LM Times August 12th 2019

More documents

Recommendations

Info

4 Last Mountain Times • Monday, August 12, 2019 • lmtimes.ca Letter to the Editor Responses were straightforward and believable Thank you for the article titled: “NDP Leader and two candidates in town”, in the July 22nd edition of the Last Mountain Times. The discussion concerning the proposed Yancoal project was particularly interesting for me. My assessment of the Yancoal-related questions and answers relayed in the article did not “trash” Yancoal as your by-line at the top of the article suggested. Rather, I felt Ms. Nordal’s responses to questions about the project were straightforward and believable. Having attended several Yancoal project-related meetings sponsored by the Rural Municipality over the past several years, I believe that Ms. Nordal’s assessment of the project status, her view concerning the Environmental Assessment process flaws, and her suggestion to be careful about generalizing about the level of support for the project, is accurate. It is always good to learn about both the pros and cons concerning significant projects that would have a major impact on our farm community. The Yancoal proposal is an example of a project where lots has been written about potential economic benefits to local communities, but very little information has been available regarding the local farming community’s concerns about a major industrial development that would be located in their midst. -James Hoffman, Strasbourg (a ratepayer in RM 219 Longlaketon, and not a member of a Yancoal ‘watchdog’ group) Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer Myths and misinformation fog climate change debate The answers to some questions to help you assess whether there really is a climate emergency With energy and the environment playing an important role in the fall election, Canadians face starkly different policy positions from political parties, together with a bewildering array of both information and disinformation. Here is my rather eclectic list of little-known facts, head-scratching paradoxes and utter hypocrisy. Climate Emergency On June 17, the House of Commons passed a motion declaring a National Climate Emergency. Firstly, there is no such thing as a “national” climate emergency. Climate change is global, not national, and Canada’s contribution to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is a minuscule 1.6 per cent. Here are the answers to some questions that will help you assess whether there’s really a climate emergency. How much CO2 is in the atmosphere and how fast is it growing? A 2018 report from the U.S. National Oceans and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gives the answer. The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is one molecule per 2,500 molecules, compared with one molecule per 3,000 molecules 50 years ago. That’s an average growth rate of just 10 molecules per year. Apocalyptic projections of rapid sea level rises are driving municipal and provincial governments on both our east and west coasts to implement sea level rise plans. These include sterilizing waterfront from development, building sea barriers and Reality check Moe’s Sask. Party trumps Ford’s Conservatives when it comes to sketchy political donations Ontario Premier Doug Ford may be catching heat for promoting a winery on his propaganda network after accepting $2,050 in donations from its president, but Saskatchewan is still the ‘wild west’ when it comes to campaign finance laws. Thanks to outdated laws that the Sask. Party has refused to change, Saskatchewan is the only province in Canada that still allows big money to dominate its elected government and its decisions. Corporations, unions, organizations and individuals, including those from out of province, are allowed to donate unlimited amounts to Saskatchewan political parties and candidates. And the Sask. Party takes full advantage of the legislative vacuum, raking in millions from many of the same people and businesses that in turn enjoy lucrative government contracts and Crown board appointments. One need look no further than the backyard of the provincial even buying out and destroying homes that are deemed vulnerable. So just how fast are sea levels rising? Here again, the NOAA provides the answer. Despite all the calamitous rhetoric, the NOAA states that sea levels “continue to rise at the rate of about one-eighth of an inch (3.2 mm) per year.” At that rate, a house built 10 feet above sea level today would still be 9 feet 7 inches above sea level 40 years from now. Climate Change Hypocrisy South Africa, India, the Philippines, South Korea, Japan and China – all signatories to the Paris climate accord – are building a combined 1,800 new coal-fired power plants. Coal