Empowering women: Prince Albert’s homegrown Dr. Unjali Malhotra launches evidence-based menopause support and self-care tools

Sheila Wanite Bautz
-
0
Empowering women: Prince Albert’s homegrown Dr. Unjali Malhotra launches evidence-based menopause support and self-care tools

Malhotra: new platform intended to empower women to confidently advocate for themselves

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Herald

With deep roots in Prince Albert, Canadian physician Dr. Unjali Malhotra has developed MenoMedico. The digital online platform was launched following Malhotra’s national recognition for leadership in women’s healthcare, including receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal. MenoMedico is also an interactive journal that is available on the website for women experiencing menopause and midlife transitions.

“Too many women have shared that they feel like they are navigating menopause alone – left feeling confused, dismissed, or unsure where to turn,” said Dr. Malhotra, Canadian physician, educator and women’s health advocate. “MenoMedico is a platform that ensures every woman has access to trusted information, feels seen and supported, and can advocate for the care she deserves.”

The physician has held positions as Medical Director of Options for Sexual Health and as Chair of the foundation arm of Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Currently, Dr. Malhotra practices at Westside Medical in Kelowna, BC. She was the Medical Officer of Women’s Health at the First Nations Health Authority.

In her health practice, Dr. Malhotra focuses on the importance of advocacy, cultural safety, myths and misconceptions when it comes to healthcare. She considers MenoMedico a movement that assists women with experiencing a seamless, empowered transition through their life’s natural phases. The movement also addresses a common stereotype bias when it comes to women of colour as they experience menopause in the healthcare system. 

“To all women, of all ethnic groups, one main bias is that we can just get through it, that this is the time period when you just plow through it,” said Malhotra. “A lot of times we accept that as the truth, whereas someone might need therapy, treatment, healthcare in some way, shape or form. The conversation should be available to anyone who has any range of questions about symptoms that are impacting their quality of life on a day-to-day basis. Everyone should have that opportunity to take part in the healthcare system and have a really meaningful way to communicate without experiencing stereo-types.”  

Digital on-line platforms allow website users to connect and interact with communities. The MenoMedico platform combines trusted medical guidance with culturally informed wellness strategies to empower women of all ethnicities at every stage of life. The interactive journal on MenoMedico is designed to provide evidence-based menopause support and self-care tools.

Malhotra’s digital platform not only empowers women to take control of their health, but it also enhances a woman’s social emotional support. The on-line interactive platform addresses the entirety of a woman’s health journey. 

“I was born and raised in PA, and went to the elementary, high school and SIAST as well,” Malhotra said. “When I grew up in Prince Albert, one of the things I really learned was to really listen to people. So this platform, MenoMedico, and the tools and the journal, have really come from what I have heard and listened to over the past 20 years of my career.”

Malhotra attended her first year of post-secondary studies with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST). She graduated from her residency in Manitoba and focused on building a successful career researching and advocating women’s health. Her leadership roles extend across provincial and national health systems and have assisted in shaping policies, expanding access to culturally safe healthcare and advancing reproductive justice. The doctor often returns to Prince Albert.

“I come back to Prince Albert frequently because my mom is still in town, and we’ll spend a lot of time in Prince Albert,” said Dr. Malhotra. “I love the community and the familiar faces that I’ve grown up with. Growing up in nature in the Prince Albert area, I feel really humble and honored to have been the ears so often for Indigenous people in the area, and being able to now create something that people ask a lot of questions about. There’s a lot of misinformation out about menopause.” 

Malhotra stated that, in the past, important research has excluded women of colour. MenoMedico addresses cultural issues and is a source of accurate information for women in perimenopause, menopause and after menopause from diverse cultural backgrounds. The on-line platform provides highly reputable, evidence-based educational material while disclosing medical advancements and research in healthcare. The tools on MenoMedico are intended to empower women to confidently advocate for themselves when they visit any healthcare provider. According to the doctor, there is a misconception about menopausal hormone therapy treatments, which can create further fear and confusion. 

“I think there’s a misconception that treatments aren’t safe and I know that there’s a long history that has led to that. In 2002, the largest trial that was ever done for menopause came out, and the results were revealed in a way that was really scary for people. But, the information within it was actually very good information, but inappropriately released. Over time, many other really good trials have come out revealing that there’s really safe menopausal hormone therapy available.”          

The information provided in the MenoMedico interactive journal includes digestible educational content and conversation starters for healthcare appointments. It was created to bridge the gap between clinical care and real-life experience. The topics include addressing culture and self-care, bias and menopause. The lifestyle resources on the on-line platform focus on respect for the lived experiences of women during their physiological and psychological midlife changes. The interactive journal intends to uplift the importance of self-care in health care and provide the much-needed support to women from all cultures. 

The culturally informed wellness strategies and trusted medical guidance to empower women on MenoMedico has an emphasis for accuracy in the information provided. Malhotra seeks to reveal direct sources of accurate medical information on perimenopause and menopause in an age where there is fast retrieval of on-line menopause content. 

  “Over the last few years particularly there’s been a real surge in interest in menopause, which I think is fantastic,” said Malhotra. “People need to know that there are pharmaceutical agents that will be aligned with your values and help you, but also that you don’t have to get through this alone. There is a sense of community. You and your healthcare provider can develop a team-based approach. There are opportunities for treatments to feel better if you’re experiencing symptoms, especially those that are impacting your daily quality of life.” 

Key topics on MenoMedico include hormone therapy, bone health, racial disparities in healthcare and much more. To assist women to navigate through the menopause transitions that are a natural part of life, there is also a menopause monthly journal that is available for download.  

“The Menopause Journal contains a lot of really valuable information about the life transition that people are going through in perimenopause and menopause,” said Malhotra. “This is how I try to operate in my own practice as well. We’re in a partnership with someone who’s going through the experience. The Menopause Journal is a tool for people.”  

Malhotra’s mantra is that true health is not just about managing symptoms – it’s about nurturing the whole person. The journal features access to expert information that demonstrates a recognition for the importance of mental and emotional health by incorporating mindfulness resources. There are guided prompts to assist women with reducing their stress levels while improving their clarity. It is described as a mood booster and the ultimate tool in self-care.  

Malhotra’s aspiration to empower women to make informed choices about taking care of themselves is critical to their overall wellness. The doctor’s career has an emphasis on the importance of health access, equity and patient rights. Her women’s health advocacy assists women of all ethnicities experiencing menopause and midlife through providing clarity that builds confidence and community. 

Saskatchewan Research Council celebrates new Indigenous Workforce Program in the spirit of reconciliation

Sheila Wanite Bautz
-
0
Saskatchewan Research Council celebrates new Indigenous Workforce Program in the spirit of reconciliation

Sheila Bautz
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Daily Herald

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) has developed the Indigenous Action Plan.

The Indigenous Workforce Program is part of the action plan and officially launched on May 8, 2025. Additionally, the day marked the SRC’s celebration of another part of the action plan with the inaugural group of Indigenous scholars for the Kiskiyihta (Kiskee ih-taah) Indigenous Summer Student Program. The word Kiskiyihta is a Cree word that means to learn or to know, which represents the re-imagined Indigenous Summer Student Program.

