The Big Story

Jim Stanford, an economist from the Centre for Future Work in Vancouver, offers a clear-eyed analysis of the potential U.S.-Canada trade showdown. He debunks myths around the supposed trade imbalance, illustrating that the countries engage in about a trillion dollars in trade annually. Stanford highlights the risks that proposed 25% tariffs pose not just to Canadian goods, but also to U.S. businesses that depend on them. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of both economies, especially in sectors like energy and automotive.

Barry McLoughlin, a crisis communications expert and President of TLC Transformational Leadership Consultants, analyzes Canadian leaders' responses to Trump's tariff threats. He discusses the varying tactics of Prime Minister Trudeau and Doug Ford, emphasizing Ford's active media engagement and strategies to address trade anxieties. McLoughlin highlights the leadership challenges in the face of U.S. relations and the economic implications of Alberta's oil exports. This conversation reveals the intricacies of navigating political alliances during a turbulent time.

Greg MacEachern, Principal of KAN Strategies and former insider in the Liberal Party, shares his insights on the upcoming Liberal leadership race. He discusses the hefty $350,000 entry fee and its implications on candidates. The conversation dives into the balance between seasoned politicians and fresh faces, weighing their potential to reshape perceptions. MacEachern highlights the strategic dynamics at play, especially as the party navigates low polling numbers and prepares for a pivotal announcement in March.

There are still more questions than answers after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation this week.That includes legislation involving your finances.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Jamie Golombek, Managing Director of Tax and Estate Planning with CIBC Private Wealth about how people should treat changes around capital gains and a proposed extension on charitable donations.  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

Has the first week of January felt like A LOT? You're not alone. There are so many things going on in this economy right now that could impact you. Host Mike Eppel is here to break down all the headlines that have made up this very busy news week including the Canadian dollar, the threat of tariffs and takeover and Meta abandoning fact-checkers.  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

Aliya Jasmine, a Canadian environmental journalist and founder of Earth Tones, shares a harrowing on-the-ground perspective of the destructive L.A. fires. She discusses the widespread devastation, with entire communities and celebrity homes lost to flames. Personal stories of evacuation highlight the emotional toll on residents. The conversation also addresses the struggle for recovery amidst misinformation and the complexities of insurance and governmental aid, while underscoring the larger implications of climate change fueling these disasters.

Chris Day, President of Winston Wilmont and former communications chief under the Harper government, dives into the surge of Pierre Poilievre's popularity. They discuss his authentic communication strategy and its effectiveness amidst political adversity. Day highlights the critical role of message discipline in boosting support and critiques the Liberal Party’s failure to counterattack effectively. The conversation also explores Poilievre's evolving leadership style and the shifts in voter priorities towards trust and governance in Canada.

In this discussion, Ian Lee, an Associate Professor from Carleton University's Sprott School of Business, dives into Donald Trump’s provocative claim about making Canada the 51st state. He examines the serious implications for Canada-U.S. relations, shedding light on the financial and diplomatic strains this rhetoric instigates. The talk highlights the staggering economic consequences of proposed tariffs on Canada and critiques the misconceptions around diversifying trade away from the U.S. A keen analysis of the political landscape points to the importance of cooperative dialogue.

Susan Smith, principal of Blue Sky Strategy Group, and Tim Powers, chair of Summa Strategies, unpack the intriguing shifts in Canadian politics following Trudeau's resignation. They discuss the urgent need for the Liberal Party to find a new leader amid uncertain public sentiment favoring Conservatives. The conversation dives into potential candidates, the implications of political instability for trade, and how the Liberals must reconnect with voters to prepare for the upcoming federal election. Expect insights from both liberal and conservative perspectives.

Bonus episodePrime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he will resign and has prorogued Parliament until March 24th. He will stay on as leader and Prime Minister until the Liberal Party has chosen a new leader. This sets the stage for a federal election in the  spring of this year.  What happens next? And what will Justin Trudeau’s legacy be?Host David Smith speaks with NewsRadio's Parliament Hill Bureau Chief Cormac MacSweeney on an historic day in Canadian politics. 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