Saskatoon News

The Water Security Agency (WSA) has issued a high flow advisory for a large area of the province that extends from northwestern Saskatchewan near Buffalo Narrows down to the southeastern areas near Yorkton. Lloydminster, Meadow Lake, Buffalo Narrows, La Ronge, Prince Albert, the Battlefords, Watrous, Melfort, Nipawin, Tisdale, Hudson Bay and Yorkton are all included in the alert. Read more:

• Saskatchewan flooding: Meadow Lake runoff slows, but snow raises new concern
• Foam Lake students pitch in to fill sandbags as flooding hits the area
• Public Safety Agency says several communities seeing spring flooding

The WSA said in the April 28 advisory that cooler conditions over the past several days had temporarily slowed snow melt but increasing temperatures over the coming days with overnight lows remaining above freezing could result in rapid snow melt in areas where snowpack remains or where runoff has not yet begun. The advisory says rivers could reach higher levels than currently forecast, increasing the risk of localized overland flooding and the potential for ice jamming. WSA also warned that areas that have already experienced peak water levels and are currently receding, may see a second peak. This advisory was extended farther because of substantial snow accumulations from a recent storm, WSA said, which may contribute to enhanced runoff as temperatures warm. Read more:

• Saskatchewan flooding: Meadow Lake runoff slows, but snow raises new concern
• Foam Lake students pitch in to fill sandbags as flooding hits the area
• Public Safety Agency says several communities seeing spring flooding

TORONTO — Health Canada has approved the first generic version of brand-name Ozempic. The department says Canada is the first G7 country to authorize generic semaglutide. The injectable medication is manufactured by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories in India and is approved for the once-weekly treatment of Type 2 diabetes in adults. In a news release, Health Canada says many generic medications are 45 to 90 per cent cheaper than brand-name versions. Many people without drug coverage have been eagerly waiting for generic semaglutide because Novo Nordisk's Ozempic can cost hundreds of dollars a month. Although the medication is approved for diabetes treatment, it is often prescribed off-label for weight loss. Health Canada says it continues to review eight other generic semaglutide submissions from other companies. How much cheaper generic semaglutide will be than Ozempic depends on how many generic options are approved and hit the market, said Mina Tadrous, a pharmaceutical policy expert at the University of Toronto. According to the pricing structure of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance, the first generic medication could cost 75 to 85 per cent of the brand name. Once a second medication enters the market, the price for both drops to 50 per cent. When there are three or more generic products available in Canada, the cost would decrease to about 35 per cent of brand-name Ozempic's price. India's drug agency approved two generic semaglutide medications by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories in March, after Novo Nordisk's Ozempic patent expired in that country. The generic semaglutide approved by Health Canada on Tuesday was submitted for review in early 2024. Health Canada said it met its target timeline of six months because it doesn't include the time required for the company to provide additional data or information requested by the department. "The generic versions of semaglutide are complex synthetic products that are pharmaceutically equivalent to the brand-name biologic drug. Health Canada's review ensures that differences between these products do not affect the safety, efficacy or quality of the drug," the department's news release said. "The availability of generic drugs is expected to have a positive impact in Canada, including potential cost savings for patients and the health-care system." This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2026. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content. Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press

Saskatoon’s downtown could look a lot different if a proposed project that would take over the former Star Phoenix building at 204 Fifth Avenue North is given the green light by Saskatoon City Council. The plan for the area that is less than a block from the South Saskatchewan River includes residential towers on both the north and south ends of the block. The north tower could reach 24 storeys high, while the south tower could reach 35, making it the tallest building in the city. Read more:

• Taller than Nutrien Tower: Proposed Saskatoon development under review
• Business improvement district discusses safety in downtown Saskatoon
• Midtown mall hits record sales while improving safety, manager says

The development would also see 600 residential units and 540 parking spaces, along with offices, retailers, and a grocery store. Ward 6 councillor Jasmin Parker called the proposal exciting. She said the project was quite ambitious but could be a stepping stone to helping the city reach some of its goals downtown. “It would bring that density downtown. One of the big parts of creating vibrancy downtown is just having more residents … more people that can support small businesses downtown, that can support entertainment facilities downtown, that will invest their dollars in their neighbourhood and create more of a neighbourhood downtown,” she said. “I think this project will provide another option for living. When you look at the residential properties downtown, they cater to a variety of different styles of living — there are different kinds of options. And I think this just adds to the diversity of options,” said Parker. Parker said any increase in the number of residents would contribute two things. “For sure, it will help boost local businesses in the area. And I think the more financial success local businesses have, the more businesses are going to be driven to be downtown,” she said. “I know that the more animation and the more people we have on the streets of downtown make it inherently safer. So, it’s not the only thing we need to do to make sure that we’re making downtown a safer place to be, but people feel safer when there are other people on the street with them,” said Parker. Keith Moen, executive director for North Saskatoon Business Association, said that some aspects of the project stick out to him. “From my understanding, it’s going to be largely residential but have mixed use for some commercial development, including plans of hopefully having a grocery store in it, and I think that’s a great addition to the downtown scene,” he said. “And obviously, with the height of the building and the number of residents there will be in that particular residence, it will be self-feeding. Talk about literal vertical integration, having the people, your primary customers, living right above your store. I think that’s a great use of that property,” said Moen. He said there are many examples of the need for this kind of project. “I think it’ll be transformational. When you look at River Landing, for instance, in terms of the residents, the condos that were available there, and how quickly they sold out, I think that shows the type of demand that there is for downtown products like this. “And so I think that having a developer that’s willing to take the risk and put up the capital to develop the city in such a way is very commendable, and I wish them the best of luck,” he said. Moen said that while he hasn’t heard any concerns regarding the project yet, he doesn’t doubt that there will likely be some backlash. “There’s always nimbyism, regardless of whatever you’re trying to do. So there will be folks that will not be happy with the development. I would expect that to be probably because of the height of the building and impeding their view of certain things. I suspect that’ll be the biggest complaint. “I suppose that other complaints will be around, noise and traffic and congestion and all those sorts of things. And don’t get me wrong, there are concerns, valid concerns, that will be brought forward that will need to be addressed,” said Moen. People will have a chance to provide feedback and ask questions about the proposal as part of the city’s community engagement phase at a public information meeting on May 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Saskatoon City Hall. Following that meeting, the application will go forward to the city’s municipal planning commission. Read more:

