The Big Story

Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist and key voice in the COVID conversation, joins the discussion about the newly identified COVID variant NB.1.8.1, informally known as 'razor blade throat,' which has raised concerns due to its painful symptoms. He sheds light on vaccine effectiveness against this strain and offers insights into health risks associated with summer travel, including tropical infections. The conversation also addresses post-pandemic adaptations and the importance of vigilance against respiratory diseases.

Tom Lawson, former Chief of Defence Staff of Canada from 2012 to 2015, dives into the country's shifting defence strategy. He discusses the new military partnership with the EU as Canada aims to reduce U.S. reliance. Lawson addresses the ambitious goal of doubling military spending to 5% of GDP amidst NATO pressures. He examines the geopolitical implications of ongoing conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, shedding light on NATO’s evolving role and the need for collaboration among member states. Insightful perspectives on modernizing defense systems make for a compelling listen!

Dr. Lisa Patel, a pediatrician at Stanford Children’s Health and Executive Director for the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, dives into Canada's alarming wildfire season. She discusses how climate change fuels these disasters and highlights the hidden dangers of wildfire smoke, especially for children's health. Listeners learn about the urgent need for proactive measures and cleaner energy solutions to protect vulnerable populations. Patel also addresses the battle against misinformation in climate science, calling for public engagement to tackle these pressing issues.

Brad Callaghan, Associate Deputy Commissioner at the Competition Bureau of Canada, dives into ways to make flying more affordable for Canadians. He discusses a recent report indicating that loosening foreign ownership caps could bolster competition. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by Air Canada and WestJet's dominance and calls for reforms to enhance consumer choice. Callaghan also emphasizes the impact of airport exclusivity on competition and the need for legislative changes to help lower ticket prices across the nation.

Jordan Thomson, Director of Infrastructure Advisory at K-P-M-G Canada, dives into the pressing issue of housing affordability. He discusses the slow progress in home construction and the barriers such as skilled labor shortages and outdated regulations. Thomson highlights how innovative technologies, including AI and robotics, are poised to enhance productivity in the construction sector. He shares insights on smart supply chains and digital tools that could revolutionize project management and address the housing crisis more effectively.

Sonia Aslam, a journalist from 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver, shares her insights on the controversial Bill C-5 aimed at dismantling interprovincial trade barriers. She discusses the alarm raised by Indigenous and environmental groups regarding the rushed legislative process, emphasizing the need for their voices in decision-making. The conversation also touches on the tension between economic urgency and the rights of marginalized communities, revealing the complex landscape of Canadian trade and democracy as the deadline approaches.

Elliot Tepper, a distinguished senior fellow at Carleton University, delves into the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, tracing its roots back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He discusses the impact of Iran's nuclear ambitions and Israel's military responses. The conversation examines the complexities of U.S. involvement, potential geopolitical repercussions, and Canada's historical ties to the situation. Tepper highlights the challenges of regional stability amid rising tensions, providing a captivating glimpse into this critical global issue.

Nick Westoll, a CityNews journalist with extensive coverage of the Eglinton LRT project, shares an inside look at Toronto's troubled transit venture. He discusses the dramatic increase in costs from $5 billion to $13 billion and the impact on local businesses due to construction delays. The project has faced numerous hurdles, including a transition from above-ground to tunnel systems. Despite these setbacks, there's a glimmer of hope as critical testing phases progress, bringing the long-awaited transit line closer to its tentative launch.

Cormac McSweeney, Parliament Hill Bureau Chief, shares insider insights from the G7 Summit he covered in Alberta. He discusses the early departure of President Trump amidst tensions in the Middle East and the implications it had. The potential for a new trade deal between Canada and the U.S. is highlighted, stressing the urgency for stability. McSweeney also reflects on Prime Minister Mark Carney's performance and the controversial political discussions surrounding Russian involvement and human rights during the summit.

In this engaging conversation, Richard Shimooka, an expert in Canadian defense policy at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, discusses Canada’s ambitious plan to increase its defense budget to meet NATO’s 2% GDP target. He explains the historical context of Canada’s military underspending and the urgency driven by global security demands. The conversation dives into the complexities of defense procurement, challenges in military readiness, and the pressing security issues in Canada’s Arctic, particularly in light of climate change and geopolitical tensions.