Canada – Saskatchewan agriculture student scholarship recipients announced

Today, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit presented four agriculture scholarships to students from across the province.

May 10, 2022 – Regina, Saskatchewan – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Today, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit presented four agriculture scholarships to students from across the province.

Emily Sebastian of Montmartre, Sask. was awarded $4,000 towards her post-secondary studies as the grand-prize winner of the 2022 Agriculture Student Scholarship. Emily’s video submission discussed the various ways that farmers and ranchers can effectively communicate with consumers in a transparent and honest manner. Emily will be furthering her education at the University of Saskatchewan at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources.

Kristie Pedersen from Lockwood, Sask., Grace Waldenberger from Marquis, Sask. and Kate Axten from Minton, Sask. were all awarded $2,000 as runners up for the scholarship.

Kristie’s essay explored how communication and education is key to bridging the gap between the farm and the plate. She focused her transparency essay on the whole supply chain and the need for everyone to share their story. Kristie will be furthering her education in Moose Jaw where she will be studying in the Agriculture and Food Production Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Grace’s essay highlighted the important role that agriculture plays in people’s lives, whether they are directly connected to the industry or not. She spoke about the impact that social media influencers can have on people and the importance of educating youth. Grace will be taking her post-secondary education at either the University of Saskatchewan or the University of Lethbridge.

Kate Axten’s video submission focused on what transparency is and how farmers can be more transparent. Her video showcased the work that her family farm has done to improve transparency with their consumers. Kate will be attending Dalhousie University in the fall where she will be studying International Food Business in the Faculty of Agriculture.

“There is a wide variety of trades and careers associated with the agriculture sector, from the farm to the lab to technology companies. Encouraging young people to pursue careers in agriculture will provide a strong foundation for the future of the industry. This scholarship program will help our young leaders pursue their studies and embark on rewarding careers in agriculture.”

– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“We received many outstanding applications this year in the form of both essays and video. It’s great to see Saskatchewan youth talk so passionately about agriculture and transparency, and we’re very proud to support them and their career plans. The future of our industry is in good hands.”

– David Marit, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister

“The scholarship is a great way to express your ideas and gives you an opportunity to make a difference in the agriculture industry. More than that, though, it makes you think about what you can do to become more transparent about your, or your family’s, operation.”

– Emily Sebastian, scholarship recipient

Marianne Dandurand

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

marianne.dandurand@agr.gc.ca

343-541-9229

Canada – Canada and Saskatchewan invest in 24 infrastructure projects across the province

Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations announced more than $35.9 million in federal-provincial funding for 24 new infrastructure projects across Saskatchewan.

Melville, Saskatchewan, April 27, 2022 — Investments in local infrastructure projects help build inclusive, resilient communities. They create good jobs and business opportunities, address some of the gaps highlighted by the pandemic, and support local climate-related initiatives.

Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations announced more than $35.9 million in federal-provincial funding for 24 new infrastructure projects across Saskatchewan.

The wastewater treatment system in Melville will be expanded thanks to an investment of over $4.3 million from the Government of Canada and more than $3.6 million from the Government of Saskatchewan through the Green Infrastructure Stream. Once complete, this project will result in increased capacity to treat and manage wastewater.

In Moosomin, the water treatment plant will benefit from over $5.4 million in federal funding and more than $4.5 million in provincial funding, resulting in increased access to potable water for the community.

The Rouleau Flats flood protection project in Avonlea will greatly reduce landscape flooding and the associated soil erosion, and will help prevent crop loss due to flooding. This project will help rehabilitate ditches and increase culvert capacity, which are important measures in adapting to climate change. The project is eligible for over $2.3 million in federal funding and more than $1.9 million in provincial finding. Funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups.

Additionally, the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan will each invest over $2.3 million in funding to help improve the airport at Sandy Bay. This airport is primarily used to transport workers to mine sites and for general charter and Medevac services. The project will extend the life of the aerodrome by 20-30 years.

