Estevan

Rural municipalities saw a wave of election activity this week, with several tight races shaping local leadership.

In the R.M. of Argyle No. 1, John Ryckman was elected reeve with 102 votes, while the councillors for Divisions 1, 3, and 5 were acclaimed previously.

In the R.M. of Enniskillen No. 3, a fiercely contested three-way race for Division 1 councillor saw Yvonne Douglas edge out Leslie Logue by just five votes, securing 27 votes to Logue's 22.

Ottawa has concluded negotiations for a trade deal with Indonesia and is proposing nuclear-energy collaboration with Southeast Asian leaders.

The moves are a show of faith for multilateralism as the re-election of Donald Trump in the United States is raising fears of further strain in global co-operation on trade and the environment.

Canada's elections chief wants a ban on the misrepresentation of candidates and other key players in the electoral process through manipulation of their voice or image without consent.

The proposed change to the Canada Elections Act is among several measures chief electoral officer Stéphane Perrault is putting forward to address the use of deepfakes and other artificially created content to fool voters.

In an interview, Perrault said he is "hoping to convince" MPs to expand an electoral reform bill, currently in a House of Commons committee, to include some new elements.

Canada Post workers have taken to the picket lines this week, demanding fair wages and improved benefits as the cost of living continues to rise. With inflation putting a strain on daily expenses, workers are calling for better compensation and enhanced healthcare coverage to support their physically demanding roles.

Teri Nobiss, a Shop Steward for the local chapter of the CUPW and 30-year veteran of Canada Post, spoke with us about the first day of picketing, the support from the community, and the ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

Canada's Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault apologized Friday, after shifting claims about his Indigenous identity came under scrutiny.

The Liberal member of Parliament said at an unrelated announcement in Edmonton that he's sorry he hadn't been clear, "with everything that I know now."

"I apologize that I wasn't as clear as I could have been about who I am and my family's history,” he said, adding that he's still learning about his family's heritage "in real time."

Workers at Canada Post went on strike Friday in a move that is expected to create delays and other disruptions to mail and parcel delivery — just as the Crown corporation prepares for what's typically its busiest period.

Weyburn RCMP is looking for assistance in locating a stolen truck in Halbrite. 

Officials are saying that a grey 2003 Ford F250 was stolen from a property. They added that it has a black slip tank in the back with the Saskatchewan license plate 211 NJE. 

If you have any information about the truck, police say to contact 310-RCMP for immediate response, or you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). 

Estevan voters narrowly rejected support for a new ice surface being built within the city. Despite the results, the Estevan Minor Hockey Association is hopeful that a new rink is still possible in the future. 

Envision Counselling and Support Centre Inc. is raising awareness about domestic violence throughout the region during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The organization aims to shed light on the issue and provide accessible resources for those in need.

The month serves as a reminder that violence affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Robert “Bob” Osadchuk

1936-2024

Robert Eugene Osadchuk lovingly known as “Bob”, passed away on November 10, 2024 at the age of 88 years. Born on October 17, 1936, Bob leaves behind a legacy of hard work, humor, and a heartfelt dedication to his family.

As per his wishes, a private family service will be held in his honor.