Rookie camp a learning experience

Jason Kerr
-
0
Rookie camp a learning experience

It may have just been a preseason scrimmage, but Kaiden Guhle couldn’t help but feel excited.

The 15-year-old from Sherwood Park, Alta. hit the ice at the Art Hauser Centre for the first time since being taken first overall in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft.

The experience was a special one for Guhle, who can’t help feeling excited about what the future brings.

“It just got me excited about the years to come,” he said. “I’m excited to be with this organization. Just being out there for the first bit of training camp and being on the ice was really special.”

Guhle and Team Yellow skated to a 3-1 victory over Team Green at Wednesday’s scrimmage, but the young defenceman has his sights set on victories further down the road.

As a 15-year-old he won’t be making this year’s roster, but the learning experience is invaluable for when he does.

“Just take it all,” he said when asked about his goals for this year’s camp. “Learn as much information as I can from the coaches and other players. Just have a lot of fun and learn.”

For his first camp, Guhle even got a bit of advice from his older brother Brendan, who spent parts of three seasons with the Raiders before being dealt to the Prince George Cougars last November.

The message was similar to the one Kaiden’s been hearing all we.

“He just said have lots of fun, just be myself, don’t be the type of player I’m not.”

Kaiden Guhle spent the 2016-17 season with Okanagan Hockey Academy’s Edmonton Bantam Prep squad, where he tallied 17 goals and 40 points in 30 games.

Raider training camp continues today with five scrimmages at the Art Hauser Centre. The final rookie scrimmage gets underway at 9 a.m. before the veterans take the ice for their scrimmage at 10:30 a.m. The Green vs. White game takes place at 4:15 p.m., followed by the White vs. Black game at 5:30 p.m. and the Green vs. Black game at 6:45 p.m.

The annual Green and White Game will take place at 7 p.m. on Sept. 2.

@kerr_jas • jason.kerr@paherald.sk.ca

Tough going to get tougher

Jason Kerr
-
0
Tough going to get tougher

In 2013-14, an 86-point season would have been enough to claim top spot in the WHL’s East Division.

In 2016-17, an 86-point season would have been enough for the fourth and final playoff spot.

There’s no doubt the competition has heated up in the East Division, and Prince Albert Raider coach Marc Habscheid expects it to only get hotter.

“This year’s division is probably going to be the toughest in the league,” he said during a break at training camp on Friday. “You look at Regina, they’re hosting the Memorial Cup, and on paper, Moose Jaw’s probably ahead of Regina right now. Swift Current’s returning most of their team. Brandon has two World Junior caliber defenceman and some other really good players, and Saskatoon’s going to be much improved … so it’s a really tough division.”

Last year’s Prince Albert Raider club had a difficult time against their interdivisional rivals, finishing last with a 49-point season. While it may be tempting to speed up the club’s rebuilding efforts and be more competitive, Habscheid is preaching patience.

“We’ve just got to stay with the program, be patient (and) keep developing,” he said. “Obviously we want to win too, but at the same time, we’ve got to be conscious of where we are in our cycle.”

For the rest of this story, please see the Sept. 2 online or print edition of the Daily Herald.

City weighs in on Phoenix pay system

Jason Kerr
-
0
City weighs in on Phoenix pay system

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne wants the City of Prince Albert to start putting pressure on the federal government to resolve the Phoenix pay system backlog.

On Monday, Dionne made a notice of motion asking for city council’s support to contact the federal government regarding the “negative economic impact” the pay system has on local residents and businesses.

Since the pay system was implemented in February 2016, federal workers have reported a number of serious errors in their paycheques. Those mistakes range from too much pay to not being paid at all.

The issue came to a head almost one year ago in Prince Albert, when members from the Union of Solicitor General Employees and Public Service Alliance of Canada launched a protest in front of the Saskatchewan Penitentiary.

With lingering issues still unsolved, Dionne said it’s time for the city to step in and offer their support to affected workers.

“We usually don’t interfere with other governments’ business, but this is affecting the economic benefits of our community,” he explained.

On Aug. 24, the CBC reported that 156,035 federal government employees have been waiting more than 30 days for a pay complaint to be resolved. That’s almost half of all public employees paid via the Phoenix pay system.

Dionne said the delay isn’t just hurting workers, it’s causing problems for the businesses they support too. He’s spoken to several business owners in the city who say they have a backlog of customers who want to purchase items like vehicles, but can’t because they haven’t been paid.

He’s concerned the issue isn’t being dealt with correctly, and wants someone to hold the government’s feet to the fire.

“If any private company did this, the labour boards, both federally and provincially, would be all over them, so why don’t we play by the same rules?”

As mayor, Dionne does not need council support to contact the federal government on behalf of the city. He simply wants to make sure council is on board in case the city receives any backlash.

The issue will come up for approval at the next regular council meeting in September.

