WestCentral

Wildfires are currently raging in several provinces across Canada. 

The BC Wildfire Service reports that crews are battling more than 70 wildfires in British Columbia, with one particularly intense wildfire near the community of Lytton, having led to a local state of emergency and several evacuation orders.

In Yukon, the territorial government has lifted an evacuation alert for the area surrounding Ethel Lake, located approximately a four-hour drive north of Whitehorse. 

Despite this change, the wildfire that prompted the alert on June 24 remains out of control.

Canadians took to parks and civic squares across the country Tuesday to show unity on Canada Day amid American threats, economic uncertainty and Western alienation.

"We've decided not to pull apart and fight, but to come together and to build. Because that's the Canadian way," Prime Minister Mark Carney said to thousands of Canadians gathered in Ottawa.

This year's festivities at Ottawa's LeBreton Flats Park got the royal treatment, with Prince Edward praising Canada's unity and accomplishments.

June brought a mix of rural resilience, roadside disruptions, and progress on public safety and environmental fronts across West Central Saskatchewan. From farmers being encouraged to harvest hay from highway ditches to the arrest of one of the province’s most wanted fugitives, the month’s top headlines highlight the region’s ongoing efforts to support agriculture, improve safety, and manage its natural resources. Here’s a look back at some of the most notable stories making news in June.

Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers dealing with drought conditions will receive added support this season as both levels of government move to ease the pressure on producers facing feed shortages.

West-central Saskatchewan is set to ring in Canada Day under a blazing sun, as Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a string of hot and dry days to kick off July.

Temperatures are expected to surpass 30 C across much of the region starting Tuesday, with daytime highs reaching 35 C or higher by Wednesday in communities including Kindersley, Rosetown and Leader. Forecasters say a ridge of high pressure settling over the Prairies will deliver several days of intense heat before slightly cooler air arrives later in the week.

A federal by-election is now officially underway in the Alberta riding of Battle River–Crowfoot, with voters heading to the polls on August 18 to fill a vacancy in the House of Commons.

Elections Canada confirmed Monday that its office in the riding is now open and preparations are underway for electors to cast their ballots. The vacancy comes as Conservative MP Damien Kurek steps aside, paving the way for Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre to seek re-entry into Parliament following his defeat in the last federal election.

Parliamentarians likely will get a chance later this year to debate whether to adopt a livestock brand as an official national symbol.

A bill to create the brand was introduced earlier in June by Saskatchewan Conservative MP Steven Bonk.

If the bill passes, the brand will become Canada's 10th national symbol — joining O Canada, the coat of arms and the maple tree.

Here are five things you may not know about the official symbols that say "Canada."

1. The beaver does not stand alone

Samantha Sannella shed happy tears as she stood to sing the national anthem at her citizenship ceremony in early June, nearly three decades after she moved to Canada. 

She had sung "O Canada" countless times before, but this was the first time she’d done so as a Canadian. 

Originally from Houston, Texas, Sannella moved to Toronto 28 years ago for a job. For the longest time, she still considered herself a U.S. citizen, with a part of her thinking she might move back one day.

But that changed last fall.

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.

Residents across west central Saskatchewan are preparing for a packed Canada Day, with several communities hosting events that range from pancake breakfasts and live music to swimming, games and fireworks.

Kindersley

Canada Day celebrations in Kindersley will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kindersley Museum, co-hosted by the Town of Kindersley, the Kindersley Museum and Better Together Kindersley.