Residents of a Moose Jaw apartment building were cleared out in an emergency evacuation due to multiple safety risks, according to the city.

City officials, along with Moose Jaw firefighters and police conducted an inspection of the building – located on the corner of Stadacona Street and 1st Avenue N.W. – on Monday.

“The safety issues with that building just warranted us to shut it down,” Moose Jaw Fire Chief Rod Montgomery said in a news conference on Tuesday. “Not only fire issues, there was building infractions, electrical issues and certainly gas. When we went there yesterday we did discover a gas leak.”

The leak was so serious that utilities to the building were shut off.

“So to some degree we were very lucky as gas was building up in a place and the inspector shut the gas completely off,” Montgomery said. “We’re fortunate that it happened because it could’ve been a lot worse.”

Inspectors found windows that couldn’t be opened, deteriorating flooring on fire escapes, suites that did not have doors or locks, and accumulation of combustibles, some of which blocked emergency exits.

Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and pull stations were not functioning according to Montgomery.

“Certainly one of the number one concerns that triggered the evacuation was we couldn’t let people sleep in there at night knowing that they had no means to perhaps be alerted to the situation or to get out of the building,”

The building was made up of 18 units with two units vacant at the time of the evacuation. According to Moose Jaw Police Service Chief (MJPS) Rick Bourassa, an estimated 24 people were permanent residents.

“It was a fairly mobile population … so there were a lot visitors who would come and go from there,” he said. “Our members were there many, many times.”

In the first six months of 2023, officers responded to 107 situations at the building.

“Many of them involved people struggling to just cope, many of them involved conflicts that couldn’t be resolved and we had to assist with and some of them involved criminal activity,” Bourassa explained.

The city said people living in the building have been offered help to immediately relocate through social services.

“The John Howard Society is offering additional support with hygiene packs, food and clothing donations and the Moose Jaw Housing Authority is providing applications for available housing,” a news release from the city read.

“Anyone wishing to make a donation can drop off items at the John Howard Society at 15 Hochelaga Street West and donations will be sorted by size and handed off to those in need.

According to Bourassa, all of the residents voluntarily accepted to move.

“From what I’ve seen from our members, who are just finishing up, it all went very well, he said. People are now in better circumstances than they were before.”

Saskatchewan saw a 73 per cent increase of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the latest two-week surveillance report.

There were an average of 141 confirmed COVID-19 cases between Sept. 10 and 23, the period captured in the provincial health ministrys report — up from an average of nearly 82 cases over the previous two-week period.

COVID-19 laboratory testing is rare outside of a hospital setting, so the report likely doesnt capture the bulk of COVID-19 cases in the province.

Two deaths were linked to COVID-19 during the most recent reporting period, bringing the total number of deaths to 158 since the beginning of the year. Influenza has claimed two lives since the start of 2023.

There were eleven outbreaks reported in high-risk settings between Sept. 10 and 23, according to the report.

While the health ministry considers just over 46 per cent of Saskatchewan residents up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, the definition only captures those who have had a primary vaccine series and at least one booster.

Federal guidelines recommend a COVID-19 booster if its been six months since a previous vaccine dose or COVID-19 infection.

According to the provinces latest report, just two per cent of people in Saskatchewan over the age of five have received a booster within the last six months.

FALL VACCINE PUSH

On Monday, the Ministry of Health announced that people can receive flu shots starting on Oct. 10.

Although they are available at any time, residents can also receive their COVID-19 vaccinations during the same appointment.

Its important to remember that youre not only protecting yourself against illness, youre protecting your family and friends as well, Health Minister Everett Hindley said in a news release.

Getting immunized is proven in the fight against illness and will help keep you and your loved ones healthy.

A monovalent vaccine tailored to fight the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant will be available during the fall immunization push.

While the XBB.1.5 subvariant was responsible for just over 17 per cent of the cases confirmed between Sept. 10 and 23, the monovalent doses should also work against other variants currently in circulation, including EG.5 — which was responsible for 24 per cent of the confirmed cases in Saskatchewan during the reporting period.

Appointments can be booked online at www.4flu.ca or by calling 1-833-727-5829 Monday to Friday.

Vaccines will be administered at public health clinics and some pharmacies and medical clinics.  

Free, at-home COVID-19 rapid tests can still be obtained at a variety of locations including many libraries, Co-op locations and town halls. Nearby locations can be found using an online search tool offered by the province.

RCMP and the federal Indigenous services ministry say they are stepping in to work with Red Pheasant Cree Nation after the community declared a state of emergency over an ongoing addiction crisis.

On Saturday, Red Pheasant made a public call for help after a spate of seven overdoses in a single day.

