Estevan

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Wednesday that China has executed four Canadians in recent months.

The minister said all four were "dual citizens" and were all "facing charges linked to criminal activities according to China, linked to drugs."

"This is an issue that I've been following very, very closely, personally, for months, and I've asked personally also (for) leniency," Joly said, adding former prime minister Justin Trudeau also urged China not to execute the Canadians.

With polls suggesting U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration's use of punishing tariffs are a top-of-mind issue for Canadians ahead of the upcoming federal election, Trump has now offered his thoughts on which political party he would rather work with.

"I'd rather deal with a Liberal than a Conservative," Trump said in an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham Tuesday.

During the interview he reiterated his call for Canada to become a U.S. state and his false claim that the U.S. subsidizes Canada by $200 billion a year.

Another funding commitment has been made towards a multi-million-dollar capital campaign by Cereals Canada. 

Cereals Canada says it is hoping to break ground this year on the construction of a new building in downtown Winnipeg. The organization says it is nearing the end of its lease in a building that is no longer able to meet its current and future goals. 

Their lease expires on March 31, 2027, and with this date now just over two years away, it says a new home is needed to continue to build on the vital work being done to advance the Canadian grains value chain.

The Estevan Curling Club has been awarded the 2025 U18 Girls and Boys Curling Provincial Championship, which will take place in December.

Estevan Curling Club President Tyler McMillen made the announcement, calling it a fantastic opportunity to showcase the club, the community, and the province’s top young curlers. He emphasized the club’s commitment to working closely with CurlSask to ensure a successful event.

A prestigious award has been put forward for an Estevan hockey player following a strong season.

Defenceman Cameron Allard, a member of the U18 AAA Great North Bears, was awarded the Adam Herold Memorial Award which goes to the top blue-liner in the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League.

Allard is the first Bear to win the award and did so with a season that saw six goals and 30 assists in 44 games.

The Bears themselves had a middling season over 2024-25, securing a 22-19-3 record over 44 games played.

Saskatchewan’s government says it will ride a strong economy to a projected razor-thin surplus in next year’s budget, but turbulent headwinds of tariffs could ultimately blow a billion-dollar hole in the spending plan.

Finance Minister Jim Reiter tabled the 2025-26 budget on Wednesday. It projects a $12-million surplus this fiscal year and even larger surpluses in the years that follow.

However, it doesn't put aside money to offset potential massive losses, as Canada fights an ongoing trade war with the United States and faces one with China starting this week.

The Redvers Rockets capped off their season with a Big Six championship victory, securing the league title with a 6-2 win over the Moosomin Rangers.

Head coach Brian Magotiaux said it was exactly the kind of game they expected.

The federal government has announced that they will be repealing the consumer side of the federal carbon tax, with an Order In Council imposed to remove that starting March 31st. The move comes as another hike in the tax was expected to go through on April 1st.

While the change in prices may come once the month switches around, for now, GasBuddy Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says prices won't see drastic changes right away.

The Estevan Bruins celebrated the achievements of their players, staff, and volunteers during their annual awards night, recognizing standout performances throughout the season.

Ewan Rennie emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home the Most Valuable Player award, the Top Scorer award, and the Iron Man Award for his durability and consistency.

Kaelen Whittingham was named Defenseman of the Year and also received the Abe Berday Memorial Scholarship, highlighting both his on-ice contributions and academic achievements.

As spring approaches and road conditions improve, police are reminding motorists to follow traffic laws—particularly when it comes to making complete stops at stop signs and traffic lights.

"Even though an intersection is controlled by traffic lights, you are required to make a full and complete stop and proceed only when it’s safe to do so," said Officer Craig Bird. "Rolling stops are illegal. Disobeying a stop sign or red light can cost you $250."