Third candidate runs as independent in Athabasca by-election

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Third candidate runs as independent in Athabasca by-election

A third candidate will run in the upcoming Athabasca by-election, positioning himself a neither right or left on the political spectrum. 

Darwin Roy said he sees no reason why people should have to choose one or the other when they can have both. 

“Some of my personal views are quite central, meaning I sometimes agree with the right-wing philosophies and sometimes I agree with the left wing philosophies,” Roy said. “I’m running as an independent where we will not be restricted by the philosophies of either left or right. We will have the freedom to take guidance from the citizens in our constituency.”

As an independent, he feels he can best represent all of his constituents concerns. 

Roy is a member of the Canoe Lake Cree Nation and has roots in Beauval and Ile a la Crosse. He was raised on the land but left to obtain a Masters in Education. However, that’s is not where he’s focused on in his career.

“For the most part, my career has been in social responsibility in the nuclear industry and the uranium industry in Saskatchewan for Cameco,” said Roy. 

He then changed paths slightly, working in the oil and gas sector but again in the area of public/community relations in Alberta. 

“My crystal ball wasn’t working because two years later, the downturn in the industry happened, which brought me back to Saskatchewan,” he said. 

After working for the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, he then switched to the post-secondary education field before deciding to run as an MLA. 

As a public relations specialist, he has worked for communities, First Nations and industry. 

“I have lots of experience working with the public,” Roy said. 

As an independent candidate, Roy would not have a caucus to set priorities with but he feels this can be a benefit, especially for Northwest Saskatchewan. 

“That means I would have to really work on working together with government. Collaboration, co-operation is something that would be a definite priority, rather than constantly butting heads with government or the opposition,” he explained. 

An independent seat would allow him to work for the benefit of his constituents first. This can be done with alliances and co-operation. 

He has heard from the people he has talked to so far, that not enough is happening in the region. 

“It’s been pretty stagnant. It’s been pretty idle in terms of real change occurring for Northwest Saskatchewan so we really need to work on some tangible things for the people,” Roy said. 

This means highways, health, healing and housing.

“Over 50 per cent of our population is age of 29 and younger. These young people need some economic growth and economic stimulation which leads to jobs,” he said. 

“They need something to look forward to in terms of their future and the future of our area.”

A major concern for all residents of the area is the land and resources in the constituency. Traditional land users need support when they engage with industry and the opposite is true as well, said Roy.  

“I believe a balance can occur in terms of development versus environmental protection,” he said. “I think northwest Saskatchewan, the people I’m seeking to represent, are kind of torn between left and right. I don’t think we always have to choose left or right. We have to choose what’s best for Northwest Saskatchewan and that’s why I think we would have an advantage in terms of having an independent MLA.”

Other priorities includes climate change issues and pushing for increased innovation and technology advancements in the region. 

The date for the by-election has not been set as yet but must be held before February 15.

Georgina Jolibois is running as the NDP candidate and Jim Lemaigre as the Saskatchewan Party candidate.

1,170 new cases, five more in hospital

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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1,170 new cases, five more in hospital

Saskatchewan’s COVID numbers jumped by well over 1,000 new cases on Jan. 7 with the North Central area seeing a jump of 41 new cases.

That means a total of 217 active cases in the North Central zone and eight people are in hospital, a reduction of one from yesterday. No new deaths were reported in the zone and remain at 89.

None of the North Central hospitalizations are in the ICU.

So far, the zone has had 8,532 cases since the start of the pandemic.

There are 40 active cases in North Central 1, an increase of nine over yesterday, 138 active cases in North Central 2, an increase of 29 over yesterday and North Central has 39 new cases, an increase of three.

The zone reported 152 new doses of vaccine and another 81 people now fully vaccinated for a total of 60,558.

Provincially, active cases now sit at 6,254 and there are five additional people in hospital. Of the 105 total hospitalizations, 11 people are in the ICU. Over 50 per cent of the hospitalized people were not fully vaccinated.

The province is now sorting hospitalizations by those brought on by COVID and those who have the virus but are hospitalized for another reason.

Of the 105 hospitalized people, 49 have a COVID-related illness, 35 are incidental and asymptomatic and 10 have not been determined.

