The Big Story

Today's Big Story is about the economy and the potential impact to Canada from Trump's so-called "Big Beautiful Bill". The bill could potentially have implications for Canadian investors and pension plans. Host Mike Eppel breaks down what it all means with guest Stephen Johnston, Director of Asset Management for Omnigence.

The biggest break-up of 2025 is already in the books. After less than a year – the very public bromance between the U.S. president and the world’s richest man blew up in front of our eyes. And it all played out in real time on social media. Just this morning, Elon Musk admitted that some of his posts may have gone too far. Donald Trump and Elon Musk have both softened their tones since the implosion but many are wondering what happens next. Host Kris McCusker spoke to Dr. Antoine Panaïoti, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Toronto Metropolitan University about the clash between two alpha males - what it was really about – and what it might mean ahead of midterms in the U.S. next year.

There's an uproar in Ontario about a just passed law that the government claims will speed up critical infrastructure and resource projects. However, critics including Indigenous groups are calling it a "land grab". Bill 5 gives the government the ability to exempt companies from laws in order to build faster. Host Richard Southern talks to Sol Mamakwa, the only Indigenous member of the Ontario legislature, about the bill and what happens next.

It's an age old question - how do you ensure your kids grow up to be successful? A new book by an award-winning New York Times journalist tries to answer it. Susan Dominus details six compelling stories in "The Family Dynamic" which uncovers how both parents and siblings help shape individual success. Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks to author Susan Dominus about her research and how her own family dynamic helped shape her.

We are revisiting this episode of The Big Story from March, as we learned this week, an infant died this week in Southwestern Ontario, who was born premature and infected with measles. In a statement, Dr. Kieran Moore said the infant contracted the virus before birth from their mother, who had not received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. However it's important added that while measles may have been a contributing factor in both the premature birth and death, the infant also faced “other serious medical complications unrelated to the virus.” Officials are still calling it a "preventable crisis". The highly contagious viral infection was considered eliminated in 1998 in Canada and in 2000 in the U.S., but a number of factors have contributed to its recent resurgence. Host Melanie Ng speaks with Sabina Vohra-Miller, @unambiguousscience, a Doctor of Public Health candidate and expert in clinical pharmacology and toxicology, about this issue.

Interest rates weren't cut this week. Why? Well, it's complicated. The Bank of Canada didn't give borrowers a break when it set policy on Wednesday, as Tiff Macklem cited the need to wait for more data points. The word "uncertainty" is being thrown around, although ironically, the economy was actually stronger in the first quarter than forecast. Host Mike Eppel speaks to experts about the lack of a cut and what that means for the market, home buyers and home owners. Guests: Claire Fan, Senior Economist, Royal Bank of Canada Phil Soper, President Royal LePage

It's a mystery in Nova Scotia that's gained attention across the country. This week marked one month since the disappearance of 6 year old Lilly Sullivan and her 4 year other brother Jack. The kids were reported missing by their stepdad and mother on the morning of May 2nd. RCMP in Nova Scotia immediately launched a missing persons' investigation and in the days that followed, numerous searches of the area were carried out, but the children still haven't been found. The case is being watched by people across the country as there are more questions than answers. Where are the Sullivan kids? Host Dan Ahlstrand speaks with citynews.ca writer Natasha O'Neill, who's been following the case.

Prime Minister Mark Carney held his first meeting with Premiers since the election and by most accounts it was a big success, with Ontario’s Doug Ford claiming it was the best in 10 years. The 14 leaders discussed the federal plan to fast track nation building projects and despite some rhetoric in advance of the gathering, even Alberta was encouraged about the path ahead. But will a new pipeline become a reality, can premiers expect federal funds to match their projects, was it a mistake to not have Indigenous leaders at the table, and what may be the challenges ahead? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney tries to get answers and insight from former Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil.

Ukraine has shocked the world by carrying out a daring attack on Russian bomber planes thousands of kilometres inside enemy territory. It’s a feat that would have been unimaginable before the war. Now, Ukraine has shown it has the capabilities to take its fight directly to its much more powerful foe. What will Vladimir Putin do now? And what does it mean for hopes of peace negotiations? Host David Smith speaks with security expert Marcus Kolga about the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war.

We’ve all seen it: the coach constantly yelling at their team, the parent trying to coach on the sidelines…and the kid in the middle of it all. Youth sports can bring out the best in people, but it can also be a breeding ground for toxic behaviour. Host Melanie Ng speaks with Playball Ambassador with the MLB and author of Coach Ballgame, James Lowe, about how focusing on the RIGHT approach to sports can make a world of difference. You can learn more about James' work on his Instagram: @coachballgame.

A whirlwind trip for King Charles, in his first visit to Canada as a sitting monarch, is being viewed by some as a success. It was a show of support amid annexation talk by the U.S. president but it also served as a benefit to the King. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Carolyn Harris - Historian, Author and Royal Commentator - about how it compares with other royal visits - and why the timing is so relevant.

For years, we’ve been programmed to view hustle culture as the norm, and one’s ability to navigate it as the definition of success. Throw parenthood into the equation and you’ve got the recipe for a juggling act that is always being judged. So what happens when people, specifically mothers, take a purposeful pause from their traditional career path to focus on other priorities like family or personal growth? Host Melanie Ng speaks with the founder and CEO of Mother Untitled and author of the new book “The Power Pause”, Neha Ruch @neha_ruch.

