after seven straight interest rate cuts as it grapples with global trade uncertainty.

The central bank held its benchmark interest rate steady at 2.75 per cent today, the first time it has foregone a cut since last June.

Governor Tiff Macklem says the Bank of Canada kept the key rate unchanged to give the central bank more time to see how the U.S. tariff situation will impact the economy.

The Bank of Canada is also laying out a pair of economic scenarios for how that uncertainty could evolve.

One sees the tariffs negotiated away quickly and the economy stall but escape with limited damage, while the other envisions a lengthy global trade war that sends Canada into a recession for a year.

Macklem says the Bank of Canada is committed to keeping inflation under control and will proceed carefully with future rate decisions.

Saskatchewan’s health minister has rejected accusations from a nurses union and the Opposition NDP that some babies from Regina’s neonatal intensive care unit were sent to North Dakota for care.

“No child has had to be moved out of the province for capacity issues,” Jeremy Cockrill told reporters Tuesday.

“No patient has been moved out of the country for capacity issues since 2008.”

The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses said this week the neonatal intensive care unit at the Regina General Hospital is overcapacity, short-staffed and running out of ventilators.

Union president Tracy Zambory told Global News that the situation has led to families being sent to North Dakota, but did not offer specifics.

Cockrill said he has not spoken with Zambory but plans to reach out to see if he’s unaware of a specific case.

“We work very hard to provide the highest level of care right here in the province,” he said.

“To spread fear, to sow fear among expectant mothers that they’re going to have to go to North Dakota because of capacity issues … it’s irresponsible.”

The union did not provide a comment Tuesday.

The Opposition NDP also raised the allegation in a news conference earlier in the day.

“If I laboured through birth here in Regina and then I was told my baby is not well and you have to go to North Dakota, that’s an F for the Sask. Party, that’s a failing grade,” rural health critic Meara Conway, who is pregnant, had said.

She later told reporters she doesn’t regret bringing up the claim.

“(Media) is one of the main ways that we get access to information, especially under this government,” Conway said. “(The province) is exceptionally untransparent, especially when it comes to many of the challenges that we’re seeing in our health-care system.”

Conway said there are still issues at the intensive care unit that require scrutiny, including the 44 complaints lodged this year about staff shortages and a low supply of ventilators.

“(The minister) needs to put himself in the position of these expectant mothers, these families and these front-line health-care workers and address this crisis, instead of pointing fingers,” she said.

Cockrill said overcapacity in the unit is a result of a surge in births and that the hospital is not low on ventilators.

He said the province has brought in extra staff to support the unit and that there is capacity in other Saskatchewan hospitals.

The NDP had introduced an emergency motion urging the province to address the crisis in the intensive care unit, but it was rejected by government members.

Saskatchewan has also been sending breast care patients to a private clinic in Calgary because of a lack of capacity. Cockrill has said the province is working to no longer send patients to Alberta’s largest city but will continue to review its contract with the company, which ends next year.

Conway questioned the costs of sending patients out of province.

“It’s part of a trend of not building our health-care system here at home,” she said.

Shelter and frontline workers across Canada say their capacities are stretched to record levels.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority denied claims made by the province's nurses union that critically ill babies are being sent south of the border due to a lack of capacity in the neonatal intensive care unit at Regina General Hospital.

AHTAHKAKOOP – RCMP are busy responding to reports of a shooting on Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

On April 12 at approximately 8:50 p.m., Ahtahkakoop RCMP responded to a call involving a firearm discharge on Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

Officers responded immediately along with local EMS. The investigation determined a group of individuals were outside a residence on Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation when they were approached by four males. One of the males had a firearm. The firearm was discharged and a male victim was injured. A can of bear spray was deployed, also affecting the male victim.

The injured male was transported to hospital by EMS with injuries described as serious, but non-life threatening, in nature.

Officers made patrols and searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects.

On April 13 at approximately 2 a.m., three male youths were arrested by Ahtahkakoop RCMP on Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

The three male youths, all from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, have each been charged with:

• one count, aggravated assault;
• one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and
• one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm.

One of the males was additionally charged with one count, assault with a weapon.

