Today, the federal Conservatives will table a non-confidence motion, and if the Liberal government cannot defeat it, Canada will be headed to the polls. CPC leader Pierre Poilievre has vowed to take every opportunity he can to force an election, and this is his first chance to do that.The Bloc Quebecois and the NDP have said they will not bring down Trudeau's Liberals...this time. But without the promise of the NDP's support, this is likely to be the first of several such votes. Are we headed for a fall full of confidence votes and partisan bickering? How long might this go on before an inevitable election?GUEST: Glen McGregor, Parliament Hill journalist, CityNews 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

It began during the pandemic with good intentions--give more to service workers, support local businesses and 'we're all in this together'. But somehow, four-plus years later we're seeing 25% suggested tips on services you would have never expected you'd be tipping on—at a gas station, for instance, or maybe a yarn store.A new proposal from Quebec's provincial government won't stop that, but it is the first sign that perhaps governments are recognizing what polling is telling them: That tips are everywhere, the ways businesses use them are opaque and confusing and that people wish something could be done...GUEST: Corey Mintz, food reporter, consultant, author of The Next Supper 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

For decades we've known that one day a masssive earthquake would hit the fault off of Canada's west coast—and after new research last year was published this summer, we now know so much more.What we can now determine is what that quake will look like. How much shaking, and for how long? How high will the tsunami be? How far inland will it go? Where will the quake strike first and how much force will it contain? All of this information will help us prepare both our infrastructure and our citizens for when the day comes—but we still don't know when that day will be...GUEST: John Cassidy, Senior Research Scientist with Natural Resources Canada; Professor at the University of Victoria 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 weekend, we're revisiting an episode from earlier in the year.We hope you enjoy!-------------------------------------------There's simply never been a Canadian sex survey that's comprehensive, scientific and intimate all at once. For decades we've relied on data from the United States, unscientific surveys thrown together by brands around Valentine's Day or specific looks at one narrow aspect of sexuality—such as contraception or monogamy.In her new book released today, Sex in Canada: The Who, Why, When, and How of Getting Down Up North, McMaster University sociology professor Tina Fetner examines every aspect of how we do it, who we do it with, how often and ... if it's good. As well as everything else you always wondered about your neighbours in the bedroom...GUEST: Tina Fetner, professor, McMaster University 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 episode first aired on September 19, 2024 over at In This Economy?!, our sister show at the Frequency Podcast Network. The show helps Canadians understand the systems behind their money problems so they can make informed decisions about their personal finances. If you like what you hear, please consider giving us a follow! It's been quite a long (and expensive!) journey, but the latest numbers show that the inflation rate in Canada has finally fallen to the Bank of Canada's "target rate" for the first time in more than three years. So does that mean all our troubles are over? Why is two percent the ideal target for the BoC? And what does this data tell us about the economy we'll be living in for the next several months? GUEST: Mike Eppel, 680 News Sr. Business Editor 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 is a province with a long and strange history of alcohol regulation. But when Ontario premier Doug Ford announced plans to allow convenience stores to sell beer, wine and coolers beginning in September, it seemed like a modest step—one in keeping with similar provinces and states which have long allowed this.However, this being Ontario and alcoholic beverages, it is not that simple. The move has cost the government hundreds of millions of dollars, sparked a discussion about the availability of intoxicants, incited outrage from various advocacy groups and has lived up to Ontario's reputation as a province who cannot simply be normal about its booze.GUEST: Matt Gurney, journalist, commentator and co-founder of The Line 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

An Ohio town erupts in chaos due to racist bomb threats. Immigrants are unfairly targeted in political games. Women face dire consequences without reproductive care access. In a surprising twist, cat memes dominate political discourse, even becoming metaphors in debates. Rumors swirl about Haitian immigrants and pets, showcasing the bizarre intersection of internet culture and politics. Amid election anxiety, humor emerges through these memes, providing a strange comfort in turbulent times.

In a gripping exploration of systemic issues, the podcast sheds light on the recent deaths of six Indigenous individuals in police encounters across Canada. It highlights the urgent need for reform and thoughtful community responses to these tragedies. Personal stories emphasize the impact on families and the community's grief, while advocates discuss the potential for non-police interventions. The dialogue also delves into grassroots efforts and the complex relationship between Indigenous communities and law enforcement, underscoring a mix of hope and skepticism for meaningful change.

A chilling terror plot was foiled just days before September 11, involving a Pakistani suspect planning an attack in New York. The investigation raises questions about surveillance tactics and the fine line between security and privacy. The psychological factors driving radicalization are explored, shedding light on the motivations behind such plots. As anti-Semitism rises in Canada, discussions on immigration policies and security concerns highlight the complexities of ensuring national safety while respecting individual rights.

Ben Spurr, the City Hall Bureau Chief at the Toronto Star, dives into an electrifying city council by-election in Don Valley West. He discusses the riveting competition, featuring a conservative pundit eyeing a mayoral comeback and three liberal candidates vying for attention. The stakes are raised with potential vote splitting, high-profile endorsements, and unexpected alliances, as former leaders influence behind the scenes. This by-election promises to be anything but dull, redefining the typical low-turnout narrative.