For just the third time in our country’s history, a sitting monarch delivered the speech from the throne. On a brief royal visit, King Charles addressed Canadians to lay out the priorities of the new Carney government. The theme was clear, asserting Canada’s independence and charting a path to end our reliance on the U.S. But did it hit the mark? Will the Prime Minister hit roadblocks with his ambitious plan? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University in Calgary.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, and you’ve noticed things are getting worse – you’re not imagining it. Scientists say things have gotten worse around the world for a variety of reasons – and unless something is done – it could become dangerous for some. And those without allergies could even face challenges. Host Kris McCusker speaks to BBC Science and Features journalist, Amanda Ruggeri, about the in-depth piece she wrote on the issue, discussing how allergy sufferers can improve their circumstances and how climate change plays a role in it all. You can read the story here: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250410-how-climate-driven-thunderstorms-supercharge-pollen-allergies

A new study out of the Stanford University School of Medicine showed that older adults who received the shingles vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia over the next seven years than those who didn't receive the vaccine. But what does this mean in terms of finding a tried and true cure to dementia, and who's more at risk than others? Host Pooja Handa speaks to Sabina Vohra-Miller, founder of Unambiguous Science, about the study's findings and what it for the future of the disease. You can find the study here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08800-x You can read more about Sabina's work here: https://www.instagram.com/unambiguousscience/

The pandemic was a boom time in the cottage industry. As people decamped out of the city, the prices for cottages skyrocketed. However, in this softened real estate market, it's not easy to hold on to two homes, and that's becoming more obvious with the amount of cottages currently on the market. Host Mike Eppel digs into cottage life with Kingsley Ma, area VP of Re/Max Canada.

A deep run into the second round of the playoffs once again ended in game 7 heartbreak for Toronto Maple Leafs fans. Big Story hosts Cormac Mac Sweeney, Gurdeep Ahluwalia, Alex Bloomfield and Kris McCusker got together in a bit of a therapy session this week to chat about their favourite team and where they go from here.

It used to be a place to find what you need and when you want it...but now, the internet has transcended into a playground of ads, cookies and algorithms. But why? Who made it that way? And when did things take such a sharp turn in the wrong direction? Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks to Cory Doctorow, author and host of the CBC podcast 'Understood: Who Broke the Internet' on who's pockets are being lined at the expense of our experience on the internet, and what how users can fight back against what he calls the 'enshitification' of the web. You can find more on the CBC series below: It's not you — the internet really does suck. Novelist, blogger and noted internet commentator Cory Doctorow explains what happened to the internet and why you're tormented by ads, bots, algorithms, AI slop and so many pop-ups. Spoiler alert: it wasn't an accident. In Understood: Who Broke the Internet, Doctorow gets into the decisions made by powerful people that got us here, and most importantly, how we fix it. Understood is an anthology podcast that takes you out of the daily news cycle and inside the events, people, and cultural moments you want to know more about. Over a handful of episodes, each season unfolds as a story, hosted by a well-connected reporter, and rooted in journalism you can trust. Driven by insight and fueled by curiosity…The stories of our time: Understood. More episodes of Understood are available at: https://link.mgln.ai/g2ug4r

Without skipping a beat, Sean 'Diddy' Combs pleaded not guilty to the five federal charges he was hit with in September of 2024. However, the evidence that pours out into the courtroom day after day during his criminal New York trial, continues to work towards an unrepairable, dramatic shift in identity for the now-disgraced rap mogul. With several testimonies still to be heard and evidence to be presented, the racketeering and sex trafficking charges Diddy is facing have the real possibility of putting him behind bars for the rest of his life. Host Maria Kestane speaks to 1010 WINS New York reporter, Juliet Papa, about where Diddy's criminal trial stands week 2, and what it's like both inside and outside the Manhattan courthouse throughout the latest chapter of the music industry's scandal history book.

The union representing Canada’s postal workers has served strike notice to Canada Post, meaning 55-thousand employees at the crown corporation could walk off the job on Friday. Unless a last minute deal is reached, it will be the second time in roughly 6 months that Canadians will lose access to our national postal service. Small and medium sized businesses are bracing for impact, with the last job action costing them a lot of cash in lost business and more expensive shipping alternatives. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Jasmin Guenette, VP of National Affairs at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business about the impact a postal strike would have, how Canada Post needs to change, and what the federal government can do in the event of a strike.

A warning to our listeners: this episode includes description and discussion of sexual assault. Please take care. Another stunning development in the sexual assault trial of five former world junior hockey players - a second jury is dismissed and the trial now moving forward with a judge alone. Before that, graphic details shared in the courtroom by the complainant, referred to as E.M, recounting a night at a hotel room in 2018. Host Melanie Ng speaks with CityNews journalist Michelle Mackey, who has been watching what has been happening both inside and outside of the courtroom.

After Honda announced it is hitting pause on a $15 billion investment in electric vehicle production in Canada, questions are swirling about three other major EV projects in line for billions of dollars in public subsidies. With Trump’s tariffs and overall economic uncertainty, how realistic is it the Canadian auto sector will transition to nearly all-electric production by 2035? Host David Smith speaks with Tim Dimopoulos, publisher of Automotive News Canada, about the outlook for the dream of a made-in-Canada EV supply chain.

A big week on the budget front, for multiple reasons. Not only did Ontario release a budget that aims to get the province through the trade war, we learned that the new Liberal government will NOT be releasing a spring document. Host of "In This Economy" Mike Eppel digs into the consequences of all the budget news this week and has a sneak peek on what the Bank of Canada might do next.

Today on The Big Story - we're debriefing, big time. Hosts David Smith, Kris McCusker and Cormac Mac Sweeney get together to chat about Prime Minister Carney's choice of cabinet and the fallout from a mixed week on the job. Join us for "The Big Debrief", a weekly examination of the news events of the week, as seen through the eyes of the people reporting on them.

