This is Saskatchewan

How cuts to Sask Polytech have become political

Like many post-secondary institutions across Canada, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is laying off staff as it faces a major loss in revenue. Most recently, students partway through a program have been told if they want to continue, they will have to move to a different city. The Opposition NDP says this is unacceptable. But is it fair to place blame on the Saskatchewan Party government? We ask our political panelists Alexander Quon and Murray Mandryk.

Why are sports academies on the rise in Sask.?

Saskatchewan schools now offer several specialized academies for kids interested in everything from football and dance to softball and soccer. This month, Saskatoon Public Schools announced it will add hockey academies to five of its elementary schools. Some people are wondering: Is this good for kids? We ask teachers, parents, and a kinesiology professor to weigh the pros and cons of enrolling kids in specialized academies.

The political push for a pesticide that kills gophers

Farmers say gopher holes are so big cows are breaking their legs. The pesticide strychnine was banned two years ago and many point to a growing gopher population that has caused huge problems. Saskatchewan and Alberta called for the ban to be reversed, but this week Health Canada said no. Our political panelists Jeremy Simes and Murray Mandryk say this isn’t just about politics. Farmers’ crops are taking a hit.

What’s behind a rash of broken windows in Sask. cities?

Businesses in Saskatoon and Regina say a streak of smashed windows in both cities is upsetting and costly. What’s behind the crimes? Is there a way to curb this kind of vandalism? They are often deemed a minor incident, but we take stock of how broken windows weigh on owners and the wider community.

What’s Moe’s take on separatism?

The B.C. premier says it's “treason” for Alberta separatists to meet with U.S. officials. The Manitoba premier says in his province, a referendum on staying in Canada would be a choice between 'yeah and heck yeah.’ What is Premier Moe’s take? Our political panelists Alexander Quon and Murray Mandryk raise their voices today on the premier’s statements on separatism after meetings in Ottawa with the prime minister.