The Big Five Podcast What’s better, city life or country life? Plus: Mark Carney confirms he’s a walking conflict-of-interest.
Jul 14, 2025
Guests Jimmy Zoubris, a special advisor to the mayor of Montreal, and Gabriel Retta, Chief of Staff to the Official Opposition, dive into the charm and challenges of city versus country living. They discuss a recent storm's impact on Montreal’s infrastructure and the pressing need for improvements amid recurring flooding. The conversation also touches on the happiness disparity across Quebec municipalities, with Montreal surprisingly ranking low. Plus, they unpack a political controversy surrounding accountability and a notable resignation in local government.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
St. Leonard Flooding Crisis
- Gabriel Retta shared his direct experience dealing with basement flooding in St. Leonard.
- He highlighted the recurring nature and psychological impact on residents affected by storms.
Think Before Posting Online
- Politicians should think twice before posting on social media to avoid hasty, hurtful comments.
- Seek opinions from others if a post brings excessive joy to ensure it isn't offensive.
Suburban Happiness Advantage
- Medium sized cities and suburban areas in Quebec generally report higher happiness levels than Montreal.
- People prioritize green spaces, less traffic, and a better quality of life over big city amenities.