One person has died and two people were injured in a collision in southwest Saskatchewan on Monday.

Maple Creek RCMP received a report of a collision at the intersection of two grid roads in the Rural Municipality of Reno, Sask. around 10:15 a.m., according to a news release from Saskatchewan RCMP.

Investigation found that two pickup trucks collided at the intersection, which is located about 101 kilometres south of Maple Creek.

The driver of one of the trucks, a 71-year-old man from Maple Creek, was declared dead by EMS at the scene. RCMP said his family has been notified. A passenger in that truck was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver and sole occupant of the other truck was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, RMCP.

A Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist and Maple Creek RCMP continue to investigate.

The Government of Saskatchewan has said the proper steps have been taken after cockroaches were discovered in two rooms at the Regina General Hospital last month.

Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill confirmed during question period on Monday that the incident took place in mid-October and affected a pair of rooms in the hospital’s mother-baby unit.

“My understanding from speaking with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) late last week and early this week is that there hasn’t been evidence of more cockroaches or anything in that unit since,” Cockrill told reporters.

NDP MLA Jeremy Clarke posed the question to the government after receiving constituents’ concerns about cockroaches and mice droppings being discovered at the hospital.

“I think there are serious health concerns for people who are getting care. Especially, babies in the mother-baby unit, if there’s feces from mice in in the room there you have potential disease contaminants,” Clarke said following question period.

According to Cockrill, the cockroaches were accidentally brought in by a patient and their family.

“The reality is that regardless of how people show up, the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA’s) job is to provide dignified and respectful care to whoever shows up at our door,” the minister told reporters.

SHA chief operating officer Derek Miller said the health authority acted quickly after the pests were discovered.

“When we were notified of that, we responded very quickly to vacate the rooms, to engage our contracted pest control service and make the space safe and then monitor, of course afterwards,” he explained. “There’s no further evidence of cockroaches once we had responded to the situation.”

When asked about the concerns over mice at the hospital, Miller said the SHA monitors for the signs of any breaches or infestations constantly.

“If there is evidence of mouse droppings or other pests, and we would respond quickly to that to make sure the space is safe,” he added.

Several communities in southern Saskatchewan were hit with 10-20 centimetres (cm) of snow overnight. Now, with many communities looking the part for the winter season, cooler temperatures are expected to stick around into the weekend.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the low-pressure system brought the heaviest snowfall over higher terrain in the southwestern part of the province and along the U.S./Canada border from Monday to Tuesday.

The weather agency said estimated snowfall amounts are based on “snow on ground” sensors at automated weather stations, which can be subject to other environmental factors, since they are not measured by humans.

These are the communities that were hit with heavy snow overnight:

• Coronach – 17 cm
• Maple Creek – 15 cm
• Estevan 10 – 20 cm
• Mankota – 14 cm
• Cypress Hills – 13 cm
• Rockglen – 11 cm
• Shaunavon – 8 cm
• Southend – 6 cm
• Assiniboia – 4 cm

ECCC noted that the summary may contain preliminary or unofficial information.

Three men in Moose Jaw accused of mistreating foreign workers have made their first appearance in court.

Kartikkumar Prakashkumar Patel, Rutvik Hasmukhbhai Patel and Piyushkumar Mafatbhai Patel are each charged with three offences as employers, under the province’s Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, 2013 (FWRISA).

The three men were originally charged with:

• Taking or threatening to take action against a foreign worker for participating in an investigation or proceeding by any government;
• Taking unfair advantage or exploiting a foreign national’s trust, and;
• Charging a foreign worker a fee or expense for employment.

All three charges fall under Sections 22 and 23 of FWRISA. The alleged offences took place between August 2023 and February 2024 at Guac Mexi Grill in Moose Jaw, Sask.

On Tuesday, the trio’s defence lawyer asked for the case to be adjourned to allow more time for the accused to review their charges.

The case will return to court on Dec. 15.

This is the first time any charges have been laid under the province’s immigration protection laws.

In July 2024, The Immigration Services Act, 2024 (ISA) took effect in Saskatchewan, which replaced FWRISA.

However, as the alleged offences were committed before the implementation of ISA, the charges fall under FWRISA.

Saskatchewan is forecasting a $427 million deficit at mid-year, representing a vast departure from the modest $12 million surplus projected in the 2025-26 budget.

Finance Minister Jim Reiter delivered the update Tuesday morning, where he identified ongoing trade issues with the U.S., China and India as the main determining factors of the current economic climate.

