Saskatchewan News

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

Legal proceedings are expected to continue this week in Calgary for debt-ridden Monette Farms. Read More

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

Along with new field dimensions, the CFL will have a restructured playoff format in 2027. Read More

Brandon Zuravloff of Canora and his teammates from the Foam Lake Curling Club won the 2026 CURLSASK Club Provincial Men’s Championship held in Swift Current from March 5-8.

A Canadian-led research team has developed a promising new malaria vaccine, now in preclinical testing with international partners.

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit Armenia this weekend for a summit on European strategic issues amid signs Ottawa is shifting its focus toward bolstering trade and defence ties on the continent.

Following in Alberta’s footsteps, Saskatchewan recorded the same two top names for boys and girls last year that Alberta did in 2024. Olivia and Noah were the most popular names in Saskatchewan last year, according to a release from the provincial government. Read more:

• Henry and Sophia were the most popular Sask. baby names in 2024
• Survey says: Sask. parents to be polled about kids on social media
• Rebel with a cause: Tow truck puts customers on hold to rescue moose

Forty-nine babies were given the name Noah last year. Olivia was used 43 times, according to the province. Rounding out the top 3 for each gender, Jack (48) and Muhammad (44) were the second and third most popular boy names in the province last year. For girls, Lainey (37) and Nora (37) took the second and third positions. The top baby boy and girl names in Saskatchewan in 2025. (Government of Saskatchewan/Screenshot) Lainey jumped into the second-most popular name from being ranked twentieth in 2024. The previous year’s top contenders, Henry and Sophia, both remain on the top-20 names list, but have dropped to eleventh and sixth on the lists, respectively. The is significant overlap between the 2024 and 2025 top 20 names lists for Saskatchewan. New boys names on the 2025 list included Weston, Luke (Lucas appeared on the list in 2024), Thomas, Benjamin and Grayson for boys. Nora, Evelyn, Elizabeth, Sophie, Willow and Chloe were new additions to the 2025 list for girls. Previously popular names Asher, Elijah, Owen, Beau and Daniel were not included in this year’s top 20, along with Violet, Scarlett, Emily, Grace, Isabella, Aurora and Ivy. According to the province and eHealth, “Muhammad flew up the list. Appearing for the first time ever in 2023 in 20th place, Muhammad tied with Oliver and William as the third most popular name for baby boys born in Saskatchewan last year. “Hudson and Theodore continue to climb the list. Grayson returns to the list after being absent since 2021, and Weston appears among the top names for baby boys for the first time in 13th place.” As for the ladies, the province noted that “Reigning champion Olivia took the top spot back from Sophia – making Olivia the most popular name for baby girls born in Saskatchewan for nine of the past 10 years.”

Swift Current City Council approved the tender to repair/replace roofs on certain city facilities.

In an announcement on Tuesday, the league confirmed it will shift its regular-season calendar to begin on Victoria Day weekend, while also introducing a revamped playoff system designed to increase late-season drama and reward top teams.

EDMONTON — An Edmonton lawyer is calling on Elections Alberta to close a loophole allowing Premier Danielle Smith's government to advertise in favour of her fall referendum on sweeping immigration reform.

The Canadian Football League will kick off its season earlier and revamp its playoff format in 2027.

Changes are coming to the Canadian Football League (CFL), beginning next year with season starting at the earliest date in its history. The newly-announced changes include updates to the season schedule and changes to the league’s playoff format. Read more:

• Saskatchewan to host 114th Grey Cup in 2027
• ‘The city will come alive:’ Regina mayor, Sask. premier excited to host 2027 Grey Cup
• WATCH: Thousands of Rider fans pack the streets, Legislative Grounds for Grey Cup parade

