WestCentral

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Friday that Canada strongly condemns a new surge of "horrifying violence" perpetrated by gangs in Haiti.

Gang violence has increased in the Caribbean nation in recent weeks and the UN says gangs now control 85 per cent of the capital city of Port-au-Prince.

Kenya is leading a multinational security mission to restore order after gangs drove out the former prime minister with targeted attacks earlier this year.

A transition council is now leading the nation, with the goal of holding elections next year.

Here's a look at some of this week's top news photos as selected by editors.

A man uses an umbrella to shield himself from the rain while walking on the Stanley Park seawall across the water from downtown Vancouver, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Dakota Buttar, one of Saskatchewan’s top bull riders, showcased his skills at the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Medicine Hat Classic over the weekend, finishing third overall. Representing Eatonia, Buttar’s focus and determination were key to his success.

“Even with the loud noise and music and everything going on, all I can really hear is myself and the bull,” Buttar said, emphasizing the intense concentration required in the sport. “Everybody takes things differently, but I’m a pretty focused person.”

The longtime MLA for Rosetown-Delisle touts his experience in cabinet as he seeks reelection on Monday.

Jim Reiter has been an MLA since 2007 and in cabinet since 2009.

"I've been fortunate," Reiter said. "I've been part of this government since 2007. I've been in cabinet since 2009, so you know I've had the opportunity to say my piece in most decisions that the government has made.

With the winter approaching rapidly CN Rail is looking at a lot of movement coming as winter approaches the prairies.

With plenty of grain left in prairie bins following the harvest, CN Rail will be moving quite a bit of that to buyers over the coming months.

Assistant Vice President of Grain at CN Rail David Przednoweck says that they've been seeing a lot of movement over the previous two weeks.

At Kyle Composite School, the golf scene is buzzing with talent, led by champion golfer Chloe Wills and her dedicated coach, KCS teacher Keisha Padayachee. Together, they form one of the most dynamic partnerships in West Central Saskatchewan sports.

On October 16, 2024, the North Battleford RCMP Crime Reduction Team-Gang Task Force (CRT-GTF) executed a search warrant at a residence on 34th Street West in Battleford, Saskatchewan, after receiving reports of suspected methamphetamine trafficking.

During the search, officers seized 234 grams of methamphetamine, a replica firearm, and drug trafficking paraphernalia. An adult woman was arrested at the scene.

The Rosetown/Kyle RCMP detachment has released a summary of calls received from October 18 to October 24, detailing a series of incidents across the region.

October 18
At 8:09 a.m., Kyle RCMP received a report of an abandoned vehicle near Kyle. Officers located the vehicle, spoke to the driver, and learned they were awaiting a tow.

Meet Brulee: The sweet-and-spunky kitty with a creamy heart

Kindersley native Gracie Georgete laced up her first skates at age three and started playing hockey at five, a love for the sport that has only grown over the years. Now, she’s making waves in the Saskatchewan Women’s Junior Hockey League (SJWHL) with the Western Prairie Junior Klippers, a team she joined in its inaugural season last year.

Georgete shared her thoughts on the team’s early progress and her excitement about the season. “We’ve had a strong start so far,” Gracie said. “It’s been great to see, and I think we’ll only get better as we keep going.”