The program aims to assist SRC with increasing Indigenous recruits into their organization and hiring them into secure employment. As such, the SRC is collaborating with Indigenous educational institutions and training entities to secure the retention and advancement of Indigenous employees that take part in the programs.

“Through SRC’s Indigenous Workforce and Kiskiyihta Summer Student Programs, more Indigenous youth will have the chance to work in a specialized research and technology environment, gaining valuable job experience, coaching and mentorship,” said Warren Kaeding, The Honourable Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC). “The new initiative complements SRC’s Indigenous Action Plan, with a goal to create new employment opportunities and further advance economic reconciliation in the province.” 

Kiskiyihta provides summer employment with hands-on learning for Indigenous students who are studying at a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution. The four students who are involved in the 2025 inaugural program will focus on learning experiences in SRC’s Rare Earth Element Division and Nuclear Division. These students will attain experience in research and technology environments. The experience also includes involvement in the Environmental Remediation and External Relations teams. Every year, the program will commence throughout the summer months to provide one-on-one mentorship and connection points in the work experience program.

“The Saskatchewan Research Council has a long history of collaboration with First Nations and Métis communities, spanning more than 40 years in areas such as ecological studies, student enrichment and job training opportunities, and longer-term initiatives including remediation of former mine and mill sites in northern Saskatchewan,” said Kaeding. “The new Indigenous Action Plan further builds upon these relationships to ensure continued Indigenous participation in Saskatchewan’s key economic sectors and growing workforce.”

The SRC built the Indigenous Action Plan to align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Call to Action 92. Call to Action 92 addresses the corporate sector in Canada to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It specifies and includes, but is not limited to, building respectful relationships, ensuring that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to training, education and employment opportunities in the corporate sector. It also states that Aboriginal communities will share in the long-term sustainable benefits as a result of economic development projects.

In addition, according to the TRC Call to Action 92, the corporate sector must provide management and staff with education on various aspects of history as it affects Indigenous people. This includes the residential school system and Aboriginal-Crown relations as two examples. It also involves skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights and anti-racism. 

“We want to be an employer of choice for Indigenous Peoples by providing unique job experiences they may not have had prior access to,” said Mike Crabtree, President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC). “Our goal is to engage and empower Indigenous Peoples so they can thrive in a culturally safe workplace and achieve their professional goals.”

For more than 77 years, SRC has assisted clients with solving technology problems and making improvements to increase productivity and develop new markets. The SRC is Canada’s second largest research and technology organization that has 1,400 international clients in 22 countries while employing approximately 350 employees.

The SRC’s Indigenous Action Plan is based on four integral pillars composed of employment, leadership, Indigenous community relationships and business development. The hallmark of the plan is to continue to solidify a strong relationship and integration with Indigenous people, communities and businesses based on building trust.

“Continuing to build trust and strong relationships with Indigenous communities is a hallmark of this plan,” said Crabtree. “Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is not only the right thing to do, it’s simply good business. We encourage all our staff, collaborators and clients to embrace reconciliation each and every day.”

Employment is the first pillar in the Indigenous Action Plan. This first pillar is set forth to demonstrate a commitment of time and financial resources to achieve fair representation of Indigenous people in the workplace. The high-level goals also include the removal of barriers to attract, hire and retain Indigenous employees.

As a result, the Indigenous Workforce Program provides Indigenous Peoples with an opportunity to work in research and technology environments that strive to provide opportunities. These opportunities may not have previously existed before the start of the program. The program is also increasing cultural awareness within the organization and with SRC employees. 

The SRC’s integral Indigenous Workforce Program collaborators from post-secondary institutions include The First Nations University of Canada, the Gabriel Dumont Institute, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and the Saskatoon Tribal Council. Through collaborations with higher learning institutions, SRC is identifying skilled student candidates in internships, summer work placements, apprenticeships, co-op placements and other career-related opportunities and leadership roles.

Open spaces available at Prince Albert Exhibition Grounds and the Batoche Festival Grounds

Sheila Wanite Bautz
-
0
Open spaces available at Prince Albert Exhibition Grounds and the Batoche Festival Grounds

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Herald

The Prince Albert Exhibition Grounds and the Batoche Festival Grounds have opened spaces for wildfire evacuees from Northern Saskatchewan to take refuge in. The camping and RV spaces are free of charge. They offer various necessities for northern residents evacuating their homes due to the wildfires. At the time of this report, the Northern Lights Casino’s RV parking is at its fullest capacity.

The Prince Albert Exhibition (PAEX)

There are fifty full-service campsites available on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis free of charge to individuals and families from Northern Saskatchewan who evacuated due to the impact of the wildfires. Each fully serviced site includes electricity, water and sewer hook-up. Space is also available in the overflow camping area for those who do not require water and sewer services. The premise offers a shower house and washrooms. By Monday, an additional 25 fully serviced sites will be made available.

“We’re here to support the people who had to leave their homes so suddenly,” said Debra Despins, General Manager of the Prince Albert Exhibition. “We want to make sure they have a safe and comfortable place to stay while things settle down.”

Wildfire evacuees can contact the campground directly at 306-960-1743 to receive an up-date on availability for RV and trailer campsites. Evacuees can then register for a campsite by providing their name, phone number, email address and the location they are evacuating from. PAEX evacuees are reminded that the campground rules are applicable, such as no open fires are allowed, pets must remain on a leash and 11:00 pm is quiet time.

 Batoche Festival Grounds

The Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) government is also responding to assist wildfire evacuees from Northern Saskatchewan. The Batoche Festival Grounds are being offered as a secure place to seek refuge in the current fire situation.

As of 8:30 am Thursday morning, more than 100 people arrived on the Batoche Festival Grounds seeking refuge. The festival grounds offer trappers’ tents with cots, wi-fi services to keep in touch with family members, traditional food and cultural activities.

“The Batoche grounds are open to anyone who needs a safe place,” said Glen McCallum, the MN-S President. “In northern Saskatchewan, when you take any community, they’re mixed: Métis, First Nations, and non-Indigenous. Wildfires have no borders, and we’re not going to create borders, it’s just a matter of fine-tuning the partnership we have with Métis, First Nations, and non-Indigenous people. As always at Batoche, there’s room for everyone.”

Donations are being accepted for individuals who want to assist the Batoche emergency relief efforts. Fire evacuees require high priority needs, such as toiletries, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products, diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, and clean bedding. Priority needs include masks, work gloves and air purifiers. The donation centre is in Saskatoon at CUMFI, 315 Avenue M S.

For as long as the need exists, the MN-S government and its provincial and federal partners will ensure the emergency resources are available for those seeking refuge from the emergency for as long as it takes. Northern fire evacuees are asked to call 1-877-MétisSK (ext. 9) to register for refuge at Batoche. They can also call the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency at 855-559-5502 to register.

The Blind Trapper Holistic Foods: The Vision of Mark Monsebroten

Sheila Wanite Bautz
-
0
The Blind Trapper Holistic Foods: The Vision of Mark Monsebroten

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Herald

Mark Monsebroten, known as The Blind Trapper, has an extensive wealth of knowledge about wild medicinal plants and food. His experiences extend to wildlife survival, trapping, fishing and hunting. As a result, Monsebroten has attained an extensive, respected status for his holistic food harvesting and food supply. To many, he is a Medicine Man. The Blind Trapper’s own medical journey led him further on the path to holistic healing.

