The Government of Saskatchewan and the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan (PAS) have developed a three-year agreement with the aim of sustaining pharmacies, optimizing scope and modernizing programs.

The new Pharmacy Proprietor Agreement funds services like the dispensing of medications as well as minor ailment diagnosis and treatment.

It is a part of the province’s Patients First Health Care Plan.

“Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and assistants put patients first by delivering high quality care in more than 100 communities across the province,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in a news release Tuesday.

“As one of the most widely and readily available access points for primary care, pharmacies play a key role in ensuring patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.”

The new agreement came into effect May 1, 2026 and provides a total funding increase of $13.8 million. The investment constitutes a 5.4 per cent increase for pharmacy sustainability and a 3.7 per cent increase for scope optimization and service enhancement – representing a 9.1 per cent total increase.

The deal will have a phased implementation over the three-year term.

“Expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians fills in some of the gaps in healthcare, particularly in rural, small-town Saskatchewan,” PAS CEO Michael Fougere told CTV News.

“It really does improve access to health care, and the quality of health care, for people.”

The contract further expands strep throat and ear infection services, allowing broader availability and timely access to care in the community.

Additionally, there is an expansion of the Saskatchewan Medication Assessment Program to more residents and commitments to support minor ailment prescribing by pharmacists. There is also an expansion to chronic disease management services by pharmacy professionals.

The Government of Saskatchewan and PAS will also work collaboratively to review and modernize policy to improve patient access to care.

Fougere says 75 pharmacies across the province will see an expanded scope of practice, but he hopes more will join the program.

“[Pharmacists] can do a lot,” he emphasized. “I’m pleased the government recognizes that in their patients-first strategy, they recognize pharmacists being able to do just exactly that.”

Fougere again emphasized the program’s benefits to small towns and rural areas.

“These services I’m talking about provide quality care, where [they] can be diagnosing and providing support for patients where they would not otherwise have that,” he added.

PAS hopes to see scope expansion grow to allow pharmacists more allowance within the health-care sector, including in aiding with chronic disease and medication management for varying conditions.

The government says there are more than 1,400 practising pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in 433 licensed community pharmacies across Saskatchewan.

The Regina Police Service (RPS) is offering some insight into its efforts during the search for an 8-year-old earlier this week.

On Tuesday at 12:20 p.m., RPS received a call the boy was missing from a school on the 200 block of Hamilton Street.

Police were informed the child is non-verbal as well as not dressed for the cool weather.

“This young gentleman was wearing a t-shirt, pants and runners. The priority levels go up,” said Sgt. Andree Sieber, missing persons coordinator at RPS.

RPS set up a command centre, and additional resources were pulled in for the search. A special program used by police for missing person was also brought in.

The program created a detailed zoning map of where the boy might have gone and when.

Video surveillance from different sources also played a part in the search efforts, helping pinpoint exact times of when the boy left and where he was sighted.

“When you look at the map and the vast area that was searched, the main streets, back alleys, backyards. This was a huge investigation, and it wouldn’t be possible with[out] all our members,” Sieber said.

At approximately 5:48 p.m. the child was found near the intersection of Ross Avenue and Winnipeg Street, over a 1.5-kilometre distance from the school.

There were 80 RPS members who were involved in the search, as well as community partners who helped put out the emergency call. A number of tips were also called in which helped with the search.

“We had contacted everyone we could think of. Can companies, Regina Transit. I can’t thank our community partners enough,” Sieber said.

The boy was taken to the hospital where he was checked and was released in good conditions.

“The moment he was located, we were all holding our breath. We are so very grateful he was located,” Sieber said.

Regina city council has voted in favour of Brandt’s proposal to buy several REAL properties during at Wednesday’s meeting.

Following a handful of delegates, some speaking in favour and some against, the vote was put to councillors, who voted 8 to 3.

Councillors Radons, Flores, and Zachidniak voted against the deal.

Before Wednesday’s meeting, the proposal was discussed during executive committee on April 29. That vote passed seven to four in favour of the deal.