In 2027, the season will begin on Victoria Day Weekend, “anchoring the start of each new CFL campaign with an iconic Canadian holiday and the unofficial start of summer,” the CFL said in an online statement announcing the changes. “From May to Thanksgiving, long weekends will serve as defining moments in the regular season, creating new tentpole CFL traditions in addition to the league’s legendary Labour Day Weekend games,” the statement read. The CFL is announcing two connected changes that will both come into effect starting in the 2027 season! pic.twitter.com/Jy6F3iIvba— Saskatchewan Roughriders (@sskroughriders) April 28, 2026 The new start of the season will result in an earlier fall postseason to maximize warmer weather for fans attending games and playing conditions for players. Commissioner Stewart Johnson said the CFL will be front and centre throughout the summer, with the league also “establishing CFL long weekends, from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving, to create can’t-miss events for fans in the stadium and those watching at home.” Four additional playoff games are set to be added into the fall schedule for the league, also. Teams that finish in the top two positions in the divisions are guaranteed at least two playoff games. Starting next season, the first- and second-place teams in each division will square off in first-round playoff games. The winners earn a bye to the Grey Cup semifinals and home-field advantage. The losers move to the second playoff round (elimination games). Teams outside of the top-two divisional finishers will be seeded from No. 5 to No. 9, with the final seed not qualifying for post-season play. The fifth and sixth seeds will host the seventh and eighth seeds for play-in games that will be held the same weekend as the divisional contests. The play-in winners advance to the second round while the losers are eliminated. The following weekend, the division showdown losers will host the play-in victors. The winners go on to the Grey Cup semifinals while the losers are eliminated. The division showdown victors will host the elimination game winners, with matchups based on regular-season records. The winners advance to the Grey Cup game, which will be held Nov. 7. “Postseason re-seeding – regardless of division – and two victories being required to advance to the championship introduces the possibility of postseason rematches, and new playoff and Grey Cup clashes,” the CFL statement read. “More games. More drama. More entertainment. That was the mission and that’s exactly what this format will deliver,” Johnson stated. “We’re raising the stakes so every game carries real consequences – more teams in the hunt, right to the end.” The changes come after an agreement has been reached with the CFL Players’ Association (CFLPA) on the refreshed playoff format, with the new structure being integrated into the existing collective bargaining agreement, according to the league. The NBA is one of several major sports leagues that have adopted a “play-in” format.  Play-in games are played after the regular season allowing lower-seeded teams to compete for the final playoff spots. The 2026 CFL season begins on June 4. More to come. –with files from The Canadian Press

Twenty-two single family homes were available as of the afternoon of April 27.

Officers had 65 calls for service from April 19-26.

Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan calls for province to sign on to pharmacare deal

The Yukon government says a Singapore-based private company has been chosen as a potential buyer for the defunct Eagle Gold mine that was the site of a catastrophic storage failure in 2024.

The Yukon government says a Singapore-based private company has been chosen as a potential buyer for the defunct Eagle Gold mine that was the site of a catastrophic storage failure in 2024.

The Yukon government says a Singapore-based private company has been chosen as a potential buyer for the defunct Eagle Gold mine that was the site of a catastrophic storage failure in 2024. A statement from the government says the court-appointed receiver has entered into an exclusivity agreement with Boroo Ltd. for the sale of the Eagle Gold mine and "certain related assets." No price tag has been disclosed, but the agreement signed on April 23 gives the potential new owner 90 days to complete additional due diligence and negotiate the terms of a potential sale. The receiver's website says that along with negotiating the sale, Boroo will start discussions with the Yukon government and the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun about agreements that would need to be in place for mining operations to restart. The mine, near Mayo, Yukon, suffered a catastrophic failure in June of 2024 at a site used as part of extracting the gold, spilling about two million tonnes of cyanide-soaked ore into the environment. Its previous owner, Victoria Gold, was put into receivership by a court months later and PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. was appointed as receiver. The PricewaterhouseCoopers website describes Boroo, as a private mining company that operates, develops, and acquires mining assets around the world, and is recognized as a specialist in operational turnarounds and responsible mine development. The company's website lists assets in Peru and Mongolia. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2026 Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press

In the early morning hours of April 13, police and firefighters responded to the business.