Then came interparty turmoil, which led to the ousting of their leader, John Rustad, and a leadership election that went on for months. In the end, it was narrow, and the BC Conservatives elected Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

Today on the Big Story, host Caryn Ceolin is speaking with Mo Amir, host of This is VANCOLOUR, a daily politics and news show, to find who she is and what she'll bring to the party.

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MSX and Dermo are to blame. They're fatal to the mollusk but not harmful to humans.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to James Power, general manager of Raspberry Point Oysters in PEI to discuss what farmers are left to do with ambiguous government assistance programs, and what comes next for one of the province's most lucrative industries.

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By the end of 2016, more than half of Canada's provinces and territories had Liberal governments. Today, that's down to one, as Liberal premiers fell one by one to largely conservative-- but some NDP-- replacements. Liberal parties faced especially historic collapses in BC, Ontario, and Quebec.

But despite that, recent polls have shown the provincial liberals gaining some ground in a couple of provinces.

Host Caryn Ceolin is speaking with John Ibbitson, journalist and author, about what happened to provincial liberals, and if there is any hope for their future.

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As Ottawa looks to maintain a sovereign digital footprint amid the current AI rush, building its own data centres has the potential to do so. But the question is who actually funds these centres, and what are they doing to the environments around them?

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Shion Guha, assistant professor at the Faculty of Information and Department of Computer Science to discuss why Canada is in a rush to build all these data centres and what Canadians need to know about them.

Shion also writes The Public Interest Technologist newspaper, you can read it here: https://publictechnologist.substack.com

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It seems like Ottawa doesn't.

Since PM Carney took office, he's made strides towards strengthening our economy by bridging resource gaps with our very own products and assets, while simultaneously disregarding efforts made the previous Liberal Government to help meet our 2050 net zero emissions target.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Caroline Brouillette, Executive Director of Climate Action Network Canada to discuss how Canada has environmentally moved backwards in an effort to develop its own resources, and what Carney should focus on if he wants to make sure Canada hits its emission reduction targets.

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This week on "In This Economy?!" Co-Host Kris McCusker speaks to Sumaiya Bhula, Senior Manager, Saving, and Investing Journey at TD Bank for tips and tricks to make the most of your paycheque – and score yourself a getaway.

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But a court decision rejected their petition on the grounds that Indigenous peoples who would be affected were not properly consulted. Smith has since announced a compromise, of sorts: a referendum on whether or not to have a separation referendum.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Ryan Jespersen, host of "Real Talk", an Alberta daily news and politics show, to get the perspective from the ground, and discuss how she has managed to anger both federalist and separatist Albertans. 

You can listen to "Real Talk" with Ryan Jespersen wherever you get your podcast, or at https://www.ryanjespersen.com/
And you can follow the show on YouTube and all social media @RealTalkRJ

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It's a sweeping document, introduced to the world by Pope Leo himself, a first for a papal encyclical, calling for the leaders to make sure the new technology is developed for the common good. To ensure that, he explicitly calls for more government regulation in the industry.

Host Maria Kestane speaks with Dr. Gerard Ryan from the Regis St. Michael Faculty of Theology at the University of Toronto to discuss the weight an encyclical has on public policy, what it means for Leo's pontificate, and whether or not PM Carney will take note.

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Host Maria Kestane speaks to Jon Allen, the former Canadian ambassador to Israel and a senior fellow at the Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary International History at the University of Toronto. They discuss how Israel is interpreting Ben-Gvir's post, what more Canada should do to show support for the dozen flotilla activists, and where the Canadian-Israeli relationship goes from here.

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Something less visible but just as dire are the lives of seafarers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, who are not only facing supply shortages but also the reality that an end date is nowhere in sight.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Mohamed Arrachedi, Arab World & Iran Network Coordinator at the International Transport Workers' Federation, about the situation they're facing.

Photo credit by Mohamed Arrachedi.

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Host Maria Kestane is speaking with Sana Bég, Executive Director of Doctor's Without Borders Canada, on the outbreak, what can be done to help, and how it could affect us here in Canada.

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You've likely heard a lot about crypto currencies. Now, there's something called "stablecoin". Think of it as the next wave of digital payment systems. But, how does it work? Who controls it? And is it something that consumers need to pay attention to for everyday banking? In today's episode of "In This Economy?!", co-host Mike Eppel is joined by Laure Fouin, an Associate General Counsel at Coinbase Canada for a tutorial on the future of digital money and why Fouin believes it's something Canada needs to grow the economy.

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Karen Fricker, professor of dramatic arts at Brock University to discuss the geopolitical implications of Canada joining, what Canadian artistic identity would look like on the global stage, and whether or not Canadians would embrace the contest.

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In the weeks that followed, a number of lawsuits and investigations have ensued, as well as plans to demolish and rebuild the school where the shooting took place.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Trent Ernst, a publisher at Tumbler RidgeLines Newspaper, to discuss how the community's been grappling with the aftermath and what its members expect from the government at this point.

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Meera Karunananthan, assistant professor at Carleton University to discuss Ontario's Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act, the implications of allowing water operations to be overseen by for-profit models, and how Ontarians can fight back against the potential new changes.

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It's becoming an increasingly common story in the province-- and across the country-- a decade after devastating fires wiped out Fort McMurray. And as Canada heads into this year's wildfire season, can we expect a repeat of the last three seasons, or something potentially worse?

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Mike Flannigan, a wildfire expert and professor at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia on how ready Canada is heading into the season, and whether or not we should expect a pattern in the years to come.

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Host Catherine Jette is speaking with journalist Cara Stern from the Missing Middle Initiative, an organization dedicated to reviving Canada's middle class, about the many factors contributing to young people's decision not to have as many kids.

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"The K-shaped economy." From housing, to productivity, to wages, it's a phrase you hear more and more often these days. But what exactly does it mean? And how is it effecting your wallet?

In this episode of In This Economy?!, co-host Kris Kris McCusker is speaking to economist Jim Stanford, director of the Centre for Future Work, to find out.

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With the rise of smart glasses - glasses with cameras and AI technology embedded within them - the concern of privacy has become more prominent. And not only whether or not you're being filmed, but what happens with the content once it's captured.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with technology lawyer Ritesh Kotak, about how concerned you should be about your privacy, what laws govern wearable technology, and what you could do to protect yourself.

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In tow was a slew of some of the country's most powerful executives, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook, and Larry Fink to name a few.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jia Wang, Senior Fellow at The Chinese Institute at the University of Alberta and Senior Fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, to discuss potential Canadian implications of Trump's China visit, how the Iran war is affecting the US-China relationship, as well as the political importance of this trip ahead of the US midterms.

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Host Maria Kestane speaks to Michelle Monkman, interim CEO of Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin (KIM), to discuss why the province's healthcare system should be more welcoming of Indigenous healthcare practices, the importance of making sure provinces have testing resources, and how federal systems should take more accountability for the rise in rates.

Learn more about KIM's work here: https://kiminoayawin.com/

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Both the RCMP and Elections Alberta are investigating after Elections Alberta said a pro-separation group had un-authorized access to a separatist party's copy of the electors list - containing the personal information of nearly three million Albertans, including their address.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to political strategist, Zain Velji to discuss how the group got a hold of the electors list, the political fallout across the country, and why economic moves from the PM's office fall short of actually deterring the separatist movement.

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Host Catherine Jette speaks with Dr. Luisa Veronis, Research Chair in Immigration and Franco-Ontarian communities at the University of Ottawa, to look at the historical and modern implications of Canada's language policy.

Macleans Article: https://macleans.ca/politics/official-bilingualism-has-failed-canada/

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During the course of a year that saw heavy flight delays and cancellations, crowded airports and rising ticket prices and baggage fees, airlines in North America still managed to deliver stand-out passenger experiences. The JD power 2026 North America airline satisfaction study shows the overall satisfaction rate up 8 points (on a 1,000-point scale) year over year, with improvement occurring across all segments. However, as airfares have begun to skyrocket in 2026, airlines may soon find it difficult to offset high costs with great service, and customers can expect to see a lot of new fees this summer for fuel surcharges and checked bags. So, will travellers balk at higher prices or if they do travel, will they be starting their vacation in a lousy mood?

