Humboldt

The annual rate of inflation accelerated sharply to 2.6 per cent in February as the federal government’s temporary tax break came to an end mid-month, Statistics Canada said Tuesday.

That marks a sizeable jump from the 1.9 per cent increase seen in January, when Canadians saw GST and HST taken off a variety of household staples, common gifts and restaurant bills for the entire month.

The spring runoff report for central Saskatchewan, including the Humboldt region, is showing the potential for an above normal runoff given this winter’s snowpack. The Water Security Agency produced its report on March 14, and it notes the snowpack and wetter than normal fall conditions should see a healthy runoff.  

Other parts of the province may not fare as well given the lower levels of fall moisture and below normal snowpack. Areas in the north and pocket in the southeast are expected to see limited run off. 

Safe Communities Humboldt and Area is hosting its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 7:00 pm in Meeting Room 3 at the Humboldt Uniplex.  

The non-profit organization is a community driven mechanism dedicated to eliminating injuries and promoting a culture of safety. Safe Communities Humboldt and Area works with a range of agencies to deliver its programming to communities within a 50 km radius of Humboldt.  

Wednesday will mark the beginning of the spring sitting at the Saskatchewan Legislature, including the Throne Speech. 

The Provincial budget for the upcoming year will also be delivered by Finance Minister Jim Reiter.  

Last week, at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) convention in Saskatoon, Premier Scott Moe offered a preview of what residents can expect with this year’s budget.  

Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit is on pace for its busiest year ever. 

These cases include investigating crimes involving the abuse and/or exploitation of infants, children and teens on the Internet. 

Back in 2021-22, the unit had 853 files. In 2022-23, the number of files increased to 931. The 2023-24 fiscal year saw 1,003. Investigators are currently on pace to reach 1,317 new files for the upcoming fiscal year.  

The Saskatchewan Trappers Association made its annual return to the Humboldt Convention Centre on March 14 and 15 for its convention. Trappers from throughout the province came to share information and the latest innovations in trapping, particularly when it came to new trapping technologies set for deployment in the south.  

Bolt Brain Buster:

Who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean?

Text your answers to the Humboldt Sobeys Talk and Text line 306-682-0107

Tune in to the morning show or check back tomorrow for the answer!

Answer: Amelia Earhart 

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that Ottawa will expand the Canadian Armed Forces’ presence in the Arctic and turn to Australia's over-the-horizon radar tech to monitor threats from adversaries such as China and Russia.

Carney also pledged $253 million in new funding for Indigenous reconciliation initiatives in the North.

They include $94 million to upgrade power plants in Nunavut and $20 million for a hydroelectricity project to help move northerners off diesel.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says United States President Donald Trump will have to stop his "disrespectful" comments about Canada before the two countries can have comprehensive bilateral conversations about trade and security.

"We've called out those comments. They're disrespectful, they're not helpful, and they need to stop," Carney said in response to a question regarding Trump's repeated remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state. 

"They will have to stop before we sit down and have a conversation about our broader partnership with the United States."

As the snow continues to melt across the prairies, farmers are gearing up for the busy seeding season. According to Ian Epp, agronomy specialist with the Canola Council of Canada, moisture levels across much of the region appear sufficient for crop germination. 

"It looks to me like we've had enough moisture throughout winter. Obviously, we always need more during the summer season, but there's enough out there to get us up and going. Some areas are better than others but in general things look pretty good heading into spring.”