The Decibel

Kelly Grant, The Globe's national health reporter, discusses how nurse practitioners are being utilized to address Canada's primary care crisis. Topics include the role of nurse practitioners in providing primary care, funding models, Alberta's new program for nurse practitioners, and strategies to overcome the shortage of primary care providers in Canada.

The Globe's real-estate reporter Rachelle Younglai delves into Canada's housing affordability problem, exposing the gap between affordable housing definitions and renter realities. Analyzing the Apartment Construction Loan Program, she uncovers the pitfalls and concerns with the program's affordability criteria, shedding light on the challenges renters face in accessing truly affordable housing.

Exploring the completion of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project in Canada, its cost increase to $34 billion, potential buyers, indigenous stakeholder interest, environmental concerns, and the balancing act with clean energy objectives.

The podcast discusses Israel's military invasion of Rafah, escalating tensions despite ceasefire talks with Hamas. The chapters delve into the impact on civilians, the challenges of negotiating hostage releases, US involvement, and the need for fresh leadership in the region.

Financial reporter Tim Kiladze discusses TD Bank's alleged involvement in a $653 million money-laundering and drug-trafficking operation. The podcast explores TD's anti-money-laundering issues, regulatory challenges, and the implications for the bank and its customers. The complex web of international money laundering schemes connected to Mexican cartels, Chinese criminal rings, and Russian spies is also investigated.

175 countries are negotiating a UN treaty to reduce plastic pollution, facing hurdles like disagreements on production cap. Wendy Stueck explains treaty impact and balancing plastic use with environment. Explore plastic history, global production surge, and urgent need for UN treaty to manage pollution. Canada's challenges in managing plastic waste and legal debates on plastic regulation are also discussed.

Dr. Roberta Lexier, an expert in social and student movements, discusses the tensions between campus protesters and police in Canada and the United States. Topics include historical evolution of police presence on campuses, police intervention in protests, the influence of student protests on historical change, and contrasting student movements past vs. present perspectives.

The podcast discusses the threats of foreign interference in Canadian elections, highlighting the concerns raised by the public inquiry. Bob Fife shares insights on interference from China, India, and Russia. The impact of disinformation campaigns, like Kenny Chu's targeted efforts, and the call for transparency and legislative changes to safeguard democracy are explored.

Registered dietitian Christy Harrison discusses the dangers of diet culture on social media, the negative impacts of 'What I eat in a day' videos, and the importance of maintaining a safe relationship with food. She emphasizes the need to sift through disinformation and promote healthier relationships with food in the digital age.

Justine Hunter, The Globe's B.C. politics reporter, discusses British Columbia's decriminalization experiment to tackle the opioid crisis. The podcast explores the challenges faced, the recent policy reversal, and the implications for harm reduction policies nationwide.