Latest news with #Saskatoon
National Post
4 hours ago
- Business
- National Post
Bell: Danielle Smith and Alberta give Mark Carney an offer he shouldn't refuse
It is a letter. A five-page letter. Article content You could call it THE letter. Whatever happens with this letter will play a big, big part in Alberta's place in Canada going forward. Article content It is dated May 16, signed by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney. Article content On Monday, June 2, this letter will be on the table when Carney sits down with the premiers in Saskatoon. Article content Article content Before Smith gets around to making her offer, she begins her letter to Carney talking about how what Alberta wants will 'address serious issues plaguing Canada's economic well-being and the very real sense of alienation felt across the West.' Article content Article content This is serious stuff. Alberta has had more than enough. Article content She says Asian customers in Japan and South Korea have told her they believe Canada needs to 'accelerate market access of our oil, LNG, ammonia and critical minerals faster.' Article content 'We must build on what TMX delivered by creating another pipeline that delivers similar economic uplift, jobs, opportunities for reconciliation and Canadian security.' Article content Article content The premier says an oil pipeline has to be on Carney's list of nation-building projects to be fast-tracked. Article content It will also … and read between these lines … 'send an unwelcome signal to Albertans concerned about Ottawa's commitment to national unity.'
Globe and Mail
9 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Tips and deals to help maximize your summer vacation dollars
Travel has become more expensive in recent years, with increased costs for airfare, hotels, and dining. However, don't let that deter you from exploring. Regardless of your destination, booking early and choosing off-season travel are effective strategies to save money. If you want to stretch your budget further, try these tactics that can help maximize vacation dollars. The insiders' guide: Where to go in Europe to avoid the crowds Although travelling within Canada can be notoriously expensive, some recent changes may help reduce your overall costs. Porter Airlines expanded its network and now flies across the country. Both Air Canada and WestJet have also increased their domestic routes as they've scaled back some flights to the United States. As a result, lower fares have been available. Additionally, the federal government recently announced a Canada Strong Pass, which allows those under the age of 18 to get free access to art galleries, national parks, museums and free seats on VIA Rail when travelling with their parents. While specific details are yet to be announced, this initiative could offer a valuable opportunity to cut costs. When planning your travel, make sure to check the local tourism website since they often have exclusive deals or passes. Stephanie Clovechok, chief executive officer of Discover Saskatoon, said her group's website helps direct those planning their itineraries to a range of services and deals. 'Our offers and packages page connects travellers directly with hotel promotions and seasonal experiences developed in partnership with our hospitality and tourism members,' she said. In B.C. there's Whistler's offer of up to 25 per cent off and a complimentary $100 activity voucher on stays of three nights or more, or up to 30 per cent off and a $200 voucher on stays of at least five nights. Those headed to Nova Scotia may be interested in the Halifax Experience Pass and the Nova Scotia Museum Pass. Both give you access to some top attractions at one low price. When you bundle your flights, hotel and airport transfers together as a vacation package, it's often significantly cheaper than booking everything separately. That said, major resorts such as Sandals and Grand Velas often have seasonal sales, so booking separately might make sense. Working with a travel agent can also be beneficial since many don't charge a fee and offer practical advice. 'For flexible travellers, we can help them find the best days to depart to maximize savings,' travel adviser Jennifer Zabloski said. 'Sometimes leaving the day before or after your desired date can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.' She points out that online photos and reviews of resorts are frequently misleading, so collaborating with an adviser who has visited the properties and knows the location well can ensure you're getting the best fit for your needs. Another sun destination with deals right now is Bermuda, where visitors can get up to 30 per cent off hotel stays, and 20 per cent off air and hotel with BermudAir Holidays. If you're headed to Europe for the first time, it will be tempting to visit major destinations such as Paris, Rome and London, however, those cities tend to be the most expensive. Instead, consider more budget-friendly destinations such as Portugal, Poland, Romania or Bulgaria, where costs could be considerably cheaper. When it comes to flights, choosing an airline that provides a stopover program, such as Icelandair, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and TAP Portugal, can be a cost-effective way to visit multiple countries. Stopover programs allow travellers to break up their journey – usually by at least 24 hours - and visit cities that are en route to their ultimate destination. Google Flights and are excellent websites for discovering the lowest prices and best routes. Many European cities, such as Amsterdam, Vienna and Berlin, offer a museum pass that can save you money, depending on how many attractions you plan to visit. 