Straight Talk With Patricia Cook,

Vice President of Corporate Affairs, SIGA

In November of 2022, along with its provincial stakeholders, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) launched the first Saskatchewan legal online gaming platform, called PlayNow. com. Regulated by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, the PlayNow.com platform is owned by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. Patricia Cook, SIGA’s Vice President of Corporate Affairs has seen SIGA’s growth and expansion over her 18 years with the organization. Indeed during her tenure, so far, SIGA has grown from four casinos to seven and now moved into online gaming with PlayNow.com. Business Voice asked Patricia a few questions about SIGA and online gaming, these are her answers.

Q: How long has SIGA been in operation?

A: The seeds for SIGA were first planted in June of 1995 when the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) created SIGA, which was followed by its January 1996 incorporation under the Non-profit Corporation Act of Saskatchewan as a charitable organization.

SIGA shortly afterward began operations of its first four casinos.

Q: Beyond offering gambling services, how does SIGA contribute to Saskatoon and the province?

A: We will continue to strive to be a game-changing organization focused on First Nations employment and generating economic opportunities and benefits for the

74 communities that we serve. SIGA serves as a major First Nation’s employer in the province with around 65 per cent of our staff identifying as First Nations.

Through SIGAs revenue-sharing structure, as a non-profit corporation, all net proceeds are reinvested back into the province – 50% goes to the First Nations Trust, 25% to the casino Community Development Corporations, which sponsor events and programming throughout the province, and 25% to the Provincial General Revenue Fund.

Through SIGAs Community Investment Program, SIGA provides over $1.3 million in community investment across the province through our sponsorship program, with a focus on children, youth, and elders. In addition, we invest into Indigenous postsecondary scholarships and have an employee driven Volunteer Program that is actively involved in the communities where we operate.

The PlayNow.com revenue sharing agreement is a 50-50 revenue split between SIGA and the Province of Saskatchewan.

Q: Why did SIGA start offering its online gaming service?

A: With the recent legalization of single-event sports betting that came into effect in August 2021, it was time to launch an online gaming and sports betting site.

Saskatchewan was one of the last provinces to launch an online gaming site and especially during the pandemic, we saw the benefits other jurisdictions received from having an iGaming site to complement their land-based casinos. In order for iGaming to happen in Saskatchewan, there first needed to be changes to the regulatory framework in the province, which resulted in an amendment to the Gaming Framework Agreement that was officially signed by all parties in September 2022.

Q: Can you describe “PlayNow” and what is required to register and play?

A: PlayNow.com is Saskatchewan’s first and only legal gambling website, where Saskatchewan players can enjoy more than 500 entertaining casino and sports-betting products. Players can go on PlayNow.com and register a profile to play. They must be 19+ and a Saskatchewan resident to register.

PlayNow.com is the British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s (BCLC) industry-leading online gambling platform and offers players safe and secure online gambling.

As a regulated gambling website, players have access to robust player-health safeguards and dedicated playerhealth specialists (known as GameSense Advisors), who are available via phone and live chat to answer gambling-related questions and provide additional support resources and referrals, if needed. PlayNow.com is one of the few gambling websites in the world to offer this service to players as just one way to support positive play.

Q: Can you explain what is “GameSense” responsible gambling program?

A: GameSense is a player-health program, which was originally developed by BCLC and was later adopted by SIGA. In fact, the GameSense brand is leveraged by several jurisdictions across North America. The program meets national compliance standards and offers players information on how different forms of gambling work, along with a few basic principles (such as how the odds work), so they have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.

Q: How has the uptake been for this new online gaming service?

A: We’ve had steady online growth in our first few months of opening here, and largely, it appears to be complementary to casino footfall. There’s a large existing market out there in the illegal space and we’re coming forward with a very competitive licensed legal operation, very safe and secure with all the content and betting options you could want.

Q: Have there been any “surprises” with the uptake of this service or the way people use it?

A: It’s been a learning experience but PlayNow.com has been profitable in the province already in its first fiscal year and we look forward to steady growth as awareness and market share of the site grows.

Q: What are the benefits of PlayNow for SIGA, its customers, and the larger community?

A: All revenue generated by the site stays in the province and is reinvested back into the community. The site also benefits players by giving them a legal, safe option to play online, instead of on the grey market. It also provides direct jobs as SIGA has already hired a team of employees to manage the iGaming department.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add in closing?

A: Our leaders saw an opportunity potential in casino gaming, and they collectively took a lead role in establishing a vibrant casino industry across Saskatchewan. I am especially proud of the mandate that was originally developed by the Chiefs of Saskatchewan. It is about creating opportunity. It creates employment opportunities for First Nations people, generates positive returns to our beneficiaries and supports First Nation economic development. This is a mandate that continues to serve us well today and one that continues to resonate with our employees.

