The Agenda with Steve Paikin (Audio)

Online betting now brings in major revenue for the province, but experts warn that the financial upside may come with mounting public-health costs. A similar tension shows up in new data on alcohol use: fewer Ontarians are drinking, yet binge drinking rates remain stubbornly high. What explains the disconnect, and what responsibility does government have when it profits from addictive products? We speak with addiction researchers Andrew Kim and Dominique Morisano.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal Liberals are pitching big, costly bets such as nuclear power, critical minerals, and high-speed rail as central to Canada's economic future, raising questions about who pays and whether pension funds should help finance projects tied to economic sovereignty. Matthew Mendelsohn and Keith Ambachtsheer examine the risks and rewards of tapping pension capital. Then, economist Kaylie Tiessen looks critically at the surge in "Buy Canadian" policies and whether they actually deliver on their economic promises.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario and the federal government are rolling out new housing measures, including HST rebates on new homes and billions in infrastructure funding to cut development charges. Will these moves actually bring down prices and speed up construction, or are deeper structural fixes still missing?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Rae reflects on the legacy of Stephen Lewis, one of Canada’s most influential public figures and international advocates. Drawing on decades of public life and personal experience, Rae discusses Lewis’s impact on politics, diplomacy, and social justice, and what his work continues to mean for Canada today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, the Ford government gave itself new powers to create "special economic zones," promising faster development and fewer regulatory hurdles. Those powers are now being tested at Billy Bishop Airport, where the province is considering expropriating Toronto's stake, overriding a decades-old governance agreement, and declaring the site a special economic zone to accelerate plans for jets. To probe what this shift means for economic growth, democratic oversight, and environmental risk, we're joined by Pedro Antunes of Signal49 Research, University of Toronto professor Jessica Green, and Ontario Chamber of Commerce CEO Daniel Tisch.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario's 2026 budget and a proposed overhaul of freedom-of-information laws have dominated headlines, but critics warn some of the most significant changes are escaping scrutiny. As the Ford government moves to rewrite access-to-information rules and quietly advance key budget measures, transparency advocates and political observers ask what is being overlooked, and why it matters. We're joined by The Trillium's Jessica Smith Cross, Transparency International Canada's Salvator Cusimano, and TVO Today columnist and #onpoli co-host John Michael McGrath.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the federal government’s gun buyback program faces growing criticism, questions remain about whether it will meaningfully improve public safety, or miss the forces driving gun violence in the first place. From the legal challenges surrounding firearms policy, examined by lawyer Edward Burlew, to decades of crime-prevention research outlined by University of Ottawa professor emeritus Irvin Waller, the debate extends well beyond legislation. It also intersects with lived realities on the ground, highlighted by a November 2024 shooting at a Toronto recording studio linked to rival gangs. Drawing on insights from youth advocate David Mitchell and music producer and business owner Shakkir Brown, this conversation looks at how policy, community, and culture collide, and what real change might actually require.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario says its Primary Care Action Plan is working and promises universal access by 2029. But with many still without a family doctor and a deadline to publicly fund medically necessary care from nurse practitioners about to be missed, is the primary care crisis really easing or just shifting? Family physician and researcher Dr. Tara Kiran, Ontario College of Family Physicians CEO Deepy Sur, and Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario CEO Michelle Acorn examine whether government optimism matches reality and what stalled nurse practitioner funding means for the future of care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of pages and billions of dollars, Ontario's 2026 budget will shape daily life across the province, yet its true priorities are not always obvious at first glance. TVO Today's John Michael McGrath breaks down what's in the budget and why it matters, before a deeper examination of what the numbers reveal about this government's values and fiscal health. Then, as economic uncertainty grows, we ask whether Ontario is prepared for what lies ahead, with analysis from Ricardo Tranjan of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and Rosalie Wyonch of the C.D. Howe Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the Grammys, Pharrell Williams urged audiences to "never stop grinding," echoing a familiar culture of constant ambition. But writer and broadcaster Amil Niazi challenges that mindset in "Life After Ambition: A Good Enough Memoir," as a new generation of workers questions whether success has to mean nonstop hustle. Then, Tricia Williams of TMU's Future Skills Centre, explores how younger workers are redefining fulfillment, balance, and what it really means to get ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the federal NDP leadership race unfolds, a larger question looms: where does the party stand with Canadians and can its next leader reposition it as a credible alternative? Kim Wright, principal