The Decibel

Marc Miller, Canada's Minister of Immigration, shares insights on the government's surprising reduction of immigration targets. He explains the complexities of balancing labor needs with a growing population. Miller discusses the economic impacts of these changes, particularly housing affordability, and emphasizes the importance of public trust in the government's approach. He advocates for a clear narrative on immigration, acknowledging past challenges while outlining a collaborative future between government and industry.

Jana Pruden is a feature writer at The Globe and Mail and host of "In Her Defence," delving into the unsolved murder of Amber Tuccaro. She discusses the haunting audio recording from Amber's last moments and the shift from print to audio storytelling in true crime. Jana emphasizes the ethical dilemmas journalists face while respectfully representing Indigenous stories. She intertwines Amber's narrative with wider issues of colonialism, advocating for justice and highlighting the importance of decolonial storytelling in true crime.

Adrian Morrow, the U.S. correspondent for The Globe and Mail, shares insights from Washington, D.C., on how a potential Trump re-election could reshape Canada’s economy. He discusses the looming threat of tariffs ranging from 10 to 20 percent on Canadian imports, potentially disrupting vital supply chains. The conversation reveals which sectors might face the worst impacts and projects average financial losses per Canadian household. Morrow also highlights Canada’s strategies to brace for these possible economic challenges.

Dr. Cindy Blackstock, a member of the Gitxsan First Nation and Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, discusses the Assembly of First Nations' recent rejection of a $47.8-billion child welfare deal. She highlights how the proposal, a decade in the making, fell short in addressing critical needs. The conversation touches on systemic discrimination in Indigenous child welfare, the tragic legacy of Jordan's Principle, and the urgent call for genuine reform and accountability in supporting First Nations children.

Kristy Kirkup, a National affairs reporter with The Globe and Mail, reflects on the tragic events of October 22, 2014, when a shooter attacked Parliament Hill, killing Corporal Nathan Cirillo. She discusses the chaos and heroism during that day, the motivations behind the attack stemming from extremist ideologies, and how security measures have evolved since then. Kirkup also shares insights on the psychological impact on witnesses and survivors, emphasizing the importance of remembrance in the face of national tragedy.

Ivan Semeniuk, a science reporter for The Globe, takes us on a thrilling journey through our solar system. He discusses NASA's Europa Clipper mission and its quest to uncover signs of life on Europa, Jupiter's watery moon. The conversation shifts to Earth’s newly discovered mini moon and updates on stranded astronauts aboard the ISS. Semeniuk also reveals fascinating insights from the James Webb Space Telescope about the universe's early galaxies and challenges to current theories. Finally, he introduces a special asteroid named SEMANIC, blending science with poetic reflections.

In this episode, Steven Chase, a senior parliamentary reporter for The Globe and Mail, offers insights into Justin Trudeau's recent testimony at a public inquiry on foreign interference. The discussion reveals Trudeau's claims about Conservative MPs being targeted and the political ramifications of tensions with India, following the expulsion of diplomats. Chase delves into the broader implications of foreign interference, accountability within the government, and the fallout for diaspora communities amid escalating political controversies.

Justine Hunter, B.C. politics reporter for The Globe and Mail, dives into the whirlwind of British Columbia's approaching election. She discusses the stunning collapse of a long-standing party and the unexpected surge of the B.C. Conservative Party. The conversation touches on pressing issues like housing, healthcare, and the toxic drug crisis, and examines how the results might foreshadow shifts in the upcoming federal election. With a potentially tight race, Hunter reveals the pivotal strategies both the NDP and Conservatives are employing to sway voters.

Tu Thanh Ha, an investigative reporter for the Globe, dives into the crisis facing Canada's emergency care system. He reveals staggering ER wait times and highlights alarming personal stories, including heartbreaking outcomes due to delays. The discussion emphasizes the pitfalls of 'hallway medicine' and the erosion of patient privacy. Ha also addresses data discrepancies on wait times, underlining the urgent need for transparency in healthcare statistics. Together, these insights paint a concerning portrait of the challenges in emergency departments across Canada.

In this engaging discussion, visual arts critic Kate Taylor from The Globe and Mail sheds light on the vast yet hidden collections of Canadian art museums. She reveals that 95 to 99 percent of artworks remain in storage, raising concerns about preservation. The conversation dives into the role of tax breaks in motivating art donations and the financial implications for both collectors and museums. Kate critiques the arbitrary nature of cultural significance evaluations and the ethical challenges museums face in curating their collections.