The conservative government previously introduced the Phoenix pay system as a way to standardize and streamline payroll transactions for federal employees. The cost of the project has ballooned since then. In May 2017, the federal government announced a two-year $142-million hire plan to deal with the backlog.

Councillor calls for drug abuse focus group

Jason Kerr
-
0
Councillor calls for drug abuse focus group

A Prince Albert city councillor wants to see a municipal focus group set up to find solutions to problems rising from drug use.

On Monday, Ward 6 Coun. Blake Edwards asked for a report on creating such a group, which would “discuss how drugs are impacting the City of Prince Albert, and find solutions to reduce the problems that arise from these drugs.”

Edwards said he’s already talked to a number of citizens and community groups about the project. They told him such a group would be a welcome addition.

“I’m hoping with this group that we can bring in a number of parties, coordinated by city council, in order to ensure possible policy changes,” he told council.

If implemented, Edwards wants the focus group to include representatives from the Prince Albert Police Service, the Prince Albert Grand Council, and Prince Albert Community Mobilization’s Hub and COR project, and local youth.

He said the focus group could lobby other levels of government for much needed changes, like an increase in the number of treatment and rehabilitation options.

“Substance abuse is a problem,” he said. “I’m hoping that this focus group … can help deal with some of these problems.”

In addition to the lack of treatment centres, Edwards is also concerned with crystal meth use in the city. He said crystal meth users are responsible for large amounts of property crime in the city

No final date was set for when the report will be submitted to council.

According to Statistics Canada, Prince Albert police reported 46 cases of possession of crystal meth last year. That’s nearly twice as many as in 2015. Marijuana and cocaine possession cases were also up by 23 per cent and 55 per cent respectively. Prince Albert was one of the few municipalities in Canada that saw a year-over-year increase in reported drug crimes.

Studies have also shown that youth in Prince Albert tend to be trying drugs and alcohol at an earlier age than their national counterparts. In 2016, the Journal of Community Safety and Well-being released a report noting that roughly 30 per cent of Prince Albert youth started using alcohol at ages 12 or younger. That’s double the national rate of 15.5 per cent. The study showed similar trends for marijuana and illicit substances.

The report suggested expanding and generating added funding for current youth outreach programs, and putting together a collaborative at-risk youth action plan.

And then there were four

Jason Kerr
-
0
And then there were four

The race to become the next premier of Saskatchewan is starting to get crowded.

On Friday, Saskatoon Northwest MLA Gord Wyant officially declared his intention to seek the Saskatchewan Party leadership. He becomes the fourth candidate to enter the race, after Tine Beaudry-Mellor, Jeremy Harrison and Ken Cheveldayoff.

Wyant was first elected to the legislature in 2010 and held several cabinet portfolios, including Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Corrections and Policing and the Ministry responsible for SaskPower.

In a statement released to the media, Wyant vowed to stand up for Saskatchewan against federal regulations like the carbon tax.

“I want everyone who lives or farms in small town Saskatchewan to know I will have your back. I will work hard to earn your support and ultimately your trust. My priority has (been)—and always will be—defending Saskatchewan’s interests.”

Wyant has already drawn endorsements from other high-profile Saskatchewan Party members. Founding Sask. Party member June Draude introduced him prior to his leadership announcement, calling him a conscientious public servant who is in the best position to lead the party.

Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart also offered his endorsement of the Saskatoon MLA.

“There are plenty of talented people in our caucus, but I think Gord stands out because of his willingness to listen and his ability to tackle the issues head on,” Stewart said.

The Saskatchewan Party leadership convention will be held on Jan. 27, 2018.

Leadership election date announced

Jason Kerr
-
0
Leadership election date announced

Saskatchewan Party leadership candidates now have the campaign rules, and a firm election date after an announcement from the party’s provincial council on Saturday.

According to a media release, the new leader will be elected on Jan. 27, 2018 at a leadership convention in Saskatoon. The convention will use a one-member, one-vote voting system.

Leadership campaign rules were also released. Those rules include a nomination deadline of Nov. 24 for all candidates, and a campaign expense limit of $250,000.

Candidates will be required to pay a filing fee of $25,000 and also must disclose the names of all donors who make contributions of $250 or more.

The membership sales deadline for residents looking to vote at the leadership convention is Dec. 8, 2017. According to the Saskatchewan Party leadership release, the cut-off date was selected to accommodate voters who want mail-in ballots.

All leadership rules are available online at www.saskparty.com/leadershiprules.

Harrison announces leadership bid

Jason Kerr
-
0
Harrison announces leadership bid

The second contender in the Saskatchewan Party leadership race has entered the ring.

On Saturday, Meadow Lake MLA Jeremy Harrison announced his intention to seek the party’s top job. Harrison was first elected to the legislature in 2007, where he served as the Minister of the Economy, Minister Responsible for Tourism, Innovation, Trade, and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, among other portfolios.

Before becoming an MLA he served as an MP from 2004 to 2006.

