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Sask. Party texting campaign, Legacy school may shut down, and city council meets
April 26, 2024 | Advertise with us
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Good morning. In our first story this morning we look at a new text message campaign by the Saskatchewan Party. As a bit of history, did you know that the campaign of former Democratic Party presidential candidate Howard Dean is viewed as the pioneer in mass texting for political campaigns? Sadly, Mr. Dean is more likely remembered for his BYEAH scream during a 2004 rally.
Here’s The SKoop for Friday, April 26:
Sask. residents receive a text message attack ad,
City councils debate road safety and housing, and
Legacy Christian Academy may shut down.
Today’s Top Stories
Sask. Party sends mass texting campaign targeting Beck
Some Saskatchewan residents may have received a text message from the Saskatchewan Party that takes aim at NDP leader Carla Beck.
The text includes a video attachment that is the same ad that was seen on Twitter earlier this week, that said “The NDP is Trudeau’s choice for Saskatchewan.” The video shows clips of Beck speaking to the Canadian Labour Congress in Ottawa. Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, and Justin Trudeau also spoke at the event, although the three were never in the room at the same time.
In response to the video, NDP leader Carla Beck said “I grew up on a farm. I know B-S when I see it.”
Mass-texting voters is an increasingly common practice by political parties and a method used by both the Sask. Party and NDP in the past. Texts from political parties are not subject to Canada’ anti-spam legislation (CASL).
All political parties are required to maintain a do not call list for those who do not wish to receive its messages. Expect to receive more text messages from parties throughout election season.
Sponsored by the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association
Learn more about the great work the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association and its members are doing at saskheavy.ca.
City Councils debate housing, road safety in Regina and Saskatoon
Regina City Council met Wednesday night and discussed the housing accelerator fund and Vision Zero framework.
Mayor Sandra Masters addressed the opposition to the Housing Accelerator Fund.
“I think sometimes it’s just the fear of the unknown. I hear the (notion) of bringing folks along. I think that’s important but we also know that it was called the accelerator fund with intention and we have a very narrow window — not just to approve the changes but to actually execute on having an additional 1,100 units into market within 36 months.”
Regina council members also deliberated reducing the speed limit in the Cathedral neighbourhood and implement Vision Zero. After initially unanimously passing a motion for Vision Zero framework, voting 7-3 to establish the City’s first Community Safety Zone, Regina City Council voted 6-5 to delay the final decision until May 8.
Saskatoon City Council also met the same day and passed additional safety measures at the site of a fatal crash near the University of Saskatchewan. An audit was commissioned after cyclist Natasha Fox was killed in a collision last May at the corner of College Drive and Wiggins Avenue.
Tod Fox, Natasha’s husband supports the installation of a bike box and turning restriction. The cost for this proposal is $25,000. Fox said the cost is minimal and would cost nine cents per resident, saying “If I know anything about this community, we’d all agree a life is worth more than a dime.”
City council voted to include the bike box and right turn restriction.
Sponsored by Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan
Legacy Christian Academy considering shutting down
Legacy Christian Academy is considering shutting down following the allegations of abuse brought forward over the past two years.
CBC News obtained a memo that stated, “Because of the ongoing allegations against Christian Centre Academy, our earlier rendition, and even against LCA as it is today, it has become more difficult to maintain the student enrolment levels that we believe are necessary for operating with excellence," wrote Marguerite Wiggins, a senior teacher and advisory consultant at the school.
Former students launched a class action lawsuit against Legacy Christian Academy and the connected Mile Two Church after it was revealed that 18 former students filed criminal complaints against affiliated staff members. The allegations include paddling, exorcisms, sexual assault, solitary confinement, and more. Four men affiliated with the school have been criminally charged.
Westdale Christian School plans to rent the school space and church building and may be open for enrollment this fall. Former students have called the news a “rebrand”.
The school is located in Saskatoon’s Lawson Heights neighbourhood.
More news and info
No help from government for Saskatoon family’s health-care travel (CKOM News)
Ex-Calgary Mayor Nenshi expected to be focus of first Alberta NDP leadership debate (Canadian Press)
Honda to get up to $5B in government assistance for EV battery, assembly plants (Canadian Press)
Appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark trial (CTV News)
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