A Wild Life: Saskatchewan is Black Bear Country

Sheila Wanite Bautz
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A Wild Life: Saskatchewan is Black Bear Country

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Herald

The notorious black bear is an elusive creature living in all demographics across Saskatchewan. When the wild animal makes an appearance, the polarized public viewpoints revolve around public safety concerns. Yet, the large omnivores are highly focused on food sources, not people, especially at this time of year. 

Matthew Tokaruk, a Black Bear Biologist and the Ministry of Environment’s La Ronge Area Wildlife Ecologist, provided insight into the behavior of black bears, emphasizing their food motivation and individual personalities. The provincial black bear population remains stable for the non-migratory mammal, including through the raging wildfires this summer.

“Black bears and other boreal forest species are actually really well adapted to wildfire at a population level,” said Tokaruk. “Black bears will move around as the fires are actively burning, but there’s lots of evidence to suggest that bears will move back into residuals in the burn area within what was their main habitat once the fires have passed.”

Tokaruk explained that the Prince Albert area into Parkland is particularly significant.

“We categorize the scattering broadly as bear country,” said Tokaruk. “At certain times of the year when we have dispersing juveniles, we’ll see bears moving longer distances. The younger bears are traveling looking for new home ranges, new habitats for themselves.”

Black bears also travel to seek opportunistic feed sources, such as along riverbanks and lake shores for fish, and occasionally, young deer, moose or elk. The bulk of a black bear’s diet consists of vegetation and berries with scavenging on carcasses. Farmers, ranchers and beekeepers have experienced damage to property and livestock due to foraging bears.

“This time of year, black bears are entering the technical term called hyperphagia,” said Tokaruk. “They’re trying to get as many calories as they can for as much weight as they can starting through mid-August here and then right up until they’re headed into the dens.”

The average adult black bear weighs between 230 kg to 400 kg, with adult females weighing significantly less. During this time of year, food sources are vital for hibernation weight gain. Weather conditions are not an indicator for when black bears begin hibernation, such as a warm late autumn. 

“The type of weather year it is doesn’t matter as much. Hibernation is based on their cycle and they’ll use daylight hours to dictate when they head into the den,” said Tokaruk. “That’s often by the time November arrives. They’re bodies tell them it’s time to head in and have their winter hibernation.”

Saskatchewan black bears prefer isolation with their own kind and will engage in short-term gatherings called congregations at locations with abundant food sources. They also prefer their family groups, which are mainly composed of an adult female and her cubs. 

“Female bears have two or three [cubs] depending on the year, but they only will have those cubs every second year beginning when the female is five years of age in this area,” said Tokaruk. “The population is slow to change. Often, when we’re seeing more bears, people may notice that you see them because the food is there. It’s not because there’s necessarily more bears one year to the next. That number is often quite stable.”

Tokaruk explained that black bear breeding season occurs in June with the birth of little bear cubs occurring the following February during hibernation. The hibernation period lasts until around April.

“The cubs remain in the denr that year, and they’ll hibernate with her [Mama Bear] again. Then the next year, she’ll send them on their merry way,” said Tokaruk. “When they come out of the den, they kind of have the world’s longest Sunday morning coffee break until their metabolism starts working and they start eating again. There’s a couple days or even a couple weeks where things are pretty slow. They remain near the den site eating fresh green shoots and then they’ll move out from those areas searching for more food sources.”

Saskatchewan black bears are a protected species under The Wildlife Act, 1981. In 1992, international concerns arose over the status of bear populations outside of North America. This resulted in Saskatchewan black bears being enlisted under the “look-alike” clause by the Committee on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) II.

Further regulations resulted in 2021 in The Wildlife Regulations, 1981 to include black bears on the prohibited list to feed or leave food attractants out for them. The baiting regulation excludes hunters and trappers with licences and waste disposal sites operated in accordance with The Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010.

“As the biologist responsible for the black bears file, I look at things more at a population level,” said Tokaruk, “at a hunting season level.”

The Ministry of Environment reports that black bears are a popular wild animal amongst the community of resident hunters while being unique for attracting many non-resident hunters. Aboriginal people also respectfully hunt the black bear for meat and medicine.

“Any nuisance bears, or dangerous encounters with wildlife, gets referred to our conservation officers,” said Tokaruk.

 Problem black bears create a significant workload for RCMP and conservation officers. Black bears are notorious for remaining secretive. If a food source works, they do not change their mode of operation. This includes raiding pet food dishes, bird seed feeders and honey hives. However, most black bears exercise extreme caution around humans, unless they are conditioned to approach people as a viable food source.

“Do not feed or approach bears or cubs, that’s unlawful. If you do encounter a bear, the first thing is stay calm. If that bear is focused on feeding in that area, make a wide detour and back away. Speak in low tones. Let the bear know you’re there. Don’t look directly at the bear.”

In northern communities, using simple plastic and wooden dumpsters for waste disposal use should be avoided. Landfills and campground sites also attract larger black bear congregations. Black bears are known to meet approaching vehicles at garbage dumps and remove garbage from the back of pickup trucks.

Although black bear attacks on humans are very rare, it is best to practice bear safety in case of a close encounter. Black bear and human encounter escalations may result in black bears threatening humans with body language, but not attacking.

“Every situation is unique and bears are individuals. There’s certain behaviors that black bears will use when they’re feeling uncomfortable or stressed — swatting the ground or a jaw popping noise — but I wouldn’t encourage folks to wait for that sort of situation.”

Diffuse the situation and conflict with a black bear, forget the egos. Drop articles of clothing as an offering, such as a hat, for a distraction and back away. Never climb a tree as black bears are excellent climbers. If you have bear spray, prepare to use it. On the rare incident an attack happens, never play dead with a black bear.

Tokaruk advised that human group activities are effective in warding off bears due to the talking and noise, which ensures black bears keep a distance. Black bears are not interested in joining a human congregation.

“If you’re hiking alone, whistle a tune once in a while. Just be observant and aware of your surroundings,” suggests Tokaruk. “If that bear seems focused on whatever it’s doing on the trail in front of you, stay calm, move back towards your vehicle or find something to break line of sight. Buildings, trees or rocks, any cover like that. In most cases, that’s where the encounter ends. Often, we’re going to be seeing that animal from across the field or a Meadow and that bear is already moving the other way, and that’s all right. We can just enjoy that moment, then we continue on our way.”

To report concerns about nuisance bears, contact the ministry’s general inquiry line at 1-800-567-4224 or by email at centre.inquiry@gov.sk.ca.

Long-Term Care: Saskatchewan Health Authority partners with La Ronge community, Elders and Knowledge Keepers

Sheila Wanite Bautz
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0
Long-Term Care: Saskatchewan Health Authority partners with La Ronge community, Elders and Knowledge Keepers

Sheila Bautz
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Daily Herald

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is in partnership with the La Ronge community, Elders and Knowledge Keepers to ensure the new Long-Term Care (LTC) facility design is rooted in cultural understanding.