“A lot of the economic factors we’re dealing with, most of them, in fact, aren’t provincial issues,” Reiter told reporters. “They’re geopolitical issues. They’re Canada-wide, North America-wide, worldwide – and when you have an export-based economy, like us, you’re susceptible to trade issues around the world, and geopolitical issues around the world.”

According to the minister, Saskatchewan has evaded the worst effects of the U.S. tariffs so far, but a swift end to all trade related conflicts is still needed.

“We’ve been fortunate so far that the vast majority of our products that are shipped from here are CUSMA compliant, and so we haven’t had a huge impact. But having said that, we’ve got to get this trade issue settled with both the U.S. and China and now India, our major trading partners,” Reiter said.

“It’s going to continue to have an impact if it doesn’t get sorted out.”

The current deficit represents a $79 million increase from the province’s first quarter projections and a $440 million increase from the 2025-26 budget.

Saskatchewan NDP MLA Trent Wotherspoon had some choice words for the government’s latest update.

“The Sask. Party’s so-called $12 million surplus was blown on Budget Day before the crowd in the gallery departed to eat cream puffs in the library at the Budget Day Tea,” he told reporters.

“They promised a $12 million surplus and now it’s looking more like a half-billion-dollar deficit with a billion more in debt from their bogus budget. As we said at budget time, this budget wasn’t worth the paper it was printed on. Sure enough, the numbers have come home to roost.”

Total expense at mid-year is forecast to increase $521 million or 2.5 per cent from budget thanks to an additional $295 million allocated to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), $250 million to address health care utilization pressures and $114 million in pension expenses, partially offset by a decrease in expected crop insurance claims.

Saskatchewan’s total gross debt is forecast to be $39.3 billion at fiscal year end, which represents an increase of $962 million or 2.5 per cent from budget.

Total revenue is forecast to increase by $82 million. Increases include $273 million from federal transfers, $129 million in other own-source revenue – which are mainly due to higher fees driven by population and economic growth – in addition to increased gaming revenue.

However, the revenue increase is largely being offset by a $292 million reduction in SaskPower income. According to the province, this is due to the removal of the federal carbon tax charge from customer’s bills.

Non-renewable resource revenue is forecast to decrease by $93 million to a higher exchange rate and lower price of oil.

Saskatchewan’s GDP growth is forecast to be 1.7 per cent in 2025, coming off a three per cent increase in 2024.

Despite the rising deficit, Reiter defended the province’s position and fiscal health.

“There’s not a balanced budget across the country right now because of economic headwinds. So, we are in the best position of any province in the country,” he said.

“We’ve got lots of work to do ahead of us. There’s going to be lots of issues to deal with.”

Saskatchewan-based potash giant Nutrien is taking the next step of securing an ocean terminal on the west coast, but not in Canada.

Nutrien has identified the Port of Longview in Washington as its preferred location for a potential ocean terminal and is currently negotiating terms for long-term tenancy, the company announced Tuesday.

The proposed facility would create additional deep-water access in the Pacific Northwest able to “move millions of tonnes of Canadian potash efficiently to global markets” while complementing Nutrien’s existing export infrastructure.

Existing facilities include the Port of Saint John in New Brunswick and a “significant stake” in Neptune Terminal in Vancouver, B.C.

Nutrien’s decision to pursue port capacity south of the border was cause for concern for those at the legislature Tuesday.

The Saskatchewan NDP called on Premier Scott Moe to consult with B.C. Premier David Eby on access to the Port of Vancouver and to better advocate for Canadian industry and jobs.

“We’re losing major infrastructure projects to the U.S. because this government is missing in action,” NDP MLA Sally Houser said during question period.

The premier proceeded to accuse New Democrats across the country of stifling investment and progress.

“We see much investment being targeted for the west coast of our continent and then we see an NDP premier stand up, that premier says we don’t want oil in this port because we can’t get a boat into it,” Moe replied. “Then that same NDP policy making premier questions why another industry isn’t making that very investment in our nation?”

Facing further criticism from the Opposition, Moe pointed to other mineral-related and grain projects that have proceeded in the province such as the BHP Jansen Mine, the Cargill canola crush plant near Regina and the McIlvenna Bay mine in northern Saskatchewan.

A final investment decision from Nutrien is expected sometime in 2027.

Due to a confirmed case of measles in Regina, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is warning the public of a measles exposure risk at several locations throughout the city.

If anyone was at any of the below locations on Thursday, Nov. 20 during the following times, the SHA advises them to monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure.