It’s been a rough few weeks at the airport in New Jersey after two radar and radio outages - but there’s a lot more to the story. The acting administrator with the U-S Federal Aviation Administration says travel into Newark is safe. But it’s not the only issue with air travel in the U-S this year, which might have some travelers concerned ahead of the summer travel season. Host Kris McCusker speaks to George Ferguson - Senior Aerospace, Defense & Airline analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence – about what’s been happening, how it gets fixed and who is to blame.

Has the White House gone completely "pay for play"? While experts debate the ethics of U.S. President Donald Trump's latest actions including accepting a plane from Qatar, others are watching his foray into cryptocurrency closely. While many in the space have called for more regulation of crypto, "Trump coin" is causing issues for those trying to build cryptocurrencies as a legitimate financial instrument. Host Mike Eppel discusses this with Erica Pimental, Assistant Professor at the Smith School of Business at Queen's University. With a foray into cryptocurrency, U.S. president Donald Trump iA once relatively regulated system of purchasing and holding value in cryptocurrency has started its way down a slippery slope with US President Trump's exclusive pay-for-play Trump Coin, which lines the pockets of the Trump family in more ways than one. But what does this mean for those looking to gain digital capital but aren't looking to be a token in Trump's game of Monopoly? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Erica Pimental, Assistant Professor for the Smith School of Business at Queen's University to make sense of it all.

Canada's unemployment rate remained relatively stable for the month of April, sitting at 6.9%. But the rate for youth unemployment jumped to its highest figure in the past two decades excluding pandemic figures, now sitting at a little more than 15%. And as companies continue to strategize how to stay afloat among tariffs, more specifically, who they can get rid of and who they have to keep around, the term 'last hired, first hired' enters the chat. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Emily Durham, career coach and host of the Straight Shooter Recruiter podcast, on how to enter, move through, exit and gracefully re-enter the workforce in a time of bottom line uncertainty thanks to a global trade war.

You can’t always see it but plastic is everywhere. So much so – that it’s now in our rain and it’s there because of humans. It’s almost as worrisome as acid rain was in the 1970s – an issue that is no longer a major concern. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Benji Jones, Environmental Correspondent at Vox in New York, about how pervasive plastic has become – and what you can do to mitigate your exposure.

Tomorrow Prime Minister Mark Carney will be unveiling his first cabinet since receiving a minority mandate from voters 2 weeks ago. The decisions will not be easy, as Carney has to navigate regional representation, a leaner inner circle, and a trade war with the U.S. that hangs over every federal decision. So who stays and who may get promoted? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is speaking about the delicate art of cabinet making with Marci Surkes, Chief Strategy Officer at The Compass Rose Group, and a former Executive Director of Policy and Cabinet Affairs to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Punctuality– its definition and importance really depend on who you speak to. A recent study out of the UK shows a generational divide when it comes to tardiness and how it could be perceived by those around us. Host Melanie Ng speaks with peak performance coach and best-selling author, Hina Khan @coachwithhina, about a number of scenarios and why there is a sweet spot when it comes to how you show up both professionally and socially.

“Peace be with you”. Those were the first words spoken from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to the massive crowd below by the newly chosen pontiff, now known as Pope Leo XIV. 133 cardinals from around the world voted in a handful of rounds before the final decision was made and the white smoke billowed from the Sistene Chapel chimney. Formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, Leo is the first pope from the United States – a choice that shocked some and has many wondering what this may signal. Host Melanie Ng speaks with religious scholar Héctor Acero Ferrer from the Institute for Christian Studies about the new pontiff and how he will position himself on the world stage.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has made his first trip to the White House to meet President Donald Trump, with Trump heaping praise on Carney. But the meeting wasn't all sunshine, as the two leaders clashed over trade positions and Trump's ongoing musings of making Canada the 51st state. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney breaks down the first face-to-face in the oval office with Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat who also helped negotiate the first two trade deals between Canada and the U.S. They also discuss where negotiations may go from here, and the hard work that has to be done here at home to buffer our economy from further shocks.

Is Hollywood North in jeopardy, based on a social media post by U.S. President Donald Trump? After musing about hitting foreign film production with a 100% tariff, there are concerns this could shut down the film industry in Canada. Host Mike Eppel is gauging reaction from Andrew Barnsley, President of the Toronto Film School.

Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney will make his first trip to the White House to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. Tariffs, the economy, and military defense will be the key focus for Carney as he looks to set Canada on a path to negotiations to end the trade war between our countries. This first face to face meeting between the leaders will be crucial to set the tone of the relationship for the next four years. Will they get along? How should Carney address Trump's "51st state" comments? Could this meeting backfire? And what will Trump and Carney be able to achieve? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Jon Allen, a former Canadian Ambassador and diplomat who is now a senior fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.

After a stunning election loss in which Pierre Poilievre couldn’t hold on to his own seat in Parliament, what comes next for the federal Conservatives? Will there be a push to oust Poilievre? What will the Party look for in its campaign post-mortem? Why are Conservative premiers calling out their federal counterparts? Host David Smith speaks with two veteran conservative strategists, Jordan Paquet and Neil Brodie, to get answers on what happens next for the team in blue.

We're dropping a timely episode of In This Economy into the weekend feed. We now have clarity now on Canada's new government, but predictions about the state of economy going forward are murkier. There are signs the economy is contracting, so what does that mean for you? Host Mike Eppel speaks with Dawn Desjardins, Chief Economist at Deloitte Canada.

Canadians could be in for a break at the grocery store for the next couple of months. After food inflation ticked higher in March, a food economist is expecting more stability through the summer months with the next update from Statistics Canada coming on May 20th. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Stuart Smyth, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan about what is influencing prices - and why it's subject to change.

