The Evan Bray Show

We continue to keep a close eye on the encampments across the province, including two in our major cities. While there is no simple solution, a lot of advocates are pushing for a housing-first initiative, including Jordan Varey, Executive Director of the Phoenix Residential Society. He joins us to talk about the work the organization does and what more is needed to help people find stability.

You're quick & clever! And for some weird reason you've carried the right answer in your head for years. Or maybe you just trust Uncle Google. It's time for Saskatchewan's Smartest Radio Listener for Little Town Apparel -- your chance for fame and acclaim and to prove just how smart you are. Not only do you get bragging rights, you'll win prizes too! Call 1-877-332-8255 to play!

In today's digital world, getting noticed online can be a challenge, especially with AI changing how content is created and shared. Business owners know that getting clicks and flowers is more important than ever. Glen Sorochuk, creative marketing strategist with GDS Digital Strategy and Quarantine Films, joins the show to talk about digital marketing and how to stand out in a crowded online space.

September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour survivors, remember the children who never returned home and reflect on the ongoing work of reconciliation. Joining us to talk about the day and what Wanuskewin has planned are CEO Jenaya Chutskoff and Curator Marcel Robitaille.

Open phones - Evan goes to the phones to chat with listeners about what's on their minds today. Call 1-877-332-8255.

Saskatchewan has unveiled a plan to build two nuclear reactors in the northwest part of the province, putting nuclear energy and the potential for major industrial investment back in the spotlight. Eric Anderson, Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association (SIMSA) executive director, joins the show to explain what this nuclear advancement means for the province.

Evan spent all weekend out on the farm, busy with harvest! How are things going at your farm? We want to hear from you!

After more than two decades leading the Regina Public Library, CEO Jeff Barber is retiring this fall. He joins Evan to look back at how the library has changed during his tenure, what he's most proud of and what he sees ahead for RPL as it prepares for new leadership.

Saskatchewan potash is in the spotlight, with Canpotex announcing a $500-million investment at the Port of Vancouver to help move more Saskatchewan potash to overseas markets, just days after Donald Trump said the U.S. is looking at buying potash from Belarus instead of Canada. Steve Halabura, CEO of Buffalo Potash Corp., joins Evan to talk about what all of this means for Saskatchewan's potash industry and its place in the global market.

Saskatchewan is continuing to move toward nuclear power, with the province expected to make another announcement today about the future of nuclear energy. At the same time, a new report argues Saskatchewan could build out nuclear without putting the full cost on SaskPower customers by striking a “grand bargain” with Ottawa — Jeff Davis, Executive Director of Clean Prosperity, joins Evan to explain what that could look like.

Open phones - Evan goes to the phones to chat with listeners about what's on their minds today. Call 1-877-332-8255.

Saskatoon's homeless encampment remains in place for now, after plans to clear the site and install fencing were put on hold amid a court challenge. The situation has raised questions about safety, policing, available services and what happens to the people living at the encampment as the city heads toward winter. Joining us to discuss what's next for the encampment is Saskatoon Police Service Staff Sgt. Mike Horvath.

Homeless encampments continue to be a growing concern in many communities in Saskatchewan, including our two major cities, Regina and Saskatoon, with leaders calling on the province for more support. City councillors and the NDP have both requested immediate action from the provincial government. Minister of Social Services, Terry Jenson, joins Evan to discuss how the province plans to address the encampments, especially with winter looming.

Virtual reality has been around for a while, but the technology is changing — instead of standing in one spot with a headset, newer systems let people physically move around and interact inside a virtual space. A relatively new Regina business, Another World VR Arena, is bringing that free-roaming version of VR to the city, and its co-owner Solomon Adewole joins us to talk about where the technology is headed and who's actually using it.

Volunteer organizations across Saskatchewan are facing growing challenges when it comes to recruiting and retaining people, as busy lifestyles and changing attitudes make traditional approaches less effective. Doug Fehr, chairman of Battlefords Citizens on Patrol and the Saskatchewan Citizens on Patrol Association and Kristy Muckosky, with Volunteer Manitoba, join forces for an upcoming workshop on helping volunteer organizations find and keep volunteers. They join Brent to discuss the changing landscape and practical strategies.

The next few games for the Saskatchewan Roughriders are make-or-break. Jamie Nye, Host of The Green Zone, joins us to recap the latest game and talk about other sports news making headlines.

Seniors Day is later this week, and an event in Saskatoon is bringing older adults, caregivers and researchers together to explore tech that supports health agining. Dr. Cari McIlduff, assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, is an organizer of the event and joins Brent to discuss what people can expect at the free event: AGE-WELL AgeTech Discovery Day.

