Front Burner

Jonathon Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, addresses the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canada, especially in the auto industry. He discusses potential countermeasures, including Canada's crude oil and critical minerals as key levers in trade negotiations. Wilkinson emphasizes the need for Canada to enhance energy security and resilience in light of these tensions. He also highlights the strategic importance of collaboration among provinces and the complexities of ensuring economic robustness amid turbulent diplomatic relationships.

Alexander Panetta, CBC's Washington correspondent, dives into the escalating tariff trade war between the U.S. and Canada. He discusses the implications of Trump's 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and the retaliatory measures taken by Canada. The conversation highlights critical trade negotiation challenges, especially in sectors like dairy and energy. Panetta also explores the diverse perceptions of the trade war across generations and the economic fallout, particularly for Ontario's manufacturing and the auto industry, against a backdrop of rising tensions.

<p>Humiliating the president of Ukraine in the Oval Office. Admonishing European leaders about migration and free speech. Voting alongside Russia against a UN resolution to condemn the invasion of Ukraine. Withdrawing from the World Health Organization and UN Human Rights Council. They are all signs from the Trump administration that point to a massive shift in America’s foreign policy and alignment with the very “rules-based” international order the U.S. led after WWII.</p><p><br></p><p>But how did the world order as we know it come to be? And if it comes to an end, what could the future look like? Dominic Sandbrook, co-host of The Rest is History, takes us through the last 70 years of global politics and how we got to this turning point.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts</a></p>

David Pugliese, a seasoned military and defense reporter for the Ottawa Citizen, breaks down the stakes of Arctic sovereignty for Canada against a backdrop of increasing U.S. interest. He discusses why the Arctic is a geopolitical hotspot, rich in resources and new trade routes. The conversation highlights critical challenges in maintaining Canadian sovereignty, such as the vastness of the territory and necessary infrastructural improvements. Pugliese also raises concerns about the roles of Russia, China, and NATO in shaping the future of this sensitive region.

Join Alex Kurzem, a Holocaust survivor who masked his true identity as a Jewish boy by posing as a Nazi soldier, and his niece, Beba Menglis Ford, as they unravel decades of family secrets. Alex grapples with his traumatic past and the struggle to have his unbelievable story believed. Beba shares cherished memories and highlights the bonds between family while exploring the fine line between truth and embellishment. Together, they embark on a poignant journey of identity, memory, and the emotional weight of their shared history.

David Zipper, a senior fellow at the MIT Mobility Initiative and an expert in urban planning, discusses the alarming trend of 'car bloat' in North America. He explains how SUVs and pickup trucks dominate new car sales, raising safety concerns for pedestrians and other drivers. Zipper highlights the fiscal burden of larger vehicles and contrasts them with Japan's efficient K cars. The conversation sheds light on the emotional and financial implications behind consumer preferences, as well as potential solutions to tackle this growing problem.

Chris McGreal, a renowned journalist from The Guardian and former South Africa correspondent, dives deep into the unsettling connections between apartheid and today's U.S. politics. He discusses Trump's sudden interest in South Africa, advocating for white Afrikaners, and the role of influential billionaires like Elon Musk in shaping this narrative. McGreal uncovers how past injustices echo in modern racial dynamics and examines the rise of extremist ideologies. His insights bridge historical context with ongoing political tensions, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

Aaron Wherry, a senior writer at CBC’s Parliamentary Bureau, delves into the recent Liberal leadership debates. He highlights how candidates like Mark Carney navigated intra-party dynamics while being challenged by peers such as Karina Gould. The conversation explores the candidates' strategies on economic policy, particularly regarding defense spending and carbon taxes. Wherry shares insights on the looming federal election and the impact of U.S.-Canada relations amid potential tariff wars, questioning if Carney is truly prepared for the high stakes ahead.

Francis Farrell, a journalist with the Kyiv Independent, discusses the ongoing Ukraine conflict on its third anniversary. He reflects on the deep emotional toll of the war and how life has changed for Ukrainians, emphasizing resilience amid adversity. The conversation shifts to current warfare dynamics, including drone attacks and territorial shifts. Farrell also examines Ukraine's diplomatic challenges with Europe and the U.S., highlighting the complexities of negotiating peace and the pressing need for support as they navigate this pivotal moment in history.

Ontario voters are gearing up for a pivotal election amid pressing issues like tariffs and healthcare. Doug Ford appears set for a third mandate while framing himself as the province's economic protector. However, rising emergency room wait times have stirred public skepticism over healthcare promises. Strikingly, housing solutions are notably absent from party platforms despite escalating challenges. Additionally, a controversial infrastructure proposal to address traffic congestion raises questions about feasibility and costs, adding to the election's tense atmosphere.