The $6.5 million deal will see the purchase of the Ag-Ex Building, Canada Centre Building, Commercial Cattle Barn, Queensbury Convention Centre, Stockman’s Building, the Brandt Centre, the Agribition Building, the land lease for the McDonalds located at 1810 Exhibition Parkway and the parking lot west of Mosaic Stadium.

As part of the deal, Brandt will be assuming existing leases, sponsorship, food and beverage and service agreements related to the buildings, as well as all event bookings or contracts. Brandt would also be assuming all REAL employment contracts.

7:15 PM - Vote carried

Following a supper break and further discussion from city councillors, the proposal was put to a vote.

Eight councillors voted in favour and three voted against.

5:45 p.m. – Second amendment put to council

Ward 7 Coun. Shobna Radons also proposed an amendment to the REAL – Brandt proposal.

It would see administration bring an annual report providing an evaluation on the status of the community commitment performance measures outlined in the agreement. It would also be considered in future requests for tax exemptions.

The amendment was carried with a vote of seven to four.

Councillors Tsiklis, Rashovich, Bezo and Burton voted against the amendment.

5:10 p.m. – Amendment proposed to protect retained assets

Ward 3 Coun. David Froh put forth an amendment to the REAL – District proposal.

Pending approval and completion of the proposed Brandt deal, the amendment would see the protection of the Co-operators Centre and AffinityPlex.

It involved city administration reporting back to the 2027-28 budget deliberations, with recommendations on the creation of an asset maintenance reserve to serve as the funding source for the capital repair and refurbishment of the two buildings.

The amendment was carried unanimously.

4:35 PM – Council moves to private session

City council moves to an in-camera session, unavailable to the public, so that officials can receive legal advice.

3:45 PM – Brandt CEO makes final argument to city council

Brandt CEO Shaun Semple was the final delegate to speak to the REAL – Brandt proposal.

“This proposal means a renewed and revitalized REAL District, it means improvement to the Brandt Centre and the surrounding buildings, modernizing the experience from top to bottom, it means better hospitality, more activities, better events and more reasons for people to come to the grounds, not just a few times a year, but consistently,” he said.

Coun. Zachidniak asked Semple what would happen if he’s not able to deliver on his great ideas.

“We are going to have the single largest, most expensive music venue built right next to the Brandt Centre. There’s nothing like it anywhere, and that tells you we’re in the game. Failure isn’t an option,” Semple responded.

Regina Mayor Chad Bachynski then posed the opposite question to Semple.

“What if you are able to deliver on your vision?” he asked.

Semple said that would mean 110 to 120 events at the Brandt Centre a year.

“That’s hopefully a couple of big events at Mosaic Stadium, that’s a brand-new site with new features that you won’t see in Canada.”

2:55 PM – Regina citizens again split on proposed deal

Former commanding officer of the Royal Regina Rifles and current official ambassador of the Regina Pats alumni Edward Staniowski lent his full support to the REAL – Brandt proposal.

Staniowski played four years with the Pats in the 1970s and was part of the team’s last Memorial Cup win in 1974.

“We have a saying in the army, the plan is nothing, the planning that goes into the plan is everything,” he said.

“And I can say with hand on heart, because I have been involved with a number of planning initiatives with the Brandt Corporation and the Semple family, that what you’re going to receive in the plan has had a lot of planning going into it.”

Kelly Miller, a resident of North Central Regina, said she was in favour of Coun. Zachidniak’s previous amendment proposal of tabling the proposal in last week’s executive committee meeting.

“The city will lose control forever of this property that it has owned for 127 years. Plus, there are 700 workers that are affected by this deal,” she said.

“Shaun Semple has made it clear that this a take it or leave it type of deal. It seems the decision was already made and that was before council found out the details, which was the same time that citizens did. I find that to be undemocratic.”

2:45 PM – RDBID says proposal will help city centre flourish

Judith Veresuk, the executive director of the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District (RDBID), said the REAL District and Regina’s downtown are neighbours and need to work hand in hand in order for the city to thrive.

“Increased event driven traffic will positively impact our members, both the businesses, restaurants and hotels, as well as improved perceptions of downtown,” she said.

