The Big Five Podcast The province is selling less booze, but you’re paying more for it. Plus: “Radar on steroids” comes to Quebec.
Dec 19, 2025
Paul Gott, lead singer of Montreal's punk band The Ripcordz and journalism professor, joins Akil Alleyne, a seasoned reporter and political analyst. They tackle the resignation of Quebec's Health Minister and the implications for public health, discussing the growing disconnect between rising healthcare spending and deteriorating outcomes. The duo also explores the surprising trend of Quebecers buying less alcohol at higher prices, attributing it to changing drinking habits among younger generations and evolving societal attitudes. Finally, they delve into traffic enforcement innovations, evaluating new technologies aimed at improving road safety.
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Dubé’s Controversial Healthcare Legacy
- Christian Dubé left the CAQ and resigned as health minister after turbulent negotiations and criticism over Bill 2.
- Panelists argued his legacy centralized healthcare and increased bureaucracy despite higher spending and mixed short-term improvements.
More Spending, Worse Waits
- Wait times and demand worsened despite a $20 billion spending increase from 2019 to last year.
- Panelists saw rising budgets alongside longer waits as evidence of systemic dysfunction in Quebec healthcare.
Referendum Threat May Not Shift Voters
- François Legault claims PQ support will fade when voters realize the PQ is serious about a referendum.
- Akil warns past precedents show fear-of-alternative tactics can backfire, while Paul disagreed that the PQ’s stance is newly revealing.