To suggest that the federal Conservative government are taking its rural Saskatchewan base for granted might be seen by some as a tad unfair. Supporters will point to the end of the gun registry and improvements in other agricultural programs as evidence that this federal government is in touch with the needs and wants of [...]

It`s called venture capital without the capital. The power of mentoring is well-established in the business world as today`s commercial leaders devote some of their energy to helping the next generation find their sea legs. But there is a story in the emerging world that has taken it to a new level. Basically, it is [...]

The future of agriculture has long looked bright. I recall futurist and economist Lowell Catlett spoke in Yorkton years ago with a presentation he titled ‘The Future Is So Bright You’ll Have to Wear Shades’. It was an impassioned talk which left an indelible impression on this writer. I was enthralled by the ideas Catlett [...]

Nicklas Lidstrom is in an unfamiliar position, on two fronts. For one, the 42-year-old Swede saw his hockey season come to an end in April, an oddity because his season usually doesn’t end until at least May — and often June. And two, Lidstrom skated off the ice April 20 following his team’s elimination by [...]

Important aspects of a 50-year-old’s life usually involve a comfortable chair with a footrest; playing with the grandchildren; and maybe, for recreation, a little golf on the weekend. For others, semi-retirement. Jamie Moyer, it could be argued, is already in semi-retirement. He’s a baseball pitcher who will turn 50 this November and he works only [...]

Another of Canada`s major banks has concluded that Saskatchewan will be a top economic performer in the next 24 months. TD Bank`s economists have updated their provincial forecasts and say Saskatchewan will trail only Alberta in economic expansion this year. They point to Saskatchewan as having the most diverse group of commodities to sell to [...]

For some, there’s never a great time to revisit an unpopular idea … or so the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce may soon find out if it pushes its idea of municipal amalgamation much further. The Chamber may find that the notion is no more popular than it was in 2000 when the University of Saskatchewan [...]

If you follow the news even lightly, you’ll know that bed bugs—flat-bodied bloodsuckers that can hide in all kinds of small crevices and live up to a year without eating—are making a horror-movie-like resurgence everywhere, Saskatchewan included. Pest control experts say the infestation already comprises a global pandemic. Nice. So are we going back to [...]

Is it just me or are the NHL playoffs becoming more and more reminiscent of a third rate professional wrestling show. Don’t get me wrong, some of the hockey has been unparalleled in caliber but the cheapshots combined with missed calls by the referees are making the league look like one of the biggest jokes [...]

If there is one thing April 2012 should be teaching anyone not already aware of it, weather ultimately determines farming. Farmers have garnered a reputation of never being completely happy, and the fact they spend most of the time between spring thaw and the first snows of the next winter watching the weather has a [...]