It's all good :) here in Saskatchewan

10 February 2007
An update to my previous post... I agree: we just need to lighten up and not get ourselves all worked about other peoples' misconceptions.

People bash Saskatchewan on Vancouver radio station - to win a trip there
Sat Feb 10, 11:08 AM
REGINA (CP) - A war of words has erupted between a place where "they use mosquitoes as helicopters for the traffic reporters" and one where "five minutes of sunshine is considered a gift from the sun god."
At least, that's according to submissions to a Vancouver radio station.
It all started when Saskatchewan's government gave station CKNW a trip for two to the Junos, which will be held April 1 in Saskatoon. As a result, the station asked people to finish the sentence: "You know you're in Saskatchewan when . . ."
The contest has angered some, who say the government is paying to let people characterize the province as backwards and residents as rednecks.
"Just yank (the prize) and find another way to promote Saskatchewan," said an angry Opposition Saskatchewan Party Leader Brad Wall.
As a result of the contest, both the radio station and others are turning the tables, and asking people to finish the sentence with Vancouver in the place of Saskatchewan.
But Saskatchewan's government is telling everyone to lighten up - and that any publicity is good for the province.
"We can't be intimidated or afraid of what people may say about us. We just have to have a good laugh and, also, be prepared to point out the great things about Saskatchewan," said Industry Minister Eric Cline.
Todd Brandt, a member of the Juno's organizing committee said while he'd prefer positive advertising, people's misconceptions will be erased when they visit.
Many people who posted on the Vancouver station's website seemed to agree.
One poster, only identified as Joan, asked people on the station to come and visit for themselves. "Come, visit and if you like it, stay. If you don't like it - fine, just remember that we are not all uneducated hick farming stubble jumpers that have no aspirations. We just like to live life a little slower," she wrote. "Perhaps it's good that there are those mean-spirited stereotypes out there . . . it keeps things quiet around here, just the way we like it."