Warning: this episode may be triggering for some listeners. Friday has been declared a day of mourning in British Columbia for the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day festival attack. What was meant to be a celebration quickly turned to tragedy on Saturday, as nearly a dozen people were killed and dozens more injured when a suspect drove their vehicle into a crowd at a Filipino festival in Vancouver. The man charged in the alleged attack was overseen by a mental health team and was on extended leave at the time of the incident – which is now raising questions about mental health reform. Meantime, we are learning more about some of the victims and how members of the community are supporting one another. Host Melanie Ng speaks with Sonia Aslam, journalist with 1130 NewsRadio and CityNews Vancouver, who has been following this story closely.

The Liberal minority government is now officially set. What's also now official is the deep dive into what went wrong into the campaigns of Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh, two party leaders who lost their seats on Monday night. Between the Doug Ford fight with Poilievre and the NDP losing official party status, there are many storylines to emerge from the election. Here to break it down with host Mark Day is Rob Snow, NewsRadio's national talk show host.

In what's been a very upside down election campaign - the results were also all over the place. At time of writing at 2:30am, it's a Liberal minority government. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is in danger of losing his seat and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh stepped down as leader after losing his seat of Burnaby Central. In this stripped down version of The Big Story, host David Smith stayed up really late to put together the full results for you this morning. Much more to come on all the election storylines throughout the week.

After 36 days, it all comes down to this. Canada is voting for its next leader and all eyes are on the Liberals and Conservatives in a neck and neck race. It comes after a wild swing from the winter when the Conservatives had a double digit lead in the polls. Host Richard Southern and NewsRadio's Parliament Hill Correspondent Cormac Mac Sweeney discuss the campaign and all the political events over the past year that have led to this vote.

Owning a small or medium sized business is never easy, and this year, it's been even more challenging. The small business sector is the country's largest employer and they're facing a ton of uncertainty from tariffs and the threat of higher inflation and a potential recession. Host Mike Eppel talks to Simon Gauldeault, Chief Economist and VP of Research for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business to get his take.

Enjoy this special feed drop of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp. In today’s episode of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp, I am chatting with Associate Professor Dr Emily Contois about the intersection between diet culture and wellness culture online to the “manosphere”, “red piller” and “incel” communities. Emily & I discuss how young men are finding their way into these toxic masculinity spaces from diet and fitness tips, and how to help prevent our kids from falling into these dangerous online communities. https://bite-back-with-abbey-sharp.simplecast.com/episodes/the-shocking-pipeline-to-the-red-pill-manosphere-from-health-nutrition-content-online-with-dr-emily-contois

The federal election....from the "fringe". Most voters are familiar with the major national parties running in this election, such as the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP, & Greens. But there are actually 16 registered political parties looking for your vote. Some of them are known as fringe parties, while others are upstarts, hoping to make an impact down the road. Today on The Big Story, we're shining a light on some of the lesser known parties in this campaign, and letting them have their voice heard as the country goes through the democratic process. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with the Leaders of the Animal Protection Party, the Canadian Future Party, the Communist Party, and the Marijuana Party.

Elections Canada saw a record-breaking 2 million people cast their ballot on the first day of advanced voting for the federal election, resulting in a grand total of more than 7.3 million over the four day period. And as Canada enters the final stretch of campaigning in one of the most critical elections of our time, what can these preliminary numbers tell us about what's to come? Which party could benefit the most from those who vote early? And will we see this sort of momentum on April 28? Host Maria Kestane talks to John Beebe, Founder and Director of the Democratic Engagement Exchange for Toronto Metropolitan University about whose voice will be heard the most among these numbers and what it means for the future of Canada's civic engagement.

Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of breaking ground in the vatican and his attempts to modernize the Catholic church. Francis also left a lasting impact on Canada, with a 2022 trip to apologize for the church's role in the residential school system. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Emma Anderson, a professor of religious studies at the University of Ottawa, about the tenure of Francis, what comes next in the process to pick a new pope, and could a Canadian be in the running?

It’s been hotly debated by scholars and advocates for decades: do we need to change the way we elect governments in this country? On April 28th, there will be 91 candidates on the ballot in the riding of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. It will be the longest ballot in Canadian election history. Of 91 candidates, 85 are independent protest candidates from the Longest Ballot Committee, a group raising awareness about electoral reform. Host David Smith speaks with one of those candidates, Blake Hamilton, about what the group hopes to accomplish with this move.

One week from today Canadians will cast their ballots to pick their next government, in what has been described as an existential election amid U.S. President Trump's trade and sovereignty threats. As we enter the final stretch of the campaign, parties are shifting their strategies to ensure they get supporters to the polls and secure every vote they can. What can we expect from the parties in these final days, can we see a major shift in the polls and could leaders lose their jobs? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is breaking it down with Lori Williams of Mount Royal University.

It used to be a social no-no, but Canadians now seem to find themselves diving head-first in political engagement, dialogue, and awareness, all in the wake of what's perceived to be one of the most critical federal elections of our lifetime. Just three months ago, however, Canadians were at odds with each other over who they wanted the face of their country to be, what name they wanted the flag to be associated with, and the type of Canada they wanted moving forward. How do we navigate this new patriotic momentum while still meeting the moment on deciding what's best for our future according to the morals we hold so close to ourselves? How do we turn to our neighbours, family, loved ones to push for a stronger Canada all while seeking out different qualities in who we want and need out of a leader? Host Maria Kestane speaks to Justin Ling, journalist and author of the Chaos Campaign newsletter, to discuss what's driving Canadians to the ballot box and how we're engaging in a refined era of political polarization amid threats to our sovereignty and personal safety. You can check out Justin's newsletter here: https://www.bugeyedandshameless.com/s/chaos-campaign.