of Wright Strategies and a longtime NDP consultant, and journalist Luke Savage, author of "The Dead Center," examine the stakes of rebuilding the party. Then, Erin Kelly, CEO of Advanced Symbolics Inc., digs into the data to ask whether or not public opinion suggests the NDP is poised for a reset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toronto’s affordability crisis is decades in the making, shaped by planning decisions that continue to price people out. Anne Golden and Ken Greenberg, co-editors of Saving Toronto: 10 City Builders Tell Us How, examine how the city got here. Then, Antonio Gómez-Palacio looks at whether smarter urban design could still make Toronto liveable and affordable again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world has lived through oil shocks before - from the Suez Crisis of the 1950s to the Arab oil embargo of the 1970s - but today's turmoil raises new questions about how vulnerable global energy markets really are. What would it mean if Iran keeps the Strait of Hormuz closed, and how does this moment compare to past crises that reshaped the global economy? For Canada - the world's fourth-largest producer of crude oil and fifth-largest producer of natural gas - the stakes are especially high. When energy markets are shaken, Canada isn't just affected; it's implicated. So what political and economic choices should be on the table right now, and could the fallout push us toward a recession? To unpack the risks and the realities, we're joined by Bob Yawger, commodity specialist at Mizuho Americas, oil-market researcher Rory Johnston, founder of the Commodity Context newsletter, and Heather Exner-Pirot, director of energy, natural resources and environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for tax reform have echoed across party lines for years, but as global trade relationships shift, the pressure to act is intensifying. What, beyond political slogans, would meaningful tax reform actually look like in practice? To examine that question, we turn to Allison Christians, professor and H. Heward Stikeman Chair in the Law of Taxation at McGill University, and Geoffrey Turner, adjunct professor and Tax Counsel-in-Residence at the University of Toronto, to unpack the structural challenges facing Canada's tax system. Then, moving from theory to the real-world consequences for taxpayers, we zoom in on what matters most this filing season, with Ali Spinner, tax partner at Crowe Soberman Chartered Accountants, breaking down the key issues Canadians need to keep in mind as they file their returns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are mental health challenges escalating so rapidly among Gen Z, as antidepressant use and disability claims surge well beyond population norms? Then, when it comes to sexual health, why are young people having less sex overall, but taking fewer precautions and getting tested less often?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada says it stands for human rights, but its foreign policy often reflects hard-nosed realities. Prime Minister Mark Carney argues Canada must deal with the world as it is, but Ottawa is deepening ties with countries like the UAE and China despite serious human rights concerns. So when values clash with economics and geopolitics, what really drives Canada's decisions? The Rundown begins there, before turning to the latest developments in the war in Iran and its global fallout.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rundown examines the rise of psychotic disorders among young people in Ontario. What's driving this increase, and how does a diagnosis affect those who receive it? Then, how exploring historical theories of dreams can help us better understand the complexity of the human brain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In December 2024, a school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin left two people dead and raised urgent questions about a disturbing form of violence with no clear ideological motive. The attacker left behind a manifesto expressing hatred for society and admiration for mass killers - a case researchers now associate with nihilistic violent extremism, violence for its own sake. Producer Eric Bombicino examines what this emerging threat is, how it differs from traditional forms of extremism, and whether it's on the rise in Canada. He's joined by Amarnath Amarasingam, associate professor at Queen's University. Then, Barbara Perry, founding director of the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism at Ontario Tech University, explains how authorities and researchers are trying to understand and counter this phenomenon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does it cost more to be single? Renée Sylvestre-Williams, author of "The Singles Tax: No-Nonsense Financial Advice for Solo Earners," takes us through the ways 30 per cent of Canadian households pay more for everything from housing costs, to groceries, and even travel. Then, while the cost of living rises, we look into how people are faring in their everyday lives in the current economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cuba is facing a deepening economic and humanitarian crisis, with government agencies under an oil blockade and mounting pressure from the United States. As shortages worsen, can the Cuban government survive? What would the fallout be for the rest of the Caribbean if it doesn't? We break down the political and regional implications with Julio Fonseca, co-chair of the Canadian Network on Cuba and president of the Association of Cubans in Toronto, alongside Tamanisha John, assistant professor in the Department of Politics at York University. Then, Karen Dubinsky, professor emerita in Global Development Studies and History at Queen's University and author of "Strangely, Friends: A History of Cuban-Canadian Encounters," explores Canada's long-standing relationship with Cuba. From cultural and personal ties to diplomacy and influence, we examine how Canada's soft power has shaped that relationship and how it could be used to support Cubans during this moment of crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Jeyan Jeganathan, The Rundown delivers original journalism and in-depth analysis of the social, political, cultural, and economic issues that shape life in Ontario. Each episode digs into the topics making headlines, examining them from different angles and through diverse points of view - providing the context you need to understand what's happening in the province and around the world. Join us on March 9th. