Front Burner

John Woodside and Max Fawcett from Canada’s National Observer dive into the debate surrounding Mark Carney's climate commitments. They analyze Carney's past warnings and whether his recent policy decisions, like scrapping the carbon tax and pausing electric vehicle mandates, signal a betrayal of the climate movement. The conversation also explores Carney's industrial carbon pricing strategy, the implications of Stephen Guilbeault's resignation, and whether Carney is navigating a pragmatic path toward long-term environmental goals.

Eric Miller, President of Rideau Potomac Strategy Group and an expert in international trade, dives into the Supreme Court's looming decision on Trump’s tariffs. He explores the legal complexities surrounding the use of a 1970s national security law for tariffs, highlighting the skepticism from conservative justices. Miller discusses the economic fallout in Canada, including impacts on industries like lumber and aluminum, and outlines how businesses absorb tariff costs. He also analyzes Canada’s negotiation strategy and the broader implications for trade policies.

Kevin Maurer, a bestselling author and veteran journalist, dives into the complex legacy of the war on terror. He discusses the recent shooting of National Guard soldiers, linking it to the struggles of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a member of CIA-backed Zero Units known for dangerous operations and controversial tactics. Maurer explores the challenges Afghan veterans face in resettlement, the murky accountability for civilian harm during raids, and the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy. His insights reveal the human cost behind the headlines.

Simon Lewsen, a magazine journalist and part-time instructor at the University of Toronto, dives into the contentious debate over institutional neutrality in higher education. He explores the implications of university administrators taking political stances, including a controversial lawsuit involving UBC and the idea of academic freedom. Lewsen analyzes the history of neutrality and discusses the financial and legitimacy crises facing universities today, making a case for preserving an open dialogue on campus in the face of political pressures.

Jon Lee Anderson, a veteran staff writer at The New Yorker with deep expertise in Latin America, joins to unpack the U.S. military buildup near Venezuela and the implications of Trump's aggressive rhetoric. He discusses whether this is real policy or merely political theater, voicing skepticism about framing Venezuela as a narco-state. Anderson links potential intervention to Venezuela's vast oil reserves and critiques the U.S.'s historical pattern of intervention, revealing the complexities behind the talk of regime change and drug trafficking.

Join Frances Farrell, a keen reporter from The Kyiv Independent, as she delves into the complexities of the leaked U.S. peace proposal concerning Ukraine. She highlights Zelenskyy's stark warning to his people about tough choices ahead. Frances discusses the widespread rejection of territorial concessions and the international backlash against the proposal, termed a Russian ‘wish-list.’ With Putin's battlefield gains complicating negotiations, she explains how internal pressures in Russia and Ukraine influence the ongoing conflict.

Michelle Shephard, a veteran journalist from The Walrus, offers a heartbreaking glimpse into the humanitarian crisis at the Sudan-Chad border. She reveals the dire conditions in overcrowded transit camps housing fleeing refugees. Her poignant stories include Isra Aldean's escape from violence and chilling accounts of sexual violence experienced by survivors. She also delves into the complex power struggle fueling the conflict and highlights the courageous local aid workers providing support amidst the turmoil.

In this discussion, Rosemary Barton, CBC's chief political correspondent, and Jason Markusoff, a Calgary-based political reporter, dive into the implications of a controversial energy deal between Alberta and Ottawa. They explore how this plan could bypass environmental laws to support a new oil pipeline while facing fierce opposition from Indigenous groups and B.C. Premier David Eby. The guests dissect past federal-provincial agreements, assess political motivations, and ponder whether the proposed deal will result in genuine change or remain a symbolic gesture.

Baneet Braich, an Abbotsford-based reporter focusing on local incidents of extortion, and Evan Dyer, a CBC journalist specializing in national security, dive deep into B.C.'s alarming extortion crisis linked to foreign interference. They discuss shocking patterns of violence, from shootings to arson, targeting the South Asian community. Community responses reveal fear and frustration, as residents demand stronger action. The guests also explore the intricate ties between local gangs and international politics, highlighting the dire need for accountability and national solutions.

Join Calvi Leon, a Toronto Star reporter who has closely tracked the chilling case of Ryan Wedding, a former Olympian turned alleged drug kingpin. Discover the latest explosive allegations linking Wedding to multiple murders and international drug operations. Leon dives into Wedding’s background, his early criminal exploits, and his mysterious disappearance post-deportation. With insights on arrests, cartel ties, and even a hitman captured via encrypted chats, this discussion reveals the dark saga of a fugitive on the FBI’s most wanted list.