This week, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre re-ignited debate about Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Poilievre is pledging to use the Notwithstanding Clause to bring in justice reforms, including reviving Harper-era consecutive life sentences that were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Host David Smith speaks with constitutional law expert Professor Eric Adams from the University of Alberta about why this section of the Canadian constitution is so controversial.

To burner phone or not to burner phone? The current debate on social media amid heightened searches of personal electronic devices by US immigration officers. Combined with new requirements for Canadians travelling to the US, such as mandatory registration with the American government for a 30+ day stay, as well as frightening headlines of travelers being detained at the border - Canadians are rightfully turned off from the US. But for those who don't have the choice to opt out of travel, what can they expect, and are they safe? Host Maria Kestane speaks to Frédéric Dimanche, Director and Professor of the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism, about what the current climate of Canada-US travel safety looks like, and what Canadians should expect when - or *if* - they head south.

Canada is less than two weeks away from its 45th Federal Election, and whether it's going to be your first time voting, or you've spun the block before, The Big Story is getting down to the basics. Where can you vote? What do you need to bring? Who's eligible? What if you don't have a voter information card? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks to Dianne Benson with Elections Canada to get the answers you need before the ballot box question on April 28.

With so much attention on Donald Trump and the trade war, it’s easy to forget about the other crisis facing Canada today: Housing affordability. All three major federal parties are pledging billions of dollars in their housing platforms. But are these plans ambitious enough to meet the moment? A group of industry associations and advocacy organizations have come together to form the Canada Housing Coalition. They have a blueprint for the next federal government’s housing policy. For whoever ends up as Canada’s next Prime Minister, solving the housing crisis will be a monumental task. Host David Smith speaks with Tim Richter, CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, about what’s at stake in this election for Canadians dreaming of an affordable place to call home.

It's the latest among the vast plethora of parenting styles: Gentle Parenting...but just how gentle is it? And for whom? The US General Surgeon has issued public health advisory on the impact of modern stresses on parents' mental health, listing six factors it says contributes to parent/caregiver burnout. They include financial strain, time demands, children’s health & safety, loneliness & isolation, technology& social media, and cultural pressures. Host Pooja Handa speaks to Dr. Shimi Kang, Psychiatrist and Best-Selling Author of the parenting book, 'The Dolphin Parent', about the current struggles today's parents are facing, and what they can do to find the balance between raising emotionally regulated, well-rounded children. You can learn more about Dr. Kang at the following links: https://www.drshimikang.com www.futurereadyminds.com

Alex Ovechkin's recent achievement of surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record with his 895th goal on April 6 has been met with both celebration and controversy. While fans and the hockey community lauded his on-ice accomplishment, his longstanding support for Russian President Vladimir Putin has reignited criticism, especially in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Guardian contributor, Colin Horgan, about how fans are welcoming the achievement, as well as feeling unsettled amid its troublesome backdrop.

After an epic meltdown around the world, wiping away 10 trillion dollars in value, the S&P/TSX saw its best day in 5 years. The Nasdaq had its best day in 24 years. But does it matter if you're not invested? Host Kris McCusker speaks to Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at I.G Wealth Management about how and why it does matter - and why things could soon get better.

Ottawa is one year into its two-year temporary international student visa cap project, and post-secondary institutions across the country are heavily feeling the effects of a limited international tuition profit margin. Former Immigrations, Refugee and Citizenship Minister, Marc Miller, introduced the program of January 2024 which hopes of tightening up any immigration loopholes found within the student visa guidelines, as well as to alleviate housing and healthcare pressures brought on by the influx of students. But halfway through the plan, and cuts to dozens of programs and campuses are now starting to paint a clearer picture of what may be to come. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Gina Lorentz, Professor and Coordinator for Fanshawe College’s Multimedia Journalism program and President of the Radio-Television Digital News Foundation for Canada, about what things are looking for students across the province and where the future of local journalism could potentially go from here.

When you hear about separatism in Canada, you may immediately think of Quebec. But in recent years, a growing separatist movement in Western Canada has emerged as a possible threat to national unity. With provincial governments in Alberta and Saskatchewan increasingly at odds with the federal government in Ottawa, is the future of confederation on the ballot in this election? Host David Smith speaks with Jon Roe from the Angus Reid Institute about the latest public opinion research on separatism in different regions of the country.

Once a favoured travel hotspot for Canadians looking to escape the cold or stock up on American-only goodies, now stands as a no-go zone for many travellers north of the border amid annexation threats and unwarranted tariffs from US President Donald Trump. New data shows a downtrend for Canadians heading south of the border for leisure trips for this travel season compared to previous years, but what exactly do the numbers mean and will the trend continue to head south (instead of Canadians) for years to come? Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks with Head of Public Relations and Communications for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, Amra Durakovic, about where things stand between two countries once known for their close travel ties as their dwindling relationship continues on the downward spiral.

US President Donald Trump dubbed it 'Liberation Day', and it seemed like numbers across the North American stock market took the word 'liberate' and headed south. Besides the historic plunging of some of Wall Street's benchmarks as a result of the Trump's latest tariff announcement on April 2, his long-term goal of a stronger America seems more farther in the distance than he might've originally projected. But what exactly did he project? And was there any sort of input from the big players he's now backing into a corner to make his domestic-grown dreams come true? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Chief Deputy Economist at Desjardins, Randall Bartlett to make sense of the numbers.

