Front Burner

With just days until the federal election, we’re cutting through the political spin and confusing math of the major parties’ costed platforms.Web Copy/DAVE: Within the last week, the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP have all released their costed platforms, detailing their plans for the country and how they will pay for them. While the question of who will be Canada’s next prime minister remains, it’s certain they’ll face a challenging economic outlook, with a Canada-U.S. trade war in full swing and a recession looming. Who’s spending more and on what? How does the confusing math work? Today, we’re breaking down the details with Aaron Wherry, a senior writer with CBC's Ottawa bureau. Make sure to watch our election night livestream on Monday, April 28 starting at 8pm Eastern. You can find it here on the CBC News YouTube channel and on the CBC News TikTok.

Elaine Chau, a senior producer who created a documentary on the toxic drug crisis, joins journalist Rob Shaw, who unpacks the political fallout surrounding harm reduction policies, and Sarah Blythe, director of the Overdose Prevention Society. They dive into the startling statistics of addiction-related deaths and the varying approaches from political leaders. The discussion highlights the human stories behind overdose prevention sites, the emotional toll on healthcare workers, and the escalating risks users face from increasingly potent street drugs.

Join Anis Heydari, a CBC senior business reporter, Mike Moffatt, an economist with a focus on housing challenges, and Peter Zimonjic, a senior writer specializing in crime and justice. They dive into the contrasting party platforms on crucial issues like housing and economic policies. Discover how the Liberals plan to tackle debt while the Conservatives promise tax relief. They also dissect crime strategies and essential service expansions proposed by each party, shedding light on their implications for everyday Canadians.

Pope Francis brought a lot of firsts to the Catholic Church. He was the first from Latin America, and under him, the church became increasingly globalized and diverse. He spoke up for LGBTQ rights, for the people of Gaza, and for migrants and refugees around the world. In 2022, he apologized for the Catholic Church's role in Canada's residential school system.But his death on Monday comes at a complicated time for the church. The Vatican is grappling with the new political direction in the United States, and the college of cardinals is bigger and more diverse than it has ever been.Massimo Faggioli, a professor of historical theology at Villanova University, breaks down the legacy of Pope Francis and what the future of the Catholic Church could look like under his successor.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

Hilary McBride, a registered psychologist and host of 'Other People's Problems,' shares her insights on psychedelic therapy. She delves into the historical roots and resurgence of psychedelics in modern mental health treatment. Hilary highlights how these substances can unlock deeper emotional truths and aid trauma healing, illustrating her points with personal experiences. The conversation also addresses the importance of vulnerability among therapists, advocating for safety and proper training in psychedelic-assisted therapies.

As the federal election reaches the homestretch, four party leaders squared off in Montreal Thursday evening in the only English-language debate of the campaign. Liberal leader and polling frontrunner Mark Carney took heat from all sides as the Conservatives' Pierre Poilievre, the NDP's Jagmeet Singh and the Bloc's Yves-François Blanchet kept the barbs coming his way all night.Aaron Wherry is a senior writer with CBC's Ottawa bureau. He breaks down how everyone performed and what we learned from them — as well as the controversy surrounding the debate commission itself, and the drama that led to post-debate reporter scrums being canceled.Make sure to watch our election night livestream on Monday, April 28 starting at 8pm Eastern. You can find it here on the CBC News YouTube channel and on the CBC News TikTok.

David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, offers keen insights into the rapidly changing political landscape as Canada approaches election day. He discusses the tightening polls between the Liberal party and their opponents, highlighting the declining NDP support. Coletto sheds light on the differing motivations of demographic groups, particularly young men, who are increasingly leaning conservative. The conversation also touches on the educational divide in voting preferences, revealing stark contrasts between young men and women.

David Rennie, a columnist for The Economist and former Beijing correspondent, offers a deep dive into the fraught China-U.S. relationship. He reveals how Chinese officials see Trump as a revolutionary figure while asserting that tariffs will backfire on Americans. Rennie discusses China's confidence in facing U.S. trade actions, their push for de-dollarization, and the significance of the ongoing trade war as a moment of opportunity for China. He also draws intriguing parallels between Trump and Mao, highlighting cultural misconceptions shaping perceptions on both sides.

Simon Lewsen, a magazine journalist known for his incisive profiles, discusses the formidable Jenni Byrne, a key Conservative strategist. They dive into her career milestones, from shaping Stephen Harper's success to her role in Pierre Poilievre's campaign. Lewsen highlights Byrne's grassroots engagement and challenges with elitism in politics. The conversation reveals how her staunch populist values, while a strength, could become a liability as voter concerns evolve. Tune in to understand the intricate dance of influence and strategy in Canada's political arena.

Rosemary Barton, CBC's chief political correspondent, lends her expertise on the vibrant and contentious Canadian election campaign. She offers insights into party rallies and the dynamics of crowd sizes influencing public perception. Topics include Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's media access challenges and Liberal leader Mark Carney's controversial ties to billion-dollar tax havens. Kate McKenna joins to reveal the fascinating story of Liberal staffers planting 'stop the steal' buttons at a conservative event, exposing a layer of political intrigue.