• Sunrise Motel (1931 Rupert St.) from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
• Denny’s Restaurant (1800 Victoria Ave.) from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Bass Pro Shop (formerly Cabela’s) (4901 Gordon Road) from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Regina General Hospital, Pediatric Outpatient Department, fourth floor (1440 14th Ave.) from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
• Dr. Dieter Fritz, Otolaryngologist office (#325 – 2250 15th Ave.) from approximately 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Costco Wholesale (2110 Anaquod Road) from approximately 4:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, fatigue, irritability, small, white spots in the mouth and throat and a red blotchy rash which develops on the face and spreads down the body about three to seven days after symptoms begin.

Those who are potentially exposed may be eligible for preventative treatment for up to six days, according to the SHA.

The SHA reminds the public that measles is highly contagious and can spread easily to others through the air. The health authority urges residents to get vaccinated against measles, as it is almost 100 per cent effective with two doses.

The International Testing Agency says Canadian swimmer Penny Oleksiak has been given a two-year ban from competition for an anti-doping rule violation.

The ITA said in a release issued Tuesday that Oleksiak accepted the suspension for committing three whereabouts failures between October 2024 and June 2025.

The suspension ends July 14, 2027, before the next Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

“We are committed to the enforcement and support of all anti-doping rules as outlined in the Canadian Anti-Doping Program and through World Aquatics and the World Anti-Doping Agency,” Swimming Canada chief executive officer Suzanne Paulins said in a statement. “While we accept Penny’s explanation these were inadvertent errors and she has not used banned substances, anti-doping regulations are in place to ensure a level playing field for all athletes.

“We will miss Penny on the national team and hope to see her back in the pool when she is eligible.”

Paulins said athletes are responsible for completing whereabouts and submitting filings on time to comply with anti-doping rules to avoid sanctions.

The World Anti-Doping Code defines a whereabouts failure as any combination of three missed tests or filing failures in a 12-month period.

The ITA notified Oleksiak of the whereabouts case earlier this year.

Oleksiak withdrew from the world aquatics championships in July and accepted a provisional suspension at the time.

The 25-year-old from Toronto is Canada’s most decorated female Olympian.

She has won seven Olympic medals (one gold, two silver, four bronze) and nine world championship medals (two silver, seven bronze) over her career.

🎉 Update Completed Successfully! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that our scheduled network update has been completed without any issues! 🚀 All our broadcast stations, streams, and websites are now fully operational and running better than ever.

What’s New?

Here’s what you can expect from this update:
✅ Improved Audio Player – No more interruptions or cutting off! Enjoy seamless streaming on our websites.
✅ Enhanced Stream Stability – Our radio streams are now more reliable than ever.
✅ Upgraded Security & Quality – Improved protection and enhanced broadcast quality for an unmatched listening experience.

Fully Operational Services:

🎵 Stations:

• Z103.5 – https://z1035.evoradio.ca/
• 979 The Cowboy – https://979thecowboy.evoradio.ca/
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• Classic 88.7 The Goat – https://887thegoat.evoradio.ca/

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• EVO Media Corporation – https://evomcorp.com/
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Thank you for your patience and understanding during this process. We’re committed to providing you with the best listening experience possible and appreciate your support!

🎧 Happy Listening!
The EVO Radio & EVO Media Corporation Team

We’re committed to providing our audience with a listening experience like no other! To maintain this standard, we’re excited to announce a major update to our Broadcast Network.

What’s New?

This update will bring:

• A Better Audio Player: Improved performance on our websites to resolve issues with streams cutting off.
• Enhanced Session Operations: Ensuring error-free radio streams.
• Upgraded Security & Quality: Improved protection and overall broadcast quality.

Downtime Details:

• Expected Downtime: 1 hour (we’ve allocated up to 4 hours for any unforeseen circumstances).
• Impacted Services:
  • Live Broadcasts & Website Access for these stations:
    • Z103.5 – https://z1035.evoradio.ca/
    • 979 The Cowboy – https://979thecowboy.evoradio.ca/
    • 101 The Rockhound – https://101therockhound.evoradio.ca/
    • Classic 88.7 The Goat – https://887thegoat.evoradio.ca/
  • Websites:
    • EVO Radio Advertiser Access – https://advertiseraccess.evoradio.ca/
    • EVO Media Corporation – https://evomcorp.com/
    • DJ Spinderella – https://djspinderella.evomcorp.com/
  • Third-Party Apps: Any apps relying on our live broadcasts will also be affected.

Commitment to Excellence:
During the downtime, our team will work diligently to complete the update and monitor the network to ensure peak performance. We’re committed to enhancing your listening experience to the highest standards.

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We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our services.

Thank you for your continued support,

The EVO Radio & EVO Media Corporation Team