The Government of Canada is investing over $18.9 million towards these projects through the Green Infrastructure Stream, the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream,  and the COVID-19 Resilience Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, as well as the Canada Community Building Fund. The Government of Saskatchewan is investing over $16.9 million. Funding recipients are contributing over $12.6 million to these projects. 

“The 24 projects announced today will enhance Saskatchewan’s wastewater treatment capacity, provide access to clean drinking water, help with flood mitigation, and generate economic activity. These investments, made possible through collaboration with our Saskatchewan partners, will improve the health and safety of residents and foster community growth for years to come.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“Our province is proud to support Saskatchewan people through this investment of nearly $17 million that will go toward important projects to enhance water and wastewater infrastructure, and help protect the environment, which will strengthen our communities throughout the province”

The Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations

“We certainly appreciate our positive working relationships with the provincial and federal governments and their financial support to help move forward Melville’s wastewater project. Initiatives of this nature may not always get as much notice as other infrastructure projects, but they’re so important in helping ensure we continue to have a reliable utility service for our residents and businesses in the area so our community can grow and prosper for years to come.”

His Worship Walter Streelasky, Mayor of the City of Melville 

“Moosomin is a hub community that’s home to several key services for southeast Saskatchewan with many area residents working in the agricultural, energy and mining industries. Thanks to this investment from the federal and provincial governments toward the Town of Moosomin’s Water Treatment Plant Upgrades project, our community will be better able to support our area residents, businesses, industries and position ourselves for future growth by improving this important infrastructure.”

His Worship Larry Tomlinson, Mayor of the Town of Moosomin

“Funding from the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan will make it possible to move forward with our landfill closure and decommissioning project, which will help protect the environment and make our community an even better place. We appreciate landfill decommissioning projects being eligible under this program and are glad we took the time to apply and encourage other communities to consider doing the same.”

Reeve Bruce Hunter, RM of Invergordon No. 430

Jean-Sébastien Comeau

Press Secretary and Communications Advisor

Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

343-574-8116

Jean-Sebastien.Comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca

Shaylyn McMahon

Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations

Communications

306-787-4340

shaylyn.mcmahon@gov.sk.ca

Canada – Escape from Saskatchewan Penitentiary – Minimum-security unit

On November 13, 2021, at approximately 10:00 pm, following an evening count in the minimum-security unit at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary, staff members discovered that offender Duran Laplante was not accounted for.

On November 13, 2021, at approximately 10:00 pm, following an evening count in the minimum-security unit at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary, staff members discovered that offender Duran Laplante was not accounted for.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) immediately contacted the Prince Albert RCMP detachment and a warrant for his arrest has been issued.

Duran Laplante is 25 years old, measures 168 cm (5′ 6″) in height and weighs 86 kg (190 lbs.)  He has a medium complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. He has a teardrop tattoo beside his left eye, an owl tattoo on his front upper torso/neck, wolf tattoo on his left hand, and a flower tattoo on his right hand.

He is currently serving a sentence of 3 years and 3 months for manslaughter.

Anyone who has information on the whereabouts of offender Duran Laplante is asked to contact police.

CSC will investigate the circumstances of this incident and is working with the police to locate the offender as quickly as possible.

CSC has given the police all of the information available to help arrest the inmate.

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Canada – Canada and Saskatchewan invest to upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure

Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations announced funding to upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in three provincial parks and nine Saskatchewan communities.

Regina, Saskatchewan, August 13, 2021—The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan continue to invest in infrastructure during this unprecedented time to enhance citizens’ quality of life, meet the needs of communities, and create jobs to address the impact of COVID-19.

Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and the Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations announced funding to upgrade drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in three provincial parks and nine Saskatchewan communities.

