The Evan Bray Show

Saskatchewan is grappling with another tragic bear attack after two people were killed in the north last week. The deaths come just weeks after a separate fatal attack. To put that in perspective, Saskatchewan had only three documented fatal bear attacks in its entire history before 2026. Doug Clark, professor in the University of Saskatchewan's School of Environment and Sustainability, joins Evan to talk about bear activity and how people can stay safe outdoors.

There has been some explosive news as of late: a rare intestinal illness linked to contaminated fresh produce is making headlines after a growing outbreak in the United States. Dr. Joseph Blondeau, Saskatoon clinical microbiologist and Head of Clinical Microbiology at RUH and the University of Saskatchewan, joins Evan to bring us up to speed on what the illness is and how it can be prevented.

Equalization has long been a debated federal program, with supporters calling it essential for ensuring comparable public services across Canada and critics arguing the formula no longer reflects economic reality. But a new study by Tegan Hill, Director, Alberta Policy at the Fraser Institute, suggests the program is "broken." She joins Evan to discuss her findings and what she thinks needs to change.

Most people think of paramedics as the people who show up in an emergency, but a growing program in Saskatchewan is focused on preventing those emergencies in the first place. Community paramedics help connect vulnerable people with housing, addiction treatment, health care and other supports before a crisis lands them in the ER. To talk about this, Evan is joined by Sherri Jule, Director/Chief EMS, Provincial Community Paramedicine and Jessica Heathcote, Advanced Care Paramedic.

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

This spring's flooding left many Saskatchewan residents, businesses and communities facing costly repairs and a long road to recovery. Changes to the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) could provide some much-needed assistance. Noel McAvena, Executive Director of PDAP, joins Evan to discuss what the changes mean to those impacted by disasters and how people can access support.

The Saskatchewan government is making another round of changes to the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability program, with updates taking effect September 1. Terry Jenson, Social Services Minister and the province say the changes will simplify the program, but disability advocates say they're concerned some people with more complex needs will lose access to important support. Minister Jenson joins Evan to discuss the changes.

If you're frustrated by dog poop being left behind in your neighbourhood, one company has found a surprisingly high-tech solution. A condo building on Vancouver Island is the latest to use PooPrints, a service that matches uncollected dog waste to a registry of canine DNA samples. The company says the system is used in thousands of communities across North America. To tell us more about this unusual approach to keeping properties clean, Tamara is joined by Garry Bradamore, Canadian Representative for PooPrints.

What time is it? It's Eatin' Time! with Belton Johnson - powered by the Saskatchewan Cattle Association! Grillmaster Belton Johnson joins Evan with his recipe for smoking beef ribs.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup comes down to a heavyweight showdown this Sunday at 1pm. The match between defending champions Argentina and reigning European champions Spain. Jamie Nye, host of The Green Zone, joins Tamara to give a preview of what to expect.

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!

A temporary closure at the University of Saskatchewan's Veterinary Medical Centre has sparked concern among veterinary students, wildlife rehabilitators and animal advocates across the province. Rory Langelier, third-year student at The Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, joins Tamara to discuss her concerns about the closure and what action she hopes to see from the university to make things right.

You've heard of a four-day work week, but what about a four-day school week? Some rural schools within the Chinook School Division in the south-west corner of the province are exploring this possibility. Shawn Davidson, president of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association, joins Tamara to walk us through what this change would look like and the potential benefits.

For a century, the Regina Royal Canadian Legion has been a place of remembrance, service and community for veterans and their families. To mark this historic anniversary, guest host Tamara Cherry is joined by Reid Hill, President, Royal Canadian Legion Regina Branch 001. He joins us to talk about the importance of the Legion and what it is doing to keep the memory of Canadian veterans alive.

Researchers at Toronto's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre have launched a major study to see if a simple blood test can detect microscopic traces of cancer left behind after treatment. If successful, it could allow doctors to identify a cancer recurrence long before it appears on a scan. To talk about this potential breakthrough, Tamara is joined by Dr. Lillian Siu, medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, and Scientific Lead of the Peter Gilgan Centre for Early Cancer Detection Research.

Tech journalist Carmi Levy joins Tamara to talk through all the big tech stories of the day.

