The Big Five Podcast

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.

Elias Makos is joined by Caroline Codsi, founder & chief equity officer, Women in Governance and Sue Smith, a Montreal journalist and broadcaster on The Big 5. A new report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives warns that the Liberal government’s plan to save $13 billion annually by 2028–29 through “increased efficiency” would amount to a 24% cut in public service spending, mostly targeting non-defence departments. Residents in a Laval neighbourhood are raising concerns over a neighbour whose front yard has become a dumb site. The Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) has reversed its stance and now allows the use of the English word “Go” to cheer for sports teams, although it still prefers “Allez.

Neil Drabkin, a former federal prosecutor and political commentator, joins Andrew Caddell, Kamouraska town councillor and linguistic policy advocate, for a lively discussion. They reveal that over 17,500 people with criminal records have been granted entry into Canada, sparking debates on immigration and public safety. They also dive into the ongoing controversy surrounding Sir John A. Macdonald's decapitated statue, still awaiting restoration five years later, raising questions about how societies reconcile with complex historical legacies.

Elias Makos is joined by Dan Delmar, co-founder of the PR and content firm TNKR Media and Caryma Sa’d, lawyer sole practice and Journalist independent / freelancer based in Toronto on a National Edition of the Big 5. Happy Canada Day! This year certainly seems like a special one. Many would say that Donald Trump’s talk of annexing Canada has sparked a defensive nationalism. Let’s talk trade, shall we? Of course by now we all know that Canada caved to the Trump administration’s demand to ditch the Digital Services Tax on tech giants. Let’s talk trade, shall we? Of course by now we all know that Canada caved to the Trump administration’s demand to ditch the Digital Services Tax on tech giants.

Join political analyst Raphaël Melançon and Montreal's special advisor Jimmy Zoubris as they tackle whether Canada is yielding to Donald Trump or playing a cunning game of strategy. They dive into the unexpected class-action lawsuit against Tim Hortons over a misleading prize email, stirring discussions on corporate accountability. The duo also highlights a Quebec family's shift towards vegetarian meals, revealing its financial and environmental perks. Tune in for a mix of serious analysis and lighthearted insights!