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Hello Dear Listeners,

Thanks for tuning in - and supporting community radio shows and podcasts like this - we air to Saskatoon's community radio station cfcr.ca and give an opportunity to hear it via a podcast version.

This kind of talk is best paired with a cup of coffee, a deep breath, and maybe a stiff drink after — because city budgets affect all of us, whether we like it or not. Consider this your friendly neighbourhood heads-up before the next property tax notice shows up in your mailbox wearing a serious face.

In Part One, we go straight into Saskatoon’s newly approved 2026–2027 City Budget. Lenore breaks down what the headline numbers actually mean for everyday life — including the 6.7% property tax increase, utility rates, and recreation fees. We talk about where the money is going: roads and snow clearing, policing and fire protection, transit safety, housing and homelessness, water treatment, facilities, and city services you touch every day. We also pull back the curtain on the powerful behind-the-scenes process — the “108 budget options” that shaped what stayed, what shifted, and what almost got cut. And we share reactions from City Hall, councillors, community voices, and residents.

In Part Two, we zoom way out. Because Saskatoon isn’t alone. Across Canada — and in cities around the world — municipal budgets are under serious pressure. We talk about why property taxes are doing so much heavy lifting, how housing, climate change, and population growth are landing on city doorsteps, and how volunteers and community groups are quietly holding things together. We also look at what other countries do differently, and ask the big question:
Are cities just the maintenance department — or are they true partners in nation-building?

Enjoy this episode about money, priorities, responsibility, and the future of our cities.

Civically speaking,

Lenore Swystun with Christina Cherneskey (who sends her regrets)

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

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Dear Listeners,

Thanks for tuning in. In this episode, we dig into the things that bring us together — and the places where politics can still tug us apart.

🏈 Sports as Civic Glue

We kick things off with the joy of cheering on the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the cross-Canada loyalty of Blue Jays fans. From game-day energy to shared heartbreak and celebration, sports remind us how connected we really are.

💰 National and Local Budgets

Then we shift into the world of budgets —the vote on the national budget that took place yesterday and then in Part 2 - why city budgets matter and what we can expect next week when Council deliberates. From transit to policing to housing, simple highlights to point us to listening in next week.

⚠️ A Light Dip Into Politics & Polarization

We touch on the growing partisan tone across Canada — not too deep, but enough to ask:
How do we stay connected as neighbours when national politics get loud?

This episode blends fun, civic insight, and a little bit of reflection on what keeps our communities strong.

💬 Join the conversation!

Share with us your thoughts. And how do you stay grounded when politics *(and sports) get noisy?

Civically Speaking,

Lenore and Christina

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

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Hello Dear Civically Speaking Listeners,

In a sleep deprived week I aimed to bring a smattering of Saskatoon based news in Part 1 including a little tail-end musing about the Blue Jays...ugggg

And in Part 2, while watching the proceedings live - ran through some of the highlights coming in from media feeds. It's quite the budget - we won't know how the House votes on it yet - but guessing it will pass - with NDP shying away from the vote.

So there you have it... on this eve of a Beaver Full Moon.

Civically Speaking,

Lenore with regrets from Christina

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

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Dear Listeners,

You are in for a treat - an unfiltered interview with Marcel Petit - Saskatoon film maker, artist, and head of the Core Neighbourhood Youth Coop and so much more.

Have a listen. We talk Riversdale, Pleasant Hill, our folks who live on the streets and much more. Thanks Marcel.

Civically Speaking,

Lenore Swystun, Host

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

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Hello Dear Listeners,

This episode ran last week - the day after Thanksgiving Monday - it is a 2 part episode about gratitude - simply put.

Have a listen and thanks for supporting community radio as heard on CFCR.ca 90.5 FM in Saskatoon and podcast versions like this.

Take care everyone,

Civically Speaking,

Lenore Swystun

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

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Hello Dear Listeners,

IN this week's episode we were sharing our observations as our PM Carney was meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office for a second time (round two). It was both distracting and amusing to have their meeting playing in the background ... we did our best capturing first reactions in real time, discussing the political signals, the economic undertones, and what this encounter might mean for Canada–U.S. relations moving forward.

