The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed late Thursday that a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a beef cow from Alberta.
No part of the animal’s carcass entered the human food or animal feed systems, CFIA reports.
This is Canada’s first confirmed case of BSE since 2011 and was detected through the national BSE surveillance program. BSE is a progressive, fatal neurological disease in cattle.
The agency has launched an investigation and is working with provincial and industry partners. As part of the investigation, the CFIA is seeking to confirm the age of the animal, its history and how it became infected. The investigation will focus in on the feed supplied to the animal during the first year of its life. The agency will also trace out all animals of equivalent risk and have them destroyed and tested for BSE.
Canada remains a “controlled BSE risk” country as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health and this case should not affect current exports of Canadian cattle or beef.
In 2003 a case of BSE was discovered on a farm and as a result, the countries closed their borders to Canadian beef. The Canadian cattle industry has been rebuilding ever since.
BSE is thought to spread when cattle eat feed containing protein rendered from brains and spines of infected cattle and sheep. The practice was banned in 1997 and in 2007 the CFIA tightened feed rules to help eliminate the disease in Canada within 10 years.
Monthly Archives: February 2015
Craik rallies to save health services
By Kevin Gilby
CRAIK—The Craik Saving Our Health Care task force recently announced their plans to hold two noon-hour rallies in the coming weeks to maintain and restore their health services. The first rally is schedule for Feb. 27 near the Craik Health Centre and the second on March 2, in the city of Regina on the first day the legislature is back in session.
The task force, composed of community members appointed by Craik’s Mayor and RM of Craik Reeve, have been meeting almost daily to discuss plans to secure their physician and their health centre against what they consider “the brunt ax of the bureaucrats.”
In preparation for the rallies, the group has been generating slogans for picket signs and planning the logistics to unify the voices of the community and area. The public is invited to join them and march near the Craik Health Centre to both show their support to the centre staff and physician, and to express their demands to be heard by the government and health regions.
The group has scheduled a bus to transport community and area members to Regina departing from the Craik Community Rink at 9:30 a.m. for the March 2 rally. Members of Central Butte have already agreed to join the rally in Regina.
In a Thursday news release, the task force summarized their continued concerns regarding negotiations for doctor coverage and for the support of the Craik Health Centre. The release also highlighted their plans on how to amplify their message in the following weeks.
As part of their effort, they have invited the leaders of all political parties in Saskatchewan to visit the community and health centre and meet with the community leaders.
Task force representative David Ashdown said, “We’ve invited the leaders of all four political parties to come talk to us and, in that way, we are trying to send a message that we are trying to make this an election issue.”
To read more, please see the Feb. 16 print edition of The Davidson Leader. To subscribe, email davidsonleader@sasktel.net
Winter road warriors trek across Canada
By Tara de Ryk
KENASTON—Rare is the day when a dinky Honda C90 turns the head of a Harley Davidson man.
That day came last Monday for Bill Hannah who was all agog at the sight of two of those puny rides parked at the pumps of the PetroCan station in Kenaston.
“No windscreens,” Bill exclaimed, still excited about seeing the motorcycles, which look like a cross between a moped and a Vespa scooter. He was amazed that someone would venture out for a ride on the windswept Prairie in February.
He was even more impressed after going into the PetroCan and meeting their owners Rachel Lasham and Ed March, who are in the midst of a two continent trek from Alaska to Argentina.
“I got excited. I phoned home to Erna (his wife) and told her, ‘You won’t believe what I’ve seen,’” Bill says, adding it was cold out, about minus 22.
Lasham and March are from England and a couple months ago, they shipped their Honda C90s to Anchorage, Alaska, the start of their trip south to Argentina. When they reached Vancouver, they decided to veer off their planned course and make a cross-Canada trip as well, which is how they ended up in Kenaston Feb. 9.
“I walked into the PetroCan, they are nice young kids, I talked to them and took two pictures. I can’t believe what I saw.”
Bill said he and Erna both ride Harleys and he talked to Lasham and March about motorcycling.
“Bikers always connect with other bikers,” Bill said.
Hannah admits to feeling a little soft after meeting the two Brits. Bill said he and Erna ride in the summer when the roads are dry and free of ice and snow. They also ride Harley Davidson Road Kings and likely wouldn’t want to trade nearly 1600cc of power and cruising comfort for the Honda Cub’s 90ccs of output.
Liam & Emma’s popularity continues reign
Liam and Emma continue their reign as the most popular baby names, according to eHealth Saskatchewan, who last Wednesday, released the top 20 baby names for 2014.
