Tariff discussion will be front and centre at Saskatchewan Ag Summit

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Tariff discussion will be front and centre at Saskatchewan Ag Summit

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

Eight Saskatchewan farm groups are set to meet for an Ag Summit in Saskatoon on March 27, and mounting trade concerns will be one of the biggest topics on the agenda.

Bill Prybylski, APAS President emphasized the importance of collaboration as farmers deal with the fallout from American tariffs.

“The Summit underscores the critical role of agricultural organizations during these uncertain times. Issues like the start of U.S. tariffs showcase our vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for greater awareness and preparedness,” Prybylski said in a press release.

The March 27 meeting was scheduled prior to the American tariff announcement. After hearing about the tariffs, Prybylski said Summit organizers pivoted to put tariff discussions on the agenda.

“There’s just so much uncertainty out there,” Prybylski said in an interview with the Daily Herald. “Nobody really has too many answers as to how agriculture is going to be affected, both on the commodity side and the input side. We’re hoping that by the time we get this Ag Summit going there will be some more clarity as to the impacts of the tariffs and trade in general.”

The event will bring together producers, industry experts, and stakeholders to focus on critical issues facing the province’s agricultural sector, including farm advocacy efforts and mounting trade concerns.

The list of presenters includes representatives from the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, Agri-Food Economic Systems, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers, and the University of Calgary, among others.

“This Summit is a cruicial opportunity for Saskatchewan’s agricultural community to come  together, share insights, and chart a course forward on pressing issues,” Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission chair Jake Leguee said in a press release.

“Having experts from University of Calgary, the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers, CAPI, and the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership enriches this event with insights and expertise for managing the impacts of trade uncertainty,” added SaskPork Chair Toby Tschetter.

 “By joining forces, we’re focused on safeguarding our industry, tackling trade hurdles, and charting a course for continued growth for Saskatchewan’s agricultural community.”

Prybylski said a lot of what Saskatchewan producers grow is exported to the United States. He said tariffs on those exports will hurt commodity prices, although the damage will vary from commodity to commodity. He said input costs will also likely go up. He expects the cost of equipment to rise as manufacturers deal with the American tariff on steel. He said retaliatory tariffs from Canada will also likely have an impact.

“We’re getting hit from both sides,” Prybylski said. “Our commodities are going to be worth less, and our commodity prices are going to rise.”

Prybylski said the margins are already tight for Saskatchewan producers, especially those hit hard by drought in recent years. He’s worried some producers won’t be able to weather the storm.

“It is a little bit scary for a lot of producers out there,” he said. “We hope it’s not, but this may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.”

The Saskatchewan Ag Summit begins at 8 a.m. on March 27 at the Saskatoon Inn and Convention Centre.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

SHA extends online booking system for lab appointments to Shellbrook area

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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SHA extends online booking system for lab appointments to Shellbrook area

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) has expanded its online Patient Booking System (PBS) to Shellbrook and area.

The service is available for residents looking to book a lab appointment for blood/urine collection, electrocardiograms (ECGs) and glucose intolerance tests. Shellbrook is the sixth Saskatchewan community to receive the PBS service.

Amanda Pangman, the Director of Transformation with Digital Health, said they’ve been working closely with lab operation teams to identify needs in northern and rural communities, and Shellbrook was at the top of the list.

“We’re really hearing a lot of positive feedback (about) how quick, easy, and convenient it is,” Pangman said. “We are using the exact same booking system that we used during the COVID pandemic, so a lot of people are comfortable with going online and booking their appointment already.”

In a press release, the SHA touted the Patient Booking System as the fastest way to book a lab appointment. The service is available 24/7 using the online system. Residents need a valid card and a phone number or email address to book an appointment.

Pangman said they wanted to make the process equitable, so walk-ins are still welcome, but online booking has not only sped up the process, it’s reducing the number of people who book an appointment but never show up.

“This is definitely something that’s here for the long haul,” Pangman said. “(There is) lots of positive feedback. Just so many efficiencies have been gained with this system. We have a great working relationship with our vendor and really do plan on continuing the expansion across the province.”