A branch involves the Government of Saskatchewan with a commitment of nearly $100 million for the LTC project, along with visits from Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill and Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr within the past week.

“It makes me proud,” said Elder Frances Charles, a Knowledge Keeper who contributes to health-related events and boards in the La Ronge area. “The Elders that have had no place to go will now have one.”

The new Vice President of First Nations and Métis Health for SHA, Jennifer Ahenakew, explained in a public presentation that SHA updated its values and renewed their mission in November 2024.

“Our values now form the acronym CARES: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Equity and Safety,” said Ahenakew. “These values guide everything we do, from caring to patients and families to supporting our healthcare teams across Saskatchewan. The question is: how do we apply these values to advance culturally responsive care and answer the TRC Calls To Action?”

Ahenakew elaborated on what it means to bring CARES into action in La Ronge, based on history and culture.

“When we talk about Compassion, it’s embedding empathy at the heart of culturally responsive care,” explained Ahenakew. “Accountability means acknowledging past harms and addressing health inequities. Respect, honoring Indigenous knowledge, healing practices and leadership. Equity, removing systemic barriers to ensure quality care for Indigenous peoples, and Safety, creating environments where Indigenous patients feel physically and culturally safe and supported by ongoing staff training.” 

SHA’s First Nations and Metis Health team is actively engaged in many builds.

“We are seeing quite an integrated build with the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital and the partnership with the Prince Albert Grand Council,” said Ahenakew. “It’s really fabulous to see.”

Kellie Stroeder, Director of Continuing Care, is the operational lead for the La Ronge LTC. Stroeder oversees seven long-term care homes in the Northeast. 

“Coming into this project in 2020, I was given a treasure of information. My task was just not to mess it up,” said Stroeder, “In those working sessions, [La Ronge residents] came up with a couple vision statements. The first one, the long-term care facility will be a multi-functional, multi-generational facility that fulfills the needs of the residents, their families, with a holistic, culturally relevant and supportive environment that reflects the unique nature of northern Saskatchewan.”

To reach the vision of the northern First Nations and Metis people, a Serenity room is a focal area. Frances’ brother, Elder Myles, emphasized the importance of maintaining a connection to nature.

Originally, the room was requested to be constructed in the shape of a teepee for a traditional healing space, but that design created complex construction obstacles for the architects. It is now shaped like a drum.

“The traditional healing room is intended for the use of all patients, acute care dialysis, long-term care, the adult day program, home care and there will be an ability for community members to book the use of this space as well,” said Stroeder. “It’s really important to include this space. Just recognizing that need for traditional healing practices to be supported, and there will be the ability to have nature sounds in this room.”

The importance of kidney dialysis is a top priority for the healthcare sector, particularly in highly remote locations where restrictive measures, resources, mobility and access to appropriate healthcare centers exist. Diabetes accounts for about 75% of the disease. First Nations people have a genetic predisposition for — and the highest rates of — kidney disease.  

“I just lost a granddaughter to kidney disease last month,” said Frances. “She was 34. She kept traveling back and forth to Saskatoon to get her dialysis and it was really hard, hard on her, and her mom and kids. She had lots of trouble with getting a room and the healthcare services, she got frustrated sometimes. She died last month.” 

Saskatoon is a 4-hour drive, one way, from La Ronge. Sometimes patients have to travel by boat to receive treatment.

“It’s not an easy transportation from those northern isolated communities to get to La Ronge, let alone figure out where they’re going to stay to be with their loved ones,” said Stroeder.

The LTC’s construction includes family suites on the third floor. The accommodations will alleviate stress on family who travel long distances for medical treatment or visitations with critically ill family members.

A few factors heighten kidney disease amongst Aboriginal peoples, such as high stress levels, intergenerational trauma, and remote isolation without proper access to healthcare testing and facilities. This results in a fundamental lack of equitable access to crucial healthcare services and equipment — until now. 

“The renovation to our current health center, the dialysis unit is part of our project,” said Stroeder. “It’s working towards closing those gaps in health outcomes providing that service, so that people are getting dialysis and they’re not turning down the service because it’s so inconvenient and difficult to get to where that care is provided. It’s really focusing on that health equity.”

Traditional prayers and ceremonies are incorporated during each milestone of completion on the LTC facility. In August 2024, 30 per cent of the construction was complete. By February 2025, the Government of Saskatchewan announced 50 per cent of the LTC was constructed. While in La Ronge this past week, Ministers Cockrill and Carr met with community healthcare professionals for a tour of the continued progress with construction.

“It was a pleasure to visit the town of La Ronge and tour the site of the new long-term care facility,” Carr said. “We are very grateful for the opportunity to connect with local leadership and healthcare professionals and will continue to deliver healthcare solutions for residents of northern Saskatchewan.”

During the 2024-25 provincial budget, the community of La Ronge was also allocated $100,000 to upgrade the boilers in the La Ronge Health Center. A new roof and envelop replacements are designated $4.55 million with an additional $60,000 to purchase a coagulation analyzer for the lab, which detects diseases and various blood related monitoring.

The Government of Saskatchewan is also allocating funding through the Northern Medical Services for 14 full-time primary care physicians in La Ronge. Additional funding ensures that physician services are consistent 24 hours, 7 days a week, in the Emergency Department, along with increased healthcare supports in La Ronge and surrounding area.  

“We enjoyed our visit to the community of La Ronge and always look forward to meeting with local healthcare providers to gain insight into their work experience,” Cockrill said. “We acknowledge the dedication and commitment they bring to serving area residents and extend our sincere appreciation for the work they do.”

Ahenakew stated that SHA’s commitment towards advancing the TRC Calls To Action focuses on elimination of systemic racism in the healthcare fields and system, while honouring traditional healing practices, cultures and languages. 

“SHA is actively embedding cultural responsiveness into its policies programs and healthcare education to ensure that Indigenous peoples receive safe, respectful and high-quality care that is free from discrimination,” said Ahenakew. “This commitment is part of a broader effort to build trust and foster meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan.”

The new LTC in La Ronge will open in phases with a scheduled completion for 2027.

Discrimination of First Nations Children and Families reaches 40,000 Claims with 9 Classes calling for Claimants to distribute $23 Billion 

Sheila Wanite Bautz
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0
Discrimination of First Nations Children and Families reaches 40,000 Claims with 9 Classes calling for Claimants to distribute $23 Billion 

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Herald

On August 7, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) announced the magnitude of the number of claims already processed to distribute $23 billion in federal settlement funds.

The funds are a result of the Government of Canada acknowledging the discrimination of First Nations Child and Family Services program and Jordan’s Principle. More than 40,000 applications were received by the Administrator, Deloitte Canada, in the past five months.