In 2014, Monsebroten was dealing with a vision problem that was becoming progressively worse. While he still had some vision left, he began researching various demographics to relocate to and explore. It was during this time he discovered the Saskatchewan River Delta region.

“I wanted to just go and try to live off grid before my vision was gone. I started doing some investigation on it, the history,” explained Monsebroten. “I realized that it’s like a really diverse ecosystem where there’s a lot of stuff that doesn’t grow other places. I moved off grid with no running water or power. I just had a couple dogs and tried to get a garden going and do the off-grid thing.”

The Saskatchewan River Delta is the largest inland river delta in North America. It is the location point where the North and South Saskatchewan River meet. The Delta is part of a watershed spread across the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. It is considered to be one of the most unique landscapes in the world due to the various wetlands, shallow lakes and river channels in the Boreal Forest setting.

“It ended up my vision got too bad, but while I was up there, I really learned a lot about how to live without the help of pharmacies and pharmaceuticals, supermarkets and stuff like that,” explained Monsebroten. “When it comes to the pharmaceutical companies, I believe pharmaceutical companies make customers, they don’t make cures. That’s what made the decision for me to decide to start looking at something different than all these pills. Within nine months of moving to the bush, I went from six prescriptions down to zero.”

Natural remedies and nature’s medicinal pharmacy on the landscape provides the ingredients to heal many ailments. In childhood, Monsebroten was keenly interested in medicinal plants. In his youth, he relayed how he initially received a great deal of training from his grandmother.

“My grandmother came from Poland in Eastern Europe, and she was really super knowledgeable with the herbal practices of European people,” said Monsebroten. “We all come from the Boreal Forest and you know, it’s over there in Eastern Europe, and it’s here.”

While in the Saskatchewan River Delta, Monsebroten found an abundance of various plant species in their natural habitat. Within the Indigenous community in the area, he met with the Elders to discuss the versatility and abundance of the various medicinal plants. Monsebroten also sought their guidance on what they wanted done in order to begin harvesting the wild vegetation.

“The first thing that the Indigenous Elders wanted was to make sure that everything was sustainable and that there would be something there for tomorrow,” he relayed with a deep level of respect for the Indigenous culture expressed in his voice. “So, we looked at different sustainable harvesting processes and came up with a harvest plan. We then found markets for some larger quantities of a number of different plants that grow there.”

The crew of harvesters consist of local Indigenous residents who collect the medicinal plants on their traditional territories. Emphasis on traditional values and a deep respect for the land ensures that they do not disrupt the natural environment. They will not collect anything within 100 meters of roadsides. During the harvest, parts of the plants are respectfully cut from the main vegetation.

Monsebroten’s team of harvesters also received additional education on sustainable harvesting as a prerequisite for collecting the wild medicinal plants. The educational program entailed a required four-day course to learn various skills, such as wilderness survival. In addition, Monsebroten and his team built drying sheds.

From 2017 to 2021, Monsebroten continued sustainable harvesting and attendance at festivals and markets with his holistic food supplies. Once Covid emerged, Monsebroten found himself experiencing a surge of patrons who wanted his help with their medical issues. With his previous ailments healed and his holistic food supply business doing well, people noticed. They had watched him lead by example and trusted the results they witnessed.

“I had a lot of people that were coming to me for different types of chronic or health issues they were having, as they saw me move to the Delta knowing I had been on a number of medications from the doctor when I moved. Within about 12 months of moving to the Delta, I was perfectly healthy and not taking the prescription medications anymore.”

Along with medicinal sustainable harvesting, and the increase in Monsebroten’s popularity, his brand emerged. Although he was healthy, his eye vision continued to worsen. In many cultures, poor eyesight or blindness is a physical trait and spiritual reality for many authentic seers and medicine people. Monsebroten’s transformation continued, as he now became known as The Blind Trapper.

 In 2020, he appeared on Trapping Inc TV Series, Season 6, in Episode 6 entitled The Blind Trapper. As a way of life, The Blind Trapper hunts, fishes and traps, thus his trademark name emerged, which branded him. The episode is available on YouTube for interested viewers.

“I got a huge social media following from the Trapping Inc TV Series episode and it’s kind of bloomed since,” said The Blind Trapper. “We’ve kind of cut down on the large harvesting and concentrated more into the medicinal aspect of the business. We have and offer 50 different individual medicinal plants in dried form. We also have a number of different wild berries and mushrooms when they’re in season.”

The Blind Trapper and his local harvesters generally will not pull roots on a majority of the plants, but there are exceptions. The exceptions include common medicinal roots, such as Dandelion roots, Seneca Snakeroot and Rat root. In addition, the wild medicinal harvesting crew have a harvesting formula guideline that honours the wild medicinal plants.

“We only take a maximum of 1/3 of the natural plant that’s there,” explained The Blind Trapper. “We leave 1/3 for the animals, 1/3 to replenish the environment, and then we take 1/3. We’re very, very conscious about where we collect our plants, too.”

The Blind Trapper also revisits the areas he harvests to check on the plants and vegetation and assess the harvested area. Through the sustainable harvest practices, the floral and various wild medicinal plants flourish due to their harvest method. It is comparable to pruning plants. Pruning encourages the vegetation and medicinal plants to become more robust with foliage and flowers. The pruning process also encourages healthy growth and fruitfulness.

“I was back looking at the plants we harvested the other day, and they are perfectly healthy. You can’t even see they’ve been harvested,” said The Blind Trapper.

Plants and grasses used for smudge with spiritual purposes, meditations and sacred ceremonies are also collected by The Blind Trapper and his crew. As everything contains energy, particularly in the natural world, various smudges have various effects and properties for different purposes and spiritual practices. The sacred ceremony of smudging creates a smoke that speaks to and sends signals to the Higher Power, The Creator. Smudge is incorporated in spiritual and religious worship ceremonies in every culture.

“We have a lot of people that are interested in the spiritual aspect. We collect a lot of smudging plants,” said The Blind Trapper. “Cedar, which didn’t really grow in some places, we have that. We collect a couple different types of sage and sweet grass as well, but in those cases, we take very, very small quantities of the plant when it is not really common. We have a local person that has planted some ceremonial tobacco, and we also have that put into bundles.”

Through his vast experience, The Blind Trapper noted that genetics play a factor in how quickly a medicinal remedy works. He also emphasized that food is medicine while explaining that this is due to the genetic connection to the land, the foliage and the environment. For instance, cultural groups have foods that they thrive on because their ancestors consumed those particular foods for centuries. Yet, the same diet can cause a sore stomach in a person from another culture.

“One thing I found about the medicines between the different communities is — if the medicinal plant is native to your community, the medicine works faster and stronger for you. Medicinal plants don’t work the same on everybody,” The Blind Trapper explained. “And you should always talk to a medical professional before you go into some type of holistic cure. That’s very important because I’m not a doctor, I’m a student who’s just learning stuff being passed down from knowledge and personal experience.”

