The Evan Bray Show

When a vulnerable person goes missing, every minute can make a difference — and that's the driving force behind a push for an Indigo Alert system in Saskatchewan. The push for this alert comes after an 11-year-old boy with autism went missing and was found dead less than two weeks later. Aly Rapinchuk, Saskatchewan Indigo Alert representative and mother of a medically complex, neurodivergent child with epilepsy, joins the show to share why she believes Saskatchewan needs an Indigo Alert.

Balancing a farm or ranch, a career, family and everything else that comes with rural life can feel like a full-time job in itself. That's something Lisa Haynes, founder of Farm Systems for Success, knows firsthand after decades as a rancher, insurance broker, mom, grandma, business owner and wearer of many more hats. She joins the show to talk about her entrepreneurship journey and the lessons she hopes to teach others.

The Saskatoon Berries won their first-ever Western Canadian Baseball League championship, just three seasons into the franchise's history! Joining Brent to break down the series WIN is Green Zone Saskatoon sports reporter Scott Roblin.

A new analysis suggests Saskatchewan's plan to keep its coal plants running as a bridge to nuclear could cost Saskatchewan ratepayers billions more than other options. University of Regina economist Brett Dolter joins the show to talk about his findings and what cheaper alternatives there might be.

There's a health-care profession you may never have heard of that could be part of the solution to gaps in rural and remote dental care. The University of Saskatchewan is home to Canada's only dental therapy program, training professionals who can provide everything from checkups and fillings to simple extractions in communities where access to a dentist can be difficult. Dr. Walter Siqueira, USask College of Dentistry Dean, joins Brent to talk about the importance of training Dental therapists.

Saskatoon's proposed Downtown Event and Entertainment District is facing a new challenge, with former SaskPlace and Credit Union Centre CEO Ken Wood calling for a public referendum. Wood launched a website to gauge support for a petition. He joins the show to explain why he believes the DEED project should go to a public vote.

The deadline for new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods is getting closer, and the pressure on Ottawa to make a deal is mounting. Lawrence Herman, counsel at Herman & Associates, a member of the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations and a senior fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute in Toronto, joins guest host Brent Loucks to bring us up to speed on the latest in trade talks and what Canadians need to watch as the tariff threat looms. 

Environment Canada has rolled out a new, more targeted warning system for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. The goal is to make warnings more accurate and reduce "alert fatigue." Jenny Hagan, severe weather specialist, joins Brent to explain the changes for us.

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.

STARS' annual Saskatchewan lottery is heading toward its final deadline, with tickets available until August 21. Grant Therrien, Provincial Director, Saskatchewan/Manitoba Operations, STARS, joins Brent to explain what the provinces' support means for STARS' operations and critical care services. 

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 Grilled Sesame Ginger Beef Skewers.

The internet has fallen in love with Jimothy, a uniquely shaped raccoon in Seattle who has become a viral sensation. While Jimothy is certainly cute, wildlife experts are reminding people that raccoons are still wild animals and shouldn't be approached or fed. Bonnie Dell, executive director of the Wildlife Rescue Society of Saskatchewan, joins us to talk all things raccoon.

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! 

Last summer, when everyone was asked to evacuate, a handful of people stayed behind to protect the Wadin Bay community from devastating wildfires. Shaun Bergsveinson, FireSmart President for Wadin Bay, was one of those brave volunteers. While their hard work paid off, it wasn't easy, and it wasn't free. Now, the community received a $40,000 grant from the provincial government in recognition of its wildfire prevention and resiliency. 

Severe weather is becoming an increasingly expensive problem for homeowners, businesses and insurance companies across Canada. As the cost of repairing damage continues to grow and extreme weather conditions continue to worsen, what does this mean for insurance coverage and premiums? Jason Thistlethwaite, professor at the University of Waterloo's School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, joins guest host Brent Loucks for this discussion.

A nearly 100-year-old dry cleaning business has closed its doors in Regina, with the manager saying people simply don't dress up like they used to—especially since the pandemic. Have you noticed this change in fashion? Should people be dressing up more for public life? Is it okay to wear sweatpants in public?