In this episode of In This Economy?!, host Mike Eppel talks to Michael Taylor, senior managing director of travel, hospitality, retail and customer service at JD power, to discuss their recent findings, and what it could mean going forward.

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The current geopolitical reality on the global scale - whether it's the Iran-US/Israel war, the violent fallout after the death of Mexican drug lord El Mencho, immigration crackdowns throughout the US - has stirred real safety concerns for the more than 100 games across the three countries.

Guest host Devang Desai speaks to Aaron Ettinger, political science professor at Carleton University to discuss the intersection of sports and politics, how US President Trump uses international sporting events to his own advantage, and the role of FIFA.

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In this episode of the Big Story Podcast, host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases expert out of the Toronto General Hospital, about hantavirus: what we know, what we don't know, and if this could be the start of the next pandemic.

Then, Caryn speaks with Dr. Muhammad Morshed from the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control about what might've happened on the ship that started the outbreak, and what we know about the world's first documented outbreak of this unnerving disease on a cruise ship.

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Dr. Mike Moffat, Founding Director of the Missing Middle Initiative at the University of Ottawa. They discuss how what's impacting Canadians from moving through the housing market, how government initiatives can help residents find a place to meet their needs, and whether the market will recover soon.

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It's no surprise that the bottom line plays a role into materials and design decisions of commercial, residential and cultural buildings, but is there a way Canada can balance creativity, budget and authenticity to have the best looking country?

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Alex Josephson, founder of Toronto-based architecture firm, Partisans, to dig into the investment Canada needs to make into its up-and-coming creatives, and just how important building aesthetics are to our country's ethos.

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Siobhán Vipond, Vice President at the Canadian Labour Congress, to discuss the case for leaving airports as they are, the hidden costs of privatization, and the case for public ownership as it pertains to national sovereignty.

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Natasha O'Neill, web editor for CityNews Halifax, about what we know-- and don't know-- to this day.

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It's no doubt romance novels are having their moment, and besides the books themselves, readers and consumers alike are going beyond the pages and diving into their respective worlds.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Deborah Aarts, a freelance business writer about how Canadians are opting to invest in community, and how the recent boom in romance novels could teach other traditional media how to meet consumers where they're at.

You can read Deborah's article here: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/rob-magazine/article-the-swoon-boom-meet-the-business-savvy-smut-mongers-of-the-great-hot/#comments

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Conspiracy theories and fringe narratives continue to dominate the noise surrounding the latest attempt at assassinating US President Donald Trump, spreading disinformation while simultaneously tainting the opportunity for meaningful and critical dialogue.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Geoff Dancy, a political science professor at the University of Toronto to break down how these conspiracies take advantage of a politically polarized America, and how we can make sense of what's real versus speculation.

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It's been a busy year for Mark Carney since being elected as Canada's 24th Prime Minister this day last year, and as Canadians face tough economic and geopolitical uncertainty, we're taking a look back at how Carney has managed to bring the country together through some of the year's - and Canada's - rockiest moments.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to journalist and host of The Paikin Podcast, Steve Paikin, to discuss how Carney's tenure so far has changed Canada's global profile, how much of a difference he's made in strengthening the domestic economy, and how his work will be perceived in a post-Trump world.

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Chris Ross, Senior Analyst at the Media Ecosystem Observatory, who led the team looking into these channels, about what exactly they found. After the break, Caryn speaks with Chris Tenove, Assistant Director of the Centre for the study of Democratic Institutions at the University of British Columbia about the reliability of online platforms, and how lack of regulation could threaten Canadian democracy.

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Host Maria Kestane speaks with Michael Chaiton, a Senior Scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and an Associate Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, about whether or not the idea is feasible, and if it might be worth considering in Canada.

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Lorn Sheehan, professor of strategy and tourism at Dalhousie University to discuss how travelers could brace for a turbulent next few months, and how fast we could feel relief should Iran and the US sustain a lasting ceasefire.

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It comes less than a month after he was elected as the leader of the Federal NDP, and alongside another idea to help food affordability: public grocery stores. The City of Toronto is moving forward with its own public grocer pilot project starting next spring.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to NDP Leader Avi Lewis to discuss how the Carney government could crunch the numbers to allow for publicly-funded grocers, and why a ban on algorithmic-based pricing will help everyday Canadians.

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Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Mariam Hanna, a pediatric allergist and clinical immunologist to discuss why Canada could be seeing an increase in allergies, what makes the Neffy so accessible and treatment-friendly, and why it's taken us this long to get a budget friendly version of the life-saving drug on the market.

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From the idea of a CEO and a CEdO (Chief Education Officer), to tying attendance records to final grades, or capping the amount of trustees at a school board, Minister Paul Calandra has eyes on streamlining and tightening where funds go and who gets to spend them. Families, unions and educators alike however, aren't too keen on the changes, claiming the government is pushing its education ministry into corporatization.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Kelly Gallagher-Mackay, an education policy expert at Wilfred Laurier University to discuss the changes, how they're going to affect the day-to-day workings of students and teachers, and what the future of education in Ontario could look like.

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A new survey from Angus Reid says most Canadians use social media--- and don't enjoy their experience.

Privacy remains one of the top concerns, as a handful of companies have a near-monopoly on the most commonly used platforms. And with governments only just starting to talk about regulating social media for teens, are we as a society ready for the tidal wave that will be when AI is fully integrated?

Host Mike Eppel speaks with Professor Richard Lachman from the RTA school of media at Toronto Metropolitan University to discuss what Ottawa can do and what Canadians could expect.

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Host Maria Kestane speaks to Linda Nazareth, economist, futurist and host of the Work in the Future podcast to discuss how NEETs have long-term impacts on Canada's economy and how we can support young folks through this transitionary period.

Linda discusses more in her new book The End of Entry-Level Jobs: How AI, Demographics, and Economic Pressure Are Rewriting the Talent Pipeline, which will be out later this year.

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Posting workout videos without science-based advice is one thing, but promoting supplements that aren't only mislabeled but sometimes not even legally on the market is another. And it's more common than you think.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Rohil Daliwal, an associate researcher at Mass General Brigham to discuss the highly-saturated and barely-regulated workout supplement market.

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Lori Turnbull, Political Science professor from Dalhousie University, to discuss Carney's approach to party politics, whether or not Canadians will feel any change in the aftermath, and how Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre could harness this moment for his own benefit.

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Host Maria Kestane speaks to André Gagné, a professor and the Chair of the Department of Theological Studies at Concordia University to break down why Trump has made the Pope his latest target, how the Trump administration has mobilized the Christian faith to justify its agenda, and whether or not religious members of his base are drawing the line.

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While Canadians are feeling supportive of the government beefing up national security during this geopolitical moment, the reality of the paying the bill will fall on the shoulders of Canadians.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Colin Busby, director of policy engagement at the CD Howe Institute to break down what options Ottawa has to finance the sustainability of its NATO spending.

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The majority of Canadian mortgages are up for renewal this year, marking one of the most significant mortgage renewal periods in decades.

And while some payments may be going down, most are likely to go up, meaning it might be time to make some adjustments to your household finances.

Host Kris McCusker is speaking with Alana Riley, Head of Mortgage, Banking, and Insurance at IG Wealth Management about what this renewal might mean for you, and how what you can do if you're mortgage ends up taking an even bigger bite out of your finances.

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Yet another Conservative MP - one who's had a stronghold on her riding for more than a decade - has crossed the floor into the Liberal caucus. Marilyn Gladu was welcomed with open arms by Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday morning.

But some are critical of just how open his arms were to this particular crosser, someone who's been a vocal critic of vaccination mandates, abortion rights, and the banning of conversion therapy.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Elizabeth McCallion, a political scientist at the University of Toronto to break down whether it's time for the Liberals to draw lines on who's allowed into their party, and the disconnect between grassroot supports of Pierre Poilievre and the people who represent him in Parliament.

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The state of the Iran - US Israel war remains muggy, even a day after the three agreed to a two-week ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. It comes after US President Trump threatened to wipe out 'an entire civilization' if the strait wasn't opened. And although things seemed to have reached a calming point, Iran once again closed the shipping passage after Israel reportedly fired strikes into Lebanon.

