The Big Story

This week, Caryn Ceolin chats with Sabina Vohra-Miller, a Doctor of Public Health candidate and founder of Unambiguous Science. They dive into President Trump’s alarming claim that Tylenol during pregnancy may cause autism, which contradicts decades of research. Sabina highlights the risks of dehumanizing messages telling pregnant people to 'tough it out' amidst fear and societal pressures. They explore the need for accurate medical guidance and advocacy in response to misleading narratives, urging individuals to consult trusted healthcare providers for personalized advice.

In this discussion, Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat and fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, delves into Canada's recent recognition of Palestinian statehood. He examines the impact on the two-state solution and questions the realistic criteria Canada has set, noting the challenges posed by both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Robertson argues that recognition could be more symbolic than influential, and he critiques the limits of UN effectiveness in peacekeeping. He also reflects on Canada's alignment with allies amidst complex U.S. relations.

In this captivating discussion, law professor Eugene Volokh, an expert in First Amendment law, dives into the implications of Jimmy Kimmel’s recent suspension from television. He explores whether this reflects a troubling trend towards government censorship and highlights instances of coercion during the Trump administration. Volokh clarifies that there’s no inherent exception for hate speech in U.S. law and questions why corporations often bow to government pressure. With Kimmel's return, he believes it signals a potential deterrent against future censorship.

Zaheera Soomar, a Toronto-based pro-Palestinian activist and member of the Global Sumud/Freedom Flotilla Movement, takes us on her daring mission to deliver aid to Gaza. From her boat in the Mediterranean, she shares the challenges faced by the flotilla, including previous interceptions and drone threats. Zaheera discusses her motivations rooted in South African solidarity and the intense training involved. She emphasizes the mission's goal of breaking the siege to establish a humanitarian corridor, highlighting her unwavering commitment to activism.

In this conversation, Randall Bartlett, Deputy Chief Economist at Desjardins Group, dissects the recent interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve. He explains the implications for household savings and rental supply, as well as the unique economic circumstances of both countries. The discussion also dives into recession risks, contrasting the mandates of the Fed and the Bank of Canada, and what the future may hold for the Canadian dollar and real estate market amidst these changes.

Jeremie Saunders, a Canadian actor and podcaster, shares his journey with cystic fibrosis and the transformative effects of the drug Trikafta. He discusses the challenges of adjusting to his changing body and nutrition needs post-treatment. The conversation dives into the emotional impact on body image within the CF community and the well-meaning yet triggering nature of compliments. Jeremie emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, therapy, and gratitude as tools for navigating life's ups and downs.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Bramley, Senior VP at Colliers Canada and workplace strategy expert, shares insights on transforming office spaces post-pandemic. She highlights how outdated office designs clash with modern work preferences, leading to employee pushback. Sarah emphasizes the importance of activity-based workspaces that foster collaboration and mentorship, rather than superficial perks. She also explores leasing trends and the appeal of high-quality amenities in enticing workers back to the office.

Robert Furtado, CEO of CourseCompare and creator of the Return on Education index, delves into the uncertainty surrounding post-secondary education in Canada. He shares insights from a recent survey revealing that nearly half of Gen Z feels confused about the value of a degree. Furtado discusses which programs yield the best financial returns and debunks common myths about degrees versus diplomas. They also explore how to adapt to a changing job landscape, including the importance of lifelong learning and skills that withstand AI advancements.

Tyler Meredith, a former economic advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chrystia Freeland, offers keen insights into the political landscape following Freeland's departure from cabinet. He discusses her new role as a special envoy to Ukraine and reflects on her legacy, including significant policies during her tenure. The conversation dives into the upcoming budget, set for November, which might carry a hefty deficit—potentially 2–3% of GDP. Meredith explains how the government plans to frame its borrowing as essential investment, all while navigating NATO commitments and operational efficiencies.

Fabian Lange, a Professor of Economics at McGill University, dives into the heated debate surrounding Canada's temporary foreign worker program amidst rising unemployment. He argues that foreign workers aren't the main culprits for job losses, especially among youth. Instead, broader economic factors like trade disputes play a significant role. Lange emphasizes the need for skill development to combat challenges in the job market and warns against drastic reforms to the program, highlighting its role in addressing labor shortages.