WestCentral

Randy Boissonnault is leaving his post as employment minister in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet after weeks of questions about the Edmonton MP's shifting claims of Indigenous identity and his business dealings.

Keith Wilson of Unity, a lifelong volunteer and advocate for recreation, has been named the recipient of the Volunteer Champion Award as part of the 2024 Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) Sask Recreation Awards. Wilson’s dedication to enhancing trails, green spaces, and community connections has left an enduring impact on his hometown.

The Importance of Volunteerism

BIGGAR, SK – After a spree of vehicle thefts that had residents of the Biggar area on edge, RCMP apprehended a suspect, providing a measure of relief to the community.

In early November, Sgt. Dereck Crozier of the Biggar RCMP described a thief whose antics were as notorious as a “well-known green frog,” referring to the suspect’s pattern of stealing vehicles and swapping them across the region.

The Van Raay & Community Swimming Pool in Outlook is on track to reopen for the 2025 summer season, according to an update shared during the Nov. 6 town council meeting.

The facility, which first opened in 2019, was forced to close this past summer following a significant pipe burst in January that caused flooding and structural damage. Town Administrator Kevin Trew provided details on the repair process and the progress made to date.

Treasury Board President Anita Anand is warning that if the House of Commons doesn't get back to regular business, some government departments might be in financial trouble.

On Monday, Anand tabled a supplementary estimates request for $21.6 billion to fund programs including housing, dental care and the national school food program.

One of the biggest-ticket items is $970.8 million for compensation adjustments for civil servants as a result of collective bargaining agreements.

This past week 40 occurrences were received by the Biggar Detachment.

In traffic, 10 drivers received guidance on traffic safety and one 50-year-old from Cando received a suspension for operating their 2018 black Dodge Ram under the influence of marihuana. A 17-year-old rolled their 2005 black Chev Cobalt going out east on the Airport Road and a red GMC Sierra was reported driving around town erratically after school.

As tax season approaches for most Saskatchewan residents, frustration is mounting for some due to changes introduced by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

One farmer in Unity received two separate Notices of Assessment, one for personal taxes and another related to a cooperative he is involved with. Both included a $100 penalty labelled “Failure to file electronically.” This has raised questions about the new rules and penalties for paper filers.

ROSETOWN, SK – Western Sales, one of Saskatchewan’s largest agricultural dealerships, is undertaking a major expansion with a new 97,000-square-foot facility in Rosetown. Scheduled to open in March 2025, the new building is poised to be among the largest agricultural dealerships in Western Canada. The project promises to expand services, create jobs, and bring significant economic benefits to the region.

The Saskatchewan Party has announced their cabinet for their upcoming term, with the southeast seeing some new representation.

Daryl Harrison, the MLA for the Cannington constituency, will be serving as the Minister of Agriculture.

Harrison says that he's honoured to serve, bringing with him first-hand experience in the industry.

Canada Post and the postal workers union found slivers of consensus Tuesday amid talks with a special mediator, but "a lot of ground" remains between them on the key concerns as a countrywide strike entered its fifth day.

“On smaller issues, we were able to find some progress,” said Canada Post spokesman Jon Hamilton in a phone interview.

"The special mediator has helped facilitate those discussions. So we're going to continue to be at it. We're committed to getting collective agreements," he said, adding that arbitration is off the table for now.