The Big Story

Kluane Adamek, Yukon Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, discusses the challenges of reconciliation and Indigenous rights in Canada. She shares her cautious views on Bill C-5 and its implications for Indigenous sovereignty. The conversation highlights the urgency of meaningful consultation amid economic pressures, as well as the necessity of incorporating Indigenous perspectives in major projects. Adamek also emphasizes the importance of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action and encourages Canadians to learn about and support Indigenous communities.

Benjamin Wolfe, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto and co-director of the Applied Perception and Psychophysics Laboratory, discusses Ontario's decision to ban speed cameras. He highlights how speed cameras significantly reduce risky driving behaviors, while alternative traffic calming measures like roundabouts could take longer to implement. Wolfe also addresses the psychological impacts of delayed fines and warns that removing cameras could put vulnerable road users at greater risk. The conversation delves into the balance between driver convenience and overall road safety.

A recent report from the University of Ottawa shows 22 out of the 34 municipalities in Ontario were given failing grades in regards to taxes and red tape restrictions surrounding development acceleration.And unfortunately, Toronto seems to be wearing that 'F' right on its sleeve, reporting under 120 new condo sales in the month of August - a number that hasn't been that low in decades.And with the federal government making legislation to increase not just more housing, but affordable housing, how can we reignite builds?Host Mike Eppel speaks to Residential Construction Council of Ontario President Richard Lyall to get the answers.Do you have a topic that's confounding you in this economy? We'll be happy to dig into it for you and get you the answers you need. Email us at: rogerspodcastnetwork@rci.rogers.com. Thank you for listening! We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

This week, Caryn Ceolin chats with Sabina Vohra-Miller, a Doctor of Public Health candidate and founder of Unambiguous Science. They dive into President Trump’s alarming claim that Tylenol during pregnancy may cause autism, which contradicts decades of research. Sabina highlights the risks of dehumanizing messages telling pregnant people to 'tough it out' amidst fear and societal pressures. They explore the need for accurate medical guidance and advocacy in response to misleading narratives, urging individuals to consult trusted healthcare providers for personalized advice.

In this discussion, Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat and fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, delves into Canada's recent recognition of Palestinian statehood. He examines the impact on the two-state solution and questions the realistic criteria Canada has set, noting the challenges posed by both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Robertson argues that recognition could be more symbolic than influential, and he critiques the limits of UN effectiveness in peacekeeping. He also reflects on Canada's alignment with allies amidst complex U.S. relations.

In this captivating discussion, law professor Eugene Volokh, an expert in First Amendment law, dives into the implications of Jimmy Kimmel’s recent suspension from television. He explores whether this reflects a troubling trend towards government censorship and highlights instances of coercion during the Trump administration. Volokh clarifies that there’s no inherent exception for hate speech in U.S. law and questions why corporations often bow to government pressure. With Kimmel's return, he believes it signals a potential deterrent against future censorship.

Zaheera Soomar, a Toronto-based pro-Palestinian activist and member of the Global Sumud/Freedom Flotilla Movement, takes us on her daring mission to deliver aid to Gaza. From her boat in the Mediterranean, she shares the challenges faced by the flotilla, including previous interceptions and drone threats. Zaheera discusses her motivations rooted in South African solidarity and the intense training involved. She emphasizes the mission's goal of breaking the siege to establish a humanitarian corridor, highlighting her unwavering commitment to activism.

In this conversation, Randall Bartlett, Deputy Chief Economist at Desjardins Group, dissects the recent interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve. He explains the implications for household savings and rental supply, as well as the unique economic circumstances of both countries. The discussion also dives into recession risks, contrasting the mandates of the Fed and the Bank of Canada, and what the future may hold for the Canadian dollar and real estate market amidst these changes.

Jeremie Saunders, a Canadian actor and podcaster, shares his journey with cystic fibrosis and the transformative effects of the drug Trikafta. He discusses the challenges of adjusting to his changing body and nutrition needs post-treatment. The conversation dives into the emotional impact on body image within the CF community and the well-meaning yet triggering nature of compliments. Jeremie emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, therapy, and gratitude as tools for navigating life's ups and downs.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Bramley, Senior VP at Colliers Canada and workplace strategy expert, shares insights on transforming office spaces post-pandemic. She highlights how outdated office designs clash with modern work preferences, leading to employee pushback. Sarah emphasizes the importance of activity-based workspaces that foster collaboration and mentorship, rather than superficial perks. She also explores leasing trends and the appeal of high-quality amenities in enticing workers back to the office.