A Fraser Institute study estimates that about 105,529 Canadians travelled abroad in 2025 to pay for non-emergency medical care. The reasons include long wait times, lack of available resources or procedures at home, and a desire for quicker or more advanced care than they can access in Canada. To talk about the findings Evan is joined by Nadeem Esmail, Director of Health Policy at the Fraser Institute.

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

Saskatchewan officials are warning there may be limited participation in the federal firearms buyback program. In response, the province has put its own measures in place to ensure firearm owners receive fair market value and aren’t left absorbing costs tied to the federal plan—but what does that actually mean, and how will it work logistically? To break it down, Evan is joined by Robert Freberg, Saskatchewan Firearms Commissioner and former Chief Firearms Officer for Saskatchewan.

Today is Blue Monday, often called “the most depressing day of the year,” drawing attention to seasonal stress and mental health challenges. Dr. Kimberly Bitz, Knowledge Mobilization Lead at the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment (CIPSRT), joins us to discuss support for first responders and practical strategies for managing mental health and well-being.

The Western Canada Economic Forum is happening in Winnipeg, Manitoba this year. Alex Fallon, chair of the Western Canadian Economic Forum and founder of Artificial Intelligence Saskatchewan (AiSK), will be attending. He joins Evan to share some of what is expected to come up during the annual gathering this year.

From an economic perspective, the Canada–China deal could boost Canadian exports, and open key markets for canola, pulses, and other agricultural products. It may also encourage investment, create jobs, and strengthen trade ties. To take a closer look at this deal Evan is joined by Jason Childs, University of Regina professor of economics.

The VACR (Violence Against Women Advocate Case Review) looks at sexual assault cases closed without charges to identify gaps and improve police responses. Saskatoon Sexual Assault & Information (SSAIC) partners on the project, bringing expertise and advocacy to ensure a trauma‑informed, accountable approach. Evan is joined by Reagan Conway, Executive Director, and Morgan Price, Education & Outreach Coordinator at SSAIC, to discuss the project and its impact.

Mid-day Saturday we learned more details of the federal firearms buyback program, which opens today. Licensed owners can register banned weapons for compensation ahead of the March 31 deadline, but some provinces, including Saskatchewan, have raised concerns. Evan speaks with Rod Giltaca, CEO & Executive Director of the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights, for his take.

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

From an energy perspective, the deal opens the door to co-operation on conventional and low-carbon technologies, but it also raises concerns about national security and economic dependence on a market that has used trade as a political tool. To break down the energy side of the agreement, Evan welcomes Heather Exner-Pirot, Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute back to the show.