• Taller than Nutrien Tower: Proposed Saskatoon development under review
• Business improvement district discusses safety in downtown Saskatoon

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told senators last week that medical assistance in dying is the leading cause of death in Canada. Canada's national statistics agency does not record MAID as a cause of death under World Health Organization guidelines, but the number of MAID deaths reported by Health Canada does not place it as the leading cause of death in Canada. THE CLAIM During an April 22 hearing in front of the United States Senate finance committee, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. referred to Canada in remarks about assisted suicide laws. In Canada, medical assistance in dying is legal if specific criteria spelled out in federal law are met. A physician or nurse practitioner can directly administer a lethal substance, or they can provide a drug that a person takes to bring about their own death. "I think those laws are abhorrent and we see in Canada today, I think it's the number 1 cause of death is assisted suicide," Kennedy said. THE FACTS
 Statistics Canada tracks the leading causes of death among the total population. According to the latest available statistics from 2024, the leading cause of death for Canadians of all ages and both sexes was malignant neoplasms, referring to cancerous tumours. Cancer is followed by heart disease, accidental deaths, stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases and chronic lower respiratory diseases to round out the top five causes of death. MAID does not appear on the list because it is not listed as a cause of death. Statistics Canada codes and classifies causes of death in line with a system created by the World Health Organization, which records deaths according to their underlying cause. "The tabulation of the causes of death is based on the underlying cause of death, which is defined by the WHO as the disease or injury that initiated the train of events leading directly to death; or, as the circumstances of the accident or violence that produced the fatal injury," Statistics Canada said in an emailed statement. "The underlying cause of death is selected from the causes and conditions listed on the medical certificate of cause of death, which is completed by a medical professional, medical examiner or coroner." When patients die through MAID, the cause of death is coded to match the health condition that led them to seek MAID, Statistics Canada notes. Cancer was the most frequently reported underlying medical condition among Canadians who received MAID, accounting for 63.6 per cent of cases among patients whose death was reasonably foreseeable. Health Canada tracks MAID deaths and publishes annual reports on the practice. In 2024, MAID accounted for 5.1 per cent of all deaths in Canada. Of the 22,535 people who requested MAID in 2024, 16,499 people ultimately received it. Comparing that with Statistics Canada's 2024 data, the number of deaths through MAID would fall far below the leading causes of death. There were 85,589 deaths from malignant tumours, 57,982 from heart diseases and 20,415 from accidents. However, Health Canada cautions against drawing any comparisons. It describes MAID as a health service available in very limited circumstances as part of end-of-life care. To be eligible, patients must have a grievous and irremediable medical condition that causes unbearable physical or mental suffering. "The number of MAID provisions should not be compared to cause of death statistics in Canada in order to determine the prevalence (the proportion of all decedents) nor to rank MAID as a cause of death," it said. Kennedy was the subject of a Canadian Press Fact Check last year after he made several misleading claims about measles. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2026. Marissa Birnie, The Canadian Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — When the Supreme Court killed his favorite tariffs in February, President Donald Trump promptly rolled out temporary import taxes to replace them. But those stopgap levies expire in less than three months. Now the administration is scrambling to put more durable tariffs in place to keep revenue flowing into the U.S. Treasury and to shore up the president’s protectionist wall around the American economy. Starting this week, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative will begin hearings in two investigations that are expected to lead to a new round of U.S. tariffs — taxes paid by importers in the United States and usually passed on via higher prices to consumers who are already fed up with the high cost of living. Trump’s newest tariff push is sure to face more challenges in court but is likely to prove sturdier than the one the Supreme Court tossed out. First up is a hearing Tuesday and Wednesday into whether 60 economies — from Nigeria to Norway and accounting for 99% of U.S. imports — do enough to prohibit the trade in products created by forced labor. “For too long, American workers and firms have been forced to compete against foreign producers who may have an artificial cost advantage gained from the scourge of forced labor,” U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in March. The administration could punish scofflaws with new tariffs. Then, next week, the administration will hold hearings on whether 16 U.S. trading partners — including China, the European Union and Japan — are overproducing goods, driving down prices and putting U.S. manufacturers at a disadvantage. The economies being investigated account for 70% of U.S. imports, according to Erica York of the Tax Foundation. Again, the probe could result in new tariffs. Most major economies, including China, the EU and Japan, are on both lists. Trump's top trade official insists he won't prejudge the investigations The administration has brought the cases under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which authorizes tariffs and other sanctions against countries found to engage in “unjustifiable,” “unreasonable” or “discriminatory” trade practices. U.S. Trade Representative Greer, who is overseeing the investigations, has insisted he won’t prejudge them. But importers and foreign countries have doubts the process will be fair. After all, Trump’s Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, did not wait for the investigations to be completed to proclaim that the U.S. government will replace its original tariff revenues with new import taxes, including ones to be imposed under Section 301. The president himself has said that new tariffs “are going to get us more money.’’ “If you believe the Treasury secretary and the president, then the cake is already baked,” said Scott Lincicome of the libertarian Cato Institute’s Center for Trade Policy Studies. “These investigations will result in tariffs that approximate what the Supreme Court overruled in February.’’ On Feb. 20, the high court ruled that Trump had overstepped his authority by invoking the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose double-digit tariffs on almost every country on Earth. Trump had used the act to plaster taxes on imports with eager abandon. For example, he conjured up a new tariff on Canada (though he never actually imposed it) because he didn’t like a Canadian television ad criticizing his trade policies. He used the threat of IEEPA tariffs to strong-arm top U.S. trading partners – including the EU, Japan and South Korea – into accepting lopsided trade agreements. The levies also brought in a lot of revenue -- $166 billion – before the Supreme Court shut them down, ruling that IEEPA couldn’t be used to impose tariffs. Now the federal government must refund money to importers who paid those tariffs. Tariffs remain Trump's go-to Trump had a handy way to quickly recoup some of the lost revenue — which had been expected to hit $1.6 trillion over the next decade – at least temporarily. Section of 122, also of Trade Act of 1974, allows the president to impose global tariffs as high as 15% for up to 150 days. The administration wasted no time. Two days after the Supreme Court decision, it slapped 10% Section 122 tariffs on imports. Trump said he’d raise the levies to the maximum 15% but hasn’t. The clock runs out on those tariffs July 24. Congress could extend them. But lawmakers have little enthusiasm for approving what amounts to a big tax as November’s midterm elections approach: American voters are already furious about the high prices, for which tariffs are at least partly to blame. Section 301 offers another opportunity to replicate the the protectionist impact of the IEEPA tariffs. There are no limits on the size of Section 301 tariffs. They expire after four years but can be extended. Perhaps best of all, from the Trump administration’s perspective after its Supreme Court defeat, Section 301 tariffs withstood legal challenges when the president used them in his first term to pound China in a dispute over Beijing’s sharp-elbowed policies to promote its own tech companies. Any new 301 tariffs are sure to be challenged again in court. But judges might not throw them out. “Even if it is a veiled — or less-than-veiled — attempt to reinitiate the IEEPA tariffs, he still has the cover of the process itself,’’ said trade lawyer Joyce Adetutu, a partner at law firm Vinson & Elkins. Importer calls investigation a "sham'' Critics have latched onto the speed with which Trump’s latest investigations are proceeding. Imposing the Section 301 tariffs against China in the president’s first term took nearly a year of investigation and public comment. If the latest investigations produce new tariffs in time to replace the expiring Section 122 levies, the process will have taken less than half that long. “It’s such a short timeframe,’’ said Kenya Davis, a partner at the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner who has done pro bono work on human trafficking and forced labor. “It’s so condensed that it doesn’t make a lot of sense that they can do it that quickly.’’ Importers bracing for the return of painful tariffs can take some comfort in knowing that Trump’s Section 301 tariffs likely won’t be as erratic as his IEEPA levies. He has to follow procedures before imposing them. “One of the reasons Trump used IEEPA is because it was just a complete blank slate’’ — or seemed to be before the Supreme Court ruling, Cato’s Lincicome said, describing it as “a little tariff switch in the Oval Office that Trump could flip on and off anytime he wants; he wakes up in the morning and he doesn’t like a Canadian television commercial, he flips the switch ... You really can’t do that with 301.’’ Paul Wiseman, The Associated Press

