Carol Thomson, Saskatoon Media Group

Ahead of the federal election, the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association is calling for funding and resources for RCMP and emergency services, considering the decades of underfunding for social housing and a slow reaction to the burgeoning health crisis.

With economic uncertainty a worry for many Canadians, the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index from an Ipsos poll indicates 63 per cent of Saskatchewan and Manitoba residents have cut their spending and two-thirds are postponing major purchases. In line with those concerns, the Bank of Canada’s benchmark interest rate is holding steady 2.75 per cent, as was announced this morning (Wed), The central bank usually raises the rate to stem inflation and lower it to stimulate growth.

Ahead of the federal election, the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association is calling for funding and resources for RCMP and emergency services, considering the decades of underfunding for social housing and a slow reaction to the burgeoning health crisis.

Saskatchewan’s Premier recently got back from trips to Washington D.C. and to Mexico where he was advocating for no tariffs in the U.S. and continued trade with Mexico and looking ahead to the re-negotiation of the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Trade Agreement. Scott Moe says although the Saskatchewan team didn’t speak directly with U.S. President Donald Trump, they were heard by people who have his ear and have been working with him a long time. He feels the discussions were effective, but he realizes one trip is not enough when advocating for tariffs that could come into effect next Month.

According to the latest BHP report which covers the second half of last year, its Jansen Stage 1 potash mine in Saskatchewan is 63 per cent complete, and it’s ahead of schedule with production expected late next year. The Stage 2 mine is six per cent complete with mining expected to begin in 2029. The capital estimate for Stage 1 is over $5.7 billion U.S. and it’s $4.8 billion for Stage 2.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has purchased a dog that doesn’t shed and doesn’t need to go outside to do its business, although the dog can fetch and roll over.

It’s a state-of-the-art robotic dog purchased from Ghost Robotics of Philadelphia at a cost of about $200,000 for the basic package.

The attachments are extra.

Dr. Terry Peckham, director and research chair for Sask Poly’s Digital Integration Centre of Excellence expects the robot dog will be an enticement for students, and it will help students learn the digital programming needed in this growing industry.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic has purchased a dog that doesn’t shed and doesn’t need to go outside to do its business, although the dog can fetch and roll over.
It’s a state-of-the-art robotic dog purchased from Ghost Robotics of Philadelphia at a cost of about $200,000 for the basic package.
The attachments are extra.
Dr. Terry Peckham, director and research chair for Sask Poly’s Digital Integration Centre of Excellence expects the robot dog will be an enticement for students, and it will help students learn the digital programming needed in this growing industry.

A day after other leaders voiced their thoughts on the Prime Minister’s announcement that he is stepping down, Saskatchewan’s Premier says in a written statement that he reiterates his call for an immediate election so Canadians may choose who will represent them. Scott Moe suggests suspending parliament while the Liberals choose a new leader doesn’t give Canadians “the choice they desire or deserve”.

Trans Canada Trail continues to grow with 29,000 kilometres across the country right now, managed by more than 600 locally managed trail sections.

Chief Program Officer for the national charity, Stacey Dakin says not all of the trail connects at this point, but most of it does, and the goal is to have it all connect one day from north to south and east to west.

Trans Canada Trail continues to grow with 29,000 kilometres across the country right now, managed by more than 600 locally managed trail sections.

Chief Program Officer for the national charity, Stacey Dakin says not all of the trail connects at this point, but most of it does, and the goal is to have it all connect one day from north to south and east to west.