“More than 300,000 First Nations children and families have been waiting decades for recognition of the harms done to them through discriminatory practices of First Nations Child and Family Services and narrow application of Jordan’s Principle,” said Woodhouse Nepinak. “This $23 billion final settlement agreement is a long overdue turning point for so many thousands of families.”

The First Nations Child and Family Services, Jordan’s Principle and Trout Class Settlement Agreement provides $23.3 billion to be allocated in various claim categories. First Nations children removed from their homes under the First Nations Child and Family Services Program between April 1, 1991, and March 31, 2022, are eligible for a claim. 

As well, First Nations children impacted by the federal government’s narrow definition of Jordan’s Principle between December 12, 2007, and November 2, 2017, are eligible for a claim. The claim process extends to First Nations children who did not receive, or were delayed in receiving, an essential public service, product or support between April 1, 1991, and December 11, 2007.

First Nations individuals living in the Yukon territories or on-reserve, while under the age of the majority, and experienced the severe discrimination, are also entitled to a claim. This includes children suffering from the involvement of a child welfare agency. It also includes First Nations children sent off-reserve by a caregiving parent or grandparent for residence with a non-family member not funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) between April 1, 1991, and March 31, 2022. The caregivers of the First Nations children may also be eligible to receive compensation upon review of their application.

The class action counsel collective in the Moushoom and Trout class action lawsuits, made a joint statement about the historic settlement for First Nations children. The legal counsel consists of David Sterns of Sotos LLP, Robert Kugler of Kugler Kandestin LLP and Joelle Walker of Miller Titerle + co. The legal counsel also credited the five First Nations representative plaintiffs who have empowered First Nations children suffering from discrimination, racism, various abuses and blatant bias.

“This historic settlement will enable several hundred thousand First Nations children, young adults, and their families to access justice that they have long deserved,” said Sterns, Kugler and Walker. “We acknowledge and honour the courage and resilience of representative plaintiffs and survivors, Xavier Moushoom, Jeremy and Jonavon Meawasige as well as their late mother, Maurina Beadle, and Zacheus Trout. The representative plaintiffs are proud to have shared their stories and empowered the hundreds of thousands of First Nations survivors of the on-reserve child welfare system and the discriminatory under-provision of other health and social essential services.”

“We also acknowledge and honour the Assembly of First Nations and their representative plaintiffs,” Sterns, Kugler and Walker continued, “It is our sincere hope that this settlement will assist the many children and families who have suffered as a result of Canada’s discriminatory underfunding of the child welfare system, as well as its failure to respect the principles underlying Jordan’s Principle in their healing efforts.” 

The first two compensation Claims processes for First Nations people resulted due to the continued discrimination experienced in Canada’s First Nations Child and Family Services Program. There is a request for other eligible claimants entitled to a portion of the settlement for the gross injustices to continue to step forward to enter the process. 

“While we are pleased to see so many applications coming in, we know there are many more First Nations individuals from the Removed Child and Removed Child Family classes eligible for compensation from this historic settlement agreement,” said Woodhouse Nepinak. “Claims Helpers are standing by to provide trauma-informed support and answer any questions applicants may have.”

There are nine classes included in the historic settlement. Additional classes under the Settlement Agreement, including the Jordan’s Principle-related Classes and others, are opening in phases. Each of the nine claims requires Federal Court Approval based on the unique circumstances of the class. First Nations claimants may be eligible for more than one class and must enter their claim in each category. The time period extends between the beginning of April, 1999, to March 31, 2022. 

The claim timeline for the Removed Child Class and the Removed Child Family Class is currently open with the Kith Child Class and the Kith Family Class following. Another Class that will soon open to receive claims is The Jordan’s Principle Class. This Class involves First Nations individuals suffering from the highest level of impact due to abuses of the worst kind as a result of vital services being denied and delayed with malicious and vexatious intent. The essential service claim period for The Jordan’s Principle Class is between December 12, 2007, and November 2, 2017. There is also a Jordan’s Principle Family Class.

The Trout Child Class and the Trout Family Class will also soon be open for claims for First Nations children impacted between the beginning of April 1991 and December 11, 2007. The ninth claim is the Essential Service Class claim for children impacted between December 12, 2007, and November 2, 2017. 

The National Chief of AFN stated that payments for the First Nations Claimants may begin being disbursed as early as this month. 

“Thanks to the hard work and leadership of many advocates and negotiators, as well as the Administrator, Deloitte, we are finally at the point where compensation can begin reaching those affected by this broken system,” said Woodhouse Nepinak.

First Nations children and families can check their eligibility to apply for a claim as a Claimant and access claim supports for their compensation by visiting www.fnchildclaims.ca or calling 1-833-852-0755.

Due to the trauma triggers that may result, free mental health and wellness supports are available 24 hours a day through the Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310. 

First Nations people with urgent requests that meet interim criteria can be made to the Jordan’s Principle Call Centre at 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453). The interim urgent criteria was clarified by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) on November 21, 2024, in a summary ruling. As a result, urgent requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and for time-sensitivity.

President of the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan and the Prime Minister of Canada gather for a high-level Métis Major Project Summit 

Sheila Wanite Bautz
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0
President of the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan and the Prime Minister of Canada gather for a high-level Métis Major Project Summit 

Sheila Bautz
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Daily Herald

On August 7, 2025, Treaty 6 Territory and the Heartland of the Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S), represented by Glen McCallum, President of the MN–S, participated in a high-level summit hosted by Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada.

The summit is an intricate component to reaffirming the MN-S requirement for a distinctions-based consultation that respects Métis rights. The Métis Major Project Summit occurs at a time when Canada is proceeding with The One Canadian Economy Act, known as Bill C-5.

“Metis transformed the original Canadian economy, built the original Canadian economy,” said Carney during a livestream of the Métis Major Project Summit, “and now we have the opportunity to work together on transformative projects that can help change the economic trajectory of our country to the benefit of all.”

On June 20, the Prime Minister released a public statement regarding the importance of Indigenous partnership as a critical component of the Bill C-5 legislation. The One Canadian Economy Act (Bill C-5) also introduced The Building Canada Act on June 6 as another component of Bill C-5. The Building Canada Act received Royal Assent on June 26.

“The Government of Canada is committed to respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples recognized and affirmed by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and the rights set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples,” states the official federal government announcement from the Prime Minister of Canada’s office. 

Bill C-5 is aimed at removing building delays. It removes federal barriers for internal trade between provinces and territories, and labour mobility. It also aims to ensure that environmental protections are in place, that any infrastructure projects uphold Indigenous rights before and during the expediate nation-building projects. The nation-building projects aim to transform Canada by unleashing economic growth and implementing important infrastructures. 

During the summit on August 7, the President of the MN-S reminded the Prime Minister that Métis rights are non-negotiable. McCallum emphasized for clarity that the MN-S is an independent government that cannot be represented by any other government, including provincial. The federal government and Carney continue to emphasize that a key focus area vital to the process is to work with Indigenous Peoples through consultations that solidify trust, respect and shared prosperity.