An unpredictable spring is causing problems for farmers in Saskatchewan, with snow one day and summer-like temperatures the next. Jeremy Welter is the vice-president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS). He said that this year’s spring has had both pros and cons for farmers. Read more:

• Monette Seeds elevator licence to lapse as company enters creditor protection
• From lake to plate: Wild rice harvesting draws Indigenous people to the land

“There’s a lot of benefit to it, with the moisture, you know. I’m sure it kind of goes without saying, but we’ve been behind the eight ball on moisture for the last number of years, and so any spring moisture is definitely good. It’s going to help us get a positive start,” he said. “There are obviously concerns around the timing. Every time it snows, it puts you back a couple extra days as far as just getting machines ready and being able to get out and do some pre-seed fieldwork. It doesn’t matter whether it’s spraying or harrowing, preparation is as important as actually putting seed in the ground,” said Welter. He said that livestock farmers are also running into some troubles due to the weather. “The livestock guys are out there in the middle of calving right now, this extra snow every three, four days doesn’t really do a lot of beneficial things for them as far as calving goes. It makes it significantly more challenging to calve animals,” he said. Welter said that depending on where farmers are operating determines the kind of timeline they’re now forced to deal with. “I’ve got friends up by Lloydminster, and they’re hoping to get into the field somewhere between May 5 and May 8. I’ve got a buddy over by Prince Albert, and he’s very hopeful that he will be on the field on or just before May long weekend,” said Welter. Many farmers faced with these delays may not experience problems until September. “The biggest challenge to being behind in the spring is it puts your entire year behind, and so it creates challenges, or potential challenges, for bringing the harvest in the fall,” he said. Read more:

• Monette Seeds elevator licence to lapse as company enters creditor protection
• From lake to plate: Wild rice harvesting draws Indigenous people to the land

The Alberta government is stepping up the fight against zebra mussels, quagga mussels and other invasive aquatic species by adding more inspection stations and more K-9 inspectors.

