Murray Wood: Trump's potash claim is more 'art' than deal
The U.S. president says a deal is in the works to buy cheap potash from Belarus, but Murray Wood says Donald Trump proba...
WITH GUEST HOST TAMARA CHERRY
8:30 – Yesterday, Donald Trump claimed to be working on a deal to purchase potash from Belarus at a lower price than what the U.S. currently pays Canada. But Belarus claims it doesn’t have enough to send to the U.S. Erin Weir, Consulting Economist and Former MP for Regina–Lewvan, joins guest host Tamara Cherry to discuss what this announcement could mean for Saskatchewan’s large potash industry.
Listener Question: If Belarus doesn’t actually have the potash to ship, should we take this announcement seriously?
9:00 – The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is raising questions about how Ottawa is spending $1.4 billion in research funding, pointing to grants studying everything from Canadian dancefloors to low-carbon videogames. Federal Director Franco Terrazzano joins Tamara to explain why the organization believes some of that spending deserves greater scrutiny.
LQ: Should taxpayers be paying for research into things like dancefloors and videogames?
9:30 – Open phones – Tamara goes to the phones to chat with listeners about what’s on their minds today. Call 1-877-332-8255.
10:00 – Saskatchewan’s film and television industry is having a huge year, with a growing number of productions creating new opportunities for local actors and crews. Robert Hardy, executive director of ScreenSask, joins us to talk about what’s driving that growth, a new apprenticeship program aimed at building Saskatchewan’s film workforce and the industry’s ambitious plans for the future.
LQ: Looking at Saskatchewan’s film industry now, was scrapping the film tax credit in 2012 a mistake?
10:30 – The Trump administration is facing legal challenges after banning several major media outlets from White House access, raising questions about press freedom and the relationship between governments and journalists. Tom Korski, managing editor for Blacklock’s Reporter, joins Tamara to talk about the relationship between news organizations and the government and how it impacts public trust.
LQ: Do you think governments should be able to decide which media outlets get access to their officials? Why or why not?
11:00 – Skilled trades offer a wide range of career opportunities, but many young people may not know what’s available to them. That’s where Trade Trek, a new initiative, comes in. Denise Gamble, president of MERIT Saskatchewan and Brent Hills, executive director of Saskatoon Industry Education Council, join Tamara to talk about the initiative and the importance of building the next generation of skilled workers.
LQ: Do you think children should have more exposure to industries like the trades?
11:30 – Today is the University of Regina’s first-ever Varsity Sport Day of Giving, an opportunity to support student-athletes and athletic programs. Quinn Sutherland, a third-year hockey player on the U of R Cougars women’s team, joins Tamara to discuss what this fundraiser means for student-athletes across campus and how YOU can get involved.
12:00 – Is Trump’s plan to purchase potash from Belarus even possible? Experts and now Belarus leadership are saying no. Pam Schwann, president of the Saskatchewan Mining Association, joins Tamara to share her thoughts on Trump’s proposal.
