Estevan

A new report argues the rise of gig work, artificial intelligence and rapid population growth are souring job prospects for Canada's youngest workers.

The Desjardins Economics report, released Thursday, comes as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre cites decades-high youth unemployment levels to attack an immigration program for temporary foreign workers.

Statistics Canada's latest labour force survey shows the unemployment rate for young people aged 15 to 24 hit 14.6 per cent in July — a nearly 15-year high outside of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drought-stricken parts of Canada could be in for some underwhelming fall foliage if stressed trees lose out on the energy needed to generate some of the season's most brilliant colours, experts say. 

Biology professor Susan Dudley at McMaster University says trees in dried out parts of the country could see their leaves die off rather than turn red. 

"I can't look at it and make a prediction for a good fall foliage season at all," she said. 

A trade delegation for Asia is set to leave on Saturday (September 6).  

The focus of the trip is on relationship building and trade engagement with government officials and industry stakeholders in China, Japan and South Korea.  China imposed a 75.8 per cent tariff on canola seed last month on top of tariffs already in place for canola oil, meal, peas, pork and seafood. 

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is leading the delegation that includes his Trade and Export Minister Warren Kaeding, and Prime Minister Carney's Parliamentary Secretary Kody Blois. 

The Estevan Bible Camp is getting ready to welcome families back to Corn Cob Junction, its annual corn maze and fall attraction. Director of Operations Shawn Bissonnette said the season kicks off Saturday, September 13, and will run weekends through to October 24.

“It’s not just a maze,” said Bissonnette. “We’ve got a climbing wall, a hayride, a scavenger hunt through the maze, delicious food, and a bunch of mini games to keep you entertained while you’re out there with the family.”

With fall beginning, Estevan's Chamber of Commerce is looking at a new season and seeing what that'll bring for the area. Executive Director Merissa Scarlett points to their latest coffee talk, hosting Gordon Moore with the Southeast Techhub, as one of their recent events.

The Bienfait Legion is keeping the community entertained this September, despite having to cancel one of their popular events.

Denise Taylor, the Legion’s bookkeeper, joined us in the studio to give an update. “The chili cook-off has been called off this year due to lack of interest,” Taylor said. “Hopefully we can bring it back next year.”

The Weyburn Field Office for Whitecap Resources Inc. hosted the provincial Minister of Energy and Resources, Colleen Young, Thursday morning, as she toured the facility and gleaned information about innovation in the oil and gas sector happening here in the Weyburn area.  

A road will be closed today as crews are working on the sewer systems.

The 1800 block of Pettigrew Road will be closed with no through traffic.

The public is asked to avoid the area while construction work is being done.

With harvest season underway in the Redvers area, fire safety remains a top priority for farmers and motorists alike. Brad Hutton, fire chief for Redvers Fire and Rescue, shared practical advice to prevent field and equipment fires during this busy time of year.

“Some equipment is obviously gonna have big headers on it or squatters, and it'll just be slow-moving,” Hutton said. “Patience on the farmers' part and also just motorists using the highways is always a good thing.”

The Canadian economy lost jobs for the second month in a row as the unemployment rate climbed to its highest level since May 2016, excluding the pandemic period.

Statistics Canada said Friday the unemployment rate ticked up to 7.1 per cent in August, its highest level since August 2021, as the economy lost 66,000 jobs for the month.

The report follows the July labour force survey that showed a loss of 41,000 jobs and an unemployment rate of 6.9 per cent.