Homelessness continues to be a major challenge in cities across Saskatchewan, with more people struggling to find affordable housing and stable places to live. Communities are also grappling with questions about encampments, public spaces and what should be done to help people who have nowhere else to go. Peter Gilmer, Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry, joins Evan to explain what's happening on the ground and what he believes needs to change.

Trade negotiations, tariff deadlines and by-elections are all keeping our federal politicians busy this summer. Tom Korski, managing editor for Blacklock's Reporter, joins us for a broader look at what's happening in Ottawa and what Canadians should be watching. 

Yesterday, Saskatoon city councillors debated the future of the city's public art funding after a nearly $300,000 installation of three recycled-plastic “rocks” sparked significant backlash. Evan is joined by James Hawn, Citizen Representative, Chair of Saskatoon's Public Art Advisory Committee.

A new study says federal and provincial spending on corporate subsidies reached $87.7 billion in 2024. Evan speaks with study co-author Alex Whalen, Director, Atlantic Canada Prosperity Initiative, Fraser Institute, about what's driving that increase, why he argues corporate subsidies don't deliver the economic benefits governments promise, and what he believes governments should do instead.

Evan revisits his conversation with Ralph Goodale, a member of Prime Minister Mark Carney's council on Canada-U.S. Relations.

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!

Saskatchewan International Raceway is celebrating 60 years of drag racing this year, marking six decades of fast cars, big crowds and plenty of Saskatchewan racing history. Joining us to talk about this major milestone and what's in store for the future is Shawn “Skippy” Zezula, track manager at Saskatchewan International Raceway.

Saskatoon is considering expanding the no-smoking buffer around doors, windows and air intakes from three metres to 10 metres — a move that might be good for lung health, but bad for business. It would make most of Riversdale and Broadway smoke-free. Riversdale BID Executive Director Randy Pshebylo joins Evan to explain why he thinks the city is trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist.

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

Birthday parties for kids have changed a LOT over the years, from a simple cake and presents; some parents are going all out with elaborate parties and themes. Some parents are even asking for a tip to cover the high costs. Where is this pressure coming from and what impact does it have on you and your kids? Jenn Dean, life, parenting and health coach and host of A Better Life with Jenn Dean, joins the show to talk about how to keep birthdays fun without breaking the bank.

Canada and the U.S. are ramping up trade negotiations with just a week to go before the Aug. 19 tariff deadline. Trade officials are working hard to present U.S. President Donald Trump with a layout of a deal before then. But what's on the bargaining table and what happens if a deal isn't met? Ralph Goodale, member of Prime Minister Mark Carney's council on Canada-U.S. Relations, joins Evan to explain.

Winston Stockdale is a professional Saskatchewan fisherman. He's only 19 years old, but he's made a name for himself in the world of fishing, coming off of yet another major fishing tournament championship win. He joins Evan to discuss how he turned fishing into his profession and what tournaments he hopes to take part in next.

Canada's job numbers came in much stronger than expected in July, with the country adding 75,000 jobs and the unemployment rate falling to its lowest level in two years. Sal Guatieri, Senior Economist and Director at BMO Capital Markets, joins Evan to break down the numbers and share if Canadians can really feel confident about our labour market.

If you've bought beef recently, you may have noticed Australian beef showing up at much lower prices. So how can something coming from ACROSS THE WORLD be cheaper than beef produced here in Canada? To dig into it, Evan speaks with Tyler Fulton, President of the Canadian Cattle Association.

More than four years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war continues to reshape communities and lives across the country. While many people support Ukraine from afar, some Canadians have chosen to go there and help with the rebuilding effort firsthand. Nick Bettin, a building maintenance technician who volunteered to rebuild Ukraine, joins the show from Kyiv to tell us what he's seeing and experiencing on the ground.

Evan goes to the phones to chat with listeners about what's on their minds today

Saskatoon city council is set to debate whether the city should continue setting aside money for public art as part of major capital projects. This comes after a recent installation, priced at nearly $300,000, sparked a big conversation about public art. Randy Donauer, City of Saskatoon Ward 5 Councillor, joins Evan to discuss why he wants to end funding for public installations.

