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The Decibel

Latest episodes

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Dec 12, 2024 • 25min

How The Globe and Mail covered and influenced Canada’s history

John Ibbitson, a seasoned reporter and columnist for The Globe and Mail, joins health reporter Kelly Grant to discuss their book, ‘A Nation's Paper.’ They delve into the newspaper's 180-year influence on Canada’s history, highlighting its pioneering coverage from the 1918 Spanish flu to the COVID-19 pandemic. They reflect on the challenges of media representation during crises and the evolving societal perceptions of immigration. Their engaging insights reveal the complex relationship between journalism and the Canadian narrative.
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Dec 11, 2024 • 24min

The ‘miracle drug’ some dog owners regret using

Susan Krashinsky Robertson, a Globe business reporter, shares her insights on Librela, the controversial arthritis drug for dogs. Some pet owners celebrate its effects, claiming happier, more comfortable pets. However, troubling cases of adverse reactions, including severe lethargy and even death, raise serious concerns. Krashinsky discusses her interviews with pet owners and veterinarians, revealing a critical divide about the drug's safety and the need for better communication in veterinary care. The growing popularity of Librela prompts a closer examination of its risks and regulatory practices.
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Dec 10, 2024 • 22min

Doug Ford’s plan to dismantle homeless encampments

Jeff Gray, a seasoned journalist covering Ontario politics for The Globe and Mail, joins to discuss Premier Doug Ford's controversial plan to dismantle homeless encampments. He explores the government's proposed legislation allowing police to arrest individuals refusing to leave these camps. There's a deep dive into the implications of invoking the notwithstanding clause, sparking debate over legal rights versus public safety. Gray also highlights the challenges mayors face in balancing mental health support against the backdrop of rising homelessness.
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12 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 18min

What the spread of bird flu signals about another pandemic

André Picard, health columnist for The Globe, dives into the urgent implications of the recent avian flu cases, including Canada’s first human infection. He discusses alarming transmission rates among species, like pigs and poultry, and the economic impact on livestock. Picard emphasizes the crucial need for pandemic preparedness, drawing lessons from COVID-19. He also highlights strategies for preventing the virus's spread, including biosecurity measures and vaccine development challenges. This discussion calls for heightened vigilance against future outbreaks.
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Dec 6, 2024 • 19min

Chaos in South Korea: martial law, impeachment, resignations

James Griffiths, The Globe's Asia correspondent, shares insights from the heart of South Korea's political chaos. He discusses the dramatic events surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol, including his controversial martial law declaration and the immediate public backlash demanding his resignation. Griffiths also delves into the historical context of martial law and impeachments in South Korea, emphasizing the rising tensions with North Korea and the implications for the nation’s fragile democracy.
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32 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 21min

Why millennials are abandoning the Liberals

Dave McGinn, a Globe and Mail reporter, dives into the shifting voting patterns of millennials, revealing a surprising trend: many are gravitating towards the Conservatives. He discusses the economic pressures, like rising housing costs and inflation, fueling this discontent with the Liberals. McGinn shares personal anecdotes from millennials who once supported Justin Trudeau but now feel betrayed. The podcast explores the Liberal Party's struggle to re-engage a disillusioned younger generation and whether they can regain their trust in future elections.
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11 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 24min

What the Canada Post strike says about the power of unions

In this discussion, Vanmala Subramaniam, The Globe’s Future of Work reporter and labor issues expert, delves into the ongoing Canada Post strike involving over 55,000 postal workers. She sheds light on the core issues of wage increases and the challenges posed by gig workers. As the strike continues, questions arise about government intervention and its implications for the labor movement. Subramaniam also explores recent trends in worker empowerment, union dynamics, and the broader context of labor relations in Canada today.
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Dec 3, 2024 • 23min

Toxic culture, systemic spying alleged at Canada Soccer

Nancy Macdonald and Greg Mercer, Globe reporters who dug deep into the Canada Soccer scandal, uncover a shocking culture of misconduct within the organization. They reveal allegations of systemic spying affecting the women’s national team and detail the dysfunction stemming from toxic coaching practices. The conversation highlights how these issues compromise the integrity of the sport and the emotional toll on players. Moreover, they discuss the challenges of accountability and the urgent need for reform in Canada Soccer.
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9 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 26min

Why is Stephen Harper taking over Alberta’s pension fund manager?

James Bradshaw, an institutional investing reporter for The Globe, sheds light on the upheaval at AIMCo, Alberta's pension fund manager. He discusses the implications of Stephen Harper's recent appointment as board chair against a backdrop of leadership dismissals. The conversation delves into the balance between government influence and AIMCo’s independence, raising concerns over pension fund management. Bradshaw also highlights the challenges AIMCo faces in adapting to market conditions and the potential impact on public sector pensions.
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Nov 29, 2024 • 23min

The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, explained

Eric Reguly, The Globe's European Bureau Chief, shares his insights from the frontlines of the Israel-Lebanon conflict. He discusses the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, revealing the intricate motivations driving this agreement, including U.S. and French involvement. Reguly highlights Hezbollah's military challenges and the dire humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, as well as the significant impact of the ongoing war in Gaza. He also addresses the complexities of achieving a lasting peace and the potential ripple effects on regional stability.

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