WestCentral

Airports were returning to normal operations Thursday after Canada's air traffic control service said some received bomb threats early in the morning.

Nav Canada said the early morning threats affected airports in Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver.

RCMP in Richmond, B.C., said they received a report of a threat at the Vancouver airport's Nav Canada control tower around 2 a.m. local time. The tower was evacuated and no threats were found after a search, the force said in a press release.

A trio of situations on local highways headlined this week's Biggar RCMP report, however, one report regarding a young individual with a lead foot stole the spotlight.

Immediately sticking out in the report was police clocking a vehicle speeding at 161 km/h on Highway 14. Behind the wheel of the crossover SUV was an 18-year-old who hopefully learned their lesson after being hit with a hefty fine of $921, not the first of its kind in the area over recent months.

An NHL draft pick wasn't the only exciting hockey news out of Macklin this week.

The Western Hockey League's Saskatoon Blades announced the addition of Macklin native Tye Scherger as the team's new assistant coach for the upcoming season. Coming over from a short, but very successful tenure with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League's Melfort Mustangs, Scherger will work with fellow assistant Andrew Sarauer under Blades head coach Dan DaSilva

Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your luck for the first time, Saskatchewan’s Free Fishing Weekend is the perfect time to cast a line — no licence required.

On July 12 and 13, the Ministry of Environment is inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the province’s world-class sportfishing on any public waters open to fishing.

Unity RCMP responded to a range of calls between June 24 and June 30, including mental health-related incidents, impaired driving, and a reported break and enter at a local oil site.

Officers responded to two separate Mental Health Act complaints, transporting the individuals involved to Battlefords Union Hospital for assessment.

A 28-year-old woman from Poundmaker First Nation is facing charges for impaired operation of a motor vehicle following a traffic stop.

Police also issued a 60-day roadside suspension to a driver during a separate traffic stop.

A new law meant to protect supply management might not be enough to shield the system in trade talks with a Trump administration bent on eliminating it, trade experts say.

"It's certainly more difficult to strike a deal with the United States now with the passage of this bill that basically forces Canada to negotiate with one hand tied behind its back," said William Pellerin, a trade lawyer and partner at the firm McMillan LLP.

Confidence federal public servants have in their senior managers has fallen in recent years, a new survey suggests.

The 2024 Public Service Employee Survey said 55 per cent of public servants have confidence in senior management at their department or agency, down from 64 per cent in 2022 and 68 per cent in 2020.

Almost two-thirds of respondents in the new survey said senior managers in their department or agency model ethical behaviour.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) says it is working with communities and residents impacted by the early and challenging start to the 2025 wildfire season, helping them begin the recovery and rebuilding process.

The SPSA’s Recovery Task Team is coordinating the province’s efforts to assess community needs and provide support following wildfire damage. The team is made up of representatives from the SPSA as well as other provincial ministries, including Environment, Social Services, and Government Relations. Other ministries may be involved as needed.

A growing number of rural municipalities in southwest Saskatchewan have declared states of emergency as relentless drought conditions continue to strain farms, ranches, and rural communities.

The RMs of Maple Creek, Fox Valley, and Enterprise have joined the RM of Big Stick in officially declaring emergencies due to extreme dryness, lack of feed, and increasing fire risk.

The unfolding drought has forced livestock producers to make difficult decisions, with many reducing herd sizes and stretching already tight resources. 

Farm Credit Canada's Transition Loan program has been enhanced.

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says transferring the family farm or business can be stressful; the new changes will help address the financial barriers many people face.

The loan's new terms are designed to make it easier for both buyers and sellers by allowing disbursements to the seller over a 10 year period.

The loan is available for farms, agribusinesses, or food businesses going through changes in ownership, be it within or outside the family.