 Saskatchewan residents are the majority of The Blind Trappers’ market base. The medicinal products available include medicinal teas, seasonings, syrups, extracts, dried fruits, dried mushrooms, and dried roots. At the markets The Blind Trapper attends, spiritual smudging kits with different smudges and mixtures are also prepared and available for purchase.

Mark Monsebroten, The Blind Trapper, frequents the Prince Albert Markets. He also attends other Farmer’s Markets and Festivals throughout central to northern Saskatchewan. His daughter, Megan Moor, handles all Monsebroten’s social media pages, including his Blind Trapper Facebook page and Tik Tok, where she lists the places and dates they will be attending festivals, events and markets. Moor attends the Wakaw Farmer’s Market on behalf of her father every Saturday.

Saskatchewan Honours the historical First Nations Treaties with Treaties Recognition Week

Sheila Wanite Bautz
-
0
Saskatchewan Honours the historical First Nations Treaties with Treaties Recognition Week

Sheila Bautz
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Daily Herald

The Government of Saskatchewan designated May 18-24 as Treaties Recognition Week. In the prairie province, the historical landmark Treaties are formal legal agreements that were made between the Crown and First Nations people 150 years ago. The sesquicentennial significance of the legal agreements remain in effect today with renewed strength. 

As a result, the recognition week is dedicated to providing education that creates awareness about the history, the challenges and the purpose of the Treaty agreements. It is also a way to solidify the importance of the historical Treaty territories. In addition, it serves as a reminder about what the mutual expectations and responsibilities are for all residents in Saskatchewan. 

“Treaties form the foundation for lasting partnerships in our province,” said Eric Schmalz, Saskatchewan’s Government Relations Minister and Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs. “By acknowledging that we are all treaty people, we strengthen our commitment to understanding, respect and collaboration between First Nations and non-First Nation communities across Saskatchewan.”

Beyond Treaties Recognition Week, the Government of Saskatchewan is continuing to promote the process of education by providing and receiving an exchange of systematic instruction. The information will transform into public educational material. A key emphasis is on the importance of communication between Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents in the province. 

The historical Treaty rights of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people is an important component in the public educational material. In addition, the Government of Saskatchewan has taken many proactive and positive steps towards an integrated Saskatchewan pride that celebrates unique endeavours and contributions by Indigenous people. 

Creating awareness about the Treaty legal agreements extends to the complex and historical relationship between Indigenous people and the immigrants who founded the formation of the existing Canadian system. It is part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Call to Action (TRC) strategy. 

The advancement towards TRC progressed on Sept. 29, 2020, with the federal government’s introduction to Bill C-5. The federal bill received Royal Assent for the official National Day for the Truth and Reconciliation statutory holiday. The date honours the surviving Indigenous families and communities of the residential school system’s cultural genocide that formed the foundation of Canada’s history. 

“By establishing a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” said Steven Guilbeault, Federal Minister of Canadian Heritage, in his September 29, 2020, public statement, “we will have a day every year to reflect and honour the survivors of residential schools, ensuring they are never forgotten.” 

In 2019 and 2020, the Government of Canada designated an additional $7 million for six robust and significant TRC national projects. The projects aimed to provide educational resources to the public about the TRC and why it is important. Through an education strategy, an increase in communication to bridge positive collaborations and understanding of serious Indigenous issues dominates. This dominating factor raises awareness about the importance of honouring the Treaty agreements.

“We recognize that there is still much work to do as a country to make progress on our shared path of reconciliation,” said Minister Guilbeault on September 29, 2020.

With other parts of the federal funding allocated to raising awareness about the TRC, the TRC collected and created historical records on the residential school’s system. The Government of Canada was involved in the process and provided in excess of five million records to the TRC. The records and documents are now stored at the University of Manitoba.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action is a result of a combined effort that came to fruition. An executive summary is available for the multi-volume extensive final report. Contained in the 6-volumes are 94 calls to action, which are recommendations for further reconciliation efforts between all Canadians and Indigenous people nation-wide. To create awareness and understanding for the prosperity of all Canadians, all Canadians are encouraged to read the executive summary.

In Saskatchewan, the Treaty map includes six treaty territories. Treaty 2 territory was established in 1871 and exists in the east-south corner of Saskatchewan, part of Manitoba and into the United States of America. Treaty 4 territory exists in southern Saskatchewan. The province contains some of Treaty 5’s demographic, which is approximately in the central zone of Saskatchewan with a majority of the territory entering Manitoba. Treaty 6 territory covers a large portion of Saskatchewan’s central demographic and extends into Alberta. 

The most extensive territory is Treaty 8. Treaty 8 is one of the first northern treaty territories to exist. It covers a demographic area composed of 841,490 square kilometers. The demographic includes the northwest corner of Saskatchewan and involves Alberta’s northern part of the province. It further extends its region to the northeast quarter of British Colombia and Northwest Territories southern area of Hay River and Great Slave Lake.

At the turn of the 19th century and into the early 20th century, Treaty 10 territory established. A large portion of the territory is in the northern demographic of Saskatchewan and Alberta. It extends across 220,000 square kilometers. 

The Government of Saskatchewan has proudly acknowledged the 150th commemoration of Treaty 4 territory. They have also publicly recognized the enduring importance and significance of all Treaty territories in Saskatchewan and beyond. Next year in 2026, Treaty 6 territory will achieve the same 150 year commemoration milestone. 

The Saskatchewan Treaty anniversaries offer an opportunity for all Saskatchewan residents to learn more about the significance of the foundational agreements. By doing so, a collective understanding to nurture positive progress and relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people results. The continued education and communication shape the responsibilities of all residents in the province today. 

“Reconciliation is about exploring the past and choosing to build a better future. Sharing stories of understanding helps one another to build trust,” stated the Office of the Treaty Commissioner in a public statement on their website.

Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan releases report into food product pricing in the retail chain

Sheila Wanite Bautz
-
0
Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan releases report into food product pricing in the retail chain

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Herald

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) has released their 2025 Farmers and Food Prices report.

It is the third APAS report that underscores the challenges faced by the agriculture industry. The executive summary provides consumers with insights about the higher cost for food products at retail stores and the continued decline in farm shares and commodity prices. 

“Over the past three years, the situation has not improved,” stated Bill Prybylski, President of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan. “Farmers are getting less, while consumers continue to pay high grocery prices. This year’s report isn’t any different, showing a further dip in what farmers make from their commodities, even though food prices are barely budging downward.” 

The study was conducted by Kevin Grier, who is a Canadian market analysis for the USDA’s Economic Research Service. To discover the price value and percentage of farm producer’s shares of revenue, the calculation formula involved the retail price found in stores and the commodity price paid to agriculture producers for their farm products.

The resulting data analysis is shared in the executive summary, which offers transparency to all members of the public. It reveals comprehensive insights about the expenses involved to bring food products from the farm gate to retail stores.

The APAS study selected seven key essential grocery items. The popular products are key commodities grown in the province of Saskatchewan. They include retail pork, Canola oil, flour, bread, beer, lentils and margarine.