Host Caryn Ceolin speak to Jack Cunningham, an expert in international relations at the University of Toronto to discuss how the US could initiate a substantive wrap-up of the conflict, how the conflict has only bolstered Iran's power, and how Trump's words have weakened global perception of the US.

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Peter Shane, an expert of US constitutional law and professor at New York University to discuss reasons behind Trump's staffing changes, his need for loyalty over merit, and how Bondi's politicization of the Department of Justice costed her her position.

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Olivier Lamarre, a robotics engineer at NordSpace, to discuss the mission's timeline and goals, the impacts of Canadian talent and intelligence towards aerospace milestones, and what could be next for Canada's impact on intel on the moon.

You can track the mission's timeline here: https://www.nasa.gov/

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Arturo Bejar, a former security executive at Meta who turned into a whistleblower after his very own daughter was subjected to sexual online harassment. The two discuss whether or not these media giants are following through with their commitment to protect children, and what this case could mean for the dozens across North America.

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It's been a chaotic Q1 to say the least.

Between all the Truth Social posts from US President Trump and his geopolitical stunts across the world - the markets have taken a hit. It's led to big slumps from record highs for tech stocks, and the run-up to record highs for the energy sector.

Host Mike Eppel speaks to Colin White, CEO & portfolio manager, and Josh Sheluk, CIO & portfolio manager at Verecan Capital Management for a recap of the Canadian economy throughout Q1.

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Functional health has to do with our ability to perform everyday bodily functions - like see, hear, move, and feel. And according to the report, the decline in functional health is directly related to a lack of emotional health among younger Canadians.

Host Catherine Jette speaks to Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti, a physician and professor at the School of Public Health in Alberta to break down the study's findings, what Canadians can do on their own to improve their functional health, and how big of an alarm bell this should raise to Ottawa.

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Or if it was, Ottawa wasn't sufficient at proving why at the time.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Paul Daly, Chair in Administrative Law and Governance at the University of Ottawa, to discuss the threshold the courts believe Ottawa missed back in 2022, why the new Liberal government is still fighting for the Trudeau era, and whether or not Canada is due for a revamp of the Emergencies Act.

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Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments on how provinces should apply the notwithstanding clause, and whether or not its application should be subject to review after the fact.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to journalist Max Fawcett to discuss the historical context of the clause, what legal challenges come with Bill 21, and potential outcomes from the Supreme Court's decision.

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With cuts to OSAP on the provincial level, and caps to student visas on the federal level, the mission of our colleges have seemed to have shifted towards keeping the lights on with as little investment as possible.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Emilda Thavaratnam, an educator at Centennial College. She authored an article called 'Ontario’s colleges were founded to serve local and regional needs — have we forgotten that?'. The two discuss how the college system's ethos has shifted from locally-driven to profit-yielding, and how the province's most vulnerable are falling between the cracks.

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Now, nearly one year after the election that reduced the party to just six seats, New Democrats have elected the leader who will have the daunting task of rebuilding and rebranding.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with former Hamilton Centre NDP MP Matthew Green, who was one of many NDP politicians who lost their seats in 2025, about where the new leader wants to take the party, and what they need to do win back the hearts and minds of Canadians.

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Just three months in, and 2026 is already being coined as the 'Year of the Layoff', with companies blaming AI for letting chunks of their workforce go.

But is tech really replacing workers — or just being used as a convenient excuse?

Host Mike Eppel speaks to Ben Shiller, Brandeis University economist and associate professor, and author of 'A.I. Economics: How Technology Transforms Jobs, Markets, Life, and Our Future'. The two discuss the fears of a shrinking white‑collar job market, the realities of AI’s impact, and why your future job security may depend on the sector you choose.

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It’s known as “the singles tax” – an extra amount that solo earners pay to go through life without a partner. In some cases it can be punitive, and it’s prompted many Canadians to get creative.

Host Kris McCusker speaks to financial journalist and author Renée Sylvestre-Williams about her book “The Singles Tax: No Nonsense Financial Advice for Solo Earners,” which can be found at your favourite book store.

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So it comes as little surprise that a new H&R Block survey found 67% of Canadians think tipping culture has gone too far.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Wayne Smith, the Director of the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research at Toronto Metropolitan University, to discuss Canada’s tipping history, and how our culture has gotten to this point.

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Its militia group, Hezbollah, is a loyal proxy of the Iranian regime, placing tens of millions of Lebanese citizens at risk in the name of loyalty to its top financier and ally. More than 1000 people have been killed, and more than a million have been displaced.

Earlier this week Israel's Defence Minister said his country plans on annexing a large portion of southern Lebanon for security purposes, a move Canada denounced.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Aurel Braun, a political science and international relations professor at the University of Toronto to discuss the Lebanese government's complex relationship with Hezbollah, how Canada and other NATO countries could help the government dismantle the militia, and what comes next for its civilians.

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Gas prices continue to fluctuate, with no real stabilization in sight. But the question is, for a country that's rich in domestic oil, why are our prices so dependent on the state of the Strait of Hormuz?

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Heather Exner-Pirot, Director of energy and natural resources and environment at the Macdonald Laurier Institute to discuss Canada's pipeline infrastructure challenges, the geopolitical significance of the Hormuz, and whether or not Canadians will be getting a reprieve at the pumps anytime soon.

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This unfolds as more than a dozen airports across the country make space for ICE agents to accompany them at security checkpoints, as a partial government shutdown brings TSA to a slug, and as a result, the rest of the country.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Karl Moore, aviation expert and associate professor at McGill University to discuss the state of air travel across the US, what Canadians need to know amid the DHS shutdown, and how the both the US and Canada need to beef up their air traffic control roster.

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A recent report from Canadians for Tax Fairness and BC Policy Solutions found that 86 billionaire families held as much wealth as Canada’s 6.2 million least wealthy families in 2023. 

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Dylan Dusseault, Executive Director of Patriotic Millionaires Canada, an organization comprised of wealthy Canadians advocating for tax increases on the wealthy to combat extreme inequality. The two discuss why some of Canada's richest individuals believe they should be taxed more to even the playing field, and what kinds of tax code reforms are necessary to narrow the gap. Then, Caryn is joined by Jim Stanford, economist and director of the Centre for Future Work, to break down some of the loopholes rich Canadians are taking advantage of - including capital gains tax preferences.

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The war in the Middle East has pushed global markets into turmoil, throwing early forecasts right out the window.

And even before this crisis began, Canada was already on a shaky trajectory, with the biggest economic risk expected to come from upcoming trade negotiations with the United States.

Host Mike Eppel speaks to Dr. Eric Kam, professor of economics at Toronto Metropolitan University, to discuss the challenges facing policymakers right now—and, more importantly, what Canada needs to do to finally break out of the boom‑and‑bust cycle tied to global energy markets.

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Protest against the cuts overall have broken out across the province, even making their way to the Oscars following Tamara Deverell's production design win.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to the Oscar winner herself, a BC native who lives in Nova Scotia, to discuss how government grants to the arts help put Canada's name on Hollywood's map. Then, Caryn is joined by Sébastien Labelle, a Nova Scotian actor and the artistic director of Mayworks Kjipuktuk/Halifax, about the ripple effect of Houston's proposed cuts, and why he's calling the move 'smoke and mirrors'.

Learn more about Mayworks Kjipuktuk/Halifax here: https://mayworkskjipuktukhfx.ca/

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Dr. David Hofmann, the Director of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Program at the University of New Brunswick and an expert on far-right extremism and violence, to discuss how - or if - the CAF is able to sift out white supremacists from their recruitment, why militaries are so attractive to white nationalists, and how the CAF takes action once an extremist is identified.

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First he was greatly disappointed that none of his allies wanted to donate their military resources to guard commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Then he said he wasn't surprised that NATO worked on what he called a 'one way street' basis.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Willy Lowry, one of the hosts of Two Blocks from the White House - a CBC podcast about US politics from a Canadian context - and a correspondent for CBC News in Washington. The two discuss where Trump's calculations went wrong for on ally support, how Canada could use a 'get out of jail free' card, and how much deeper the war could expand.