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 19 seasons as anchor of TVO's flagship current affairs program The Agenda, Steve Paikin signs off with a final goodnight. As well, a brief highlight reel, including Jean Chretien, Salman Rushdie, Doug Ford, Janice Stein, Elizabeth Dowdeswell among others, offers a glimpse of the range and depth of what the show covered over the years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Agenda is coming to an end after 19 seasons. We present the show's final guest: Steve's dad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smoking in elevators, movie theatres, or airplanes. Goaltenders playing hockey in the NHL without a mask. Burning tons of coal to generate electricity. Today, we look back at these practices and wonder, how did we ever allow that to happen? Because today, of course, we know better. But what about the future? What do we do today that future generations will shake their heads at? And how do we chart a different path to ensure we make better decisions going forward? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a long, successful career in journalism, Cathrin Bradbury was at loose ends, post-retirement. How should she spend her time and still-abundant energy? In her latest book, "This Way Up: Old Friends, New Love, and a Map for the Road Ahead," she charts a fresh direction, including a new identity as a writer, grandmother, and freer spirit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toronto is adapting to climate change with new Thermal Comfort Guidelines, developed after a city-wide study by DIALOG and Buro Happold. With the number of days exceeding 30 C projected to rise from 10 to 55 annually by 2080, we're examining how the city is reimagining public spaces to stay livable throughout the year. Field reporter Jeyan Jeganathan dives into what makes us feel comfortable outdoors-examining the role of wind, humidity, sun, and shade-and how better design can create more resilient, equitable cities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now retired, Kent Knechtel, a former second engineer aboard the freighter Michipicoten, recounts the day a 13-foot hull crack changed everything. Thanks to calm waters, clear skies, and the swift response of the United States Coast Guard, disaster was narrowly avoided. One year later, Kent reflects with gratitude and quiet resolve on the incident that marked the end of his decades-long career sailing the Great Lakes. This video is brought to you through a partnership with Detroit Public TV's Great Lakes Now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since its launch 19 years ago, The Agenda With Steve Paikin has highlighted scientific discoveries and new insights into health. So what's changed over the course of over two decades-and what kinds of challenges and breakthroughs do experts anticipate seeing in the decades to come? To discuss, we're joined by Keith Stewart, University Health Network vice-president, cancer, and director of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; Raywat Deonandan, epidemiologist and associate professor with the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa; Saskia Sivananthan, neuroscientist and affiliate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at McGill University; and Ghazal Fazli, epidemiologist and assistant professor with the Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment at the University of Toronto Mississauga.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and then the end of the Soviet Union in 1991, many thought the world was going to be a much better place going forward. That has not turned out to be the case. 9/11; the failed promise of the Arab Spring; the Middle East still on fire; Russia-Ukraine; political tribalism. Does it sometimes feel as if the world is no longer capable of making progress? Host Steve Paikin asks Janice Stein (Founding Director, Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, and Belzberg Professor of Conflict Management, University of Toronto). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did a Canadian author's alphabet book end up at the United States Supreme Court? And what does this mean for 2SLGBTQ+ books for kids in Canada? We welcome Robin Stevenson to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What has Canada learned from its participation in the war in Afghanistan? Is a two-state solution the only way forward for Israel and Palestine? And while the West sees Russia as a destabilizing force on the world stage, is there another legitimate interpretation of what they're doing in Ukraine? Over 19 seasons of The Agenda, we've revisited these themes time and again, to help viewers understand the complex and often troubling times in which we find ourselves. And, with the U.S. now involved in the war between Iran and Israel, all the more reason we do one final program on a world that often feels like it's gone berserk. For more, host Steve Paikin asks: Erin O'Toole (former leader of the Conservative Party of Canada), Arne Kislenko (Professor of History at Toronto Metropolitan University), Doug Saunders, (International Affairs columnist at The Globe and Mail), and Janice Stein (Founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.