Ottawa's plan for climate change adaptation is falling short, report says

Ottawa’s efforts to prepare the country for the impacts of climate change have stumbled out of the gate, Canada’s environment commissioner said Tuesday.

In a new report, Jerry DeMarco concluded the National Adaptation Strategy was not effectively designed, did not prioritize Canada’s climate change risks and only established one of its three components since its release in 2023.

Ottawa moves to prop up youth employment in a rough summer jobs market

The federal government is moving to shore up a historically weak summer job market for students — even as one economist argues tough employment prospects for young people suggest broader softness in the job market.

Statistics Canada shone a light on the difficult employment prospects for students heading back to school this fall in its May jobs report last Friday.

Roughly one in five returning students aged 15 to 24 was unemployed in May, the agency said. The last time the jobless rate for students was this high outside the pandemic was in May 2009.

Spring progress and plans from Leader Town Council

The Leader Town Council held two regular meetings this spring, on April 22 and May 6, marking important decisions and updates for the community as the season progresses.

At the April 22 meeting, Council began by approving the agenda and minutes from the April 1 regular meeting and April 8 recreation meeting. Dustin Andreas from Leader Minor Ball shared plans for the upcoming season and ongoing projects, while Brian Francis of River Ridge Golf Course outlined exciting plans to build a new clubhouse and discussed fundraising efforts for this capital project.

Burrowing Owls return to Saskatchewan prairies, nesting season underway

After migrating thousands of kilometres from the American Southwest and Mexico, Burrowing Owls have returned to Saskatchewan’s prairies, settling in for another critical breeding season.

The endangered birds are now pairing up and choosing nesting sites, a process that experts say is vital to the species’ survival in Canada, where as few as 270 breeding pairs are thought to remain.

Government failed to follow procurement, security rules with ArriveCan contractor

Federal organizations failed to follow procurement and security rules when awarding contracts to the company behind the controversial ArriveCan app, the auditor general said Tuesday.

The report on GCStrategies — one of several audits tabled in the House of Commons on Tuesday — says the company was awarded 106 contracts by 31 federal organizations between 2015 and 2024.

The maximum value of those contracts was more than $90 million but only $65 million was paid out.

Underage drinking, speeding semis, dog altercation in latest Biggar RCMP report

While it was a quiet weekend for Biggar RCMP members, the days preceding certainly kept members busy.

Opening the detachment's June 9 report were reports of underaged drinking after a teen showed up from a house party under the influence of alcohol. Upon the news police sent members for sobriety checks, finding no troubles, with all drivers showing up compliant to the zero-tolerance rules for people under 21.

Dinsmore students spread their wings with inspiring library art display

DINSMORE, Sask. – A colourful message of encouragement is now taking flight in the Dinsmore Composite School library, thanks to a creative project by a group of young students.

Throughout the school year, Mrs. Ward’s Grade 3, 4 and 5 class at Dinsmore Composite School dedicated their library periods to a meaningful art project. The result? A spectacular pair of wings made from 192 individually coloured and cut-out paper feathers, now proudly displayed on the library bulletin board.

Eatonia’s newest race is nuts, bolts, and a whole lot of fun

Eatonia Heritage Park will host Valve Cover Racing during their Show & Shine on June 21st from 10 AM to 4 PM. This new event will feature small cars that are made from the valve covers of real cars, with 4 wheels racing down an inclined track. Racers are encouraged to build their cars, however, a limited number of pre-built cars will be supplied at the event.