Diesel prices have climbed sharply this year, putting additional pressure on Saskatchewan farmers during the busy harvest season. This comes as farmers continue to face difficult weather conditions, higher fertilizer prices, trade uncertainty, tariffs and more. How are producers feeling and handling the challenges? Bill Prybylski, president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), joins us to bring us up to speed on these issues.

Saskatoon residents are being asked to weigh in on a major proposed entertainment and events district, known as the DEED project. Ken Wood, former CEO of SaskPlace and the Credit Union Centre, and a group of volunteers have 90 days to collect about 30,000 signatures to meet their goal of stopping the billion-dollar project in its tracks. He joins Brent to discuss the petition campaign and what he thinks residents should consider.

The federal government has introduced Bill C-39, aimed at cutting red tape and making it easier to do business in Canada. The Western Business Coalition, which includes the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, is welcoming some of the changes but is in Ottawa pushing for more — including cutting federal regulatory requirements by 25 per cent over three years and giving provinces more say in selecting newcomers based on their workforce needs. Guest host Brent Loucks talks with Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, about what Western businesses want to see from Ottawa.

Tally up the score, tell us who wins and the real winner could be you! It's time for Green & White Prognostications presented by Paladin Canada. Pick the game winner and the closest combined score, and you could win a $100 Co-op gift card from Sherwood Co-op!

Postpartum mental health is receiving renewed public attention, highlighting the importance of understanding the challenges new mothers and families can face. Lindsay Gareau, owner of the I Love You More Wellness Centre, joins the show to talk about the mental health of new parents, the importance of support and how we can create more open conversations around these issues.

As colder weather approaches, concerns are growing about how people experiencing homelessness in Saskatoon will stay safe and warm through the winter. And the recent clearing of an encampment has raised questions about where people can go and whether enough support and shelter options are available. Melissa Zimmer, president and founder of Bridge City Warmth Community Support, joins the show to explain what work her organization does and how people can get involved to help.

What time is it? It's Eatin' Time! with Belton Johnson! Grillmaster Belton Johnson joins Evan with his recipe for bacon cheeseburger bombs.

Bugs 'n Hugs - Every Friday, we open the phone lines and give you a chance to call out or commend anyone you think deserves it. Call 1-877-332-8255 and join the conversation!

As trade relations continue to remain uncertain and rising diesel costs put pressure on farmers, truckers and food distributors, we haven't seen much relief at the grocery store in years. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, food distribution and policy professor at Dalhousie University Agri-Food Analytics Lab and visiting scholar in food distribution and policy at McGill University, joins the show to talk about the latest in CUSMA trade talk and where grocery store prices are at with continued pressure on the industry.

Open phones - Evan goes to the phones to chat with listeners about what's on their minds today. Call 1-877-332-8255.

The announcement of the quadrupling of Saskatchewan's AI data centre, just south of Regina, comes at the same time AI leaders are calling for greater regulation and caution around its rapid advancements. John Watson, President of Bell Business Market, joins us to discuss the expanded project, what it means for Saskatchewan, and how Bell views the future of AI amid growing concerns.

Country Thunder is a Saskatchewan summer staple! And today, Megan Benoit, Digital Manager at Country Thunder Music Festivals, joins us to make a BIG announcement revealing one of the headliners! Who do you think it is?

E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people, but concerns about serious injuries are growing. And a recent deadly crash involving an e-bike in Regina highlights the potential dangers. Dr. Jason Hosain, a family doctor in Saskatoon, joins the show to discuss the risks and what people who know about protecting themselves while operating an e-scooter or e-bike.

Last week, when the province announced the AI data centre just south of Regina would be expanded, one of the reasons for the expansion was to protect Canadian and Saskatchewan data. But what does data sovereignty really mean? Carmi Levy, tech journalist, joins Tamara to chat about AI data centres and the role they play in storing data.

Canada's relationship with the United States has been tested by tariffs, trade tensions and an increasingly unpredictable White House. Greg Quinn, former British diplomat and founder of Aodhan Consultancy, joins Tamara to discuss why he believes Canada's response could offer a lesson for other U.S. allies.

More than 400 species of birds have been spotted in Saskatchewan, and one man is spending the year trying to see as many of them as he can. Mitch Doll, content creation consultant with Tourism Saskatchewan, joins Tamara to talk about his Big Skies, Big Year challenge and what he's discovering about the province along the way.

Open phones - Tamara goes to the phones to chat with listeners about what's on their minds today. Call 1-877-332-8255.

