Prince Albert postal workers frustrated with Canada Post negotiations

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Prince Albert postal workers frustrated with Canada Post negotiations

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

Canadian Union of Postal Workers urged Canada Post to get back to the bargaining table as they hit the picket line on Marquis Rd. for the second time since the strike started on Friday.

CUPW Local 810 Vice-President Ben McCloy said the mood is positive among union members in Prince Albert, but accused Canada Post of foot dragging during the negotiations, despite knowing that their contracts expired a year ago.

“We’re frustrated with the corporation and their hesitation,” McCloy said. “They’re dragging on the negotiations.”

Some 55,000 postal workers represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) went on a nationwide strike on Friday, Nov. 15. After a year of bargaining with little progress, postal workers decided to strike.

In a press release issued Friday, the CPUW argued Canada Post had the opportunity to prevent this strike, but it has refused to negotiate on “real solutions to the issues postal workers face every day.”

McCloy said that left employees with few options.

“They could have negotiated fairly before this point in time and not let it get to this, but they do this on purpose,” McCloy said. “They try and get the public on their side but we have a lot of support from the public.

“Our demands are reasonable: fair wages, safe working conditions, the right to retire with dignity, and the expansion of services at the public post office,” McCloy added.

In the days leading up to the strike, Canada Post issued a statement saying the negotiations came at a “crucial juncture” for Canada Post. The organization recorded a $90 million loss from operations in the first six months of 2024, and that number will get worse if they miss out on the lucrative holiday season due to the strike.

On Monday, McCloy said Canada Post was financially struggling because of poor business decisions, and high executive salaries.

In response, Canada Post said it has lost more than $3 billion since 2018, with losses continuing to mount.

“Even with that, Canada Post has continued to put forward offers that protect and enhance what’s important to our current employees. We’ve offered competitive wage increases (11.5% over four years) and additional paid leave, while protecting the defined benefit pension and job security provisions,” read the Canada Post statement.

“To help secure the future of the company and grow our parcel business, Canada Post has put forward proposals to offer seven-day-a-week parcel delivery, more competitive pricing and other important improvements. This new delivery model is essential for the future of the company, and critical to our ability to afford the offers.”

The Minister of Labour has appointed a special mediator to continue negotiations, a move Canada Post said it supports.

McCloy said postal workers are proud to serve their communities, and want to do the job they love. A strike is a last resort, he said.

“We still believe we can achieve negotiated collective agreements, but Canada Post must be willing to resolve our new and outstanding issues,” McCloy said.

Mail and parcels are not being processed or delivered for the duration of the national strike, and some post offices are closed. Service guarantees have been impacted for items already in the postal network. No new items are being accepted until the national disruption is over.

As a result, Canada Post parcel volumes declined by 42 per cent last week, compared to the same week in the previous year.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

Girovago brings mix of Colombian and Eastern European rhythms to Prince Albert with Barca

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Girovago brings mix of Colombian and Eastern European rhythms to Prince Albert with Barca

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald 

The co-director of theatrical production company Girovago hopes Prince Albert residents will enjoy a show that very energetic, colorful, and leaves people with good memories.

Girovago will be in Prince Albert on Friday to perform their show ‘Barka’. The name comes from a small type of ship called a Barque known for its quickness and versatility. Girovago co-director and performer Carmen Ruiz said they plan to bring those qualities to their show.

“That’s the plot of the show, that we are all in this ship together. Whether we’re leaving because we’re trying to escape or because we’ve been displaced, or because we’re explorers, we’re basically all trying to find our own dream, living our life, but there’s a storm coming on our horizon, and we don’t want to see it,” she said. “We don’t want to see it, and the question is, what are we going to do to keep our ship afloat?”

Girovago brings a mix of Afro-Colombian percussion, Balkan melodies, dance and circus performances. Ruiz said those sounds are intertwined in a show filled with delirious energy as well as visual and sensory richness.

“We’ve been working on a fusion of different styles of music over the past 12 years with our band,” Ruiz explained.

“We’ve been exploring this fusion of different influences very much inspired by Eastern European influences, but over the years it has become much boarder than just Eastern European.”

