Tracey Moody

An annual and international campaign, Operation Safe Driver Week took place in North America from July 7 through 13. 

In our province, the week saw Saskatchewan Highway Patrol (SHP) members increasing traffic enforcement efforts. “It’s about essentially enforcement just going out and stopping drivers that are displaying unsafe driving manners," explained Sergeant Mathew Austin, commercial vehicle enforcement specialist with the SHP.  

School might be out, but the determination of a new Provincial Collective Bargaining Agreement between teachers and the Saskatchewan Government is ongoing.  

Binding arbitration is being used to find a resolution around the class complexity-accountability framework and wages, with Saskatchewan teachers ending job action in June. 

The previous Collective Bargaining Agreement expired at the end of August 2023. 

School might be out, but the determination of a new Provincial Collective Bargaining Agreement between teachers and the Saskatchewan Government is ongoing.  

Binding arbitration is being used to find a resolution around the class complexity-accountability framework and wages, with Saskatchewan teachers ending job action in June. 

The previous Collective Bargaining Agreement expired at the end of August 2023. 

The Transportation Safety Board is investigating following a plane crash in a field near Birsay, Saskatchewan on Friday, July 19.  

Outlook RCMP responded at approximately 6:30 a.m., and say the incident saw EMS declaring the plane’s sole occupant, a 23-year-old man from White City, dead at the scene.  

The Transportation Safety Board says the plane was reportedly conducting aerial application on a field when it collided with the ground.

The agricultural plane was operated by Precision West Ag Corp, with its departure at Rosetown.  

It’s Operation Safe Driver Week July 7 through July 13, and you’ll see an increase in members of the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol, RCMP, and municipal police. 

The campaign is observed annually according to Mathew Austin, commercial vehicle enforcement specialist with the Saskatchewan Highway Patrol. “It’s coordinated by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).” 

Heat warnings have been issued for areas in Western Canada, due to a ridge of high pressure making its way across the country.  

“While the core of the epicenter of the heat is located further south over Northern California, it is expanding north and east this week,” explained Jennifer Smith, national warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada. 

Legal Aid Saskatchewan has been providing services to those who need legal assistance since 1974.  

Adrian McBride is the regional director for Legal Aid Saskatchewan in Swift Current and Moose Jaw and spoke about what they do. “Legal Aid offers a number of different services. One of the most visible ones is criminal defense, where there’s a risk of jail.

Environment and Climate Change Canada data show that temperatures in the province last month trended towards the cooler side. 

“The further north you went, the cooler it was with respect to average temperature,” explained Terri Lang, meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada.  

In the north, Key Lake reported a mean temperature of 10.5 degrees. That’s 2.8 degrees colder than normal, marking their coldest June in 48 years.  

July is statistically the month with the highest number of impaired driving deaths in Saskatchewan. 

SGI is reminding residents to find a safe ride this summer, whether that be calling a friend or family member, getting a taxi, or staying the night at someone’s house. 

Are you an aspiring or established photographer or videographer with a love for showcasing Saskatchewan views, wildlife, and activities? 

The 2024 ExploreSask Photo Contest launched yesterday. 

From now until September 15, 2024, amateur and professional photographers and videographers can submit their entries. Categories this year include:

1. People and Places