Last week on the show we talked about the decline in long-term care beds despite the province's rapidly growing senior population. It generated a lot of listener interaction, including a call from the next guest. After struggling to find care for her own mother and raising a son with significant disabilities, Joanne Brooks, Founder & Lead Care Specialist, Bee Home Companion Care, turned her lived experience into a business dedicated to helping vulnerable people remain independent in their own homes. She joins Tamara for this discussion.

George Takach, author of Inspired by Taiwan and Cold War 2.0, joins Tamara to discuss China's recent ballistic missile test launch, including what it means in the context of Canada's sub deal and NATO's push for 5% defence spending by 2035.

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

From global conflicts impacting gas prices to some people turning to "buy now, pay later" programs just to put food on the table, many Canadians continue to feel the pinch at the grocery store. 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 Tamara to help make sense of the latest trends shaping Canadians' grocery bills.

Crime and public safety continue to be top concerns for many Canadians, with debates over bail reform, repeat offenders and community safety dominating political discussions. Arpan Khanna, Conservative MP and Justice critic, took this discussion to a town hall in Regina. He joins guest host Tamara Cherry now to share what concerns they heard from residents and what his party says needs to change.

One of Saskatchewan's favourite summer traditions is back this week as the Ness Creek Music Festival gets set to welcome music lovers to the boreal forest. Deborah Aitken, Booking Manager, joins Tamara before the big event kicks off to talk about what's in store and why this festival continues to be a must-visit summer event!

A young and upcoming Regina artist just released her first album! Cleo Phaneuf, a Regina singer, songwriter, pianist, guitarist and more, joins Tamara to talk about her career and what led her to create a full album of music.

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!

Summer is in full swing, and there's no better time to get outside and explore everything Saskatchewan's provincial parks have to offer. Paul Johnson, Assistant Deputy Minister, Parks Division, joins Tamara during Saskatchewan Parks Week to chat about why there's never been a better time to get out into nature and visit one of our 36 provincial parks and more than 100 recreation sites.

A renewed push to build a pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia's northwest coast is generating excitement across Canada's energy sector, but not everyone is convinced it will become a reality. Del Mondor, Chief Executive Officer of Aldon Oils Ltd., joins Tamara to discuss why he's cautious and what this project could mean for Saskatchewan producers.

The weekend was hot! But we're not just seeing extreme heat here. This summer has brought unprecedented heat waves across parts of the United States, Asia and Europe. Canada has long required minimum indoor temperatures in winter. Is it time to consider maximum-temperature standards to protect people living in dangerously hot apartments during heat waves? André Picard, health reporter and columnist with The Globe and Mail, joins Tamara to make the case for better protecting renters from extreme heat.

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

The conflict between the US and Iran has escalated again, with American forces carrying out strikes and Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic efforts are still underway, but the fighting has badly undermined the fragile ceasefire and sent oil prices sky high. Sean Foley, professor of history at Middle Tennessee State University. Sean Foley, professor of history at Middle Tennessee State University, joins the show to chat with guest host Tamara Cherry.

It's another busy week in the sports world, with the FIFA World Cup down to its final four, the Riders just came off a huge win over the Hamilton Tiger Cats and a local Saskatchewan baseball player celebrated a major milestone. Scott Roblin, Green Zone Saskatoon sports reporter, joins Tamara to break down the biggest stories sports fans should know.

It's been a tragic start to the summer on Saskatchewan's waterways, with multiple rescues and even a few fatalities serving as a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can turn dangerous. John Maczko, commanding officer, director of operations for Amphibious Response Support Unit One & K9 Gusztav, Saskatchewan's only active water rescue canine, joins Tamara to discuss the risks on the water and how to stay safe this summer.

A dramatic bear encounter in Alberta's Kananaskis Country has been viewed tens of millions of times online, but wildlife experts say the real story isn't the bear—it's how people are behaving in bear country. They're warning that social media, growing tourism, and a lack of bear-safety awareness are leading to more dangerous encounters for both people and wildlife. To talk about that, Tamara is joined by wildlife author and bear advocate Trina Moyles.

We've heard from Shaunavon and NOW want to hear from you: what is your favourite Saskatchewan mural? As you drive through this province, almost every small town has one - shout out your favourite; call 1-877-332-8255.