The new cases are located in the Far North West (15), Far North Central (2), Far North East (8), North West (39), North Central (41), North East (14), Saskatoon (259), Central West (19), Central East (106), Regina (314), South West (48), South Central (49) and South East (131) zones and 125 new cases have pending residence information.

-Nine cases were assigned to the North West (from April 16, 2021 (1), January 1 (3), January 3 (2)), North Central (from December 31 (1)), Central East (from January 3 (1)), and Regina (from December 31, 2021 (1)) zones

-13 SK residents tested positive out-of-province were added to the case counts in the Saskatoon (from December 30, 2021 (2), January 1 (3), January 4 (2), January 5 (2)), Regina (from January 5 (1)), South West (from January 4 (1)), and South Central (from January 5 (1)) zones, and pending location (from January 2 (1)).

-89,821 cases are confirmed

-22,099 cases are from the Saskatoon area

-20,625 cases are from the North area (9,123 North West, 8,532 North Central, 2,970 North East)

-18,117 cases are from the Regina area

-11,493 cases are from the South area (2,382 South West, 3,410 South Central, 5,701 South East)

-9,521 cases are from the Far North area (4,479 Far North West, 543 Far North Central, 4,499 Far North East)

-6,975 cases are from the Central area (1,621 Central West, 5,354 Central East)

-991 cases have pending residence information

-6,254 cases are considered active and 82,606 cases are considered recovered.

-Almost one-half (46.1 per cent) of new cases are in the age category of 20 to 39.

As of January 7, a total of 105 individuals are hospitalized, including 94 inpatient hospitalizations and 11 ICU hospitalizations. Of the 105 patients, 54 (51.4 per cent) were not fully vaccinated.

The SHA dashboard includes 105 hospitalizations: of those, 49 in-patient hospitalizations are a COVID-19-related illness, 35 are incidental, asymptomatic infections and 10 have not yet been determined.

Eleven residents are in ICUs and one of those is an incidental, asymptomatic infection.

No new death reported today. 961 Saskatchewan residents with COVID-19 have died, with a case fatality rate of 1.1%.

1,348,973 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of January 5, 2022, when other provincial and national numbers are available from PHAC, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 1,136,568 tests performed per million.  The national rate was 1,403,367 tests performed per million.

The 7-day average of new COVID-19 case numbers was 659 (54.7 new cases per 100,000).

Police look for man wanted in Pelican Narrows shooting

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Police look for man wanted in Pelican Narrows shooting

Pelican Narrows RCMP are looking for public help finding a man wanted in connection with a shooting in the community on Dec. 31.

Tanner Ballantyne, age 23, is being sought by police and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Police say than on Dec. 1 at about 3:40 am, they received a complaint about a shooting and found an injured adult man at a residence in the community. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

As a result of investigation, RCMP have charged Ballantyne, who is also of Pelican Narrows with:

– 1 count, discharge firearm with intent, Section 244, Criminal Code

– 1 count, aggravated assault, Section 268, Criminal Code

– 1 count, possession of firearm while unauthorized, Section 92(3)(a), Criminal Code

– 1 count, possession of weapon contrary to order, Section 117.01(3) Criminal Code

– 1 count, possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(2), Criminal Code

Pelican Narrows RCMP are actively trying to locate and arrest Tanner Ballantyne.

Tanner Ballantyne is described as approximately 5’11” and 155 lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes. A photo of him is attached. He has connections to Pelican Narrows and Prince Albert.

He should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, do not approach him. Report sightings or information to Pelican Narrows RCMP at 306-632-3300. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐222‐TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com. 

Three youth, one adult charged in Pelican Narrows stabbing, shooting

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Three youth, one adult charged in Pelican Narrows stabbing, shooting

Three male youth and one man are facing charges after a New Year’s Day assault in the community of Pelican Narrows.

RCMP officers were called to Nesoteo Road shortly after 8:00 am on Jan. 1 to a reported shooting and stabbing.

Officers found two injured men at the scene. Both were taken to hospital in Saskatoon and have since been released.

“Since January 1, our detachment has executed two search warrants at two separate residences in the community of Pelican Narrows in relation to this investigation,” said S/Sgt. Rod Rudnisky, Pelican Narrows Detachment Commander. “A total of thirteen firearms were seized as a result. This is one of a significant number of calls for police assistance our detachment responded to over New Years eve and day. We remain dedicated to keeping our community safe and are continuing to investigate this incident.”

