Crime bill with tougher bail, sentencing provisions coming in fall: justice minister
The Liberal government will table a bill this fall introducing stricter bail conditions and sentencing for some crimes, particularly those involving organized crime, human trafficking, home invasion and car theft, Justice Minister Sean Fraser said in an interview.
"It's perhaps obvious, given the tenor around the criminal justice system, that reforms are in order," Fraser told The Canadian Press.
Estevan swimmers collect medals despite tough weather and schedule
The Estevan Golden Eels had a successful and challenging weekend competing in back-to-back swim meets in Swift Current and Regina.
At the Swift Current meet, despite rainy weather, the team delivered strong performances across multiple events. Highlights included:
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Adalyn Christopherson won first place in the Girls 13-14 Meter Medley Relay with a time of 1:24.62 and second place in the 100 Meter Free Relay.
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Zalia Carlson placed second in the Girls 7-8 25 Meter Free and third in the 50 Meter Free.
Tornado damage may need a close eye for farmers fields in the southeast
Tornadoes ripped through the southeast last week, with stormchasers following a few touchdowns in farmers' fields in the area. Those fields saw emergence a while ago and are now in the growing stage, meaning these plants are vulnerable to the heavy winds, hail, and more that come from a tornado.
Local Agrologist Edgar Hammermeister says that, as far as he's heard, damage to any farmyard thanks to the tornadoes has been limited.
Fire crews handle EMS assistance, HAZMAT investigation in mid-June calls
We're taking a look at some of the latest work by the Estevan Fire Rescue as they were responding to a number of situations over the previous week.
Starting on June 16, a crew headed to a residential fire alarm at 9:32 a.m. in the Northwest area of Estevan. Once there, the crew found no emergency was occurring, with the alarm going off thanks to construction work.
The next day, on June 17, a crew was dispatched to and assisted with a call for EMS assistance.
June’s Perfect Pet Contest: Kicking off Summer with our furry friends!
Summer is officially here in southeast Saskatchewan, and it’s already been an exciting one! From grad celebrations and parade day fun to the thrills of the Energy City Ex, there's been no shortage of moments to remember. We’ve even seen a few wild weather days—yes, we’re looking at you, tornadoes!—but through it all, our pets have been right by our side, bringing joy, comfort, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
SaskPower union says stress lifted as coal plants will operate past 2030
Saskatchewan coal power plants have their workers buzzing with excitement now that the province has confirmed they'll be extending the plants' lifetimes past 2030. Despite a federal initiative to close those by 2030, the provincial government stated in a letter to SaskPower employees that coal power would remain a segment of Saskatchewan's power production strategy into the future.
Ken Hoste, the assistant business manager with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2067, talks about his reaction to those power plants staying online.
Meat producers warn internal trade bill could cause blowback with trade partners
The Canadian Meat Council is warning that the Liberal government’s legislation to ease the movement of goods and services within Canada could actually undermine red meat exports.
Lauren Martin, senior director of public affairs for the organization, says the bill is raising questions about whether it could lead the federal government to recognize provincial rules for inspecting meat processing facilities as equal to federal standards.
Ongoing harassment case, stolen vehicle among recent EPS calls
A stolen truck, a suspended driver, and an ongoing criminal harassment investigation are among the recent files handled by the Estevan Police Service yesterday.
Three young children were observed locked in a vehicle in a parking lot. A parent was located and spoken to regarding concerns about leaving the children unattended.
Police provided an update on an ongoing criminal harassment complaint. The matter remains under investigation and criminal charges are pending.
Gas prices continue to rise, but less than expected, with ongoing conflict in Middle East
Gas prices are expected to be volatile as the conflict with Iran is continuing, and oil supply issues may begin to crop up. That's being looked at because Iran itself is a major oil producer, and they have mentioned blocking the nearby Strait of Hormuz, from which 20 per cent of all oil exports run.
Such a move would lead to declines in oil and gas supply and a subsequent rise in prices.
Gas Buddy's Head of Petroleum Analysis Patrick DeHaan says that while the situation is currently looking concerning, it's not as bad as some social media posts make it out to be.
Fixing problems with Phoenix payroll system cost taxpayers $5.1 billion: official
A top federal official said fixing the payroll problems caused by Phoenix cost taxpayers more than $5 billion — and they'll keep paying extra to run two public service payroll platforms at once as Ottawa weans itself off the problem-plagued system.
Alex Benay, associate deputy minister at Public Services and Procurement Canada, said the alternative to running the Phoenix system in tandem with its replacement, Dayforce, would have been worse.
"The unfortunate situation is there's no easy path," he said. "This is the one that's going to impact employees the least."