Jenny Hagan

The growing popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters is outpacing the rules meant to govern their safe use, a new report from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) warns.

The study, commissioned by CAA and conducted by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), was released on Tuesday. It examines how these micromobility devices are regulated in Canada.

While the report shows public shared-fleet programs are generally well-governed, there are notable gaps in safety laws, data collection, and public awareness when it comes to privately owned devices.

A growing number of rural municipalities in southwest Saskatchewan have declared states of emergency as relentless drought conditions continue to strain farms, ranches, and rural communities.

The RMs of Maple Creek, Fox Valley, and Enterprise have joined the RM of Big Stick in officially declaring emergencies due to extreme dryness, lack of feed, and increasing fire risk.

The unfolding drought has forced livestock producers to make difficult decisions, with many reducing herd sizes and stretching already tight resources. 

With summer in full swing, the Saskatchewan All Terrain Vehicle Association (SATVA) is reminding all ATV enthusiasts to ride smart and gear up, starting with a properly fitted helmet.

“Wearing a helmet is the single most effective way to prevent brain injury and save lives while riding,” said John Meed, General Manager of SATVA. “Too many accidents result in serious head trauma that could have been avoided with the right safety gear.”

Saskatchewan ended the 2024–25 fiscal year with a $249-million operating deficit, slightly better than forecasted, according to the provincial government’s latest public accounts report.

The figure marks an improvement from the initial $273-million deficit projected in the provincial budget, released last March. The province attributes the narrower gap to increased revenues, including a notable receivable tied to a resolution in tobacco litigation.

The Saskatchewan government is joining Alberta in a legal challenge against the federal Impact Assessment Act, arguing the legislation continues to overstep into provincial jurisdiction despite amendments passed last year.

Saskatchewan has formally filed to intervene in the case, which will be heard before the Alberta Court of Appeal. The move follows a 2023 Supreme Court of Canada decision that ruled the original form of the law was largely unconstitutional, describing it as a clear example of federal overreach.

A 32-year-old man from Outlook, Saskatchewan, has been sentenced to 3 years 10 months in a U.S. federal prison after pleading guilty to distributing graphic child sexual abuse material involving toddlers and young boys, U.S. prosecutors announced Monday.

A settlement advisor who supported a woman at the centre of a human trafficking case testified this week that the woman disclosed details about her employment and living situation, including a lack of access to food, water and communication, as well as alleged coercion and sexual violence.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding travellers to plan ahead and know the rules before crossing the border this summer.

With travel season ramping up, the CBSA says preparation can make a big difference for Canadians returning from vacations or day trips across the border.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) has concluded its 2025 June Division Meetings after covering more than 2,200 kilometres and visiting all six divisions across the province.

From June 16 to 19, SARM leadership and staff met with municipal representatives in North Battleford, Langham, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Kipling and Kelvington. The annual tour gave rural leaders a chance to raise concerns, share solutions and hear updates directly from SARM.

Saskatchewan RCMP are reminding the public that boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs can come with the same serious consequences as impaired driving on the road.

“Boat operators found to be impaired can face the same penalties as impaired drivers,” said Cpl. Jamie Diemert, coordinator of the RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team. “Whether you’re sailing on Last Mountain Lake, pontooning on Lake Diefenbaker, or paddling the Churchill River, we want all boat operators and passengers to stay safe and sober.”