The Big Five Podcast

Neil Drabkin, a seasoned lawyer and political commentator, joins Justine McIntyre, former city councillor and strategic consultant, for a gripping discussion. They dive into the recent acquittal of the 2018 Canada world junior hockey team members, exploring its implications on hockey culture and accountability in sports. The conversation then shifts to potential public sector job cuts in Ottawa, with the duo analyzing how cost-saving measures could affect nearly 60,000 positions. Their insights reveal the complexities of these pressing societal issues.

Join Caroline Codsi, Founder and Chief Equity Officer at Women in Governance, and political analyst Karim Boulos as they dive into the intriguing world of federal employees and their Netflix habits. They tackle the recent $1.5 billion South Park deal that pokes fun at Trump, border tensions highlighted by a detainment incident, and the controversial pay of Hydro-Québec's CEO. They also discuss Uber's new safety feature for women, contrasting it against the backdrop of executive compensation. Expect a lively blend of politics, media, and social issues!

Join Paul Gott, the punk rock lead of Ripcordz and a Concordia journalism professor, along with Christina Chough, a passionate Spanish teacher from Dawson College. They delve into a recent poll revealing that many Canadians, including immigrants, feel overwhelmed by the current immigration influx. The conversation shifts to the alarming rise in opioid overdoses in Montreal, where paramedics face a crisis daily. They also reflect on former mayor Denis Coderre's departure from politics, sparking discussions on political legacies and societal challenges.

Andrew Caddell, a town councillor in Kamouraska and linguistic policy advocate, joins Justine McIntyre, a strategic consultant and former city councillor, to dive into the complexities of Canada-U.S. relations. They discuss how Canadians are perceived as 'nasty' by U.S. officials, impacting trade and tourism. The conversation also touches on the dramatic rise in candidates for a federal by-election in Alberta and the controversial one-day sentence for a Quebec woman involved with ISIS, raising significant questions about justice in terrorism.

Join Jonathan Kalles, a former advisor to PM Justin Trudeau, and Catherine Hogan, a high school teacher, as they tackle serious issues facing Quebec. They discuss a judge's controversial ruling on drunk driving sentences, questioning the effectiveness of current punishments. The duo also shines a light on rising crime and drug use in Montreal's neighborhoods, reflecting on community concerns and law enforcement's role. They dive into the accountability of the Quebec government over costly IT projects, sparking lively debate on urban challenges.

Karim Boulos, a political analyst and former city councillor, teams up with Neil Drabkin, a lawyer and political commentator with a rich background in government, to delve into current political matters. They discuss the plight of a St-Léonard barbershop owner targeted by Quebec's language watchdog, examining the broader implications of language laws on businesses. The conversation also touches on Craig Sauvé's mayoral ambitions and the need for change in Montreal governance, alongside the impact of lowering the voting age on youth political engagement.

Jonathan Kalles, a former advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Caroline Codsi, founder of Women in Governance, discuss Montreal's evolving political landscape with the candidacy of city councillor Craig Sauvé. They explore his progressive platform and the implications for local governance. The conversation delves into Canada’s new trade tariffs aimed at protecting domestic steel against Chinese competition. Additionally, they highlight a local QR scam warning from Montreal's parking agency, raising concerns about public trust and safety.

Akil Alleyne, a seasoned reporter and commentator, joins Anthony Koch, former spokesperson for Pierre Poilievre, for a thought-provoking discussion. They dive into Canada's delicate balancing act with China amidst U.S. tensions, weighing economic strategies against geopolitical risks. The conversation shifts to the implications of immigration status in criminal sentencing, questioning fairness in the judicial system. They also explore Quebec's contrasting policies on school cellphones and the rise of e-sports, igniting debates on education and societal trust.

Justine McIntyre, a strategic consultant and former city councillor, joins Paul Gott, lead singer of punk rock band the Ripcordz and a Concordia journalism professor. They discuss the emergence of a new political party in Montreal and its potential impact on the local elections. The conversation shifts to a controversial call for reduced immigration amidst current political tensions and housing concerns. The hosts also reflect on the complexities of Canadian sentiments towards U.S. politics, punctuated by a humorous take on shower habits.

Guests Jimmy Zoubris, a special advisor to the mayor of Montreal, and Gabriel Retta, Chief of Staff to the Official Opposition, dive into the charm and challenges of city versus country living. They discuss a recent storm's impact on Montreal’s infrastructure and the pressing need for improvements amid recurring flooding. The conversation also touches on the happiness disparity across Quebec municipalities, with Montreal surprisingly ranking low. Plus, they unpack a political controversy surrounding accountability and a notable resignation in local government.