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The Big Story

The Big Story

An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today
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Big Headlines: There could finally be an off-ramp to the Canada-U.S. trade war with Prime Minister Carney and President Trump saying a deal could be done soon

Episodes (2021)

Ep 2104 – Big Headlines: There could finally be an off-ramp to the Canada-U.S. trade war with Prime Minister Carney and President Trump saying a deal could be done soon
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on the Federal Government to restore its promise to make life affordable for Canadians. One Canadian was killed in the high-speed train crash in Spain last week. In Michigan, supporters of Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed pushed for their party in a tight race for a U.S. senate seat in tomorrow's midterm elections. US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra believes Canadians are interfering in the U.S. midterm election.
Today • 7m 3s
Ep 2103 – Why repealing the Indian Act isn't so simple
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called for the Indian Act to be abolished, which was met with echoes from Prime Minister Mark Carney who agreed that it should be scrapped. The act was passed in 1876 with aims of assimilating Indigenous populations into Eurocentric ways of living through legislation that governs where they live, where their kids go to school, and who they are. Host Maria Kestane speaks to John Borrows, the Loveland Chair in Indigenous Law at the University of Toronto's faculty of law. They discuss the different approaches that could help repeal and replace the act, and why other Indigenous leaders believe Ottawa should keep it right where it is. John Borrows is a leading voice in Indigenous governance across Canada. Read his latest book here: The Seven Cycles of Life by John Borrows | Penguin Random House Canada
Today • 24m 25s
Ep 2101 – Weekend Listen: Will an interest rate hike derail our housing market?
Few things are spookier than an interest rate hike. Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!" The Bank of Canada opted to hike interest rates for the first time in three years in an effort to help runaway inflation because of high energy prices. There are concerns this could push potential homebuyers to the sidelines and further hurt those looking to renew mortgages, as Canadians grapple with a rising cost-of-living. Throw in geopolitical tensions thanks to the Trump Administration, and we could see a pattern of interest rates in the near future. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Clay Jarvis is a mortgage expert at Ratehub.ca to discuss what changes to make to your monthly budgets, and how homeowners and potential homeowner should approach the next few months.
2 days ago • 17m 29s
Ep 2102 – Big Headlines: Canada-EU summit continues in Montreal as Carney pushes to become an 'associate member' again and businesses want to scrap Daylight Saving Time
Plus: Canada is still reviewing its F-35 purchase even after receiving its first two fighter jets. Federal ministers won't say much about environment and climate change Canada abandoning its work to end thermal coal exports. Businesses are embracing the move to scrap the twice-yearly clock change ritual in some parts of the country. William Shatner, Hugh Jackman, and many more stars are paying tribute to Patrick Stewart with memories of the actor following the news of his death.
3 days ago • 7m 57s
Ep 2098 – The Nine: Did Danielle Smith get her mandate?
Now that Question 10 has been put to rest, what about the other 9?  Albertans were asked a range of questions regarding the future of the economy, immigration system, and Canada's constitution. Official results released on Thursday found that voters want changes to what programs and services non-citizens can access, while striking down any changes to the constitution including abolishing the Senate. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jared Wesley, political science professor at the University of Alberta to discuss where this leaves Danielle Smith's leverage against Ottawa, how the urban-rural divide showed up in the results, and how the provincial NDP could pull up a seat at the table.
3 days ago • 21m 13s
Ep 2100 – Big Headlines: EU drops 'associate member' title for Canada as summit begins in Montreal and no Canada-U.S. trade deal coming with American midterms next week
Plus: Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is not yet in a position to reach a trade deal with the U.S., even with the congressional midterms just days away. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says Ottawa is consulting its lawyers about remarks by the CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, who suggested he bought Stelco to protect his company's U.S. operations from Canadian competition. The federal spending watch-dog plans to issue nine report cards today. The company that owns MV Odyssey says they've run out of money because of high fuel costs.
4 days ago • 6m 53s
Ep 2097 – The election that left Israel in limbo
Israelis showed up in historic numbers to have their voice heard in Tuesday's National election. It's been more than a day since polls closed, and although official results remain unclear, neither Benjamin Netanyahu or his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, aren't projected to form a majority government. Host Caryn Ceolin welcomes back Aurel Braun, an international relations professor at the University of Toronto to discuss what kind of coalition calculus could be on the horizon, the impact of the Arab vote, and the obstacles in the way of a possible unity government.
4 days ago • 25m 17s
Ep 2096 – Big Headlines: Most Canadians believe Carney is on the right track cozying up to Europe and Ottawa wants to hear from First Nations as it reviews the Indian Act
Plus: Indigenous Services Minister Mandy Gull-Masty says First Nations have offered mixed reactions to Ottawa's plan to review the Indian Act, a Ukraine-based animal rescue group says a Canadian volunteer has been killed in a drone attack, in Saskatchewan, Premier Scott Moe's government, in its throne speech, is promising to continue to cut personal income taxes, and five finalists vying to represent Canada at the 2027 Eurovision song contest are making their pitches.
5 days ago • 6m 26s
Ep 2094 – What's Ukraine's future without the US?
Since US President Trump took office, he vowed the Russian invasion into Ukraine would end within 'minutes'. Almost two years later, and ceasefire talks remain murky. Within recent weeks, true colours have seemed to seep through diplomacy, including a diesel deal between the US and Russia - something Trump frames a way to lower cost of oil for Americans. Not only do Ukrainians have to deal with Russia's growing purse, but also with internet connectivity issues thanks to Starshield's service slowdown. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Arne Kislenko, a history professor at Toronto Metropolitan University to discuss how vulnerable Ukraine is to Trump's personal agenda, and how deadly year six of the war could look like if the US continues to cozy up to Russia.
5 days ago • 23m 21s
Ep 2095 – Big Headlines: Canada and the U.S. could be working towards a new trade deal and Ottawa tables bill to ban MAID solely for mental illness
Plus: Abu Dhabi's crown prince is in Ottawa for meetings as Canada and the United Arab Emirates work to cement their trade ties, the federal government is set to introduce changes today to Canada's medical assistance in dying law, new municipal governments are ready to get to work in Ontario after municipal elections last night, and a Montreal man and his fugitive racoon are back in the spotlight for a trip to get it vaccinated against rabies.
6 days ago • 6m 55s

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An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today.

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