'Regardless of what loyalty points you collect, using them for long-haul travel often makes sense because it'll immediately reduce the cost of your flights or hotels – typically your largest expense,' said Sash Bhavsar, co-founder of a consultancy firm that frequent flyers hire to help them maximize their points. Don't overlook local hotel brands abroad, like Tokyu Stay and APA in Japan. They're often more affordable and offer a more authentic experience than large international chains, Mr. Bhavsar noted. If possible, opt for a regional or smaller international airport instead of the main one at your destination to save on airport landing fees and taxes that are often reflected in ticket prices. Secondary airport hubs charge airlines less, so if visiting Bangkok, Thailand, see if you can land at Don Mueang International (DMK) instead of Suvarnabhumi (BKK). And in Buenos Aires, for example, aim for Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP) rather than Ezeiza (EZE). Many seasoned cruisers turn to as a starting point for trip research. While it may not be the most user-friendly website, its filtering system is arguably the best because it allows travellers to browse cruise deals by departure date, ports, cruise lines and trip duration. Once you've found what you're looking for, contact the cruise line and book directly for the best price. 'Most cruise lines offer seasonal promotions, including discounted fares, onboard credits and special deals like free passage for third and fourth guests,' Lisa Huizing, a vacation consultant with Expedia Cruises, said. Planning ahead and prepaying for add-ons such as beverage packages, Wi-Fi, airport transfers, excursions and gratuities can also help, Huizing added. No one wants an unexpected charge at the end of their voyage, so securing these extras in advance can ensure a more enjoyable experience. When booking, ask about all-inclusive packages that bundle these extras at a reduced price. Barry Choi is a personal finance and travel expert. He was previously affiliated with Air Canada and WestJet, but currently has no relationship with any of the brands mentioned.
CBC
9 hours ago
- Politics
- CBC
One man's harrowing journey from Vietnam to Saskatoon after the fall of Saigon
True freedom Fifty years after the fall of Saigon, Dong Van Tran is grateful for the life he has in Canada. His journey here wasn't Graphics Jeffery Tram May 31, 2025 Dong Van Tran opens Facebook Messenger on his phone every morning. It's the only way he can speak to his family in Vietnam. He hasn't seen his mother since 2011, his only visit since he fled Vietnam on a boat nearly three decades ago. He tried to visit his homeland in 2013, but Vietnamese authorities turned him away at the airport because of his family's history. It was the final confirmation of what he'd long suspected: he would never be allowed back. Tran was born in 1964 in Quảng Ngãi, a city in central Vietnam. At the time, the Vietnam War was well underway. The country was divided. Communism ruled the north, while the south followed a capitalist model. That divide had been formalized by the 1954 Geneva Accords, after the end of French colonialism and the First Indochina War. Although the war officially ended on April 30, 1975, with the fall of Saigon and the reunification of the country under communist control, it was another night, about a month before, that Tran remembers most vividly. Fifty years after the fall of Saigon, Dong Van Tran is grateful for the life he has in Canada. His journey to Saskatoon wasn't easy. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. All over Vietnam, people marked the reunification of a country after years of bloodshed and foreign occupation, and celebrated a country that has now become a rising economic power in southeast Asia. Memories of Vietnam, 50 years after the war With a median age of 33, according to the World Factbook, many Vietnamese people weren't yet born when the war was going on. But the refugees who fled the nation and are now settled in countries like Canada, the United States, Australia and France — especially those who fled the south — still carry the trauma and memories of what was lost. The fall Tran was 11 years old when his family decided to flee their home as communist forces descended upon their hometown on March 24, 1975. The family was split. Tran and his three siblings, all under 17 years of age, crammed onto a Honda 68 motorbike. The plan was to get to the shorelines of Quảng Nam, get on a boat and escape to the southern city of Saigon. The route took them directly into crossfire between the two sides. 'We had to lie down in the grass,' Tran said. 'South Vietnamese soldiers told us, 'Don't move.' We were hidden there.' Time crept by, with Tran anxious about the fate of his siblings. 'I crawled out of the ditch and called my brother. 'Brother Hai, Brother Hai.' I felt relieved when he replied, 'Dong, where are you?'' As the fighting eased, he and his siblings tried to continue their escape, but a soldier stole their motorbike, forcing them to flee on foot alongside other people. Tran said the images of that night have stayed with him ever since. 'I saw skulls, bodies, blood still dripping,' he said. 'Some people were hanging from a truck. Civilians, too. Many people died.' By dawn, communist forces had taken control of the region and forced everyone back to their towns. Saigon fell just over a month later. No future The end of the war marked a new beginning for Vietnam, but it brought hardship for Tran's family. His father had worked as a police chief under the South Vietnamese government and had ties to the CIA-backed Phoenix Program. Tran was 12 years old when he and his family were targeted through the government's 'New Economic Zones' program, where people with connections to the old South Vietnamese government were sent to live in the jungle after the communist regime took over their homes. 'I couldn't study,' Tran said. 'One teacher in Grade 11 told the whole class my dad killed his father. He tried to kill me.' Tran moved to live with his uncle in the city of Dalat to complete his education, but the difficulties continued. When he looked for employment, he was turned away every time. Under the new government, he was required to show paperwork identifying him and his family. Over the years, Tran was forced to work numerous illegal jobs due to his father's ties. At one point, Tran was caught and was sent to a prison camp in the mountains, where he nearly died of malaria. Tran was able to escape when he was sent to a clinic to treat malaria. That's when he realized he had no future in Vietnam. He had to escape. Losing hope Tran made his way to the coastal city of Vũng Tàu, hoping to escape by boat. He had worked as a fisherman and knew he could captain a boat. In August 1989, at age 25, he visited his family for one last time, then boarded a boat with 65 others. What followed was a harrowing 20-day journey at sea. 'For 11 days, no food, no water,' Tran said. 'Two young men fell into the sea and died during a storm. Two children died of thirst.' Eventually, a Singaporean ship rescued the group near an oil station off the coast of the Philippines. Tran was taken to the Philippines First Asylum Camp in El Nido on Palawan island, where he applied for resettlement through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. His claim — like thousands of others — was denied. Tran remained on Palawan Island until 1996, when the UNHCR closed its camps. He moved to Manila and took on various jobs to survive. Tran and the remaining Vietnamese refugees built a community in the Philippines, but as years passed, his dreams of moving to the west were dwindling. 'We were losing hope,' Tran said. His chance finally came in 2008, when Canada launched the 'Freedom At Last' program to resettle the last 250 stateless Vietnamese refugees who had been stranded in the Philippines since the 1970s. Tran said he'll never forget the moment he arrived in Canada. 'When I put my foot down in Vancouver, I felt true freedom,' he said. He eventually settled in Saskatoon, where the small Vietnamese community welcomed him with open arms. 'About 20 people came to the airport,' he recalls. 'One of them was someone I knew from the refugee camp. She had already prepared dinner.' Strong connections Despite his difficult journey, Tran remains proud of his heritage. 'I always say that Vietnam is my first country, Philippines is my second country, and Canada is my third country.' Since arriving, Tran has worked extensively within his community. He served as president of the Vietnamese-Canadian Federation, the same organization that helped bring him to Canada, as well as locally with the Saskatoon Vietnamese Association. Vietnamese community in Alberta marks 50 years since fall of Saigon Tran said he wants to rejuvenate Vietnamese heritage for those without direct history or a strong connection to the motherland. As the Vietnamese community in Saskatchewan continues to grow, Tran hopes younger generations will continue to honour their heritage, remember the difficult journeys that brought their families here and live with gratitude for the privileges they have in their adopted nation. 'I am so happy to now be in a free country.' About the Author Footer Links My Account Profile CBC Gem Newsletters Connect with CBC Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Mobile RSS Podcasts Contact CBC Submit Feedback Help Centre Audience Relations, CBC P.O. 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CBC
9 hours ago
- General
- CBC
This man can't return to his homeland of Vietnam. Still, he's proud of his heritage
Fifty years after the fall of Saigon, Dong Van Tran is grateful for the life he has in Canada. His journey to Saskatoon wasn't easy.
CBC
20 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
How quickly can Carney approve 'nation-building' projects with the premiers?
The Power & Politics panel of party insiders discusses Prime Minister Mark Carney's busy week — from a truly royal throne speech to a first question period — before he heads off to Saskatoon to talk about 'nation-building' projects with Canada's premiers on Monday.