 “Lots of people are comfortable with going online and booking their appointment already and we also wanted to make sure that it was equitable across the province. So walk-ins are still welcome at the site, you can book online if you have a provincial health card, a valid email address and or a phone number,” Pangman adds.

Pangman said if you don’t have access to the internet, you can always call in to the fast booking line that’s available for someone to help you book online, reschedule and cancel appointments, get notifications on the date and time to go in and counsel or change your appointment at any time.

The PBS went online Tuesday, March 4. Within 48 hours, Pangman said they had 120 appointments booked.

The SHA first began adding lab services to the PBS in early 2023. Since then, they have averaged 357 bookings per day on the system.

Shellbrook is the sixth location to implement the online PBS for lab appointments, following its introduction in Swift Current, Prince Albert, North Battleford, Moose Jaw, and Yorkton in April 2023.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

Council approves tax abatement and five year exemption for Chamber of Commerce following debate over application deadlines

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Council approves tax abatement and five year exemption for Chamber of Commerce following debate over application deadlines

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

City council has approved a request for tax relief from Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce following their move to a new headquarters at 54 – 11th Street East in March 2024.

Council also unanimously approved a 2024 tax rebate of $4,173.93 for the Chamber.

In a letter included in the meeting agenda package, Chamber CEO, Patty Hughes said they have secured a long-term tenant in Community Futures at the 11th Street East location. The rest of the building will be used for functions like the new ChamberHQ, as a support centre for startups and small businesses that includes short-term rental space.

Hughes wrote that the rental income will help pay building expenses, but further financial support is needed as the move was a “significant investment” for the chamber.

“This (ChamberHQ) is supporting economic development and fostering business growth,” Hughes wrote. “We are hoping that having this space will attract new entrepreneurs to our community, and specifically to the Downtown. We are able to provide that space at a reasonable rate for the short term if we do not have to account for the additional expense of property taxes as part of our operation.”

Council voted unanimously in favour of the tax exemption and abatement, although several members were hesitant to do so. The biggest concerns was over the exemption deadline.


Administration told council that although the Chamber provided the necessary paperwork, the application was not made before the deadline. All applications for tax relief must be filed by Oct. 15 of the year prior, so a request for tax exemption in 2024 must be made by Oct. 15, 2023.

Coun. Daniel Brown said the abatement was a “pretty small amount” but he worried about what kind of precedent the decision would set.

“I do want to proceed with caution to avoid this in the future,” Brown said during the meeting. “I believe there should be onus on the people moving—and the non-profits—to have their timelines met.

“We have timelines for a reason. I don’t like swaying from them. It causes hard feelings when someone comes back a year later and you don’t get it, so I’ll support the motion the way it is, but fair warning, I won’t support the next one.”

Both Mayor Bill Powalinsky and Coun. Dawn Kilmer said they were supporting the exemption and abatement with caution. Powalinsky said the he was willing to do so because the Chamber had not decided to move to a new location by the Oct. 15 deadline.

Powalinsky told council the Chamber didn’t begin discussing a possible move until Nov. 27, and began exploring options for a new building in December as no suitable locations were found among City-owned properties.

“In order to receive an exemption for 2024, the Chamber of Commerce would have had to have applied in October 2023, at which time there wasn’t even a discussion about a new facility,” Powalinsky said. “I know that it’s probably not a typical move. I think it would be under very extenuating … circumstances that we would consider a retroactive approval. My inclination and leaning is towards saying that in this case it was impossible for the Chamber to have made an application.”

Administration originally suggested council deny the request for tax relief because the Chamber didn’t hit the deadline. Coun. Troy Parenteau amended the motion to provide the Chamber with a tax abatement for 2024.

“They have gone through the process of meeting deadlines, but in this case, it’s a problem with timelines,” Parenteau told council. “You moved in after the ability to apply. It’s nobody’s fault. We do need timelines in the city, but sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t.”