Ward 8 Coun. Shanon Zachidniak asked Veresuk if there are any concerns with investing in the REAL District, instead of downtown.

Veresuk said that is not a concern, as the REAL District, downtown centre, and Warehouse District are all close to each other, and the spin-off effects of a revitalized REAL District will benefit Regina’s downtown.

2:30 PM – Another former mayor lends support to proposal

Speaking to councillors, former mayor Michael Fougere said he fully supports the recommendations from Brandt, calling it an “exciting opportunity for the city that we haven’t seen for quite awhile.”

He said while there is a risk that comes along with the decision, he said the opportunity is too big to pass up.

“It’s a well thought out, well considered approach and I can’t think of another approach that would provide the animation and the destination that we want to see at REAL property, we all have wanted for a long time,” he told councillors.

2 PM - Regina citizens have differing opinions on the proposal

The next two delegates to speak were both citizens of Regina and had split opinions on the proposal.

Tathagata Das was in favour of the proposal, noting the mounting financial pressures REAL has faced over the years.

“We have seen the reports on the staggering infrastructure deficit, and the status quo that simply isn’t working for the people of Regina. Today we have a clear private sector solution on the table that doesn’t just patch a hole, it fixes the foundation,” he said.

However, James Elliott had some questions and concerns about the proposed deal.

“I see this is as a wealthy corporation that should be paying taxes and paying a lot more than what they currently are proposing. If this is what a community partner appears to be like, I’m not sure whether I’d like to have them as a partner,” he said.

1:30 PM – Delegations kick off with former mayor Pat Fiacco

The discussion on REAL’s proposal begins with its first delegate, former mayor Pat Fiacco.

He described the deal as an “extraordinary opportunity” and encouraged city council to vote yes.

“Brandt is making what could be one of the largest private sector investments in Regina. This is not just a financial contribution, it’s a long-term commitment to the future of our city,” he told councillors.

More than $1 million in cash has been seized following the search of a business as part of a drug trafficking operation last month in Woodstock.

As previously reported by CTV News, multiple people were arrested and drugs, firearms and cash were seized during a drug trafficking investigation nicknamed Project Delorean on April 23.

A part of the ongoing investigation, Woodstock police say the Street Crimes Unit executed an additional search warrant at a commercial location on Dundas Street in Woodstock on April 24.

Woodstock police seized a loaded handgun and $1,024,720 in Canadian currency, “marking the largest cash seizure in Woodstock Police Service history.”

As a result of the investigation, one of the four individuals previously arrested, a 28-year-old male from Woodstock, has been additionally charged with:

• Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
• Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
• Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition

The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing.

“This seizure represents a significant disruption to criminal activity in our community. Removing illegal firearms and a substantial amount of illicit proceeds reinforces the Woodstock Police Service’s commitment to targeting organized crime and enhancing public safety,” police said in a statement.

A Canadian Trump critic has launched a lawsuit to stop the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from “unlawfully” obtaining his personal information from Google.

The Canadian citizen, who uses an online pseudonym to protect his privacy, regularly goes on social media sites like X to share strongly-worded criticisms of U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies.

After he posted about the killing of two U.S. citizens by federal agents during immigration crackdowns in Minneapolis, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security allegedly issued an administrative subpoena to Google in February demanding detailed personal information about the unidentified plaintiff, including his name, address, location data, and credit card and bank account numbers.

According to a complaint filed in a California court on Monday, the unnamed Canadian is being “unlawfully targeted” by U.S. officials as part of a continued effort “to unmask social media users who criticize the administration — a transparent gambit to chill speech that the government dislikes.”

The Canadian Trump critic is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in the lawsuit, which names U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin as the defendant. Founded in 1920, the ACLU is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending constitutional rights and liberties.

“I have long admired the United States for its commitment to free speech,” the Canadian plaintiff, who is identified only as John Doe in court documents, said in an ACLU press release.

“Never in a million years did I think that, after criticizing the U.S. government, I would be targeted with a summons seeking to find out who I am, where I live, where I go, and what I read online. You don’t have to be from America to know that this is un-American.”

‘A dangerous and terrifying precedent’

The lawsuit is asking the court to rule that the Department of Homeland Security is exceeding its legal authority by demanding detailed information about the Canadian’s life and identity.

