Murray Wood: Government nickel and dimes us in advance of Saskatchewan budget
We know the budget is going to include a deficit, and Murray Wood says it's probably not a good sign that the government...
8:30 – The province made a major announcement on Monday regarding a new AI data centre being developed through a partnership with Bell Canada. It’s expected to generate billions of dollars for the province, but some critics worry about how it will impact power and water resources. Minister Jeremy Harrison, Saskatchewan Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, joins the show to chat about what this development means for the province.
Listener Question: Do you think this new AI data centre is good for Saskatchewan — why or why not?
9:00 – The AI data centre was given the green light, with construction set to begin in the spring. But it left us wondering, what even is an AI data centre and what environmental implications does it have? If any? Brian McQuinn, an associate professor at the University of Regina and co-director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Data and Conflict, is our AI expert and he joins the show to break down the basics.
LQ: Do you think the province should be educating people on AI, or is it one’s own responsibility to do the research?
9:20 – Is Saskatchewan a gold mine for AI data centres? That’s what some experts are saying. John Watson, President of Bell Business Market, joins the show to explain how Bell landed on Saskatchewan for this major project and what this means for the province and across Canada.
LQ: Is this the kind of project that puts Saskatchewan on the map in a good way, or does it come with too many unknowns?
9:30 – Open phones – Evan goes to the phones to chat with listeners about what’s on their minds today. Call 1-877-332-8255.
10:00 – Evan checks in with 980 CJME senior reporter Lisa Schick ahead of this year’s budget. She explains what she’s keeping an eye on and how the budget will impact the people of Saskatchewan.
LQ: What do you think the provincial government needs to prioritize or cut back on in the budget?
10:15 – Open phones continued – Evan goes to the phones to chat with listeners about what’s on their minds today. Call 1-877-332-8255.
10:30 – There’s been a lot of attention on Saskatchewan highways lately after a string of semi-trucks hitting overpasses—three crashes in less than two weeks. Susan Ewart, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association, joins the show to help us understand what’s really happening behind the wheel and if any changes need to be made to prevent further incidents.
LQ: Three overpass crashes in under two weeks—does this feel like a fluke, or a sign of a bigger problem?
11:00 – You’re quick & clever! And for some weird reason you’ve carried the right answer in your head for years. Or maybe you just trust Uncle Google. It’s time for Saskatchewan’s Smartest Radio Listener for Little Town Apparel — your chance for fame and acclaim and to prove just how smart you are. Not only do you get bragging rights, you’ll win prizes too! Call 1-877-332-8255 to play!
11:30 – While the conflict in Iran might seem half a world away, the impacts are starting to be felt at home. The rising oil and gas prices could even impact what we’re paying at the grocery store. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, food distribution and policy professor at Dalhousie University and senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab, co-host of The Food Professor Podcast, joins the show to explain the connection between rising energy costs and the price of groceries.
LQ: Are you changing your shopping habits because of higher prices?
12:00 – Evan revisits his conversation with Minister Jeremy Harrison, Saskatchewan Minister of Crown Investments Corporation.
