Business & Economy

COVID-19 prompts slowdown at diamond exploration project

The legal dispute between Rio Tinto and its partners Star Diamond Corp., at the huge diamond exploration project east of Prince Albert has not stopped operations. However, the COVID-19 situation has r...

Apr 04, 2020 This aerial image shows the construction of the Bulk Sampling Plant where the huge bags of kimberlite samples (in top of image) are being processed to get an idea of the quantity and quality of diamonds in the sample. (Star Diamond Corp.)

Local campaign to feed kids during COVID-19 pandemic

A local grocer is participating in a campaign aimed at giving kids easier access to school meal supports during the COVID-19 pandemic.Save-On-Foods, part of the Jim Pattison Group, has committed $500,...

Apr 03, 2020 (Save-On-Foods)

Diamond project partners seek speedy resolution of legal differences

Star Diamond Corp and Rio Tinto might not see eye-to-eye on their partnership arrangement at Project Falcon east of Prince Albert, but they are working together to try to resolve their legal differenc...

Apr 01, 2020 (file photo/Rio Tinto Exploration Canada)

Drifters Motel remains 'very busy' as pandemic continues

La Ronge's Drifters Motel remains open for business to serve those who need an overnight place to stay."We've been very busy," Owner Lana Wasylenchuk said. "We still have a lot of work crews coming in...

Mar 31, 2020 Drifters Motel is still open for business. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Co-op applying to end the months-long refinery lockout

The Co-op Refinery Complex (CRC) is looking to end the lockout that began Dec. 5.It has applied to the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board to order a final offer vote for the union members.The company...

Mar 31, 2020 (CKOM News Staff)

L.A. Family Taxi 'trying to hang in there' for tri-community residents

Fewer residents of the tri-communities are on the move in recent weeks leading to a significant decrease in calls to L.A. Family Taxi. "Business has slowed right down," Owner Vi Werchola said. "We're ...

Mar 30, 2020 Vi Werchola said there are only two or three taxis on the road at any given time. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

La Ronge pharmacies 'planning for the worst and hoping for the best'

Pharmacies in La Ronge have split employees into separate shifts as a measure to continue operating in the event a worker becomes sick. "Slowly we're just getting used to the new normal, and we're pla...

Mar 27, 2020 Vapour shields have been installed at both La Ronge pharmacies. (Harbour Pharmacy/Facebook)

Feds increase wage help for business amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce is applauding the latest federal government move to keep businesses afloat amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ottawa will now offer a 75 per cent wage subsi...

Mar 27, 2020 (The Canadian Press)

Saskatchewan realtors adjusting during COVID-19 pandemic, impact expected soon

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic hasn't been felt in the Saskatchewan real estate market... yet."We're not that far behind where we were at this point in March last year, and year to date," Jason Y...

Mar 25, 2020 (Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

Local representatives respond to shuttering of Cigar Lake mine

Cameco's decision to halt production at its Cigar Lake mine is being applauded by local leadership.The Saskatoon-based mining company made the announcement Monday afternoon. The company said the decis...

Mar 24, 2020 Cameco announced a suspension of operations Monday at Cigar Lake amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Cameco.com)