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

Friendship Centre presents vision for new cultural ground at Little Red River Park

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Friendship Centre presents vision for new cultural ground at Little Red River Park

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

The Prince Albert Indian Metis Friendship Centre presented their vision for a new cultural ground at Little Red River Park during the Feb. 3 executive committee meeting.

The project proposes to include a traditional powwow arbour, seasonal sweat lodge facility, ceremonial hall, cultural stage, land-based classroom and outdoor kitchen – supported by an access road, parking and washroom facilities.

The Friendship Centre’s Director of Youth Services, Shane Bird, was on hand to answer any questions from council. Bird said the area has the potential to be a significant catalyst space to promote and foster reconciliation in the region between all residents.

“This project within the City of PA is a huge stepping stone for Indigenous people in our community and in the surrounding area,” he told council. “We’ve got to think about our future. How are we going to address these issues that we see within an urban setting, especially in Prince Albert? We see a high incarceration rates, gang violence, suicide rates, death due to (drug) overdose or alcohol within our Indigenous population.

“We’re going to see the effects of these grounds for many, many years. It’s going to help address those needs.”

Bird said the plan would allow the Friendship Centre to host cultural programs, celebrations, and ceremonies. He said they’ve already started applying for available funding opportunities to hire a coordinator who can work with local schools to give students access to the site. They have also applied for mental health funding to start hosting traditional land-based healing activities.

Bird said non-Indigenous residents would also be welcome at the site to learn about Indigenous culture.

He described the ground as a critical piece of missing infrastructure in the community, but said there needs to be a partnership with the City to back it work.

“I think we need to try and put our heads together. How can we make this more successful? How can we expedite this process? It should have been done 20-30 years ago, but we’re trying to make it so that it will last a lifetime.”

Council voted unanimously to refer the Friendship Centre’s master plan to the Community Development and Parks, Recreation, and Culture departments. Councillors supported the plan, but raised concerns about transportation.

Bird said they Friendship Centre organized a series of vans to transport people to and from the site during a four-day ceremony last summer. He added that they haven’t settled on a solution, but it is something they are working on.

“We did talk about the City transit. I know (Prince Albert) had the City bus, on some days, doing a trial run … out to Little Red River Park,” Bird told council. “We can definitely look at a bus stop, so to speak, as well. There’s different opportunities there. I know when we did the ceremonies out there we gave a phone number and we had about two or three vans on the go hauling people back and forth, so we are thinking about transportation, and how can we get families and youth out there.

The next Prince Albert city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 24.

-with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

Snowed In Comedy Tour

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Snowed In Comedy Tour

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

One of Canada’s longest running comedy tours will be back in Prince Albert on Tuesday when comics Paul Myrehaug, Pete Zedlacher, Erica Sigurdson, and Dan Quinn arrive at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre for the Snowed In Comedy.

Prince Albert is the first of five Saskatchewan stops on the tour. Zedlacher said it’s been a great experience so far.

“This year has been really phenomenal,” he said. “We have seen it grow year after year, but this year is really remarkable. We’ve had sold out shows … six weeks into the tour so far. It’s been really amazing this year.”

The Snowed In Comedy Tour has turned into a Canadian success story. Zedlacher jokes that it had humble beginnings as a way to get more time hanging around B.C. ski resorts so they could go snowboarding. It’s now celebrating its sixteenth year, has now grown to become one the biggest comedy tour in Canada. 

“I think there was maybe six or eight shows that we did in that very first year back in 2009, and the response was great,” Zedlacher said. “People liked our comedy, but also liked the idea. It’s just four (comics) getting together and doing a show so they could go snowboarding, so when we did it again the next year we said, ‘let’s build on that’ and we did.”

This year’s tour now features shows in 68 cities coast to coast.

“It only has come from hard work and consistency of bringing a brand-new show to audiences year after year,” Zedlacher said. “If you’ve seen us in previous years, it will be a different show.”

Zedlacher is based out of Toronto and has become a mainstay on Canadian television, appearing regularly on CBC’s The Debaters while also performing on Just For Laughs, the Halifax ComedyFest, and The Ron James Show, among others.

Originally from the mining community of Wawa in Northern Ontario, Zedlacher said his comedy draws heavily on his roots.

“The best comedy really comes from honesty. If you come at it from an honest angle, the audience’s will appreciate it,” he said. “Coming from a small town, we’re always under the shadow of the big cities. On a larger scale, Canada is much like that as well, living under the shadow of the United States, so we always have an outsider’s view looking at what’s going on, and that’s exactly what a comedian does. We step outside of the norm and then go, ‘hey, have you noticed this? What’s going on with that?’ That’s where comedy comes from.”

The first steps of becoming a comedian is just relating to your fellow man around, telling jokes and making fun of things that are happening around and that’s what comedians do.” Zedlacher adds.

Zedlacher is one of four comics who will appear on the E.A. Rawlinson Stage. He describes Quinn as “the relationship comic” who jokes about relationships and adventures with his wife. Myrehaug is now based out of France, but returns to Canada every year to perform with Snowed In Comedy. Sigurdson is an award winning comedy writer who previously wrote for the Corner Gas Animated Series, and holds the record for most appearances on the CBC’s The Debaters.

“The accolades are numerous on this comedy tour,” Zedlacher said. “It’s not just four amateur comics getting together and doing this show. It’s a big event, and people come back year after year to see us again.”

The Snowed In Comedy Tour starts at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre. Tickets are available at the box office, or at earc.ca.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

editorial@paherald.sk.ca

City announces plans for public reconciliation and anti-racism events

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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City announces plans for public reconciliation and anti-racism events

Previous events show people ‘are interested in learning more’ says Arts and Culture manager

Emokhare Paul Anthony, Daily Herald

After seeing successful anti-racism and reconciliation public events in 2022 and 2023, the City of Prince Albert and their partners will be hosting two similar events in February and March.