As a result, the findings reveal a continual loss of revenue for food producers due to their reduced farm shares of revenue and volatile commodity prices. 

“We’ve conducted this study to test the relationship between farm gate prices and consumer prices. We have chosen seven common grocery items, such as bread and canola oil and margarine, as they are primarily from products grown on Saskatchewan farms,” said Prybylski. “The reports are consistently finding that as grocery prices have increased for all those seven commodities, the farmer’s share received has continued to decline in the past three years. And it is very evident that widening gap has continued and farmers are getting less of a share of the grocery store dollar.” 

The demand for local sourced producers by consumers is on the rise. Most producers still require an intermediary, such as a butcher or millers. In addition, transportation, storage, and various suppliers consume costs in the process of offering farming products to consumers. Markets also fluctuate.

“The increase in grocery prices is not because of what’s happening on the farm, it is something in between there. If consumers are concerned about the rising grocery prices, I encourage them to look at this report,” said Prybylski. “The price increase is somewhere in that supply chain that prices are accumulating, our costs are accumulating.”

Barley can be used as an example of the process to bring food products from the farm gate to the retail store for consumers. Using a hypothetical price to illustrate an example, a farmer may sell barley for $5 to an elevator. The elevator will need to sell the same bushel of barley for more than $5 to cover their costs and turn a profit by selling it for $7 a bushel to a processor. The processor will need to sell the farm product they purchased also for more than they bought it for, as they need to make a profit to cover carbon taxes, fuel and electricity. The processors doing their job to bring the food product to retail stores for consumers to buy creates the cost of the final product. 

As well, additional concerns about the cost of producing food products occurred this year with the United States of America proposing tariffs. The Trump administrations tariff threats created further uncertainty about the effects they will have across all supply chains at various levels. Ultimately, it is the consumers who carry the brunt of these costs at the grocery store.  

“I don’t believe that this is a direct relation of any government,” explained Prybylski. “Other than in the past few years with the rising carbon tax, for example. The trucker that’s taking the canola oil from the processing of the crusher to the next step has to pay that carbon tax. The next person that’s operating a crushing facility, they’re paying the carbon tax on all their fuel, electricity and all their expenses. So, they’re passing the costs to the next person too. Big things like that are kind of accumulative. Generally higher taxes, higher property taxes, higher energy costs, those are just getting added to the process from the farm gate to the final consumer.”

Global factors also continue to influence the unpredictably and instability that compounds with uncertainty by looming tariff threats. These factors cause prices to steadily decline for producers and continue to make the markets unpredictable at this time. As a result, farmer and ranchers who are the backbone of the food chain are unable to set the price on their grains or oilseeds, regardless whether they are for a local, domestic or foreign market. 

 In 2024, the federal Government of Canada developed the Grocery Code to promote accountability with the increasing cost of food. The code requires the retailers to have essential levels of accountability with the price they place on food products in the retail chain. 

On May 16, 2024, the federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, and Quebec’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Andre Lamontagne, issued a joint statement explaining the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct. 

“The goal of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct is to bring fairness, transparency, and predictability to our grocery sector and supply chain,” Minister MacAulay and Minister Lamontagne said in the 2024 statement. “We believe that uniting all supply chain partners around these principles will produce the best outcomes for the sector and all Canadians. With the news that Loblaw is signing on, we now call on the remaining large retailers to do what is in the best interests of Canadians and follow suit.”

The Grocery Code initiated by the federal Government of Canada is due for release this summer. Transparency is reported to be a foundational part of the code with fair market involvement. The 2025 Farmers and Food Prices report by APAS has similar goals, such as with transparency.

“At a time when political changes impact the lives of everyday consumers, who are increasingly seeking explanations for high food costs, the importance of food security and transparency in food prices has never been greater,” emphasizes Prybylski. “This report underscores the growing concern among consumers, who face high retail prices yet want to ensure that farmers receive a fair and sustainable income.”

Saskatchewan grain producers receive a tiny percent of revenue for producing grain. The input costs to seed, grow and harvest the grain is expensive while considering the cost of fertilizers and sprays. There are also other unpredictable issues and circumstances that farmers must deal with. This includes a farmer’s reliance on the unpredictability of uncontrollable growing conditions created by the weather, which is out of the farmer’s control. 

“If you look at something like bread, which goes through more processing steps by the time it hits a grocery store shelf, wheat has a farmer coming into the red [as a loss],” said Prybylski. “That relationship is even more stark. There is now currently only about 4% of the cost of the loaf of bread that is returned to the farmer. And there’s more processing, more steps, more people that are handling that commodity. Everybody’s taking their share. So obviously the farmer gets less and less of that share the more times it’s handled.” 

APAS continues to champion the need for an equitable, accountable, and transparent food system that supports farmers, safeguards consumers and ensures a stable food supply. The executive summary allows consumers to understand the logistics behind the cost of food products.

“We did see a rise in commodity prices and you know, farmers were right. It was generally assumed that these prices were going up and that’s why our grocery stores prices were going up,” explained Prybylski. “But, basically, there’s really no correlation between the rise in grocery store prices and what producers are receiving for their products.”   

The food supply chain is complex with many different enterprises involved to bring food from the fields to grocery stores. Consumers are urged by the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) to download and read the executive summary for awareness about how the food chain creates the final price at the retailer’s store cash register. 

The Government of Saskatchewan announces Indigenous Economic Development Day

Sheila Wanite Bautz
-
0
The Government of Saskatchewan announces Indigenous Economic Development Day

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Herald

The Government of Saskatchewan announced that May 12 is officially Indigenous Economic Development Day, which now forms part of Economic Development Week. This year, Economic Development Week was held from May 11 to May 17. The international event is recognized annually and places a spotlight on programs and best economic practices around the world. It also recognizes the extraordinary people who create positive progress to their demographic’s economy.

“Today, we recognize that economic development is an ongoing process rather than a result,” said Chief Executive Officer Verona Thibault with the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance (SEDA). “It is a process that aims to improve socioeconomic wellbeing, resulting in wealth generation, job creation and community renewal. We celebrate leaders and community builders across Saskatchewan who invest their skills and resources to ensure our local and provincial prosperity.”

In Saskatchewan, Indigenous Economic Development Day recognizes the importance of the contributions from First Nations and Metis entrepreneurs. The impact of business and entrepreneurship is crucial for building a robust Saskatchewan economy that everyone in the prairie province will benefit from.

“Economic reconciliation remains a priority for our government,” said Warren Kaeding, the Saskatchewan Minister of Trade and Export Development, “and we remain committed to creating more opportunities for Indigenous people and communities. Saskatchewan is fortunate to have a growing number of Indigenous-owned companies and organizations that are strong contributors to our province’s economic wellbeing.”

The Government of Saskatchewan’s focus continues to be on increasing Indigenous participation in the provincial economy. The emphasis is on the important role Indigenous entrepreneurs have in creating business ventures and employment. The focus remains on building relationships and connecting Indigenous people to various opportunities across all business sectors, which include specialized training and employment.

As a result, Indigenous businesses and communities contributed to a record high of 63,100 off-reserve Indigenous careers in 2024. Collectively, the Indigenous economic contributions and impacts improve the lives of all Saskatchewan residents.

