Front Burner

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.

Jared Wesley, a political science professor at the University of Alberta and an expert in Canadian constitutional politics, dives into the controversial notwithstanding clause. He explains its original intent as a safeguard against federal overreach and the recent surge in its invocation by politicians. The discussion reveals how this trend exposes tensions in Canadian democracy, especially given its use to bypass judicial checks on contentious laws. Jared also contrasts historical usage, like that of Quebec, with recent provincial examples, questioning the implications for minority rights.

Janine di Giovanni, an accomplished conflict journalist and author, shares her harrowing experiences from the Bosnian War, where she witnessed the siege of Sarajevo. She discusses the disturbing phenomenon of 'sniper tourism,' where wealthy foreigners allegedly shot at civilians for sport. Di Giovanni reflects on the wartime myths that spread during the conflict and the psychological impact of living under constant sniper fire. She also addresses the complex moral dilemmas faced by journalists and the legacy of the war that continues to resonate today.

Mark Carney’s Liberals survived a confidence vote on their first budget Monday night. It was a strange vote, with four members of the Conservatives and the NDP abstaining, as well as some voting chaos from two of the most powerful members of the Conservative Party.CBC’s senior Parliamentary writer Aaron Wherry breaks down how the vote went, what it tells us about Parliament right now, and whether the budget itself signals a new era of Liberal politics. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

Alex Neve, an international human rights lawyer and former Secretary General of Amnesty International Canada, dives into the pressing challenges facing human rights today. He discusses the alarming backslide since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, highlighting global indifference and geopolitical forces. Neve connects the ongoing Gaza famine to broader humanitarian crises and analyzes how politics hamper UN efforts. He emphasizes the need for public engagement and provides actionable steps to renew human rights, urging collective action for a more just world.

In this discussion, Paul Kedrosky, a venture capital partner at SK Ventures and a research fellow at MIT, dives into the precarious state of AI financing. He highlights the alarming shift from cash-flow funding to private credit, which skews risk assessments. Paul explains how vendor financing and circular cash flows mask real financial exposure. He also addresses the fears stemming from potential government backstops and outlines why the current AI boom echoes past financial crises. His insights suggest that the implications of a bubble burst could severely ripple through the economy.

Dive into the tumultuous relationship between Canada and the U.S. under Trump's leadership. Discover how a light-hearted joke about Canada becoming the 51st state spiraled into serious diplomatic tensions. The conversation unveils the differing reactions from Canadians and Americans about trade tariffs, and personal spats that add complexity to the dynamics. Explore Canada's strategic options amid a challenging trade standoff and what the future may hold as negotiations loom. It's a colorful look at friendship turned intricate situation!