The Decibel

Sarah Efron, a Globe journalist, shares her profound insights after months spent with Canada’s undocumented migrant community. She reveals how many migrants, having entered legally, choose to stay despite their status expiring, facing dire consequences in employment, healthcare, and housing. Personal stories highlight their struggles and resilience amid exploitation and isolation. The conversation also touches on potential government reforms that could alter the lives of these vulnerable individuals, shedding light on a largely hidden crisis.

Kate Helmore, Agriculture and food policy reporter for The Globe and Mail, dives into the complexities of Canada-U.S. dairy trade. She explains supply management and its vital role in maintaining production stability. The conversation highlights the political clout of the dairy industry and discusses the challenges posed by tariffs and trade negotiations. Helmore sheds light on how Canada negotiates while preserving its dairy sector amidst international pressures, exploring the tensions between consumer demands and trade agreements.

Pippa Norman, an innovation reporter for The Globe, dives into Canada's ambitious plan to boost defense spending to $150 billion annually by 2035. She discusses how this shift creates massive opportunities for Canadian companies vying for defense contracts. Norman also examines the implications of aligning with NATO, and what increased military investment means for Canada’s identity as a peacekeeping nation. With industry leaders eyeing potential changes under Prime Minister Mark Carney, the conversation highlights a pivotal moment in the Canadian defense sector.

Joe Friesen, a post-secondary education reporter for the Globe and Mail, delves into the alarming job losses at Ontario colleges, revealing that over 8,000 positions have vanished since January 2024. He discusses the devastating fallout of new international student policies, highlighting personal stories from affected educators. Friesen also addresses how colleges' heavy reliance on international fees has exposed them to financial peril, raising pressing questions about the sector's future and the potential scarcity of skilled graduates.

Erica Alini, a personal economics reporter for The Globe, dives into the troubling trend of debanking in Canada, where banks sever ties with customers often without explanation. She discusses the implications of losing essential financial services, particularly for small businesses and individuals flagged as high-risk. The conversation touches on the lack of transparency in account closures and the legal framework behind them. Alini also highlights personal stories, including one about a Nigerian entrepreneur facing potential discrimination, illustrating the broader societal impact of this issue.

Explore the intricate link between music and Canadian identity amid evolving cultural sentiments. Discover the curation of 101 essential Canadian albums, featuring insights from notable artists. Delve into the emotional depth of song lyrics and how they reflect diverse musical identities. Learn about the impact of lesser-known musicians on Canada’s music landscape. The personal touch in playlist creation is highlighted, showcasing debates over selections and the significance of iconic albums that shaped the soundtrack of a nation.

Janice Dickson, an international affairs reporter for The Globe and Mail, investigates the tragic case of Johnny Noviello, a Canadian man who died in ICE custody. She shares poignant insights from Noviello’s family, illuminating their grief and the profound impact of his loss. The discussion reveals the troubling conditions and lack of transparency within the U.S. immigration system, raising critical questions about deportation policies and their human consequences. Dickson’s findings challenge listeners to reflect on the treatment of immigrants in detention.

Colin Freeze, a staff reporter at The Globe and Mail, dives into the alarming case of four men arrested in Quebec, including two active Canadian soldiers, for allegedly planning to form an extremist militia. He discusses the unprecedented legal implications of these terrorism charges against military personnel. Freeze explores the growing concerns over radical ideologies within the Armed Forces and how this incident could reshape Canada's national security landscape. The conversation also sheds light on the evolving definitions of terrorism in the country.

Jennifer Yang, a health and science reporter for The Globe and Mail, shares alarming insights from Nova Scotia’s South Shore about the burgeoning tick population and the surge in Lyme disease cases. She recounts personal stories from residents facing this growing threat, drawing parallels to the psychological impacts experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation touches on the urgent need for awareness, advancements in tick repellents, and the controversial history of Lyme disease vaccines, highlighting a community's call for government action.

Samantha Edwards, an online culture reporter for The Globe, dives into the intriguing world of AI-generated influencers. She discusses how virtual personas like Itana Lopez are reshaping the landscape of social media. Topics include the blurred lines between authenticity and artificiality, the challenges of distinguishing real users from AI creations, and the ethical dilemmas that arise from this evolution. Samantha also highlights the financial advantages and marketing control these digital influencers provide, raising questions about their impact on human influencers.