The Decibel

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?

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.

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.

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.

For the last four years, Dave Lavery — a former soldier and UN security advisor — has helped Afghans safely evacuate to Canada. But this past November, during his most recent trip to Afghanistan, he was detained by Taliban Intelligence and Security Forces.But what happens when the person sent in to rescue needs saving?The Globe’s international affairs reporter, Janice Dickson, sat down with Dave at his home in Doha where he recounted his detainment, where he was taken, and how he survived 77 days in captivity.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com 

Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has just been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party, making him Canada's next Prime Minister. He discusses his unprecedented journey into politics, facing significant challenges as an untested leader. Carney's victory, capturing an astounding 86% of the vote, signals a shift in the party's direction. With looming threats from opponents and international pressures, he highlights strategies for economic conservatism and party unity as he prepares for a tumultuous political future.

Doug Saunders, an international affairs columnist for the Globe and Mail, shares his insights on how Trump's presidency has reshaped global alliances. He discusses the unexpected pause on tariffs and the resulting strain on U.S. relationships with Canada and Mexico. Saunders also explores the shift in European defense strategies and the resurgence of U.S. imperialism echoing historical practices. He emphasizes the fragility of global democracies amid rising authoritarianism and the urgent need for cooperative efforts to counter these threats.

Nathan VanderKlippe, an international correspondent for The Globe, dives into the recent trade tensions and negotiations between the U.S. and Canada. He sheds light on a pivotal phone call between President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau and discusses the role of Howard Lutnick in the trade talks. VanderKlippe also unpacks the temporary reprieve from automotive tariffs and its significance for both economies. The conversation further explores the complexities surrounding trade, fentanyl issues, and the push for economic stability amidst uncertainty.

U.S. President Donald Trump‘s 25 per cent tariffs are now in effect on Canadian goods entering the U.S., with 10 per cent on energy. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hit back with countertariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods.If the trade war continues, inflation will start to rise, jobs will be lost, and economists project a likely recession. And with growing sentiment that Trump’s motivations could go beyond stated security concerns at the Canada-U.S. border, Trudeau is taking a more blunt approach.Campbell Clark, the Globe’s chief political writer, joins the show to break down the first day of the trade war, and what Trudeau’s response tells us about this moment.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to follow through on his economic threat against North American neighbours – his government plans to impose 25 per-cent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico. In response, the Canadian government said it would retaliate with tariffs of its own. The tariff plan disrupts Canada’s most important economic relationship and would effectively throw the two nations into a trade war.Nojoud Al Mallees is The Globe’s economics reporter. She explains exactly what Trump said he’d do, what tools Canada can use to fight back and the serious pressure the economy could soon be under.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com