The Big Five Podcast

Elias Makos caps the week off with Justine McIntyre, Strategic consultant and former city councillor, and Andrew Caddell, a town councillor in Kamouraska, and President of the Task Force on Linguistic policy. Elections Canada confirmed that five ballots arrived late in Quebec’s Terrebonne riding due to an envelope with an incorrect postal code Quebec Premier François Legault says he’s open to new pipeline projects in light of Donald Trump’s tariff threats Despite saying he’ll lead the CAQ into the 2026 election, François Legault may be weighing whether to step down The “Original Sin,” which describes the behind-the-scenes mental and physical decline of Joe Biden

Elias Makos talks with Anthony Koch, former spokesperson for Pierre Poilievre, and Jonathan Kalles, former advisor to Justin Trudeau. They delve into the political turmoil surrounding Mark Carney, exploring how his ministers are complicating his plans. They discuss Quebec's staggering $14 billion deficit and the public's desire to tax the wealthy rather than cut services. The conversation also touches on the evolving definitions of wealth in tax debates and the repercussions of immigration policies in light of budget management ahead of elections.

Elias Makos chats with Dan Delmar, co-founder of TNKR Media and podcast host, alongside Montreal journalist Sue Smith. They dive into Mark Carney’s cabinet, debating if it welcomes fresh faces or preserves the old guard. The conversation touches on a shocking electoral recount in Terrebonne, revealing cracks in the process. They scrutinize escalating costs in healthcare modernization projects, which have inflated dramatically, and urge for better community ties to enhance support for aging populations.

Join Paul Gott, lead singer of the punk band Ripcordz and Concordia journalism professor, alongside Akil Alleyne, a seasoned reporter and commentator. They delve into the new cabinet unveiled by Prime Minister Carney, discussing the potential impact of fresh faces on governance. The conversation shifts to the disputed Terrebonne byelection, questioning electoral integrity. They then tackle the complex issue of graffiti, balancing its artistic merits with the challenges it poses in urban settings. A lively debate is sure to ensue!

Jimmy Zoubris, a special advisor to the Mayor of Montreal, teams up with Gabriel Retta, Chief of Staff to the Official Opposition, to tackle urgent issues in the city. They discuss the precarious future of Montreal's Formula 1 Grand Prix, spotlighting stalled negotiations and the need for enhancement amidst competition. The duo also delves into the controversy surrounding a mayoral candidate accused of violating housing regulations, exposing the clash between political integrity and the pressing housing crisis in Montreal.

Elias Makos ends the week with Sue Smith, a Montreal journalist and broadcaster, and Andrew Caddell, a town councillor in Kamouraska, and President of the Task Force on Linguistic policy. Yesterday in a historic and some say unexpected move, an American cardinal named Robert Francis Prevost, originally from Chicago has been elected pope A report in La Press this week that some new seniors’ homes were costing the Quebec government as much as $1.8 million dollars a unit, the Minister for Health and for Seniors The Quebec student cellphone ban walkout (strike?) is supposedly happening today

Elias Makos is joined by Caroline Codsi, Founder & Chief Equity Officer, Women in Governance, and Meeker Guerrier, Commentator at Noovo and RDS. A viral TikTok video is urging Quebec high school students to skip class this Friday in protest of a new government directive banning cellphones The Legault government is set to introduce a controversial bill aimed at making Quebec doctors more accountable for improving access to medical services Do we need to do more to restrict porn access, like the 20 U.S. states that require government ID verification, in this country? Clothing brand Garage is facing backlash over sexually suggestive products, including a t-shirt with the phrase “This top looks better wet.” Podcaster Joe Rogan says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre declined an invitation to appear on his podcast

Elias Makos is joined by Paul Gott, Lead singer and guitarist for Montreal Punk Rock band the Ripcordz and a journalism professor at Concordia, and Neil Drabkin is a lawyer who served as federal prosecutor and a political commentator who was a chief of staff in the Harper government. So Donald Trump did find out what Mark Carney wanted to talk about, after all. Both leaders met at the white house yesterday for the first time since the trade war began between Canada and the US.  Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is promising to listen and learn from his 2025 federal election loss, the same day his caucus opted to empower themselves to have the ability to remove their leader.  Bill 72, which amends the Consumer Protection act, comes into effect today. That means new rules for how the price of goods is displayed at the grocery store, especially when it comes to sales and points program pricing. It also means that when dining out, tips must be calculated before tax.

Dan Delmar, Co-founder of TNKR Media, and Justine McIntyre, a strategic consultant and former city councillor, dive into the fascinating dynamics of Mark Carney's upcoming meeting with Donald Trump, speculating on its negotiation challenges. They also discuss Alberta's push for a separation referendum, reflecting on provincial frustrations with federal policies. Additionally, the controversial police snitch line in Gatineau surfaces ethical debates as residents report non-Quebec license plates, highlighting tensions between local identity and government oversight.

Elias Makos kicks off the week with Akil Alleyne, Reporter and commentator with extensive experience analysing legal, political, and social issues and Manager of the GemStar Circle of Excellence Scholarship Program, and Jimmy Zoubris, special advisor to the Mayor. Prime Minister Mark Carney held his first press conference since winning the election on Friday afternoon, and it was filled with interesting moments.  In his weekend interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, the President said it’s “highly unlikely” the US would use military force to annex Canada, The main candidates for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party participated in the first two of six debates, including one in English