The Big Five Podcast

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.

Joining the discussion are Meeker Guerrier, a seasoned commentator at Noovo and RDS, and political analyst Karim Boulos. They dive into the alarming 35% tariffs Donald Trump threatens to impose on Canada, dissecting the potential fallout. The pair shifts to Quebec’s wealth landscape, sparked by the Gazette's Rich List, unveiling stark economic disparities among the province’s billionaires. They also connect climate action debates to economic implications, exploring how public sentiment is shaped in turbulent political times.

Neil Drabkin, a former federal prosecutor and political commentator, joins the discussion with Montreal journalist Sue Smith. They delve into Montreal Public Health's concerns over a pilot project allowing late alcohol sales in convenience stores, highlighting potential health risks. The duo also tackles the backlash against Pizzeria Sofia in Brossard for charging customers for tap water, raising questions about value and consumer practices. Along the way, they touch on Quebec's immigration policies and their implications for family reunification.

Akil Alleyne, a legal and social issues commentator, joins Catherine Hogan, a dedicated high school teacher, to delve into pressing societal debates. They discuss the challenges faced by former Amazon workers in Quebec demanding unpaid severance as the boycott loses traction. The conversation shifts to alarming incidents within the Canadian military linked to radicalization. Additionally, they tackle a recent shooting of a pit bull by police, sparking debates on breed-specific legislation and community safety, along with opinions on banning fireworks and their environmental impact.

Justine McIntyre, a strategic consultant and former city councillor, teams up with Raphaël Melançon, a political analyst for Noovo and CTV Montreal News, to delve into Canada's looming budget cuts and potential tax hikes. They analyze the government's push for savings amidst rising deficits and discuss implications for federal services. The conversation takes a somber turn with stories of Canadians detained by ICE, exploring the complexities of immigration challenges and their impact on personal freedom and perceptions of Canada abroad.

Elias Makos chats with Christina Chough, Chair of the Modern Languages Department at Dawson College, and Paul Gott, lead singer of the punk band Ripcordz and a journalism professor at Concordia. They discuss the potential GST hike to address Canada's deficit, debating its long-term effects on affordability. A recent Quebec road rage case sparks conversation about judicial fairness and the role of personal circumstances in legal decisions. The trio also touches on the need for secularism in education, advocating for diversity and open dialogue.

Join Akil Alleyne, a seasoned reporter and commentator, alongside Anthony Koch, former national spokesperson for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. They dive into the growing Canadian sentiment of feeling unwelcome in the U.S., especially around July 4th. The conversation shifts to the implications of health taxes on sugary drinks and tobacco, exploring their effectiveness. Recent gambling scandals shake Major League Baseball, raising questions about integrity in sports. Plus, a Montreal woman’s lottery win sparks debate on choosing weekly payments versus a lump sum.