The SaskWater Highway 9 Regional Water Supply System project will construct a new water treatment plant and an approximate 55.3 km potable pipeline that will provide service to the communities of Preeceville, Sturgis, Stenen, Hyas, Norquay, Pelly, Crystal Lake, Clayton No.333, and Keys No.303. Initially, the proposed system will serve approximately 2,700 individuals, however it will have the potential to serve even more people, including The Key First Nation and other surrounding rural municipalities. The project will also upgrade existing groundwater wells, new wells, a wastewater lagoon, potable water storage, distribution pumps, install non-potable pipeline, and establish connection points for delivery for each community.

In Strasbourg, Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park will reconstruct its single cell facultative lagoon into a two-cell lagoon complete with synthetic, high-density polyethylene liners. Project works will include raising existing berms and rehabilitating various existing structures. The new lagoon will bring the park up to speed with federal and provincial wastewater treatment regulations and provide Rowan’s Ravine with the capacity to meet current and future park needs.

Providing communities with reliable and sustainable infrastructure is a shared priority for both governments. The Government of Canada and Saskatchewan are investing more than $23.6 million towards these projects through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Green Infrastructure Stream. Canada is contributing over $12.7 million and Saskatchewan is funding over $10.8 million. Proponents are also contributing more than $7.7 million. Funding recipients are responsible for any additional project costs.

“This federal investment of over $12.7 million will help communities in Saskatchewan upgrade their drinking and wastewater infrastructure. Investing in high-quality water infrastructure that will last and meet the growing needs of the population is a key part of building healthy, resilient communities in Saskatchewan, and across Canada.”  

The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities 

“The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to invest nearly $11 million toward these drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects in three provincial parks and nine communities across Saskatchewan. This provincial investment will help create jobs, protect local economies, and provide clean drinking water and safe wastewater treatment services to Saskatchewan communities.” 

The Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations

Emelyana Titarenko

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

Cell: 873-355-9576

Emelyana.Titarenko@infc.gc.ca

Shaylyn McMahon

Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations

Communications

306-787-4340

shaylyn.mcmahon@gov.sk.ca

Canada – Canada and Saskatchewan announce investments in rural bridge and culvert projects

Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of Minister Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations, announced more than $2.1 million in joint funding for five infrastructure projects across the province.

Regina, Saskatchewan, August 11, 2021—Investments in local infrastructure by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan during this unprecedented time will help stimulate the economy and address the needs of all communities, including rural and remote communities, as they recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of Minister Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations, announced more than $2.1 million in joint funding for five infrastructure projects across the province.

The funding will go toward replacing culverts and bridges across Saskatchewan that have reached the end of their service life. Rural bridges are key to the ability to efficiently move goods and services on the local transportation network. Replacing culverts reduces the risk of flooding, improves road conditions, and results in a more reliable rural road network.

Providing communities with reliable and sustainable infrastructure is a shared priority for both governments. The Government of Canada is investing $621,201 in five projects under the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, as well as a further $250,036 to one of the projects under the Canada Community-Building Fund, for a combined total investment of $871,237. For projects requiring consultation with Indigenous groups, funding is conditional on all consultation requirements being met. The Government of Saskatchewan is also contributing over $1.2 million toward these five projects. Contributions by recipients toward their respective projects total more than $1.6 million. Funding recipients are responsible for any additional project costs.

“Through collaboration with provincial and municipal partners, we are funding critical infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan. The investment of more than $800,000 in federal funding to replace local bridges and culverts in five communities will make an important difference to local residents, creating jobs and building stronger, more inclusive communities. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested $776 million in rural communities across the province, including replacing or upgrading 164 km of highways and roads.”

The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies

“The Government of Saskatchewan’s investment of more than $1.2 million demonstrates our commitment to supporting key infrastructure projects across the province while protecting the local economy. We’re proud to invest in these projects that will support transportation and movement of goods throughout Saskatchewan.”

The Honourable Don McMorris, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations

Marie-Pier Baril

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

613-295-8123

Marie-Pier.Baril@cfc-swc.gc.ca

Shaylyn McMahon

Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations

Communications

306-787-4340

shaylyn.mcmahon@gov.sk.ca