Liam was the most popular baby name for the fifth year in a row for baby boys and Emma was the most popular girl’s name for the last six years for babies born in Saskatchewan. The second most popular names were William and Olivia.
There were 79 baby boys named Liam in 2014, followed by William, Noah, Mason and Jacob. There were 75 baby girls named Emma, followed by Olivia, Sophia, Emily and Ava.
To date there are 15,773 live births registered in Saskatchewan in 2014, which is an increase from 15,222 births in 2013. These numbers do not include Saskatchewan mothers who gave birth outside of the province.
The 15,773 live births of 2014 is the highest since 1990, when 16,094 were registered.
The top 20 girl names, in order of popularity, were: Emma, Olivia, Sophia, Emily, Ava, Brooklyn, Avery, Sadie, Ella, Lily, Chloe, Zoey, Isabella, Abigail, Sarah, Aria, Harper, Hannah, Claire and Ellie.
The top 20 boy names, in order of popularity were: Liam, William, Noah, Mason, Jacob, Logan, Carter, Hudson, Lucas, Alexander, Jack, Jaxon, Oliver, Hunter, Luke, Lincoln, Samuel, Owen, Benjamin and Ethan.
LePoudre
Julius Paul LePoudre
Julius LePoudre of Annaheim passed away suddenly on January 21, 2015.
He is survived by his loving family: partner, Madeleine; children Paul (Shyra), Angela (Kevin), Jeff (Cindy); stepchildren Nicole (Daryl), Jennifer (Clint); 12 adored grandchildren; mother-in-law Doris Nixon; brother-in-law Gary Nixon; brother Daniel (Joanne), sisters Shirley (Harvey), Deborah (Clarke), Darlene (Wayne) and numerous other family members.
Julius was predeceased by his loving wife Sharon, parents Paul and Gabrielle, father-in-law, Floyd Nixon, numerous other family members and several fellow musicians.
Julius was born on September 26, 1946, the oldest child of Paul and Gabrielle LePoudre. He grew up on a farm east of Davidson enjoying his childhood years with his four siblings. It was during his childhood years that Julius was taught to play the guitar which would be one of his greatest passions throughout the remainder of his life.
On July 26, 1968 Julius married Sharon Nixon from Craik and they set up their home on a farm near his parents. Julius and Sharon loved the farm where they enjoyed the many aspects of farm life.
In March of 1979, a three-month-old baby boy came to stay with Julius and Sharon and became their precious son Paul. Soon a baby girl was hoped for and in July 1982 she arrived – just five days old- their beautiful Angela Marie. Throughout the years Julius and Sharon opened their hearts and home to so many children. They had so much love to give and were always reaching out.
In April of 1994 Sharon was diagnosed with cancer. Sadly she lost her courageous battle and passed away September of 1996. Julius found work outside of farming at Doepker Industries in Annaheim. After completing their school year, his children followed him and Annaheim became their home. Several years later he met Madeleine. Life was full. Julius had many great passions: his family, his friends and sharing his love of music with so many people throughout his lifetime.
Prayers were held Monday, January 26. The Mass of Christian Burial was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 27 with Rev. Father Joseph Gyim-Austin officiating. Interment followed in the family plot, Davidson Cemetery. Lunch was served by the CWL. Hanson’s Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.
Memorial Mass was held in St. Ann’s Church in Annaheim, Saturday, January 31, Father Richard Meidl OSB officiating. Lunch and Musical Celebration followed in the Annaheim Town Hall.
If family or friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to: The Sask. Music Educators Assoc., the Sask. Music Festival Assoc., or to a charity of choice.
Nadeau
Magdalena “Maggie” Nadeau
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of “Maggie” Magdalena Nadeau on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the age of 82.
The following tribute was written (with help from family members) and presented by grandchildren Jurrai Nadeau and Rylan Urban. We thought it would be nice to share Grandma’s Life Story.
Magdalena (Schwab) Nadeau, better known as Maggie or Lena, was born on May 6, 1932 in Revenue, Saskatchewan. Her parents, Wendelyn Schwab and Magdalena Hager raised her along with four brothers and seven sisters.
Maggie met her future husband Lawrence Nadeau at her brother Frank’s wedding on July 12, 1954. And as it turns out – Lawrence was the brother of Frank’s wife. Together Lawrence and Maggie had seven children: Angie (deceased) (Tom) Sharla and Owen; Larry (Marie) Kailin and Jurrai; Marlow (Sharron) Alissa, Megan, Dylan and Kallie; Owen (deceased); Wayne (Darlene) Michael and Matthew; Connie (Teresa) Robbie, Chantelle, Sheldon, Emily, Melissa and Nicholas; and Arlene (Ken) Rylan, Kiley and Ashley.