A tow truck operator in Kelvington, Sask., freed a moose from a frozen waterway using tools from his truck and helped the animal with its days-long recovery.

HALIFAX — Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says the province is poised to become a world leader when it comes to offering residents the opportunity to easily take part in medical research. Houston announced Tuesday that Nova Scotians can now voluntarily consent to participate in clinical trials or other research through a new, streamlined process. Those who sign up will grant researchers various levels of access to their electronic health records, an area where Nova Scotia is considered a leader. Previously, researchers seeking access to health records had to go through a largely manual, paper-based process. Health officials say the new approach is sure to speed things up. Houston said the goal is to accelerate the pace of medical innovation and make Nova Scotia a magnet for health research. “Nova Scotian's have the opportunity now to be part of groundbreaking discoveries in cancer care, women's health, chronic disease management and general health-care research,” the premier told a news conference in Halifax. “We're not aware of any other jurisdiction in the world that is giving its residents the opportunity to say yes to participating in medical research.” A health official said the project marks a big step forward for the province. “There are other provinces (that have electronic health records), but not to the same scale and size,” said Dr. Ashley Hilchie, senior research director with Nova Scotia Health. “This is a leading example for Canada.” Residents can sign up when they register or renew their health card, or by contacting Medical Services Insurance, the province’s public health insurance program. They can also use a new web-based portal called MSI Online. Options for participants include consenting to be contacted if they are a potential match for a clinical trial or other medical study. They can also consent to allowing their biological samples and health information to be used to support research. As well, participants can give consent for their health information to be used in studies aimed at developing medical devices, drugs or other treatments. And the final option allows for sharing health information with approved organizations and businesses developing new drugs, devices and technologies. Hilchie said protecting privacy is a top priority. "Every single research project must go through a comprehensive review," she said. "This work is done to ensure that all information is used responsibly and securely.... There are many rules and requirements that researchers must meet in order to use this information." Asked if Nova Scotians might be reluctant to share their health data given widespread problems with online security breaches and ransomware attacks, Houston conceded that some people will be nervous about taking part. "There will probably be some off-the-wall theories about what's driving this," he said. "But ... these are accredited researchers and accredited trials. All of the personal information protections that could possibly be in place will be in place with this." Those who choose to take part can select one, some or all of the options. Participation is strictly voluntary and open only to Nova Scotians who are 19 or older. And preferences can be changed or withdrawn at any time. “Every cure and treatment begins with research,” Frank MacMaster, vice-president of research at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, said in a statement. “Participation in research is the first critical step in that journey.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2026. Michael MacDonald, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — The federal government is adding $755 million in sport funding as part of its spring economic update. Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says the money’s purpose is to expand access to sport and better support Canada’s athletes competing on the world stage. Read more:

• CFL season to start on Victoria Day weekend in 2027, adds eight-team playoffs
• REAL deal may put Regina pickleballers in a real pickle

Prime Minister Mark Carney hinted at an injection of money into the sports system March 14 when speaking with Canadian skiers competing in Norway. Canada fell out of the top five countries in the total medal count at the Winter Olympics for the first time since 1994 in February’s Milan Cortina Games. The country’s gold and total medal numbers also dropped in the Paralympic Games in Italy. The Future of Sport in Canada Commission’s final report called on the federal government for a funding injection into sport, warning that an underfunded sport system is unsafe. No core funding increase in November budget In November, the head of ski association Freestyle Canada said he understood that the federal budget was designed to navigate the country’s choppy economic waters. But Peter Judge said the medal hauls that Canadians have seen from their teams at Olympic and Paralympic Games are on borrowed time without an increase in core funding for national sports organizations. “To be blunt, you know, the sports sector is just slowly bleeding to death,” Judge said. “I’m not being alarmist here. This is shared in the community. Sooner or later, there will be a drop off the cliff.” The Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees had asked on behalf of sport federations for a $144-million increase in core funding, which they say hasn’t increased in two decades. NSOs count on core funding as predictable annual revenue with which to pay for operations, coaches and support staff. The COC and CPC say national sports organizations are running deficits, cutting back on sending athletes to competitions and training camps and increasing team fees that athletes pay because inflation has weakened their spending power. Judge said Freestyle Canada’s accumulated deficit from three years could reach almost $2 million this year. “Canadians care deeply about sport — from the grassroots where children learn life skills and healthy habits, to the high-performance athletes proudly representing Canada on the world stage,” the COC and CPC said in a joint statement Wednesday. “The enriching moments Canadians experience, both as participants and cheering fans, should not be taken for granted. “We continue to advocate for federal investment in National Sport Organization core funding as part of a plan to transform the Canadian sport system and the nation.” Read more:

• CFL season to start on Victoria Day weekend in 2027, adds eight-team playoffs
• REAL deal may put Regina pickleballers in a real pickle