The northern region of Ruiz’s native Colombia also had a huge influence on the group’s sound. She described it as the “base” of their musical exploration.

That was the first main inspiration for Barque. The second was the desire to mix those sounds with dance and circus type performances.

“That’s out roots, and what has bene the base for the musical exploration,” Ruiz said. 

This is the first time Girovago will perform in Saskatchewan. Prince Albert is one of several stops as the group tours through Western Canada.

Last year they performed in Edmonton and Vancouver, and enjoyed touring Western Canada. That made them want to return to Canada, with an expanded schedule that included Saskatchewan.

Girovago will perform Barca at the E.A. Rawlinson Centre on Friday, Nov. 15. Tickets are available at the box office, or from earc.ca

Odyssey Theatre to hit stage in grand style with ‘This is a Play’

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Odyssey Theatre to hit stage in grand style with ‘This is a Play’

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

Prince Albert’s Odyssey Theatre will take a more meta approach to acting with their next performance. 

The troupe will perform Daniel MacIvor’s play ‘This is a play’ at the Mont St. Joseph Home from Nov. 14-16. Director Kim Morrall said the play is a short, comedic parody of a play that illustrates the common blunders an actor often faces in the theatre business and how they suffer through for the sake of the show. 

“There are some really laugh-out-loud lines in there,” Morall said. “You’ve got to kind of wonder about the guy—Daniel MacIvor, the Canadian playwright who wrote the play—(because) some of the stuff is so ridiculous, but it’s hilarious. I have seen this how many times now, and I still laugh out loud every time … so that’s a good sign.” 

Though this is play had a cast of only four characters, each one was essentially doubled because their “actor” was also a character in the alternate plot. 

Morrall said the audience will be shown a depiction of four different characters, stereotypical to most plays, as well as the thoughts and opinions of four different actors at different stages in their careers. 

The characters carried out the dramatic plot and the actors carried out the honest experience of being in showbiz.  

The theatre group got a late start on rehearsals after plans to perform a different play never panned out. Despite the short time frame, Morall said all actors were doing a wonderful job of taking on their character and matching their required skill level. 

“They are doing a fantastic job,” she said. “Every time we have a rehearsal, they are adding something new to their characters.” 

The play’s characters include Older Actor, the wise but slightly hardened maternal figure played by an experienced actress who was annoyed with the wig she had to wear, Male Actor, the mysterious yet bold stranger from the city who showed up out of the blue, played by an inexperienced actor who was overconfident in his abilities and frequently thought of his inspiration, and Female Actor, the well-trained actress who was in a dramatic role and is frustrated with her inexperienced and non-appealing co-star. 

Matt Ireland will perform as Male Actor in the play. He said the performance is stretching his acting skills. 

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s all timing. You have to know when you’re switching back and forth (between characters). 

Ireland has been performing for more than 20 years. He started performing here in Prince Albert, but moved out to B.C. where he did musical theatre, Shakespeare, and even a little bit of Opera before returning to Saskatchewan. 

Now, he’s eager for local audiences to see Odyssey’s take on MacIvor’s play. 

“(There’s) not a lot of dialogue, but it is very snappy,” Ireland said. “You have to be picking up your cues, being very snappy. That’s part of the comedy.” 

The Odyssey Theatre production will be one of two performances scheduled for Nov. 14-16 at Mont. St. Joe’s. Off the Cuff Improv will also perform, giving audiences two shows for one price. 

“It’s going to be a busy night, but it’s going to be fun,” Morall said. “(Off the Cuff) is a good way to get (the audience) started and get them happy. It’s going to be good. It’s going to be a night of laughter for sure.” 

Morall said Odyssey is always looking for stages to perform on. She said it can be difficult to find space at other venues in the community, and the E.A. Rawlinson can be expensive to rent. They’ve hosted plays at schools and the Prince Albert Public Library, but decided to try Mont St. Joseph this time. 

The show runs from Thursday, Nov. 14 to Saturday, Nov. 16. The entire performance begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 and available on Eventbrite to at the door. 