“Our Nation will always support projects that deliver economic growth—so long as they are developed responsibly and in close partnership with our citizens,” said McCallum. “While the lack of consultation surrounding the tabling and passage of this legislation remains a concern, today’s summit gives me cautious optimism that Canada will meaningfully come to the table to engage with us as the sole representative of the Métis Nation within Saskatchewan.” 

The MN–S government exercises the jurisdictional right and the knowledge of its citizens to make mutually beneficial decisions about any developments. This includes decisions that ensure a fair and equal result, including the prosperity of the MN-S governing body and their distinct people. 

“Canada and the MN–S government have been actively engaged in strengthening our nation-to-nation relationship since 2015 with the signing of several agreements, including the Self-Government Agreement in 2019,” said McCallum. “We have also made significant strides in our partnerships with industry who continue to include MN–S in project consultations that directly affect our citizens and their communities. We are confident both fronts will continue to gain momentum.” 

McCallum’s comments further emphasized that when Métis people achieve success, Saskatchewan and Canada are enriched. The Prime Minister of Canada acknowledged the centuries of achievements made by the Métis people. 

“When we look back over our history, Métis have played a pivotal role as skilled traders, as voyagers,” said Carney during the Métis Major Project Summit address, “and we’re drawing on that deep knowledge of our land, our waterways, and the seasons. This helped create the original trade networks across this land. In some respects, our task today is part of a process of creating new trade networks, new forms of commerce in Canada, both with full recognition of Métis contributions and full Métis access to the opportunities and the prosperity that this building will create.”

A recent example of the skilled MN–S business ventures include a historic Impact Benefits Agreement (IBA) with NexGen Energy Corporation two years ago. The agreement involved advancing development at the Rook I mine in the northern region. The NexGen’s Rook I Project on the Métis Homeland were subject to the Northwest Saskatchewan Métis land claim. The IBA did not violate or amend any existing Métis Rights as they entered into the agreement.

 “After a century of our lands being developed without consideration of our people, it was important that we came together as one Region and one Nation to change the status quo and become a partner in the development of the Rook I Project,” said Leonard Montgrand, Regional Director of MN–S Northern Region II. “The IBA provides processes for continuous engagement on a breadth of important topics, including environmental and social concerns, human resources, and support for Métis businesses.” 

“But the opportunities from the IBA go beyond the collaboration, employment, business, and financial capacity,” Montgrand further stated, “NexGen’s commitments in the IBA will set a new standard for how industry recognizes Métis rights and engages with the Métis Nation, and will provide us with tools and resources to protect our lands, animals and resources across Northern Region II.” 

At that time, McCallum commented on the landmark agreement as an excellent example of a respectful business relationship. 

“The modern governance structure of the Métis Nation in Saskatchewan is relatively new but has seen a string of recent successes that many thought were impossible,” said McCallum. “In 2018 we signed the Framework Agreement for Advancing Reconciliation, which provided a pathway for a negotiated resolution of the Northwest Saskatchewan Métis land claim. In 2019, we signed the Métis Government Recognition and Self-Government Agreement with Canada, which set a new standard for the recognition of the Métis Nation. Among these, and many other transformative accomplishments, we are proud to add the IBA with NexGen. It is our understanding that this will be, by far, the largest Métis impact and benefit agreement in Canadian history, in recognition of our large and vibrant Métis community and our rights and interests over the land.” 

The MN–S government continues to engage with new industry partners ensuring that Métis rights and citizen interests remain central to all development discussions. The gathering for the high-level Métis Major Project Summit clarified aspects of Bill C-5 between the federal and MN-S governments.  

OGEMR report shows reduction in Saskatchewan’s greenhouse gas emissions

Sheila Wanite Bautz
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0
OGEMR report shows reduction in Saskatchewan’s greenhouse gas emissions

Sheila Wanite Bautz

Special to the Herald

For five straight years, Saskatchewan’s upstream oil and gas sector is reporting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

The decrease in GHG is occurring even with a rise in provincial infrastructure projects in the Crown sectors and while building momentum with oil, gas and mineral extractions.

Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Energy and Resources is required to provide the annual Oil and Gas Emissions Management Regulations (OGEMR) Report. The OGEMR releases information on the province’s upstream oil and gas emissions reduction program. The Ministry is also responsible for upholding and enforcing the OGEMR standards while ensuring emission reduction commitments outlined in Prairie Resilience: A Made in Saskatchewan Climate Change Strategy are met.

“Our made-in-Saskatchewan approach to lowering GHG emissions is working, and these numbers show it,” said Colleen Young, Minister of Energy and Resources. “Investment and innovation in the oil and gas sector has led to the significant reduction in the emissions we have seen since OGEMR was introduced in 2019. The Ministry of Energy and Resources will continue to take a regulatory approach that facilitates growth and ensures responsible resource development.” 

According to the Ministry of Energy and Resources’ 2024 data in the report, provincial greenhouse gas emissions decreased from upstream oil facilities by 71 per cent when compared to the 2015 levels. Further comparisons demonstrated a 13 per cent decrease from 2023.

The term upstream is the reference for the location in the supply chain for oil and gas production. As such, upstream oil and gas production includes the exploration, identification, extraction and/or production of the raw natural resources and material discovered underground. The upstream industry employs workers in the areas of seismic and drilling contractors, engineers and geologists, to name a few. 

Whereas the term downstream refers to the physical marketplace the final product appears for consumers to purchase, such as in a store. The products include natural gas to heat Saskatchewan homes, oil refineries and vehicle fuel at the gas pump as examples.

The greenhouse gas emissions results found in the OGEMR annual report show that emissions from flaring and venting processes at upstream oil facilities have been reduced by 7.7 million Tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2e) in the last decade. For perspective, this is comparable to taking 1.7 million passenger vehicles off the roads and highways for one year. 

The term flaring is a reference to controlled burning that occurs during the production and processing phase. The fuel or the excessive waste gas is ignited as it exits the end of a flare stack, which is an elongated metal tube the gas is sent through for release. This creates the visual of the characteristic flame that is associated with flaring.

The controlled release of gases into the atmosphere during the production stage of the raw material is referred to as venting. During the process of venting, the separation occurring through processing oil or natural gas will release other hydrocarbon vapours and gases, such as water vapour and carbon dioxide, which separated during the processing of the extracted oil or natural gas.

According to the OGEMR annual report, “venting gas results in methane being released into the atmosphere, and flaring gas results in carbon dioxide”.

Prior to the new year in 2021, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada established an equivalency agreement. The agreement addresses the reduction of methane emissions from the oil and gas sector. It involves Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to establish a timeframe to accomplish goals, which lasted until December 31, 2024. A subsequent agreement with ECCC extended the time period to December 31, 2029, to achieve the level of expectation for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, which are presented in the federal methane regulations.

