The hour of RAGE

If new subsidies, rising fuel prices, and a coming increase to the carbon tax aren't enough to get Canadians to buy greener vehicles, what about... an SUV tax? According to Blacklock's Reporter in Ottawa, Canada's Environment Ministry says "more needs to be done" to lower automotive emissions, and an advisory panel recommended a four-figure levy on pickup trucks and SUVs to help address the issue. While this tax is still just a proposal, many environmental groups have called for similar measures over the years, and Korski joins John to share the details.

It’s time for Saskatchewan’s Smartest Radio Listener! It's your chance for fame, acclaim and to prove just how smart you are. Not only do you get bragging rights, you’ll win your exclusive Smartest Radio Listener t-shirt thanks to Little Town Apparel, available ONLY to Saskatchewan Smartest Radio Listener winners, and a $50 gift certificate to Crossmount Cider Company.

Epic Alliance, a Saskatoon real estate company, collapsed at the end of January, with more than $10M in investment disappearing and hundreds of homes affected. According to reports, the group controlled 504 properties in Saskatoon and North Battleford, worth a total of $126M. Now, a judge has assigned a special investigator to look into the collapse. Conrad Neufeldt, an award-winning mortgage broker based in Saskatoon, says Epic Alliance could be one of the biggest schemes ever to hit Canada. Neufeldt, who detailed the story in a lengthy YouTube video, joins Gormley to explain the situation.

Bobbi-Lee Jones is the creator of a new one-act musical play debuting next week through Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon. 'Typecastress' tells the story of Nora, who's waiting for a big audition and can't help but go over all the times she's been typecast in her life, and how it's held her back and pressured her into filling certain social roles. Jones says the show, which debuted as a short film project, promotes the City of Saskatoon and celebrates International Women's Day, and she joins Gormley to tell us more. 'Typecastress' runs April 5-9 at the Remai Arts Centre's Backstage Stage.

Indigenous businessman Chris Sankey, a former elected councillor for the Lax Kw’alaams Band, says killing Canada's world-class energy industry will hurt hundreds of Indigenous communities. Sankey says Canada's Indigenous people need responsible resource development to achieve prosperity and better opportunities. According to Sankey, several moves by the Trudeau government, including the proposed emissions cap, will hurt energy projects which have support and investment from many Indigenous communities. Sankey joins Gormley to explain why he says the Trudeau government is ignoring its political and legal obligations to Indigenous Canadians by standing in the way of the energy sector's growth.

A recent National Post column suggests Canada has too many university graduates and not enough tradespeople, which could lead to a shortage and a further pay rise for those who work with practical skills. Which would you recommend for young people: university, or a skilled trade? Call or text 1-877-332-8255 and let us know which path you think offers better opportunities.

Open Session

Canada's Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault tabled Canada's new emission reduction plan Tuesday, calling for a 42% reduction in emissions from the oil and gas sector in order to meet an ambitious reduction target by 2030 (40% below 2005 levels). The plan includes $9.1B in new spending, but a recent RBC report estimated that reaching net zero over the next three decades is expected to cost $2T, or at least $60B in spending annually. Bronwyn Eyre is Saskatchewan's minister of energy and resources, and she joins John to share her thoughts on the climate plan, and whether it's possible to achieve the ambitious federal goals.

Randy Bachman's Greatest Stories ever Told, featuring Tal Bachman, heads to Saskatoon's TCU Place May 2 and Casino Regina on May 4. Bahman joins Gormley to talk about his upcoming shows in Saskatchewan.

Open Session

As you're doing some spring cleaning, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation is asking people do donate guns and hunting and fishing equipment. Unwanted firearms, antlers, and used hunting and fishing equipment can be donated to habitat for wildlife across the province. The federation auctions the firearms off, you'll get a tax-deductible receipt and profits from the auction are put toward purchasing habitat lands in the province. Courtney Devins with the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation joins John to tell us more about their Guns for Habitat and Antlers for Habitat initiatives.

Randy Bachman's Greatest Stories ever Told, featuring Tal Bachman, heads to Saskatoon's TCU Place May 2 and Casino Regina on May 4. Bahman joins Gormley to talk about his upcoming shows in Saskatchewan.