The Big Story

Kashif Pirzada, a Toronto-based emergency physician and co-chair of the Canadian Covid Society, delves into the implications of RFK Jr.'s controversial decisions on Canadian healthcare. He discusses the rise of vaccine hesitancy spurred by misinformation, especially in light of the historical significance of vaccinations. The conversation also highlights the erosion of trust in public institutions during the pandemic, the potential repercussions of misinformation on maternal health, and the vital collaboration needed among medical professionals to address these challenges.

Garrett Graff, a renowned author and presidential historian, dives into the hidden histories of presidents' health issues, from Wilson's concealed stroke to Kennedy's chronic pain. He discusses the tricky landscape of media coverage regarding presidents like Biden and Trump, highlighting the tension between public right to know and privacy. The conversation also unpacks how transparency is essential for maintaining trust in leadership, especially in today’s politically charged atmosphere, and the historical implications of health secrecy on national security.

L.J. Valencia, an Economist from Desjardins Financial and co-author of the Desjardins Report, dives into the tough reality facing young job seekers in Canada, where youth unemployment has soared to nearly 15%. He discusses how pandemic impacts, government job cuts, and shifting immigration policies complicate their job hunt. Valencia highlights the competition from temporary foreign workers and the necessity for young people to continuously upskill. He also underscores the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and employers to better prepare students for the job market.

Glen McGregor, a CityNews Political Reporter with deep insights into Canadian politics, shares his experiences covering Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet planning forum. They discuss the balancing act between austerity and investment in the upcoming budget. Topics include the current U.S.-Canada trade negotiations, highlighting tariff issues, and Canadians’ shifting concerns about the economy under Trump’s influence. McGregor delves into the political dynamics within Parliament and the strategies of both the government and the opposition amid ongoing challenges.

Sara Austin, CEO and founder of Children First Canada, passionately advocates for children's rights and well-being. She discusses alarming statistics from the Raising Canada report, revealing that over 70% of youth face bullying and 1.4 million children live in poverty. Austin emphasizes the critical need for early conversations about consent and the implementation of a national strategy to combat child poverty. With the upcoming parliamentary session, she urges policymakers to prioritize the issues impacting Canada’s youth.

In this discussion, Sean Amato, a political reporter for CityNews, shares insights into Alberta's recent pause on a controversial book ban. The shift followed loud outcry against the removal of over 200 titles from school libraries, raising questions about censorship and educational integrity. Amato delves into the broader implications for LGBTQ2S+ content in schools and the political dynamics at play, including Premier Smith's alliances and the public's evolving response. This conversation highlights the complexities of education policy amidst political tension.

Ian Lee, an associate professor at the Sprott School of Business, sheds light on the dire state of Canada Post. He discusses the sharp decline in letter usage and how private couriers are gaining ground. Lee delves into the contentious union negotiations and the significant gulf between worker demands and management's responses. He also emphasizes the critical role of mail delivery in rural areas, amidst the challenge of shifting to community mailboxes. Finally, he warns of the potential fallout if reforms aren't adopted soon.

In this insightful conversation, Oleksa Drachewych, an Assistant Professor of History at Western University, discusses the daunting challenges in securing lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. He delves into the complexities of recent diplomatic efforts and the persistent aggression from the Kremlin. Drachewych highlights the skepticism surrounding Russia's intentions and Ukraine's sovereignty issues. The conversation also touches on the intricate balances allies must navigate in supporting Ukraine, all while addressing justice and reparations for a stable future.

In this discussion, international trade lawyer William Pellerin from McMillan LLP dives into the renewed trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. He explains how Canada’s removal of retaliatory tariffs aims to get both nations back to the table. The conversation highlights challenges faced by Canadian manufacturers, particularly regarding U.S. steel and lumber tariffs. Pellerin also addresses the complexities of reaching agreements in strategic sectors, emphasizing the significance of collaboration in defense and resources amid economic pressures.

Tony Anscombe, Chief Security Evangelist at ESET, dives into the alarming rise of AI-driven scams, particularly exploiting social media. He reveals how cybercriminals are leveraging deepfake technology to create realistic impersonations, targeting young investors with deceptive financial promises. The discussion highlights the critical need for skepticism, the importance of reporting cybercrime, and the role of technology companies in combating these threats. Anscombe emphasizes the urgency of strong cybersecurity measures in our increasingly click-driven world.