Saskatoon police have seized 48 tires worth approximately $24,000 from a storage locker and U-Haul in connection with an ongoing investigation involving stolen tires. The operation was initiated upon a report from the Regina Police Station, which alleged the use of a fake ID and credit cards to purchase tires from a dealership. The subsequent investigation led officers to the stolen tires, and a 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged with theft and fraud exceeding $5,000.
In March, 454 individuals were issued suspensions in Saskatchewan for impaired driving offenses. 312 drivers received license suspensions for exceeding alcohol and/or drug limits, while 142 were charged with Criminal Code impaired driving offenses. The mandatory alcohol screening (MAS) program, implemented in March, has contributed to increased detection of impaired drivers, with nine apprehended for BAC levels above the legal limit and six issued suspensions for exceeding the provincial limit. Other traffic enforcement results in March include 548 tickets for distracted driving, 375 for seatbelt and car seat offenses, and 4,473 for speeding and aggressive driving. To enhance road safety, authorities emphasize the importance of refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe of potential consequences for his decision to stop collecting and remitting carbon taxes on natural gas. The move puts the province in direct conflict with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which is responsible for enforcing tax laws. Trudeau emphasized that the CRA is well-equipped to collect unpaid taxes, suggesting that Saskatchewan may face legal challenges and financial repercussions. The dispute stems from the federal government’s exemption of home heating oil from the carbon tax, which Moe argued created an unfair advantage for Atlantic Canada.
The Saskatchewan Science Centre is marking its 35-year milestone with a week-long celebration called ‘Discovery Week.’ The event will feature a wide range of activities, including demonstrations, exhibits, and the showing of the first movie ever played in the IMAX theater. The center has welcomed over 5 million visitors since its opening in 1989, including 20,000 school children on field trips.
In response to the devastating wildfire season of 2023, Saskatchewan is investing in a new fleet of four repurposed land-based airtanker aircraft to enhance its wildfire management capabilities. These aircraft will replace the aging current fleet, which has been in operation for over two decades. The Conair 8-Q400At planes are dedicated airtankers designed for dispersing fire retardant, while the 8-Q400MRE will serve multiple purposes, including passenger evacuation and cargo transport.
Saskatchewan’s Public Safety Agency has embarked on a $187 million investment to acquire four repurposed aircraft for its firefighting fleet. These planes, two Dash 8-Q400AT models and two Dash 8-Q400MRE models, are set to replace the aging Convair 580s currently in service. With the first plane expected to arrive in late 2025 and the remaining three by 2027, these new aircraft will play a crucial role in protecting Saskatchewan communities from wildfires and other emergencies.
A driver in Canada was caught using a wrench instead of a steering wheel to operate their vehicle. The incident occurred in Shellbrook, Saskatchewan, on April 17, when officers pulled over the individual. Upon inspection, they discovered the absence of a steering wheel and observed the driver using vice grips to control the car. The driver was also found to be driving without a license. The vehicle was subsequently ordered for inspection to confirm the lack of a steering wheel.
Internal data obtained by the Investigative Journalism Foundation and CBC Saskatchewan corroborates the Saskatchewan government’s knowledge of the exponential growth of COVID-19 in the fall of 2021. The presentation, presented to top officials days before the government publicly declined to implement measures despite pleas from health professionals, projected an Rt value of 1.4 (indicating exponential growth) on August 18, 2021, and 1.9 on August 29, 2021, with an estimated 8,600 undiagnosed infectious people. Health officials, including Dr. Cory Neudorf, voiced concerns about the government’s lax adherence to COVID-19 protocols, highlighting the growing concern among experts regarding the impending wave of infections. Despite the warnings, the government initially resisted implementing additional restrictions or mandates. However, the worsening situation on September 16, 2021, prompted the government to reverse its stance and reinstate masking and vaccination requirements. The government’s decision-making during this period has raised questions and sparked ongoing discussions about transparency and accountability in government responses to public health emergencies.
