Show Segments

8:30 – Until the federal election Oct. 21, we’ll be holding weekly panel discussions with representatives for the three largest political parties joining John. They’ll discuss the issues of the day, the parties’ platforms, and what’s likely to happen in Saskatchewan and across the nation come election day.

LIVE: Sally Housser, PR consultant and political commentator, former press secretary to NDP leaders Jack Layton and Rachel Notley

LIVE: Evatt Merchant, Saskatchewan lawyer and long-time member of the Liberal Party

LIVE: Fred DeLorey, strategist for the Conservative Party of Canada

9:00 – The Hour of the Big Stories… Open Session

10:00 – Donald Savoie, Canada Research Chair in governance at the Université de Moncton, has authored a new book that’s critical of Canadian democracy. In his 46th published book, “Democracy in Canada – The Disintegration of Our Institutions,” Savoie offers a detailed analysis of the shortcomings of our representative democracy and what the future may hold. Savoie points out issues like an activist judiciary, calls for greater transparency, the changing role of the media, and a “a federal government bureaucracy that has lost both its way and its standing.” Savoie joins Gormley now to discuss democracy and Canada and how we can improve.

LIVE: Prof. Donald Savoie, author of “Democracy in Canada – The Disintegration of Our Institutions.”

11:00 – A number of deaths and hospitalizations in the US have caused political figures to consider heavier restrictions on e-cigarettes and vaping, and Canada has seen similar cases. Are the health effects a serious concern? Should governments put heavier restrictions in place, or is this an overblown issue when compared to smoking? Dr. Chris Lalonde, a psychologist with the University of Victoria and the health consultant with Rights 4 Vapers, believes vaping is a much healthier alternative to smoking. Dr.Erika Penz, respirologist with the University of Saskatchewan, thinks the health effects of vaping are harmful enough to justify regulations. Both join John to discuss the issue and what an appropriate level of regulation/restriction should be.

LIVE: Erika Penz, Respirologist with the U of S.

LIVE: Chris Lalonde, Psychologist with the University of Victoria and health consultant with Rights 4 Vapers.

12:00 – Saskatchewan author Harold Johnson’s new book goes on sale tomorrow. Johnson, who is well-known for his book “Firewater: How Alcohol Is Killing My People (and Yours),” is now tackling the complex relationship between Indigenous people and the justice system. His new book “Peace and Good Order: The Case for Indigenous Justice in Canada,” argues Canada has failed its treaty obligation to deliver justice to Indigenous people. As both an Indigenous man and former Crown Prosecutor, Johnson is uniquely positioned to look at both sides of the issue. He joins John now to discuss his latest book and why he feels Canada has failed.

LIVE: Harold Johnson, author and former Crown Prosecutor.