Estevan

Liberals are having some "robust" conversations about the state of their party and its slump in popularity with voters but those talks cannot happen in public, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Monday.

"The reality is we have to have these conversations behind closed doors," Miller said at the federal cabinet retreat in Halifax.

The 8th Annual Dustin Pratt Memorial Tournament was held over the weekend with golfers coming to the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Club to take part.

With those golfers dressed as rednecks, the event raised money for community causes in Pratt's name.

Roxane Pratt, his mother and organizer of the event, says that it was a hit.

Canada is moving to match the United States with new tariffs on electric vehicles made in China in a bid to keep the cars from getting a significant foothold in the North American market.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined the plan at the federal cabinet retreat in Halifax on Monday, promising to increase import taxes on Chinese-made EVs to 106.1 per cent on Oct. 1, up from 6.1 per cent.

Tariffs on Chinese-made steel and aluminum products will go to 25 per cent on Oct. 15, with a final list of which products will be affected expected Oct. 1.

The Estevan Police Service (EPS) responded to nearly 70 incidents over the weekend, including reports of suspicious persons and vehicles, thefts, and traffic complaints.

On Friday, Aug. 23, officers responded to a complaint about an intoxicated woman in the Duncan Road area. A 20-year-old woman was transported to her residence and placed in the care of an adult. However, she left shortly afterward and was located by officers, who arrested her for being intoxicated in public. She was held in custody until sober.

The Estevan Motor Speedway has nearly capped off its season with the championship races being held over the weekend.

With only the Enduro races left this September, the raceway will be winding down operations with fall and winter coming shortly.

President Brad Pierson says that the championship had a great turnout.

Estevan Minor Football had a successful work bee over the weekend, completing numerous projects in preparation for the upcoming season. Volunteers tackled several tasks, including painting locker rooms, repairing showers and sinks, and cleaning the kitchen, announcer tower, and washrooms.

About 50 volunteers participated, said Pat Ford, president of Estevan Minor Football. “It was probably one of the best work bees I’ve been involved with over the years with minor football.”

The federal government has added 56 properties to a new public lands bank of locations that are suitable for long-term leases so developers can build housing, a move the Housing Minister says will help boost the supply of homes Canadians can afford. 

Sean Fraser made the announcement Sunday in Halifax just ahead of a three-day cabinet retreat intended to prepare for the upcoming fall sitting of Parliament.

"Making public lands available for home construction is going to reduce the cost of construction and in turn reduce the cost of living," Fraser said. 

Estevan Fire Rescue (EFR) responded to a few emergencies over the past week, in addition to several fire alarms.

On Aug. 19 at 8:15 a.m., EFR responded to an elevator rescue in the northwest area of Estevan. One occupant was assisted without incident.

As summer nears its end, the August Perfect Pet Contest has brought out some truly adorable entries! This month’s contestants are as diverse as they are delightful, with a variety of cats & dogs showing off their unique personalities.

Stanley & Nelly Denys

Work is underway to get Canada's rail system back up and operational.

The Canada Industrial Relations Board released its decision late Saturday, reinforcing the Labour Minister's order for binding arbitration and the extension of collective agreements until a new deal is signed. 

A statement on the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference website says they will comply with the decision, but will also appeal the ruling to federal court.

CN started gearing up late last week, while CPKC workers were back on the job early this morning.