Terrence Vass

May 19–25 marked Myopia Awareness Week, a global initiative to shine a spotlight on one of the most pressing vision health issues today. The campaign aims to raise awareness about myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, its causes, impacts, and the importance of early detection and management.

The Saskatchewan government is launching a new bursary to support young business owners across the province. Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding announced the Young Entrepreneur Bursary on Tuesday alongside Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Prabha Ramaswamy.

The bursary will provide up to 57 entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 with $5,000 each to support business development. Applicants must have been in operation for 10 years or less. The province is committing $285,000 annually for three years, plus administrative costs, to fund the program.

The Saskatchewan government is spending $9.2 million to begin repairs and renovations on nearly 300 provincially owned social housing units in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert.

The funding is part of the 2025-26 provincial budget and will support multi-year projects aimed at making more units available for rent.

"Making rent-ready social housing units available across the province is a top priority," Social Services Minister Terry Jenson said. "This year's investment will increase the number of rentable units, reduce vacancies and meet the needs of larger families."

Five more Saskatchewan high schools will receive mental health programming this fall as part of the province’s expanded Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) initiative.

Education Minister Everett Hindley and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr announced the expansion Tuesday, naming Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon, Rossignol High School in Île-à-la-Crosse, Martensville High School, Holy Rosary High School in Lloydminster and Swift Current Composite High School as the new additions.

Saskatchewan led the country in job growth last month and posted the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, according to new labour force figures released Friday by Statistics Canada.

The province added 21,100 jobs year-over-year in April, an increase of 3.6 per cent—the highest percentage increase among provinces. Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate sat at 4.3 per cent, well below the national average of 6.9 per cent.

Saskatchewan's provincial parks are officially opening for the 2025 camping season on Friday, May 16, with new accommodations, events, and activities planned across the province.

"We are excited to welcome visitors for another incredible season in our beautiful provincial parks," said Alana Ross, minister of Parks, Culture and Sport. "Whether you want adventure, relaxation or time with family and friends, our parks create lasting memories while highlighting the beauty of Saskatchewan's natural environment."

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May 11 to 17 as Women Entrepreneurs Week, recognizing the growing contributions of women-led businesses to the province’s economy.

“Women are making significant contributions in every sector of our economy,” said Alana Ross, minister responsible for the Status of Women. “Each May, our government is proud to partner with Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) to celebrate the innovation, resilience and success of women-led businesses that are helping to build a strong Saskatchewan.”

A new online therapy course is now available in Saskatchewan to support the mental health of new and expecting parents.

Launched through the University of Regina’s Online Therapy Unit, the Wellbeing Course for New and Expecting Parents is designed to help people experiencing depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges during and after pregnancy. The province is providing $380,000 to support the initiative.

The Saskatchewan government has introduced legislation to create a new Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Tax Credit.

Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said the initiative will help strengthen the provincial economy by encouraging local investment.

Impaired driving remains a significant concern in Saskatchewan, where an average of 32 people lose their lives each year due to collisions involving impaired drivers. To help prevent these tragedies, SGI is encouraging parents and guardians to speak with their children about the dangers of driving under the influence.