Send us a text Dear Listeners, Happy New Year! May 2026 bring you and this show and others that air on community radio and are spread through podcast platforms beyond do their very best to stay informed and have us exercising our civic muscles always. In the first part of the show, we look at major international developments, focusing on Venezuela and Ukraine, and asked why these events matter for Canada and close to home. We explore how what's going on in Venezuela raises questions ab...

Send us a text Dear Listeners, As we head into the holiday season, this week on Civically Speaking, I’m joined by Rupan Sambasivam, a recent political science graduate and aspiring media voice, for a year-end reflection on the major political milestones of 2025. We walk through the federal election, leadership shifts, and key moments that shaped national politics over the year, and then look at how those federal decisions and dynamics rippled closer to home in Saskatchewan and Saskatoon. The ...

Send us a text Dear Listeners, Thanks for tuning into Civically Speaking. This two-part episode of Civically Speaking brings together what’s happening right now and what it means for civic life moving forward. In Part 1, we walk through the most important stories from the past week, moving from global events to local City Hall decisions, including: Major earthquakes and tsunami warnings in JapanSevere flooding in the Pacific Northwest and British ColumbiaSolar flares and space weather affecti...

Send us a text Deae Listeners, This week on Civically Speaking, we begin with a check-in on the weather...because ....winter has truly arrived. We talk about just how cold it’s getting across Saskatchewan, what that means for daily life, travel, safety, and especially for our most vulnerable neighbours. From there, we return to one of our most important and recurring conversations: homelessness in our community. With extreme cold setting in, the risks are higher, the pressure on shelte...

Send us a text 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...

Send us a text 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...

Send us a text 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 ...

Send us a text 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.

Send us a text 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.

Send us a text 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 a...

Send us a text 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 sch...

Send us a text 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...

Send us a text Hello Dear Listeners, On this episode of Civically Speaking, we reflect on the passing of Robert Redford, a legend whose influence reached far beyond the screen. We also turn to local matters: the recent meeting about Saskatoon’s plans for a permanent homeless shelter, and the stir caused by the removal of a major tree in Montgomery Place. And of course, we’ll touch on more stories shaping our community this week. Civically Speaking, Lenore with Christina Civically Speaking- S...

Send us a text Hello Dear Civically Speaking Listeners, Welcome to the first fall episode of the new 2025–2026 season! Christina Cherneskey is back in the house, joining me for a lively conversation that kicks off with a roundup of civic events close to home before widening the lens to national and international stories making headlines. Along the way, we catch up with Christina and hear what she’s been up to since her last visit. Tune in for smart takes, spirited dialogue, and ...

Send us a text Dear Listeners, In this episode, we explore two important conversations shaping Saskatoon’s future. Part 1 – The proposed emergency shelter...looking at what’s being planned, how the community is responding, and why thoughtful approaches to shelter and support matter. Part 2 – The City’s proposed Strategic Plan...we unpack the priorities, and questions it raises about where Saskatoon is heading. Join me for a thoughtful discussion about people, policy, and the choices that s...

Send us a text Dear Listeners, Thanks for tuning in to this midsummer edition of Civically Speaking. I am flying solo again - giving Christina a well deserved summer break. In this 2 part episode focus on some Saskatoon and Regina civic updates and touch on some provincial and federal news stories.' Some you may know - some you may not know. If you have ideas - reach out. In the meantime - enjoy a summer that is truly flying by. Civically Speaking, Your host, Lenore Civically Spe...

Send us a text Hello Dear Listeners, It’s just me on the mic today—flying solo while giving the rest of the crew a little break. But that also means space for some quirky deep dives and thoughtful wanderings. In this episode, we kick things off with a look at what it really means to build inclusive communities. And not just in theory—this includes access to spaces, the role of heritage places, spaces and stories, and how we shape our streets, neighbourhoods, and shared places to better...

Send us a text Dear Listeners, Thanks for tuning in! Summer's here—and so is a wave of stories making headlines. From global power shifts to the future of transit right here in our city, Christina and I are diving into what matters most to Saskatoon. We’ll connect the dots between the international stage and what's happening on our streets—because it’s all connected. Civically speaking, Lenore Swystun with Christina Cherneskey Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic...

Send us a text Hello Dear Listeners, This week on Civically Speaking, we start with big local media news: long-time columnist and civic affairs writer Phil Tank has been let go from the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. What does this mean for local journalism and public accountability in our city? From there, we zoom out to the G7 Summit and Canada’s renewed commitment to Ukraine — including extended military aid and support for rebuilding efforts. What does this say about Canada’s role on the world st...

Send us a text Hello Dear Listeners, This week on Civically Speaking, we unpack a mix of local and global headlines that matter: 🇺🇸 ICE Raids & U.S. Political Tensions – South of the border, sweeping ICE raids in Los Angeles and a war of words between Elon Musk and Donald Trump are heating up the pre-election climate. What does this say about democracy, justice, and global influence? 🔥 Wildfires in Saskatchewan – Over 15,000 residents have been displaced due to this year’s intense wil...