The Big Story

The podcast dives into the escalating trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. as President Trump implements tariffs on Canadian goods. It discusses Canada’s strong retaliatory measures and a national call to support local businesses. Listeners learn about the economic ramifications, including projections of recession and rising unemployment caused by the tariffs. Provincial leaders share their responses, emphasizing the need to diversify trade relationships amidst growing consumer anxiety over prices and availability.

Samantha Reush, Executive Director of Apathy is Boring, sheds light on the alarming trend of declining youth voter turnout in Canada. She discusses how Gen Z appears disillusioned with democracy, citing a disconnect between online political chatter and actual voting. Reush emphasizes the need for modernized democratic institutions to regain their trust. The conversation unveils how social media influences political engagement, calling for effective strategies and safe spaces to encourage meaningful civic participation among young people.

Andrew Brander, a Conservative strategist and former advisor to Doug Ford, teams up with Lindsay Maskell, a Liberal strategist and ex-advisor to Dalton McGuinty. They dive into the strategic risks behind Ford's early election call in Ontario and its ties to U.S. trade concerns. The conversation explores campaign dynamics and the challenge of engaging voters amid personal attacks. They also discuss how electoral timing impacts the political landscape and share insights into the Liberal Party's strategies in this competitive environment.

In a captivating discussion, veteran pollster John Wright shares insights from his decades of experience in public opinion research. He delves into the evolution of polling methodologies, highlighting the shift from door-to-door surveys to digital platforms. John emphasizes the complexities of opinion polling, the necessity for diverse representation, and the impact of polls on voter perception. As election season heats up, he also explores the future of polling in a digital age, stressing its importance in fostering democratic engagement despite its challenges.

Graham Dobbs, a Senior Economist at the DAIS, Toronto Metropolitan University, dives into the whirlwind created by DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup causing significant stock market shifts. He discusses its potential to rival giants like OpenAI with cost-effective chatbot technology. Privacy concerns echo throughout the conversation, reminiscent of TikTok's data security issues. Dobbs also analyzes how this emerging competitor affects Canada's tech landscape and the broader implications for the global AI innovation race.

Greg MacEachern, a seasoned political strategist and former advisor to the Liberals, dives into the turbulent waters of the Liberal leadership race. He discusses the abrupt disqualification of Ottawa MP Chandra Arya and the opaque reasons behind it. The conversation touches on the 'Trump effect,' party endorsement strategies, and the potential impact of economic challenges. MacEachern also speculates on whether a new leader might prompt an early election, emphasizing the ongoing need for integrity and diverse perspectives in the political arena.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe, a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Molecular and Cellular Biology, unpacks the recent FDA ban on red dye No. 3 and its implications for human health. She dives into the contrasting safety assessments and public perceptions of synthetic dyes and advocates for natural alternatives. The conversation also highlights the complexities of regulatory research and the essential role of gut microbes, offering insights on mindful eating and the growing importance of understanding our food choices.

Royce Mendes, Managing Director and Head of MacroStrategy at Desjardins Capital Markets, shares his insights on interest rates amid economic uncertainty. He discusses the potential for the Bank of Canada to adjust rates and how rising rates affect households. The conversation dives into the interplay between tariffs, inflation, and monetary policy, emphasizing the necessity of fiscal stimulus. Mendes also highlights the challenges of maintaining economic stability as central banks navigate the impacts of global events.

Don Lenihan, CEO of Middle Ground Policy Research and AI columnist for National News Watch, dives into Donald Trump's ambitious plan to 'Make America First in AI' with a staggering $500 billion investment. They discuss how this initiative echoes historic projects like the Apollo program and its potential to reshape daily life. The conversation also explores the balance between innovation and regulation, the influence of AI on national security, and the geopolitical intricacies of Trump's economic nationalism, particularly in relation to Canada.

François-Philippe Champagne, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada, dives into the complex aftermath of the recent U.S. presidential inauguration. He discusses the Canadian government's strategies to tackle potential tariffs and the looming threat of becoming the '51st state.' The conversation explores the critical interdependence of U.S.-Canada trade and the urgency of adapting Canada’s electric vehicle initiatives amid shifting U.S. policies. Additionally, he addresses the ongoing liberal leadership race and its implications for responding to global challenges.