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The Decibel

Latest episodes

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Mar 24, 2025 • 25min

The ‘trade war’ election campaign is under way

Campbell Clark, Chief Political Writer for The Globe and Mail, shares insights on the looming Canadian federal election amidst a tight race between the Liberal and Conservative parties. He discusses the impact of Donald Trump’s trade war and its influence on voter sentiment. Clark highlights the struggles of the NDP and the rise of nationalism as critical factors in this unpredictable election. He also touches on recent electoral changes and their potential to reshape party dynamics, emphasizing the importance of engaging voters in these turbulent times.
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11 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 25min

How Prime Minister Mark Carney is preparing for the federal election

Stephanie Levitz, a Senior reporter for The Globe and Mail with a focus on Canadian politics, discusses Prime Minister Mark Carney's whirlwind first week in office. She shares insights from his diplomatic tour in Paris, London, and Iqaluit, emphasizing his strategic meetings with global leaders. The conversation also tackles the undercurrents of trade tensions with the U.S. and challenges around financial transparency as Carney gears up for a possible snap election, revealing the complexities of his dual roles as leader and candidate.
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4 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 21min

Project 2025 had a tariff plan, but Trump has gone off-script

Project 2025 was meant to be a U.S. Republican transition bible, outlining a vast set of proposed policies for the next leader. Within its 900 pages, was a plan to use tariffs to correct a perceived imbalance in trade, and to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. Once U.S. President Donald Trump took office, he endorsed this plan – but then, he went off-book.Now, other Republicans, and Wall Street, are trying to figure out what the president’s long-term strategy is, and what to do about it.Today, Tim Kiladze, one of the Globe’s financial reporters, is on the show to tell us about this Project 2025 tariff plan, how Trump suddenly changed course, and why it’s left global economies scrambling.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com
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Mar 19, 2025 • 22min

Limited ceasefire brokered in Ukraine-Russia war

Paul Waldie, Europe correspondent for The Globe and Mail, brings insightful coverage from the heart of Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. He discusses the recent limited ceasefire brokered between Presidents Trump and Putin, emphasizing its implications for future negotiations. Waldie highlights the evolving sentiments in Ukraine, from initial enthusiasm to a growing yearning for peace. He also sheds light on Kyiv's revitalized spirit despite the war, with a renewed sense of normalcy and infrastructure improvements stirring hope among its residents.
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9 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 22min

Why Trump is targeting Canada’s dairy protection regime

Nojoud Al Mallees, an economics reporter with The Globe and Mail, breaks down Canada’s supply management system and its entanglement in Trump’s trade war. She reveals how strict regulations shape dairy production and imports, making it a target for U.S. tariffs. The discussion dives into the impact on Canadian farmers and consumers, exploring the delicate balance between protecting local industries and the pressures of international trade. Al Mallees also raises the question of whether Canada can afford to maintain this system amid escalating trade tensions.
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Mar 17, 2025 • 23min

Major measles outbreak in Ontario, cases across Canada

Measles cases in Ontario are higher than we’ve seen in a decade, and we’re only three months into the year. Measles is one of the world’s most contagious viruses that can, in some cases, be deadly. While the virus has been effectively eliminated in Canada since 1998, rates of infection and hospitalization in Southern Ontario are growing, along with cases across Canada.But this is a vaccine-preventable disease. So why is it suddenly re-emerging?Today, Globe health reporter Kelly Grant is here to explain why we’re seeing this surge in measles cases, and the measures we can take to best protect ourselves – and others – from getting sick.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com.
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Mar 15, 2025 • 31min

Introducing Happy Enough: lessons from Canada’s happiest people

The host of The Globe and Mail's newest podcast, Garvia Bailey, gets some crowd-sourced wisdom from people nominated by loved ones as ‘the happiest people in Canada’ for a recent Globe and Mail feature. They live across the country, in cities and rural areas. They include toddlers and seniors, men and women, and people who have been through extremely hard times. She speaks with Erin Anderssen, The Globe and Mail’s happiness reporter, about these happy people and checks in with the nominees themselves to discuss how to live a happier life. Who are these happy people living among us? And can they let us in on their secrets?
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15 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 25min

Hudson’s Bay, Canada’s oldest retailer, faces financial crisis

In this discussion, Susan Krashinsky Robertson, a retailing reporter for The Globe, analyzes the financial turmoil of Hudson's Bay, Canada's oldest retailer. The company recently filed for creditor protection after significant losses, sparking concerns about potential store closures. Susan highlights how external competition and internal missteps, particularly during the pandemic, have exacerbated their challenges. She also sheds light on the emotional impact this crisis has on employees and customers, and the urgent need for Hudson's Bay to innovate and adapt in today's retail landscape.
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Mar 13, 2025 • 22min

How to protect your money during a trade war

Rob Carrick, a personal finance columnist for the Globe and Mail and co-host of the Stress Test podcast, dives into the current economic turmoil caused by trade wars and tariffs. He discusses how Canadians can protect their finances amid market volatility and recession fears. Rob emphasizes the importance of diversifying investments and maintaining cash reserves for short-term goals, especially for those nearing retirement. He also highlights the benefits of high-interest savings accounts and suggests seizing opportunities in the current market despite economic uncertainties.
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5 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 22min

Pierre Poilievre’s problems with corporate Canada

Andrew Willis, a business columnist for The Globe, shares his insights on Pierre Poilievre's unconventional relationship with Canada's corporate elite. He delves into Poilievre's rare public criticisms of business leaders and how this populist approach might affect Canada's economic landscape. The discussion highlights the crucial need for collaboration between politicians and businesses during economic uncertainty. Willis also contrasts Poilievre's strategies with those of Justin Trudeau, revealing the complexity of navigating corporate relations in modern politics.

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