It has become our unofficial Canadian battle cry: ELBOWS UP! As we face trade tensions and threats from the U.S president about making our nation their 51st state, many Canadians are standing together in a show of strength, solidarity and resilience. Thousands are turning up at rallies across the country, organized by 'Elbows Up, Canada!', a grassroots, non-partisan movement. Host Melanie Ng speaks with one of the organizers, Peter Wall about how it all got started - and how Canadians are connecting and reflecting.

Newsrooms, dinner tables and just about everyone in between woke up on the edge of their seats the morning of April 2 - the day US President Donald Trump dubbed 'liberation day' - but heading to bed, it was more of an uneasy feeling of 'now what?'. A few days later as the dust has started to settle, the confusion and ambiguity, however, has not. Although Canada was not on Trump's exhaustive reciprocal tariff list, 25% tariffs on foreign-made vehicles exported to America did apply to Canadian cars. Prime Minister Mark Carney struck back with 25% retaliatory tariffs on foreign-made vehicles imported to Canada, but the lines remained blurred with the Canada-US trade future. What tariffs are in place, what aren't, how many jobs are on the line, how much more expensive will cars be, and whose economy will be feeling the effects the worst? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Principal Economist with the Conference Board of Canada, Richard Forbes gets to the bottom of Trump's latest tariff announcement.

A disturbing resurgence of ICE horror stories are taking centre stage on social media - this Trump term, however, some recounts are now being told from Canadian voices. Regardless of documentation or criminal history, it seems no one is safe from the cold floors and foil blankets that personify the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement experience. Host Maria Kestane speaks with Jasmine Mooney on her chilling experience behind several sets of bars in several ICE detention facilities, and how a never-ending chain of 'I don't knows' painted a stark image of just how blurred the American immigration lines are.

Ahead of the announcement on reciprocal tariffs today, the Trump Administration is looking to move on from so called Signalgate – after war plans were shared on the commercial messaging app. It really raised eyebrows because a reporter, not just any reporter, but the Editor in Chief of the Atlantic, was added to the chat – likely by accident? It was seen as a gaffe by some while others wonder if it was intentional. Either way – there’s a lot more to the story. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Christian Leuprecht, Professor and Security Expert at Royal Military College, Queen's University.

Federal Conservative Party Leader, Pierre Poilievre, was positioned for a landslide win over the federal liberals, but incomes a new rival leader, and voters seem to have no problem moving the pendulum - and fast! Recent leaks from inside the campaign paint a chaotic picture for the federal tories just one month out from when Canadians head to the polls, and with the unpredictability of a diminishing Canada-US relationship, the concerns that shape the big ballot question come April 28 no longer mirror what they used to be just a few weeks ago. Host David Smith speaks to CEO of Abacus Data, David Coletto, about what's driving the pre-polling tank for a party once destined for victory, as well as what's grabbing the attention of Canadian voters in a time of economic despair, a pending North American trade war, and a sudden burst of Canadian patriotism.

What were once positioned as the four stripes that were recognizable by Canadians worldwide now sparingly lace abandoned shelves across the country dressed with 'clearance' tags. The Hudson's Bay Company has begun the process of liquidating all but six stores Canada-wide, with those remaining - three in Ontario and three in Quebec - still very much up for grabs if the company doesn't present a comprehensive restructuring plan moving forward. But the question on many people's minds still remains: how did Canada's oldest company fall into the hands of creditor protection? A name once emblematic of Canadian retail, history and culture, now grasping onto whatever capital (and hope) it can to sustain a presence in an online-dominated retail landscape. Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks with retail expert, Gary Newbury, about what lead to the slow burn of the Hudson's Bay Company, and if the writing was on the wall-post pandemic for the fate of the country's first company. The two discuss what the next months could look like for HBC, and what notes other retailers should be taking if they aren't interested in falling next in line. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter.

At one point in time, Canada was ranked as the 5th happiest country out of 147 countries across the globe. 10 years since that ranking, and Canada has dropped to 18th place...a ranking that's continued on a steady decline since 2020. But why? How do Canadians express happiness? How much of their well-being is shaped by the economy, their friends, their perception of the world around them, or all three? And what can we do if we want to climb back to the top 5 area? Host Pooja Handa speaks with Felix Cheung, Canada Research Chair in Population and Wellbeing, and assistant professor at U of T’s department of psychology, about this year's World Happiness Report to discuss why Canadians seem to have a declining outlook on the overall perception of happiness, and what the future generations can focus on if they're interested in making their way closer to the top of the list. You can read the 2025 World Happiness Report here: https://happiness-report.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/2025/WHR+25.pdf You can read the 2024 Canada Happiness Report here: https://cheung.artsci.utoronto.ca/canadian-happiness-report-2024/ We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter.

Foreign election interference is back in the news after week one of the federal election campaign. Questions about foreign interference followed both Pierre Poilievre and Mark Carney on the campaign trail this week. Poilievre again defended his refusal to obtain security clearance, while Carney was pressed to explain why the Liberals dropped a candidate with ties to the Indian government. Host David Smith speaks with University Ottawa criminology professor Michael Kempa about the latest developments and how foreign interference may play a role in this election race.

The federal election is several days in and it’s already been a wild ride. This vote has been framed as an existential election for our country, amid the trade war and sovereignty threats from the US. While President Trump’s tariffs are having a massive impact on the campaign there are also many policy promises, questions around security clearance and business dealings, and gaffes from some of the leaders. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is checking the pulse of the race to form the next federal government, by speaking with Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University.

