The Decibel

Campbell Clark, Chief Political Writer at The Globe and Mail, dissects the new pipeline framework agreement signed by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. They discuss the ambitious goals of becoming a global energy superpower while achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Clark highlights the significant role of Indigenous co-ownership and the complexities of federal and provincial negotiations. He also addresses the political fallout from the resignation of Liberal minister Steven Guilbeault and the potential challenges that could jeopardize the pipeline's construction.

Tony Keller, a Globe and Mail columnist and author of Borderline Chaos, and Rupa Banerjee, Canada Research Chair in Economic Inclusion, dive into Canada's shifting immigration landscape. They discuss the dramatic change in public sentiment, with many now believing immigration is too high. Keller outlines Trudeau's immigration policies and their unintended consequences, while Banerjee highlights the economic impact on immigrants and international students. Together, they explore the challenges of balancing selection with integration, the risks to current immigrants, and the need for better public understanding.

Joe Castaldo, a Globe and Mail business reporter specializing in artificial intelligence and the tech sector, dives into the swirling debate over whether AI is a financial bubble. He discusses the immense investments tech giants are making and the market's dependence on AI growth. Castaldo explores the profitability of AI companies, drawing parallels to the dot-com bubble, and reveals potential signs of an impending pop, like falling stock prices and poor returns. The conversation underscores the precarious balance between innovation and market reality.

Eric Andrew-Gee, Quebec correspondent for The Globe and Mail and investigative crime reporter, dives into the shocking case of Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder turned fugitive tied to a $1 billion drug-trafficking ring. The discussion covers Wedding's transformation from athlete to alleged kingpin and his connections with dangerous criminal networks. Eric reveals how informants and police investigations have intensified in recent years, highlighting the efforts to capture Wedding and the implications of his alleged actions.

Carrie Tait, a reporter from The Globe's Calgary bureau, discusses Alberta's groundbreaking draft legislation allowing doctors to practice in both public and private systems. She reveals how this could potentially create a two-tiered healthcare model and its implications for patient access. Carrie explains the proposed categorization of doctors and the rationale behind the change—reducing wait times and retaining healthcare workers. Concerns about compliance with the Canada Health Act and the reaction from Ottawa are also highlighted, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

In this discussion, health reporter Kelly Grant and business of healthcare reporter Chris Hannay dive into the challenges that cancer patients face in accessing vital therapies like CAR-T drugs. They explore the complexities of Canada's drug approval and pricing processes, detailing why even approved treatments can take years to reach patients. The duo highlights the stark implications of these delays through personal stories, underscoring the urgent need for reforms to prioritize patient access over bureaucratic hurdles.

Jeff York, the Africa Bureau Chief at The Globe and Mail, shares his insights on the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the UAE's controversial role in supplying arms. He discusses the staggering human toll, with millions displaced and the atrocities committed by the RSF. York unveils evidence linking the UAE to the RSF, highlighting geopolitical motives involving Sudanese gold. Despite calls for accountability, foreign leaders remain hesitant to confront the UAE. The conversation delves into the dire humanitarian crisis and the bleak prospects for peace in the region.

International correspondent Nathan VanderKlippe delves into the explosive release of Jeffrey Epstein's documents. He discusses how these revelations highlight connections to Donald Trump and the ensuing public outcry. VanderKlippe explores the shifting dynamics within Trump's base and the Canadian figures linked to Epstein, including the controversial scientist Lawrence Krauss. With insights into the political implications and the effects on Trump's presidency, this conversation unpacks a scandal that continues to captivate audiences across North America.

Join Kate Helmore, a food policy reporter at The Globe and Mail, as she unpacks the soaring prices of beef in Canada. She delves into the impact of severe drought on ranchers, leading to significant herd declines and sky-high retail costs. Kate explains how this has affected both consumers and restaurants, and discusses the challenges of rebuilding the national herd in the coming years. She also touches on the role of meatpacking consolidation and explores potential policy options to support ranchers in this turbulent time.

In this discussion, retailing reporter Susan Krashinsky Robertson unpacks the failed bid of B.C. billionaire Ruby Liu to acquire former Hudson’s Bay leases. Liu, known for her real estate prowess but lacking major retail experience, envisioned revitalizing the Bay. The conversation reveals intense landlord skepticism, courtroom drama, and Liu's controversial practices, including discrepancies in hiring commitments. The implications of this case on future lease assignments also emerge, leaving listeners curious about Liu’s next moves.