The Big Story

Exploring the complexities of seeking justice and accountability within law enforcement after two heartbreaking events in Toronto. Delving into the implications of adjusting police response tactics, the risks of officers working in plain clothes, and the need for clear identification markers to prevent suspicions. Discussing the tragic incidents of police pursuits, prompting a discussion on public response, policy reviews, and maintaining public trust in police-public relations.

Exploring the first criminal trial of a former US president, focusing on Donald Trump's trial for falsifying business records. The significance of the trial compared to everyday courthouse proceedings. Legal repercussions for violating a gag order and potential jail time. Contrasting courtroom behavior and speculating on Trump's fate if convicted.

Protests at Columbia University spark nationwide solidarity strikes. Students risk academic careers for Palestinian rights amid media misinterpretations. Police intervention fuels protests from Texas to Quebec. Guest Justin Ling explores campus activism and crackdowns.

Iconic Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau's legacy is tarnished by a massive art fraud ring selling fake paintings. The podcast delves into the depths of the scheme, uncovering over a thousand forgeries and the exploitative practices behind them. The challenges faced by Canadian and Indigenous artists in combating art fraud are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of verifying authenticity before purchasing.

Exploring Ontario's Greenbelt scandal involving Premier Doug Ford's ties with developers, a controversial Stagando party, media scrutiny, ethics evaluation, and challenges in accessing the premier. Uncovering suspicions of misconduct, Las Vegas trip involvements, potential police investigation, and insights from former auditor general Bonnie Lissick.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discusses the climate crisis, electric vehicles, and government efforts to combat climate change. They explore transitioning towards clean tech, balancing economic growth with environmental concerns, and shaping the future of electric vehicles in Canada. The conversation also delves into public perception on climate policies, the carbon tax, and the role of podcasts in fostering political dialogue.

Recently the department of defence announced a plan to pour billions of dollars into Northern security. And there's no doubt that in a changing world the Arctic region has become more important, for Canada and our allies, as well as for our adversaries.But what does 'security' or sovereignty even mean when we're discussing a huge swath of land, sparsely populated and lacking the infrastructure to change that? What does the DoD plan to use that money for, exactly? And how will it work with the Indigenous people who live in the region?GUEST: Andrea Charron, professor and the Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at the University of Manitoba. 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

Most of us had a virtual health care appointment sometime during the pandemic. Those of us that didn't have almost certainly encountered virtual care of some form or another—whether that's a follow-up phone call from your doctor, or post-surgery instructions emailed to you.As we enter the post-pandemic era, there is a push in some quarters for more virtual care—it can improve access, speed things up and give people more control over their own care and medical records. But will it also simply create more visits, encourage unnecessary appointments and further burden an overtaxed system? There's a line we need to walk here—can we do it?GUEST: Dr. Tara Kiran, Fidani Chair in Improvement and Innovation at the University of Toronto; family doctor and scientist at St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto. Researcher for OurCare report on primary care 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

Exploring the rising wildfire danger and the impact of intense wildfires, focusing on the Fort McMurray fire. Discussing challenges in building resilient communities and adapting to a new reality of increasing fire risks in Western Canada. Will society evolve strategies to combat the devastating effects of wildfires as they get bigger?

Exploring the controversial decision to open parts of Ontario's Greenbelt for development, the history and challenges of preserving the Greenbelt, controversies surrounding land selection and developer influence, uncovering land ownership and government ties, unveiling the Greenbelt controversy in King City, and the investigative response to the Green Belt changes reversal in Ontario.