Coun. Tony Head told council he would have made a similar amendment if Parenteau didn’t. Head said the request was just bad timing. Since the Chamber is supporting local busiensses, Head added, it made sense to support the Chamber.

 –with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

Eleven Prince Albert schools receive $700 donations courtesy of Operation Red Nose

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Eleven Prince Albert schools receive $700 donations courtesy of Operation Red Nose

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

The Prince Albert Lions Club has announced a donation of $700 each to 11 Prince Albert and area elementary schools thanks to the 2024 Operation Red Nose program.

“Schools were really appreciative of getting the money to help them out with projects,” Lion’s Club member Randy Braaten said. “At one time we used to take applications and stuff like that, and then (someone) in one of our discussions said, ‘well, the elementary schools, they always have a whole bunch of projects and they have trouble getting funding for a lot of them,’ so at that time we decided to just donate it to the elementary schools.”

The schools that benefitted from this year’s Operation Red Nose donation were East Central, King George, Osbourne, Princess Margaret, Queen Mary, Spruce Home, St. Anne, St. Francis, St. John, St. Micheal and Westview.

Braaten said the Prince Albert Lions Club has hosted Operation Red Nose for 13 years. The club provided 148 rides over the 9 nights of operation this holiday season with volunteers delivering a total 347 people safely home in their own vehicles.

Seven Lions and 17 community volunteers put in over 600 hours during the season keeping the city streets safer with volunteers driving almost 2,400 km. taking people home.  $4,200 was donated by the people who were grateful to get home safely.  

Braaten add that volunteers drove almost 2,400 km. taking people home with $4,200 donated by the people who were grateful to get home safely.  

He said they appreciate their current crop of volunteers, but are hoping to attract a few new ones next fall.

“When we start in September and October we will be really looking for some volunteers,” Braaten said. “We have a dedicated core out there, but we’re getting older and a little bit tireder, so we’re looking for some new blood to give us a hand in keeping the city streets safe.”

Braaten add that volunteers drove almost 2,400 km. taking people home with $4,200 donated by the people who were grateful to get home safely.  

Schools said that the funds received were greatly appreciated and would be used to support learning and recreation activities.

–with files from Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald

Moe announces Saskatchewan tariff response

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Moe announces Saskatchewan tariff response

Premier says province asking contractors to cut all American content used in government builds, will stop SLGA from buys and selling American-made alcohol

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

Premier Scott Moe said the Government of Saskatchewan supports the federal government’s targeted response towards American tariffs.

Moe said they have been working on a response for the federal government for a number of weeks. The goal is to maximize the impact on American companies, Moe said, while minimizing the impact on Canadian families.

“Credit to the federal government for not going (with) dollar for dollar tariffs which would have a tremendous impact on Canadian families—about $600 billion (of goods) are experiencing the American tariff moving south. About $155 billion of targeted impact tariffs is the response,” Moe said during a press conference on Wednesday.

Canada’s $30 billion targeted tariffs will come into effect immediately. Those tariffs will grow in three weeks by another $125 billion, for a total of $155 billion in counter tariffs.

“We are facing really what are three implied tariffs from the president of the United States as Canadians,” Moe said. “The first is related to fentanyl and border security. That’s the tariff that is in place today and came into place this week. The second tariff, the indication is that it would be looked at and a decision made on March 12, which would impact steel and aluminum. The third would be the reciprocal tariff that is more globally focused.”

Moving forward, Moe said it is imperative to keep an eye on global trade relationships and how other countries are handling the American tariffs. He said Canada should look at how Taiwan, Japan, Mexico and China have different approaches as that may have an impact on Saskatchewan and Canada.

“I think we need to keep an eye on how we find our way through this conversation,” Moe told reporters.

Moe said he met with other premiers and the Prime Minister to discuss “non-tariff measures” that provincial governments could take. That led to the announcement on Wednesday that the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) would stop purchasing, stocking, and selling U.S.-produced alcohol. That includes a halt on selling on American-produced liquor currently in stock.

