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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 wildfire season. We share updates on emergency supports, evacuation sites, and how people across the province are stepping up.
📞 For wildfire information, call the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency’s toll-free line: 1-855-559-5502

🏛️ Saskatoon’s Civic Budget Forecast – A projected 9.9% property tax increase for 2026 is on the table. What’s behind the numbers? How are services like transit, police, and fire shaping this bold proposal? We begin to break it down.


🌕 The Strawberry Moon Rises – June’s full moon, traditionally known as the Strawberry Moon, lights up the sky this week. A moment of beauty, harvest, and reflection amid the chaos.

🐈 A Sphinx Cat Cameo? Yes. You’ll have to tune in.


🗣️ thanks for tuning in,

Civically Speaking,

Lenore and Christina

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

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Dear Listeners,

This week on Civically Speaking, we bring you an important two-part episode exploring the stories, issues, and voices shaping Saskatoon.

Part 1: Wildfires, Community Response & Philanthropy in Action
Lenore Swystun sits down with Rachael Steinke, Chief Executive Officer of the Saskatoon Community Foundation, and Fred Reibin, Shareholder Engagement Lead and Brand Manager, to talk about how this season’s wildfires are impacting communities across Saskatchewan—and how local organizations are responding. Rachael and Fred spotlight the role of the Saskatoon Community Foundation, CUMFI (Central Urban Métis Federation Inc.), and the United Way of Saskatoon and Area in mobilizing urgent support and long-term recovery along with other key organizations including the Canadian Red Cross.

Part 2: What’s Making News in Saskatoon
In the second half, we turn to timely civic issues, including the First Ministers’ Meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held recently in Saskatoon. We also check in on the homelessness situation, share thoughts on e-scooters, and round things out with a local summertime classic: a candid (and slightly comedic) rant about revving engines and late-night noise.

Tune in to stay informed, feel connected, and join the civic conversation.

Civically Speaking,

Lenore Swystun with Christina Cherneskey

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

Send us a text

Dear Listeners,

Thanks for tuning in.

In this episode of Civically Speaking, I sit down with Phil Tank, Digital Opinion Editor at the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, for a wide-ranging conversation about what’s at stake in Saskatchewan politics right now—both provincially and locally. We explore Saskatchewan’s place in the broader Prairie context, with reflections on Alberta and Manitoba, and discuss the significance of the upcoming First Ministers Meeting happening right here in Saskatoon. Locally, we unpack Mayor Cynthia Block’s State of the City Address and what it signals for the city’s future. A timely conversation about political direction, leadership, and the choices ahead.

Have a listen. Support local media and shows just like this.

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