The Big Story

Dr. Randa Slim, Director of the Conflict Resolution and Track II Dialogues Program at the Middle East Institute, discusses the alarming escalation of conflict in the Middle East. With Israel's invasion of Lebanon and Iran’s missile strikes, the situation is dire. They explore the historical ties between Iran and Hezbollah, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the risks of a broader regional war. Slim emphasizes the urgent need for de-escalation strategies and reflects on the potential consequences of military actions on civilians and international relations.

The US Department of Justice is probing software that allegedly allows landlords to fix rental prices, raising concerns about digital price fixing. Insights from a corporate landlord's confession reveal this tactic is not just American but spreading in Canada too. The discussion dives into the mechanics of how algorithms impact rental prices and the lack of transparency in their use. It emphasizes the need for public debate on AI's role in economics and highlights the potential for government intervention to protect tenants.

This discussion assesses Canada's progress on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action, revealing disappointing stagnation over the past two years. Experts express frustration with the government's shift toward economic reconciliation while genuine systemic changes remain unaddressed. The importance of authentic organizational apologies, particularly in healthcare, is highlighted. The role of citizens in influencing Indigenous rights and the potential impact of upcoming elections on reconciliation efforts are also explored. Challenges like boil water advisories emphasize the need for continuous, informed advocacy.

Discover how Saskatchewan became an unlikely hub for psychedelic research in the 1950s. Unearth the groundbreaking experiments at the Weyburn Mental Hospital, where doctors delved into altered states for therapeutic purposes. Explore the promising use of psychedelics like LSD in addiction recovery, offering transformative insights. Delve into the cultural and economic factors that led to their criminalization and the recent renaissance in mental health treatment. It's a captivating journey through the evolving landscape of psychedelics and psychiatry.

This episode first aired on September 26, 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! The federal government has announced changes to mortgage amortizations and insurance rules, calling them “the most significant mortgage reforms in decades.”  But what do these changes really mean for new home buyers? And existing ones? Will they help with the affordability crisis, or focus more on accessibility? GUEST: Angela Calla, accredited mortgage professional and author of 'The Mortgage Code' 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's one of the most iconic photographic portraits in world history—and it hangs in one of the most famous buildings in the Canadian capital. At least it did, until it was stolen...The story of The Roaring Lion theft involves international intrigue, world history, careful detective work and one of this country's most renowned artists. But most of all, it's a riveting heist tale that spans from Canada to Europe, and who doesn't love one of those?GUEST: Brett Popplewell, author, reporter, associate professor; writing in The Walrus 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

Discover the intriguing world of government consulting, spotlighting the tensions between McKinsey and its fossil fuel clients. Delve into the hefty contracts awarded for the controversial Trans Mountain pipeline project and the transparency issues surrounding them. Explore the confusing overlaps between clean energy advice and oil dependence. The discussion raises pressing questions about the effectiveness and accountability of government spending in the face of significant budget overruns and potential conflicts of interest.

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