You can listen to Two Blocks from the White House here: https://app.magellan.ai/listen_links/2BFTWHxTBS

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AI baby slop, a form of content that consists of highly stimulating audio and video of random objects and sounds, posted on YouTube, and found by children whose algorithm cues it up after their parent chose a separate video.

Host Catherine Jette speaks with Dr. Keri Ewart, Chair of the Bachelor of Education program and assistant professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, to discuss how these videos are produced and for whom. They also dig into what kind of content children should be consuming, and how AI can help in childhood development, but with close supervision.

You can find the New York Times article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/26/us/ai-videos-children-youtube.html

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According to the IRCC, AI has been used since 2013, although only for what it calls 'if-then' models, but starting this year, it says it will be used to triage applications and respond to inquiries.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Joshua Schachnow, a family lawyer and the CEO of Visto.AI to learn more about the technology's potential to help the ministry become more efficient, but also what dangers we should be on the lookout for.

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While it may not cause the most deaths, the study suggests it causes the most harms. And that's aggravated by that fact that most Canadians are woefully uninformed about the basics of alcohol safety and consumption.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Iris Gorfinkel, a Toronto-based family physician and clinical researcher to discuss the price Canadians pay - both physically and fiscally - for the lack of awareness of alcohol dangers, and how Ottawa can fill the policy gaps to reduce deaths and harms.

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Host Catherine Jette speaks to Dr. Marnik about her experience, what lead her to becoming an immunologist, and how approaching vaccine hesitancy with empathy will prove more resourceful than using shame.

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Correspondence from the White House only seems to be making it worse, with oil prices heading in every which direction after a false claim from US Energy Minister Wright on the movement of an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. The critical passway has been effectively closed by the Iranian regime. 

Host Maria Kestane speaks to John Kirton, political science professor and Director of the G7 Research Group for the University of Toronto. They discuss how Canadians can make sense of what they're seeing in the Middle East, and how much worse of a hit their pockets could take.

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Since taking over as Prime Minister, Mark Carney has put in the work trying to rebuild ties, inviting India to the G7 and visiting the South Asian country on trade missions. Yet there's still no definitive answer from the Canadian government whether India is considered a security threat.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Amarnath Amarasingam, an associate professor at Queens University, to discuss the Carney's approach to the Canada-India relationship and the reality of security threats. 

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So what exactly is Canada's position? And what would military involvement mean for Canada?

Host Maria Kestane speaks with Dr. Alexander Salt, a post-doctoral fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute to discuss Carney's developing messages towards the conflict in Iran, and how Canada could be dragged into the war as a result of Trump's 'plans'.

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On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the case that legalized abortion in the country in 1973. The decision shocked many around the world, and has had folks wondering: could this happen here, at home, in Canada? And what led up to this historic moment in the U.S.? What are the real and current issues facing the state of abortion in Canada, and how can we make a difference?

This two-part mini series is hosted by Sarah Sahagian, a feminist podcaster, writer, and non-profit executive living in Toronto. Her byline has appeared in such outlets as The Washington Post, The National Post, The Toronto Star, Refinery29, Romper, and Scary Mommy. In her previous life, she was a gender studies academic who studied parenting and mother blame. Sarah is also the co-host of Frequency Podcast Network’s The Reheat.

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This year marks the 38th anniversary of the Supreme Court of Canada’s Morgentaler Decision. That landmark decision decriminalized abortion across Canada and turned the courageous Dr. Henry Morgentaler into a household name. As pivotal a part of Canada’s abortion rights story as Dr. Morgentaler was, many of us are unfamiliar with the stories of woman-identified activists who fought alongside him to ensure people who didn’t want to be pregnant wouldn’t have to be.

So, who were the women who fought for abortion rights – and even helped others access illegal abortions – before The Morgentaler Decision? This two-part miniseries introduces listeners to a few of those voices.

Hosted by Sarah Sahagian, a feminist podcaster, writer, and non-profit executive living in Toronto. Her byline has appeared in such outlets as The Washington Post, The National Post, The Toronto Star, Refinery29, Romper, and Scary Mommy. In her previous life, she was a gender studies academic who studied parenting and mother blame. Sarah is also the co-host of Frequency Podcast Network’s The Reheat.

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Last week BC Premier David Eby announced his province's permanent change to daylight saving time, however, we've seen this movie playout before. And just as passionate as the public is to get rid of the switch, is equally how ecstatic they are to bring it back.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to David Prerau, an expert in daylight saving time and author of 'Seize the Daylight: The Curious and Contentious Story of Daylight Saving Time'. They discuss the origin story of DST itself, the broader impacts of permanently making the switch, and the case for keeping the semi-annual clock change.

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Another reality - one that majority of us can see - is the one where online conspiracy subcultures have made their way into the mainstream political discourse, heavily shaping how we make sense of politics, governance and power.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Travis View, conspiracy theory researcher and host of the QAA podcast, to discuss how the release (and heavily redacted nature) of the Epstein files is giving new life to dangerous online social groups, and how Canadians can better make sense of what they're reading online.

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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently announced that come October, Albertans will vote on nine referendum questions. Most of them have to do with immigration - including making it more difficult for non-citizens to access healthcare, and giving provinces greater control over how many immigrants they let in. It comes as the province also deals with a separatist movement that would see Alberta leave Canada, another referendum question widely expected to be added later this year.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Stephen Carter, veteran campaign manager in Alberta, and President of Decide Campaigns. They discuss the political motivations behind the referendum, the implications of immigration on Alberta's economy, and the rising sentiment of separatism.

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Host Caryn Ceolin is joined by Thomas Juneau, professor from the University of Ottawa's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, and Nader Hashemi, an associate professor of Middle East and Islamic politics from Georgetown University. They discuss Canada's endorsement of Trump's military action, global response to the killing of Khamenei, and Iran's complex political future.

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In the aftermath of the update, federal AI and innovations minister, Evan Solomon called out the powerhouse behind ChatGPT, saying their failure to act was a failure in and of itself. Solomon is set to meet with Altman this week to discuss the incident further.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Ebrahim Bagheri, a professor at the University of Toronto who founded and directed the NSERC CREATE initiative on responsible AI. They discuss what AI companies do when they find troublesome behaviours, the need to respect privacy, and what the government might be able to do to make sure a tragedy like this never happens again.

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jeffrey Dvorkin, journalist and professor, to discuss pathways the Monarch can take to not let the arrest forever stain its image, and the potential for this arrest to lead to more serious charges being brought forth on his alleged sexual misconduct.

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The reality is that Black women face systemic barriers to healthcare everyday, and the lack of data only further silences this quiet crisis.

Host Tammie Sutherland speaks to Kearie Daniel, Executive Director and Founder of the Black Women's Institute for Health to discuss how the Canadian government can better support Black mothers by being honest about its own lack of data on race-based health experiences and outcomes.

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But here's the kicker-- three byelections need to be called in seats the Liberals won just one year ago. Meaning Carney is on the verge of securing Canada's first majority in a decade. And just a month after Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre received a 87% approval rating from his party, what sorts of conversations does his caucus need to have with one less member?

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Mickey Djuric, a journalist who covers Parliament Hill for POLITICO, to discuss what Mark Carney might do with a majority, and the potential for future floor crossers - and a federal election.

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The cartel leader, formally known as Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, was killed in a military-led operation on Sunday morning in Jalisco, Mexico, some 90 kilometres south of Guadalajara, and west of the popular resort town of Puerto Vallarta. He was known to be the head of one of the most violent criminal gangs in Mexico, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Jerry Flores, sociology professor at the University of Toronto, to break down how Mexico has gotten to this point, what residents could see in the weeks to come, and how the country's government should move forward to break the pattern of gang-related violence paralyzing the country.

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Trump has once again threatened global tariffs on imported goods, first at 10%, then 15%, according to a Truth Social post over the weekend. But regardless of legal rulings, Canadian small business are caught in the crossfire, with sectoral tariffs still on the line.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Dan Kelly, President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business to discuss how Canadian business are rethinking their strategies amid an unprecedented global market, and how the Canadian government should practice cautious optimism for future trade agreement and the negotiation of CUSMA.