As a result of investigation, Drey Morin, age 20, from Pelican Narrows is charged with:

    1 count, Discharge firearm with intent – section 244(1) of the Criminal Code

    1 count, Aggravated assault, section 268 of the Criminal Code

    1 count, Assault with weapon, section 267(a) of the Criminal Code

    1 count, Breach of undertaking, section 144(4)(a) of the Criminal Code

He was released by court for a next appearance on April 5, 2022 at Pelican Narrows Provincial Court at 10:00 a.m.

Three male youth from Pelican Narrows are charged with:

    1 count, Discharge firearm with intent – section 244(1) of the Criminal Code

    1 count, Aggravated assault, section 268 of the Criminal Code

    1 count, Assault with weapon, section 267(a) of the Criminal Code

They cannot be named as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Their next court date is April 5, 2022 at Pelican Narrows at 10:00 a.m.

Donations increase, but so has need

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Donations increase, but so has need

This year saw a very large pile of donated clothing, blankets and footwear in Parkland Ambulance’s storage bay, ready to be transported to the Moose Lodge for dispersal to people in need. 

However, PAGC Urban Services co-ordinator Natalie Clyke says they have seen a jump in demand for services in the last four months. 

“It has been probably the last four months that we’ve seen such a growth and a need for support with the diverse situations that we’re experiencing in our city,” Clyke said. 

There are various reasons for increased demand but some of it is due the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

“It is a very complex situation that we’re working with through the pandemic and those needs and what you’re able to carry, reach a limit,” she said. 

Clyke was happy to see a pair of size 10 Baffin winter boots in the pile as she had a man at the warming shelter who needed a pair exactly that size. 

Footwear is always in high demand amongst the 55 plus people she sees every day but clothing and blankets are also needed. 

The blankets are taken to the Stepping Stones shelter, which has 22 beds with bedding that needs to washed daily. 

Even the significant pile of bags of clothing and blankets gathered at Gateway Mall, starting Nov. 11 and continuing through to the start of January, will be gone in several months.

“We deal with probably 55 plus individuals a day. Even if 10 of those people need a pair of pants and 20 of those people need a bunny hug, we can go through six to seven bags of clothing in a two day period,” said Clyke.  

At the Moose Boutique, a clothing area set up by the PAGC, people come and choose what they need or want. 

“The dignity that goes into the shared space is the same that we would get if we go shopping with a friend for a top or a shirt. It’s the same conversation that we’re having at the Boutique,” said Clyke. 

The clothing collection programming has been running for 14 years, started by Parkland Ambulance, CTV and Gateway Mall. 

This year, a lot of people started looking to donate early, said Donna Hordyski, marketing manager for the mall. 

“We get phone calls prior to Nov. 11 and we get phone calls after the program is done. We are always willing to take whatever things people are wanting to drop off. We will get them to Moose Lodge,” she said. 

This year, three days after the bin was put out, Hordyski was already calling Lyle Karasiuk at Parkland Ambulance to empty it.

They continue because they continue to see the need and want to support the community.  

“It’s one of the programs that we really hold dear to our heart. This is part of Prince Albert. This is part of what we do and Gateway Mall is very proud to be a part of that,” said Hordyski. 

Three truckloads of donations were taken to Parkland’s storage building, where they joined items donated by the ambulance service’s staff and other people and were held until they were ready to be taken to the recipient. 

“We always look for ways to give back to the community. That’s been our motto for years,” said Lyle Karasiuk, a spokesperson for Parkland Ambulance. “We’re so proud and honoured to be part of the community that we live and work in each and every day. This is just one small way we can contribute back to the community.  It’s a small thing on our part.” 

Paramedics from Parkland deal frequently with people who are stuck in the cold and for them, caring means helping in more than medical ways. 

“Those are the people who are most vulnerable, especially when it’s so brutally cold outside that they have nothing and we see them. Those are some of our people that we care for each and every day,” said Karasiuk. 

“For us to be able to steer them in the direction of getting them warm, getting them comfortable, getting them dry and getting them something to eat. Those are the basic human needs.”

Clyke said the amount of effort put out by both Parkland and Gateway Mall should not be underestimated. 

