The Big Five Podcast Is the REM cursed? Plus: Carney’s budget passes & you’re throwing out too much food.
Nov 18, 2025
Join Montreal journalist Sue Smith and public affairs specialist Victor Enriquez as they dive into this week's hot topics. They analyze the shaky fate of the REM network after an unfortunate accident raises questions about its reliability. The duo debates the implications of Prime Minister Carney's narrow budget survival and the fairness of provinces like Manitoba poaching Quebec doctors. They also tackle the confusion around food labeling and the political fallout of Health Minister Dubé's trip to Florida, highlighting how optics can make or break a politician.
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Early Growing Pains For New Transit
- New transport tech like the REM will face early operational growing pains despite strong initial reviews.
- Victor Enriquez and Sue Smith say rare incidents (like a truck hitting a viaduct) are expected as the system scales in Montreal.
Budget Win Buys Time, Not Consensus
- Mark Carney's minority government passed the budget by a razor-thin margin, buying time rather than consensus.
- Victor Enriquez frames the win as a political bet that Canadians preferred avoiding an immediate election.
Passage Doesn’t Resolve Budget Details
- Passing the budget doesn't remove future confidence risks because details on spending remain vague.
- Sue Smith warns the devil is in the details and large projects still need funding clarity.