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But in Italy, Canadians have been noticing that we're a bit lower on the medal board than we're used to. So this week, we're asking: Is Canada investing enough in it's Olympic success?

Host Catherine Jette speaks to Julie Stevens, a Professor of Sports Management at Brock University, to discuss how the Carney government can better support Canada's athletes.

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There's been a big focus on how Canada’s auto industry has been dealing with the trade upheaval with the U.S., but what about the motorcycle market? And with spring (hopefully) around the corner, Canadian motorcycle enthusiasts are curious about the state of the market.

Host Mike Eppel speaks to Landon French, President and CEO of Moto Canada, ahead of the Toronto Motorcycle and Powersport Show. The two discuss whether or not motorcycles are subject to tariffs, how the market has been affected by the trade disruption, and what trends Canada’s tourism sector is observing.

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Instead, the ministry has either appointed supervisors to oversee boards, or in some cases, Calandra himself will take direct control - a job he claims comes with no extra pay. However critics believe the move is a power-hungry one, and comes at the expense of students' wellbeing, as well as local democracy.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to 680 NewsRadio Queen's Park reporter, Richard Southern, and Vice President of the Ontario Secondary School Teacher's Federation, Colin Matthew, to break down what's behind the takeovers, and what they believe the Ford government has up its sleeve.

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Ross Linden-Fraser, co-author of the report and research lead at the Canadian Climate Institute to discuss the policies the Carney government needs to implement to help Canada reach its targets, and the everyday things Canadians can be doing to help us get there.

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US President Trump threatened to stall the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge until 'the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given'. A complete 180 from his joint statement with former Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau back in 2017 when he called for its 'expeditious completion'.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to David Paterson, Ontario's Representative in Washington, DC., to break down the details behind the bridge's construction, what sparked Trump's sudden interest in a potential blockade, and what options Ottawa has after another volatile Truth Social post.

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Whether it's Ozempic or Wegovy, the cost of shrinking doesn't end with what you pay at the pharmacy. It bleeds into your everyday interactions - both with others and by yourself. And unless your results are being guided by a dietician or medical provider, who's to say how sustainable pay-as-you-go weight-loss actually is?

Host Maria Kestane speaks to writer Brianne Cail to unpack her journey using weight-loss drugs, and the give-and-take at the cost of her wellbeing thanks to the cost of drugs. The two also discuss what safeguards Health Canada could implement to help patients move through prescribed weight-loss and weight management.

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Canadian restaurant operators could be in for another rough year – thanks to uncertainty around trade with the U-S and higher food costs – along with a few other factors.

And the industry, which has been struggling for years, is important to the country’s economy. But the numbers are not trending in the right direction.

Hope is not lost.

Host Kris McCusker takes a closer look at a report from Restaurants Canada with the President and CEO, Kelly Higginson.

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As a result, the Island remains in critical condition, with the fuel shortage threatening electricity grids, and supply levels of basic necessities quickly dwindling.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Mark Entwistle, former Ambassador of Canada to Cuba and Senior Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. They discuss how the next few weeks could unfold if the US doesn't allow for oil shipments, and the potential of the Cuban regime crumbling.

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British Columbia and the rest of Canada continue to mourn the innocent lives taken in a senseless school shooting at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School this week.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Bruce Pitt-Payne, former RCMP major crimes investigator to break down what we know so far, how the investigation could shape up, and how the small community of 2400 is feeling in the aftermath of the tragedy.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, there are resources available.
Call or text 9-8-8 for Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline. For Kids Help Phone, call 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868.

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The chatbot and its owner have received mounting criticism following the recent influx of deep-fake pornographic content of women and children on X's feeds - a catastrophe that Musk has contributed little to no resources to fix.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jan Mahrt-Smith, associate professor of finance at the University of Toronto, to discuss the risks associated with investing in Musk's chatbot, how the 22 million Canadian investors could be feeling about the move, and whether or not Canadians still trust the government institution to handle their money.

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Sunday's Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show was dressed with several cultural and political messages and symbols. Some more pronounced - such as the parading of the Puerto Rican flag - others more subliminal - like the use of electrical poles or white lawn chairs.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Juan Carlos Rocha Osornio, Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, to decode all the symbolism throughout the performance, and the cultural impact this halftime show will have during one of the most delicate, political times in American history.

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Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Brian Kingston, President of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association to make sense of how everyday Canadians will benefit from the strategy, whether or not the emission standards will further weaken our auto industry in the wake of US tariffs, and how much closer it will bring us to our 2050 goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

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The Bank of Canada has described what happened to the economy in 2025 as a shift away from normal trade relations with the United States and elevated uncertainty for households and businesses.

While Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has said what happens with the economy this year—and for interest rates—will be determined by the upcoming USMCA trade talks, today's guest argues there are much larger structural issues where you could argue the economy is already in a recession and needs dramatic policy changes by the federal government.

Host Mike Eppel speaks to David Rosenberg, President and Founder, Rosenberg Research to discuss their predictions on the Canadian dollar and interest rates.

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Teams now have the resources, coaches, and funding necessary to adequately support professional hockey. And not to mention the game itself - viewers will see a whole new side of the show on the ice.

Host Catherine Jette speaks to Daniella Ponticelli, play-by-play sports broadcaster for the PWHL, and is among the first women to call the play-by-play for Olympic hockey. The two discuss the growth the league has experienced over the past two years, and how this new era of women's sports will ignite future generations of hopeful athletes.

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Is that true?

Host Kris McCusker speaks to John Sacke, Investment Advisor and Portfolio Manager for BMO Private Wealth about new trends - both the good and bad - and how young Canadians can capitalize to avoid making the same mistakes as their parents.

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In a stunning update, the Clintons have now agreed to testify in Congress in regards to allegations that connect the couple to the convicted sex offender.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Sarah Sahagian and Sadaf Ahsan, journalists and hosts of The Reheat, to break down the updates (or lack thereof) from the latest round of Epstein files, and to discuss what we could see unfold.

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Either way, the roadmap to the outcome has put our country's sovereignty at a threat. So much so that BC Premier David Eby called out separatists who went to the White House in recent weeks as 'treasonous'. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, however, struggled to denounce their actions out of fear of losing her voter base.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Alberta NDP Leader, Naheed Nenshi, to break down Smith's current balancing act, how provincial politics plays a role in the future of Canada's sovereignty, and what he believes Ottawa should do to prevent the potential of foreign interference from south of the border.

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And as Canada finds its footing with new international allies and trading partners, our relationship with our closest neighbour has never been more delicate than right now, especially considering the close-to 900km border we share with the state of Minnesota.

Host Richard Southern speaks to Patrick Lennox, national security expert and author of 'At Home and Abroad: The Canada–US Relationship and Canada's Place in the World'. The two discuss how the ICE raids and protests in the US could affect Canadian politics, and what our leaders should be doing in the wake of the violence and fatalities.

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One of the original travel rewards programs in the Canadian market is getting a major rebrand.

Air Miles, which has been around since 1992, will soon be called Blue Rewards, as owner BMO refreshes the brand to highlight that it’s about more than just travel. At the same time, a longtime Air Miles partner, Shell, is making a move of its own—joining the Scene+ program operated by Scotiabank.

Host Mike Eppel speaks to Patrick Sojka, founder of RewardsCanada.ca which is a Canadian loyalty rewards database, to break down what these changes mean for consumers, and take a broader look at the more than 180 loyalty brands competing for Canadians’ attention.

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And while people in their 20s struggle with affording a place to stay, their parents struggle with watching them struggle, and inevitably end up opening their doors as they finish post-secondary and hunt for a job, a career, a place to stay or even a purpose in life.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Claire Gagné, editor for Macleans and author of 'Why Gen Z Will Never Leave Home'. The two discuss the possibilities of multigenerational living to benefit Canadians struggling with money - and loneliness, and how Canada could improve its lagging productivity issue.