Meet The Chamber’s New Board Members

Tanis Taylor Chair

Principal of CCA Consulting, Tanis Taylor has been involved with the Chamber Board of directors for the past couple of years. Well-known in Saskatoon’s business community, she is a past board member of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders Association, the Saskatchewan Home Builders Association and the Saskatchewan Chapter of the International Coaching Federation. She brings to the board a wealth of experience and knowledge in financial management, real estate, sales, strategic planning, risk management and change leadership. Her favourite aspect of Saskatoon’s business community is the spirit of “coopetition,” whereby businesses proactively and collaboratively support each other even when they are competitors. Tanis chose to join the board because as she says, “The Chamber gives businesses a unique voice and influence on issues that matter.”

Joe Gil First Vice-Chair

A startup and technology lawyer with McKercher LLP, Joseph (Joe) Gill is a dedicated board member. In addition to serving on the Chamber Board, he is also the board chair of the business incubator Ideas Inc. and is a board member of the Bridge City Wildlife Federation. He is also a past regional and provincial director of Saskatchewan Young Professional & Entrepreneurs Inc. Joe’s legal and business background as well as his strong knowledge and understanding of the technology, innovation, and scientific sectors in Saskatchewan are excellent additions to the Chamber Board. In his own words, Joe particularly appreciates that “Saskatoon is a great city that punches far above its weight in quality of life, business opportunities, social experiences, and food.” Joe explains his desire to join the board by saying, “The Chamber gives me a chance to give back to this City and its’ community members and play a small part in shaping policy that will best position Saskatoon for continued success.”

Earlier this spring, Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce members voted to elect the Board of Directors who will lead The Chamber and represent Saskatoon’s business community in 2023-2024.

Joel Pedersen Second Vice-Chair

As the founder and CEO of the socially responsible health and wellness First Nation-owned company Fitness 2J2, and a former Canadian armed forces Chief Warrant Officer, Joel Pedersen is committed to sharing his strong community engagement and passion for health, safety and wellness. In conjunction with serving on the board of The Chamber for the past two years and being the committee Chair for You & 92, Joel is also a member of EGADZ, Last Post Fund, Sports Central Gear Up and Saskatoon Sports District. Having spent most of his adult life in Saskatoon and now being often on the road as his business grows, Joel acknowledges that Saskatoon is where his family, friends and community are. Joel shares his reasons for joining saying, “I can provide some input and perspective from the small business community and advice from an Indigenous community aspect. I hope that my contributions can help to continue to grow the excellence that our Chamber provides the Saskatoon business community and that of the province.”

Wanda Waldner Secretary

With a focus on finance and assisting businesses in diverse economic sectors as Associate Vice President of Commercial Banking Saskatchewan at the National Bank of Canada, Wanda Waldner also brings her seven years of experience as a Saskatoon Usadians Executive Association board member, including her current role as past president. Wanda sees Saskatoon as a “dynamic combination of business and familyoriented community all in one.” When asked what prompted her to join the Chamber Board, she said, “It’s an opportunity for me to participate in an organization that prides itself on being a community builder and business champion. Businesses both large and small, are the backbone of our community. I believe that a strong business climate which provides opportunities and most importantly, a great quality of life for everyone, will result in a very prosperous future.”

Colton Wiegers Past Chair

Having been involved with The Chamber for about 10 years as a volunteer and serving on the board for nearly half that time, Colton Wiegers brings a diverse business experience to the board along with his dedication to helping people as demonstrated by his decade-long and ongoing tenure as a Big Brother with Big Brother Big Sisters of Saskatoon. From starting a business in the trades to joining the family business in the finance sector as Chief Operating Officer of Wiegers Financial & Benefits, Colton particularly enjoys that in Saskatoon everyone knows each other or shares mutual connections, which makes for a tight business community that works together towards common goals. It is that spirit that prompted Colton to join the board of The Chamber. He credits The Chamber for introducing him to the business community while he was still in university. “The team at The Chamber and many board members introduced me to many people with whom I am still in touch today. They laid the groundwork for me to build a great network. Joining the board was my way of giving back.”

Todd Antill Director

As a member of the Board of The Chamber, Todd Antill, Sr. Director, NPK Information & Digital Solutions at Nutrien, brings a strong background in technology, innovation and digital transformation. His past and current involvement on other boards of directors such as the Saskatchewan Science Center, Saskatchewan Polytechnic DICE/TAC and with Advisory Councils for SIIT and Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s BIS Programs further contribute to the breadth of knowledge and experience he adds to the Chamber Board. Todd expresses that his favourite thing about Saskatoon is the magical combination of friendliness and pride that the people of Saskatoon demonstrate. He shares that by being involved with The Chamber, he is able to give back to the business community as well as the city. The way he sees it and says it, “There are many great things that can come from bringing diverse opinions through the Chamber to continue to help advance the growth and prosperity of Saskatoon.”

Louis Aussant Director

An architect and CEO at Aodbt Architecture & Interior Design, Louis Aussant contributes to the Chamber Board a wealth of knowledge in building and development processes and industry trends. His experience on boards is diverse from being a member-at-large of the City Park Community Association and previously the Stonebridge Community Association, a past board member of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board for the

City of Calgary to President of the Cowan Water Sports Club. After moving back to Saskatoon from Calgary in 2010, Louis says that he realized that Saskatoon has everything to raise a family, “friendly people, easy access, the river, the festivals, and the business community.” Louis explains his involvement with the Chamber Board by saying, “I have worked in many other jurisdictions, which has allowed me to see and experience things differently, objectively. I am excited to continue contributing to the advocacy aspects of local businesses through my participation on the board.”