Canada is falling further behind its emissions targets, with a new report from the Canadian Climate Institute suggesting the country is now more than 20 years behind its 2030 goal. This comes as Carney's government faces major criticism from climate activists due to policy changes. Rick Smith, President of the Canadian Climate Institute, joins us to explore if Canada can really reach its environmental goals within the next three years.

The federal government is proposing changes to the Canada Labour Code through Bill C-39, with the goal of protecting workers' right to strike and improving the collective bargaining process. But it's sparked some debate, with experts warning that it could still create legal challenges for unions and workers. Steve Seiferling, labour and employment lawyer, managing and founding lawyer of Seiferling Law in Saskatoon, joins guest host Tamara Cherry to break down the proposed changes and how it could impact unions and workers.

Fall is football season in Saskatchewan, but a serious injury involving a Balgonie teenager during a high school football game has raised questions about how we can better protect young players. Patrick Neary, University of Regina kinesiology and health studies professor who researches concussions, joins Tamara to discuss guardian caps and brain safety in sports

You're quick & clever! And for some weird reason you've carried the right answer in your head for years. Or maybe you just trust Uncle Google. It's time for Saskatchewan's Smartest Radio Listener for Little Town Apparel -- your chance for fame and acclaim and to prove just how smart you are. Not only do you get bragging rights, you'll win prizes too! Call 1-877-332-8255 to play!

What could a closer relationship with Europe mean for Canada? Stewart Prest, lecturer in political science at the University of British Columbia, joins Tamara to break down the idea of Canada becoming an associate member of the European Union — what it could look like, what Canada could gain and what it might have to give up.

Saskatchewan's aging population could require thousands more nursing-home beds over the next decade — at a cost of roughly $1 million per bed to build. Health policy analyst Steven Lewis argues there may be a better way and joins guest host Tamara Cherry to talk about it.

Open phones - Tamara goes to the phones to chat with listeners about what's on their minds today. Call 1-877-332-8255.

Medical assistance in dying, or MAID, is a deeply personal and often difficult subject that raises important questions about dignity, choice and end-of-life care. George Takach, Toronto author of The Book of MAID: Understanding Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, joins Tamara to discuss his book, what he hopes readers will take away from it and how Canadians can approach conversations about end-of-life choices.

The UN General Assembly is underway in New York City, with world leaders facing several global conflicts and growing international tensions. Covering this event closely is Reggie Cecchini, Washington correspondent and producer for Global News. He joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss any major developments and what he's hearing from world leaders.

Is Trump's plan to purchase potash from Belarus even possible? Pam Schwann, president of the Saskatchewan Mining Association, joins Tamara to share her thoughts on Trump's proposal.

Today is the University of Regina's first-ever Varsity Sport Day of Giving, an opportunity to support student-athletes and athletic programs. Quinn Sutherland, a third-year hockey player on the University of Regina Cougars women's team, joins Tamara to discuss what this fundraiser means for student-athletes across campus and how YOU can get involved.

Skilled trades offer a wide range of career opportunities, but many young people may not know what's available to them. That's where Trade Trek, a new initiative, comes in. Denise Gamble, president of MERIT Saskatchewan and Brent Hills, executive director of Saskatoon Industry Education Council, join Tamara to talk about the initiative and the importance of building the next generation of skilled workers.

The Trump administration is facing legal challenges after banning several major media outlets from White House access, raising questions about press freedom and the relationship between governments and journalists. Tom Korski, managing editor for Blacklock's Reporter, joins Tamara to talk about the relationship between news organizations and the government and how it impacts public trust.

Saskatchewan's film and television industry is having a huge year, with a growing number of productions creating new opportunities for local actors and crews. Robert Hardy, executive director of ScreenSask, joins us to talk about what's driving that growth, a new apprenticeship program aimed at building Saskatchewan's film workforce and the industry's ambitious plans for the future.

Open phones - Tamara goes to the phones to chat with listeners about what's on their minds today. Call 1-877-332-8255.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is raising questions about how Ottawa is spending $1.4 billion in research funding, pointing to grants studying everything from Canadian dancefloors to low-carbon videogames. Federal Director Franco Terrazzano joins Tamara to explain why the organization believes some of that spending deserves greater scrutiny.

Yesterday, Donald Trump claimed to be reportedly working on a deal to purchase potash from Belarus at a lower price than what the U.S. currently pays Canada. But Belarus claims it doesn't have enough to send to the U.S. Erin Weir, Consulting Economist and Former MP for Regina–Lewvan, joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss what this announcement means for Saskatchewan's large potash industry.