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A longtime trucker in West Central Saskatchewan is raising concerns about deteriorating highway conditions, saying poor roads are putting the safety of youth, seniors and professional drivers at risk, and leaving operators with hefty repair bills.

Wayne Whitney, a 78-year-old trucker based in the region, says he’s watched the highways break down for decades with what he describes as “very little action” from the province.

Saskatchewan RCMP is reminding boaters and water sport enthusiasts that life jackets save lives — and wearing one should never be optional.

As summer temperatures rise and people flock to lakes across the province, RCMP say water safety remains a top concern, especially as cold water can still pose serious risks.

The premiers of Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario have signed a wide-ranging agreement to bolster Canada’s energy and critical minerals sector by pushing forward pipeline, rail and export infrastructure.

The memorandum of understanding, signed Tuesday by Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, aims to open new domestic and international markets for oil, gas and minerals while strengthening interprovincial trade and supply chains.

It’s been a busy construction season in southeast Saskatchewan, with plenty of work happening along Highway 18 near Estevan. Crews have been focused on road upgrades in the area, including culvert replacements and resurfacing. While construction continues near the Energy City, drivers may also encounter projects on Highway 39 near Weyburn and Highway 35 north of the city. Saskatchewan’s Minister of Highways, David Marit, is reminding motorists to slow down, stay alert, and obey all signage in construction zones.

A new report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says the federal public service could shed almost 60,000 jobs over the next four years as Ottawa looks to cut costs.

Earlier this month, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne sent letters to multiple ministers asking them to identify cuts to program spending at their departments of 15 per cent by 2028-29.

The report, written by Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives senior economist David Macdonald, says the federal public service could lose up to 57,000 employees by 2028.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Canada's new Arctic ambassador will play a key role in preserving sovereignty in the region as the military closely watches the movements of a Chinese icebreaker.

Iqaluit resident Virginia Mearns will be Canada's senior Arctic official on the world stage, following a career with local Inuit governments.

"Canada's Arctic ambassador is going to advance Canada's polar interests in multilateral forums," Anand told The Canadian Press in an interview from Inuvik, N.W.T.

The U.S. has imposed general tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles and copper tariffs will begin in early August

In order to provide some relief from the threat of 35 per cent tariffs, Bangladesh has decided to sign a memorandum of understanding on wheat trade with the U.S. The country has agreed to purchase 700,000 tonnes of U.S. wheat annually for the next five years. Photo: file

Tariffs, trade top of mind at recent Agriculture in Motion show

While there’s more to be done, Saskatchewan premier Scott Moe says he’s hopeful trade relations with China can be mended.

“I’ll give credit to prime minister Carney for the engagement that he has undertaken,” Moe said in an interview at the recent Ag in Motion farm show near Saskatoon.

The invasive weed is now being spotted further north than ever before

Farmers in Alberta have a growing problem on their hands, as a notorious weed has started making its way north through the province.

The rapid and relentless spread of kochia, the highly adaptable and increasingly resistant weed, is moving north and taking root in places scientists thought it never would.

Critics respond to report suggesting price correction, saying farmland remains a solid investment

The largest owner of cropland in Canada isn’t buying the idea that farmland values are overdue for a correction.

He says that’s because technical analysis — where market watchers use trends, patterns and mathematical models to predict future price movements — doesn’t apply to agricultural land.