Another example of incentives for lowering the GHG occurred in January of this year when the federal government provided $718,400 for the North Saskatoon Business Association (NSBA). The funds are allocated to launch a decarbonization education initiative for Saskatchewan businesses who are expected to discover different ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. This makes the prairie province enterprises more sustainable and competitive. 

Initiatives, such as the NSBA example, assist provincial companies and corporations to discover cost-effective ways to mitigate negative environmental impacts, meet consumer expectations and continue to grow. Accountability for carbon emissions is expected by consumers, government bodies and the public in general.

“Prairie businesses have always been global leaders in innovation, punching above their weight and driving a strong, competitive Canadian economy,” said Terry Duguid earlier this year, the Federal Minister for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). “That’s why our government is proud to champion the forward-thinking businesses here in Saskatchewan as they embrace the future and build a resilient, net-zero, green Prairie economy.”

PrairiesCan is a federal government department that assists with diversifying the Canadian Prairies economy. The federal government agency assists with support for prairie provinces who are building a strong, competitive Canadian economy in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The 2024 OGEMR Report states that multiple activities and strategies were intricate to the 2024 greenhouse gas emission reductions. The credit for the reduction is due to the focus on two primary areas. The first focus includes oil companies installing combustion equipment at oil wells and facilities who incorporate flaring gas, which is vented. The second focus involves the incorporation of vented gas by companies and corporations on their worksites to utilize as another source of fuel in areas of their operations where it is beneficial to do so and for industry-related purposes.

The OGEMR annual report ensures there is progress while directing key focus and attention on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the upstream oil and gas sector. This has resulted in the province of Saskatchewan surpassing the goal of 40 to 45 per cent reduction in the GHG emissions, which is ahead of the target in 2025. 

Canadian Emmy-winning writers Robert and Joel H. Cohen of The Simpsons create new adult animation Super Team Canada

Sheila Wanite Bautz
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0
Canadian Emmy-winning writers Robert and Joel H. Cohen of The Simpsons create new adult animation Super Team Canada

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Herald

Canadian Emmy-winning writers, Robert and Joel H. Cohen, sat down in their Fox studios in Los Angeles for a video interview with this writer from the Prince Albert Daily Herald. The brothers are from Calgary, Alberta, with Joel frequenting Saskatchewan for years. Their new animation stars an All-Canadian cast and First Nations Voice actors, as well as a theme song written and performed by Canadian legend Bryan Adams. 

Both creators have worked on numerous shows and animations, including The Angry Birds movie. Robert is the creator of HBO’s Somebody, Somewhere and The Big Bang Theory. Joel H. Cohen is infamous for The Simpsons. Together, they created the new adult animation comedy Super Team Canada. 

The animation focuses on the exploits of six, little-known Canadian superheroes representing various provinces and territories across the nation. The Superheroes attempt to save the world from evil and destruction, and an unemployed octopus. 

“During COVID, we were just bouncing some ideas around, because nobody was doing anything and we just thought it might be fun to do a Superhero show,” said Robert. “We love being Canadian and we’re proud Canadians. We missed Canada.”

The brothers began reminiscing about cartoons they grew up on, like Rocket Robin Hood. They brainstormed the animation specific to Canada, including an all-inclusive multi-cultural representation. 

“That just evolved into us thinking What if we did a show where all the great superheroes on Earth suddenly went away and the only option left, begrudgingly, were these regional superheroes from Canada,” said Robert, “and they ended up becoming the defenders of the earth.”

The brothers began writing scripts together and contacted Will Arnett. 

“We both know and love Will Arnett and have worked with him before – another Great Canadian – and then we decided let’s just run it by Will because if this idea is going to go anywhere, we need somebody with his stature,” explained Robert, “and also nobody in the States will understand the sort of the humour and reverence that we’re approaching it with. Will hopped on board. We were able to sell it and that’s how it started. So it really began during Covid I guess in 2021.”  

The character Sasquatchewan represents Canada’s prairies and is voiced by First Nations Voice Actor Brian Drummond. Saskquatchewan uses his physical strength to bring brute force to the Superhero team. 

“All of our cast is incredible, but the guy that voices that character is Brian Drummond who’s an incredible BC based actor,” said Joel. “He does a lot of parts on the show, like when you hear the announcer, that’s him as well. Even in the pilot episode, he’s Ted Zorg, which is our villain. So basically, he is just an amazing voice actor.”

The character Chinook is the youngest member of the Superhero team at 12-years-old. With the power of ice, snow and wind, she is a First Nations hero steeped in Indigenous lore with the ability to receive advice through communicating with her spiritual Elders. She’s also the wisest.

“When we picked the characters, we sort of tried as best we could, and I’m sure there are many places we fail, to represent every part of Canada,” explained Robert. “Chinook is voiced by Ceara Morgana and she is also Indigenous. She’s amazing. We wanted to be very respectful of every character, but especially because of Canada, we wanted to make sure that things were as accurate as they could be and we would have consultants in different fields that were representative of that field. We wanted to do it, not just to do it, but also to make it correct and for our voice actors that might have come from that particular group, so that they were respected, but that they also felt they were accurate.” 

Other characters represent various parts of Canada and the country’s diversity. Breakaway is a former minor league hockey player voiced by Will Arnett. There is a French-Canadian crime-fighter character named Poutine voiced by Charles Demers. The Robotic Crime Management Polite Computer, known simply as RCM-PC, is a representation of all immigrants in Canada. RCM-PC, described as a Canadian Swiss Army Knife who worries she is not enough, is voiced by Veena Sood. Niagara Falls is voiced by Cobie Smulders, a character who Robert and Joel credit as being the most intelligent member of the Super Team Canada animated crew. 

When it comes to creative control of new animations, Joel explained that in the animation and television industry’s view, it is a collaborative process. 

“We had the characters. We had our cast, but we had to decide who these Super Heroes were and we had ideas in our head,” explained Joel, “but then as you get in a collaborative process, everything — and I believe entertainment is very collaborative — we were working with, our amazing designers and animators at the Atomic, and they of course have their impressions of what they were. They would show us stuff. Then we would have notes and for some of the characters, we probably had 7 or 8 iterations before we landed on who they were, and they also have to work for animation.”

When creating an animation, Joel explains that the initial designs cannot be overly detailed or complicated. Animation is a process in the making with everybody on the team working together to ensure the storyboard is what he describes as ‘super visual, super funny and actual’. Joel elaborated that the animation and storyboard process needs to result in something manageable, which takes on a life of its own as the episodes progress. The brothers describe the process of animation as involving further inspiration from their voice actors who breathe life into their characters.

“Definitely,” said Robert, “We were lucky enough, we had Jay Baruchel as a guest star in an episode. We knew what the character was, but when Jay was doing the voice for the character, he was so hilarious, and it changed the character entirely. We went back and did new drawings to fit his voice track.” 