“In recent times, Indigenous peoples and nations around the globe have embarked on nation-rebuilding movements with optimism and perseverance,” said Milton Tootoosis, Founder and Chair of Saskatchewan Indigenous Economic Development Network (SIEDN), “all adding to economic growth collectively.”

Tootoosis is from Poundmaker Cree Nation in Treaty Six Territory. He has accumulated over two decades of experience in human resource management. His portfolio includes aboriginal policy with dedication to networking positive, progressive relationships and advancements for the Indigenous community. Tootoosis is instrumental at various government levels, which include the tribal, provincial and federal governments. Both his professional and personal goals include positive advancements for community collaborations to create capacity and economic independence.

“Indigenous nations have culturally and historically been inter-tribal traders with sophisticated supply chains, practicing a form of free trade of highly valued goods long before the fur trade era and the arrival of settlers here on the prairies,” Tootoosis said.

The Government of Saskatchewan continues its commitment to fuse a competitive and strategic business environment that provides an edge for the success of all businesses. Through Saskatchewan’s established network of nine international offices, the province attracts international investments while hunting for new markets to showcase the province’s products and treasures.

In its entirety, the value of Saskatchewan exports increased from $17 billion in 2007 to nearly $50 billion on average in the last 3 years. These most recent and significant economic successes are due to the strong entrepreneurial spirit that exists and surges through citizens in the land of living skies.

“The work that our business community has been doing across the province, has led to strong investment and economic growth in recent years,” said Kaeding, Saskatchewan Minister of Trade and Export Development. “Businesses, and investors, are choosing Saskatchewan because of our low tax rates, our transparent regulatory environment and the strong suite of incentives with personalized support that we offer.”

Reports show that private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion last year. As a result, Saskatchewan ranks first among Canadian provinces for industry and economic growth. The influx of investment by various businesses and entrepreneurs creates opportunities and employment for residents in the province, which is the gateway to a better and higher quality of life for all Saskatchewan citizens.

Additionally, Statistic Canada’s 2024 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached its highest to date at $80.4 billion, which is a 3.4 per cent increase. The result is that Saskatchewan now ranks second in terms of percentage change amongst Canadian provinces.

The reflection of the ongoing success of Indigenous business savvy also continues to demonstrate its powerful economic impact in various areas and in various ways. The Government of Saskatchewan expressed their pride about the continued powerful collaborations and partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses during the Economic Development Week Celebrations.

What is the Saskatchewan government’s legal duty to consult with First Nation and Métis communities?

Sheila Wanite Bautz
-
0
What is the Saskatchewan government’s legal duty to consult with First Nation and Métis communities?

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Herald

The Government of Saskatchewan is legally obligated to follow what is known as the duty to consult doctrine, which was established to protect the Treaty rights of First Nations and Métis communities in Canadian provinces. As determined by the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) in a series of rulings since 2004, before a government makes a decision that has the potential to impact Aboriginal or Treaty rights, they must consult with the Indigenous people in the community. This same rule applies and is legally binding for Crown corporations.

As of January 1, 2024, a revised First Nation and Métis Consultation Policy Framework (CPF) came into effect. The duty to consult law was determined as being owed to First Nations, Métis and Inuit people of Canada by the Crown. The predominant purpose for the duty to consult doctrine ensures that legal enforcement can be issued for the government to comply with the law and honour reconciliation efforts.

A key legal area, the duty to consult enforceable law is important for private businesses, private industry stakeholders, territorial governments, provincial governments and the federal government as well. The law is meant to rectify the historical imbalance of power between government and the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in Canada. This in turn affects all individuals in Canadian society to establish equality and honour the Treaty rights owed to Indigenous people.

“The changes made to the CPF were built on the key themes we heard during our engagement process in the fall and winter of 2022,” former Government Relations Minister and Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Don McMorris said in December 2024. “We are committed to improving transparency and communications throughout the CPF process, toward greater capacity, and building stronger relationships between First Nation and Métis communities, industry and government.”

In Canada, His Majesty King Charles III represents, and is known as, The Crown. The Crown is the executive branch of the federal and provincial governments in Canada. The Crown also owns corporations, known as Crown Corporations, which provide essential services and utilities to the province’s public, such as SaskPower.

“His Majesty King Charles III showed his commitment to reconciliation in a meeting with Indigenous leaders,” Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, said in a statement. “The King understands the importance of walking the path of reconciliation with Canada and Indigenous peoples. Discussions like these are vital. They will start slowly, and grow, forming the pillars of a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples that is based on respect and understanding.”

Governor General Simon is an Inuk on her mother’s side, making her the first Indigenous person to hold the prestigious office of Governor General of Canada. She is the 30th governor general since Confederation. She is responsible for sharing the messages of His Majesty King Charles III.

The most recent amendments to the duty to consult doctrine ensure a commitment from the Saskatchewan government to effectively and meaningfully fulfill the duty to consult stipulations. This includes the affirmation of Saskatchewan’s commitment to the province’s constitutional obligation to Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

The duty to consult is important for Treaty territories and reservations. It addresses issues that can arise when government or industries want permits and licenses issued, and regulatory project approvals. For example, when infrastructure plans that may damage natural forests, endanger the wildlife or violate existing Indigenous hunting rights may occur, Indigenous communities must have full disclosure from the government about the project. Projects must not begin without consultation with the Indigenous community that will be affected. 

Recent amendments to the duty to consult also include economic reconciliation with Indigenous people. This improves the economic outcomes for First Nation and Métis people throughout the province. In addition, a revised Duty to Consult Assessment Chart has simplified and reduced the consultation process for simplicity and clarity purposes. Established timelines in the process for both Indigenous communities and the Saskatchewan government during the duty to consult process are also improved. Overall, the amendments to the duty to consult doctrine increase accountability and predictability for everyone involved in the process. 

“I have often said that reconciliation is not one act, nor does it have an end date. It is a process we build on, piece by piece,” Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, said in a statement.

The history of the duty to consult doctrine stems from 1982. In 1982, The Constitution Act, Section 35, secured the guaranteed inherent rights of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people of Canada. By the 2000s, the Canadian courts developed the doctrine of the duty to consult with a goal to protect the rights of Indigenous people.

In 2004 and 2005, in what is now called a trilogy of decisions, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) ruled on three specific Indigenous cases. The cases consisted of Haida Nation v. British Columbia (Minister of Forests) (Haida Nation); Taku River Tlingit First Nation v. British Columbia (Project Assessment Director); and Mikisew Cree First Nation v. Canada (Minister of Canadian Heritage).

This trilogy of court cases and the resulting judgments established the precedent for procedural protections that involved Aboriginal and existing treaty rights. The judgements from the SCC specified and clarified the Crown’s duty to consult with First Nations, Métis and Inuit people of Canada. They also formed the foundation for a generalized framework within the law to protect the rights of all Indigenous people.

As documented in legal rulings by the SCC, the highest court in Canada stated, “Rather than pitting Aboriginal peoples against the Crown in the litigation process, the duty recognizes that both must work together to reconcile their interests.”

There are also beneficial factors for industry or government entering Indigenous territory that will enhance and further liberate Indigenous people and their communities.

