The Big Story

Saman Tabasinejad, Executive Director of Progress Toronto, dives into the implications of Zohran Mamdani's victory for Canada’s left. They discuss how Mamdani's clear affordability message contrasts with the NDP's struggle for identity. Saman highlights the importance of grassroots campaigns and internal party dynamics, debating pragmatism versus progressivism. They also ponder the NDP's messaging challenges and propose that Mamdani’s success could inspire a rejuvenated political strategy for the Canadian left.

Liam Casey, a journalist with the Canadian Press, dives into a dire situation involving 30 beluga whales at the shuttered Marineland in Ontario. He details the park's history of animal welfare controversies and financial woes, leading to a disturbing threat of euthanasia. Casey discusses the complexities of moving the whales, including a proposed sanctuary in Nova Scotia and the legal entanglements preventing immediate action. With political fallout and advocacy efforts underway, the future of these majestic creatures remains uncertain.

Glen McGregor, a seasoned political correspondent for CityNews, breaks down the recent floor crossing of MP Chris d'Entremont from Conservative to Liberal. He explores how Poilievre's aggressive leadership style may be alienating centrist Conservatives. McGregor also discusses the implications for party loyalty as tensions mount leading up to the leadership review. With rumors of potential defections and a changing Conservative identity, the future of Poilievre's leadership hangs in the balance amidst evolving party dynamics.

Ian Lee, an Associate Professor at the Sprott School of Business, dives into Mark Carney's inaugural budget, revealing a hefty $78 billion deficit and comparing it to Trudeau-era priorities. He discusses missed opportunities for quicker revenue through asset sales and critiques the government's cautious approach to austerity. Lee advocates for means testing in social programs and emphasizes the need for increased competition in sectors like telecom to drive productivity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of defense procurement and optimistic revenue forecasts amid trade tensions.

Rob Goodman, an associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, dives into the implications of Trump's first year back in office. They discuss the shifting support from elite institutions and potential presidential impunity stemming from recent Supreme Court rulings. Goodman analyzes alarming domestic challenges like government shutdowns and militarized enforcement, as well as Trump's strategies to manage public fatigue. The conversation also touches on upcoming elections as tests of democratic sentiment and the ambitious renovations at the White House that hint at Trump's intent to stay in power.

Kirstin Beardsley, CEO of Food Banks Canada, sheds light on Canada's alarming food insecurity crisis, revealing that food bank use has doubled since 2019, with nearly 2.2 million visits monthly. One in five users now has a job, showcasing the broad impact of rising costs. Beardsley discusses the concerning stats for child food insecurity and emphasizes the urgent need for policy reforms, including modernizing EI and introducing a groceries benefit, to combat this unprecedented demand. Her insights call for immediate action to support struggling Canadians.

Join Professor Dr. Elizabeth Klerman, a leading expert in sleep medicine and neurology at Harvard Medical School, as she delves into the intricacies of sleep and circadian rhythms. She discusses how the time change affects our body clocks, leading to potential brain fog and mood shifts. Dr. Klerman shares tips for adjusting sleep routines and emphasizes the importance of morning sunlight. Learn why prioritizing sleep is crucial for health, and discover practical strategies for a smoother transition during the fall time change.

Join Barry Schwartz, President and Chief Investment Officer at Baskin Wealth, as he dives into the latest shifts in the Canadian economy. He discusses the Bank of Canada’s recent rate cuts and the implications of fluctuating inflation rates. Barry sheds light on the anticipated federal budget and its potential impacts. He also tackles the AI market rally, questioning whether it's sustainable or just a bubble, while emphasizing the strength of big tech profits amidst trade tensions. Insightful and thought-provoking!

John Wright, CEO of Canada Pulse Insights and seasoned pollster, dives into the political chaos sparked by Ontario's $75M anti-tariff ad that infuriated Trump. They explore whether this blunder derailed Canada-U.S. trade negotiations and debate the necessity of Ford's apology. Wright contrasts Ford's aggressive style with Carney's diplomatic approach, all while assessing public reactions and Ford's surprising support in polls. The discussion reveals the delicate balance between local interests and international relations.

Dr. Roger McIntyre, a leading expert in psychiatry at the University of Toronto, explores the promising yet complex world of psychedelics as potential treatments for mental health issues. He discusses the intriguing effects of microdosing, recent findings from an LSD anxiety study, and the potential for psychedelics to challenge standard treatments. McIntyre also addresses societal shifts in acceptance, ongoing research, and the critical safety considerations for various users. Could these mind-altering substances alter the future of medicine?