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Beyond the losses, Canadians seem to have questions as to whether or not Poilievre is meeting the moment amid renewed annexation threats from US President Trump.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jamie Ellerton, political strategist and Principal at Conaptus to discuss what could possibly come of this weekend's leadership review, and the work that lies ahead for the Federal Conservatives who work to bridge the gap between their platform and the man running it.

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Bank of Canada holds key rate steady as CUSMA talks loom over its outlook

Kingsbury, Thompson named Canada’s flag-bearers for 2026 Olympic Games

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We're not just talking about reducing scroll time on your phone or fighting the urge to binge watch a show.

We're talking about doing the grocery shopping for a friend that you're about to pick up from the airport, or actually following through on dinner plans you committed to even though you maybe aren't in the mood anymore. The things that inconvenience us, but help create a sense of community and genuine belonging.

Host Catherine Jette speaks to Israa Nasir, psychotherapist and author of Toxic Productivity. She also authored a Substack called 'A good life is inconvenient. We need to escape the cult of convenience'. The two discuss how to master the art of friction-maxxing, how to draw back on the systems and technologies that replace basic skills, and how to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Find Israa's article here: https://israanasir.substack.com/p/a-good-life-is-inconvenient

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Last week, Trump announced a framework to a future deal in respect to Greenland and the Arctic as a whole. Although annexation threats have calmed, the vulnerabilities of Canada's portion of the Arctic have come into clear focus.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Robert Baines, President of the NATO Association of Canada to discuss the ways Canada should diversify and strengthen its defence forces with Trump's eyes still on the Arctic, and how NATO could be at risk amid the US President's nuanced outlook on international partnerships.

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A Canadian man who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics as a snowboarder, who then went on to become one of the most notorious drug lords in North America - landing himself on the FBI Ten Most Wanted list - who was on the run for a decade in Mexico, has now been arrested and faces arraignment today.

Investigators say Ryan Wedding turned himself into the US Embassy in Mexico last week. He's facing several charges including drug trafficking and murder.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Calvi Leon, crime reporter for the Toronto Star, to dig into the latest update of the Wedding case, the details of the self-surrender, and how this could all play out for the former Olympian.

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If you're in the market for a new truck or car, you might face sticker shock!

The average price for a new vehicle in the Canadian market is now more than $60,000, and used vehicle prices are on the rise, too. So what options are you left with if you're looking for a new ride but can't afford the inflated price tag? How do tariffs play into the list price? And how will Prime Minister Mark Carney's trade deal with China affect the EV market?

Host Mike Eppel speaks to Barish Arkurek, VP Insights and intelligence for Autotader.ca, to discuss what consumers can expect.

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So, what's really behind these RTO mandates? If the research shows better work-life balance and productivity when employees have the option to work remotely, what's the big push for the big return? Does work-from-home still exist six years after the pandemic?

Host Catherine Jette speaks to Kathy Chow, a Toronto-based writer who wrote a piece called "Welcome Back to the Office. You Won’t Get Anything Done.". The two discuss corporate culture's inability to prioritize the employee, how women are disproportionately affected by RTO mandates, and how surrounding suburbs of big cities can fall victim to the return to the office.

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Earlier this week, the US Department of Justice subpoenaed at least five Minnesota officials for their alleged involvement in obstructing ICE officers from doing their jobs. It falls against the backdrop of US President Trump threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act. 

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jeanne Meserve, journalist and international security analyst to discuss the transformation of immigration enforcement under Trump's second term, and how Americans are reacting to this deepening domestic policy crisis within their country.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney sparking inspiration while signifying the death of what once was in the world of international relations. Urging countries to form new alliances and leave the way things used to be in the past, as we tread forward in an era with new rules and less boundaries - specifically within US President Trump's moral limits.

Host Richard Southern speaks to John Wright, Canadian pollster and CEO of Canada Pulse Insights to discuss the implications of Carney's bold words at the World Economic Forum, how Trump could use them against Canada in the upcoming trade talks, and how world leaders should take note amid a nuanced, geopolitical era.

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Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Catherine Varner, emergency physician and Deputy Editor of the Canadian Medical Association Journal to discuss what lies ahead for two of Canada's biggest cities as they brace for the World Cup influx, and how much more all provinces need to invest in order to move away from surge capacity being the norm.

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Last week, that changed. PM Mark Carney’s new tariff deal with China will allow 49,000 Chinese EVs into the country every year for three years at a dramatically-slashed tariff of only 6.1 per cent—in exchange for a reduced tariff on canola seeds, lobster, crab and other agricultural products exported to China.

It’s a deal that’s earning praise from the prairies but disdain in Ontario.

Host Cristina Howorun sits down with Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturing Association and one of the architects of CUSMA, to discuss the implications this deal could have on the EV market, the 90,000 jobs in the auto sector and tariff and trade negotiations with the States.

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Canadians like to pride ourselves on how we brave the cold months, but we may have a lot to learn from how Scandinavian countries approach things.

Host Kaitlin Lee speaks to Kari Leibowitz, psychologist and author of How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, Or Difficult Days about how to embrace the season, instead of just staying in survival mode.

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The headlines just two weeks into 2026 haven't fallen short of anything abysmal, especially centered around the happenings of US President Donald Trump. And although geopolitical uncertainty usually doesn't help the markets, Canadian stocks have continued to see record highs.

Host Mike Eppel speaks to Andrew Pyle, senior investment advisor and senior portfolio manager at CIBC Wood Gundy to discuss the dos and don'ts of investing during volatile times.

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Meantime, US President trump has vowed to take action against the Iranian regimes if the death and corruption continues amid the protests.

Host Mark Day speaks to Maral Karimi, professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and author of The Iranian Green Movement of 2009: Reverberating Echoes of Resistance. The two discuss Iran's complex socio-political history, the power of women-led protest, and the potential danger amid US intervention in Iran.

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Governments in Europe and South America promised full investigations. Malaysia and Indonesia banned the use of Grok. Meanwhile, the Canadian government has made it clear it won’t ban X, while pointing towards proposed amendments to Bill C-16 in hopes of safeguarding Canadians - but critics say, its not enough.

Host Cristina Howorun speaks to technology author and self-described Muskologist Paris Marx to discuss Elon Musk's apparent tolerance of cyber sexual harassment in the name of profit, and what steps the Canadian government should take to better protect Canadians.

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Health Canada committed $17 million to research projects and harm reduction initiatives aimed at substance use prevention in late 2025, but one problem that's hard to put a dollar figure on to fix is stigmatization and stereotypes surrounding safe consumption sites - which Ontario closed nine of last year.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dimitra Panagiotoglou, the Canada Research Chair in the Economics of Harm Reduction and associate professor at McGill, to discuss her recent study on the relationship between crime associated with supervised consumption sites, and how Canadians can approach nuanced conversations surrounding substance use.

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And the question of Alberta sovereignty is likely to end up on a ballot by the end of the year. The Alberta Prosperity Project got the green light from Elections Alberta for its question,' Do you agree that Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?' in December 2025. The group now about four months to gather about 177,000 signatures to its petition.

Host Cristina Howorun speaks with Dr. Barry Cooper, a political scientist with the University of Calgary and a long-time proponent of Alberta independence about why some Albertans want to secede from Canada, what happens next and how Ottawa can put some of those concerns to rest.

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US President Donald Trump openly admitted he's governed by his own morality rather than international law, sending shockwaves around the world in fear of the future of NATO.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Stephen Maher, author and journalist, to discuss the uphill battle the world stands against Trump's geopolitical ambitions, and what position Canada should be taking amid renewed annexation threats.

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Host Mike Eppel speaks to James McCann, Senior Economist at Edward Jones to discuss what Canadians can expect from ongoing trade talks between Canada and the US, how the arrest of Venezuela's President, Nicolas Maduro, will affect Canada's oil sector, and potential interest decisions from the Bank of Canada.

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And although Prime Minister Mark Carney has been trying to keep up with the chaos, Canadians can't help but feel anxious about the future of our sovereignty, safety, and international relations.

Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks to Glen McGregor, political correspondent for CityNews, to discuss Carney's handling of US President Trump's aggressive pursuit of Greenland, the potential ramifications to Canada's oil sector in the aftermath of the events in Venezuela, and the significance of Carney's upcoming trip to China.

