The Decibel

With the federal election nearly upon us, we’re bringing you the last edition of Campaign Call before Canadians head to the polls. This week, feature writer Shannon Proudfoot and columnists Robyn Urback and Marsha Lederman discuss how the leaders’ final pitches are sitting with Canadians.Plus, The Globe’s economics reporter Nojoud Al Mallees breaks down the costed platforms of the Liberals and the Conservatives and explains why some people are questioning the math.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Gary Mason, a national affairs columnist at the Globe and Mail, dives into the NDP's precarious position ahead of the federal election. He discusses Jagmeet Singh's efforts to navigate declining support and the party's strategic missteps. The conversation reveals a troubling disconnection between leadership and grassroots members, as well as contrasts between provincial successes and federal struggles. Lastly, Mason highlights the risks of a two-party system, stressing the necessity of diverse political voices in Canada's future.

Tanya Talaga, an Anishinaabe journalist and contributing columnist for The Globe and Mail, shares her insights on Pope Francis's apologies to Indigenous peoples. She discusses the emotional significance of his apology for the Catholic Church's role in the residential school system and the critical responses it received. Talaga explores the complicated journey of reconciliation and the expectations for future actions from the Church and its leadership. Her perspective sheds light on the broader implications for Indigenous communities and the ongoing quest for justice.

Pippa Norman, an innovation reporter for The Globe and Mail, dives into how Canadian businesses are adapting to U.S. tariffs. She highlights companies like Oddburger prioritizing local growth over U.S. expansion. The discussion reveals how a compostable packaging manufacturer and a steel can producer are seizing new opportunities at home. Pippa also sheds light on the challenges faced by the manufacturing sector and how firms balance domestic production with the complexities of trade policies. It’s a fascinating look at resilience amidst uncertainty!

Stephanie Levitz, a senior reporter in the Globe's Ottawa Bureau, dives deep into the strategic minds behind the Liberal and Conservative campaigns. She unpacks the intricate dynamics within the Conservative war room, focusing on Pierre Polyev and Jenny Byrne's approach to narrative crafting. The discussion shifts to the Liberal side, highlighting Andrew Bevin and Gerald Butts as key strategists. Levitz also addresses the provocative buttons controversy at a recent conservative conference and explores how themes of hope and fear play into campaign strategies.

Aengus Bridgman is the Director of the Media Ecosystem Observatory at McGill University, specializing in information manipulation. Nina Jankowicz, co-founder of the American Sunlight Project, is a disinformation expert with government experience. Together, they discuss the mounting risks of foreign interference in elections, the effects of social media on public trust, and the dangers posed by AI and deepfake technology. They emphasize the importance of critical thinking and promoting local, authentic information to preserve democratic integrity.

Zosia Bielski, a time use reporter for The Globe and Mail, dives into the pressing need for rest in our burnout culture. She reveals that Canadians average just 17 minutes of daily relaxation, leading to alarming stress levels. Zosia challenges the notion that downtime must be earned and explores how societal pressures shape our views on productivity. Highlighting personal stories, she advocates for setting boundaries and embracing genuine rest, emphasizing its vital role in well-being and creativity. Burnout affects 47% of workers, making this conversation more crucial than ever.

This week features Nik Nanos, chief data scientist and founder of Nanos Research, Shannon Proudfoot, a feature writer at the Globe, and Campbell Clark, a political columnist. They dive into the significance of upcoming debates and share insights on candidates' preparation strategies. Nik reveals how polls are conducted and the intricacies involved in ensuring accuracy, discussing the challenges of translating public support into electoral success. The conversation also tackles public skepticism surrounding polling reliability, making for a fascinating listen!

Chris Hannay, a staff reporter at the Globe and Mail, sheds light on the chaos of Canada’s medical record system. He discusses the struggles patients face when accessing their own data due to disconnected systems. The podcast highlights emotional stories, like a woman’s battle for her late husband’s records, revealing the inefficiencies at play. Hannay also contrasts Canada's challenges with international models, exploring how interconnected data systems could innovate healthcare for improved patient outcomes and public health research.

Jonathan Pedneault, co-leader of the Green Party of Canada and a former journalist and human rights investigator, shares his vision for a more progressive Canada. He discusses the challenges of running in a Liberal stronghold and the need for transformative ideas that extend beyond environmental issues. Pedneault advocates for tax reform to alleviate economic inequality and emphasizes the importance of political engagement outside of traditional parliamentary structures. He critiques the current electoral system while calling for greater representation in Ottawa.