plants emit twice as much CO2 as natural gas plants. Meanwhile, international environmental groups campaign against sending Canadian LNG to those countries. And here at home, Justin Trudeau’s Liberals have introduced a tax specifically designed discourage the building of new cleaner-burning gas-fired power plants as they pursue the fantasy that wind and solar will keep the lights on. Good luck with that. After hundreds of billions of dollars invested, wind and solar contribute just two per cent of global energy supply. And that’s only when the wind is blowing, and the sun is shining. Climate Change Monovision The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) would have us believe that fossil fuel emissions are the sole reason for climate change. But what EDITORIALS, LETTERS & OPINIONS about urbanization and deforestation? A study by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs states that the urban population rose from 750 million in 1950 to 4.2 billion in 2018. We don’t need the IPCC’s complex computer models to know that cities are hotter. All we have to do is walk from a paved sun-heated street lined with concrete buildings to a grassy park. Rather than reflecting the sun’s rays back to outer space, all that concrete and pavement absorbs the sun rays, creating a giant heat sink. Likewise, deforestation is turning vast tracts of cool African and South American jungles into heat-absorbing barrens. The U.S. EPA summarizes the combined effect, “Processes such as deforestation and urbanization … contribute to changes in climate.” Trying to deal with any problem without considering all possible causes is both a foolish and dangerous strategy. First, do no harm The Liberal government’s proposed “national clean fuel standard” requires increased biofuel content in motor fuels. Government mandated biofuel content requirements in North America and the EU have driven the burning of critically important jungle habitat to make way for palm oil plantations. On the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, more than 50,000 Orangutans have died because of palm oil deforestation. Who burns the stuff anyway? Several municipal councils, including Toronto and Victoria, are looking to sue fossil-fuel producers for causing climate change, but 70 per cent of emissions CONTINUES on PAGE 6 Legislative building for evidence, where the Sask. Party recently rewrote the rules governing Wascana Park to push through a shockingly sweet deal on prime public real estate for their largest corporate donor, that also donated $10,000 to Scott Moe’s leadership campaign. A simple comparison of the Sask Party’s donor list to the Government of Saskatchewan’s annual payee list (Public Accounts Vol. 2) reveals a pattern repeated year after year: a steady stream of cash flowing from donors to the Sask Party amounting to over $2 million over the last decade, and a long list of government contracts going to Sask. Party donors. In 2017, the Saskatchewan NDP tabled legislation to ban all corporate and union donations in order to hand power back to the people of our province, but the Sask Party government’s MLAs unanimously voted against the measure. Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia have moved to limit influence on their politics, but Scott Moe’s Sask. Party seems just fine with the status quo. Doug Ford only wishes he had it so good. -Ryan Meili, Leader of NDP Opposition Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer
RCMP REPORT Highway #6 closure due to motor vehicle collision At approximately 8 a.m., on Tuesday, August 6th, Saskatchewan RCMP received the report of a serious injury motor vehicle collision involving a semi-truck hauling gravel and an SUV on Highway 6 approximately 20 km north of Regina and south of Staples Road. The highway was blocked in both directions for approximately four hours until the investigation was completed. No further details were released. Two more suspects arrested North Battleford RCMP General Investigation Section have charged and arrested two suspects in relation to a break and enter and armed robbery that occurred at a residence north of Edam, SK, on Jan. 12, 2018. No further suspects are being sought. On June 26, 2019, Joel Daniel Dillon (DOB: 1994-10-10), of Onion Lake, SK, plead guilty to several offences related to this incident. Dillon is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 2, 2019, in Battleford Queen’s Bench Court. Fraser Kane Littlewolfe (DOB: 1990-08-24), of Thunderchild First Nation, was arrested on Aug. 1, 2019, for his involvement in this incident. He is facing seven Criminal Code charges, including break, enter and commit robbery with a firearm. Littlewolfe was held in custody and made a court appearance in North Battleford Provincial Court on Aug. 9, 2019. Male involved in carjacking considered armed and dangerous On Aug. 1, 2019, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Maidstone RCMP received the report of an armed carjacking that Last Mountain Times • Monday, August 12, 2019 • lmtimes.ca SPORTS Quiz time: wait till 2026, say Jays It’s the dog days of August, which means it’s time again for the Mid-Summer Sports Quiz: 1. The new slogan for the Toronto Blue Jays franchise going forward is: a.) Good pitching is overrated b.) Kids day every day — even in the locker room c.) Wait till 2026! 