Police are unable to identify any of the male youths as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

All three accused appeared in court on Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation on April 14, 2025.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a fourth male youth from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, who is charged with:

• one count, discharge firearm with intent;
• one count, aggravated assault;
• one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm; and
• one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Police say they are unable to identify the wanted male youth as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Ahtahkakoop RCMP ask anyone with information about this incident to contact them by dialing 310-RCMP or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Ahtahkakoop RCMP continue to investigate.

Spiritwood, Big River, and Blaine Lake RCMP, along with Saskatchewan RCMP’s Police Dog Services and Critical Incident Response Team assisted in this investigation.

Every day, the world needs more. More food on tables, more fuel in tanks, more fertilizer in fields – and it’s a demand teetering on the edge of crisis. Supply chains are grappling with geopolitical uncertainty, shifting trade policies and relentless tariff threats. Amid this uncertainty, Saskatchewan continues to demonstrate quiet leadership – anchoring Canada’s critical industries and reinforcing the fact that the nation’s economic backbone runs through the Prairies.

Positioned at the heart of the country, Saskatchewan is doing more than supplying resources – it is actively shaping the future. We are pushing projects forward, fueling trade, and keeping global markets steady. To sustain this momentum, bold leadership, strategic investment, and cross-sector collaboration will be essential.

The increasing demand for essential resources

The world stands at a pivotal juncture. Growing populations and trade instability are placing unprecedented pressure on essential industries. For Canada, this includes navigating an increasingly volatile global marketplace where our position is no longer assured.

Saskatchewan is not just navigating this uncertainty – we are stabilizing it. We produce a significant share of the world’s grain, oil, potash and uranium, but we are doing more than supplying – we are steadying global trade. Our agriculture and resource industries are driving output and reliability to keep supply chains strong and responsive.

The world needs reliable partners, and Saskatchewan is up for the challenge. With strategic investment and intentional collaboration, we can continue to strengthen supply chains and reinforce Canada’s place in the world economy.

Saskatchewan’s leadership in getting it done

What distinguishes Saskatchewan is not only what we produce, but how consistently and responsibly we deliver. Our industries – oil and gas, mining, agriculture, transportation – are built for the real world.

Our fields and mines fuel worldwide demands. Our potash sustains crop yields across continents. These are not isolated achievements – they are the hallmarks of a province that delivers measurable value on a global scale. As demand intensifies, Saskatchewan is prepared to do more.

With the right policy environment and productive partnerships, our province is positioned to scale impact further – advancing economic growth and global stability in tandem.

The need for cross-sector collaboration

The challenges confronting global trade, energy security, and resource supply cannot be addressed in isolation. The future of our collective success – in Saskatchewan, across Canada and around the world – will require meaningful collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators.

Progress is already underway. Conversations between government and industry leaders are driving policies that clear barriers for infrastructure projects and trade routes. Cross-sector partnerships are ensuring that our industries stay competitive in a tariff-rattled world. This is true for interprovincial partnerships as well, as demonstrated most recently by the Western Business Coalition launching its first major initiative, Canada’s Untapped Potential – Driving Canadian Prosperity Through Natural Resources, to unlock the full economic potential of the country’s natural resources sector.

Industry events where business leaders and policymakers can come together – such as the Food, Fuel, Fertilizer Global Summit – are instrumental in advancing these efforts. They serve as critical catalysts where ideas turn into strategy, and strategy turns into impact.

Leading together, starting now

Saskatchewan’s foundation is strong, and the path forward is clear. The conversations happening in our province today will shape our influence on global trade for generations to come.

Our province is ready to lead. Now is the time to work together to expand our reach, strengthen Canada’s leadership on the world’s stage and build a future where sustainable growth and economic resilience go hand in hand.

REGINA – The Regina Exhibition Association Ltd. (REAL) has appointed Trent Fraser as their new interim CEO.

Fraser, who has experience in marketing, sales, and special event/project management, has previously worked as a consultant with REAL.

“He understands the different dynamics of all of the things that go on at REAL and with that business side of it,” said Jaime Boldt, chair of REAL’s board.

Fraser’s primary goal is to find ways to save costs and improve efficiency at REAL over the next few months. This will help kickstart REAL’s objective of presenting city council with options in 18 months.

One of those options could be the dissolution of the corporation if this turns out to be the most beneficial choice for Regina.

REAL’s increase in their budget ask to the city over the past few years hasn’t gone unnoticed by residents.