The City made a formal announcement on Friday. In a press release, the City of Prince Albert said it “is committed to advancing reconciliation in our community. In 2025, the City will host two free public events focused on Reconciliation and Anti-Racism, inviting residents to engage in meaningful discussions and learning opportunities.”

City of Prince Albert Arts and Culture Division Manager Judy MacLeod Campbell said there was good feedback about events held in 2022 and 2023 with former Cowessess First Nation Chief Cadmus Delorme. She said those sessions helped lay the foundation for the community’s journey on the Road to Reconciliation, and inspired them to host similar events in 2025.

“We had Cadmus in ’22 and again in ’23. He’s such a lovely man and has a great way of presenting the truth in a respectful and non-blaming way,” she said “We filled the place both times—600 people at both opportunities—so people are interested in learning more and, I think, doing better.”

The City will hold two events. The first is a one-night-only storytelling session with Becky Sasakamoose-Kuffner and Lorie Harrison on March 19. The second is three-day learning series presented by the Saskatoon Anti-Racism Network and the Heart-Song Complex Trauma Program with sessions on Feb. 26, March 5, and march 19.

“One of the most meaningful ways we can support reconciliation is through education,” City of Prince Albert Corporate Services Director Kiley Bear said in a press release. “These sessions provide an opportunity for residents to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and the ongoing impacts of colonialism, fostering a more inclusive and informed community.”

“By engaging in these important conversations, residents can build intercultural understanding and strengthen relationships, learning about Indigenous history, racism, and human rights helps us move forward together toward our road to reconciliation.” added Campbell.

“This is core to our city’s culture plan a city with a strong and proud culture, where we all feel we belong.”

MacLeod Campbell said the goal of the three day event is to provide something more in depth for those who are interested.

“For those who are ready and interested in learning more, that three-day is a real deep dive,” she said.

MacLeod Campbell said the City has a new truth and reconciliation committee internally and they were looking at different things they could do as an organization to enhance staff learning about truth and reconciliation. With that in mind, the City has also planned a half-day of internal training.

MacLeod Campbell and Bear both heard Sasakamoose-Kuffner speak recently and really liked her approach, knowledge, and experience. That led to an invitation to speak in Prince Albert.

“Becky’s been doing this work for many, many years, and has worked with the City of Saskatoon in the past as well.”

MacLeod Campbell added that Sasakamoose-Kuffner’s father is from Prince Albert, so there is a local connection too.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action is educating public servants about Indigenous history, including the legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Indigenous rights, Indigenous law, and Indigenous-Crown relations.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

U.S. no longer a bankable partner says Hoback

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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U.S. no longer a bankable partner says Hoback

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

Prince Albert Conservative MP Randy Hoback said Canada must find a way to get their resources to markets other than the United States, following a weekend tariff threat from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Hoback, who also serves as the Conservative Party advisor to the leader on Canada-US Relations and Associate Shadow Minister for International Trade said that may mean repealing legislation that prevents expanding to new markets. He said it also means lowering taxes and become more efficient and competitive in the business sector.

“I don’t want to interpret (this as) we don’t want to do business in US. We definitely do want to do business in the U.S. We want to be their partner. We want to be their friend. We want to continue moving forward. We want to work with them, as (Ontario) Premier (Doug) Ford talked about, (its) the North American strength and advantage. We want to be there partner as we take on the rest of the world, but until we’ve got an environment for that to happen, we have to survive and we have to make the choices that allow us to survive,” Hoback said.

Hoback, a member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development said Americans are going to be paying 25 more for goods, they receive from Canada and Mexico at the time which he thought is bad.

On Tuesday, he spoke briefly during the annual State of the City address about the tariffs U.S. president Donald Trump may or may not deploy.

Hoback said it’s frustrating not to have a reliable, bankable parter in the United States, and that’s creating a lot of confusion in the business sector.

“We really don’t know what he (Trump) may or may not do but we know what we have to do,” Hoback said. “That hasn’t changed, whether it was Donald Trump in the White House or Joseph Biden. We need to get our resources to market, so we need to repeal legislation that prevents that from happening. We need to lower taxes and become more efficient and more competitive in our business sector.”

Hoback said there are opportunities to export Canadian natural resources to other markets like Asia and Europe. In the meantime, Hoback said, countries like the UAB, Iran, and Venezuela, are providing resources in Canada’s place.

“I think Canadian are starting to realize there is some common sense that has to happen here,” Hoback said. “One of them is to make sure we get our resources to Market in the appropriate fashion until we have options. The auto sector is the same thing, the auto sector is very structured into Canada, US and Mexico. If that was to fall apart, it’s in a bad situation.”

Hoback echoed comments from other Conservative MPs who said the Prime Minister should recall parliament to deal with the tariff threat. Hoback said that’s the only way to ensure voices from all parts of the country are heard.

Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce CEO Patty Hughes has said tax cuts and getting rid of the complex, making sure that businesses transition or survive this chaos that are seeing at some of the borders.

“The tariffs have been real concern for our business community,” Hughes said. “The chamber as a whole, whether we are on the provincial level or even as a federal chamber, we’ve been throwing a lot of resources at it, trying to understand everything and what are the things that we can help support.”

Hughes said the business community will be pushing for more inter-provincial trade and reducing those barriers. She said Chambers have been lobbying for that for quite some time and that would make up a significant difference already with these pending tariffs.

If the tariffs go into effect, Hughes said she expects the cost of construction materials to go up significantly, and that’s going to hurt local businesses trying to renovate, build, or expand.

Originally, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to put a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods, expect oil and gas, which would face a 10 per cent tariff. However, he later said the tariff would not be implemented for another 30 days.

—with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

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