Steven Wilson

Gas prices are on the rise throughout the province.  

Patrick DeHaan is a petroleum analyst with Gasbuddy.com. He said several factors go into the increase as the summer draws closer and closer.  

“We’ve started the transition over to cleaner, more expensive summer gasoline,” DeHann explained. “Demand for gasoline is going up here as temperatures eventually warm us, and spring break travel happens.” 

The latest Statistics Canada population estimates were released Wednesday morning, and they show Saskatchewan continues to see growth in the population, albeit slowing down slightly compared to the previous quarter.  

The population is currently at 1,225,493 according to Statistics Canada, which is 2.56 percent higher than the 1st quarter of 2023. In the final quarter of 2023, the population growth was 2.64 percent.  

The provincial budget, delivered last week, included a record amount for health care, with a budget of $7.59 billion. This was a 10 percent increase from the previous year.  

One of the key concerns voiced by many in recent months has been surrounding staffing for rural communities. This was brought up during the recent SARM convention in Regina and was mentioned numerous times in the Legislature in the days leading up to the budget.  

Gas prices are on the rise, not only here in Estevan, but throughout the province.  

Patrick DeHaan is a petroleum analyst with Gasbuddy.com. He said several factors go into the increase as the summer draws closer and closer.  

“We’ve started the transition over to cleaner, more expensive summer gasoline,” DeHann explained. “Demand for gasoline is going up here as temperatures eventually warm us, and spring break travel happens.” 

The provincial budget, delivered last week, included a record amount for health care, with a budget of $7.59 billion. This was a 10 percent increase from the previous year.  

One of the key concerns voiced by many in recent months has been surrounding staffing for rural communities. This was brought up during the recent SARM convention in Regina and was mentioned numerous times in the Legislature in the days leading up to the budget.  

Just over 1/5 of the provincial budget announced Wednesday afternoon has money included for education. With $3.3 billion in total set aside, it is the most money ever earmarked for education and includes $2.2 billion for operating funding for the province’s 27 school divisions.  

When RCMP officers in Saskatchewan conduct a traffic stop, they will soon be asking for more than just your license and registration. Starting on April 1st, the RCMP will also be conducting mandatory alcohol screening on all traffic stops they conduct within their jurisdiction.  

The provincial budget, tabled yesterday, comes up short of helping the people of Saskatchewan, according to the leader of the Official Opposition, Carla Beck. The leader of the NDP noted the provincial government hasn’t been listening to the people of the province, and providing what they need.  

The provincial government has given a few hints about what will be included in the budget that is set to be delivered this afternoon, and one more was hinted at during Question Period in the Legislature yesterday. 

Earlier this month, Premier Scott Moe announced the budget would include the largest ever amount for operating budgets for school divisions across the province. The amount, $2.2 billion, would be buoyed by a $180 million increase from the 2023-24 budget, and would also have $356 million earmarked for classroom supports. 

The provincial government has given a few hints about what will be included in the budget that is set to be delivered this afternoon, and one more was hinted at during Question Period in the Legislature yesterday. 

Earlier this month, Premier Scott Moe announced the budget would include the largest ever amount for operating budgets for school divisions across the province. The amount, $2.2 billion, would be buoyed by a $180 million increase from the 2023-24 budget, and would also have $356 million earmarked for classroom supports.