OTTAWA — The federal government plans to ban cryptocurrency ATMs as part of a suite of measures in its spring economic statement targeting financial crimes. The government says scammers use the ATMs to defraud victims, while criminals use them to convert the proceeds of crime. There are currently just under 4,000 cryptocurrency ATMs in Canada — the most per capita in the world, finance officials speaking on background said. The document says Canadians will still be able to buy cryptocurrencies from "brick-and-mortar" businesses. The financial update outlined other measures to tackle criminal use of businesses that provide services like currency exchanges and digital payments. They include new powers around ministerial directives, stricter rules on registration and more criminal record checks for those businesses. Criminals are increasingly abusing such money service businesses to "to launder money, finance terrorism, evade sanctions, and defraud Canadians of their hard-earned savings," the update said. The government is allocating $352.7 million over five years, and $82.1 million in ongoing funding, to the previously announced Financial Crimes Agency. The government introduced legislation to create the new specialized federal law enforcement agency Monday. It would be headquartered in Ottawa, with a mandate to investigate "serious and complex financial crimes, such as money laundering, serious fraud, and major capital market crimes, and to recover the proceeds of crime," the statement said. To support the new agency, the government is also allocating additional funding for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, which will get $46.2 million over five years and $11.5 million in ongoing funding. The Department of Finance will receive $19.6 million over five yeas, with $1.5 million ongoing. Canada’s financial intelligence agency will get $17.9 million over four years in new funding for "the detection, deterrence, and disruption of the illicit financing that supports and perpetuates extortion and fentanyl trafficking in Canada and to advance a technology and artificial intelligence roadmap," the update says. The government says Justice Minister Sean Fraser will also look at introducing criminal justice reforms targeting complex financial crimes. "The exploitation of the financial system to launder illicit proceeds supports and perpetuates crimes such as fraud, theft, and extortion that take money straight out of Canadians' pockets, while fuelling the drugs, gangs, and violence that threaten the safety of our communities," the spring economic statement says. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2026. Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press

Farmers in the Swift Current area could have a tougher time getting a good price for their crops this season after the licence for a local elevator was not renewed. This month, Monette Farm Group applied for creditor protection. Its court filing says it’s one of the largest private operations with feedlots, breeding operations, and grain operations across North America. Read more:

• Drought fears linger as seeding begins on southwest Saskatchewan farms
• CFL season to start on Victoria Day weekend in 2027, adds eight-team playoffs
• From lake to plate: Wild rice harvesting draws Indigenous people to the land

One of its assets under Monette Seeds Ltd. is an elevator in the Swift Current area. The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) chose not to renew the licence to operate the elevator, effective May 1. In the notice, it mentioned the filing for creditor protection. The CGC also directed producers who are owed money for grain deliveries to contact its safeguards program, and for producers with open contracts to contact the court-appointed monitor. Jeremy Welter, a vice-president with the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), said the licence not being renewed means the elevator isn’t bonded or covered by the CGC, and it shouldn’t be buying grain from farmers. He said that elevator has a 9,140 tonne capacity, and while that’s not huge, it’s not insignificant either. Welter said the loss of a buyer in the area can have some pretty bad repercussions in terms of competition. “The more buyers you’ve got in the marketplace when you’re selling the product, the better for you. It adds competition and hopefully, what that does is, is increase the prices that are on offer for the grains that you’re selling,” he explained. For producers in the area, Welter said the extra option in the market probably made a real difference. He said it’s entirely possible there are still open contracts and that there could be a significant number of contracts signed for crops that are yet to be planted this year. Welter said he hopes Monette or someone else independent will be able to get the elevator up and running again. “Ultimately, that has not been the case in the last number of years, with a number of much higher profile mergers as well as certainly some smaller players being bought out,” he said. Monette Farms Group said in a news release that it blamed challenging conditions like cost pressures, commodity markets and higher interest rates. Welter said with those factors, as well as production potential with weather changes, there will be a much tighter squeeze on farmers the next couple of years. “We’ve seen prices for fertilizer skyrocket, we’ve seen chemical inputs do the same thing, fuel’s obviously going up, machinery is getting more expensive by the year. These are some pretty serious concerns,” he explained. A letter sent to landowners from Monette CEO Darrel Monette, said the filing isn’t a liquidation or bankruptcy, but a procedure to create a restructuring plan. The creditor protection application involves restructuring hundreds of millions in debt after a credit agreement matured earlier this month. Monette said in the letter that farming operations will continue during the restructuring, and lease agreements and rent obligations remain. — with files from farmnewsNOW Read more:

• Drought fears linger as seeding begins on southwest Saskatchewan farms
• CFL season to start on Victoria Day weekend in 2027, adds eight-team playoffs
• From lake to plate: Wild rice harvesting draws Indigenous people to the land