“The Trump administration is illegally targeting online critics just because it doesn’t like what they’re posting,” Jake Snow, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Northern California, said in the press release. “That sets a dangerous and terrifying precedent that threatens all of our fundamental rights.”

The plaintiff has a personal Google email address that is linked to his X account. His posts have received more than 100,000 views in total.

Citing customs enforcement law, the Department of Homeland Security issued the subpoena to Google directly and not through a court. The plaintiff lives in Canada and has not entered the U.S. in more than a decade.

Social media sites have reportedly received hundreds of similar requests for personal information since Trump began his second term. The ACLU has previously filed three related lawsuits, which all resulted in the Department of Homeland Security withdrawing requests for personal data before judges could rule on their legality. Those cases involved Google, Facebook and Instagram.

In addition to asking the court to invalidate the summons to Google, the latest lawsuit also seeks to stop the Department of Homeland Security from using its customs enforcement authority as a means to identify and intimidate Trump administration critics.

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“Not satisfied with trying to suppress speech at home, the Trump administration is now targeting dissenters abroad,” Michael Perloff, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of the District of Columbia, said in the news release. “A law designed to enforce customs does not give the government authority to target its critics around the world.”

Court documents reveal that the plaintiff was promptly notified by Google, which has not yet complied with the summons.

In an email to CTVNews.ca, a Google spokesperson said unless they are legally prohibited from doing so, Google’s policy is to notify users of subpoenas, court orders or warrants, typically with a time frame for users to take action before the company must respond.

“When we receive a subpoena, our review process is designed to protect user privacy while meeting our legal obligations,” the Google spokesperson told CTVNews.ca. “We review every legal demand and push back against those that are overbroad or improper, including objecting to some entirely.”

The Retail Council of Canada is calling grocery store theft a national crisis, with losses now approaching $10 billion annually across the grocery sector and it’s only growing.

The rise is due to more than people stealing an apple. According to multiple sources who spoke to CTV National News, organized crime is now also involved.

In an email to CTV News, the Retail Council of Canada says that “grocery theft is rising in Canada, driven by a mix of economic pressure and increasingly organized retail crime. While affordability challenges are real for many Canadians, what retailers are seeing more of is coordinated, repeat theft tied to organized networks,” the statement read.

“Eastern European organized crime has certainly been involved, and this isn’t just a big city problem, it’s happening straight across the country,” says CTV News crime specialist, Mark Mendelson.

RCMP in Richmond, B.C., say supermarket theft has doubled in the city so far in 2026 compared to the same period last year.

“We have analysts and when they see a spike like this, we have meetings every week, so this is something we’re looking at and it’s definitely on our radar,” shares RCMP Cpl. Frank Bryson.

In January, Ottawa Police conducted “project pantry” at a downtown independent grocer, officers in uniform and undercover investigators eventually arrested a dozen people and laid 78 charges. Police in the nation’s capital believe some thefts there do appear to be coordinated.

“People are running away, going to a car right away and giving that product to whoever’s in the car, in exchange for something. Its either drugs or money,” according to Ottawa Police Chief, Eric Stubbs who spoke to CTV News about the “project pantry” in January.

Self-checkout thefts

Authorities have also flagged some self-checkout counters, inside grocery stores as areas where criminals are taking advantage of security gaps.

This month, Guelph police arrested a man who they claim swapped out expensive products for cheaper ones at self-checkouts. Police claim that the individual in question, would scan items that cost less than one dollar, in exchange for baby formula priced at $97 dollars each.

“I’ve seen thefts at the self-checkout happen right in front of me. You’re used to hearing a beeping noise then all of a sudden, the beeping stops but items continue to go into the bag. Walmart in the United States is pulling self-checkouts from their stores. The losses are becoming too much to handle,” says Mendelson.

Just last August, in Windsor, Ont. more than $220,000 worth of beef was stolen from a parked tractor trailer. The large-scale heist is another example of lucrative grocery crimes on the rise.

The Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) has activated emergency operations as floodwaters forced members of two Saskatchewan First Nations from their homes Monday evening.