Moe said the provincial procurement policies would also change, as Crown Corporations make “every effort” to prioritize Canadian suppliers. In some cases, Moe said, that will mean a “temporary pause” on government projects that haven’t been started to reassess them.

For projects that are already under construction, Moe said the province has put the call out to contractors asking for reports on “what level of American content they have in that construction” and how they will replace it with Canadian suppliers.

“The goal here is for us to greatly lower, or even get to zero, with respect to U.S. procurement in the … publicly funded capital projects that we have,” Moe said. “There are a number of exceptions as we know for essential products in each of those builds, and I think that speaks to the integration of the North American economy, and the fact that we have enjoyed, and I think valued, from Saskatchewan’s perspective, the trade relationship that we have.”

Moe said the province was also encouraging school divisions, post-secondary institutions, and Saskatchewan municipalities to review their procurement policy.

Moe said this isn’t the first time Saskatchewan has faced tariff challenges from a major trading partner, but added that it is important to remember the U.S. will continue to be the most significant trading partner and ally “when the dust settles.”

Moe said that relationship is changing, but Saskatchewan still sends more than 55 per cent of exports to the United States, with about 80 per cent of imports coming from the U.S.

“We, very much, as a government have committed not only to deepening the trade relationship with the United States of America, but diversifying our trade relationship with other countries around the world,” Moe said. “You saw that as we formed government in 2007 with our focus on international missions along with the industries that are creating wealth and creating jobs in this province, and I would say you saw a doubling down of that effort in 2018 with the investment in trade investment offices in nine different countries around the world so we have a presence in those markets when we have challenges like we do here.”

Moe added that there is a lot that is still in motion on the trade file.

“This is going to be a changing environment day by day by day,” he said.

The Saskatchewan NDP blasted the province’s approach, arguing Moe was the last Premier in Saskatchewan to take action in response to the American tariffs.

In a press release, NDP leader Carla Beck said the Moe government was announcing measures taken in other provinces without, but without details on how those measures will be fulfilled.


“People needed Moe, but he was MIA,” Beck said in the press release. “It’s clear the Sask. Party has no plan – they’ve sat on their hands for months as the threat of a trade war loomed.”

The NDP also reiterated calls for MLAs to return to the Legislature early. The spring sitting is scheduled to begin on March 19.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

Prince Albert Chamber urges residents to buy local, and calls for reduction in inter-provincial trade barriers as U.S. tariffs officially hit Canada

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Prince Albert Chamber urges residents to buy local, and calls for reduction in inter-provincial trade barriers as U.S. tariffs officially hit Canada

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald 

Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce CEO Patty Hughes encouraged local residents to support Canadian businesses after the United States officially imposed 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico on Monday.

The Canadian government responded with 25 per cent tariffs on a variety of goods, such as orange juice, wine, spirits, coffee, and certain pulp and paper products, among others. Those tariffs came into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday.

In Prince Albert, Chamber CEO Patty Hughes said the American tariffs were a deep concern, even though the impact would be far worse in other parts of Canada.

“It’s very concerning for businesses, but also for the consumer as we faced increased costs for our vehicles, food, buildings, that kind of stuff that happens. I think we’re really going to see an economic impact as we take a look at where our supply chains are coming from too,” Hughes said.

“As a country we need to really take a look at what can we do, and what can we as consumers do. We’ve seen it, right. I’m even seeing the marketing change as I’m watching various programs and stuff like that about many companies are out there saying, boldly ‘we are Canadian’ and ‘buy us’. As always, I encourage everybody to support local.”

Hughes said some businesses in the Prince Albert area anticipated the tariffs and stocked up on US goods or resources before the tariffs hit.

Hughes said the last time Trump was in office, this was something that the country dealt with, and so it was anticipated that it was going to happen again. Still, she said some of those businesses will face a new challenge: finding enough storage space.

Hughes said the tariffs threaten jobs, disrupt supply chains, and undermine strong economic ties that both countries have really benefited from for many years. She said it was a “golden egg” for both countries, and it’s being squandered.