OTTAWA — The federal government is promising $4.3 billion for First Nations education, Inuit food security and Indigenous child welfare in its spring economic update. Much of the funding cited in the statement has been announced already, while funding to build more homes in Indigenous communities is being reallocated from other areas of government. The document says the funding will help "empower healthy, thriving Indigenous communities." The federal government is setting aside $601 million this year for on-reserve elementary and secondary education "that meets the needs of students so that First Nations youth can participate fully in Canada's skilled workforce." Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak has long called for more supports to help First Nations youth enter the skilled trades and says Canada relies too much on outside labour. Another $700 million is being allocated over six years to implement a law that affirms First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities have the right to control their own child welfare systems. "Supporting Indigenous-led services and supports rooted in their unique cultures is essential to this government’s commitment to advance reconciliation. It ensures critical services like education, family services, social services and community governance meet the needs of Indigenous families, communities and individuals," the spring economic update says. Ottawa is committing another $6.3 million to the Northern Isolated Communities Initiatives fund — which helps support food security in Inuit communities — and $794 million to support non-insured health benefits for Inuit and First Nations, including drugs, dental care and mental health counselling. The bulk of the Indigenous funding in the update — $2.8 billion — is being reallocated from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to a number of departments to support Indigenous housing providers. The Assembly of First Nations has estimated the cost of closing the infrastructure gap in First Nations communities at $349 billion. Former prime minister Justin Trudeau's government committed to closing that gap. Many First Nations communities struggle with a severe shortage of housing, a lack of internet connectivity and crumbling roads. In a 2024 joint report with Indigenous Services Canada, the AFN said closing the First Nations infrastructure gap could generate $635 billion in economic activity. The document makes 94 references to Indigenous Peoples in chapters touching on the critical minerals strategy, the major projects office and plans to modernize the energy grid. The federal government is also promising $8 million for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and $1 million to support the National Family and Survivors Circle. Another $59 million is being allocated to address the legacy of residential schools this year, with the same amount earmarked for next year, while $40 million is budgeted for supporting Indigenous rights negotiations. Compared to 2023, the federal funding available for claims research will be cut in half. First Nations have warned that cuts to that funding would undermine their ability to hold the government accountable for historic wrongs against their communities. The $4 million earmarked for claims research falls well short of the $35 million First Nations leaders have called for. "The planned reduction to $4 million in April 2026 will critically impair essential research work nationwide and further delay the resolution of lawful claims which will impede your government’s ability to build partnerships with First Nations," Jody Woods, the research director of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, wrote in a March letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney. "Consistent with Canada’s obligations under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, decisions affecting First Nations must be developed transparently and in full partnership with First Nations." This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2026. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — The Liberal government released a spring economic update today closely focused on boosting investment and job training. While the document contains measures that likely would face pushback from the opposition, the Liberals — thanks to their new parliamentary majority — won't have to worry about securing opposition votes to pass it. The update includes the previously announced creation of the Canada Strong Fund, a planned sovereign wealth fund with $25 billion over three years in federal seed money meant to kick-start investment in major infrastructure projects. The document does not explain how Canadians will be able to put their own money into the fund, as the government has promised. It also doesn't say where the government plans to find the $25 billion. The update announces the creation of Team Canada Strong, a $6 billion, five-year plan to recruit and train up to 100,000 Red Seal tradespeople over the next five years. Team Canada Strong is meant to help accelerate infrastructure and housing construction, and to tackle high youth unemployment. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the plan shows how critical trades workers are to the government's plans to build more housing and infrastructure. The jobless rate for people aged 15 to 24 was close to 14 per cent in March, more than double the general unemployment rate. The spring economic update also includes a proposal to give law enforcement the power to search and seize mail through an amendment to the Canada Post Corporation Act. The Liberal government first proposed this new police power last year in its original border security bill, C-2. That legislation remains before Parliament but several measures in it that were seen as more likely to pass easily were spun off into Bill C-12. The economic update says the government plans to make operating a cryptocurrency ATM a criminal offence, part of broader anti-money laundering efforts. These ATMs can be found in a variety of businesses, including convenience stores and some restaurants. The government also plans to use the economic update to push through changes to the air passenger complaint process to clear the complaint backlog and introduce a simplified process to settle claims for compensation due to flight delays. The spring economic update doesn't include any new direct affordability measures but mentions recently announced programs like the pause on the federal fuel surcharge and the grocery and essentials tax rebate. Thanks to a series of floor-crossings and three byelection wins securing a Liberal majority, Prime Minister Mark Carney's government will be able to pass the economic update without opposition support for the first time in seven years. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called on the government to rein in spending and focus on shrinking the deficit. He called the government's approach "credit card budgeting" and argued that it will cost Canadians more down the road through increased inflation and higher interest costs. Pointing to to an $11 billion reduction in the deficit projection, Champagne said the document shows the Liberals are good fiscal managers. The new deficit projection for the 2025-26 fiscal year is $66.9 billion. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on April 28, 206. David Baxter, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — The spring economic update the federal government released on Tuesday seeks to formalize a pivot in climate policy that first appeared in last year's energy agreement with Alberta. In the 2025 budget, the Liberals promised to not make enhanced oil recovery eligible for a tax credit for the development of carbon capture and storage systems. But 10 days after that budget passed the House of Commons, Ottawa extended that tax credit to enhanced oil recovery projects in its energy memorandum of understanding with Alberta. The flip-flop cost Prime Minister Mark Carney a cabinet minister, as Steven Guilbeault resigned the day Alberta MOU was announced. The spring economic update lays out the criteria for accessing the tax credit in Alberta and other provinces where there are "sufficient regulations to ensure CO2 is permanently stored," such as B.C. and Saskatchewan. Ottawa projects the measure, which takes effect immediately, will generate $395 million in federal revenue over the next three years. Enhanced oil recovery is a carbon capture and storage technology — or CCUS — that captures carbon dioxide from industrial emitters and injects it underground at oilfields. That increases pressure and pushes more oil out of the rock, while the carbon dioxide is trapped underground. Environmentalists see the extension of the tax credits to enhanced oil recovery as a direct subsidy of oil production, while the industry says tax credits are not subsidies. Mark Scholz, president of the Canadian Association of Energy Contractors, told reporters late last year that including EOR in carbon capture credits was a "game-changer" and would put Canada in a much better competitive position for investment compared to the U.S. "We think that this measure will help to store more carbon," federal Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne told reporters at a news conference Tuesday. "We need to do more in order to make sure that we would be able to store more carbon. But at the same time, if you look at the state of the world today, you realize that Canada is increasingly that stable, predictable partner of choice when it comes to energy security." In the spring economic update, the government said the credit rate for carbon capture and storage through EOR would be half of the rate for storing carbon geologically or in concrete. Equipment being used for both conventional carbon capture and for EOR is also eligible for tax breaks "on a weighed-average basis" depending on how much carbon is being captured through each method. Storage equipment in an EOR capture project, however, would not be pro-rated. The issue of making EOR eligible for tax credits has been a political hot potato for Prime Minister Mark Carney. Guilbeault resigned from cabinet in November over it. He was the heritage minister when he resigned, but spent four years as environment minister and was the architect of much of the Liberal climate plan. Guilbeault, a prominent climate