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
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.
Sep 1, 2025 • 47min
The threat next door: How NATO’s newest members are preparing to defend against Russia (via The House)
In this engaging discussion, Emma Godmere, a CBC producer, shares insights from her travels to Finland and Sweden, where preparations against potential Russian aggression are in full swing. Jana Kusula of Finland’s Defence Policy Department discusses evolving security measures, while Antti Virta, a border guard leader, delves into hybrid threats and border incidents. Alina Valtanen, Finland's Foreign Affairs Minister, emphasizes cooperative efforts with Canada. Together, they highlight the necessity of community involvement and innovative defense strategies in an uncertain world.
28 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 28min
Is the International Criminal Court’s future in peril?
Kenneth Roth, former director of Human Rights Watch and author, dives into the tumultuous waters surrounding the International Criminal Court (ICC). He discusses the recent U.S. sanctions against ICC officials and the Trump administration’s historic opposition to the court. Roth addresses the challenges the ICC faces, particularly its jurisdiction over powerful leaders like Israeli officials accused of war crimes. Additionally, he explores Canada’s commitment to the ICC compared to the U.S. stance, emphasizing the court's crucial role in global justice.
18 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 32min
Trump, the Smithsonian, and the battle over U.S. history
Bryan Stevenson, a renowned civil rights lawyer and author of 'Just Mercy,' discusses the contentious nature of American history, particularly how museums are targeted in the political landscape. He critiques Trump's efforts to reshape historical narratives, focusing on the importance of educational institutions like the Smithsonian. Stevenson emphasizes the significance of acknowledging the legacies of slavery and racial injustice as essential truths for healing. He calls for resilience against cultural attacks on history, urging the need to confront uncomfortable realities.
27 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 25min
Politics! Carney's report card, Poilievre's return
Aaron Wherry, a CBC senior parliamentary reporter, dissects Prime Minister Mark Carney's first 100 days in office, critiquing the cabinet's slow progress on big promises regarding infrastructure and housing. The conversation shifts to Pierre Poilievre's recent comeback in the House of Commons—will he adopt a new strategy or maintain the approach that nearly brought the Conservatives to power? Wherry provides an insightful report card on Carney's performance and the rising political challenges ahead as Parliament gears up for a crucial fall session.