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The federal government recently granted more access to Middle Eastern airlines to fly into Canadian airports in hopes of creating competition. It comes in response to a 2025 Competition Bureau report that called for less restrictions on foreign investment.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to John Gradek, aviation expert and professor at McGill University to discuss what changes Canada's aviation industry should implement to restore consumer trust in air travel, and what progress has been made since the 2023 federal commitment of improving the air passenger protection regulations.

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Host Nima Rajan speaks with Dr. Younes Alila, professor of forest hydrology and watershed management at the University of British Columbia to discuss what’s really behind the major flooding events in BC, and what needs to be done about it.

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Five years later, the Trump Administration carries on as it grapples with internal conflict, Epstein revelations, and a newly-sparked takeover of Venezuela.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Aaron Ettinger, political science professor at Carleton University to discuss how January 6th 2021 has shaped the identity of American politics, and how cracks within the MAGA movement continue to develop.

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Several strains are circulating across Canada, with healthcare professionals scrambling to treat one of the leading causes of death in this country. And with the U.S.'s upcoming withdrawal from the World Health Organization later this month, virus and vaccine-related research will soon become scarce for the countries who depend on the data - including Canada.

Host Nima Rajan speaks to Dr. Joss Reimer, former President of the Canadian Medical Association and former Chief Medical Officer for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. The two discuss how Canada's healthcare system needs to diversify its science research partners, and what Canadians can do in the short-term to help protect themselves and others.

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In this special feed drop on The Big Story, Host Alex Seixeiro speaks to Abbey Sharp, registered dietician and host of the Bite Back podcast, to discuss all the diet trends of 2025. They dig into the dos and don'ts of diet culture, and which habits we you should leave behind heading into 2026.

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In this special feed drop on The Big Story, 680 NewsRadio City Hall reporter, Momin Qureshi sits down with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow to look back on 2025, and what she hopes for heading into 2026. The two discuss Chow's potential second term, her relationship with Premier Doug Ford, and when exactly Torontonians can expect the Eglinton Crosstown LRT to open.

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This week, we are doing a retrospective on the year's best and wildest pop culture stories, dissecting the celebrity stories that continue to live rent-free in our minds (Diddy's trial and Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau's love story), dish on the music we couldn't get enough of (Lily Allen's West End Girl, obviously), the movies that moved us, and the TV series we adored (Yes, Sadaf opines beautifully about The Pitt). Lean in, grab your glass of wine, and let our hot takes keep you warm over your winter break!

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This week we dig into snow. When did snow first fall on earth? The ghost of Smugglers Notch, avalanches, record snow falls, Jamie throws snowballs at children and more. Chris, Jason, Jamie and Lew talk all things snow on this week's Hogwash.

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In part two of this special feed drop on The Big Story, Parliament Hill Bureau Chief for CityNews Cormac MacSweeney and political correspondent Glen McGregor discuss the biggest political headlines of 2025. They recap Mark Carney's first few months as Prime Minister, the future of the NDP, and what lies ahead for Federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

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In this special feed drop on The Big Story, Host Kris McCusker speaks to Kelley Keehn, CEO of the Money Wise Institute to discuss the dos and don'ts of Buy Now Pay Later payment options. The two break down how to spend wisely this holiday season and how to not fall into dangerous spending habits you can't ultimately keep up with.

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Introduction

• Why Willpower Isn’t the Key to Behavior Change

• Willpower as a Muscle (or Phone Battery)

• How the Holidays Drain Our Willpower Faster

• What the Parole Judge Study Teaches Us About Decision Fatigue

• Why Willpower Works Better Before Temptation Hits

• Using Upstream Willpower: What It Actually Means

• Holiday Tactics That Don’t Depend on Willpower

• Building Systems Now to Avoid December Burnout

• Setting Up Habits That Make January Easier

• Ending the Annual “Start Strong, Fall Off” Cycle

• A Kinder Approach to Holiday Eating

  Check in with today’s amazing guest: Jenn Trepeck

Website: asaladwithasideoffries.com
Podcast: A Salad With a Side of Fries
Instagram: @jenntrepeck
Book: Uncomplicating Wellness
Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is never a substitute for medical advice. If you’re struggling with with your mental or physical health, please work one on one with a health care provider.

If you have heard yourself in our discussion today, and are looking for support, contact the free NEDIC helpline at 1-866-NEDIC-20 or go to eatingdisorderhope.com.

Reach Your Weight & Health Goals - Without Dieting! Pre-Order The Hunger Crushing Combo Method, Abbey’s revolutionary additive approach to eating well to boost satiety, stabilize blood sugars, reduce the risk of disease, improve your relationship with food by providing the best nutrient bang for your caloric buck. With over 400 research citations, cheat sheets, evidence based actionable tips, meal plans and adaptable recipes, the Hunger Crushing Combo Method is the only nutrition bible you’ll ever need.
Pre-Order today and submit your proof of purchase to get a FREE HCC Holiday Survival Guide here.

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In this special holiday edition of What Would Emily Do, I’m answering your real career questions. We’re talking about what to do when your boss doesn’t care about your health, how to know when it’s actually time to quit your job, and how to think about taking a pay cut without blowing up your future.

If you’ve been rethinking your job going into the new year, this episode will help you get clear on your next move. Send me your questions: https://forms.gle/ktToU5GFXnsFkveA6

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In this special feed drop on The Big Story, Host Mike Eppel speaks to Eric Kam, professor at Toronto Metropolitan University to reflect back on some of the biggest business headlines of 2025. They discuss the dramatic end of Hudson's Bay Company, Canada's potential in the oil industry, and how AI may brace for consumer downfall in 2026.

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In this special feed drop on The Big Story, Parliament Hill Bureau Chief for CityNews Cormac MacSweeney and political correspondent Glen McGregor discuss the biggest political headlines of 2025. They recap Justin Trudeau's resignation, the 2025 Federal Election, the future of the NDP and what lies ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's uphill battle with US President Donald Trump.

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The Bank of Canada cut interest rates nine times, yet buyers are still erring on the side of caution, waiting for some sort of stability before diving head-first into the market.

Host Mike Eppel speaks to Shawn Zigelstein, broker and team leader for Royal Lepage to see what Canadians could expect heading into 2026.

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It's not the first shift Hollywood has seen from traditional broadcast spaces onto streaming media platforms, as the industry is looking to adapt to younger, online consumers.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Paolo Granata, associate professor at the University of Toronto to discuss the opportunities the Academy Awards has as it prepares to enter a new broadcast space, and how the media ecosystem is more intertwined than we think.

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But both the government and the Crown corporation overseeing the project, Alto, have admitted they haven't quite nailed down an exact (or rough estimate) of a dollar figure attached to helping the rail line come to fruition.

Host Alan Carter speaks to Ryan-Katz Rosene, associate professor at the University of Ottawa who studies sustainable transportation, to discuss if this announcement will actually make waves in this high-speed rail coming to life, or if Canadians will be stuck in limbo for more decades to come.

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Host Maria Kestane speaks to Sadaf Ahsan, culture writer and co-host of The Reheat to discuss what we should be watching for as the investigation unfolds, and the legacy Rob left on Hollywood and society at large.

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Memory loss, mood swings, mixing up names and birthdays - where does it cross the line from natural age-related decline and into decrease of cognitive ability? And how do we tackle these tough conversations, especially for the 'sandwich generation'?

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Howard Chertkow, Leading Canadian Research Scientist at Baycrest Health Science to discuss how to spot the difference between organic, age-related habits versus symptoms of cognitive decline, and how Canada should get ahead of the struggles facing its aging population.

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The tax generates income for the city, which in turn could fund social programs for those in need. But some fiscal think tanks warn the increase in tax on high ticket items could drive out the rich from the city.

Host Alan Carter speaks to Mike Moffatt founding director of the University of Ottawa's Missing Middle Initiative to discuss how governments can strike a balance.

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Host Kaitlin Lee speaks to Evolutionary Ecologist Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde from Laurentian University possible signs of "domestication" among urban raccoons, if that means they could one day be pets, and what the critters have to say about us.