A representative for the First Nation said community leaders were in meetings all day on Monday to talk about how to deal with issues from overdose prevention and mental health treatment to interrupting the drug supply.

In a news release on Tuesday, the inspector in charge of the Battlefords RCMP detachment said they’ve increased patrols in the area. He called on community members to come forward with information about drug activity.

“This can be scary, to contact police to report illegal activity, but with key information, we can specifically target where and how the drugs are entering the community,” said Inspector Jesse Gilbert.

“The reality is multiple people from Red Pheasant Cree Nation nearly died this weekend because of the presence of illegal substances. Help us, so we can target the drugs present in the community and help prevent future overdoses,” Gilbert said.

The detachment is working collaboratively with local leadership and health services, the news release said.

As part of the increased patrols over the weekend, RCMP says officers seized drugs resembling opaque, rock-like candy.

Testing has yet to be done to identify it, but police said they received reports the substance is referred to as “flakka,” a synthetic stimulant.

Red Pheasant told CTV News on Monday that community leaders will be reaching out to partners at Indigenous Services Canada and other local groups over the next week to develop a strategy.

In a statement on Tuesday, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) spokesperson Zeus Eden said the federal department is working closely with the community.

“We are wholeheartedly with the families in Red Pheasant Cree Nation that are impacted by this tragedy. We will be at their sides to support them as they manage the devastating impacts of this crisis,” Eden said.

Eden said ISC has deployed three mental wellness therapists to the community since Sept. 1, and a fourth on Tuesday following a request from the community.

“We take this seriously and are making historic investments in mental health and substance use prevention and treatment services,” Eden said.

“We will continue to work with the community leaders to meet the urgent demands of this pressing crisis.”

Luckily, no one died as a result of the overdoses on Friday, Red Pheasant spokesperson Austin Ahenakew says. Staff at the communitys clinic were able to reverse a number of the overdoses using narcan — a drug that blocks the effects of opioid drugs like fentanyl.

Red Pheasant Chief Lux Benson has reportedly told members of his community that residents of houses where drug dealing is suspected could be evicted.

 Ahenakew says so far no one has been forced from their homes, but people are being warned.

We want to give people a chance to stop what theyre doing if theyre selling drugs.

About 315 parking stalls at the Regina General Hospital will be relocated due to construction of the new onsite parkade.

On Oct. 10, site preparation for the new parkade will begin with the installation of fencing around the construction site, according to a release from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). The fencing will take over a large area of the northwestern portion of the parking lot.

Patient and visitor parking will continue to be located adjacent to the site, and people can still access the hospital at the 14th Avenue entrance with parking stalls just east of the current lot.

In place of parking gates or a booth, there will be a pay-on-arrival parking system called “Pay-by-Plate.” Customers park and then pre-purchase blocks of time by registering their licence plate number at a pay station in the hospital, or through the app, ParkMobile.

Parking rates won’t be affected by these changes, the SHA said. The SHAs staff Park & Ride program will also be expanded.

The new parkade is expected to take about a year and a half to complete.

One bathroom in downtown Regina was certainly not a place of relief following a late night case of arson.

On the night of Oct. 2, Regina police received a report of arson concerning a porta-potty in Victoria Park.

Patrol officers in the area found a man who matched the witness description of the fire starter in an alley north of Victoria Avenue – between Scarth Street and Hamilton Street, according to a release from RPS.

Police found bear spray, a machete and “items used for starting fires” in the man’s possession.

During the suspect’s arrest, a nearby garbage bin burst into flames according to officers.

The suspect was found responsible for the additional blaze.

All told, the 21-year-old Regina man is charged with two counts of arson, two counts of carrying a concealed weapon and mischief under $5,000 for an earlier case of graffiti.

The accused made his first appearance in provincial court on Oct. 3.

Those preparing for a rise in COVID-19 and influenza(opens in a new tab) in Saskatchewan this fall can now book their annual shots.

Beginning on Oct. 10, flu shots will be available at public health clinics, pharmacies and at some nurse practitioner and physician offices.

While anyone can contract influenza, seniors, those with chronic health conditions/compromised immune systems, children under five and pregnant women are those considered most at risk.

We continue to offer free access to high-dose flu shots to all seniors in Saskatchewan, Minister of Health Everett Hindley said.

I strongly encourage everyone - especially seniors and anyone with underlying health issues - to get their immunization as soon as they can.

Vaccinations are free of charge to any eligible resident of Saskatchewan aged six months or older.

Children aged six months to five years can only be immunized at an SHA public flu clinic, public health office, or by a physician or nurse practitioner.

