Larissa McEwen

The intake period for the Targeted Sector Support (TSS) initiative opened today, offering cost-shared grants to encourage municipalities to collaborate on building and growing communities across Saskatchewan.

The TSS initiative provides grants to support municipalities working together on projects aimed at improving municipal service delivery, governance, and administrative capacity. The four funding streams are capacity building, regional cooperation and municipal corporate transitioning, relationship building, and dispute resolution.

As of 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 6, 2025, the hours of operation at 35 land ports of entry across Canada will be adjusted.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the changes Monday, calling them a collaborative effort with the United States to enhance security for both countries. The CBSA said the adjustments would also help allocate resources more efficiently by concentrating officers at busier ports of entry. This is expected to improve the processing of travellers and goods while bolstering enforcement activities.

The provincial government announced Monday that more cystic fibrosis (CF) patients in Saskatchewan are now eligible for Trikafta, a medication that improves lung function.

The expanded coverage, which took effect on Nov. 15, now includes patients with one of 152 rare genetic mutations that respond to the drug. This change will cover most CF patients in the province.

The decision follows a Nov. 4 recommendation from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, which called on jurisdictions to expand Trikafta coverage to include these rare genetic mutations.

Rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and family violence in Saskatchewan surpassed both provincial and national averages in 2023, according to newly released data from the Saskatchewan RCMP.

The RCMP reported 813 incidents of IPV and 890 cases of family violence per 100,000 people last year. In comparison, the provincial averages were 710 for IPV and 741 for family violence per 100,000. These figures are part of a nationwide increase in such violence, as highlighted in a report by the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics released on October 24, 2024.

The Government of Saskatchewan’s latest Crown oil and natural gas public offering held Tuesday, Oct. 29, raised $7,304,936.95, with the Estevan area generating the majority of the revenue.

The offering featured 112 parcels, with 93 receiving acceptable bids, covering a total of 15,347.639 hectares.

The Estevan area generated the most interest, bringing in $5,417,916.25 for 56 leases and one exploration licence, totaling 8,330.517 hectares.

As the seasons shift, many people start to feel the telltale signs of allergies or hay fever. However, with overlapping symptoms it can be difficult to pinpoint what's causing your discomfort. Dr. Stanley Enebeli, the Medical Health Officer with the Saskatchewan Health Authority breaks down the differences between these common conditions.

Allergies typically arise around the same time each year due to exposure to pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds. “So, this pollen exposure can trigger various allergic reactions, including symptoms of hay fever,” said Enebeli.

Saskatchewan’s latest crop report from the Ministry of Agriculture indicates that persistent heat and low moisture levels are accelerating crop development across the province. The southeast region has experienced severe dryness, receiving only 2 mm of rain in July.

Producers in the area are preparing harvest equipment and desiccating pulse crops. Some have begun harvesting early-seeded pulses and cereals intended for feed.

Haying is nearly complete, with a second cut unlikely due to the dry conditions.

While a dip in the local lake is a perfect remedy for the summer heat, swimmers should be aware of the potential for swimmer's itch, a pesky rash caused by parasitic larvae that can leave a lasting impression.

Before you dive in, make sure the water is safe. Saskatchewan's ‘Healthy Beaches’ program is now live, offering up-to-date water quality reports for some of your favorite swimming spots across the province. 

During National Drowning Prevention Week, those enjoying the many bodies of water and beach spots across the province are encouraged to practice water safety. This includes utilizing the Life Jacket Loaner Stations, in partnership with the Lifesaving Society.