The Big Story

Dr. Andrea Love, a PhD immunologist and microbiologist, founded immunologic.org to combat health misinformation. In a captivating discussion, she tackles the dangers of vaccine misinformation and the misconceptions surrounding fluoride and raw milk. Love emphasizes the need for evidence-based approaches to public health issues. She also critiques anti-science rhetoric and its impact on trust in health systems, while advocating for systemic reforms to improve overall wellness in the U.S. healthcare landscape. This enlightening conversation is a must-listen!

After more than 9 years leading the country, Justin Trudeau’s time in office is down to days. On Sunday the party will count the votes and announce a new Liberal leader, who will become the next Prime Minister when they are sworn in. Which of the four candidates will win, could there be a surprise finish, how will the transition of power work, and will this spark a snap federal election? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Greg MacEachern, a principal at KAN Strategies to find out. 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 word of the week: tariffs.In what's been a confusing back and forth whether or not the tariffs against Canadian goods were on, we learned there was a last minute reprieve on tariffs in the auto sector.The issue has been in the news headlines for months, and now that it's here, what is the fallout?An expert says this situation is definitely unusual – and it’s not over yet.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Joy Nott is Partner, National Tax, Trade and Customs at KPMG Canada. 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 a preventable crisis – that’s the message from many public health officials when describing the recent measles outbreaks in parts of Canada and the United States. The highly contagious viral infection was considered eliminated in 1998 in Canada and in 2000 in the U.S., but a number of factors have contributed to its recent resurgence.Host Melanie Ng speaks with Sabina Vohra-Miller, @unambiguousscience, a Doctor of Public Health candidate and expert in clinical pharmacology and toxicology, about the mis/disinformation surrounding vaccinations and why this could be just the beginning. 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 been months since the federal government announced a $1.3 billion border security package in response to the Trump tariff threat.But the President continues to attack Canada over what he claims is the flow of drugs and illegal immigration into the U.S., leading to the tariffs, which are now in effect. Is the government doing enough to address illegal activity at the border? How big is the actual problem? Host David Smith speaks with Christian Leuprecht, an expert on security and international crime and distinguished professor at the Royal Military College of Canada, about Canada’s border and what will happen next. 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

Mark Holland, Canada's Federal Health Minister and key figure in the national pharmacare plan, dives into the historic pharmacare deal signed with Manitoba. He discusses the expanded access to essential medications like contraceptives and diabetes treatments. With the looming threat of U.S. tariffs on drugs, he addresses the urgency of securing more provincial agreements before the federal election. Holland also sheds light on the potential impacts of trade tensions on Canadian healthcare access, highlighting the need for strategic cooperation.

Dr. Joss Reimer, President of the Canadian Medical Association, delves into the complex world of provincial doctor licensing in Canada. She highlights the bureaucratic hurdles that prevent seamless practice across regions, advocating for a unified national licensing system. Dr. Reimer discusses how such reforms could alleviate physician burnout and improve healthcare access, especially in underserved communities. She also touches on the pressing need to integrate internationally trained doctors and the potential benefits for patients and the healthcare system.

Dan Arnold, Chief Strategy Officer at Pollara and former pollster for the Prime Minister, shares his expertise on the unfolding Liberal leadership race. He analyzes the recent debates and their impact on voter support, noting a significant shift in favor of the Liberals. Arnold discusses strategies candidates are employing in these final days and dives into the importance of language and personal stories, especially in the Quebec context. He also touches on mobilization efforts and the complexities of voter turnout, preparing for the impending leadership decision.

Trevor Tombe, an economist from the University of Calgary, joins the discussion on the impending tariffs proposed by President Trump and their potential impact on Canada. He dives into how these tariffs could trigger a wave of economic repercussions, including job losses and rising consumer prices. Tombe also explains how the Canadian dollar might suffer in value amid this turmoil. The conversation highlights the intricate relationship between U.S. and Canadian economies, challenging common perceptions about trade deficits.

In this conversation, Julian Somers, a clinical psychologist and distinguished professor at Simon Fraser University, dives into B.C.'s troubled safer supply drug policy. He discusses the new requirement for supervised consumption due to rampant misuse, highlighting the ongoing overdose crisis. Somers critically examines the effectiveness of the safer supply model and urges a reevaluation of accountability in government policies. He also emphasizes the need for demand-focused strategies that address the root causes of addiction and supports recovery-oriented approaches.