Both flu shots and COVID-19 immunizations will be made available at the same appointment. This will include the vaccine targeting the Omnicron XBB.1.5 subvariant.

Immunizations can be booked through the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA) online booking tool at www.4flu.ca.

According to the provinces latest CRISP report(opens in a new tab), 156 people have died due to COVID-19 so far in 2023 while influenza has claimed the lives of two people in Saskatchewan.

The couple and dog mauled and killed by a grizzly bear in the backcountry of Banff National Park late last week did everything right, Parks Canada says.

They had the appropriate permits.

They had bear spray.

Theyd hung their food properly.

They were staying in a location where there were no active bear warnings or area closures.

This incident is a tragedy, and our sincere condolences go out to the families of the victims, Parks Canada said in a release issued on Tuesday.

Parks Canada says it will not be releasing the victims names.

Parks Canada received an alert indicating a bear attack from a GPS device in the Red Deer River Valley around 8 p.m. on Friday.

Due to poor weather conditions, a response team was forced to travel by foot to the site.

When they arrived, around 1 a.m. on Saturday, they found a husband, wife and dog had been killed.

A grizzly bear displaying aggressive behaviour was found in the area and, after it charged at the response team, was euthanized by Parks Canada for public safety reasons.

The area of the attack was closed as a precaution.

The bear was not collared or tagged and was not previously known to Parks Canada staff, Parks Canada said on Tuesday.

Parks Canada does not believe another bear was involved at this time. However, out of an abundance of caution an area closure has been put in place until further notice.

A necropsy on the bear Parks Canada put down revealed it to be female, possibly more than 25 years old and in fair body condition but with poor teeth and less-than-normal body fat.

Further testing will be done to confirm it is the bear responsible for the attack.

Parks Canada says its impossible to know what exactly happened leading up to the attack and it does not care to speculate.

The incident happened in a remote wilderness location and there were no witnesses, Parks Canada said.

Parks Canada does say, however, that what happened on Friday night is very rare.

Bear attacks are rare occurrences. Fatal bear attacks are even less frequent, Parks Canada said.

Liberal MP Greg Fergus is Canadas new House of Commons Speaker, following a secret ranked ballot election on Tuesday.

It is a day for the political history books as Fergus becomes Canadas 38th Speaker and the first Black Canadian to hold the prestigious role. Fergus, 54, takes on the job as MPs impartial adjudicator in the wake of Parliament facing international headline-grabbing acrimony.

Respect is a fundamental part of what we do here. We need to make sure that we treat each other with respect, that we show Canadians the example, because there can be no dialogue unless theres a mutual understanding of respect, Fergus said in his first remarks from the Speakers chair, following an hours-long election process and a standing ovation from his fellow MPs.

There can be no ability to pursue the arguments, to make your points be heard, unless we all agree to extend to each other that sense of respect, Fergus continued, pledging to carry out his duties with firmness and impartiality.

So Im going to be working hard on this, and I need all of your help to make this happen. Because this is the place where hard debates will happen.

Fergus was first elected to the House in 2015, representing the National Capital Region riding of Hull-Aylmer, Que. Though, his lifelong love of Parliament and experience in the Commons dates back decades. 

A self-admitted subscriber to Hansard since age 14, in 1988 he then became a parliamentary page, awed by the majesty of this sanctum of democracy.

Today, he and his wife Julie have three adult children and are self-described doting grandparents to two grandchildren. 

The extremely rare mid-session Speaker election occurred on account of Anthony Rotas resignation last week over his errant and embarrassing invitation and recognition of a man who fought alongside the Nazis in the Second World War during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys address to Parliament.

Upon his election, Fergus was ceremoniously ushered with symbolic reluctance into his new seat at the front of the House of Commons by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Official Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre.

From his new place, party leaders took turns offering their congratulations to Fergus, reflecting on the significance of his colleagues selecting him.

Today you are the first black Canadian to become Speaker of this House. This should be inspiring for all Canadians, especially younger generations who want to get involved in politics, said Trudeau. Canadians expect us all to work together to deliver results. They expect us to behave to the highest standards. Mr. Speaker, I know you will help us rise to meet this moment.

In his congratulatory remarks that veered into campaign-style language, Poilievre spoke about how parliamentarians must act as servants to the public, noting this is called the House of Commons for a reason.

Without much exception, youre one of the friendliest members of Parliament. Its great to see you in this chair now, said NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, going on to also note the incredible feat Fergus has achieved, eventually culminating in his Speaker portrait being added to the halls of Parliament, providing representation thats been lacking to-date.

