MooseJaw

Ottawa probably can't help overhaul how municipalities raise funds in the near future, because the federal government is now focused on major, nation-building projects, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday

"We're building on what has worked. We're learning lessons from what hasn't," Carney said at an event held by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

The group represents cities and towns that have lobbied Ottawa for years to give them more independent means of financing their operations.

The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations says she doesn't blame First Nations leaders who are voicing frustration with governments promising to fast-track development in their territories in the name of national unity.

"I don't blame them. They're frustrated and they're being disrespected," National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said Wednesday morning.

"If we're not at the table making these decisions right off the bat, this is what happens and it causes the Canadian government more problems later."

Prairie farmers may have to contend with rust this year, a disease that can significantly impact crop yields.

Dr. Kelly Turkington, a research scientist in plant pathology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at Lacombe, explains that rust spores typically originate from the Pacific Northwest and the Texas-to-Nebraska corridor in the U.S. These spores, which include stripe rust, leaf rust, stem rust, and crown rust in oats, are carried by the wind and usually start appearing in the prairies in June.

The City of Moose Jaw is reminding residents that voluntary water conservation remains in effect and will continue throughout the weekend. 

The city was advised by the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant of a short-term reduction in the supply of water to customers due to “an issue with the plant.” 

City manager Maryse Carmichael addressed the media via Teams on Friday afternoon to clarify the situation. 

Almost no rain has fallen since April 1 in Nipawin and Prince Albert 

Rain has become a rarity in Nipawin, Sask.

In the 30 days of April, Nipawin received one millimetre of precipitation. In the first 27 days of May, the Environment Canada weather station in Nipawin recorded 1.5 mm of rain and snow.

It’s a similar story across the northern agricultural region of Saskatchewan. There’s been almost no rain this spring in Hudson Bay, Carrot River and Prince Albert.

The department says producer engagement, field demonstrations and making data available online are expected of its researchers

Agriculture Canada employs about 380 scientists at its 20 research centres across the country.

Their job?

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Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are five events happening in and around Moose Jaw. 

Moose Jaw Miller Express baseball – Saturday 

The Western Canadian Baseball League is back in action this summer. The Miller Express hosted their home opener on Friday night and will host the Weyburn Beavers on Saturday. 

This week’s Spike & Friends Pet Services INC. Adorable Adoptable are two adorable sibling kittens, Mikey and Lucy, who are both nine weeks old.

Mikey is the only male in his litter and has been well trained by his sisters to be a perfect little gentleman. He’s a playful yet cuddly kitten who is ready to join a loving family and adapt to any living situation.

This week has seen significant fluctuations in the commodity markets, particularly in wheat and canola prices. Following the U.S. Memorial Day long weekend, wheat prices dropped sharply on Tuesday, falling by $10 to $15 per tonne.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Moose Jaw and the surrounding area due to smoke.

Smoke from wildfires in northern Alberta and northern Saskatchewan is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility.

The smoke is expected to move into southern Saskatchewan this afternoon and linger into this evening and into Saturday.

Residents are reminded that smoke increases health risks, so you should limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor activities.