The Big Five Podcast

Raphaël Melançon, political analyst and founder of Trafalgar Strategies, joins Jonathan Kalles, former advisor to Prime Minister Trudeau. They discuss Canada's upcoming recognition of Palestine and the conditions tied to it. The conversation dives into the political implications for both international relations and domestic politics, especially regarding trade with the U.S. The podcast also examines the constitutional court ruling on Ontario's controversial bike lane removal plan, shedding light on the intersection of provincial authority and public interests.

Join Akil Alleyne, a seasoned reporter and commentator on legal and social issues, and Anne Lagace-Dowson, a sharp political analyst, as they dive into Montreal's growing reliance on private security due to rising crime rates. They discuss the implications of wealth disparities affecting community safety and tackle the alarming situation of nearly 600 foreign nationals with criminal records eluding deportation. The conversation also highlights the complexities of urban governance, illustrated by a recent historic building fire in the city.

Elias Makos chats with Meeker Guerrier, a sharp commentator at Noovo and RDS, and high school teacher Catherine Hogan, about Corporate Canada's push for a full return to the office. They dissect the implications of Rogers' mandate for in-person work and the potential divide among employees. The conversation shifts to significant budget cuts impacting Women and Gender Equality Canada, raising concerns about ongoing challenges for women in the workforce. They also tackle the intersection of sports gambling with political campaigning, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations.

Dan Delmar, co-founder of TNKR Media and co-host of Inspiring Entrepreneurs Canada, joins Anthony Koch, former national spokesperson for Pierre Poilievre, to dive into Montreal's controversial fine against a church hosting a Christian concert. They explore the delicate balance of free speech and community values. The conversation also touches on Canada's housing initiative plans and growing tensions in public discourse, particularly around ideological divides and trade uncertainties with the U.S. Finally, they reflect on the quirky side of Just for Laughs Gags.

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.