2. Kawhi Leonard left the Raptors to sign with the L.A. Clippers because: a.) He wanted to play closer to home, and the Clippers meet that need. b.) Endorsement opportunities are greater in L.A. than they are in Canada c.) Hated to have to keep pretending he was a big fan of Drake. 3. A new logo is being developed for the CFL, and its graphic will show: a.) A silhouette of the head of commissioner Randy Ambrosie b.) The CFL’s unique wider, longer field c.) A prone quarterback writhing in pain 4.The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland was significant because: a.) An Irishman, Shane Lowry, won the prestigious title on his home soil b.) All spectator tickets were pre-sold for the first return to Royal Portrush since 1951 c.) Lowry’s booze-filled post-tournament victory celebration party lasted longer than the actual tourney 5. Tiger Woods wasn’t a contender at the Open because: occurred north of Lloydminster. The male victim was driving 29-year-old Ryan Chad Stonechild and his friends to Onion Lake from Lloydminster when the victim was told to pull over. Stonechild allegedly directed the male to get out of the vehicle and fired two warning shots to keep him away. The stolen vehicle is described as a 2000 Gold Nissan Pathfinder with Saskatchewan Licence Plate 033 MLU. Stonechild has dark brown hair and is approximately 5’9” weighing approximately 160 lbs. He was last seen wearing a black shirt and sweat pants. If Stonechild is seen, do not approach and do not take any action, as he is considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information of the Stonechild’s whereabouts, please contact your local RCMP at 306-310-RCMP (7267). Drownings On July 31, 2019, police officers from the Pelican Narrows RCMP detachment were called to Father’s Lake, five kilometres north of Pelican Narrows, following the report of a missing male who had been swimming in front of the rocks and beach area of the lake. A Pelican Narrows RCMP boat was immediately dispatched to the scene. The missing 28-year-old male was located a short time later by an individual present. EMS and police officers performed CPR but were unsuccessful in reviving the male. The cause of death is not considered suspicious. On August 1, 2019, police officers from the Green Lake RCMP detachment were called to the Cowan Dam Campground in Cowan Lake following the report of a 67-year-old male who had been located deceased in a small creek near the campground. Initial investigation revealed that the male had a.) He shot himself out of the event with a first-round 78 b.) His aging 43-year-old body breaks down earlier than normal c.) Exhausted from playing his fourth tournament since April 6. The proposed new $550 million arena in Calgary means that: a.) The Flames will have one of the poshest palaces in the NHL b.) Home-ice advantage will be a key element of Flames success c.) Stanley Cup success or not, Calgary taxpayers will be peeved for the next few decades. 7. The new Ken Holland-Dave Tippett GM-coach tandem in Edmonton: a.) Brings tons of experience to Oiler Nation b.) Sends a message to fans that better days are ahead c.) Will invoke strategy that sees Connor McDavid playing 40 minutes a game instead of his normal 23. 8. The most annoying thing about televised sports events these days is: a.) Announcers who talk too much b.) Dumb questions from broadcasters to athletes c.) Commercials featuring the Trivago guy Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.): “The Dodgers will erect a statue of Sandy Koufax to join the bronze sculpture of Jackie Robinson that was unveiled in 2017, 45 years after his death. Koufax retired in 1966. fallen down a dirt embankment into an area of the creek where the water is eight to ten feet deep. The cause of death is not considered suspicious. Unlawful discharge of firearm On August 02, 2019 @ 12:30 am Battlefords RCMP responded to a complaint of a firearm being discharged at a residence on the 300 block of 28th Street in the Town of Battleford. Members located a male in his early 20’s out on the front yard of the residence. This male had a wound on his foot consistent with being shot with a firearm. EMS attended to the scene and took