WestCentral

Federal public servants were less likely to call in sick to work during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, new government data shows.

The figures shared by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat indicate that in 2020-21, when the pandemic had most office employees working entirely remotely, the average number of sick days for the public service was 5.9.

That number grew to 8.1 in 2021-22, 8.8 in 2022-23 and 9.2 days in 2023-24.

New research on a sample collected from the asteroid Bennu — a small portion of which should arrive in Canada soon — is offering a glimpse into how it came to be.

Studies published in Nature Astronomy and Nature Geoscience last week offer some insight into the granules that were collected and brought to Earth in September 2023 as part of NASA-led OSIRIS-REx mission.

A new report from Saskatchewan Blue Cross suggests most residents in the province are overestimating their ability to navigate the health system, with two in three struggling to understand and use health information effectively.

The 2025 Health Literacy Report, released Wednesday, found 76 per cent of Saskatchewan residents believe they have stronger health literacy skills than they actually do. Researchers define health literacy as the ability to find, understand, and use health information and services to manage personal well-being or support others.

This week in West Central Saskatchewan, communities are seeing a mix of back-to-school excitement, severe weather, infrastructure updates, and law enforcement news. From more than 54,000 students returning to campuses with provincial financial support, to a supercell storm carving a nearly 400-kilometre path of destruction across Alberta and Saskatchewan, residents have had plenty to follow.

A new report says Canada’s sport system faces widespread challenges, including weak governance, a lack of national leadership, and ongoing maltreatment of athletes.

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission released its preliminary report Thursday after more than a year of review and consultations across the country. The report contains 71 recommendations aimed at strengthening safe sport and reshaping how Canadian sport is led and funded.

The commission said it held more than 450 meetings, reviewed over 1,000 documents, and engaged with stakeholders nationwide.

Peavey Mart is making a comeback.

A message posted to the farm goods retailer's website says the brand that closed all its stores earlier in the year is planning to reopen in select Alberta markets.

The note says Spruce Grove, Westlock, Camrose and Lacombe will all see Peavey Mart return this fall.

The company says the new iteration of the brand will focus on high quality and locally sourced items meant for farmers, ranchers, homesteaders and more.

It promises to release more details about the relaunch in the coming weeks.

 A new national survey suggests many Canadian women remain unaware of the signs, risks and prevention strategies related to gynaecological cancers, despite the diseases impacting thousands each year.

The contest to supply Canada with its next fleet of submarines heated up this week, as Ottawa narrowed down the competition to just two suppliers: a Korean company and a German one.

Here's a look at where the massive procurement project currently stands.

1. Why does Canada need to buy new submarines?

Canada is racing to replace its deteriorating fleet of Victoria-class submarines. The fleet, bought second-hand from the U.K. in 1998, is rapidly aging and are expensive to repair and replace parts.

The federal government needs to amend the Criminal Code so the use of force, including lethal force, is considered reasonable to defend your home and family if someone breaks into it, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Friday.

Poilievre called a news conference in Brampton, Ont., amid an outcry over assault charges that were laid against an Ontario man who encountered another man who allegedly broke into his apartment while carrying a crossbow. 

 A Canadian non-profit is challenging students and educators to rethink failure as an essential part of learning and innovation.

Shift Canada, which promotes entrepreneurial risk awareness, has released its 2025 Impact Report on its Shift Failure program for grades 5 to 12. The free, plug-and-play curriculum is designed to help students understand that setbacks can lead to success.