Former Police frontman, Sting, says he plans to leave his six children none of his estimated US$550-million fortune, arguing that an inheritance could rob them of the motivation to build their own lives. He says they've been taught to work for what they want rather than expect a handout. Is this fair?

Former Saskatoon Blade and NHL hockey player George Pesut has had a colourful hockey career spanning three decades and 21 professional teams across North America and Europe. He has written a book, The Fourth Period: Between the Ice Sheets; Hockey on Two Continents. He was in Saskatoon this past weekend promoting it and signing copies. Evan was lucky enough to have him pop by the studio on his way out of town.

The RCMP started a Race-Based Data Collection Initiative in 2024 in four different communities across the country to better understand whether race or systemic bias is affecting policing outcomes. The initiative recently expanded to include Craik, Saskatchewan as well. But what is Race-Based Data collection? Amin Asfari, Law Foundation of Saskatchewan Chair in Police Studies in the department of justice studies at the University of Regina, joins Evan to explain.

Gas prices have dropped sharply in parts of Saskatchewan, with some communities seeing prices fall by as much as 20 cents a litre. But relief wasn't felt equally across the province. Why is that? Roger McKnight, Chief Petroleum Analyst at EN-PRO, joins Evan to share his insight.

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

With Canada considering bringing American alcohol back to store shelves, there's a question of whether Canadian consumers even want it back. A new Nanos poll finds that most Canadians don't. Bruce Winder, retail analyst, joins the show to bring us up to speed on the booze debate.

Prime Minister Carney has called three federal byelections for August 31, including one in Chicoutimi–Le Fjord that was triggered when he appointed Conservative MP Richard Martel to the Senate. With another MP now announcing his resignation, the growing number of vacancies — and the politics surrounding them — are attracting attention. To wade through it all, Evan is joined by Charles Smith, Professor in the Department of Political Studies at St. Thomas More College at the University of Saskatchewan.

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!

Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney has been urging Albertans to reject separation, but Danielle Paradis, an Edmonton-based writer, editor, podcaster and associate professor at MacEwan University, says he helped create the political conditions that allowed the movement to grow in the first place. She joins the show to explain her argument.

An upcoming hockey tournament in Saskatoon is about more than what happens on the ice. The event will also put a focus on mental health and helping young people develop tools to deal with challenges and adversity. Joining us now is D Jay McGrath, founder of The Mental Health Classic.

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 Bacon Wrapped Armadillo Eggs.

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.

The Regina mosque has resumed broadcasting its call to prayer, this time including an English translation, after previously pausing the practice following threats made against the congregation. While many see the broadcast as an expression of religious freedom, others argue it infringes on their own rights. Dwight Newman, constitutional law professor at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Law and Canada research chair in rights, communities and constitutional law, joins Evan to explain what rights we have here in Canada when it comes to freedom of religion.

Recent incidents across Canada have raised concerns about the safety of places of worship. In Saskatchewan alone, a synagogue in Saskatoon was targeted during prayer, a Regina mosque faced threats after broadcasting its call to prayer and a Ukrainian Orthodox church in Regina was recently vandalized. Dr. Barbara Perry, professor in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities at Ontario Tech University and Director, Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism, joins Evan to discuss why places of worship continue to be targeted and what can be done to address hate in our communities.

The Canadian Armed Forces has been working to rebuild its ranks after years of recruitment challenges, especially with growing global instability putting renewed pressure on our defence capabilities. Lieutenant-Colonel Kevin Barry, Commanding Officer, Royal Regina Rifles, joins Evan to discuss the state of military recruitment.

For decades, buying a movie, album or video game meant owning a physical copy you could keep, collect or pass on to someone else. But as more entertainment moves online, physical media is slowly disappearing. Jared Dormer, Co-creator of the Saskatchewan Retro GameCon, joins the show to talk about the slow death of physical media and if gamers are ready to let go.

With the growing number of tragic fatalities on Saskatchewan highways and one of our reporters revealing that Saskatoon is the worst Saskatchewan city to drive in, based on collision rates, there is a lot to talk about when it comes to driving. Regina Police Service Const. Kevin Bowes and Saskatoon Police Service Sgt. Ray Robertson join the show to answer your road-related questions and share how you can stay safe when getting behind the wheel.