In just a few years, South West Mural Fest has helped transform Shaunavon into one of Saskatchewan's most unique outdoor art galleries. As the festival returns for its third year, organizers say the murals are doing more than beautifying buildings—they're helping build community pride and attract visitors to the region. Andrew Robertson, Founder and Festival Director of the South West Mural Fest and Artist, joins Tamara to talk about the festival.

Artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented demand for massive data centres, but not everyone believes those developments are worth the environmental and social costs. Taya Triffo, organizer with No Data Centres on Treaty Land, joins Tamara to discuss why the group is against the proposed data centres in Saskatchewan and what the group is hoping to achieve.

Last week, the government announced changes to the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability, or SAID, program, saying it will simplify and modernize the system. But advocates like Christina Martens-Funk, Chief Executive Officer of Inclusion Saskatchewan, still have questions and concerns. Christina joins Tamara to explain what those concerns are and what she'd like to see from the government moving forward.

U.S. politics is facing a moment of transition following the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham and ongoing questions about Mitch McConnell's health. Guest host Tamara Cherry will get the latest from Washington and discuss what these developments could mean for Republican leadership and the upcoming midterms. Reggie Cecchini, Washington correspondent and producer for Global News, joins guest host Tamara Cherry for this conversation.

For years, researchers have been studying the long-term effects of repeated head impacts on athletes, particularly those who play contact sports. Dr. Daniel Daneshvar, Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Mass General Brigham, joins Tamara to discuss his research and how it sparks important questions for anyone involved in sports like football, hockey, rugby and lacrosse here in Canada.

Most of us walk across soil every day without giving it a second thought, but beneath our feet is one of the most complex ecosystems on Earth. Bernice Richard, a biochemist, Cornell University Advanced Soil Health specialist, GHG auditor, published children's book author, and recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, joins Tamara to talk about launching The Soil Academy and why she believes Saskatchewan is the perfect place to inspire the next generation of soil scientists.

Saskatchewan's minimum wage is set to increase again this October, giving thousands of workers a boost in pay, from $15.35 to $15.70. But with the rising cost of living, many argue this isn't a liveable wage. Andrew Stevens, University of Regina Associate Professor, Industrial Relations & Human Resource Management, joins the show to share what a liveable wage is and what impact these increases have on the workforce and the economy.

It's been an active start to severe weather season in Saskatchewan, with the province already reaching its average number of tornadoes for an entire summer—and there's still plenty of the season left to go. Jenny Hagan, severe weather specialist, joins Tamara to talk about the wild weather and her thoughts on some communication changes at Environment Canada.

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

Saskatchewan drivers continue to feel the pressure at the pump, thanks to ongoing global tensions impacting the oil markets. Roger McKnight, Chief Petroleum Analyst at EN-PRO, joins Tamara to explain why prices are soaring, what role the conflict in the Middle East plays in this and what drivers can expect for the rest of the summer.

The weather continues to keep us on our toes, from major flooding to intense heat. It's been a bit of whiplash for the whole province, including the farmers out on the field. Bill Prybylski, president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS), joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss what farmers are dealing with in the field and a recent study that shows producers are receiving a shrinking share of every food dollar Canadians spend.

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!

As Saskatchewan's population ages, the need for modern, accessible long-term care is growing in communities across the province—especially in the North. Jacob Page, fundraising coordinator for the La Ronge & Area Long Term Care Fundraising Committee Inc., joins Evan to discuss their massive fundraising project to bring essential care to residents in the north.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds return to Moose Jaw Saturday for what is expected to be their final hometown airshow before the team is grounded for several years while a replacement for their aging jets is found. Evan is joined by Dan Dempsey, retired lieutenant-colonel, former Snowbirds commanding officer, and member of the Snowbirds Alumni Association.

What time is it? It's Eatin' Time! with Belton Johnson - powered by the Saskatchewan Cattle Association! Grillmaster Belton Johnson joins Evan with his recipe for smoked stuffed meatloaf.

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!

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

For many families, these basketball hoops on the road are a symbol of summer, kids getting outside, staying active and making friends! But for Hailey Hamoline and other concerned residents in Saskatoon's Rosewood neighbourhood, they've received a bylaw notice ordering them to remove the hoops from the street. Is the City enforcing the rules fairly, or is this a case of misplaced priorities? Join the conversation!