–with files from Michael Oleksyn/Daily Herald 

editorial@paherald.sk.ca 

Social issues top list of discussion topics at Ward Candidates Forum

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Social issues top list of discussion topics at Ward Candidates Forum

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

Candidates seeking spots on the next Prince Albert City Council had a chance to make their case to voters as the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce hosted their Ward Candidates Forum on Friday, Nov. 1.

Candidates running in the Nov. 13 election announced their determination to focus more on homelessness, crime, and addictions if elected.

The chamber hosted nine candidates running in the various wards. Among these are two sitting councilors seeking re-election.

Coun. Daren Solomon of Ward 8 and Coun. Dawn Kilmer in Ward 7 spoke on the importance of continuity and the ability to continue progress made in the past four years by returning to council.

Solomon has already been elected by acclamation in Ward 8, while Kilmer is running against former councillor Dennis Nowoselsky, who did not attend the forum.

“In the last four years when I came into the position, I decided I needed to listen,” said Kilmer, who is a former Carlton Comprehensive Public High School. “I need to listen, and I need to take what people have to say, weight what is put before me, and then make a decision that is transparent that I can stand behind and that, when anybody asks me about (it), I can tell you why I made that decision.”

Kilmer said she’s held four community meetings in the past four years, and plans to continue doing that if re-elected. She said the City is making strides on homelessness, addictions, and crime through the new Safety and Wellness Committee.

Solomon said listening to all the candidates made him hopeful for the next four years. He expects to see a council filled with people who are kind, efficient, and cooperative, and can move the City forward.

Ward 1 candidate Larry Vandale was the first candidate to speak. Vandale is a retired city worker who said main reason for running is to get more involve in more community, improve participation by the residents, and improve the area.

On homelessness and addictions, Vandale said the City needs to cooperative with city groups who are doing good work to get people off the street.

He said his goal is to help Ward 1 become as safe and attractive as possible so more people will want to live there.

Vandale is running against Daniel Brown in Ward 1. Brown was not in attendance.

Ward 2 candidate Meghan Mayer, a former chamber of commerce chair, business owner, and a minister at Embassy Church that oversees Plaza, 88 said she believes in serving in the community where you have lived and grown your family and that’s what inspired her to run in the municipal election.

Mayer touted her experience serving on local boards like the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District Board and helping run events like Sports on Central. Policy wise, she said safety, security, economic growth, and low taxes were among the concerns she was hearing about from voters.

She said she would advocate for the return of more neighbourhood watch programs. She would also advocate for grants for residence that install security cameras on their property.

She also said she would advocate for higher upkeep standards for rental properties, and promised to prioritize roadway and park maintenance.

Mayer is running against Troy Parenteau in Ward 2, a Prince Albert teacher who served as an elected councillor for the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation and on the board of the Prince Albert Historical Society and Prince Albert Teachers’ Association.

If elected, Parenteau said he would focus on dealing with “unsafe and unhealthy things” residents are seeing in the community.

He said things weren’t as bad seven years ago when he bought his house in Prince Albert. He also said voters were telling him they were concerned about community safety.

“We need to be talking about what is working, what is not working, and we need to take a look at the cross-sectional conversation to access whether the decisions affect other groups,” he said.

Parenteau believe having roundtable talks with various stakeholders with view of bringing about new development in the city to improve on existing projects, like the new hospital, and new recreation centre, among others.

He said getting Prince Albert to the next level will mean attracting more professionals, and addressing prevenient social issues. He also promised to be responsive to community concerns.

Tony Head has been acclaimed in Ward 3. Head did not attend the forum.

Ward 4 candidates Bryce Laewetz and Perry Trusty were both in attendance. Both candidates spoke on the importance of supporting local businesses, attracting sustainable investment and improving community connections.

Laewetz said he is running on three safety, fiscal responsibility, and economic development. As a former corrections officers, Laewetz said he’s seen first hand some of the problems in PA. He said he’s running to make sure every Ward 4 resident feels safe.

Laewetz touted his experience as a construction project manager, which he said would help him as a councillor at City Hall. He also touted his status as the only candidate running in Ward 4 who also lived in the Ward.