“There’s no doubt about it, economists on both side of the border, they agree that this tariff policy is like throwing away trillions of mutually beneficial trade,” she said. “Instead, it’s taxing their own citizens while trying to attack their most important economic partner. It just feels like there’s not a common sense approach to that.”

If there is a positive, Hughes said the tariffs have helped people understand more about where the goods they purchase are coming from. She said it’s also raised awareness about the barriers to inter-provincial trade.

“As consumers, I think it’s very important for us to make very wise decisions more so than ever because of how it will truly impact our local economy,” she said. “From the Chamber aspect, one thing that we have said from the national and provincial level is we really need to reduce the barriers for inter-provincial trade. That will really significantly help our economy.”

On Tuesday, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlace and Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that in response to the U.S. tariffs, the Government of Canada is moving forward with 25 per cent tariffs on $155 billion worth of imported goods, beginning immediately with a list of goods worth $30 billion.

The scope of the Canadian counter tariffs will be increased to $155 billion if the current U.S. tariffs are maintained. The scope could also be increased again if new tariffs are imposed.

“Canada is being needlessly and unfairly targeted by these tariffs – and the U.S.’s decision leaves us with no choice but to respond to protect Canadian interests, workers and businesses. Working with provincial, territorial and industry partners, our singular focus is to get these tariffs removed as quickly as possible,” LeBlanc said in a press release.

LeBlanc said the government is also taking steps to mitigate the impact of these countermeasures on Canadian workers and businesses by establishing a remission process to consider requests for exceptional relief from the tariffs imposed as part of our response to the U.S. applying unjustified tariffs on Canada.

“Today, the United States has chosen to pursue a harmful course of action that threatens the prosperity of both our nations. Canada stands firm in defending our economy, workers and businesses against these unjustified tariffs. We are announcing a robust response of $155 billion and remain prepared to take additional measures as needed,” Joly added.

Joly said all options remain on the table as the government considers additional measures, including non-tariff options, should the U.S. continue to apply unjustified tariffs on Canada.

–with files from Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald

Prince Albert residents prepare for Friday fundraising supper to support Ukraine

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Prince Albert residents prepare for Friday fundraising supper to support Ukraine

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

Prince Albert residents of Ukrainian descent are preparing a Friday feast to help support Ukrainian forces.

The fundraising supper will be held on Friday at St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church Hall. Taras Kachkowski is among the volunteers organizing the event. He said they’ve organized several fundraising dinners before and they’ve all been successful.

“We’ve definitely been pleased with the response from the community,” he said. “Obviously it’s kind of sad that the governments of the world haven’t responded to Ukraine’s urgent pleas for assistance with equipment and humanitarian aid as much as they good and should. Unfortunately we’re, as concerned world citizens and proud people of Ukrainian background, we’re kind of forced to … crowdsource the appropriate things that these brave defenders of Ukraine need to do their jobs and be able to defend themselves.”

In the past, Kachkowski said proceeds from the event went to different organizations or registered charities. The list includes Come Back Alive, a registered charity that raised money to enhance the effectiveness of the Ukrainian Defence Forces by purchasing and distributing equipment like protective vests and night vision goggles.

“We are just trying to do our best to help our friends and family in Ukraine get through this difficult time,” said Kachkowski.

“(It’s for) those kinds of vitally important things so that the defenders of Ukraine can continue to do their jobs and try to keep Ukraine free,” he added.

Friday’s meal will include homemade Ukrainian perogies and cabbage rolls, along with garlic sausage, vegetables, and dessert. Tickets are available at the Ukrainian Store in the Gateway Mall, and Prince Albert Safeway for $30 per plate.


Kachkowski said they hope guests will buy tickets in advance so they know roughly how much food to make.

“We just need a number to know where to stop from,” he said. “We certainly encourage people to get their tickets in advance, but … we gratefully will accept people who come in the door as well.”