From the time of their marriage in 1954, until the time of Grandpa’s passing in 1994, Grandma and Grandpa were inseparable. They would get groceries, mail, run errands and even cut and stack wood together. Many times Grandma went to work with Grandpa just to be with him.
Maggie’s children remember growing up with ‘Pancake Fridays’, homemade macaroni and cheese, homemade Chinese food, treats like suc la crème and butter, Christmas sock stockings and large amounts of halva at Christmas time.
Grandma looked forward to special holidays like Thanksgiving, Easter and birthdays, as she would get to visit with her 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Christmas Eve was a significant event for Grandma and her family. We would gather either at someone’s home or at the hall to exchange gifts, eat and visit. This became to be known by some as NadeauEve.
Grandma enjoyed doing things with her hands, including knitting, crocheting, puzzles, sewing and mending, and painting. Grandma spent lots of her time making afghans, mittens, toques, scarves, lap blankets, baby blankets, doll and baby clothes, dish cloths and many more items for family, friends and the hospital. Grandma was more than generous with the items she made; she rarely kept anything for herself. There isn’t a person likely here today that doesn’t have something hanging from their stove, worn on their hands or feet, or slung over their chesterfield that was made with love by Grandma.
Grandma also enjoyed her weekly National Inquiry magazines, Harlequin Romance books, sweets including chocolates, and lottery scratch and win tickets.
Throughout the years, Grandma has had special friends in her life. She enjoyed playing cards with Jenny Scott every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and having Audie Cool pick her up every Saturday for groceries. Audie also picked Grandma up for her favourite trip out to A&W for coffee and a burger. Another friend of Grandma’s was Carole Dube, whom Grandma enjoyed visits with, be it near or far.
Some great memories we have of Grandma are: the numerous wedding cakes she designed and made for nieces, nephews and other family and friends. The cakes were amazing in different shapes, sizes and colours. This may be why a few of her children can still eat cake icing from the jar; the beautiful wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses she made from scratch; her little green car; sleepovers at her little yellow house; her amazing ability to bounce back after bad health; going for drives with her and Aunty Mary in Aunty Mary’s big red car; playing with the butterflies and the big stuffed caterpillars at her old house; her bin full of toys at the old house, yet never having enough drawing paper; riding the bus to Lloyminster with her; her bringing chocolate-covered raisins for Ashley and pennies for Rylan when visiting Lloydminster; birthday cards with the same amount of money as your age, taped in the same shape as your age in loonies and toonies; and the chain on her glasses.
Emily Forman, one of Grandma’s great-granddaughters who is nine years old wrote this soon after Grandma’s passing and wished to share:
Hello everyone and thank you for letting me write this speech. Grandma was a very important person in all of our lives and when I heard she passed away, I was very extremely upset. I want you all to know that I know it will be a big loss in your lives but also in mine. I, Emily Elaine Forman, promise that I will never ever have perfectly curly hair again because the only one that can do it perfect is Grandma Maggie. My parents and I will really miss the warm blankets that she made for us. Last but not least, we need to be happy because a lot of years ago Grandpa Lawrence died and now she can dance and talk with him, and seeing him will make her very happy. Thank you.
One of her children also wished to share:
It was hard to believe the last few times I visited mom, as I knew these precious visits that I had with her were coming to an end. Never would I have thought that I would have been with her when she chose to join Dad, Angie and Owen and all her other family and friends in heaven. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I do believe last Saturday was chosen because I was there and I got to tell mom I loved her, one last time. You will always be in all of our hearts, forever.
Finally, our family wished to share one last thing. On the Saturday that Grandma passed, she was taken out for Chinese food for lunch. And as usual, she received a fortune cookie – but never got the chance to read it. It wasn’t until last night that we got together as a family and opened the cookie. The fortune read as follows: “You will soon bring joy to someone.” The first, and only ones that we could think of were those waiting for her in heaven; Grandpa, Angie and Owen.
Maggie is survived by five children, 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other family members as well as special friends Audie Cool, Jenny Scott and Carole Dube.
Vigil of Prayer Service was Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial was Friday, February 6, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Davidson.
Interment was in the family plot in Davidson Cemetery. Donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation, Cancer Society, Davidson Health Centre Trust Fund or charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home.