Front Burner

Nicholas Florko, a staff writer with The Atlantic, shares his insights on the swift spread of bird flu in North America. He discusses the first confirmed human case in Canada and the alarming number of infections in the U.S. Florko highlights the impact on poultry industries, leading to the culling of millions of birds and rising egg prices. He raises concerns about the virus's potential to mutate and the importance of proactive measures in public health. The emotional challenges faced by farmers and the need for better testing on farms are also explored.

Catherine McIntyre, a reporter with The Logic, dives into the surprising shift of Canadian tech CEOs toward the Conservative Party after years of supporting the Liberals. She discusses the WhatsApp group 'Build Canada' and its ambitions to influence policy. The conversation highlights deteriorating trust in government, with industry leaders feeling overlooked, especially concerning taxation. McIntyre also touches on broader cultural shifts and the impact of U.S. political trends on Canadian tech, all while exploring the implications for innovation and corporate responsibility.

Vass Bednar, the executive director of McMaster University's Master of Public Policy and Digital Society program, dives into the burgeoning trend of Canadians choosing local products over American ones. He discusses the complexities of this 'Buy Canadian' movement as a patriotic act and examines the challenges of promoting local culture in a U.S.-dominated media landscape. With humor, he shares insights on consumer habits, the importance of supporting local businesses, and the quirky choices that often define Canadian shopping.

Manisha Krishnan, an Emmy award-winning journalist specializing in North American drug policy, delves into Canada's response to the fentanyl crisis. She highlights the complexities of decriminalization and the urgency to address root causes like poverty. The discussion critiques potential border crackdowns and their effectiveness, questioning whether tougher measures will harm or help the ongoing public health crisis. Krishnan also explores the political rhetoric surrounding drug policy amidst upcoming elections, painting a vivid picture of Canada's drug policy dilemma.

Asa McKercher, Hudson Chair in Canada-U.S. relations and professor at St. Francis Xavier University, dives into the historical tensions between Canada and the U.S. He discusses the impact of recent tariff announcements and the cyclical nature of trade disputes. Insightfully, he explores how Canadian identity has been shaped in reaction to American dominance, especially post-NAFTA. McKercher highlights key historical moments that have influenced public sentiment and the complex relationships between Canadian leaders and their U.S. counterparts.

Danny Funt, a Washington Post contributor and author of 'Everybody Loses,' delves into the booming sports betting landscape, especially around the Super Bowl. He discusses how betting has transformed from simple wagers to complex parlays, fueling excitement—and risks. Funt highlights how technology, notably smartphones, has revolutionized gambling, making it more accessible and addictive. He critically examines the mainstreaming of sports betting in media, raising ethical concerns over celebrity endorsements, and stresses the need for regulations to safeguard consumers.

Waleed Shahid, a Democratic strategist and former advisor to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, delves into Elon Musk's unprecedented influence over the U.S. government. They discuss Musk's access to the federal payment system, raising alarms about conflicts of interest. Shahid critiques the impact of this power grab on government operations, especially regarding USAID and public service. The conversation explores the dangers of aligning governance with private interests and compares Musk's tactics to historical examples of state capture.

Rosemary Barton, CBC’s Chief Political Correspondent, dives into the complexities of tariff negotiations between Canada and the U.S. following a temporary truce between Trudeau and Trump. She explores how domestic political chaos and an ongoing Liberal leadership race may impact future negotiations. With concerns over fentanyl trafficking and potential economic fallouts, Barton discusses the delicate balancing act for the Canadian government in supporting local industries while addressing consumer needs. The conversation reveals the intricate relationship between trade and politics in Canada today.

Guest host Jonathan Montpetit teams up with CBC Washington correspondent Alex Panetta, an expert in U.S.-Canada trade relations. They delve into the recent tariff pause on Canadian goods and discuss Trump’s unpredictable tariff strategies. The conversation highlights historical contexts, contrasting past protectionist policies with today's mixed messages. They also explore provocative ideas like Canada potentially becoming the 51st state, reflecting on political ramifications and the need for Canada to bolster its own capabilities in the face of U.S. pressures.

Peter Armstrong, a senior business reporter at CBC, dives deep into the trade war's fallout. He discusses how the U.S. tariffs could potentially impact the Canadian economy by $160 billion, particularly in sectors like energy and automotive. Armstrong highlights the implications for everyday products—think beer and fruits—reflecting on how these trade tensions affect the average Canadian. He also shares insights into Canada's retaliatory measures, drawing intriguing parallels to historical trade conflicts.