The Big Five Podcast

Elias Makos welcomes in Political analyst Karim Boulos and Raphaël Melançon, a political analyst for Noovo and CTV Montreal News at 5. He is also the president and founder of Trafalgar Strategies. Premier Francois Legault is meeting with his caucus this morning after a stinging defeat in the Arthabaska byelection. The owner of the Burgundy Lion says he won’t change the name of his pub. Toby Lyle says his business in Little Burgundy is the Office de la langue Francais’ (OQLF) latest target- and he’s fighting back. A 31-year-old man who was sentenced to prison last year for killing a Montreal teenager while speeding down a highway has been granted parole.

Elias Makos is joined by Catherine Hogan, high school teacher at Westwood Senior High in Hudson, and Lionel Perez, Former city councillor and leader of the opposition at Montreal hall, and Founder CEO of CorpCentre, an online legal filings service for small businesses. Following his party’s brutal performance in Monday’s Arthabasca byelection, François Legault is going to try to revitalize the CAQ… and that effort started on Tuesday with some listening. The Premier literally took to the streets of Quebec City to chat with monsieur et madame Tout-le-Monde. Canada’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson holds dual Canada-U.S. citizenship and sees “no reason” to give up his American citizenship “at this time.” The borough of Saint-Laurent is asking citizens to submit items for a time capsule. The capsule will be sealed and opened in time for the borough’s 150th anniversary in 2043.  Are we trusting AI too much? One man was poisoned after following ChatGPT medical directives.

Elias was joined on the Big 5 by Jimmy Zoubris, special advisor to the Mayor & Christina Chough, the Chair of the modern languages department at Dawson College. Among the topics discussed were The PQ steamroller continues. The party racked up its third by-election victory in a row last night, with Alex Boissonneault taking Arthabasca.  Who doesn’t have Air Conditioning right now? In the midst of a grueling heat wave, Montreal is sharing online how they are coping.  The leader of Ensemble Montreal Soraya Martinez Ferrada isn’t impressed with Montreal's bike lanes Donald Trump is sending the National Guard to Washington D.C.

Elias Makos kicks off the week with Dan Delmar, Co-founder of the content marketing firm TNKR Media and co-host of the podcast Inspiring Entrepreneurs Canada, and Akil Alleyne, Reporter and commentator with extensive experience analysing legal, political, and social issues and Manager of the GemStar Circle of Excellence Scholarship Program. Montreal police are investigating after an Orthodox Jewish man was assaulted in Parc-Ex on Friday. Somewhat big day in Quebec politics as voters go to the polls in the Arthabasca byelection. Polls show the PM has a 28 point lead ahead of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre when it comes to preferred Prime Minister. You've got no mail: AOL will close down its dial-up internet service on September 30. What does the dial-up internet sound mean to you?

Join Anthony Koch, a former national spokesperson for Pierre Poilievre, and Justine McIntyre, a strategic consultant and ex-city councillor, as they dive into the shifting sentiments of young Quebecers leaning towards sovereignty—56% of those aged 18-34 support independence! They also discuss the challenges of political accountability in light of protests and how loyalty reward programs can be frustrating for consumers. Plus, an amazing 18-year-old tennis player, Victoria Mboko, steals the spotlight with her incredible victory over a Grand Slam champion!

Join Meeker Guerrier, a commentator at Noovo and RDS, and Caroline Codsi, Founder & Chief Equity Officer at Women in Governance, as they dive into the pressing issues of race in sentencing and advertising ethics. They discuss Quebec's provocative stance on systemic racism in judicial decisions and explore the controversy surrounding Zara's banned ads for promoting unhealthy body images. The conversation goes beyond the legal realm to examine beauty standards shaped by advertising and the implications of recent loyalty program changes for travelers.

Andrew Caddell, a Kamouraska town councillor and expert on linguistic policy, joins Paul Gott, lead singer of punk band The Ripcordz and journalism professor, for a lively discussion. They tackle Canada’s struggle in the trade war with the U.S., highlighting failed diplomatic efforts and the shift towards Mexico for support. The duo also digs into the controversial Online News Act and its implications for media in Canada, as well as local debates over an eye-catching art installation in Montreal that’s divided public opinion.

Join political analyst Karim Boulos, and media consultant Bonnie Feigenbaum, as they tackle Montreal's rising trash crisis, revealing over 8,000 new complaints in just one year. They discuss the urgent need for better waste management and community involvement. The conversation also dives into the contentious Bill 89, which restricts workers' strike rights, sparking debate between public service demands and labor rights. Additionally, they address ethical concerns surrounding illegal border crossings, stressing the importance of a balanced approach to immigration.

Neil Drabkin, a lawyer and former political chief of staff, joins Jimmy Zoubris, a special advisor to the mayor of Montreal. They dive into concerns about Quebec's healthcare system, with more doctors leaving the public sector despite recent reforms. The conversation shifts to Canada Post, addressing union contract rejections and the prospect of privatization as a potential remedy for its financial woes. They also tackle the darker side of cryptocurrency, exploring the alarming rise in related crimes and the necessity for regulation to ensure safety.

Elias Makos ends the week with Justine McIntyre, Strategic consultant and former city councillor, and Christina Chough (C-H-O), Spanish teacher and Chair of the modern languages department at Dawson College. President Donald Trump has now increased tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 per cent from 25 per cent on all products not covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Technology, transit, healthcare - all things that Taiwan is seemingly getting right while we stare at a pile of orange cones. What can we learn from other cities? A battle is ongoing between the borough of Lasalle and one of its residents because of a mini pig.