The Big Story

It was another cheeky Oval Office media exchange between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump, and yet another trip to Washington with no tariff deal in the books.Although the two world leaders praised the success of their second meeting, skepticism among Carney's voters - and the country at large - grows as months go by with no substantive movement on bi-lateral negotiations. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks to former ambassador to the U.S., Frank McKenna to break down Carney's latest visit and the realistic expectations Canadians should have of the PM and his inner circle during the drawn-out yet delicate trade talks with the U.S. 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

Jacob Silverman, author and host of 'Understood: The Making of Musk,' dives into Elon Musk's significant footprint in politics and government spending. He discusses how Musk's initiatives, like DOGE, have altered the landscape of federal operations. Silverman evaluates the dubious claims of DOGE's savings and the implications of Musk's unchecked influence. He reflects on Musk's controversial past, particularly his South African upbringing, and emphasizes the growing concern around billionaire power in shaping politics.

Sean Amato, an Alberta politics reporter for CityNews, dives into the historic strike involving 51,000 teachers, highlighting the closure of 2,500 schools and its impact on over 700,000 students. He discusses the underlying funding disputes between the Alberta Teacher's Association and the government, emphasizing the call for systemic change beyond just wage increases. Amato also explores public opinion, noting the split between urban and rural support, and details government initiatives to assist families during the strike.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, once known as the Governor of the Bank of Canada, is set to table his first federal budget next month.With a few weeks left until the November 4th reveal, Ottawa is now putting the final touches on who gets what for the upcoming fiscal year.But with a projected deficit of $68B, Carney and his business-focused background will be looking for ways to spend smart, leaving some sectors inevitably vulnerable to cuts.Host Mike Eppel speaks to Theo Argitis, Senior VP of Policy at the Business Council of Canada, who also co-chaired a consultation proposal that outlines five points towards a prosperous upcoming budget. They discuss what challenges are up ahead for the Carney government, and the ways in which Ottawa could set some firm fiscal guardrails to prioritize economic growth. 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

Democrats and Republicans are clashing south of the border, and it’s led to a government shutdown.The two parties are locked in a dispute over health care funding, but the standoff has also led to federal services being suspended, workers not getting paid, funding for “blue” states being cut, and a flurry of memes and AI videos that have been described as racist.Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with NBC News Senior Washington Editor Sarah Mimms about the cause of the shut down, the impact on Americans, how long this may last, and what problems this could cause for Canadian travelers and businesses. 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

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Loren Soeiro, a clinical psychologist specializing in loneliness and adult friendships, highlights the complexities of maintaining connections in today's world. They delve into how the pandemic has impacted our social skills and strained relationships. Dr. Soeiro shares insights on the practical barriers adults face in making new friends and discusses the differences between online and in-person interactions. With a focus on meaningful connections, he emphasizes the importance of evaluating friendships and setting boundaries on divisive topics.

Miriam Diamond, a University of Toronto professor specializing in environmental health, dives into the controversy surrounding TPO, the chemical found in gel nail polishes. She explains its potential reproductive risks highlighted by the EU's recent ban. The conversation shifts to Canada's contrasting risk-based regulation and the lack of proactive measures. Miriam discusses concerns for salon workers, the effectiveness of safety gear, and the influence of industry lobbying. She advocates for a more precautionary approach to chemical safety in Canada.

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