“It’s collaboration,” said Joel. “We write something and the voice actors bring a ton of amazing analog and energy and soul in their voices, and then the animators are again also a huge part of it. The viewers see the results of these various, literally dozens of people, by the time we’re done putting this product in.” 

The resulting show credits do not list every individual contributing to the final product that results in an animation episode. 

“It’s more like the Writer’s Guild generally only likes to have one or two names on the as written by so as I mentioned in a collaboration, there’s sometimes 30, 40, 20 friends that work on stuff and they all contribute jokes or doing rewrites or whatever, but you’ll just never see their names,” explained Joel. 

Super Team Canada is Thunderbird Entertainment’s Atomic Cartoons first adult original animated series, produced with Will Arnett’s Electric Avenue, in association with Bell Media’s Crave. The series dropped on Crave in May 2025. Showrunner Robert Cohen serves as an executive producer along with Joel H. Cohen.

A Focus on Environmental Footprints: Academia, Research Institutions & Greenhouse Gas Emissions with Affordable Energy

Sheila Wanite Bautz
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A Focus on Environmental Footprints: Academia, Research Institutions & Greenhouse Gas Emissions with Affordable Energy

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Herald

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment is focusing on a variety of areas to continue to contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The ministry’s responsibility extends to balancing the impact human technological advances and infrastructure have on the natural environment, which is a home to multitudes of animal species.

The ministry’s requirement to manage the environmental footprints left in the province stems from their responsibility to ensure the 2007 Ministry of Environment Regulations are abided by. This creates a balance between human activity and the environmental impacts those activities have on the prairie landscape. The term footprint is a way to measure the type of impact human activity has on the natural environment and wildlife.

“Environmental stewardship and economic growth go hand in hand,” said Travis Keisig, the Saskatchewan Minister of Environment. “The investments in this [2024/25] budget will ensure sustainable habitats for fish and wildlife, advance innovation and support the transition to a lower emission electricity grid – all while maintaining affordability and reliability.”

The Ministry of Environment Regulations, 2007, which define the ministry’s duties, include providing science-based solutions to existing regulations. The government entity must also mitigate the proper measures required to appropriately protect the environment and wildlife species while safeguarding provincial communities.

“The investments in this budget will ensure sustainable habitat for fish and wildlife and advance a lot of innovation as well,” said Keisig.

Partnerships with Academia & Research Institutions

The Ministry of Environment builds partnerships with academia and research institutions, which are vital to the development of new technologies and genomics research. The genetic research aspect aims to improve forest sustainability and resilience.

“This government works to promote industries and sectors across the province that allows for economic growth while leading in environmental stewardship,” said Keisig. “We know our decisions will have a lasting impact on our future generations, and we’re planning for a future that supports resilient, biologically diverse landscapes. We know that Saskatchewan is blessed with abundant natural resources and world-class producers that provide the food, fuel, fertilizer, and forestry that the world needs.”

The strategy is to balance innovative, science-based developments with wildlife and landscape conservation.

“This is one of the reasons why the Ministry of Environment has allocated 1.89 million, an additional $933,000 into Saskatchewan’s 20-year Habitat Management Plan [HMP],” said Keisig. “This strategy will balance development with conservation, using science-based solutions to ensure sustainable fish and wildlife habitats all across the province. The HMP emphasizes maintaining biologically diverse landscapes, which aligns with the growth plan with environmental stewardship. This government understands the importance of balancing healthy forests, landscapes, and wildlife.”

The HMP is reportedly dedicated to emphasizing the maintenance and ecological biodiversity health of natural landscapes and wildlife management for healthy populations. The collective goals of the provincial government and various conservation efforts align with the Growth Plan’s focus on environmental stewardship. In addition to the HMP, the Environment Ministry’s budget includes funds allocated to focus on woodland caribou habitat restoration.

“This budget contains one and a half million for woodland caribou habitat restoration,” said Keisig. “This work will help create jobs in northern Saskatchewan and will help achieve our goal of doubling the growth of the forestry sector by 2030.”

Recently, the Ministry of Environment supported ten research projects that were formally presented at the SERG-International Annual General Meeting in February. According to SERG International’s on-line statements, the organization is ‘an association of forest management, regulatory and research agencies, and pesticide suppliers, interested in forest pest management’.

In addition, research publications are publishing Saskatchewan based academic papers. The Population Ecology Journal is including Saskatchewan research on spruce budworms. Another peer reviewed journal entitled Forest Science will also publish the research on the spruce budworm epidemiology in 2025-26.

The University of Regina, the University of Alberta and a Master of Science scholar at the University of British Columbia are collaborating research on forest disturbances and the effects.

Every one of these scholarly endeavours are all supported by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions with Affordable Energy
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment states that they continue their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector.

In May 2024, a six-year agreement (2024-25 to 2029-30) was solidified between the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment and SaskPower for the Clean Electricity Transition Grant (CETG). For the 2025-26 fiscal year, an increase to this funding is nearly $175.0 million. The allocated funds will advance various required technologies and infrastructures to support clean electricity operating costs. This includes power purchase agreements and renewable power imports to maintain affordable power for Saskatchewan residents while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with it.

To date, the Environment ministry reports that they issued “$140 million to support clean electricity operating costs, including renewable power purchase agreements, demand-side management programs and renewable power imports”.

The advancement of the province’s clean electricity assists in providing families and businesses with affordable and reliable power. As well, the continued expansion to the Output-Based Performance Standards (OBPS) Program is ongoing. The program provides regulated emitters to achieve a net-zero emissions electricity.

“Engaging and supporting our communities is essential for achieving our environmental goals,” said Keisig. “Sustainable landscapes and resilient wildlife populations are crucial for our natural resource economy.”

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment fulfills roles that focus on managing an amalgamation of duties that involve technology, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring that environmental issues are managed to nurture Saskatchewan’s natural environment and wildlife health.

Collaborating with the Canadian Justice System: The National First Nations Justice Strategy includes Inuit and Métis chapters

Sheila Wanite Bautz
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Collaborating with the Canadian Justice System: The National First Nations Justice Strategy includes Inuit and Métis chapters

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Northern Advocate

 On June 11, the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) released the National First Nations Justice Strategy (FNJS). The FNJS is the result of a five-year consultation between First Nations and the Government of Canada’s Justice Department, who are co-developers of the landmark document. The FNJS includes Inuit and Métis chapters within the legal document to address their specialized needs in the Canadian justice system. 

“Canada’s first-ever Indigenous Justice Strategy is a crucial step forward to address longstanding and systemic discrimination and racism in Canada’s justice system,” said Arif Virani, the federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. “The intensive distinctions-based engagement process undertaken over the past two years was critical to ensure the Strategy reflects the specific realities and barriers faced by First Nations, Inuit and Métis, while also respecting their distinct laws, cultures and traditions.”

In 2021, following the release of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Final Report, the federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada was mandated to develop the Indigenous Justice Strategy (IJS). 