activist, had received assurances from Carney's office that the tax credits for EOR would not be in the budget or added to it afterwards, sources told The Canadian Press at the time. Guilbeault had also been dispatched to win the support of Green Party Leader Elizabeth May for Carney's first budget. May had heard rumours that the government was going to reverse that decision, and it was one of the things keeping her from supporting the budget — until Guilbeault gave her his word that would not happen. May voted for the budget — a key vote the Liberals needed at that time, when they still had only a minority government. May said the reversal amounted to a “significant betrayal” which had her questioning the worth of Carney’s word. Carney no longer needs to pacify any opposition MPs as he now governs with a majority, with five MPs crossing the floor to the Liberals since November. Tuesday's economic update also included $3 billion over five years for Global Affairs Canada, and another $168 million to Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver "climate-related supports to vulnerable countries." It also pledged money to the Canadian Climate Institute to host a "sustainable finance conference in the coming year," to discuss investment opportunities in Canada. The report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2026. Nick Murray, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — Here's a brief look at some of the key numbers in the Liberal government's 2026 spring economic update: $66.9 billion: Projected deficit for 2025-26, $11.5 billion lower than the projection in Budget 2025. The government predicts the annual deficit will decline to $53.2 billion by 2030-31. $37.5 billion: Net cost of new measures included in the spring economic update over six years. The government says 45 per cent of that spending is for measures to address the cost of living and the housing shortage. $7.2 billion: Average annual increase in federal revenues over previous budget projections. $31 billion: Increase per year in level of nominal GDP over 2025-2029, compared to projections in Budget 2025. $6 billion: The sum to be invested over five years in Team Canada Strong, a strategy to recruit and train 80,000 to 100,000 new workers in the skilled trades to boost housing, infrastructure and resource development and construction. 10.2 per cent: Canada's net debt-to-GDP ratio, which the government says is considerably lower than the G7 average of 101.8 per cent. $25 billion: The seed money Ottawa says it plans to invest to kick-start the Canada Strong Fund — even though the spring economic update doesn't say where the money is coming from. Zero: The number of opposition votes the Liberals need to pass the spring economic update, thanks to their new parliamentary majority. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2026. The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — The Liberal government says the office tasked with making major purchases for the military is about to be upgraded to give it new independence and oversight. Prime Minister Mark Carney's spring economic update pledges to introduce new legislation to increase the authority and budget of that office — and to put under the oversight of a "new minister." The legal changes will upgrade the office to an independent agency but the government did not explain how its political oversight will change. The Defence Investment Agency is a new government office created last fall to speed up the pace of large military purchases. It was created under an already established government department. The office is currently overseen politically by Secretary of State Stephen Fuhr and Public Services and Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2026. Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — The federal government is setting aside $660 million over the next five years for national sport organizations that have faced mounting deficits for years. Today's spring economic update promises $110 million annually after that to boost to funding for national sport organizations that had remained largely static for two decades. Following this year's Olympics in Milano-Cortina, which saw Canada's weakest Winter Games medal count since 2002, the Canadian Olympic Committee issued an urgent plea for increased funding. The Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees lobbied unsuccessfully for a $144-million increase in annual core funding for national sport organizations in the 2025 budget. Ottawa has indicated it wants national sport organizations to spread the new money across all levels of sport and not to reserve it just for high-level athletes in international competition. Ottawa also says the money is meant to build up a strong and safe sport system, following a call from the Future of Sport in Canada Commission for funding to allow all national sport organizations to hire their own safe sport officers. This report from The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2026. — With files from Donna Spencer in Toronto. Nick Murray, The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — The federal government tabled its spring economic update on Tuesday, projecting a $66.9 billion deficit for the fiscal year which ended on March 31. Here are some of the highlights: Reducing spending on federal consulting The government says it will reduce spending on external management and other consulting by 20 per cent over the next three years. The update document says the government spent about $5 billion on management and other consulting in 2024-25, while spending on all professional and special services hit $23.1 billion. Other spending on consulting includes training and IT consulting, while professional services spending can include anything from design services to legal advice. Spending on federal consultants has remained high, despite the previous Liberal government promising for years to reduce it. The issue has been raised by several federal unions. The document says reducing spending on consulting will lead to savings of $450 million in 2027-28, and $900 million annually from 2028-29 onward. Extending EI support for seasonal workers In 2018, the government introduced temporary rules to provide up to five additional weeks of employment insurance, for a maximum of 45 weeks, to seasonal workers in 13 regions across Canada. They include Prince Edward Island, Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Yukon. The support was set to expire in October 2026 and the government now says it plans to extend the measures until October 2028. The economic update says this will cost about $356.2 million over five years, starting in 2026-27. Getting help to clear the backlog of air travel complaints The economic update says the government plans to clear the backlog of air travel complaints by using a neutral, third-party dispute resolution organization. This plan, it says, is based on the models used in the United Kingdom and the European Union. The government also says it intends to develop a "simpler and more effective" regulatory regime, so rules are clearer and passengers are more quickly compensated. Protecting whales The document says the government recognizes the potential for increased marine traffic on the West Coast as Canada diversifies its trade. The government is proposing to provide more than $160 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, to protect Canada’s whales and their habitat. The government is also proposing to provide more than $91 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, and $16.5 million ongoing to implement a regional noise monitoring and management program and to address other threats to endangered killer whales. Addressing food insecurity The document says the federal government is taking steps to increase food security and is amending the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act and the Pest Control Products Act to "include consideration of food security and cost of food." The document offers few details but says the mandates of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency would be updated. The document says the rising cost of food places "significant strain" on households. It says more information on the government's national food security strategy will be released in the coming months. Improving access to disability tax credit The federal government says it wants to improve Canadians' access to the disability tax credit. In the economic update, the government says it plans to streamline the application process for people with certain long-lasting medical conditions. It also plans to expand the list of medical practitioners who can certify eligibility for the tax credit. The document says the changes are expected to provide $345 million in tax relief over six years, and $86 million per year ongoing, starting in 2025-26. Considering extending journalism tax credit to broadcasters The economic statement says the government plans to consult Canadians and stakeholders on extending the Canadian Journalism Labour Tax Credit to audio and audiovisual news production. It says broadcast journalism is "a key part of our community fabric" and the government is committed to supporting fact-based, local journalism. It says more details on the consultation process will be released on the Department of Finance website. Funding inquiries into global imports of goods The economic update proposes $5 million for the Canadian International Trade Tribunal to conduct safeguard inquiries into imports of certain wood products and of canned and frozen vegetables. Earlier this month, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the government had directed the Canadian International Trade Tribunal to launch an inquiry into global imports of wood cabinets and vanities, hardwood flooring and storage furniture. Canadian wood manufacturers have welcomed a trade inquiry into wood imports but say the investigation needs to be followed by immediate provisional tariffs on foreign-made goods entering the country. Last month, the federal government launched a trade inquiry on global imports of frozen and canned vegetables. A statement said the tribunal is tasked with considering the impact on food affordability and food security for Canadian households. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2026. Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press

