Front Burner

Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, is shaking up the province's health care system with bold proposals to dismantle the Alberta Health Services. She advocates for a new structure featuring competition and the involvement of private companies, aiming to enhance care coordination. Smith explains her reasoning behind transferring hospitals to third-party services, raising questions about the implications of this shift. Jason Markusoff joins to discuss the political landscape, public sentiment, and the potential risks of fragmenting health care in Canada.

The B.C. United Party has suspended its election campaign and encouraged supporters to join forces with the Conservative Party of B.C., with the aim of bringing together the right-of-centre vote ahead of next month's provincial election.This is a dramatic turn of events given that the two parties' leaders – Kevin Falcon of B.C. United, and John Rustad of the B.C. Conservative Party – were bitter rivals.Rob Shaw covers B.C. politics for CHEK news and Glacier Media. He explains the dramatic reversal, how it came to be, and what this shifting political landscape might mean for the upcoming election.For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

Two men uncover a stunning secret tied to their shared birth in a Newfoundland hospital, leading to profound reflections on identity and family. Their journey reveals quirky aspects of small-town life and unexpected connections. Amid humorous anecdotes, they confront the darker side of bodybuilding and delve into family dynamics shaped by nostalgia. Superstitions weave through their narratives, highlighting the struggle of belonging in close-knit communities. Ultimately, they navigate family secrets, challenging the very fabric of their identities.

Liam Gallagher, an iconic frontman known for his powerful voice, and his brother Noel Gallagher, the genius behind Oasis's unforgettable hits, reunite after a 15-year hiatus. They candidly discuss their tumultuous relationship and the sibling rivalry that shaped their music. As they explore their rise to fame in the '90s, the Gallagher brothers reflect on the emotional ties their fans have with their music. Expect nostalgia, excitement, and insights into the challenges they faced in reconciling their past as they prepare for a highly anticipated comeback.

In this engaging discussion, Pavel Durov, founder of the messaging app Telegram, faced recent criminal charges in France. He delves into the dual nature of Telegram as a tool for free speech and a haven for illicit activities. The conversation explores his unique approach to data privacy, contrasting it with other platforms. Durov reflects on his journey from VK to Telegram and the challenges of maintaining user privacy while navigating global political tensions. This highlights the ongoing debate about tech leaders' responsibilities and the limits of free speech online.

Rachel Browne, a contributing writer for The Walrus, discusses serious allegations against Robert Land Academy, a military-style school in Ontario. She reveals harrowing accounts from former students detailing violence, sexual abuse, and systemic racism that went unchecked. Browne also examines the troubling ties between the academy and the troubled teen industry, shedding light on desperate parents often led to questionable institutions. The podcast uncovers a culture of secrecy and a lack of accountability, raising critical questions about youth welfare.

JP Tasker, a senior reporter with the CBC’s parliamentary bureau, delves into the Liberal Party's critical cabinet retreat in Halifax. They face dismal poll numbers and internal pressures for change as they strategize for the upcoming session. Discussion highlights include potential shifts in immigration policy, housing affordability concerns for young voters, and the party's leadership dilemmas. Tasker questions whether they can turn their fortunes around before the approaching election, making it a pivotal moment for Trudeau and his ministers.

Mark Sutcliffe, the mayor of Ottawa, raises concerns about the city's public transit funding crisis, warning that without support, light rail projects may stall. He discusses how cities across Canada face a 'transit death spiral' due to declining ridership and rising costs. David Cooper, a transportation planning expert, emphasizes the urgent necessity for innovative funding solutions. The podcast highlights the pandemic's lasting effects on public transit, as well as the critical need to address aging infrastructure to avoid severe service cuts.

Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, sparks a renewed optimism within the Democratic Party after a challenging few weeks. At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, she reflects on the transformed energy and the historical context of past conventions, especially 1968. The discussion shifts from outrage towards a humorous campaign tone against Trump, while emphasizing personal narratives in addressing issues like reproductive rights. Harris's impactful speeches aim to connect with swing state voters, highlighting resilience and working-class values.

David Coletto, the founder and CEO of Abacus Data, shares fascinating insights into Canada's most contentious political issues. He discusses how Canadians are surprisingly progressive, favoring initiatives like free public transit and higher taxes on the wealthy amidst economic struggles. David also reveals a prevalent resistance to drug legalization, influenced by the opioid crisis, and the complex perceptions surrounding drug policies. Additionally, he highlights overwhelming opposition to criminalizing abortion, showcasing the significant risks for conservative parties in this politically charged landscape.