Shoal Lake Cree Nation and Red Earth Cree Nation, neighbouring communities about 220 kilometres northeast of Prince Albert, started moving the most vulnerable members off the reserves late Monday as flooding along the Shell and Carrot rivers washed over low-lying land.

Evacuations expanded Tuesday to elders, pre and postnatal members and other high-risk individuals.

In a news release Tuesday, the PAGC said river flows have reached record levels, peaking at 980 cubic metres per second Tuesday morning — the highest the Water Security Agency has recorded on the river. Water levels have risen nearly three metres since April 29.

“Officials say the updated peak-flow estimate is 1,050 cubic metres per second, which would amount to a one-in-100-year event,” PAGC said.

“The previous record at the station was 816 cubic metres per second, set in 1972. Monitoring continues, and the peak may not arrive until around May 9.”

A photo from the tribal council, one of the largest in Canada representing 44,000 members, shows residents of Red Earth travelling through the community by canoe.

PAGC Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said the tribal council is working with provincial officials to track flooding in both systems and to keep communications open with First Nations leadership and other partners.

“Water has its own way of returning to the land. That is nature’s way,” said Hardlotte.

“But when it comes back like this, it creates serious problems for our communities, our roads, our homes and our families. Our priority right now is safety, communication and making sure our First Nations have the support they need.”

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency and Saskatchewan First Nations Emergency Management are working with PAGC to coordinate support and monitor rapidly changing conditions, and the Canadian Red Cross is preparing supports for evacuated members as they register for assistance.

In a statement to CTV News, a Canadian Red Cross spokesperson said it’s supporting PAGC through a standing agreement with Indigenous Services Canada.

The Red Cross says support includes emergency hotel accommodations in Saskatoon and Prince Albert, reception services, food and wellbeing supports.

At the request of community leadership and through a standing agreement with Indigenous Services Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is supporting community members within the Prince Albert Grand Council who were evacuated due to flooding. Support includes registration, accommodations, food, and wellbeing supports.

PAGC Vice-Chief Christopher Jobb says the emergency operations centre is focused on helping keep community members safe as they prepare for several more days of high water. The tribal council warns that high water brings strong currents that can destabilize riverbanks and damage roads, and things can turn dangerous without warning.

“We are doing our best and opening lines of communication with our communities and emergency partners,” said Jobb.

“We are asking everyone to be safe out there. Please listen to your local leadership, avoid flooded areas and give emergency crews the room they need to do their work.”

EVO Radio Network – Scheduled Maintenance Notice

EVO Radio will be conducting a network-wide server migration and infrastructure update beginning Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 3:00 AM, with work expected to be completed by Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 8:00 PM.

During this maintenance window, the following services may be temporarily offline or intermittently inaccessible at various points:

Websites

• https://z1035.evoradio.ca/

• https://979thecowboy.evoradio.ca/

• https://101therockhound.evoradio.ca/

• https://887thegoat.evoradio.ca/

• https://advertiseraccess.evoradio.ca/

• https://vipclub.evoradio.ca/

• https://evomcorp.com/

• https://djspinderella.evomcorp.com/

Live Broadcasting

• Z103.5

• 979 The Cowboy

• 101 The Rockhound

• Classic 88.7 The Goat

Stream Relay Network

• All Stream Relay services will be unavailable during the migration.

Because this update involves server transfers, database installations, and name server changes, exact downtime periods cannot be guaranteed. Individual service interruptions may vary, with some components taking up to several hours to complete.

Our support and technical teams will work to keep all stations and websites online for as long as possible and will restore services immediately as each system becomes available. Broadcast services and station websites will be prioritized, followed by additional network services.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we complete these upgrades, which are designed to improve performance, reliability, and long-term stability across the EVO Radio Network.

Thank you for your continued support,
EVO Radio Network

🎉 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/
• 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/

Experiencing Issues?

While everything is running smoothly on our end, we’re here to help if you encounter any issues. If you’re having trouble with our broadcasts or websites, please report the issue to us immediately so we can address it.

📧 Contact Us:

If you have having any issues please reach out to us on our websites!

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