The Big Story

Canada's unemployment rate remained relatively stable for the month of April, sitting at 6.9%. But the rate for youth unemployment jumped to its highest figure in the past two decades excluding pandemic figures, now sitting at a little more than 15%. And as companies continue to strategize how to stay afloat among tariffs, more specifically, who they can get rid of and who they have to keep around, the term 'last hired, first hired' enters the chat. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Emily Durham, career coach and host of the Straight Shooter Recruiter podcast, on how to enter, move through, exit and gracefully re-enter the workforce in a time of bottom line uncertainty thanks to a global trade war. 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

You can’t always see it but plastic is everywhere. So much so – that it’s now in our rain and it’s there because of humans. It’s almost as worrisome as acid rain was in the 1970s – an issue that is no longer a major concern. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Benji Jones, Environmental Correspondent at Vox in New York, about how pervasive plastic has become – and what you can do to mitigate your exposure. 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

Tomorrow Prime Minister Mark Carney will be unveiling his first cabinet since receiving a minority mandate from voters 2 weeks ago. The decisions will not be easy, as Carney has to navigate regional representation, a leaner inner circle, and a trade war with the U.S. that hangs over every federal decision. So who stays and who may get promoted?Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is speaking about the delicate art of cabinet making with Marci Surkes, Chief Strategy Officer at The Compass Rose Group, and a former Executive Director of Policy and Cabinet Affairs to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 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

Punctuality – its definition and importance really depend on who you speak to. A recent study out of the UK shows a generational divide when it comes to tardiness and how it could be perceived by those around us. Host Melanie Ng speaks with peak performance coach and best-selling author, Hina Khan @coachwithhina, about a number of scenarios and why there is a sweet spot when it comes to how you show up both professionally and socially. 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

Héctor Acero Ferrer, a religious scholar at the Institute for Christian Studies, shares insights on the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff. He discusses the rapid voting process that led to his surprising election and its implications for the Church's future. The significance of his American identity is explored, highlighting potential shifts in the Church's response to contemporary issues. Ferrer also delves into the Pope's introductory remarks that resonate with marginalized communities, emphasizing a path toward justice and inclusion.

Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat and key player in negotiating historic trade deals like NAFTA, joins the discussion to unpack the recent meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Trump. They explore the tense moments over trade and sovereignty, and how Carney's visit signals a complex evolution in U.S.-Canada relations. Robertson highlights the importance of shoring up Canada's economy to face future challenges and the ongoing need for careful diplomatic navigation in reshaping trade agreements.

Andrew Barnsley, President of the Toronto Film School, discusses the potential fallout of proposed 100% tariffs on foreign film production suggested by the U.S. President. He reflects on how this could jeopardize Canada's thriving film industry, especially in major hubs like Toronto and Vancouver. The conversation dives into the resilience of Canadian storytellers and the urgent need for local support. Barnsley also contrasts these tariffs with successful tax credits in Hollywood, highlighting the differing strategies faced by filmmakers amid growing global competition.

Jon Allen, former Canadian Ambassador and diplomat, shares insights on Prime Minister Mark Carney's pivotal meeting with President Trump. He discusses the significance of addressing tariffs and trade while managing a relationship amid political tensions. Allen analyzes how Carney should navigate Trump’s controversial comments about Canada possibly becoming the '51st state.' The conversation highlights the importance of diplomacy, the role of Mexico in trade discussions, and the complexities of negotiating military and economic agreements in North America.

Veteran conservative strategists Neil Brodie and Jordan Paquet dissect the aftermath of Pierre Poilievre's election loss and its implications for the Conservative Party. They discuss potential leadership challenges and the party's push for stability as internal dynamics shift. The duo reflects on historical leadership transitions, highlighting past successes and failures while emphasizing the need for a more moderate strategy in response to federal and provincial tensions. Insightful and candid, this discussion offers a glimpse into the Conservatives' future.

Dawn Desjardins, Chief Economist at Deloitte Canada, specializes in economic forecasting and analyzing trends. She discusses potential recession risks in Canada following recent elections and the impact of trade tensions. Dawn highlights how consumer anxiety and trade deficits are slowing down growth in critical sectors. She also explores the challenges faced by industries like steel and aluminum in an uncertain economy, emphasizing the importance of navigating interest rates amidst inflation concerns.