
The Big Story
An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today
News
Episodes (1981)
Ep 2064 – Big Headlines: Investigators identify the Canadians onboard an air ambulance that crashed in the Atlantic and Parti Quebecois secures a minority
Plus: Health care and taxes dominate the election campaign in British Columbia with the Conservatives criticizing the NDP's record, the Manitoba government is proposing changes that would eliminate window coverings on all cannabis storefronts because of safety concerns, the head coach of Canada's men's soccer team says he has a unique perspective when it comes to speaking out on political issues, and what Avi Lewis thinks of Ottawa's Bill C-39.
Today • 6m 16s
Ep 2063 – What Avi Lewis thinks Ottawa got wrong with Bill C-39
Ottawa is furthering its pursuit of building a stronger, more sovereign Canada. Bill C-39, the Build Canada Strong Act is the latest omnibus legislation that aims to reform parts of the Canadian Labour Code, as well as streamline projects deemed of 'national interest' . Critics, however, say the bill throws environmental protection, Indigenous consultation and workers' rights all into limbo.
Among those critics is Federal NDP Leader, Avi Lewis.
Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Mr. Lewis to discuss who he thinks gets left behind in the bill, what tweaks are needed to protect workers, and why Prime Minister Carney's goals seem to be less in the interest of Canadians and more in the interest of foreign investors.
Today • 28m 35s
Ep 2062 – Big Headlines: U.S. Coast Guard suspends search for missing aircraft off Boston coast that had four Canadians onboard
Plus: Cornell's Jane Doe has received multiple threats to withdraw her lawsuit, Florida voters are deciding whether to scrap property tax with Canadians potentially having to foot the bill, a dozen people are isolating after a lab worker dies in Russia from pneumonia of an 'unknown origin', a new report says screen time and social media use should be deemed a public health issue, and how can Canada improve on its universal child-care system?
1 days ago • 8m 52s
Ep 2061 – Can Canada actually deliver universal childcare?
Ontario has become the latest province to extend their $10-a-day childcare deal with the federal government. It's a policy that's undoubtably reduced prices for Canadians, but that doesn't mean it's become more accessible. A crisis of affordability has become one of availability, as the number of open spots across the province is far fewer than the demand for them. So, what needs to happen to make Canada's "universal childcare" program actually universal?
Host Caryn Ceolin is speaking with Martha Friendly, the Executive Director of the Childcare Resource and Research Unit, about how the system is working, how it's not, and how Canada can better fulfil the promises of its newest large social program.
1 days ago • 27m 18s
Ep 2059 – Weekend Listen: Can Canada catch a break on trade after the US midterms?
Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!". The drama around Canada-U.S. trade and U.S. President Trump's ramp up in rhetoric might all be connected to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to push back. Many of us are now watching closely and voters south of the border prepare to vote in their midterms, where Canadians are hoping a Democratic congress could put a check on Trump. However, one longtime watcher of Canada-US relations says its not clear if things will change.
Host Kris McCusker speaks to Ron Stagg, Professor Emeritus of history from Toronto Metropolitan University about how things have played out, why it’s unusual, and how the trade war could end up being a good thing.
3 days ago • 19m 7s
Ep 2060 – Big Headlines: Alberta's hopes for pipeline to B.C. being fast-tracked and Canada wants to link payment systems with E.U.
Plus: A top official at the Bank of Canada says monetary policymakers are struggling to find new tools and pathways to address persistent housing affordability challenges, the Saskatchewan government and Bell Canada say work is ramping up on the company's mega A.I. data centre outside Regina, Canadian Astronaut Joshua Kutryk is now aboard the International Space Station as a mission specialist on the four-person mission crew.
4 days ago • 7m 24s
Ep 2055 – Why are Gen Z going analogue?
Digital cameras, wired headphones, Discmans galore.
If you're noticing more and more technological regression in your everyday life, you're not alone. People seem to be opting for less-advanced tools and toys, for the more simple, analogue items.
Why? Well, that's what we're trying to figure out.
Host Maria Kestane speaks to Ramishah Maruf, writer for CNN Business, as well as Richard Lachman, a professor at the RTA School of Media at Toronto Metropolitan University and author of Digital wisdom: Searching for Agency in the Age of AI. They discuss why people are heading offline and IRL, and whether or not there's a bigger movement behind the trend of digital detoxification.
4 days ago • 22m 14s
Ep 2058 – Big Headlines: Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk has blasted off to the International Space Station and the Carney government responds to Stelco cuts
Plus: Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to announce today that an oil pipeline to the west coast will be designated as a project of national interest. Industry Minister Melanie Joly says the government is evaluating all its options after an Ontario steel producer announced hundreds of job cuts this week, members of British Columbia's Tsawwassen first nation lined the road, drummed and chanted as the bodies of two elders were taken away outside a shopping centre south of Vancouver. More details on the Israel-bound passenger jet that was diverted to Saudi Arabia after its co-pilot attacked the captain.
5 days ago • 7m 1s
Ep 2054 – Canada's role in space exploration
Another Canadian is heading to space!
Alberta-native Joshua Kutryk will be on his way this week for a six-month visit to the International Space Station, alongside three other crew members onboard NASA’s SpaceX Crew 13 mission. They plan on conducting research, maintenance, as well as experiments as they orbit the Earth.
Host Catherine Jetté speaks to Major Erin Edwards, NASA Deputy Branch Chief for Crew Operation and ISS CAPCOM instructor. They discuss Kutryk's mission, and Canadian impacts on space exploration and advancement at large.
5 days ago • 18m 52s
Ep 2057 – Big Headlines: Israel-bound flight redirected to Saudi Arabia after intense cockpit disturbance and 17,000-foot drop as officials claim "a possible hijack"
Plus: Several events are being held across Canada as the country remembers its residential school legacy and honours survivors and victims, mid-term elections are right around the corner for the U.S. as Carney says he won't apply new trade pressure right now, more U.S. troops are leaving Iraq, and a new survey finds young Canadians are growing more and more skeptical of democracy in this country.
6 days ago • 7m 16s
About the show
An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today.
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