“It is unfathomable the amount of work that goes into collecting this. There is a lot of work between the Gateway Mall and Parkland Ambulance to get this organized,” she said. 

“This is essential. Kindness is essential and our city has really, profoundly, come together and done amazing.”

Despite the size of the pile of donations, most items will be gone in two months so they are looking for continual donations from the community. 

To donate, people can reach out through Facebook at PAGC Urban Services Community Cares Kitchen and also call Clyke at 306-930-1339 so that pick up or drop off can be arranged. 

Search continues for man missing from Melfort

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Search continues for man missing from Melfort

Cold weather has prompted another request from RCMP for help in finding a man missing from Melfort for the last three days.

Quade Ballantyne, age 30 was last seen on Kennedy Dr. in Melfort on Jan. 3 in the evening and was not dressed properly for the extreme cold that has blanketed central Saskatchewan for several weeks now.

“We’re experiencing dangerously cold weather right now and that adds to our concerns for Quade,” says S/Sgt. Adare Guest of the Melfort RCMP. “Based on investigation, current search efforts are targeting the City of Melfort and the immediate surrounding area. Police officers continue to conduct searches on foot, by snowmobile and drone in efforts to locate him.”

Police are asking residents of Melfort and the surrounding area to check their properties, particularly outbuildings for signs of Ballantyne or clothing and other items that seem out of place.

Along with police, local fire services, conservation officers, RCMP officers from nearby detachments and the force’s Police Dog Services are all active in the search.

Ballantyne had said he might be heading to Prince Albert but investigation has led officers to focus their efforts in the Melfort area.

Anyone who has information on Quade’s whereabouts should call Melfort RCMP at 306-752-6420. Information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐222‐TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

913 new cases, one additional death

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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913 new cases, one additional death

There were 913 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Saskatchewan today as the Omicron variant continues to make itself known.

Of those, the vast majority were people in their 20s to 40s (236 in their 20s, 185 in their 30s and 145 in their 40s).

Another 155 were school aged children and 30 were four or younger. For older age groups, 90 cases were people in their 50s, 45 in their 60s, 16 in their 70s and 11 in people aged 80 or older.

Most of the new cases are in the province’s two largest cities with Saskatoon having 432 and Regina seeing 198 new cases.

The North Central region had 14 new cases, with six of those in Prince Albert (North Central 2) and eight in North Central 3.

The North Central zone now has 181 active cases, an increase of six from yesterday. Nine people remain in hospital and 8,220 people have recovered.

Another 136 doses of vaccine were administered with an additional 75 people now fully vaccinated.

So far, 126,828 doses have been given out in the zone and 60,477 people are fully vaccinated.

Provincially highlights are as follows:

As of January 6, there are 913 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 88,638 reported cases

The new cases are located in the Far North West (6), Far North East (3), North West (24), North Central (14), North East (14), Saskatoon (432), Central West (14), Central East (47), Regina (198), South West (18), South Central (27) and South East (50) zones and 66 new cases have pending residence information

-Nine (9) cases were assigned to the North West (from January 1 (3)), Central East (from January 3 (1)), Regina (from December 31 (1), January 1 (1), January 2 (1)), South Central (from January 2 (1)), and South East (from January 2 (1)) zones

-17 SK residents tested positive out-of-province were added to the case counts in the Far North West (from January 2 (1)), Saskatoon (from January 2 (1), January 3 (3), January 4 (3)), Regina (from December 25 (2), January 3 (4), January 4 (2)), and South East (from January 3 (1)) zones

-88,638 cases are confirmed

-21,831 cases are from the Saskatoon area

-20,524 cases are from the North area (9,078 North West, 8,490 North Central, 2,956 North East)

-17,801 cases are from the Regina area

-11,263 cases are from the South area (2,333 South West, 3,360 South Central, 5,570 South East)

-9,496 cases are from the Far North area (4,464 Far North West, 541 Far North Central, 4,491 Far North East)

-6,849 cases are from the Central area (1,602 Central West, 5,247 Central East)

-874 cases have pending residence information

-5,235 cases are considered active and 82,442 cases are considered recovered

Almost one-half (46.1%) of new cases are in the age category of 20 to 39

No new case eligible for vaccination (aged 5 years and older) was fully vaccinated

As of January 6, a total of 100 individuals are hospitalized, including 88 inpatient hospitalizations and 12 ICU hospitalizations. Of the 100 patients, 50 (50.0 per cent) were not fully vaccinated.