“I’m the only candidate running in Ward 4 that lives there, and I believe that really does matter,” Laewetz said. “I have no interest in running in any other ward because this is my home … and my connection to my neighbours matters.”

Trusty graduated from high school in Prince Albert, left to get a degree in public administration from the University of Saskatchewan, and returned to Prince Albert.

He touted his work as a developer in Prince Albert, Tisdale, and Melfort, which he said required him to make difficult and transparent decisions, skills that he would use as a councillor at City Hall. He listed gang activity, gun violence, and poverty as serious issues in the city, along with mental health and addictions issues.

If elected, Trusty said he would support a new treatment centre, and advocate for more economic development incentives for renovations and addictions for existing businesses. He said the expanded properties could help leverage new community investments. Trusty also said the next council needed keep asking when the new OSB plant will start, and look at other potential forestry opportunities.

Trusty added that much has been made over the fact that he doesn’t live in the ward, but he said opinions don’t matter as much as knowledge and experience.

Both Ward 5 candidates were also in attendance.

Steven Ring said that, if elected, he would be a loud and clear voice for honesty and transparency at City Hall. Ring, the owner of a local consulting firm, said he does not have a platform or personal agenda. Instead, he said his goal is to represent the public and consider the well-being and interests of the sitting, develop services and programs and maintain financial integrity.


“It is my intention to vigorously carry out those duties professionally and thoroughly if elected,” Ring said. “My voice will be loud and clear when advocating for the City and I will make the decisions I feel are in the best interests of everybody in my ward and everybody in the city.”

Ring said he would lead by example and make “common sense decisions.” He said he’s running for council because he loves Prince Albert, loves Ward 5, and wants to be part of solutions to issues like homelessness, crime, and addiction.

He said no city councillor can solve these problems on their own, so the City needs to build partnerships with other levels of government.

Ring’s opponent in Ward 5, former Saskatchewan Progressive Conservative Party Deputy Leader Shaun Harris, pledged lower taxes in Prince Albert, address the social issues in the city, and promote economic development

Harris owns a logging and trucking company in Prince Albert, and developed a gravel pit business. He said his experience running large scale projects in forestry, oil and gas, trucking, and transportation would help him be a strong councillor if elected.

Like Ring, Harris said no one person was going to solve Prince Albert’s prevalent social problems. If elected, Harris said he would advocate for more mental health hand addictions recovery beds.

However, he also said there needs to be more accountability for the people running social programs. He also said local residents needed to be consulted before new facilities like shelters were constructed.

Taxes are also a concern for Harris. He said the City was losing development opportunities to the surrounding rural municipalities because of Prince Albert’s tax system.

Ward 6 Coun. Blake Edwards was re-elected by acclamation, but did not attend the forum.

The City of Prince Albert municipal election is scheduled for Nov. 13.

Gail Hartsook Scholarship winners grateful for recognition

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Gail Hartsook Scholarship winners grateful for recognition

Emokhare Paul Anthony

Daily Herald

Nathan Ballantyne of Montreal Lake First Nation has called on the youth in the community to live a good quality life, and make significant use of their time to be a good citizen.

The Indigenous Social Work student from the First Nation University of Canada in Saskatoon received a $2,000 Gail Hartsook Scholarship on Wednesday for volunteering with Str8 Up, an organization that helps former gang members lead a new life.

The scholarship is very personal for Ballantyne because he is a former gang member himself who began turning his life around after getting out of jail.

“I’m really honoured to get this award today,” Ballantyne said. “I never did get a scholarship before. It’s kind of surprising for me to get this. It was really nice to be acknowledged for once, to get a reward like this.”

After living a life of addiction, Ballantyne looks forward to devoting his time to helping other youth on the street who have drug and alcohol addictions become responsible citizens. He also wants to help gang members leave the life behind.

Ballantyne was in and out of jail since he was 13. He’s faced more than 47 criminal charges in his life, but has is happy to be turning his life around, something he credits to cultural practices and attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

“l think the future is real bright for me now,” he said. “l have all this support. I have all

my family and everything to help me with where I’m going today.”

