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Hello Dear listeners,

By-elections, taxes and Dolly Parton. Toss in a pickup truck and somebody leaving somebody, and we’ve got ourselves a country song. Thinking Dolly would be laughing over this.

This week Christina and I start with the results of three federal by-elections and what they might be telling us about the political mood in Canada. The Liberals swept all three... holding Beaches–East York and North Vancouver–Capilano, and taking Chicoutimi–Le Fjord from the Conservatives. Are by-elections little political weather vanes, warning shots, or simply three local elections that happened on the same night? We have thoughts.

Then, because nothing says Civically Speaking, quite like getting excited about a tax ratio, we come home to Saskatoon...lol. The City proper, as in Administration on behalf of Council, is asking residents and businesses to weigh in on how municipal property taxes should be shared between residential and non-residential properties. The current ratio is 1.71 to 1... meaning that on an equivalent assessment, a non-residential property pays $1.71 in municipal property tax for every $1 paid by residential property. The City’s public survey opens in October.

Yes... we actually talk about tax ratios. And somehow enjoy ourselves.

And then we get to Dolly.

The world lost Dolly Parton on August 25, and it seems only right to spend a little time remembering her. Beyond her unique voice, amazing songwriting, and unmistakable laugh, we reflect on her generosity, business savvy and remarkable ability to be completely and unapologetically herself.

Christina and I share our own Dolly memories and reflect on why some people become more than entertainers.

So there you have it... By-elections, Taxes and Dolly.

Civically Speaking,
Lenore with Christina

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