In 2025, REAL originally proposed a $12.7 million budget. After further consultation and decisions by city council, their budget was reduced to $11.2 million for this year.

With this increase in ask, Boldt said nothing is off the table for finding creative cost-saving measures and diving deeper into said ideas.

As for their expected $4.2-million deficit in 2025, Boldt wanted to clarify the misconception that REAL has a cash-flow problem.

“Money ebbs and flows in here,” she said. “When you buy a concert, you put money out. [We] don’t get the tickets until later. So that’s where that $4 million cash flow situation comes from.”

There is the possibility REAL could come back to city council for more money if unexpected costs occur from infrastructure.

“That’s a big risk for us,” said Boldt. She noted that Regina is well aware of the items that are at risk of failure.

Boldt believes city council will support REAL if additional money is needed.

Along with finding cost savings, REAL has attended several council town halls to engage with residents.

“We’ve heard the frustrations [and] we understand the community’s concerns,” said Boldt.

Even with these concerns, Boldt said the community understands the value of REAL from its recent events.

REAL saw its busiest March in history, with Canada’s Farm Show Regina shifting to that month.

Events like the Jelly Roll and Riley Green concerts also sold out, said Boldt.

Looking ahead to future events, Boldt said, “there is another event that will be announced coming up, so we’re really excited about that.” In total, REAL has over 15 events planned for 2025.

As for their goals, Boldt said they want to have a viable business model laid out by year’s end.

Meanwhile, Fraser will serve as the interim CEO until the organization finds a permanent candidate in the summer.

REGINA – With an ongoing trade war between Canada and the U.S., many travellers north of the border are deciding against taking a trip to America.

This has led to flight booking in Canada to take a sharp decline over the past year, according to OAG Aviation.

Their report found that “Passenger bookings on Canada – U.S. routes are currently down by 70 per cent compared to the same period last year.”

Even with these numbers, James Bogusz, Regina Airport Authority (RAA) CEO, said there haven’t been any decreases in bookings for American flights.

“We actually saw over 9,000 more transporter passengers [going from Regina to America] than we did last year at the same time period,” he said

These numbers take into account flights to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Orlando, and Minneapolis from Jan and Feb 2025.

One point Bogusz noted was that at this time last year, Regina had no direct flight to Minneapolis. This only came in April 2024, meaning a large spike of these passengers is likely attributed to this flight.

As for March numbers, Bogusz said the airport will have them in about two weeks.

One key announcement for the airport last year was introducing direct flights to Denver, Colorado, starting in May.

The flights will be provided by United Airlines, which operates heavily out of Denver International Airport. It’s expected to bring in nearly $10 million CAD annually for the Gross domestic product (GDP), said Bogusz.

From what they’ve told Bogusz, there has been a softening demand for connective flights to the U.S but nothing catastrophic.

However, he acknowledged, “we have concerns about softening demand. There’s no question about that.”

With these concerns, Bogusz said, “until I start seeing stats from April, May, June, it’s going to be very tough to see where this will go.”

Bogusz said the airport has been heavily marketing the return of the Regina-Denver flight to spread the word.

He will also be heading to Denver in May as part of a leadership roundtable with Economic Development Regina (EDR) as part of a mission to talk to local leaders about tariffs and enhancing relationships.

“I want to make sure that they can hear right from leaders like myself the importance of this connectivity,” he said.

Denver’s airport is the 10th busiest in the world, according to OAG Aviation. The airport goes to over 200 destinations in 19 countries.

Bogusz stressed the importance of having so many destinations at the expense of taking one flight.

“It puts us back on the map [to] have the ability for an event or conference.”

From the return of the Minneapolis flight, Bogusz said more than half the people use the flight for business purposes.

In his eyes, this could encourage companies to move their headquarters north of the border.

Speaking of flights, Bogusz mentioned the airport is trying to work with Porter Airlines to get a flight from Ottawa.

“We view this as a really good opportunity,” he said.

The airport had direct flights to Ottawa a few years ago courtesy of Air Canada, but that ended with no sign of returning.

Bogusz couldn’t give an exact timeframe for when this could happen, but he encouraged residents to tell Porter about wanting a flight to Ottawa.

“People should consider sending an email and tweeting them, whatever you got to do to push this.”

