8:30 – 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.
Listener Question: Do you want more Chinese investment in Canadian energy? Or were past governments right to be more cautious?
9:00 – Evan goes to the phones to chat with listeners about what’s on their minds today. Call 1-877-332-8255.
9:30 – 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.
LQ: What do you think of this buyback program? Will this make Canada safer or is this targeting legal law abiding gun owners?
10:00 – 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.
10:30 – 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.
LQ: Is this a good deal? Why or why not?
11:00 – 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.
LQ: What would you want to see discussed as the top topic at this year’s Western Canadian Economic Forum?
11:30 – 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.
LQ: What tricks do you have to keep your mood up through these dark cold winter months?
12:00 – Evan revisits his conversation with Heather Exner-Pirot, Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, to break down what the China-Canada deal means for Canada’s energy industry.