The SHA dashboard includes 100 hospitalizations: of those, 42 in-patient hospitalizations are a COVID-19-related illness, 39 are incidental, asymptomatic infections and seven (7) have not yet been determined. Twelve residents are in ICUs and one of those is an incidental, asymptomatic infection.

One new death reported today. 961 Saskatchewan residents with COVID-19 have died, with a case fatality rate of 1.1%.

1,345,195 COVID-19 tests have been performed in the province. As of January 4, 2022, when other provincial and national numbers are available from PHAC, Saskatchewan’s per capita rate was 1,134,543 tests performed per million population and was lower than the national rate of 1,399,555 tests performed per million population.

The 7-day average of new COVID-19 case numbers was 597 (49.5 new cases per 100,000).

Since January 1, the New Cases by Vaccination Status table has shown a significant number of new cases as unvaccinated. This data is under review to ensure that the reports are accurate.

Festival chairperson is no stranger to the cold

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Festival chairperson is no stranger to the cold

At age 76, Franklin Carriere has earned the right to spend his days sitting by the fire and warming his toes but that is not what he has planned this winter or anytime soon.

Carriere is a busy man, baiting for lynx in -38 degree weather on his trapline near Cumberland House, teaching others and most recently, being named the honourary chairperson of the Prince Albert Winter Festival.

“It was in a way a surprise because you never know. I’ve been away from competition for five years,” he said.

Carriere started racing dogs as a way to make money, competing in the festival here starting in the mid 1960s, as he was in school in the city at the time.

But in those days, it was not common to go beyond Grade 10 and so he left, missing only the algebra component of his education.

It was growing up in a time that required hunting skills to put food on the table that really taught him some life skills, he said.

“I got my university degree in survival at 14 years old. Instantly,” Carriere said, laughing. “Now, I’ve got five dogs to feed, I’ve got to feed myself and my dad is sick so I had to catch all this stuff.”

With siblings and a mother that also needed feeding, Carriere and his brother John would go out and catch rabbits and grouse to feed the family.

“We just had enough money to buy groceries and feed everybody. There was 10 of us. When you have 10 pairs of eyes looking at you and they’re all hungry. Somebody better go catch some rabbits,” he said.  

He and John were responsible for catching the meat starting around age seven and that continued until Franklin left home at 14.

At home he would run sleds with five dogs but in the racing world, they used 10 of the fastest dogs they can find, with this being another source of memories.

“I had one helluva ride, I tell you. Especially when you come over a jump and you fall down and you’re hanging on with 10 fast dogs going full speed and you have to manage to get yourself off the ground, hanging on to a rope,” Carriere said of one incident.

“I’ve seen those cowboys when they’re roping, that’s how I felt. The ground was hard and it was frozen.”

Despite the good memories, his true reasons for competing were much more pragmatic.

“It was a living because there was money in there,” Carriere said. “The world championship race was $1,000.”

He has some other accomplishments to his name as well.

In 1965 Carriere was selected to participate in the Centennial Canoe Race as a member of the Saskatchewan team. 

In 1967 the modern day “voyageurs” paddled from Rocky Mountain House to Montreal.  This was the world’s longest canoe race. 

The Saskatchewan team placed 6th overall with a time of 541 hours, 47 minutes and 41 seconds.  The race lasted from May until September and included a paddle to New York City and the Statue of Liberty. 

Franklin is retired from his job with the economic development branch of the Saskatchewan government and retired from racing about six years ago.

Even though stopped racing in 2015, Carriere still attends the festival every year as an announcer.

The committee that chooses the honourary chairperson keeps a list of potential candidates and chooses from them every year using criteria such as if they are a volunteer or a competitor or are connected to the event in some way.

“His father had competed, he’s competed and now his grandchildren are competing,” said Bev Erickson, a member of the committee. “His name has come up the last three or four years and we thought this year would be a great year to honour him.”

Carriere’s success will be celebrated on Jan. 15 at the Prince Albert Wildlife Hall at the Tux & Toques Gala. Tickets are available to Diamond North Credit Union or by emailing pawf@gmail.com. The group is planning for in-person events both at the Gala and then later for the festival itself.

