Weyburn

SaskCrops sent in their annual submission last week for Finance Canada’s federal pre-budget consultations. 

SaskCrops represents the vast majority of grain and oilseed producers in Saskatchewan through the participating growers' associations - SaskBarley, SaskCanola, SaskFlax, SaskOats, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, and Sask Wheat. 

The groups note that research funding remains a key advocacy priority for SaskCrops and want to see significant, predictable, and sustained investment in research from the government.

Today is the first day of school for students in Weyburn, which means more pedestrian and bicycle traffic before and after school, as well as school buses back on the streets.

The coming weeks will be very, very busy. Both the kids returning to school and drivers will have a lot on their mind, and may be distracted. Just drive slow, be alert, and also obey the parking signage," reminded Chief Brent VanDeSype with the Weyburn Police Service. "Parking too close to crosswalks and things like that can obstruct the view and create a very dangerous situation."

Western Crop Innovations continues to grow. 

The Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission has joined Western Crop Innovations (WCI) as a voting member.

Sask Barley has committed $50,000 in core funding as a transitional grant for the current fiscal year.

Western Crop Innovations (WCI) work focuses on developing feed and forage barley, malting barley, and triticale varieties specifically tailored for the Western Prairies.

The newly formed organization - formerly known as the Field Crop Development Centre - was founded earlier this year. 

A tourist visiting Canada is questioning the safety of Via Rail after he says his phone was snatched from him by an employee when he was documenting a train delay that left passengers stranded as they ran out of food, water and working toilets.

Chip Malt was in Quebec over the long weekend to celebrate his father's 70th birthday in the province's capital, and said he boarded a Via Rail train from Montreal to Quebec City on Saturday.

With school back in session beginning this Tuesday, students will be transitioning from summer routines back into academic schedules. This transition can be overwhelming according to Keith Keating, Director of Education for the Southeast Cornerstone Public School Division. He says uncertainty about new teachers and classrooms, as well as social relationships and the academic workload. 

Keating says schools are aware of this, and staff are equipped to foster positive mental health practices in their classrooms.  

When August rolled around, April Hicke realized the $100 she typically gives her 13-year-old son to update his wardrobe in time for school to start was no longer enough.

"Even on the sale racks, a pair of sweatpants at SportChek, they're still $25 a pair. You used to be able to go and buy a pair of sweatpants for $10," said the Calgary-based mother of two. "I am shocked at the (price) increase of kids' clothes."

Despite castigation from provincial premiers over lagging federal contributions to health spending, an analysis of 20 years of health funding data shows that federal transfers have mostly outpaced increases to provincial health budgets. 

In 2023, federal health transfers amounted to $47.1 billion, a 212 per cent increase over 2005, when the transfers were $15.1 billion. Total spending by all 10 provinces grew in that time to $221.9 billion up from $86.2 billion, an increase of 158 per cent.

The principal of Weyburn Comprehensive School, Renee Cuthbert, said the school's cell phone policy will change as the new academic year approaches.

"Students will not be able to use their phones in class. There are some exceptions, which would fall into some teacher use, where they've been authorized to do so for instructional purposes in Grades nine through 12."

Cuthbert explained that while this adjustment is significant, it builds on the existing policy. 

Special Olympics Weyburn has kicked off a raffle fundraiser today to support local athletes.

Two raffle draws will made on separate dates, with tickets for each draw selling for $5 each. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Ali at 306-861-3412

The first draw will be made on October 15th at Kal-Tire, for a $1,650 gift card for Kal-Tire products, donated by Kal-Tire. Tickets can also be purchased directly at Kal-Tire.

The Liberal government's decision to reel in the temporary foreign worker program after loosening the rules to help businesses find workers after the pandemic is sparking a contentious debate about whether governments should even try to address labour shortages.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that his government is bringing back stricter rules to stem the flow of low-wage temporary foreign workers, and he urged businesses to hire and train Canadian workers.