“It was a real big step for me to change my ways, but all the support I had last summer really helped me,” he added.

Nathan advised local youth that focus, determination, setting goals, and taking a bold step to get out of the comfort zone is very important to improving their life. He also said it’s important to accept help when you need it to start the healing process.

FNUC student Nolan thankful for recognition and encouragement

Meagan Nolan was the second person to receive a $2,000 Gail Hartsook Scholarship on Wednesday.

Like Ballantyne, Nolan studies Indigenous Social Work at the First Nation University of Canada (FNUC), and said winning the scholarship was a welcome surprise.

“I’m very thankful for the Gail Hartsook (Scholarship) in recognizing how hard it’s been doing all this work,” Nolan said. “This is also the very first scholarship I’ve received. I’ve always been the underdog.”

Besides studying social work, Nolan also serves on the Government of Saskatchewan’s post-secondary advisory committee and as an elders’ helper, while also parenting four children.

Nolan credited Prince Albert and Area Community Foundation president Bill Powalinsky for providing encouragement during a difficult time.

“Bill was one of the people in my past who said, ‘you’d be a good social worker,’ so I really want to send a thank you to Bill for believing me in the past when I didn’t believe in myself,” Nolan said.

Prince Albert and Area Community Foundation board member Delphine Melchert presented the scholarships to Nolan and Ballantyne on Wednesday. She said both students were worthy recipients.

“We did get a lot of applicants, and these two rose right to the top,” Melchert said.

The Gail Hartsook Scholarship is awarded in memory of former social worker Gail Hartsook who passed away in 2017. Hartsook was also the instrumental in founding the Prince Albert Mobile Crisis Centre, eventually becoming the organization’s director.

–with files from Jason Kerr/Daily Herald

Victoria Hospital Charity Golf Tournament hits new fundraising high

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Victoria Hospital Charity Golf Tournament hits new fundraising high

Emokhare Paul Anthony

The Victoria Hospital Charity Golf Classic tournament came to a close on June 14 with its best fundraising total ever.

The event which has become an annual tradition at Emma Lake, saw enthusiastic participation from both local and visiting residents, all united by a common goal: supporting the

Boreal Healthcare Foundation.

Boreal Health Care foundation CEO Cody Barnett said this year’s charity golf classic was a resounding success, raising a total sum of $74,333 to support critical healthcare services at the hospital as well as the Herb Basset Home and Pine View Terrace Care Home.

“The funds raised will be directed towards the purchase of advanced medical equipment,

enhancing patient care, and supporting other various health programs that cater to the

community’s needs,” Barnett said.

“The outpouring of support from our community and sponsors has been truly heartwarming. Every year we see more people coming together not only because golf but make it real

difference in the lives of patients and their families. It’s a testament to the community

spirit of prince albert.”

Participants teed off early Saturday morning under clear weather with well over 150 golfers

swinging their clubs in a friendly competition. The event featured various contest, including

longest drive and closest-to -the -pin adding excitement to the rounds.

As the final putts were made, players gathered for a celebratory dinner and award ceremony.

Barnett said the tournament provides vital support. Looking ahead the Boreal health care foundation aims to expand the event’s reach and impact.

“We’re already planning next year’s tournament with even bigger set goal in mind,” he explained. “We hope to draw more participants, engage more local business owners and ultimately raise more funds to continue our mission of providing a top notch healthcare services to the community.”

Barnett said they are grateful for all the supporters who helped raise the money.

“This event truly exemplifies the power of community spirit and collective effort,” he said in a press release.

editorial@paherald.sk.ca

SGI launches road safety campaign with Roughriders

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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SGI launches road safety campaign with Roughriders

Emokhare Paul Anthony

SGI has joined forces with the Saskatchewan Roughriders to deliver a message about the importance of safe driving.

The partnership aims to reduce road accidents and enhance the safety of drivers across the province, with a focus on getting fans home safely from Saskatchewan Roughrider games.

The initiative, according to Minister Responsible for Crown Corporations Dustin Duncan, will includes a series of public service announcements, community events and educational program designed to promote safe driving habits.