It’s been a busy first week on the campaign trail for federal leaders. One storyline that's stood out is the early election poll tracking. All the major polling firms are showing a huge surge in support for the Liberal Party under new leader Mark Carney. But how full a picture do the polls show? Host David Smith speaks with Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, about what goes into a modern election poll.

We’ve all heard how social media can have a negative impact, but unfortunately putting your phone down can be a tricky task. New research out of the University of British Columbia shows there’s a way to manage your mental health while staying up to date on your favourite apps. Host Melanie Ng speaks with lead study author and psychology professor at UBC, Amori Mikami, about their findings. More info: pearl.psych.ubc.ca

Tesla is in a tailspin. Sales are dropping and the stock has been cut in half since December, blamed on Elon Musk's involvement with DOGE in the U.S. There have been incidents of vandalism against Tesla dealerships and on top of that, the automaker is facing ramped up competition from a Chinese company that's dramatically decreased charging time. Host Mike Eppel talks to Seth Goldstein, Equity Strategist at Morningstar Research Services, who covers Tesla and many other brands in the auto sector.

Getting concert tickets is harder than it used to be – and it means many Canadians have been shut out or forced to pay much higher prices with a reseller. Is this ever going to change? What needs to happen? Host Kris McCusker took those questions to Dan Wall of Live Nation Inc., which merged with Ticketmaster in 2010. It is Wall’s first an in-depth feature interview on the subject since he joined the company in 2023. He describes a complicated landscape – but says there are some options – while a court case in the U.S is scheduled to proceed.

Live TV is often unpredictable, but at least the team behind the scenes is ready. However, this week, the ultimate surprise was pulled off — morning show legend, Dina Pugliese, shocked everyone by announcing her return to Breakfast Television, two years after stepping away from the spotlight. Host Melanie Ng speaks with her long-time colleague and friend, Dina, tackling topics she’s never talked about before. From burnout to family health, social media criticism to what makes her tick, nothing is off the table. This episode is a rollercoaster of emotions - with laughter and tears within the first few minutes.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is almost through his first week of Prime Minister. So, how's it going? He's already completed an international trip, had some interesting dealings with the media and is expected to call an election as soon as this weekend. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is rating the first week with Barry McLoughlin, President, TLC Transformational Leadership Consultants Inc.

Is Doug Ford Canada's most unlikely diplomat? Doug Ford travelled to Washington last week to talk tariffs, after threatening to impose tariffs on energy or even turn off power to 3 U.S. states. Although the temperature has been dialed down, Queen's Park reporter Richard Southern talks to pollster John Wright about Ford's actions last week and how this all ties in to the upcoming federal election.

Imagine being so famous that there are university courses studying your every move! Taylor Swift will be the subject of course being taught at Brock University this spring – by Associate Professor of history Elizabeth Vlossak. Host Kris McCusker examines how the course was created – what it’s all about – and why it’s more relevant than you might think.

Spring is usually the hottest time of year for car sales. But with Trump’s tariffs affecting aluminum, steel and auto parts, this year could be different. If tariffs on cars come into force on April 2nd as scheduled, there are fears it could upend the automotive supply chain. Host David Smith speaks with automotive specialist Tim Dimopoulos, publisher of Automotive News Canada, about what it all means for Canadian consumers.

Trying to run a business in this economy is anything but easy. Uncertainty, unease and pressure from so many different factors are creating a very difficult situation for Canadian operators. Host Mike Eppel speaks with Mike Tzimas, president of the Napoleon Group of Companies about the current situation, the impact on tariffs, and how difficult it is to be a Canadian business operator in this climate.

For a longer weekend listen, we're going back in the archives from November to talk about an issue that's back in the headlines - NATO, and the U.S. concerns that Canada is not paying its fair share. Host David Smith talks to Richard Shimooka, a defence policy expert and a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.

Punctuality – its definition and importance really depend on who you speak to. A recent study out of the UK shows a generational divide when it comes to tardiness and how it could be perceived by those around us. Host Melanie Ng speaks with peak performance coach and best-selling author, Hina Khan @coachwithhina, about a number of scenarios and why there is a sweet spot when it comes to how you show up both professionally and socially.

U.S. President Donald Trump has taken the next step in its tariff battle with the world, placing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products from Canada and all other countries. There was even a brief scare that the U.S. would double the tariff on Canada, before cooler heads prevailed But what impact will these tariffs have on the industry? Are the federal government counter measures enough, and what more do the feds need to do to support businesses and workers who will be hit hard by this move? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Catherine Cobden, President and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association to get her thoughts.

We're going to have a new Prime Minister this week, with no shortage of issues for Mark Carney to face. After Carney won a decisive victory in the Liberal Party leadership race on the weekend, it's expected he will be calling a federal election shortly. What will be the keys to success for the renewed Liberal Party as it faces off against Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives? Host David Smith speaks with liberal strategist Nick McRoberts from Hill & Knowlton about the path ahead in this new era of Canadian politics.

It was 5 years ago today the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic because of the novel coronavirus. It marked the start of a very different way of life, disrupting almost every part of our society. What have we learned from that fateful day 5 years ago, and what has been the impact on society and on public health? Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks with Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch about his recollections and thoughts on how we changed as a society because of Covid-19.

After nine years in power, Justin Trudeau’s time as Prime Minister is over. Mark Carney was voted Liberal leader Sunday, in what was a landslide victory. As one of Canada’s longest serving Prime Ministers, Trudeau’s time in office was marked by major global events, policy changes, and a fair share of political scandals. How will Canadians remember Justin Trudeau? Host David Smith speaks with Jon Roe, Research Associate with the Angus Reid Institute, about the latest public opinion research on Trudeau’s legacy, a day after the new Liberal leader was named.

