The Big Five Podcast

Join Paul Gott, lead singer of punk rock band the Ripcordz and journalism professor, alongside Justine McIntyre, strategic consultant and former Montreal city councillor. They delve into the Quebec Liberal leadership race, assessing Charles Milliard's unique outsider status and potential hurdles. The duo discusses the frustratingly long wait times for Info-Santé (811) and the urgent need for healthcare reform. They explore the prospects of using AI in triaging symptoms and share insights on public sentiment towards the upcoming year.

Dan Delmar, co-founder of TNKR Media and political commentator, joins Sterling Downey, Verdun city councillor, to discuss pressing political topics. They dive into the implications of a leaked CBS segment aired by Global and debate the motivations behind its withdrawal. With Mark Wiseman named Canada’s new ambassador, they analyze his qualifications amidst Quebec's dairy controversy. The discussion also touches on Alberta's groundbreaking referendum on separation, weighing the risks and regional sentiments. Their insights promise to inform and engage!

Join Jimmy Zoubris, a Montreal businessman and political activist, alongside Andrew Cadell, a columnist and linguistic policy expert, as they dive into Pierre Poilievre's readiness to unite in a No campaign if a Quebec referendum arises. They dissect the delicate balancing act Poilievre faces between Quebec nationalists and Alberta separatists. A stunning study reveals that AI chatbots can sway voter opinions, raising concerns about microtargeting and influence in politics. Plus, hear about Montreal's bike lane debates and political strategies that attract younger voters.

Paul Gott, lead singer of Montreal's punk band The Ripcordz and journalism professor, joins Akil Alleyne, a seasoned reporter and political analyst. They tackle the resignation of Quebec's Health Minister and the implications for public health, discussing the growing disconnect between rising healthcare spending and deteriorating outcomes. The duo also explores the surprising trend of Quebecers buying less alcohol at higher prices, attributing it to changing drinking habits among younger generations and evolving societal attitudes. Finally, they delve into traffic enforcement innovations, evaluating new technologies aimed at improving road safety.

Elias Makos is joined by Caroline Codsi, Founder & Chief Equity Officer, Women in Governance, and Sue Smith is a Montreal journalist and broadcaster. With Pablo Rodriguez out as leader, rumours are already swirling surrounding who will replace him.  Three thousand dollars worth of food was stolen from a Metro grocery store on Monday in the Plateau. A group called Robins des ruelles says they are the ones responsible for the theft and posted an image of some of the stolen goods underneath a Christmas Tree in Parc Valois. Montreal is making it easier to live in tents along Notre-Dame Street. According to La Presse, the city will install trailers in the area starting early next year, allowing homeless people living in tents to keep warm and access basic amenities.  Hockey Canada and Curling Canada say they have no plans to follow Skate Canada’s lead when it comes to future events in Alberta. 

Elias Makos is joined by Meeker Guerrier, Commentator at Noovo and RDS, and Justine McIntyre, Strategic consultant and former city councillor. Quebec Liberal Party Leader Pablo Rodriguez steps down Canada’s national figure skating body is blacklisting Alberta — saying the province is off-limits for major competitions because of its new law on transgender athletes. Laval wants to abandon its municipal policy on public art.

On this Tuesday edition of the BIG 5, Elias is joined by Neil Drabkin, is a lawyer who served as federal prosecutor and a political commentator who was a chief of staff in the Harper government and Dan Delmar, Co-founder of the content marketing firm TNKR Media and co-host of the podcast Inspiring Entrepreneurs Canada. Another morning, another very bad Journal de Montreal front page for Pablo Rodriguez. The paper reports on a fundraiser held for Rodriguez in April, where up to 20 people received envelopes of $500 cash in exchange for their campaign contributions. The Bondi Beach attack has many Jewish Canadians questioning their safety here in Canada. Many are pointing out the parallels between Australia and Canada when it comes to antisemitic events of the last few years. Let’s head to Ontario, where the Ford government is pitching a big new vision for Niagara Falls — one it’s calling the “Vegas of the North.”

Elias Makos starts off the week with Jimmy Zoubris, Montreal businessman, longtime activist and former special advisor to Valerie Plante, and Jonathan Kalles, Vice President at McMillan Vantage, a national public affairs firm, and former advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Fifteen people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed in a shooting targeting the country's Jewish community at a Hanukkah event on Sydney's Bondi Beach over the weekend. In response, Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada has asked police to increase security after the attack, and the SPVM say they will remain on heightened alert. A group of language experts says the federal government is sending the wrong signal by slipping into British spelling in official documents — including the 2025 budget. In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, they argue that if Canada wants to project confidence and identity, it should start by using its own English on the page. Snow removal operations for the first big snow dump of the year are wrapping up, and one thing has become clear under the new administration: Bike paths are not the priority anymore. The city going so far as to ask cyclists to abandon their bikes and take public transit.

Join best-selling author and comedian Lea Streliski, along with commentator Meeker Guerrier, as they dive into the heated call for Pablo Rodriguez’s resignation from the Quebec Liberal Party. They analyze the recent agreement between family doctors and the Quebec government, criticizing the shift from penalties to incentives. The discussion also covers the controversial new French-language quotas for digital platforms and the implications of MP Michael Ma's party switch. Expect lively debates filled with cultural insights and political commentary!

Elias Makos welcomes back Graham Singh, Pastor at St-Jax Church, and Sue Smith is a Montreal journalist and broadcaster. The breaking news this morning - a tentative deal between Quebec’s GPs and the government. Are breathing a sigh of relief? Quebec’s anti-corruption squad, UPAC, has announced that it will open a criminal investigation into the Quebec Liberal Party. Radio-Canada reports that the campaign headquarters for Rodriguez’ leadership run were in an office belonging to his wife. Residents in the Milton-Parc area want a homeless shelter removed from the area.  The federal government’s new anti-hate speech law is making its way through parliamentary committees