Humboldt

Canada Post and the postal workers union found slivers of consensus Tuesday amid talks with a special mediator, but "a lot of ground" remains between them on the key concerns as a countrywide strike entered its fifth day.

“On smaller issues, we were able to find some progress,” said Canada Post spokesman Jon Hamilton in a phone interview.

"The special mediator has helped facilitate those discussions. So we're going to continue to be at it. We're committed to getting collective agreements," he said, adding that arbitration is off the table for now.

Canada's inflation rate climbed back up to two per cent in October, shifting expectations slightly in favour of a smaller, quarter-percentage point interest rate cut next month. 

The report from Statistics Canada on Tuesday said prices in October increased at a faster annual pace in five out of the eight major components of the consumer price index.

A major driving factor of the uptick in headline inflation was gasoline prices on an annual basis falling to a lesser extent in October compared with September.

Due to weather conditions, all curling leagues at the Humboldt Curling Club has been cancelled for Tuesday November 19.

*Update*

Saskatchewan RCMP continue to receive reports of weather-related collisions and incidents throughout the province.

There have been multiple reports of jackknifed semis including the areas of east of Dafoe, Pense, Disley, east of Waldeck, and east of Regina near White City.

Traffic delays are expected for these areas and closures/re-routing may be in place. Travellers are reminded to monitor updates with the Highway Hotline for road updates. 

Barring interference from the recent snowfall, SaskPower has a pair of power outages coming up on Thursday November 21. 

One will take place from 2:00pm to 4:00pm affecting all customers in Cudworth & rural areas east of Cudworth.

The other will be conducted from 10:00am to 2:00pm affecting rural customers southwest of Guernsey.

The work is required for system improvements. SaskPower thanks customers for their cooperation. 

Due to the roads all Southland buses are not running today.

This is including the Humboldt Urban routes.

Please check the highway hotline before heading out on the highway. 

There is still more snowfall expected, and the snowfall warning continues. 

Health and Addictions Minister Ya'ara Saks is looking for pitches to help young Canadians who are struggling with their mental health.

The federal government plans to distribute $500 million for projects that help young people struggling to afford private mental health care services.

The funding comes from the five-year Youth Mental Health Fund announced in the spring federal budget to tackle the stress, anxiety and depression young people are facing amid a high cost of living and global uncertainty.

Farmers across Manitoba and the prairies can now access the results of the 2024 Canola Variety Evaluation Trials, a critical resource for making informed seed selection decisions. Spearheaded by the Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA), this program marks the first year of province-specific program following the discontinuation of the Prairie-wide Canola Performance Trials in 2022.

Are you ready to enter ‘winter mode’? 

Christine Niemczyk, director of corporate communications & public relations with CAA Saskatchewan, has some tips for Saskatchewan drivers to make sure their vehicles are ready for the change in season. 

“Check everything from – and we do with CAA recommend – winter tires, check the oil, the battery,” she said. 

Environment Canada’s snowfall warning for east central Saskatchewan was right on target with a significant overnight dumping of snow amounting to around 25 cm accumulation by Tuesday morning. 

As expected, the overnight snowfall has played havoc on regional highways, grids and in town and city streets. The snow was accompanied by north winds gusting in the 50 – 70 kilometre range resulting in drifts and reduced visibility. Ice patches may appear in clear areas due to wind and snow.