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Either acquisition pose as problematic for critics who raise concerns of a monopoly over the market, sizeable job losses, and the death of the movie theatre.

Host Mike Eppel speaks to Paul Moore, sociology professor at Toronto Metropolitan University to discuss the bids and how the changes could materialize for the film industry at large.

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The government has banned a number of popular online sites from allowing accounts be made for those under 16 years old, with a fine of up to $33 million CAD if the platforms defy the order.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Jay Olson, post doctorate fellow at the University of Toronto to discuss whether the ban will actually make waves in protecting Australian youth, and how Canada could take note.

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Is this a more seismically active year?

Host Richard Southern speaks to Katsu Goda, associate professor at the University of Western Ontario to find out.

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And get this, Canada could potentially host Italy to open their 2026 campaign in Toronto. How did Canada get here? How will they fare against the world’s best? And will this World Cup, shared by three countries navigating fractured relationships, “work” when things get started next Summer?

Host Devang Desai speaks with David Gass, founder of Kickback Soccer Media, about Canada’s World Cup hopes, FIFA’s relationship with Donald Trump, and weather concerns for next Summer.

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It's the kind of relief Canadians have been waiting to see for a while, but year after year, the idea of grocery prices lowering seems to be farther and farther away.

Dalhousie University's annual publication, 'Canada's Food Price Report', found that families will be spending an extra 4% on groceries next year, coming out at more than $17,000.

Host Mike Eppel speaks to the lead author of the report, Sylvain Charlebois, to discuss the latest in Canada's food market, and whether or not Canadians should hold their breath for lower prices.

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The problem is – labels can be misleading, and the idea of something being ethical or sustainable might be different depending on your perspective.

Host Kris McCusker speaks to Jing Wan, a professor at the university of Guelph who studies ethical and sustainable consumption. They discuss ways to shop “smarter”, and why the easiest solution might be easier said than done.

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Incel culture and the 'manosphere' have dominated online spaces for young men, most who initially search for a sense of community, but find themselves engaging in disturbing, highly violent behaviour towards women.

The Carney government has pledged more money in AI investments than in tackling GBV, but some experts believe a cut of the AI money could go towards protecting online spaces and combatting deepfake pornography.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Cecile Rousseau, Canada Research Chair in Preventing Violent Radicalization and a psychiatry professor at McGill University to discuss how the fight against Canada's incel crisis requires comprehensive, multi-level cooperation between all levels of government, parents and teachers.

If you or someone you know is in an unsafe situation, please call 911.

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Canada has strict consumption regulations for cannabis products, although government-owned weed shops decorate plazas across the country. That gap between retail shops versus consumption spaces has hospitality and business experts alike urging Ottawa to take advantage of a tourism goldmine.

Host Richard Southern speaks to Susan Dupej, a post-doctorate fellow at the University of Guelph to discuss Canada's current tolerance for tourists looking for a cannabis-friendly experience, and what steps our government should take to reach our potential.

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Toronto’s Penny Oleksiak has been banned from competing until 2027 after allegedly violating anti-doping whereabouts regulations, something she says has nothing to do with banned substances.

The World Anti-Doping Agency is the international regulatory body that oversees drug testing for competitive athletes. Testing happens both after a competition, as well as in the form of pre-competitive check-ins, such as whereabout disclosures.

Host Alex Seixeiro speaks to Bruce Arthur, columnist for the Toronto Star, to discuss what lies ahead for Magic Penny, and whether or not anti-doping regulation is too rigorous.

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Advertisements for highly addictive and illegal drugs like cocaine and oxycodone continue to appear on Meta's social platforms, amid their no-tolerance policy for such content and for what they call 'robust' measures to keep them off.

The RCMP says it works extensively to intercept online purchases of illegal drugs, but Meta's reliance on AI to regulate advertisement sales and distribution doesn't allow for much policing.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Ben Musset, digital editor for the Toronto Star, and Omar Mosleh, reporter for the Toronto Star to discuss their investigation into Meta's advertising loopholes, and how Canada's most vulnerable could fall victim to the multibillion dollar self-regulating business platform.

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Plans for an independently-funded pipeline through British Colombia are in the works, depending on approval from the Major Projects Office and hinged on Indigenous co-ownership.

However, not everyone is on board with the terms of the MOU, especially Premier David Eby, as well as Liberal MP Steven Guilbeault who has resigned from the cabinet on Thursday.

Host Mark Day speaks to Cormac Mac Sweeney, CityNews Parliament Hill reporter to break down what's needed for this pipeline to materialize in the years to come, and how this MOU could play out for Carney's Liberals.

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Ryan James Wedding now sits alongside some of America's most dangerous criminals on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for several offences related to drug trafficking and murder.

A number of Canadians have been arrested earlier this month in connection to the case, including Wedding's defence lawyer from Brampton, Deepak Paradkar. And the FBI has hiked up the reward for his arrest to $15 million USD.

Host Richard Southern speaks to Calvi Leon, a crime reporter for the Toronto Star to break down how a Canadian born in Thunder Bay made his way to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for allegedly leading one of the most prolific drug trafficking organizations in the world.

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The survey was conducted ahead of this month's federal budget announcement when Ottawa announced its plans to reduce new permanent resident visas to 380,000 per year from 2026 to 2028. However, respondents believe granting visas should go hand in hand with ensuring there's enough housing and social supports for people who are already in Canada before more people come in.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Teresa Romano, OMNI News reporter for their Italian Bureau to dig into the findings of this year's poll, and discuss whether or not newcomers and immigrants to Canada believe that our immigration system is serving those who need it most.

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The new bill, which was fast-tracked through the legislature, removes barriers to allow landlords to evict tenants if they're late on rent or if they're not paying their total. Many critics say this will worsen the homelessness crisis, especially during the upcoming winter months.

However, Housing Minister Rob Flack says it's about restoring balance within the housing system, rejecting claims that this will put people out of housing. Instead, he says the bill will help expedite bills.

Host Richard Southern speaks to Marc Davignon, Ontario ACORN Tenant Leader to talk about his experience getting kicked out of the Ontario legislature on Monday, and how he believes the new bill will affect the most vulnerable across the province.

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3I/ATLAS was discovered in July by the NASA-funded ATLAS survey telescope. The space organization says it's only the third object ever seen to be passing through the solar system from elsewhere in the galaxy.

However, some critics claim the comet's several anomalies pose as reasons as to why it should be considered an extraterrestrial being instead.

Host Richard Southern speaks to Avi Loeb, theoretical physicist and professor at Harvard University to break down what we need to know about 3I/ATLAS and the potential for alien activity.

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A recent report by Indeed Canada found that seasonal job postings are up 12% this year compared to 2024, which could offer some respite for those looking for work. Statistics Canada says the unemployment rate remains elevated for the month of October, sitting at 6.9%, while youth unemployment is basically double that at 14.1%.

Host Mike Eppel speaks to Brendon Bernard, senior economist at Indeed Canada to break down the report and discuss how the interest in holiday jobs says more about the bigger picture of the state of the economy. The also discuss how the current geopolitical climate plays into the unemployment market.

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It's the not-so-secret ingredient within whole blood that's packed with nutrients and proteins that helps boost the body's immunity. It also holds the power to act as a healing agent for other bodies that need its immunoglobulins.

However, Canada is facing a massive shortage of plasma, and if it doesn't keep up with demand, our healthcare system won't have the bandwidth to treat those in need.

Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks to Jessica Carswell, Director, Strategic Engagement at Canadian Blood Services to discuss the need for plasma to help keep Canada's healthcare system running, and how to determine if donating is right for you.

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However, mention of the UAE's alleged involvement in the war in Sudan was something many Canadians and human rights activists felt was missing from the trip's itinerary.

Amnesty International claims credible sources have found the UAE to be in violation of the United Nations' arms embargo to Sudan's Darfur region, something the UAE repeatedly denies. The Sudanese war broke out in 2023, as its army battles for power against a paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces. More than 150,000 lives have been claimed.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Glen McGregor, political correspondent for CityNews to break down the implications of Carney's trip to the Middle East, and how the omission for holding the UAE accountable could have consequences for Canada's humanitarian image.

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