Stephanie Clovechok Director

In addition to her role on the Chamber Board and as Chair of the Call to 92 Committee, Stephanie Clovechok is a committed member of Destination Internationals Advocacy Committee, Destination Canada’s NorthStar 22 Partnership and a member of the board of directors of Sanctum Care Group. As the CEO of Discover Saskatoon, she brings to the board a vast experience in strategic planning, governance, marketing and communications, community development, fund development, equity diversity and inclusion training, international business development and government relations. Stephanie explains that some of her favourite aspects of Saskatoon are that there is a deep connection between people and within the business community that enables economic prosperity and community well-being while leading the world in many sectors. Talking about her continued service onthe Chamber Board she says, “It offers me frequent opportunities to actively impact the business community in many positive ways. By staying connected to these opportunities, I can support and contribute to growth.”

Trevor Jacek Director

With a diversified business background, with experience in real estate development, manufacturing, automotive, and business advisory services in many jurisdictions across North America, Trevor Jacek adds project operations and financial acumen to the Chamber Board. Aside from being the CFO at Mid-West Group of Companies, Trevor is also a member of the boards of SaskTel Centre, Saskatchewan Drag Racing Association, which owns and operates Saskatchewan International Raceway, and various private companies. He takes pride in touring his US business partners and colleagues around Saskatoon and is always eager to validate their comments that Saskatoon is one of the nicest cities they have ever been to. Given Trevor’s travels to many markets in North America, he explains his desire to be part of the Chamber Board by saying, “With my exposure to a lot of different things, I see both where Saskatoon shines and where we have room for improvement. I want to continue to help foster that improvement in Saskatoon!”

Shaina Lynden Director

Co-founder and co-owner of Ryde YXE Cycle Studio and a Police Constable with currently 17 years of service with the Saskatoon Police Service, Shaina Lynden shares with the Chamber Board her experience in small business operations, large-scale events planning and fundraising, and public safety and downtown core issues management. She also brings to The Chamber her voice as a diversity and inclusion advocate and her insight as a board member of the You Are More Project, a non-profit in support of victims of sexual violence. For Shaina “supporting local” is truly a way of life. She says, “As a woman, a member of Yellow Quill First Nation, a business owner, and a police officer, I strive to use my experience to contribute to the growth and development of this community in new ways while aiding the continued success and diversity of the Chamber Board of directors and its investment in Saskatoon.”

Claire Marentette Director

Eager to jump into diverse opportunities, tackle challenges and add value, Claire Marentette a Professional Engineer and Project Manager at PCL Construction, brings to the Chamber Board a strong project management background and over 17 years of experience in the construction industry. Her contributions on boards span from local non-profit organizations such as the Saskatoon Diving Club to industry organizations such as the Saskatoon Construction Association’s Industry Inclusion Sub-Committee, and the Chamber Board for the past two years. Claire is quick to point out that Saskatoon offers the best of both small and big city life, which affords opportunities for families and businesses to thrive. She explains her dedication to contributing to the Chamber Board by saying, “On this board, I have observed firsthand the commitment, proactive engagement, and application of sector knowledge and experience to best serve Saskatoon businesses and the community at large. I believe that The Chamber, through its board of directors and staff, can best position Saskatoon to capitalize on future opportunities.”

Tammy Sweeney Director

With over 20 years of experience in business promotion, Tammy Sweeney, the CEO of TCU Place, has a strong connection to Saskatoon’s business community and the event, tourism and hospitality industry. Tammy also has previous experience serving on a Chamber of Commerce board gained during her tenure as a member of the board of the Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce. She is also a current board member with Discover Saskatoon, Leadership Saskatoon and the International Association of Venue Managers. The incredible food scene, the entrepreneurial vibe, the wide-open green spaces, the Meewasin Trail and the spirit of community are all aspects of Saskatoon that Tammy absolutely cherishes. Reflecting on her decision to be involved with the Chamber Board, Tammy shares, “I enjoy championing and being a voice for local businesses, and connecting with the community through work of the Chamber. There is no better way for me to serve than to help our local businesses thrive.”

Jessica Yachyshen Director

As Project Management Commercial Lead, Mining, Minerals and Metals – Canada Est at Stantec, Jessica Yachyshen’s financial acumen, project controls, planning and management skills are valuable additions to the Chamber Board. Over the years, she has been an active volunteer with non-profit organizations such as Dress for Success, Bear Valley Rescue, the Food Bank and many others, and is able to tap into these experiences in her contributions to the Chamber Board. Jessica is fond of Saskatoon’s collaborative and creative spirit as it allows for business growth, particularly in the areas of authentic art, local culture, and culinary expression. When asked why she wanted to be involved with the Chamber Board, she says, “The Chamber provides a community of local resources, which can provide advice, advocacy, awareness, referrals, and can be a good sounding board. All of this supports the continued economic potential and growth of Saskatoon. I want to be part of that.” Congratulations