As stated by the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) in their public ruling determining the rules for the doctrine, the duty to consult “arises when the Crown has knowledge, real or constructive, of the potential existence of Aboriginal right or title and contemplates conduct that might adversely affect it.”

When there are concerns from Indigenous communities, the industry or government must seek to modify their plans. Alternatively, they may abandon their project plans so as not to pose an illegal action on the part of the industry or government bodies involved. Additionally, Indigenous communities who do consent to projects should do so by their own free choice and not through being pressured into a legally binding agreement.

The Supreme Court has stated that the “honour of the Crown is always at stake in its dealings with Aboriginal peoples,” and that “the Crown must act with honour and integrity, avoiding even the appearance of ‘sharp dealing.’”  

“[Reconciliation] is a path we must walk together, all of us—Indigenous, non-Indigenous, the Crown. And while we know words are important, it is through our actions that we can make the most difference,” said Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. “I will continue to encourage all Canadians, as well as the Crown, to take action on reconciliation.”

The Crown is always responsible for any consultations between the government and their Crown Corporation. The Crown must ensure that the Indigenous groups are well informed and that the consultations between their government officials and corporations are clear, concise, accurate, and adequate in communication with Indigenous communities.

Traffic fatalities increase by 38 per cent: RCMP

Sheila Wanite Bautz
-
0
Traffic fatalities increase by 38 per cent: RCMP

Saskatchewan RCMP urge drivers to make safe choices

Sheila Bautz

Special to the Herald

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are alerting Saskatchewan drivers about a 38 per cent increase in traffic fatalities this year.

The alert from the RCMP correlated with the May long weekend, which marks the annual nation-wide awareness campaign for Canada Road Safety Week. With the arrival of lake season, an increase in traffic on Saskatchewan highways and roads is expected throughout the summer months.  

As a result, RCMP detachments throughout the province are urging drivers to make safe choices while on Saskatchewan roads and highways. Their key message to everyone is to stay alert while driving and do their part to help decrease the number of injuries and fatalities caused by vehicle incidents.

“This year’s Canada Road Safety Week theme is ‘Road Safety: Every Road, Every Day, Everyone’,” said Saskatchewan RCMP Inspector Lee Knelsen in a released statement. “It’s a message that everyone who gets behind the wheel should take to heart.”  

Knelsen is the operations officer for the Saskatchewan RCMP Traffic Services. He further alerted the public that 2025 had already claimed the lives of 29 people in Saskatchewan. The fatal incidents occurred on provincial roads in RCMP jurisdictions, which do not include city police jurisdictions.

In 2024, drugs and alcohol were a factor in 44 per cent of fatal collisions on Saskatchewan roads. The goal of Canada Road Safety Week is to notify the public about how to improve their driving behaviours that put road users at risk. High on the list is eliminating drug and alcohol impaired driving, as well as eliminating fatigue impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and driving without a seatbelt.

“When you drive too fast, aggressively, while distracted or while impaired, you increase the risk that you, your passengers or other road users will be hurt, or even killed,” said RCMP Inspector Knelsen. “Twenty-nine people have already lost their lives on roads in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction so far in 2025 – an increase of 38% over the same time last year. These deaths are tragic – particularly when you know that some collisions can be avoided.” 

Each year in Canada, vehicle related incidents cause devastating effects for families. An average of 2,000 deaths of loved ones result. Many of these incidents are preventable. Reports also reveal that, on average, an additional 165,000 people are injured. Of those individuals suffering injuries, approximately 10,000 of injury cases are classified as serious. As a result of deaths and injuries, the human and emotional costs are incalculable. 

In addition, the healthcare costs due to traffic incidents that result in death or injury are astronomical. The financial cost for society is 2.2 per cent of the Canadian GDP, which is $37 billion every year. 

Improvements on various levels are required to eliminate traffic and vehicle incidents. One area of necessity is repairs and additional road construction infrastructure on Saskatchewan road systems. Required improvements also extend to vehicle manufacturers for increased transportation safety and immediate vehicle recalls for any mechanical issues. In addition, driver awareness and defensive driving can reduce the amount of Saskatchewan residents becoming casualties of vehicle incidents that cause bodily harm or fatalities. 

After a nation-wide extensive collection of the causes for vehicle fatalities, risk groups involved in traffic injuries and deaths have been identified. Young drivers aged 25 years old and younger with less than 2 years of driving experience are at a higher risk for vehicle fatalities. Individuals with a history of dangerous driving and illegal driving habits that include repetitive impaired driving due to drug and alcohol abuse were top factors. 

Individuals with suspended or prohibited driver’s licenses, recurring collisions and traffic violations were also responsible for causing road fatalities. Motorists that have cognitive and physical impairments pose a danger on the roads due to their inability to safely operate motorized vehicles. Drivers of passenger transportation and heavy commercial operators driving vehicles with a capacity in excess of 4,586 kg pose a heightened risk for fatal collisions.  

Many victims of roadside injuries and fatalities include pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, individuals driving motorized scooters and people in wheelchairs. Construction workers employed to make roads safer are also at high risk due various circumstances that include passing vehicles.

The dominant factors in a collision that contributed to road accidents also included distracted driving due to secondary activities. This includes texting and talking on cell phones, eating and talking to passengers. 

In 24 vehicle fatalities in 2024, the cause for the loss of lives was a failure to use the required safety equipment. The safety equipment included a failure to wear a seatbelt or protective head gear, such as motorcycle helmets. Nation-wide, failure to wear a seatbelt remains high on the list of contributing factors for road fatalities. 

Environmental factors also created conditions for serious collisions, such as heavy rain, snow or wildlife on the road. While travelling on dusty gravel roads, visibility can also be a major factor as it is comparable to driving through a blinding snowstorm. Road construction, road designs, surface conditions and road signage are attributed to causing fatalities. Flaws and failures in the vehicle design of the motorized vehicle — along with lack of maintenance — pose serious risks. This includes new and emerging vehicle technologies as another source of cause for fatal incidents.

Saskatchewan motorists can take further proactive measures for safe driving. This includes no alcohol or drug consumption before or while driving. By adopting a zero tolerance with yourself as a way to self-regulate and stay in control, lives are saved. Additionally, plan to have a designated driver or arrange for accommodations if you are consuming drugs or alchohol. 

Drivers can also use time management and plan their travel for ample time to arrive at their destination. Although this is not always possible, motorists can reduce a sense of urgency in many cases and the temptation to speed.

Distractions while driving occur, especially if you are driving with energetic children who are excited about getting to their favorite fun place, such as the lake, or having a sibling dispute in the backseat. It is important for motorists to actively practice the art of fully focusing their attention on the road and fellow drivers. This includes pulling over to the side of the road to deal with vehicle interior distractions, if required. It also means ignoring incoming phone calls and texts.

Drivers, particularly with small children, need to ensure that everyone is wearing their seatbelt. Infants and toddlers are required to travel in an approved car seat or booster seat. If you are traveling with pets, there are seat belts for dogs and cats as well. Loose animals in a vehicle can become the cause of creating an accident on the road or cause an injury to a driver and passengers when loose in the vehicle during a collision.

