Front Burner
CBC
Front Burner is a daily news podcast that takes you deep into the stories shaping Canada and the world. Each morning, from Monday to Friday, host Jayme Poisson talks with the smartest people covering the biggest stories to help you understand what’s going on.We’re Canada’s number one news podcast and a trusted source of Canadian news. We cover Canadian news and Canadian politics, Prime Minister Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre, the Donald Trump administration, provincial politics from Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and politicians Danielle Smith, David Eby and Doug Ford.We cover Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary as well as other municipalities across Canada. In this Canadian election year, Front Burner will be focusing more on Canadian politics. We will take a close look at Mark Carney’s first few weeks as Prime Minister, the Conservatives and Pierre Poilievre as well as the future of the NDP and Quebec’s Yves-François Blanchet from the Bloc Québécois during the 2025 Canadian federal election.The podcast goes beyond Ottawa and digs deeper into major issues like U.S.-Canada relations, jobs, the economy, immigration, cost of living, housing and rental costs, taxes and tariffs, democracy and technology. The Front Burner daily podcast covers Canadian news from every province and territory: Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon.We cover news from major cities like Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. When U.S. President Donald Trump declares he wants to make Canada the 51st state and decides to implement tariffs, Front Burner has an analysis into what is happening. We cover Elon Musk’s DOGE. We cover the latest in technology from the rise of bitcoin and crypto, the future of TikTok, Meta, artificial intelligence, influencers, and more. Look to our archives to see fact-checked stories about infrastructure, fascism, border security, immigration, Pierre Poilievre, the Republican Party, American politics, Canadian politics, India, China, Trump’s tariffs, Mark Carney, Elon Musk, Toronto, technology, artificial intelligence, international students, healthcare, and inflation. We cover global news like the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, the ceasefire, the Ukraine-Russia war, the India-Pakistan conflict, and the U.S. economy and U.S. politics. Front Burner is a part of your morning news routine. Whether you’re in Toronto or Vancouver or Washington, this is the news that matters to Canadians. We take a look at the economy and break it down from the budget to interest rate hikes to inflation to recessions to jobs to the cost of living. We look at the policy around housing, Canadian housing supply, and what this means for first-time home buyers, renters, and those with a mortgage. We look at technology, from AI to the manosphere to social media like Meta, Twitter, Facebook, and more. We look at influential newsmakers like Elon Musk and influential technology industries like crypto and AI.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 27min
Donald Trump’s war on drug cartels
In this discussion, Alexander Aviña, an associate professor of Latin American history, dives into Donald Trump's aggressive tactics against drug cartels, framing them as foreign terrorist organizations. He highlights the controversial U.S. military actions and their ethical implications, including a recent drone strike on a Venezuelan boat. The conversation critiques the effectiveness of these strategies, examines the historical context of U.S. interventions, and reveals how these actions influence nationalism and sovereignty in Latin America.
25 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 28min
Fear, fury and Charlie Kirk’s killing
Will Sommer, a senior reporter at The Bulwark, dives into the recent shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. He unpacks the escalating rhetoric surrounding the incident and its ties to political violence. The discussion touches on how right-wing narratives are shaping responses to such violence, the normalization of aggressive rhetoric, and the implications for civil discourse in America. Sommer also addresses gun control debates in the wake of this tragedy, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the current political landscape.
Sep 11, 2025 • 31min
Will Trump declare ‘war’ on Chicago?
Natalie Moore, a seasoned Chicago journalist and author, delves into the contentious relationship between President Trump and the city. She analyzes the media's portrayal of Chicago as a crime-ridden metropolis, challenging the racial narratives at play. The discussion reveals how local leaders and communities are responding to federal threats while advocating for comprehensive solutions to violence. Moore emphasizes the resilience within Chicago's neighborhoods, highlighting cultural pride amidst adversity and the need for a more nuanced understanding of systemic issues.
44 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 23min
Politics! Carney government ramps up
Aaron Wherry, a Senior parliamentary writer for CBC, brings keen insights into the challenges facing Prime Minister Carney as Parliament reconvenes. They discuss new economic measures aimed at fortifying Canada against U.S. tariffs and rising unemployment. Wherry highlights the need for reskilling initiatives and the implications of pausing the electric vehicle mandate on climate goals. The conversation shifts to recent polling trends, revealing a growing public focus on domestic issues like healthcare and affordable housing.
26 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 30min
Does Canada have a violent crime problem?
Irvin Waller, a criminology expert and author of *Science and Secrets of Ending Violent Crime*, discusses the disturbing rise in violent crimes across Canada. He highlights the gap between media perceptions and actual crime statistics, emphasizing the need for bail reform and strategic investments to tackle root causes. Political commentator Scott Reid provides insight into how crime perceptions are influencing political landscapes, revealing the urgency for government action amidst public anxiety. Together, they explore potential solutions and the complex relationship between crime, politics, and community safety.
13 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 24min
Is it over for Quebec’s François Legault?
Martin Patriquin, Quebec correspondent for The Logic, dives into the turbulent world of Quebec politics. He discusses the new bill banning prayer in public spaces and the backlash from various communities. As Premier Francois Legault grapples with a spending scandal and sinking popularity, the conversation shifts to whether this will help or hurt his party. Patriquin explores the shifting tides in political influence, the potential rise of the Parti Quebecois, and what these changes mean for Quebec's future identity and leadership landscape.
Sep 5, 2025 • 32min
‘Queen of Canada’ cult leader arrested
Rachel Browne, an investigative journalist and documentary maker, dives into the recent arrests of Romana Didulo, the 'Queen of Canada,' and her followers in Richmound, Saskatchewan. She discusses the profound impact of the cult on the small town, sparking protests and community divisions. Browne also explores the allure of charismatic figures during times of uncertainty and how conspiracy theories complicate trust among locals. The chilling effects of cult influence on civic values and the lives of residents are laid bare.
17 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 26min
The Alberta book ban saga
Brett McKay, an investigative reporter with the Investigative Journalism Foundation, dives into the Alberta government's recent push to ban over 200 books from school libraries due to sexually explicit content. He discusses the significant reactions from notable authors like Margaret Atwood and the implications for LGBTQ+ literature. The conversation also highlights parallels with U.S. censorship efforts and sheds light on the broader debate around access to diverse literature in education, showcasing the public's outcry and the political motives behind these bans.
13 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 39min
What UNICEF saw in Gaza
James Elder, UNICEF’s global spokesperson, shares his harrowing insights from five trips to Gaza since the recent attacks. He discusses the dire humanitarian crisis faced by children, highlighting heartbreaking stories like that of a young boy searching for food in a war zone. Elder emphasizes the overwhelming trauma and malnutrition affecting vulnerable youths and reflects on the challenges of advocating for their rights amid such conflict. His powerful accounts reveal the urgent need for accountability and action to support these innocent lives caught in the chaos.
24 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 27min
Brazil stares down Trump and Bolsonaro
Gustavo Ribeiro, founder and editor in chief of the Brazilian Report, dives deep into the tumultuous political landscape of Brazil. He discusses Jair Bolsonaro’s trial for serious charges, including attempted coup and violence against officials. Ribeiro analyzes the complex relationship between Bolsonaro and Trump, especially with Trump's recent tariffs on Brazil. As Lula's presidency stabilizes, they examine the implications of these events for Brazil's democracy and the ongoing political polarization fueled by misinformation and past coups.