“Premier Brad Wall has been the steadfast and charismatic captain of our team for the past decade, providing incredible leadership to help grow our economy,” Harrison said in a press release. “We have to keep going. We need a strong Saskatchewan. We need a growing Saskatchewan. That is why today, here at home, I’m proud to announce my candidacy for the leadership of (the Saskatchewan Party) and for the Premiership of Saskatchewan.”

During his announcement Harrison came out swinging at the federal carbon tax, which he vowed to fight with every tool at his disposal.

“A massive new federal carbon tax will have a devastating impact on our economy,” he said. “Make no mistake, this is a revenue measure, a way to get money out of your pocket and into the hands of federal politicians and bureaucrats. It will do little to nothing to reduce emissions.”

Harrison grew up in the Meadow Lake area before attending the University of Saskatchewan.

Harrison joins Regina MLA Tina Beaudry-Mellor as the only two candidates in the leadership race.

NDP calls for investigation

Jason Kerr
-
0
NDP calls for investigation

The provincial NDP is asking for multiple investigations into a trip recently retired Kindersley MLA Bill Boyd took to China.

On Friday, NDP interim leader Nicole Sarauer called on the RCMP, the Canada Border Service Agency and Conflict of Interest Commissioner Ronald Barclay to begin looking into the trip, which occurred in March 2017.

Sarauer said those independent groups could provide some transparency the issue currently lacks.

“The media reports that have come out so far still leave a lot of questions as to what exactly happened,” she said. “The Sask. Party needs to be completely transparent about what their involvement was, and what his involvement was.”

On Wednesday, a CBC investigative team published a story documenting a trip to Beijing, where he spoke at a seminar on behalf of Saskatchewan-based Modern Hi-Efficiency Agriculture Corporation. Boyd is the chair of the organization, which provides venture partnerships to Chinese residents looking to immigrate to Saskatchewan.

The same day, Boyd released a statement saying he made it clear he was acting as a private businessman, and that references to him as a minister were custom in China. He also invited the province’s Conflict of Interest Commissioner to review the incident.

Sarauer said she wasn’t aware of all the details, but maintained the people of Saskatchewan deserve to know if there was a conflict of interest.

She also said that Boyd’s request was insufficient, since he would not be required to release the results to the public, and added that consulting the commissioner is something that should have happened before the trip, not after.

“It shouldn’t have been prompted by a media story. It’s something that all Saskatchewan people should expect of their MLAs, that if an MLA isn’t sure about something that they’re about to do that they should first ask the conflict of interest commissioner about it.”

The NDP wants the RCMP involved because their range of powers is much broader than the Conflict of Interest Commissioners.

“A lot of questions are being asked, but no answers are being provided, so we want to see the RCMP and the CBSA investigate that. In the absence of that, we’ll look at our other options,” Sarauer said.

No vote to fill vacancy

Jason Kerr
-
0
No vote to fill vacancy

The Saskatchewan Rivers Public School Division has announced there will be no by-election to fill the board’s vacant urban trustee position.

On Friday, the school division announced that the Minister of Education had given them permission to operate as a nine-person board for the next three years. The board will continue with five rural and four urban trustees.

Board chair Barry Hollick said school board funding is tight right now and holding a by-election would be a financial burden they simply can’t manage.

“Our budgets were really reduced quite significantly and the byelection will cost us, I think, around $45,000,” Hollick explained. “We just don’t have those dollars in the budget this year.”

The fifth urban seat was originally held by long-time trustee George McHenry, who passed away in June. Hollick said there will be challenges in operating a smaller board, but he’s confident the current crop of trustees can meet them.

“It’s going to be an extra workload for trustees, but it’s something that is certainly going to be manageable,” he said. “We’re certainly going to miss George, who was an outstanding trustee with years of experience, but we’ve got a dedicated group and we will certainly do our best to pick up the slack.”

For the rest of this story, please see the Aug. 19 online or print edition of the Daily Herald.

No updates as RCMP conduct search for missing teen

Jason Kerr
-
0
No updates as RCMP conduct search for missing teen

RCMP say they have no updates as they continue to search for a teenage girl who disappeared more than one year ago.

Mekayla Bali was 16-years-old when she was last seen at a bus depot in Yorkton on April 12, 2016 at 1:45 p.m.

On Tuesday, RCMP began searching a treed area near Yorkton’s Sacred Heart High School. According to an RCMP media release, the location is near the area Bali was last seen before she disappeared.

The RCMP expect the search to be completed by the end of Wednesday, and ask residents to respect the boundaries of the search area.

Bali, who also goes by the name Mekayla Niebergall, is described as Caucasian, with blond hair and blue eyes. The RCMP say she is known to change her hair colour and hair style. She sometimes wears dark rimmed glasses and a teal or mint-coloured infinity scarf. At the time of her disappearance, she was listed as five-foot two-inches and 114 pounds.

Anyone with information about Bali’s disappearance is asked to call their local RCMP detachment, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

1...196197198...216Page 197 of 216