Now, when people walk the halls of this place and they look at the pictures on the walls and theyre reminded of some of the great achievements of Canada, some of the grave errors that weve made as a nation, they are one day going to see your face. ... I know you know how important that is, Singh said.

Donning the formal attire that accompanies the role, Fergus and a procession of parliamentary officials then travelled over to the Senate where the Houses choice was presented to Gov. Gen. Mary Simon.

After this procedural formality, regular business of the day began, with members statements and question period the first agenda items. 

In a statement, the Parliamentary Black Caucus (PBC) lauded Fergus election, noting he was one of the founders of the group.

It has been a privilege to work closely with the new Speaker on behalf Canadians, especially Black Canadians. He is led by his humility, wit and passion. He is very deserving of this recognition by his colleagues in the House of Commons and I am confident he will serve Canada with distinction, said PBC co-chair Sen. Rosemary Moodie. 

7 CANDIDATES WANTED ROLE

With Dean of the House Bloc Quebecois MP Louis Plamondon presiding for his sixth time on Tuesday morning, voting got underway after an hour of speeches from the candidates and a recognition of Rotas service.

Before we begin I would like to say to Mr. Rota who proceeded me, that I have great admiration for all of the excellent work he accomplished during his two terms as Speaker. He was an excellent Speaker, let us commend him for the great work he did, Plamondon said in French, to applause.

Fergus was one of seven MPs who were seeking the Speakership. The other contenders were Liberal MP Alexandra Mendes, Liberal MP Sean Casey, Liberal MP Peter Schiefke, Conservative MP Chris dEntremont, NDP MP Carol Hughes and Green MP Elizabeth May.

Just as the House began sitting on Tuesday, Liberal MP Stephane Lauzon, who had been on the list of candidates as of Monday evening, took himself out of the running. His decision followed a Liberal caucus meeting early Tuesday during which the vote was discussed.

The need for a reset and reprioritizing decorum were recurring themes expressed by Speaker-hopefuls as they took turns making one last pitch to their peers.

We can do better, and we must. If individual members are willing to be part of a collective effort to restore public confidence in the way we treat each other and the rules of Parliament, then I would be honoured to lead that cause. If, on the other hand, members are comfortable with the current state of decorum and level of respect for the office of the Speaker, please dont vote for me, Casey said.

Conservative MP and deputy Speaker leading into this special election, dEntremont spoke about the difficult circumstances that led to this occasion, as well as how his two years of experience have confirmed his deep desire to take on the top job. He pitched his experience, calm French Acadian demeanor, and personal relationships with his colleagues, as assets.

Appearing virtually due to her current inability to board an airplane after experiencing a stroke this summer, May spoke about how all candidates were more than qualified to be good Speakers and acknowledged her chances were slim.

I pledge my support to the next Speaker. Whoever is brave enough, go back to following our rules, May said.

It took MPs just under an hour to take their turns casting their ballots in the polling booths set up on the House floor.

The House administration was responsible for tallying the results. MPs who were present to vote in-person — a requirement for this election — were asked to rank their choices, but didnt have to include all seven contenders on their ballot.

Under this process, it will not be revealed how many ballots it took for Fergus to receive the absolute majority needed, nor by how many votes he won.

WHAT IS SPEAKERS ROLE?

The duties of the House of Commons Speaker extend beyond the role Canadians most often see them play, as the impartial adjudicator of House proceedings, maintaining order and decorum while interpreting parliamentary rules.

Fergus, as a very recent parliamentary secretary to Trudeau up until his election, may have an uphill battle to convince his opposition colleagues of his neutrality in his decisions.

Ahead of the election, some Conservatives had revived Fergus past actions in an effort to make the case he was ill-suited to occupy the position of Speaker, namely his defence of the prime minister during the 2016 elbowgate fracas, and his recent conflict of interest breach(opens in a new tab) regarding a letter to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

As Speaker, he will no longer participate in Liberal caucus meetings nor in debates, and will only vote in the case of a tie.

Fergus told the House upon his election that he plans to meet with the table officers and deputy speakers in the coming days to discuss how to improve the tone and move forward with the rights of all members in mind.

Fergus will also take on key administrative and managerial functions, as well as ceremonial and diplomatic responsibilities when he acts as a representative of the Canadian Parliament.

The Speaker job comes with a $92,800 salary top-up on the base $194,600 MP salary — the same amount a minister receives. It also comes with an official residence called The Farm in the community of Kingsmere in Chelsea, Que., as well as a modest apartment in West Block for what can often be late nights in the big chair.

Typically, the deputy and assistant deputy Speakers are named in subsequent days and generally are decided upon by consensus amongst the parties. 

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