The Big Story

Stuart Smyth, a professor in Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan, dives into the factors affecting grocery prices in Canada. He discusses how the depreciation of the Canadian dollar and U.S. trade policies have driven food inflation. Seasonal availability of produce could stabilize prices this summer, though challenges like tariffs and avian flu impact specific sectors. Smyth also questions outdated interprovincial trade barriers and their relevance to modern agricultural markets.

Sonia Aslam, a journalist with 1130 NewsRadio and CityNews Vancouver, provides insight into the heartbreaking events of the Lapu-Lapu Day festival tragedy. She discusses the impact of the attack on the Filipino community and highlights the victims, including a young girl. The conversation also addresses the pressing need for mental health reform, especially considering the alleged attacker's background. Lastly, Aslam emphasizes themes of unity and healing as the community comes together to support one another in their grief.

The Liberal minority government is now officially set.What's also now official is the deep dive into what went wrong into the campaigns of Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh, two party leaders who lost their seats on Monday night. Between the Doug Ford fight with Poilievre and the NDP losing official party status, there are many storylines to emerge from the election.Here to break it down with host Mark Day is Rob Snow, NewsRadio's national talk show host. 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

The latest election results in Canada reveal a surprising Liberal minority government. Pierre Poilievre faces potential defeat while NDP leader Jagmeet Singh steps down after losing his seat. The discussion dives into the dramatic twists of the campaign, highlighting the Conservative Party's decline and the emergence of Mark Carney's leadership. Voter sentiment shifts are explored, as listeners hear about the contrasting styles of Carney and Polyev amid a turbulent political landscape. This journey through election outcomes sets the stage for future political dynamics.

In this insightful discussion, Cormac McSweeney, NewsRadio's Parliament Hill Correspondent, delves into the critical dynamics leading up to Canada’s election. He reflects on the dramatic political shifts over the past year, especially the Liberals’ surprising resurgence. Topics include the rollercoaster of election night predictions and the potential impact of foreign interference. McSweeney also tackles the implications of scandals and the strategic maneuverings of key party leaders, making for a riveting exploration of Canadian politics.

Owning a small or medium sized business is never easy, and this year, it's been even more challenging. The small business sector is the country's largest employer and they're facing a ton of uncertainty from tariffs and the threat of higher inflation and a potential recession.Host Mike Eppel talks to Simon Gauldeault, Chief Economist and VP of Research for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business to get his take. 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

Emily Contois, an Associate Professor focused on food, body image, and health, sheds light on the alarming influence of the 'red pill' manosphere on young boys. She discusses how innocuous self-improvement content lures them into harmful incel culture. The conversation highlights the pressures of patriarchy on men, the lack of body positivity for them, and the impact of social media on male discontent. Contois emphasizes actionable strategies for building resilience and promoting tolerance against extreme ideologies, revealing a deeper understanding of modern gender dynamics.

Delve into the world of Canada's lesser-known political parties as they battle for attention in a crowded election landscape. Hear from leaders of the Animal Protection Party, Canadian Future Party, Communist Party, and Marijuana Party about their visions and challenges. Explore the intersection of voting rights and political funding, and get insights into the frustrations surrounding cannabis legalization. This conversation sheds light on how fringe parties aim to make their voices heard amidst the dominance of larger political players.

Elections Canada saw a record-breaking 2 million people cast their ballot on the first day of advanced voting for the federal election, resulting in a grand total of more than 7.3 million over the four day period. And as Canada enters the final stretch of campaigning in one of the most critical elections of our time, what can these preliminary numbers tell us about what's to come? Which party could benefit the most from those who vote early? And will we see this sort of momentum on April 28? Host Maria Kestane talks to John Beebe, Founder and Director of the Democratic Engagement Exchange for Toronto Metropolitan University about whose voice will be heard the most among these numbers and what it means for the future of Canada's civic engagement. 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

Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of breaking ground in the vatican and his attempts to modernize the Catholic church. Francis also left a lasting impact on Canada, with a 2022 trip to apologize for the church's role in the residential school system. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Emma Anderson, a professor of religious studies at the University of Ottawa, about the tenure of Francis, what comes next in the process to pick a new pope, and could a Canadian be in the running? 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