Amid the cracks of paddle hitting ball, players at Regina’s Queen City Pickleball Hub had some concern hanging over their heads about the future of the indoor courts. For more than five years, the pickleball hub has been leasing space inside the Canada Centre Building (also known as the Avana Centre) at REAL District. Read more:

• What’s in the Brandt-REAL deal? Breaking down the agreement
• Regina’s REAL District sale plan draws support, calls for caution

But on Friday, owner Philip Greenwood said he learned along with everyone else that the Canada Centre is one of several buildings and sites at REAL District that Brandt is proposing to buy from the City of Regina. “I had several people reach out to me and share articles, and it was in the news,” Greenwood said in an interview. “So it’s well talked about, that’s for sure.” Of particular concern to Greenwood is that the proposed deal would give Brandt early access to the Canada Centre, even before the final sale is negotiated. The company wishes to use the space (excluding the Canadian Western Agribition offices) to help accommodate its construction of Queen City Distillers in the Agribition Building. Greenwood has a lease until the end of May, and he had been trying to extend it — but to no avail. “We’ve had a lot of back-and-forth negotiations with representatives from REAL,” he said. “We have not received a proposal in writing from them yet. “The only indication we’ve received is a notation that our rent will at least double, if not more, and that creates a non-feasible financial situation for running pickleball programs in Regina.” Documents related to the proposed sale indicate the city will relocate any tenants in the Canada Centre. But the Pickleball Hub has a major event coming up just before its lease runs out: the provincial championships. “This has several hundred players involved, a lot of volunteers, there’s been a lot of time and effort put into this, not just with our organization, but with Pickleball Regina, Pickleball Saskatchewan, and all the players from around the province that are looking forward to this event,” ” he said. Concerns among pickleballers Pickleball players at the hub on Monday felt uncertainty over the news they may be displaced. “We’re in a bubble, like we can’t figure out exactly what’s going on,” said Kelly Stewart, “because nobody seems to know what’s going on.” Stewart has been playing for about four years. “It’s just great,” he said. “I mean, I’m over 60, and it’s good to exercise and it can be fulfilling. Because you think you can do it, and you can do it, and anybody can do it.” For Eva Zhang, who has been playing for roughly a year, the customized facilities make the sport easier to play. “The floor is different. Here, it’s cushioned. (Elsewhere,) it’s gym and a lot of different lines for basketball, for volleyball, so it’s not a good experience for us, especially me,” she said. Zhang isn’t too concerned about playing outdoors in the summer, with courts at Douglas Park and Mahon Park. “So that’s no problem. But what if the weather is not good and it’s very windy?” Greenwood is working to find a new space. But the specific needs for indoor pickleball make it challenging. “A lot of buildings have support posts throughout the middle of the building, and that is a restriction. You just couldn’t have courts with a post in the middle,” he explained. “So, that eliminates probably 90 per cent of our prospectives in the first place, along with the ceiling height requirement that we need as well. “I’ve got all my feelers open, been chasing down every lead, got Realtors working with us, just we haven’t got anything locked in yet,” he said. “But we’re always looking.” Competitors hope they’ll be able to continue with a sport that is about more than exercise but community. “I’m very addicted to it. I play every day,” Zhang said. “It’s a very good social sport, and you know, a lot of friends. After you do exercise, you feel happy.” Read more:

• What’s in the Brandt-REAL deal? Breaking down the agreement
• Regina’s REAL District sale plan draws support, calls for caution