8:30 – The UK variant of COVID-19 was detected for the first time in Saskatchewan this week, with two cases confirmed in the Regina area. One of the cases had traveled to the UK and the other was a close contact of the traveler, and the Province says both have been quarantined and are no longer infectious. Microbiologist Dr. Joseph Blondeau joins guest host Mike Couros to explain what we know about the new variants of COVID, and whether yesterday’s announcement should be cause for concern.
LIVE: Dr. Joseph Blondeau, clinical microbiologist and head of clinical microbiology at RUH and U of S.
9:00 – The Hour of the Big Stories… Open Session
10:00 – Scientists at the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization — International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) have begun clinical trials for their made-in-Saskatchewan COVID-19 vaccine, and could start production next year. CEO Dr. Volker Gerdts says he predicts the vaccine will still be needed after this year, and he joins Mike to tell us more about their work and what makes VIDO-InterVac’s vaccine different from the others.
LIVE: Dr. Volker Gerdts, CEO of VIDO-InterVac.
11:00 – It’s time for Saskatchewan’s Smartest Radio Listener! Powered by Minhas Distillery, Winery & Brewery. 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 from Minhas Distillery, Winery & Brewery, with locations in Regina and Saskatoon.
11:30 – Oregon’s new law decriminalizing all drugs went into effect Monday, meaning possession of all illegal drugs will be met with a healthcare approach rather than criminal charges. Those in possession of illegal drugs will be fined $100, but that fine will be dropped if they agree to a health assessment. The Canadian Drug Policy Coalition says there is “a resounding lack of evidence to show that the criminal law reduces the harms associated with drugs,” and their director of policy Scott Bernstein joins Mike to explain why he thinks Canada should follow Oregon’s example.
LIVE: Scott Bernstein, Director of Policy with the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition.