The Decibel

Kerry Buck, Canada’s former ambassador to NATO from 2015 to 2018, sheds light on Canada’s pivotal role in the shifting landscape of NATO. She discusses Prime Minister Carney's efforts to strengthen ties with Europe amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Key topics include the impact of U.S. military actions on NATO unity, security threats from Russia, and Canada's strategic defense shift towards Europe. Buck also delves into the implications of increased defense spending and the importance of resilient alliances in the face of evolving global threats.

Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, discusses the controversial Bill C-5, which she believes could threaten Indigenous rights. She expresses concern over the rushed process and lack of consultation with First Nations leaders. Woodhouse highlights the potential for renewed activism, possibly echoing the Idle No More movement. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for meaningful dialogue and inclusion of Indigenous voices in legislative decisions, aiming for more equitable relations between Indigenous communities and the government.

Doug Saunders, an international affairs columnist for The Globe and Mail, dives into the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. He discusses the escalating tensions between the U.S., Iran, and Israel, particularly under Trump's administration. Saunders sheds light on the fears of Iranian citizens and the potential for wider conflict as leaders navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. He also contrasts current U.S. military strategies with past diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the precarious balance between military action and negotiation.

Sage Morin, known as The Matriarch, is an Indigenous professional wrestler turned advocate for healing through wrestling after the tragic loss of her son, Gio. Joined by Jana Pruden, a feature writer who chronicles her journey, they discuss the profound connection between wrestling and grief. Sage shares how she channels her trauma into her wrestling persona, aiming to inspire Indigenous youth. They also explore themes of cultural identity, community support, and the emotional resilience found within the wrestling ring.

Temur Durrani, a Winnipeg-based reporter for The Globe and Mail, dives into the troubling reality of Canada's escalating wildfire crisis. He highlights how this summer, over 40,000 people have evacuated due to raging fires, with Manitoba and Saskatchewan in states of emergency. Durrani discusses the pervasive health risks of wildfire smoke affecting areas as far away as Europe and critiques Canada's lack of a cohesive wildfire response strategy. He emphasizes the urgent need for a national approach to better manage these devastating events as they increasingly shape our summers.

Nathan VanderKlippe, an international correspondent for The Globe and Mail, provides insight from the recent G7 summit in Kananaskis. The discussion reveals how escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran, influenced the summit's dynamic. Trump’s unexpected departure shifted focus away from key issues, including the war in Ukraine. VanderKlippe also emphasizes Canada’s efforts to build stronger ties with India and Europe amid rising global challenges. Overall, he evaluates what a successful summit might mean without Trump’s presence.

Mark MacKinnon, Senior International Correspondent for The Globe and Mail, sheds light on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. He discusses the intense military exchanges and the humanitarian crisis resulting from Israel's airstrikes on Iranian cities. MacKinnon highlights Iran's significant security challenges and the effectiveness of their missile attacks on Israeli targets. The episode also dives into the United States' complex role in navigating nuclear negotiations amid rising tensions, providing insights into both nations' public sentiments and military readiness.

Meera Raman, a retirement and financial reporter for The Globe and Mail, dives into the struggles of recent graduates in Canada as they face an alarming 11.2% unemployment rate. She discusses the long-term impact of entering a weak job market, including potential setbacks in career momentum and financial stability. Meera also shares valuable financial strategies, urging graduates to prioritize savings and avoid high-interest debt while navigating the competitive landscape filled with challenges like unpaid internships.

Kathryn Blaze Baum, an investigative reporter at The Globe and Mail, uncovers the dark world of hacked Meta accounts. She reveals how desperate users turn to brokers, paying hefty fees for expedited recovery, while Meta's customer support often falls short. The conversation dives into the troubling collusion between these brokers and Meta employees, as well as how individuals suffer after account losses. Kathryn also discusses the company's efforts to crack down on these practices and the broader implications for user security on social media.

David Eberhardt, spokesperson for the Association of Landlords of Berlin and Brandenburg, delves into Berlin's bold approach to its housing crisis. He discusses the landmark referendum for expropriating apartments from mega landlords and its implications. Eberhardt weighs the radical nature of this solution against legal and financial concerns. The conversation also touches on the contrast between Berlin's policies and Canada's housing struggles, exploring whether similar actions could alleviate pressure in Canadian cities.