“It’s no secret that Riders fans know how to have a good time, but when game is over its also

important that they don’t drink and drive and have safe sober ride back home,” Duncan said.

The campaign will run for one full season and possibly in the future. It will emphasize several key messages like don’t drive impaired, buckle up, which reminds drivers to always wear seat belt, stay focused, which addresses the risk of distracted driving through the use of mobile phones, and obey speed limits at every posted speed limits signs.

“We have an extremely exciting season of Roughrider football ahead of us and want Rider nation to be there for every minute of it,” Roughriders President and CEO Craig Reynolds said. “That’s why we are happy to partner with SGI, to help continue to encourage the club fans to plan safe ride home from Mosaic Stadium.”

Reynolds said in addition to media outreach, the Riders will incorporate the safe driving messages into their game day experience. Safety Reminders will be displayed on the big screen in the stadium, and messages will be played during breaks in the game. There will also be interactive booths provided for fans to pledge to have a safe drive home, and SGI Safe Ride Ambassadors at the pregame party near the stadium.

“The partnership allows us to connect with our community in a meaningful way,” Reynolds said.

SGI reports that in 2023, there were 5,000 collisions in Saskatchewan involving distracted

driving, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities. They aim to bring those numbers down through collaboration with the Roughriders by fostering a Culture of Safety among Motorists.

As the Campaign kicks off, both SGI and the Roughriders are very optimistic about the

potential impact. They also believe that by leveraging the team’s influence and the

insurance company’s resources, they can make Saskatchewan’s road Safer for everyone.

As part of the campaign, one season ticket holder who travels to Regina from out of town will receive a prize pack and be recognized on screen for their smart choice and behavior.

editorial@paherald.sk.ca

Getting Less… paying more, APAS president calls for action

Emokhare Paul Anthony
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Getting Less… paying more, APAS president calls for action

Emokhare Paul Anthony

The president of Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) has voiced
strong concerns regarding the widening gap between what farmers in Saskatchewan gets for their produce and what Consumers pay at the Grocery Stores.

APAS President Ian Boxall said the organization is concerned the issue will threaten both the livelihood of Saskatchewan farmers and affordability for Saskatchewan residents.

Boxall said that while grocery prices continue to soar, the amount farmers are paid remain stagnant or even decline.

“It’s an unsustainable situation,” Boxall stated. “Our farmers are struggling to
cover the costs of production, yet the retail price keep increasing. This discrepancy needs urgent attention.”

Boxall said there are several factors contributing to this disparity. Poor weather and rising costs for fuel, fertilizers, and machinery have significantly increased the financial burden on farmers.

Meanwhile, supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures have led to higher
retail prices. However the benefits of these price has not come down to producers.

Boxall said farmers across Saskatchewan have echoed these concerns too. He said though there is no central price list for commodities directly from the farmers, the
cost of these product are still relative cheap before getting to the various stores.

“It feels like we are getting squeezed and choked from both ends,” he said.

Boxall has therefore called on both the federal and the provincial governments to as
a matter of urgency critically look into the pricing mechanism within the Sector,
while also urging for more proactive, transparent and equitable distribution of profits from farm to table.

APAS also advocates for policies that would provide greater support to farmers,
ensuring they receive fair compensation for their labor and investment. The association is also using the medium to encourage consumers to support local farmers directly, through farmers’ markets and community supported agriculture (CSA) program. The organization says consumers can ensure more of their spending is reduced and goes
directly to those who grows the food themselves.

“This does not only support the locals but also helps to keep the food dollars within the community,” Boxall said.

He added that APAS would continue to strive and push for changes that would lead to a more equitable food system.

“Our farmers are the backbone of our economy,” Boxall added. “It’s imperative that we address these issues so that our agricultural heritage can be sustained and food security ensured for future generations to come.”

Research from Statistics Canada by Canadian market analyst Kelvin Grier, indicates that prices for raw commodities such as canola, wheat, lentils, barley and hogs has dropped by five to 16 per cent. Farm share on multiple products like
bread and beer, for example, fell by 20 and 28 percent respectively.

Those figures were included in a new report released by APAS called Farmers and Food Prices.

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