Kachkowski added that he remains optimistic the war will end sooner rather than later, but he’d like to see governments around the world do more to support Ukraine.

“It’s frustrating as a Canadian,” he said. “I think our government is capable of committing more resources and of course, with other governments around the world, and especially with the current decisions made by the American administration. It’s very surprising and disheartening to see their turn in their policy and it’s, like I say, I guess that’s the sad reality. If we can’t rely on our world governments to step forward, I guess it’s up to us.”

The Fundraising Supper for Ukrainian will be held on Friday, Feb. 28 at St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church located at 752 14th Street West. Dine in or take out options are available. Frozen perogies and one litre buckets of borshch will also be available for sale.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

City to take another look at security options to deter vandalism at community garden

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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City to take another look at security options to deter vandalism at community garden

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

Prince Albert City Council approved a new five year agreement with the Prince Albert Share A Meal Food Bank to operate a community garden just north of Holy Cross School along 15th Street East.

The agreement will run from April 1, 2025 to March 30, 2030. During the discussion at Monday’s meeting, Coun. Blake Edwards raised concerns about safety and protection because of significant vandalism during the last growing season. Edwards said there needs to be a discussion about vandalism.

I understand there was a lot of cranky people who rented plots,” Edwards said during the meeting.”

“That’s something we need to look at for sure because it’s very discouraging. The public, a lot of them put hard sweat and labour into it, and passion, into gardening, and it’s ruined by those individuals who don’t give a damn. It’s unfortunate. I hope we can look at some solutions for it. I think it’s very important,” he added.

Parks, Culture, and Recreation Director Jody Boulet said they will be revisiting site security during discussions with the Food Bank before the growing season. He said there may be some measures they can take to restrict access.

Currently, the garden plot is surrounded by a construction fence. Boulet said the fencing keeps “honest people out” but hasn’t helped otherwise.

“It’s a difficult site, (with) the size of it and where it’s located,” Boulet said during the meeting. “We do obviously have some construction fencing in and around that area which doesn’t keep people out…. Obviously, that (vandalism) takes away from the efforts the Food Bank is investing in this location and even some of the gardeners who do purchase a plot. They actually donate, if not all, then a majority of the produce that the generate from that site to the Food Bank, and some do keep for themselves.

“(It’s a) very good cause, a good initiative in our community, a great partnership and we would hate to see some continued negativity due to vandalism, so we’ll make sure that this is a conversation with the Food Bank to see, in collaboration, if there’s some measures that can be put in place in advance of the season.”

Mayor Bill Powalinsky suggested the city look at whether the area is properly lit to make it harder to vandalize. He suggested the city look into installing solar-powered lights on a post around the area as a deterrent.

Boulet said that’s something they would consider looking into. They have also considered adding more signs to the area letting people know the garden’s purpose, which he hopes will deter further vandalism.

There was also a brief discussion about the site access. In response to a question from Coun. Daniel Brown, Boulet said they are planning to inspect the access road once the snow melts in the spring. He said it’s hard to predict the cost of improving access before that inspection takes place.

As part f the agreement, the Food Bank must provide to the City, for the City’s prior written approval, a written description of any manner in which the Community Garden is intended to be changed or enlarged, including a statement of details addressing any site preparatory work which must be performed prior to any future expansion.

The City shall cooperate with the Licensee in the preparation of the site prior to and at the conclusion of each season by providing tilling services.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

‘We want to see this ending’: Prince Albert Ukrainians prepare to mark 3 years since Russian invasion

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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‘We want to see this ending’: Prince Albert Ukrainians prepare to mark 3 years since Russian invasion

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

Prince Albert residents of Ukrainian descent will gather on Saturday to recognize an event they wish had never happened.

Monday Feb. 24 marks three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, but Prince Albert residents will gather on Saturday to recognize it with a prayer service and a program to follow. Since the invasion started, hundreds of Ukrainians have moved to Prince Albert to escape the violence.

