The Current
CBC
Three stories to expand your worldview, delivered daily. Matt Galloway cuts through a sea of choice to bring you stories that transcend the news cycle. Conversations with big thinkers, household names, and people living the news. An antidote to algorithms that cater to what you already know — and a meeting place for diverse perspectives. In its 20 years, the Current has become a go-to place for stories that shape and entertain us. Released daily, Monday to Friday.The Current is produced in Toronto, Ontario, Canada — and has recently recorded live shows about the Canadian election in Surrey and Burnaby BC. And shows to come in Oshawa and the 905, Red Deer, Alberta, Quebec City and Halifax.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 1, 2025 • 20min
Has Donald Trump won the trade war against Canada?
No deal. After months of back and forth, the deadline for a trade deal is here – and the United States is hiking tariffs on a dozen countries, including Canada. The U.S. president Donald Trump signed an executive order to have 35% tariffs on some Canadian goods. We talk to Goldy Hyder, the president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada about what this means for Canadian jobs, and economy — and if there’s any chance a deal can be worked out with the U.S..
Aug 1, 2025 • 24min
How an L.A. food magazine became a source for ICE raid news
ICE raids in Los Angeles are tearing families apart and leaving undocumented workers living in fear. In the last few months, the city has seen multiple immigration raids where the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents show up to food trucks and take workers. We talk to Janette Villafana, a reporter at L.A. Taco, a magazine that’s always been focused on the food scene of the city — but now, switched their focus to report on the ICE raids.
Jul 31, 2025 • 19min
Canada to recognize Palestinian statehood.
Canada will now recognize Palestinian statehood, but under certain conditions. Many in the Canadian Jewish community say this is not the right time. Palestinians believe this is long overdue. And what does this dramatic policy shift mean for Canada’s relationship with the U.S., as we negotiate a trade deal?
Jul 31, 2025 • 20min
What does hosting FIFA’s World Cup mean for Canadian cities?
Excitement is growing in Vancouver as the city prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but this excitement also brings some concerns. A newly revealed contract between FIFA and Vancouver is raising questions about what some of the security demands will mean for people and businesses in that city. We discuss what Canada has committed to, and are we prepared to handle it.
Jul 30, 2025 • 19min
Hot Canada Summer — unpacking the tourism boom
The number of Canadians returning from trips to the U.S. by air fell by about 22 per cent in June compared to a year ago, according to Statistics Canada. Canadian return trips from the U.S. by car dropped by about a third. And domestic tourism spending is up, which means a boost for the Canadian tourism industry. Guest host Catherine Cullen speaks with Captain Walter Flower about the boom in his whale watching tours off the coast of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
Jul 30, 2025 • 22min
Sudan’s civil war — two years on
It's been over two years since fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Force broke out. Since then, upwards of 12 million people have been displaced – 8 million within the country--the rest made their way out to neighbouring countries like South Sudan and Chad. Guest host Catherine Cullen speaks with Saydah Mustafa, a Sudanese-Canadian, about fleeing Khartoum and how she is rebuilding her life two years later.
Jul 29, 2025 • 22min
Can you grow avocados in Canada? You might be able to now
Palm trees, citrus trees, pomegranates, and avocados; those might not be the first things that pop into your mind when you think of the Canadian growing season. But with a changing climate, all sorts of new varieties of fruits and vegetables are possibilities for gardeners in Canada. We discuss the opportunities and challenges that warming temperatures can bring to your backyard.
Jul 29, 2025 • 20min
Gaza on brink of famine, says UN body.
Some aid is being allowed into Gaza, but humanitarian agencies say it’s not enough. The World Health Organization says the people in Gaza are suffering from man-made starvation. We discuss what further actions the Canadian government can take, and the latest developments in the conversation about Palestinian statehood.
Jul 28, 2025 • 24min
Dyslexia made Phil Hanley feel lazy and stupid as a kid
The comedian Phil Hanley remembers his school teachers calling him lazy and stupid when, in truth, he was struggling with dyslexia. In his new memoir Spellbound: My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith, Hanley writes about how his mother defended him in an unsympathetic education system, and why he doesn’t want dyslexic kids today to feel the shame he did.
Jul 28, 2025 • 20min
Pierre Poilievre is facing a must-win by-election.
A deadline for a trade deal with the U.S. is looming, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre is trying to find a path back to the House of Commons, and the push to get big new nation-building projects going is hitting a sour note with some First Nations leaders. Our guest host Catherine Cullen unpacks it all with our national affairs panel: Stephanie Levitz from the Globe and Mail, Niigaan Sinclair from the Winnipeg Free Press, and CBC’s Kathleen Petty.
