WELCOME TO THE MWSA PODCAST FOR WEDNESDAY, JAN 15TH 

We begin with our monthly chat with Calgary Police Chief Mark Neufeld. This time out, we look at an increase in pedestrian collision numbers for the City – the CPS’ preparations ahead of the “G7” meeting coming to Alberta in June – and the recent rash of domestic violence incidents in Calgary.

Next - are you taking Ozempic or Wegovy for any other reason besides weight loss or diabetes? The list of health benefits from the “GLP-1” drugs continues to grow – as do calls to expand coverage by health insurance companies to cover the drugs. We tackle the topic with Mina Tadrous – a Professor from the University of Toronto with a focus on pharmaceutical policy and drug safety.

And finally - It’s a ‘milestone’ for a local institution in Calgary’s arts ‘scene’. This year marks the 40th Anniversary of “Decidedly Jazz Danceworks” – and the ‘troop’ is celebrating with a new show which will debut at this year’s “High Performance Rodeo”. We hear all about the history of the ‘iconic’ dance company – and get details on their new show - from Kimberley Cooper, Artistic Director of DJD.

A busy one this week in Ottawa – as the list is growing for candidates interested in the top job of the Federal Liberal Party. We get the latest on ‘who’s in and who’s out’ - from Mercedes Stephenson – Global News Ottawa Bureau Chief – and Host of “The West Block”.

Next - the wildfires that erupted this week across Los Angeles County are still raging, but are already projected to be among the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. We take a look at estimated financial impact from this devastating disaster - from Heather Zehr, Senior Meteorologist from “Accuweather”.

And finally - they say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas….well not when Mike Yawney is involved! We caught up with our “Gadget Guy” for a full breakdown of the ‘best of the best’ from last week’s Consumer Electronics Show…..Including details on – wait for it – an ‘Electric Spoon!’

Lindsay Burchill, Calgary-based Licensed Insolvency Trustee

Todd Loewen, Forestry and Parks Minister

Kiara Warkentin, director of justice, research and outreach for the Saffron Centre

Heather Zehr, Senior Meteorologist with AccuWeather

Dr. Michael Parkins, University of Calgary infectious disease physician and co-lead of the pan-Alberta wastewater network

Giacomo Ladas, Associate Director, Communications with Rentals.ca

Barb Ferguson, Executive Director at Alzheimer Calgary

Jack Cunningham, assistant professor at Trinity College at the University of Toronto