Collaboration between the Humboldt Broncos Memorial Committee and the community itself remains active on two projects that will pay tribute to the 2017-18 Broncos hockey team.

Space debris rained down on Saskatchewan farmland twice in 2024, and no one seems to know why the junk didn't burn up in the atmosphere during re-entry.

Sunday marks the seventh anniversary of the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash, which killed 16 young hockey players and injured 13 other people. A survivor has used the experience to help others, while a committee continues to work on two memorial projects.

Saskatchewan’s export-heavy economy could face turbulent times ahead following a whirlwind 24 hours on global markets prompted by sweeping tariff announcements from U.S. President Donald Trump. 

On Wednesday, Trump introduced a fresh round of tariffs, marking what Golden West Business Commentator Paul Martin called a “profound and fundamental change in the way the world order has been.” Global markets reacted swiftly and sharply Thursday morning, with significant losses seen on the Dow Jones and TSX. Commodities were also affected, with oil down by $5 from Wednesday's close. 

One area that caught many a little off guard initially was a jump in the Canadian dollar, which was up 0.71 USD. While the Canadian dollar made surprising gains, Martin explained that the movement was less about Canada’s strength and more about weakness in the U.S. dollar. 

“It’s almost counterintuitive, isn’t it? That the Canadian dollar would go up,” Martin said. “But in fact, I’d say probably it’s more realistic to say the Canadian dollar didn’t go anywhere. The American dollar went down.” 

That shift, he explained, was driven by international reaction to the tariffs and the increasing unpredictability of U.S. trade policy under Trump. Investors had previously ignored threats of tariffs due to the administration’s inconsistency. But this time, Martin said, the market is taking the actions seriously. 

“He really did something yesterday, and today the market’s responding. And responding quite sharply.” 

The sudden jolt in global trade dynamics presents real concerns for Saskatchewan, where much of the economy depends on exporting commodities like oil, potash, uranium, and agricultural products. 

“These are not happy days for us,” Martin noted. “We rely on smooth, easy trade patterns and trade rules. They got disrupted.” 

There was a small silver lining: Canada wasn’t directly targeted with new tariffs in this round. Martin suggested this may be strategic, particularly with North American free trade renegotiations looming. He also pointed out that Saskatchewan’s resource base includes products the U.S. relies on, leading to less severe tariffs on Canadian goods. 

“Even if he was going ahead with tariffs, he put lower ones in on us. And why? Because they need our stuff,” he said. “It probably says that they’re pretty dependent on us, and they don’t want to increase the cost to themselves dramatically.” 

However, Martin warned that the broader impact of the disruption may still hit home. With international commerce expected to slow, so too could economic activity, affecting everything from consumer sentiment to commodity prices. 

“The price of oil here for us—it’s down sharply today,” he said. “Why? Because we expect less economic activity going forward.” 

Ultimately, Martin emphasized the psychological impact on consumers as a key indicator to watch in the days ahead. 

“Will people just sit on their wallets? … I’m not going to travel as much. I’m not going to go out for dinner. I’m going to save as much as I can. I’ll be very prudent and fiscally conservative.” 

As global markets adjust to the tariffs and the changes to the world’s markets, Saskatchewan's fortunes will likely hinge on how long the uncertainty lasts—and how deeply it dampens demand. 

On Monday the provincial government announced that they are investing $23 million to expand full coverage for Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitors (Advanced Glucose Monitors) for seniors aged 65 and older and for young adults between 18 and 25 years old. The expanded coverage will benefit about 9,000 seniors and 700 young adults who may be eligible in the province.

"Our government remains committed to providing Saskatchewan residents living with diabetes the support they need to live an active lifestyle," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in an official statement.

"We are pleased to expand coverage for these monitors to seniors and young adults with diabetes, helping improve their health and quality of life." 

The monitors, which utilize a sensor on the wearers skin to send glucose level readings directly to an electronic device such as a smartphone, allow diabetics to more easily track their glucose levels, reducing the risk of low-blood sugar episodes and potentially life-threatening complications. Advanced Glucose Monitors can also keep record of trends and patterns, which with the consent of the user, can be remotely accessed by physicians to help inform clinical decisions.

"Diabetes Canada welcomes the Saskatchewan government's expansion of the program," Diabetes Canada Director of Government Affairs Joan King said in the announcement.