the male to Battlefords Union Hospital for treatment. The injuries to this male are non life threatening. No other persons in the area were injured as result of this. Investigation into this incident is ongoing to determine the nature of the situation, however all persons whom were at this residence are known to each other. Charges are pending the completion of the investigation. Collision on Highway 16 On 2019-07-29 at 1430 hours Battlefords RCMP responded to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 16 west of Delmas, SK. At the time of this incident, a highway work zone was set up as Sask Ministry of Highways staff were working in that area of Highway 16 with equipment and signage indicating work was in progress. An east bound vehicle struck the highway signage trailer attached to a ministry truck causing significant damage. Battlefords Fire Dept along with EMS attended the scene of the collision. The driver of the vehicle towing the signage trailer was treated at the scene for minor injuries. A 26 year old female Nobody can accuse the Dodgers of rushing into the monument business.” Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle, discounting suggestions that robot umpires would strip the game of umpire personalities: “The last umpire who added personality to the calling of balls and strikes was Inspector Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen) in ‘Naked Gun.’” RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Andre Agassi claims he lost the 1990 French Open final because he was wearing a hairpiece and was concerned about accidentally ripping it off. So, he lost because he was afraid of having the rug pulled out from over him?” Brad Rock of the Deseret News: “Tim Duncan has been hired by the Spurs as an assistant coach, which gave coach Gregg Popovich an opportunity to crack a joke. ‘It is only fitting that after I served loyally for 19 years as Tim Duncan’s assistant, that he returns the favour.’ Duncan’s first assignment will be to practice being rude to sideline reporters.” Comedy writer Jim Barach: “Yasiel Puig was traded to the Indians. The Dodgers put up with his antics for six years, trading him to the Reds who had him four months. At this rate he won’t finish the week in Cleveland.” Headline in theonion. com: “Kawhi Leonard Worried He’s Succumbing To Glitzy L.A. Lifestyle After Purchasing Flashy 2016 Subaru.” FROM THE SIDELINES BRUCE PENTON 5 driver and lone occupant of the east bound vehicle involved in the collision was transported to Battlefords Union Hospital for non life threatening injuries and released after treatment. Charges are pending the completion of the police investigation. Seventh person charged A seventh person has been charged in relation to the homicide of Tiki Brook- Lyn Laverdiere. Nikita Sandra Cook (DOB: 1988-07-25), of the Onion Lake Cree Nation is currently wanted on a Canada-wide arrest warrant. On July 28, 2019, at the request of Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit - North, the Edmonton Police Service, arrested Jesse Sangster (DOB 1996-02-20) of Edmonton, Alberta in relation to the death of Tiki Laverdiere. On July 31, 2019, officers of the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit - North arrested Nicole Cook (DOB 1983- 02-21) of Edmonton, Alberta, in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. And on August 6, 2019, at the request of the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit North, Lloydminster RCMP arrested Soaring Eagle Whitstone of the Onion Lake Cree Nation at a residence in Lloydminster in relation to the homicide investigation. 33 year-old Whitstone has been charged with the same offences as Nicole Cook. Investigators are anticipating more arrests. Tiki Brook-Lyn Laverdiere travelled to North Battleford at the end of April 2019 to attend the funeral of Tristen Cook-Buckle. Nicole Cook is the mother of Tristen Cook-Buckle. Patti Dawn Swansson, aka the River City Renegade: “Every time I see Dave Dickenson, I think of a yappy, little lap dog. Coach Chihuahua, the Calgary Stampeders sideline steward, is forever tugging on game officials’ pant cuffs and you just want to slap him on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper.” For all your collision repairs, glass repairs, and replacements, contact – We do Light Mechanical LORNE’S Collision Center Raymore, SK. SGI Accredited. Call Lorne Huber at 306-746-5800 or 306-746-5805 Open Monday thru Friday
Page 1 and 2: TIMES LAST MOUNTAIN Win a Free Smar
Page 3: NEWS BRIEFS Company fined $50,000 f
Page 7 and 8: Last Mountain Times • Monday, Aug
Page 9 and 10: CONTINUED from PAGE 7 Last Mountain
Page 15 and 16: have to see you as a taxi. A busine

LM Times August 12th 2019

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?