Student isolation guidelines updated

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Student isolation guidelines updated

With students and staff back in classrooms following Christmas holidays, the province today released the rules regarding those who test positive for COVID, including guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

All cases are required to be reported to the school so that cohorts can be informed but how long people must isolate depends on their vaccination status. 

“We know that as COVID cases increase in the community and as Omicron becomes the dominant variant in Saskatchewan, we are going to see increased cases in schools. This is our reality,” Education Minister Dustin Duncan said in a media briefing.

Instead of delaying in person learning as some provinces, including Manitoba and Alberta have opted to do, Saskatchewan will focus on masking, rapid test, sanitation, cohorting and encouraging sick students and staff to stay home.

When asked why the province is not delaying the start of school reopening following the break, Duncan said that it is important for students to remain in class if it is possible to do so.

“We are trying to weigh a number of concerns and balance our approach as we look to return students this week to the classroom,” said Duncan. “But the question really was do we require 180,000 students to start the school year on Jan. 3 at home and for what period of time? We felt that we could safely bring students back, knowing there would be disruption.”

Positive COVID-19 test results for school-based staff or students, from either rapid antigen or PCR tests, must be reported to the local school office.

The school will then send a notification to parents/guardians of the class and/or bus cohort that may be considered close contacts.

Fully vaccinated students and staff who are close contacts will follow the current process of self-monitoring.

They are able to attend school and other activities as long as they remain asymptomatic. Fully vaccinated students and staff who test positive are required to self-isolate for five days.

Students who are close contacts to cases in non-household settings (i.e. at school, daycare, public recreation activities) and not fully vaccinated are able to continue to attend school, take the bus and attend child care as long as they are asymptomatic.

They are not permitted to attend any extra-curricular activities for the 10 days self-monitoring period. If the transmission occurred in the household setting, all unvaccinated students are required to isolate for 10 days, including not attending school or childcare.

Staff members (teachers, educational assistants, bus drivers, etc.) who are deemed a close contact and not fully vaccinated must self-isolate for 10 days following last exposure.

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour and the NDP both say that the provincial plan is far short of what needs to be done.

“As Omicron spreads across the province like wildfire, we need action right now to ensure workers are kept safe,” said SFL President Lori Johb in a news release. “Instead, the government’s plan is to wait until things get worse – a reckless and irresponsible decision that will have disastrous consequences.”

The decision to base policy on current case numbers is not sufficient, said both groups, with the NDP pointing to the leap in recent cases numbers as a gauge of what could be coming.

“Everyone agrees that it is in the best interest of students to have them in school. However, a “wait and see” strategy that risks their safety will not accomplish that. If you know a hurricane is coming, you don’t wait for the storm to hit to board up your windows,” said Carla Beck, the NDP Education Critic.

“The longer you wait and sit on your hands, the fewer options you leave for school divisions and parents, eventually forcing classes online when you no longer have the staffing capacity in schools.”

Both groups made calls for expanded PCR testing, prioritizing booster shots for all front line workers, more PPE, reduced capacities in workplaces, 10 days of permanent and paid sick leave for workers.

The SFL also wants WCB coverage for workers who get COVID-19 from work and then get long term illness.

Chief Medical Officer of Health for Sask., Dr. Shaqib Shahab, said that while other jurisdictions are hospitalizations with Omicron, they are shorter and less serious.

“Other jurisdictions are showing more acute care hospitalizations with shorter lengths of stay and lower pressure on ICU,” he said. “All of those things we’ll be monitoring closely.”

The province said that the interim education plans laid out for the current school year will continue in the next one as well.

The plans focus on reading, mental health and education needs for Kindergarten to Grade 5 students.

Schools have had 1.6 million rapid tests dispersed so far and another 250,000 are to be distributed.

Hwy. 12 closed near Petrofka Bridge

Susan McNeil, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Hwy. 12 closed near Petrofka Bridge

Motorists are being warned of a road closure on Highway 12 near the Petrofka Bridge.

Blaine Lake RCMP issued the warning just after 5:00 on Jan. 4 with the closure expected to continue for several hours.

The closure is due to a collision on the north hill crest of the bridge.

The highway is closed in both directions.

Drivers should find an alternate route.

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