Show Segments

8:30 – SaskPower announced a replacement to its net metering program for rooftop solar panels on Tuesday. The new program will have no fixed end date or capacity limit, but will no longer include a rebate on solar equipment and installations. The credits offered for surplus power fed back into the SaskPower grid will also be lower under the new program, which will accept applications starting Nov. 1. The new program’s details aren’t sitting well with Saskatchewan solar companies, however, as they released a joint statement saying they expect a 90-95% drop in net metering solar activity in Saskatchewan under the new program. Dustin Duncan is the minister responsible for SaskPower, and he joins Gormley to discuss the new program.

LIVE: Dustin Duncan, minister responsible for SaskPower.

8:45 – Kevin Bergeron, who serves as CEO of MiEnergy, the largest renewable energy company in Saskatchewan, says the end of the previous net metering program was very significant for his company and its 47 employees. He says they have millions invested in supporting the growth of solar energy in Saskatchewan, and the future of the industry now hinges on signals from SaskPower and the provincial government. Bergeron joins John now to discuss solar power in Saskatchewan and what he thinks of the new net metering program.

LIVE: Kevin Bergeron, President & CEO of MiEnergy.

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

10:00 – More than 4.7 million Canadians cast ballots in the advance polls over the weekend, setting a new record and going well above the 2015 advance poll number of 3.65 million. But does an increase in advance voters show any political trends? Jim Farney, head of politics and international studies at the University of Regina, says the parties are getting better at targeting voters and encouraging early voting, and Elections Canada has made it easier than ever before. While some suggest high early voting numbers may be bad for incumbents, Farney says traditionally high turnouts in Canada are a bad sign for the Conservatives. Farney joins John now to discuss the advance poll numbers and what we can read into them.

LIVE: Jim Farney, Department Head of politics and international studies, U of R.

11:00 – It’s time for Saskatchewan’s Smartest Radio Listener! Powered by Urban Cellars. Your chance for fame, acclaim and to prove just how smart you are. Not only do you get bragging rights, you’ll win a $50 gift card for Urban Cellars.

11:30 – Ontario is considering repealing its ban on pit bulls, but is it a good idea to allow the most dangerous dog breed back into the province? In 2004, the last full year before the ban, Ontario was home to 984 pit bulls and saw 168 reported bites from the breed. By 2013 the province had only 501 of the dogs and saw just 13 reported bites. National Post columnist Barbara Kay says the breed-specific legislation in Ontario is obviously working well to reduce the number of serious dog bites, and says “if you can only love a pit bull, you’re not a dog lover.” What do you think about pit bulls? Are they dangerous or misunderstood? Would you support a national ban, or should Ontario get rid of its existing law? Give us a call at 1-877-332-8255 and join the conversation!

12:00 – Saskatoon’s Jake Klassen is one of the best in the world at solving Rubik’s Cubes while blindfolded. It sounds strange, but the science student has been hooked on “cubing” since he started high school, and set a world record during a competition in Ottawa last spring by solving three cubes while blindfolded with an average time of 19.79 seconds. He’s traveled as far as Australia to compete, and says he still finds it hard to believe. Klassen joins Gormley now to discuss his unusual skill, and the techniques he uses for solving a visual puzzle without the use of his eyes.

Jake Klassen, blindfolded Rubik’s Cube record holder.