In addition, other interventions that promote safe driving on Saskatchewan roads are continually being created and amended in the case of law. Government interventions include the areas of driving policy, legislation, regulation, education and training. Creating public awareness through various forms of communication is an effective strategy to eliminate driving incidents resulting in injuries and fatalities. 

“Let’s all do our part to make sure everyone on the roads this weekend gets where they need to go, safely,” Knelsen said.

Police enforcement and intervention is necessary to ensure all Saskatchewan citizens remain safe while they travel. This includes international visitors traveling or working throughout the province.

Canada’s Road Safety Strategy (RSS) 2025 motto continues to be Towards Zero: The Safest Roads in the World. The RSS 2025 strategy aims to create awareness that encourages all levels of government, private sectors, non-governmental stakeholders and road safety stakeholders to collaborate and address all factors to create safety on the roads. By doing so, the long-term vision and goal to make Canadian roads the safest in the world is highly achievable.

Before setting out on a road trip or in questionable weather, check road conditions toll-free at the Highway Hotline phone number 1-888-335-7623. Remember that road construction, wildfires and other issues can affect travel through the summer.

Farming CEOs and employees: a safe work environment OH&S law

Sheila Wanite Bautz
-
0
Farming CEOs and employees: a safe work environment OH&S law

Sheila Bautz

Daily Herald Contributor

Saskatchewan farmers are CEOs of a family farm operation. They are responsible for the safety of their families along with youth employees and foreign workers.

As reported by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) in their Canadian Agriculture Injury Report: Agriculture-related Fatalities in Canada 1990-2020 Report, farming is in the top 5 most dangerous occupations. As a result, farmers are not exempt from Saskatchewan health and safety laws.

The Saskatchewan Employment Act is a vital document for farmers in the Agriculture industry. The legal document covers the required health and safety provisions for both farmers and farm workers, especially in family farm operations where an employer-employee relationship exists. As a CEO of an important Agricultural business, employing farm hands requires certain protocols and procedures that must be followed. 

Farming Operation Employer Requirement

To provide a safe Agricultural working environment for all employees, every business provides orientations as an attribute. Employment orientations should include a tour of the farming operation to ensure employees know where all equipment, tools, feed, safety kits and first aid supplies are located. During the tour of the Agricultural operation, employers must include the prohibited and restricted areas in both buildings and on land sites. Explanations of the restricted areas are encouraged, such as with chemicals or operational equipment.  

Employees must also know what to do in a fire and other emergencies, including the location of extinguishers in farm buildings and on farm equipment. A demonstration of fire extinguishers and other safety procedures and drills is also highly recommended. On equipment, employers must demonstrate and periodically remind their employees of the location of emergency shut off switches.  Reminders should become routine.

It is the responsibility of the employer in a farming operation to ensure that each employee, particularly internationally recruited employees, understand and comply with the provisions of The Saskatchewan Employment Act during the course of their employment. As an Agricultural CEO, workers must be informed about their rights within The Saskatchewan Employment Act. This includes their right to know, their right to participate and their right to refuse dangerous work.

Employers in a farming operation must provide their employees with information on the hazards of Agricultural employment. This includes informing them about the potential hazards and risks associated with the daily tasks assigned to them. Farmers are required by law to provide the proper procedures for handling livestock, tools and chemicals with the proper equipment. 

A good practice for employers is to have employees in training demonstrate to the employer a practical demonstration for the employer. This allows the employer to assess the retention of knowledge by the employee through the practical application of the acquired skills.

Employers must also supervise employees and employees need to know who their supervisor is. On family farm operations with multiple people involved in the daily agriculture activities, clearly identifying the supervisor lessens the chaos. 

Supervision ensures that employees are following the proper procedures during work hours. This requires farming CEOs to monitor the activities of employees and assist when necessary. Depending on the assigned task, new or more hazardous work requires more supervision.

It is also the responsibility of a farming operation to ensure that their equipment is maintained to safety standards. This includes emergency switches, safety shields, safety latches and other safety devices. Chemical safety equipment must be available. 

One of the top priorities for supervisors to know and explain to their employees are the dangers of overhead powerlines. This includes the proper procedure on what to do if an employee operating equipment hits a powerline. 

Communication is key in an agricultural environment. All employees in the agricultural business should learn how to assess potential hazards and report them to the farm supervisor.  Employers should remain open to any questions and suggestions for improvement from employees. 

Due to the potentially dangerous environment within the business of agriculture, farmers hiring employees may consider insurance coverage with the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) or another private insurance company in the event of a work-place injury, dangerous occurrence or fatal incident. 

Non-negotiable Farm Employee Obligations

There are non-negotiable farm employee obligations. An employee must ask for a tour of the farming operation if one is not included in the employment orientation. 

Communication must be clear, including in the case where language may become a barrier or a means of misunderstanding about procedures. This particularly applies to foreigners and immigrants who are required to understand agricultural practices, driving laws, precautions with heavy duty farm equipment on the roads, and while performing various tasks such as handling large livestock. All conduct from an employee must ensure the safety of everyone working on the farm in a responsible and professional manner.

Employees must cooperate with their supervisor on a family farm to ensure a safe work environment. This also ensures that the employer’s health and safety obligations and requirements are met. Employees have the right to refuse tasks on an agricultural operation when they do not feel fully ready to perform or equipped to handle, and that they feel will endanger them. This extends to youth who are hired by a farming CEO, regardless of the relationship with their adult supervisor. 

It is the duty of an employee to communicate with their supervisor about potential health and safety concerns. They need to ask questions and be clear on who they report to or request information from as their supervisor. Employees must also bring health and safety concerns to their farming supervisor’s attention to avoid incidents that could result in injury or death.

Employees must comply with wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), use the appropriate tools and devices during tasks and use the proper safeguards during their employment. This is legally obligated pursuant to the Act and The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020. 

The employee needs to understand the communication plan and routine within the farming operation. This includes the agriculture operations work progress checks, veterinarian care and details for livestock, time sheets and if there are any set times to check in with their employer. Employees may also inquire with their employer whether they have WCB or employee insurance in the event of an incident.

Further Farming CEO Resources

Further resources are available for farming CEOs. The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety has a Farm Safety Program. The program is focused on providing advice and tips to farmers about training employees. It also provides clear roles and responsibilities for both employers and employees in an agricultural setting while identifying the frequent areas workplace hazards occur on a farming operation. The Saskatchewan Safety Council has a free Online Agriculture Training System (OATS) available. There is also the Agriculture Health and Safety Network.

A wide range of informative topics specific to farming CEOs is available at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. The health and safety rules and regulations pertaining to farmers that may be of further interest include Farmer’s Lung, Avian Influenza, tractor road operation, occupational exposures to cancers and using pesticide related to reducing incidents of serious injury or fatality 

Saskatchewan has a prosperous Agricultural environment that creates employment and attracts job-seekers worldwide. The Agricultural community is vibrant and with everyone doing their part on the prairies, eliminating injury and fatal incidents is possible. Stay informed. Stay safe. 

The Farm Stress Line Toll Free phone number (1-800-667-4442) is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. 

1...678Page 7 of 8