“Right across the province we’ll be recognizing three years of war, the continued uncertainty of war, and also the bravery and courage of the soldiers and the people who have come to Canada and are trying to help their families in the face of this uncertainty,” Veselka Ukrainian Cultural and Heritage Club President Charlene Tebbutt said in an interview.

Tebbutt said events are planned for Saskatoon and Regina. She said it’s important to keep the war in the public consciousness as it continues.

“(It’s) something that we want to make sure Ukrainians and everyone in the community remains aware of—the war and the continued aggression against Ukraine, and the efforts to find peace and offer support,” Tebbutt said.

“We had done something similar last year and we did not plan for another year, right. We want to see this ending.”

Tebbutt said they’ve invited Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky along with local MLAs and MPs. The Veslka Choir will also be on hand to sing songs of hope, and a few Ukrainian poets will give readings of their work.

“It will be a quiet, somber event,” Tebbutt. “Everyone’s welcome.”

Veselka has tried to keep Ukraine in the limelight by having retired history teacher Dennis Ogrodnick deliver a series of educational talks on Ukrainian history. Tebbutt said those talks have been well-received.

“We’re finding people are really wanting to stay aware and interested,” she said. “People really want to follow and learn about what’s happening and make sure that they can help in whatever way they can.

“We find that we have a large number of people from the Ukrainian community, but also the wider community in general attend. It seems like there is a lot of interest in learning more and understanding.”

The prayer service will start at 7 p.m. inside the St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church with the program starting at 7:30 p.m. next door in the hall.

–with files from Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald

Former Carlton principal to be inducted into Prince Albert Women’s Hall of Fame

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Former Carlton principal to be inducted into Prince Albert Women’s Hall of Fame

Kilmer an ideal candidate says Council of Women president

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

Former Carlton Comprehensive High School principal and current city councillor Dawn Kilmer has been named the newest member of the Prince Albert Women’s Hall of Fame.

The Prince Albert Council of Women announced the decision on Wednesday, with the induction ceremony scheduled for International Women’s Day on March 8.

“Dawn’s commitment to the people in and around Prince Albert makes her an ideal inductee into the Prince Albert Women’s Hall of Fame,” Prince Albert Council of Women President Chrissy Halliday said in a press release.

“As a selection committee, we take into consideration the International Women’s Day themes of the Government of Canada and the United Nations. Dawn’s many contributions truly reflect the 2025 themes.”

Kilmer was long term administrator at Carlton Comprehensive High School, starting as a teacher before becoming vice-principal and then principal for several years. She was also the first woman to serve as the school’s principal.

Halliday said Kilmer is a very dedicated and hard-working, and her involvement in helping organize events like the SWISH for Cure Cancer game played at Carlton in 2020 which raised more than $100,000 for the Victoria Hospital Home Care Program.

“Her nomination really just talked about the last 10 years of things that she has done, and even what she’s done in the last 10 years is absolutely phenomenal,” Halliday said in an interview on Thursday. “She’s very, very multifaceted…. She doesn’t have just one interest. She doesn’t just have one area of the community that she takes time to participate in. She’s one of those people who is (helping) all over the place.”

In addition to helping organize SWISH for a Cure, Kilmer also was a co-chair of the HOOPLA organizing committee, an event which brought high school basketball players to Prince Albert from across the province.

Kilmer has served on the Prince Albert Raiders’ board of directors for several years, and was a board member for the +55 Senior Games held in Prince Albert in June 2022. She was also a director on the World Men’s Softball qualifiers organizing committee.

Kilmer was first elected to city council in 2020, and then re-elected in 2024. Halliday said the selection committee was impressed by how Kilmer continued to volunteer even after she was elected.

“She’s very dedicated,” Halliday said. “She’s very hardworking.”

The UN’s theme for 2025 International Women’s Day is “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” The Government of Canada’s theme is “Strength in every Story”.

The induction ceremony will take place on International Women’s Day, March 8, at the Coronet Hotel, beginning with a tea at 2:00 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony. For tickets, call Halliday at 306-961-0213, or Rose Rothenburger at 306-961-8410.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

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