"These devices are life-changing for many people with diabetes, regardless of age. This expansion will enable more Saskatchewanians to enhance their blood glucose management and reduce their risk of short- and long-term complications, including severe hypoglycemia." 

The Government of Saskatchewan noted that, since 2021, the coverage for Advanced Glucose Monitors has been provided at no cost to children and youth under 18 who meet the specific medical criteria.

The suspect in an armed robbery in Moose Jaw earlier this week remains at large as the Moose Jaw Police Service seeks the public's help in identifying him.

The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) said officers responded to an armed robbery call at about 7:30 a.m. Monday at a business in the 1200 block of Main Street North.

According to police, the suspect fled before officers arrived. The canine unit was deployed in the initial search.

In an update Thursday afternoon, police asked anyone with surveillance or doorbell cameras east of Main Street and north of Fairford Street to check footage recorded between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. that day for any potential images of the suspect.

The suspect is described as a man wearing dark clothing, possibly riding a bicycle.

Anyone with footage of the suspect is asked to contact Moose Jaw Police Service at 306-694-7600.

Over the past week, Rosetown and Kyle RCMP responded to a variety of incidents, including multiple erratic driving complaints and a series of collisions. Notably, officers investigated an attempted break and enter in Rosetown early on April 3, and mediated two family disputes. The RCMP also responded to well-being checks, with one occurring in Lucky Lake. While many of the traffic complaints involved erratic driving on Highway 7, RCMP were able to locate and speak with one driver on April 2. The week also saw officers issuing 47 traffic-related charges, highlighting the ongoing attention to road safety. The RCMP continues to encourage the public to report any information about crimes to assist in their investigations.

• March 28, 2025, 12:37 p.m.: Rosetown RCMP received a mischief complaint. Officers spoke with the individual involved, and no further action was required.
• March 29, 2025, 11:50 a.m.: Kyle RCMP mediated a family dispute in Rosetown.
• March 29, 2025, 1:13 p.m.: A traffic complaint was received on Highway 7. Officers were unable to locate the vehicle in question.
• March 30, 2025, 7:24 p.m.: Rosetown RCMP responded to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 7. No injuries were reported.
• March 30, 2025, 7:55 p.m.: A second motor vehicle collision was reported in Rosetown. Minor injuries were sustained, and officers attended to the scene.
• March 31, 2025, 9:50 a.m.: Kyle RCMP again mediated a family dispute in Rosetown.
• March 31, 2025, 5:33 p.m.: Kyle RCMP responded to a well-being check request in Lucky Lake.
• April 1, 2025, 5:27 p.m.: An erratic driving complaint was received on Highway 7. Officers were unable to locate the vehicle.
• April 2, 2025, 9:31 a.m.: Another erratic driver report came in for Highway 7. Officers located the vehicle and spoke to the driver.
• April 2, 2025, 8:56 p.m.: Kyle RCMP received an erratic driving complaint in Rosetown but were unable to locate the vehicle.
• April 2, 2025, 7:22 p.m.: Kyle RCMP received another erratic driving complaint on Highway 7. However, there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
• April 3, 2025, 1:39 a.m.: Kyle RCMP are investigating an attempted break and enter at a residence in Rosetown.

In addition to the above incidents, RCMP issued 47 traffic-related charges and responded to one false alarm and two 911 mis-dials.

RCMP are asking anyone with information regarding these or other crimes to contact Rosetown RCMP at 306-882-5700, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

The unemployment rate is up substantially in the Swift Current/Moose Jaw area.

According to Stats Canada, the seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate in our area was 6.3 per cent in March.

That's the second worst rate in Saskatchewan and up from 4.6 per cent in March 2024.

There are approximately 3500 people unemployed in Swift Current/Moose Jaw.

That's an increase of 1000 from the previous year.

There are approximately 400 more people employed in March 2025 compared to 2024, but the labour force grew by 1500 to 55,400 people.

The Canadian unemployment rate climbed from 6.6 to 6.7 per cent from February to March in the seasonally adjusted national rate.

Saskatchewan had the lowest unemployment rate among the provinces in March, at 4.9 per cent.

The City of Swift Current has advised about a current road closure. 

The intersection of Macoun Dr. And Pelletier Dr. will be closed while city crews work on a sewer main repair.

The city apologizes for any inconvenience.