Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

This election is the second time Estelle Hjertaas has tried to unseat the Conservatives in the riding of Prince Albert.

And, as the daughter of scientists, Hjertaas has one large priority if she finds herself in the House of Commons after September 20 – climate change.

“Climate is a very important issue for me,” she said. “A lot of people seem to be recognizing that climate change is happening.”

She thinks the extreme weather and forest fires in Canada this year may have given voters an extra reason to check Liberal on the ballot.

Hjertaas is employed as a legal aid lawyer, which gives her a unique perspective, she said.

“What I do every day is stand up for people. I have a lot of experience dealing with sensitive situations,” she added.

Along with her regular work load, Hjertaas volunteers in multiple areas, ranging from child hood literacy projects to the library board, the YWCA board and advocating for the French Canadian Society of Prince Albert. She also gives time doing pro bono law.

Caring about others is why she is interested in politics.

“I believe that politics is ultimately about helping people,” she said. “People have a duty to give back as much as they can.”

Representing marginalized people in court has taught her that people need an advocate, whether in the criminal justice system or in the halls of the Parliament that makes the laws.

“People in those situations aren’t able to represent themselves,” Hjertaas said. That is when she steps in.

She chose the Liberal Party because of similar values.

“The Liberal Party is the right party because their focus is people and communities,” Hjertaas said. “That’s what I care about as well.”

In addition to working and volunteering, Hjertaas is a new mom and a “very outdoorsy person.”

She enjoys hunting, camping and being outdoors.

Information is being sought on the location and well being of two people in their early 20s, missing from the Muskoday First Nation for about a week.

Prince Albert RCMP say they received a report of the missing man and woman on August 26 at about 1:45 pm but that Alex McGillivary and Kathryn Cusveller were both seen last about a week ago.

Their friends and families have not been able to get in contact with them since.

McGillivary needs medications and does not have them with him and families and police are worried about their wellbeing.

Both McGillivary, age 20 and Cusveller, age 24, could be together and both have ties to Edmonton.

McGillivary is described as 5’9” and 165 lb. He has blond hair, hazel eyes and a full beard.

Cusveller described as 5’4” and 140 lb. She has blond hair, blue eyes and wears glasses.

If anyone has information on Alex and Kathryn’s whereabouts, please contact the Prince Albert RCMP at 306-765-5500. To report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Four locations are included in the most recent COVID-19 exposure alert for Prince Albert.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority said on August 26 that there was an increased risk at multiple locations starting on August 15.

Harold’s Family Foods Bakery Department – 200 28 Street E, Prince Albert, SK S6V 1X2

–  Aug 15/21 – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

– Aug 16/21 –  8:00 am to 5:00pm

– Aug 18/21 –  9:00 am to 6:00 pm

– Aug 19/21 –  7:00 am to 4:00 pm

– Aug 20/21 –  7:00 am to 4:00 pm

Kinsmen Water Park – 50 28 St W, Prince Albert, SK

– Aug 15/21 – 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Northern Lights Casino – 44 Marquis Rd W, Prince Albert, SK S6V 7Y5

– Aug 15/21   – 10:00am – 2:00pm  and  5:00pm – 9:00pm

– Aug 18/ 21  – 10:00am -2:00pm and 5:00pm – 9:00pm    

Lakeland Ford Street Fair- 3434 2 Ave W, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5G2

– Aug 21/21- 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Anyone who was at any of the locations at any of the times should immediately self-isolate and remain there until September 4.

They should also be tested for COVID-19 immediately and again on August 31.

Those who have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine with the second dose on or before August 7 does not have to isolate but should monitor for signs of COVID infection until September 4.

If symptoms develop, self-isolate immediately and seek testing.

Self-isolation means you need to stay home, avoid contact with anyone who is not fully vaccinated (individuals who are considered fully vaccinated have received two doses of vaccine and are at least two weeks past their second dose), and stay away from work, school, stores, social events and any other public setting.

Call HealthLine 811, your physician or nurse practitioner if you develop symptoms; you may develop symptoms from two to 14 days following exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.

Police are conducting a sudden death investigation after human remains were found in the rural area south of Prince Albert.

RCMP were called on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, shortly before noon, responding to a report of a body.

Officers immediately deployed to the area where they located the deceased individual.  Officers secured the scene and began a sudden death investigation.

Updates will be provided as soon as they become available.

More than 433 grams of crack cocaine have been seized after two investigations by La Loche RCMP last week.

“These two investigations alone have resulted in very significant amounts of illicit drugs removed from the streets,” says S/Sgt. Éric Desfossés, La Loche RCMP Detachment Commander. “The La Loche RCMP is committed to public safety, and that means we are aggressively targeting those who traffic drugs in our community – and will continue to do so.”

In addition to the recent seizures, officers also seized 16 grams of crack cocaine on July 24, seized 22 grams of crack cocaine on August 2 as well as 283 grams of cocaine and 15 grams of fentanyl on August 12. Charges were also laid in each of these incidents.

On August 20, 2021, La Loche RCMP executed a search warrant on George Street. Officers located and seized 16 grams of crack cocaine, 2 cell phones, 2 knives, a sum of cash and trafficking paraphernalia.

­­­­­Pierson Piche, age 52, of La Loche, SK is charged with:

– one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

– one count of possession of property obtained by crime less than or equal to $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code­­.

Piche was remanded to custody until his second appearance in court, set for Aug. 30, 2021.

Topanga Piche, age 23 and also of La Loche is charged with:

– one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

– one count of possession of property obtained by crime less than or equal to $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code

Topanga Piche will appear in court on October 18, 2021.

Dawson Fontaine, age 18, of La Loche is charged with:

– one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

– one count of possession of property obtained by crime less than or equal to $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code

Dawson Fontaine will appear in court on October 18, 2021.

On August 21, 2021, officers stopped a vehicle on Highway #135, 15 km south of La Loche. More than 417 grams of crack cocaine, 12 grams of suspected fentanyl and trafficking paraphernalia were seized.

As a result, Nicholas Shingoose, age 21, of Saskatoon was charged with:

– one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

– one count of trafficking, Section 5(1), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

Nicholas Shingoose will appear in court on October 4, 2021.

Anyone with information about drug trafficking in La Loche is encouraged to call the La Loche RCMP at 306-822-2010. If you wish to report a tip anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.