The Decibel

David Ebner, a justice reporter at The Globe and Mail with expertise in criminal law, dives into the key aspects of Canada’s new crime bill, Bill C-16. He discusses how it aims to combat violence against women and children while tackling court delays. Ebner highlights the bill's definitions of femicide and coercive control, as well as the introduction of penalties for non-consensual deepfakes. He also analyzes the implications of reinstating mandatory minimums and the challenges posed by ongoing court backlogs, shedding light on a critical topic in the justice system.

Kelly Grant, a health reporter for The Globe and Mail specializing in public health, delves into the alarming rise of late-stage prostate cancer diagnoses in Canada. She highlights the dramatic increase in Stage 4 cases among different age groups and discusses the controversial guidelines surrounding PSA screening. Grant explains the risks of the PSA test, the pros and cons of active surveillance, and the factors impacting who has access to testing. She also touches on the challenges faced by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Healthcare in issuing new recommendations.

Mariya Postelnyak, a Consumer Affairs reporter at The Globe and Mail specializing in travel and passenger rights, shares crucial insights on navigating airline disruptions. She discusses why airlines cancel flights ahead of strikes and explains the complexities of securing refunds and compensation in Canada. Mariya also highlights differences in passenger protections compared to the EU and UK, and the practical challenges of claiming expenses. With a growing trend of airline strikes, she offers tips for nervous travelers to safeguard their trips during turbulent times.

In this enlightening discussion, Matt Lundy, the Economics Editor at The Globe and Mail, delves into the harsh realities faced by Canadian manufacturers grappling with U.S. tariffs. He highlights how these tariffs, especially on steel and autos, have caused significant sales drops—like Arctic Snowplows' staggering 40% decline. Lundy also reveals coping strategies companies are employing, such as shifting to domestic sales and seeking faster government support. With ongoing uncertainty about tariffs, the future of trade remains a critical concern for Canadian businesses.

Jason Kirby, a staff reporter at The Globe and Mail, digs deep into the opioid crisis's chilling grip on the construction industry. He reveals staggering economic impacts, with estimates of up to $60 billion lost in productivity. The discussion covers how physical injuries and the rise of toxic fentanyl exacerbate the problem for tradespeople. Kirby also sheds light on systemic changes needed in workplaces and the importance of initiatives like naloxone availability. A poignant reminder of personal loss, he shares the heartfelt story of Michael Fairchild, whose potential was stolen by the epidemic.

In this discussion, Steven Chase, a Senior Parliamentary Reporter at The Globe and Mail, dives into Canada's new military procurement partnership with Europe. He outlines the significance of Canada’s entry as a first non-European member of the EU’s defence fund. Chase explores how this shift aims to diversify military spending away from U.S. suppliers, boost Canada’s defence industry, and tackle historical funding challenges. He also highlights political hurdles and the importance of a coherent defence strategy moving forward.

Tom Cardoso and Carrie Tait, journalists from The Globe and Mail, dive deep into Alberta's health care procurement scandal involving businessman Sam Mraiche. They discuss Mraiche's rise to prominence, his extensive ties to political figures like Premier Danielle Smith, and alarming procurement practices related to health contracts. With missing documentation and whispers of political interference, the hosts unravel the web connecting Mraiche to the government, raising serious ethical questions about the influence of business in public health.

Zosia Bielski, a Time-use reporter at The Globe and Mail, dives into the societal pressures of pre-cleaning before hosting. She discusses how cleaning becomes shame-driven, largely affecting women who spend more time on these tasks. The conversation highlights the impact of spotless homes on social dynamics, revealing that such standards can hinder authentic relationships. Zosia advocates for relaxed hosting styles like potlucks and scruffy hospitality, emphasizing that prioritizing connection over cleanliness can enhance social well-being.

Irene Galea and Jill Mahoney, telecom experts from The Globe and Mail, dive into the issue of cellular dead zones across Canada's highways. They reveal that 13% of major roads lack coverage, highlighting geographic disparities, especially in BC and Newfoundland. The conversation explores why telecom builds have stalled, the economics of rural projects, and the challenges of relying on carrier estimates. They also discuss potential solutions, including direct-to-satellite options, and share how residents adapt to these connectivity gaps in their daily lives.

Shane Dingman, a real estate reporter at The Globe and Mail, dives into Ontario's controversial Bill 60, which aims to expedite evictions amidst a housing crisis. He explains how the bill streamlines the Landlord and Tenant Board processes but may lead to quicker evictions and increase homelessness. With significant changes like reduced non-payment timelines and limits on tenant defenses, Shane highlights the bill's potential to erode tenant protections and deepen tensions between tenants and landlords in Canada’s largest rental market.