From there, we shifted and move in news from closer to home aka Saskatoon, digging into civic stories shaping daily life in Saskatoon:

• Bus Fares & Transit – What fare changes mean for equity, affordability, and the city’s long-term transit goals.
• Homelessness & the Latest Counts – Talking about recent campaigns to bring awareness to this issue and what the new point in time count may reveal; and,
• Local Civic Updates – A roundup of neighbourhood planning, safety discussions, and the everyday issues that matter to residents.

As always, Civically Speaking connects the dots between the global stage and our own civic backyard — capturing the big stories as they happen, while staying grounded in the realities at home.

Civically Speaking,

Lenore and Christina

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

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Dear Listeners,

Thanks for tuning in and supporting CFCR.ca 90.5 FM in Saskatoon and shows like this. These episodes carry forward, and in this special case, a day ahead, local learnings and sharing of news and stories of interest. Regrets from Christina.

In this two part episode, part one, we explore the foundations of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. What was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)? Why was it created, and what did it reveal about the residential school system? This episode traces the TRC’s mandate, its six-volume Final Report, and its 94 Calls to Action. Listeners will hear why reconciliation matters, how the legacy of residential schools continues today, and what the TRC gave to Canada: the truth, entrusted by Survivors.

Ten years after the TRC’s Final Report, progress is slow. Survivors and allies call on all Canadians to make reconciliation more than symbolic. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding, accountability, and action.

In Part Two , we go deeper into the 94 Calls to Action. What has Canada achieved? Where is progress stalled? And what does reconciliation look like in cities, communities, and workplaces?

This part covers ten priority areas — from child welfare and education to justice, health, language, and economic reconciliation. Listeners will hear about national developments, such as the creation of the National Council for Reconciliation, and local examples from Saskatoon and Saskatchewan, including Treaty education, Indigenous procurement, and the Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation.

The episode also explores the role of museums and arts, newcomers and citizenship, and practical ways each of us can live reconciliation in our daily lives. Survivors gave us the truth; now we must act.

Key Reports & Resources

• Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – Final Report (2015)
  Read the TRC Report & Calls to Action
  The Survivors Speak – testimony volume.
• What We Have Learned: Principles of Truth and Reconciliation – TRC summary report.
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) – archives, records, and ongoing reporting.Visit. the NCTR
  Yellowhead Institute – Annual Calls to Action Accountability Reports
  Assembly of First Nations – TRC Report Cards
  
  

Saskatchewan Context

• Treaty 6 Territory & Homeland of the Métis: signed in 1876 at Fort Carlton and Fort Pitt. Treaty 6 is notable for its “medicine chest” and “famine and pestilence” clauses.
• Local community actions:
  • Rock Your Roots Walk for Reconciliation (Saskatoon).
  • Cultural planning projects in Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Prince Albert.
  • Education initiatives where Treaty learning is embedded in classrooms.

Quotes to Reflect On

• “Reconciliation is not an Aboriginal problem. It is a Canadian one. It requires all of us.” – TRC Final Report
• “Education got us into this mess, and education will get us out of it.” – Senator Murray Sinclair

How You Can Engage After Listening

• Read the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action and choose one to act on this year.
• Learn about the Treaty you live on — in Saskatchewan, Treaty 6 and Treaty 4 are most common.
• Support Survivors and their families by attending Sept 30th events and listening with respect.
• Explore the NCTR’s online archives to deepen your knowledge.
• Begin conversations in your family, workplace, or classroom about reconciliation as a shared responsibility.

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

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Dear Listeners,

On this week’s Civically Speaking, I’m joined by return panel guests Dr. Tom Wolf and Gordon Androsoff. We celebrate Gordon as he leaves Saskatoon for a new chapter in his career—sad to see him go, but excited for his next role, equivalent to his work as Executive Director of CHEP here at home. Tom, as a close friend and colleague, helps send him off with warmth and insight. From there, we dive into timely conversations about the state of agriculture, food systems, and what lies ahead.

Tune in and join the conversation!

And don’t forget to support our annual fundraising campaign — FM-PHASIS at cfcr.ca

Civically Speaking,

Lenore Swystun with Christina Cherneskey (away this week)

#CivicallySpeaking #Saskatoon #CommunityRadio #Agriculture #FoodSystems #CHEP #LocalVoices #CFCR

Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.