“A key element of criminal justice reform is continued work to implement the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ 231 Calls for Justice and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission [TRC] Calls to Action,” stated AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak in a released statement. “Many of the Calls are focused on addressing problems in policing, corrections, and systemic racism in the legal system. Political will is essential to the collaborative implementation of the AFN National First Nations Justice Strategy. We call on all governments to commit to making transformative change together.” 

According to the AFN, the National Inquiry into MMIWG 231 Calls for Justice and the TRC Calls to Action are key elements of criminal justice reform. These Calls to Action target problems and address racism and systemic oppression techniques resulting in biased legal opinions and consequences for many Indigenous people.           

In 2021, an extensive national engagement involving political discussions focused on the justice system. These discussions occurred between First Nations people and the federal Justice Department. The collective goal was to co-develop a strategy and distinguish the distinctions-based elements for the IJS. The federal Justice Department engaged in conversations with thirty-eight First Nations, Métis, Inuit organizations and their associated advocacy groups.

On November 1, 2022, the Government of Canada announced its commitment to developing an informed IJS resulting from the lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. This resulted in a requirement to partake in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, provinces and territories across Canada.             

“Canada’s Indigenous Justice Strategy is a vital step toward meaningful change,” said Victoria Pruden, President of the Métis National Council. “This strategy reflects our shared commitment to addressing the unique needs of Métis citizens and seeks to ensure our rights, cultures, and communities are respected within the justice system. By working together, we move closer to a future where justice is truly equitable, and the voices of the Métis Nation are heard and upheld. Implementation must be swift to immediately address the over-representation of Métis at all levels of Canada’s justice system and uphold self-determined Métis justice systems.”

In January 2024, the AFN submitted an interim report to the federal Justice Department entitled Recommendations for a First Nations Justice Strategy. The report highlights three years of communication with First Nations, including two National AFN Forums and a National Virtual Justice Speaker Series. While the co-development efforts were largely positive and constructive, the federal objective for the IJS was to create a high-level strategic document that set out “a vision and priority areas for work going forward”. 

However, First Nations were clear through AFN engagement that they expected targeted, actionable, and focused measures and priorities to implement the IJS. The AFN was mandated to develop the FNJS, which includes many of the specified recommendations identified through the AFN engagement discussions. 

“Experience has taught us that we will only make real progress in addressing overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice system if we work holistically, across the entire justice system,” said federal Minister Virani. “And we must do this in partnership with Indigenous peoples, as well as with provinces and territories. The Strategy will guide us in this important collaborative work going forward.”

On March 10, 2025, the federal Minister of Justice announced the release of the IJS to address systemic discrimination and overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the Canadian criminal justice system. 

“The Indigenous Justice Strategy is the product of years of collaborative work with First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners,” said David McGuinty, federal Minister of Public Safety Canada. “I extend my thanks to everyone for their tireless work. The release of the Indigenous Justice Strategy is an important step forward in the fight against systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice systems.”

The AFN supports the release of the IJS containing the Inuit and Métis chapters while publicly acknowledging the years of advocacy and effort that went into its development.

“Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami is pleased with the release of the Indigenous Justice Strategy, whose Inuit chapter was co-developed with ITK and Inuit Treaty Organizations and provides solutions for improving access to justice for our people through Inuit-led interventions,” said Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. “The chapter includes priorities such as developing infrastructure critical to the safety of our communities, supporting community wellness and wrap-around supports to help prevent crime, and ensuring police and corrections services are culturally relevant and responsive to our needs. We look forward to working with partners on the implementation of this important strategy in the coming months.”

The Assembly of First Nations FNJS is designed to support First Nations in addressing the crisis level of overrepresentation of First Nations people in correctional institutions. The FNJS advocates to improve the experiences of those involved with the criminal justice system. It is also a powerful document that supports First Nations people with restoring their laws and legal systems. 

The FNJS containing the IJS Inuit and Métis chapters is an evergreen document that will be amended over time. The evaluation mechanisms designed ensure regular oversight and accountability checkpoints are measured to establish whether the justice strategy is meeting its intended objectives. If it is not, the FNJS allows for adjustments and amendments to be made. 

The AFN continues to request all forms of governments to support the transformation of the First Nations and Indigenous people returning to their traditional laws and justice systems. AFN established two pathways to achieve the re-introduction and authority of their traditional legal system. The first pathway revitalizes First Nations traditional laws and legal systems into their full power. The second pathway focuses on reforming the Canadian criminal justice system.

“Some of the strategies identified along these two paths include providing legal frameworks and legislative authority to support the enforcement of First Nations laws, advancing culturally responsive policing services, establishing a national gang-exit strategy, and increasing access to First Nations-controlled healing lodges,” said Woodhouse Nepinak.

In addition, the FNJS will address the historical, long-standing issues that are evident in all areas of the existing Canadian legal system. Twenty-five flexible strategies are outlined to accomplish this. 

The First Nations-driven approaches to reform existing systemic structures within Canada’s criminal justice system include addressing racial profiling, over-representation of Indigenous people in the justice system, stereotypes and legal harassment of Indigenous people by legal authorities.

Saskatchewan’s Crown Investments Corporation appoints Crown Board members

Sheila Wanite Bautz
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Saskatchewan’s Crown Investments Corporation appoints Crown Board members

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Herald

Last week, the Government of Saskatchewan made changes to the Crown Investments Corporation’s (CIC) Board by shifting current members while appointing new board members.  

“Our government sincerely appreciates the leadership and service that each Crown board provides to their respective corporation,” said Jeremy Harrison, Minister of the Crown Investments Corporation. “Many of the outgoing board members have served for multiple terms in their current role and have helped to lead initiatives that have truly benefited Saskatchewan people.”

A holding company, the CIC is responsible for managing Saskatchewan’s commercial Crown Corporations. The amalgamation of Crown Corporations includes SaskPower, SaskEnergy, SaskTel, SaskWater, Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan, and Saskatchewan Government Insurance. As such, CIC is responsible for a variety of areas pertaining to these corporate entities.

The implementation for the Crown Board renewal is fundamental for achieving and maintaining what the Saskatchewan government defines as sound governance practices. As such, the CIC provides guidance for the Saskatchewan Crown Corporations through their direction. This is intended to ensure that the representatives from the Crown sectors on the board enforce an alignment with the Saskatchewan government and caucus priorities in each sector. 

The CIC’s purpose includes providing direction to the Crown sectors on how to implement the current government initiatives, use of funding and the ability to meet the requirements set by the government for public policy programs. The provincial government requires that the Crown sectors create a return for Saskatchewan residents through initiatives and incentives. This provides a higher standard and quality of life for the residents of the province while producing financial results that support a balanced budget.

Another responsibility of the CIC is to ensure that every Crown corporation demonstrates disclosure, transparency and accountability with a strong governance. The selected board members have a responsibility to serve and ensure that the Crown Sector Strategic Priorities are fulfilled. This requires that they align with the Saskatchewan government’s goals and priorities of affordability, reliability, economic growth and strong financial management. 

“The oversight role of Saskatchewan’s commercial Crowns directly contributes to the province’s strong economy and a bright future for the people of Saskatchewan,” said Harrison. “The individuals appointed today have the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform these duties as effectively as past board members have.”

The recent changes in the current 66 board members result from a combination of board renewals and expirations of existing terms for members of the Crown corporation’s board. Twenty-four board members remained in their current positions through being reappointed. There are 15 new members joining the Crown Board. Five board members are transitioning from their current appointments in one area and into an entirely new Crown sector. 

For evaluation purposes, the Crown Board members who are departing leave their skills, expertise and knowledge to the individuals who are potential reappointments or redeployments of other government boards.

The process of holding a referendum on Saskatchewan’s sovereignty

Sheila Wanite Bautz
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The process of holding a referendum on Saskatchewan’s sovereignty

Sheila Bautz, Special to the Herald

The word Confederation is surfacing in the news, in places of business and in homes throughout Alberta, and now, Saskatchewan.

The word referendum is gaining its own momentum in both provinces as well. The reason: some Alberta and Saskatchewan residents are ready to explore what Quebec sought twice in Canada’s history.

The separation referendum situation arose due to a long-standing irritation felt by Alberta and Saskatchewan residents. In the Wildrose province, the Alberta Prosperity Project already collected in excess of 177,000 signatures, which is the minimum amount for Alberta. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has announced a referendum will take place in 2026 if there is enough support.

Currently in Saskatchewan, communities are being visited for gatherings organized by the Unified Grass Roots organization. The organization is collecting signatures to hold a referendum in the province, which requires a minimum of 125,000 signatures to do so in Saskatchewan. The movement publicly announced the rationale for a Saskatchewan referendum. 

“Since joining Confederation on September 1, 1905, no Saskatchewan government has been able to fully protect the individual freedoms, economic rights, and self-determination of its people due to the persistent imbalance of power between the federal government and the province,” stated the Unified Grass Roots in a public announcement. “Federal overreach has steadily eroded Saskatchewan’s constitutional authority — restricting our industries, interfering in provincial jurisdiction, and suppressing our provincial rights and resources. This growing dysfunction demands a clear, democratic response from the people of Saskatchewan.”

Canada started as a province, not a country. It consisted of a land mass composed of what is known today as Ontario and Quebec. On July 1, 1867, the three regions composed of the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick united to form what is now known as the country of Canada. In 1870, Manitoba and the Northwest Territories were created. In 1898, Yukon was formed and by 1905, Alberta and Saskatchewan became provinces. Nunavut is the youngest territory, which formed in 1999. 

All the provinces and territories ultimately united to create the country of Canada, which is also called and known as the Confederation. 

Saskatchewan’s Premier Scott Moe answered questions at a press conference in May to address whether members of his caucus held separation sentiments as well. He replied that they did not and expanded on the political aspects and reasons that referendums are held.

“No,” Moe said, “but there are many [members of caucus] that communicate various constituents are telling them and talking to them about the frustration, and really what I call the alienation far too many people in Saskatchewan, as well as other parts of Canada, are feeling. Those feelings of alienation are a response to the [federal] policies that have been put in place over the last number of years. Policies that, as you know in this gallery and this province, this government has opposed every step of the way since I’ve been leader and prior to that under my predecessor. Those feelings of alienation, anger, they shouldn’t be discounted in any way. Those individuals are Canadians and they’re Saskatchewan residents.

“If you’re asking are there caucus members that are feeling frustrated with respect to the — use the example Bill C69,” Premier Moe stated, referencing the federal Impact Assessment Act (Bill C-69), which the Supreme Court of Canada ruled was largely unconstitutional, “and the unconsulted introduction years ago of the carbon tax going to $50 and ‘never going higher’, yet very shortly after that, it goes to $170, and then [the federal government is] musing about it being even higher than that.” 

Recent data shows support for a referendum in Saskatchewan and Alberta. In May, the Angus Reid Institute reported that half the residents in both provinces wanted a vote on independence, although only 34 per cent of Saskatchewan respondents (36 per cent in Alberta) would actually support leaving.

“It’s not just in Saskatchewan,” said Moe, “it’s in many other areas of Canada as well and so it’s incumbent on us to chart a path forward that is in, I say, the best interest of Saskatchewan residents, but also certainly the best interests of our province within the Confederation.” 

According to the Unified Grass Roots organization, “The purpose of the referendum on Saskatchewan’s Sovereignty is to empower the provincial government to negotiate new terms for Saskatchewan’s relationship whether as part of Canada or as an independent nation.” 

The Saskatchewan Premier further acknowledged the fairness in starting discussions about referendums in a democratic country. The voters matter.

“We all need to have our eyes wide open with respect to ‘what does conducting a referendum look like?’ There’s a process for that. We can discuss that process. It’s been here for 40 years in Saskatchewan,” said Moe.

In the 1970’s, Quebec began efforts for separation and held its first referendum in 1980. The second time Quebec sought separation from Canada with a referendum vote was on the eve of Halloween, October 30, 1995. A very narrow margin resulted for the “No” vote from Quebecers wanting to remain a part of Canada, and winning by 50.58 per cent. The results were controversial as many ballots were discarded as spoiled and not counted.

“There’s a number of things The Clarity Act helped to provide with respect to what is a decisive majority [on a vote],” said Moe. “What is a clear question in this type of an environment? And then, what negotiations would be entered into after the fact? There’s RCMP, there’s federal lands, there’s national parks, there’s obviously the Treaty rights that First Nations, Metis and Inuit have across Canada that all have to be respected. I think there’s at a very high level some direction given with respect to how, what, those negotiations would look like should a referendum happen and should a referendum question be successful and should it be the province’s wish to actually attempt to enter into those negotiations to secede.”

The Clarity Act was defined and refined due to the narrow margins of the Quebec separation referendum in 1995. In 2000, The Clarity Act was passed by Canadian Parliament to address and define the parameters for any referendum in Canada where provinces seek their sovereignty. Quebec’s quest for sovereignty is considered a reflection of political tensions and extensive cultural tensions. The document emphasizes the necessity for federal and provincial governments to negotiate in the event of a province or territory seeking sovereignty and independence. 

“I would say it’s incumbent on myself as Premier to work with the new Prime Minister,” said Moe. “The same [federal] government, but a new Prime Minister, on making every effort to chart a path forward that is good for Saskatchewan, but also good for Saskatchewan within the nation of Canada. With respect to how and what those negotiations would look like — we’re very early in a conversation.”

The Premier of Saskatchewan stated that there is an opportunity at this time to be recognized, including by the new Prime Minister, for real dialogue and actions to commence to unite Canadians and bring them closer together. He expressed hope for the possibility of unity.

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