It's been another week of uncertainty for the financial markets. With back and forth announcements on tariffs happening this week, it's been next to impossible to gauge what will happen next. Host Mike Eppel is trying to make sense of it with Avery Shenfeld, Chief Economist at C-I-B-C.

In a special presentation of The Big Story, we're highlighting misinformation about health and wellness. Abbey Sharp is the host of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp. Today she chats with immunologist and microbiologist, Dr. Andrea Love of immunologic.org, a science and health education organization committed to debunking health and wellness misinformation. Andrea will be going deep into the science on the safety of vaccines, fluoride, endocrine disruptors in tap water, food dyes, pasteurized vs milk, GMOs, glyphosate and more.

After more than 9 years leading the country, Justin Trudeau’s time in office is down to days. On Sunday the party will count the votes and announce a new Liberal leader, who will become the next Prime Minister when they are sworn in. Which of the four candidates will win, could there be a surprise finish, how will the transition of power work, and will this spark a snap federal election? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Greg MacEachern, a principal at KAN Strategies to find out.

The word of the week: tariffs. In what's been a confusing back and forth whether or not the tariffs against Canadian goods were on, we learned there was a last minute reprieve on tariffs in the auto sector. The issue has been in the news headlines for months, and now that it's here, what is the fallout? An expert says this situation is definitely unusual – and it’s not over yet. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Joy Nott is Partner, National Tax, Trade and Customs at KPMG Canada.

It’s a preventable crisis – that’s the message from many public health officials when describing the recent measles outbreaks in parts of Canada and the United States. The highly contagious viral infection was considered eliminated in 1998 in Canada and in 2000 in the U.S., but a number of factors have contributed to its recent resurgence. Host Melanie Ng speaks with Sabina Vohra-Miller, @unambiguousscience, a Doctor of Public Health candidate and expert in clinical pharmacology and toxicology, about the mis/disinformation surrounding vaccinations and why this could be just the beginning.

It’s been months since the federal government announced a $1.3 billion border security package in response to the Trump tariff threat. But the President continues to attack Canada over what he claims is the flow of drugs and illegal immigration into the U.S., leading to the tariffs, which are now in effect. Is the government doing enough to address illegal activity at the border? How big is the actual problem? Host David Smith speaks with Christian Leuprecht, an expert on security and international crime and distinguished professor at the Royal Military College of Canada, about Canada’s border and what will happen next.

The Trudeau government has signed its first provincial deal to implement the first stage of its national pharmacare plan. The agreement with Manitoba comes just weeks before a possible federal election campaign, and amid threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to slap tariffs on pharmaceuticals. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with federal Health Minister Mark Holland about whether or not more pharma deals can be signed before Canadians head to the polls, will the program survive after an election, and whether Canadians should brace for higher drug costs amid a possible trade war.

Doctors in Canada can’t move between provinces to practice medicine without going through cumbersome licensing requirements and a sea of government red tape. It’s one of the many inter-provincial trade barriers in focus because of the threat of US tariffs. The Canadian Medical Association says it's time to do away with this antiquated way of licensing doctors and make it one national system that covers all provinces and territories. Host David Smith speaks with Dr. Joss Reimer, President of the Canadian Medical Association.

The four candidates in the Liberal leadership race are on the last leg of the campaign after going head to head in French and English debates earlier this week. The March 9th leadership date is fast approaching. It comes as the country sees a dramatic shift in voter support, with the Liberals vaulting ahead of the Conservatives for the first time in years. So did the debate move the needle of support, what are the candidates doing in these final days of the campaign, and will this surge in Liberal support last? To answer those questions, host Cormac Mac Sweeney is joined by Dan Arnold, Chief Strategy Officer at Pollara, and formerly a pollster for the prime minister and head of research and advertising at the PMO.

It’s less than a week to go before U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to put a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods. After that happens, the Government of Canada will respond with tariffs of our own, and everything on which those tariffs apply will get more expensive. The fears are very real. There are concerns Canada will enter a recession, that the Canadian dollar will take a hit, and that hundreds of thousands of jobs could be on the line. Host David Smith speaks with University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe about what it could mean for you and for the economy.

The Government of British Columbia is overhauling its safer supply drug policy so that drug users will have to take their prescription opioids under the supervision of a pharmacist or health provider. The change comes after public outcry over mounting evidence of “diversion”, the practice of selling or trading government-provided drugs on the black market. This is the latest move from the David Eby government to backtrack on its drug policies, which have come under heavy scrutiny and political attack as overdose deaths continue to increase. Host David Smith speaks with Simon Fraser University addictions expert, Dr. Julian Somers, about what B.C. got wrong and whether safer supply programs have a future in Canada.

Canada is the only G-7 nation without a high speed rail line, but that might be about to change. Our federal government has unveiled plans for an ambitious project, which would link Toronto and Quebec City. But will it happen? Host Kris McCusker speaks to Lavagnon Ika, Professor of Project Management at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, about the potential challenges and the likelihood the project gets done.

You want to save for your retirement - but where do you find the money? Head's up - the RRSP deadline is coming up on March 3, 2025. Host Mike Eppel is talking to an expert on why it's imperative to start saving for your retirement and how to make it less stressful.

U.S. President Donald Trump has a plan to end the war in Ukraine. It's basically, cut off support, and capitulate to Vladimir Putin. It has been three years since Russia’s illegal invasion. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have died defending their country. This week, the Trump administration cancelled future aid for Ukraine and set up peace talks with Russia that excluded Ukrainian officials. Host David Smith speaks with Russia expert Marcus Kolga about what will happen next at this critical juncture in the conflict.