The Big Story

In this discussion, Andrew Pyle, a seasoned investment advisor at CIBC Wood Gundy, shares his insights on navigating the turbulent waters of geopolitical volatility. He highlights how markets often show surprising resilience despite chaotic headlines. Pyle emphasizes the pivotal role of the U.S. consumer in economic stability and explores Canada's external trade challenges. He also touches on the allure of precious metals as safe havens while cautioning that gold's value may shift if risks diminish.

In this engaging discussion, Maral Karimi, an academic at Toronto Metropolitan University and author of a critical work on the 2009 Green Movement, dives into the multi-faceted socio-political landscape of Iran. She highlights the important role of women in protests and how the youth, especially Gen Z, navigate their frustrations. Karimi warns against simplistic narratives and discusses the dangers of U.S. intervention, asserting it could unify support for the regime. She provides insights into Iran's complex history and outlines the gravity of current socio-political dynamics.

Tech author Paris Marx, known for his insights on AI and corporate influence, joins host Cristina Howorun to discuss the alarming rise of AI-generated deepfakes via Grok. They explore the troubling implications of these technologies on online harassment, particularly regarding sexualized images of minors. Marx critiques Elon Musk's prioritization of revenue over user safety and examines Canada’s insufficient regulatory responses. He advocates for stronger measures inspired by international models to better protect Canadians and offers practical advice on safeguarding personal online presence.

Dimitra Panagiotoglou, a Canada Research Chair and associate professor at McGill University, shares her insights on Canada's ongoing opioid crisis. She discusses her research on the impact of supervised consumption sites, noting no consistent crime increase overall, despite rising incidents in certain areas. Dimitra emphasizes the importance of addressing stigma and initiating honest conversations about addiction, especially with youth. She advocates for a focus on harm reduction and integrating services to improve outcomes in communities affected by opioid use.

Dr. Barry Cooper, a political scientist from the University of Calgary, dives into Alberta's burgeoning separatism movement and the implications of Bill 14. He discusses the economic motivations behind the push for autonomy and the potential consequences of a referendum. Cooper critiques federal responses to Alberta's grievances, emphasizing the province's fiscal contributions and frustrations over pipeline politics. He outlines how Alberta’s independence could mirror Quebec's approach, predicting a politically charged future as the province moves toward a binding vote.

Stephen Maher, an insightful author and journalist specializing in political analysis, joins the discussion on national sovereignty in the era of Trump. He highlights how Trump's actions threaten the post-World War II order, raising alarms about the U.S.'s moral and legal stance. Maher examines the implications of the Greenland situation, the military capabilities of the U.S. and Canada, and challenges facing NATO. He advocates for Canadian investments in Arctic defense while predicting that the threat of invasion will remain contained.

James McCann, a Senior Economist at Edward Jones, shares insights on the turbulent economic outlook for Canada in 2026. He analyzes how U.S.-Canada trade talks will shape the future, and the implications of Venezuela's oil situation on Canadian energy. McCann discusses the cautious approach to diversify energy markets and the impacts of potential interest rate decisions from the Bank of Canada. He also offers investment strategies uniquely suited for Canadians, including sectors like gold, AI, and mid-caps.

Glen McGregor, a political correspondent for CityNews with keen insights into Canadian politics, dives into the complexities of global chaos. He discusses Prime Minister Mark Carney's measured response to the U.S. raid in Venezuela and its repercussions on Canada's oil sector. The episode explores tensions around Trump's Greenland comments and the potential impact on Canadian sovereignty. Glen also evaluates Carney's impending trip to China, focusing on tariff negotiations and trade disputes, making for a riveting conversation about Canada's role in an unstable world.

John Gradek, an aviation expert and McGill University professor with nearly five decades in the industry, dives into the challenges plaguing Canadian air travel. He reminisces about the golden age of airline service before deregulation led to cost-cutting and declining quality. Gradek highlights systemic failures like rising passenger frustration and ineffective enforcement of existing protection laws. Advocating for financial penalties on airlines and loosening foreign ownership limits, he envisions a revitalized aviation sector that can restore consumer confidence.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Younes Alila, a forest hydrology expert from UBC, unpacks the escalating flood crisis in British Columbia. He highlights that climate change isn't the sole culprit, with land use practices like clear-cut logging significantly exacerbating flood risks. Alila explains how clear-cutting accelerates runoff and encourages a shift to more sustainable logging methods. He emphasizes the need for better regulation and centralized policy to manage flood risks effectively while calling for science-driven solutions to inform future land-use decisions.