The Alex Pierson Show

Years after the death of their daughter Danielle, Chris and Clariss Moore drove over 500 km from Toronto To D.C. to tell the U.S. Department of Justice they are still seeking justice, and are calling for the executives of Boeing to be jailed. Host Alex Pierson speaks with both Chris and Clariss on why they refuse to ever fly in a plane again, how long they've been fighting for justice and what they hope to accomplish. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunications Commission...better known as the CRTC has directed foreign streamers like Netflix and Spotify to pay 5 per cent of their annual revenue to help support Canadian media and other content. But considering how Meta took the news when this direction was given to them, should we be excited or worried about this? Host Alex Pierson speaks with Mohit Rajhans, a tech and media consultant with ThinkStart.ca about what he believes this could do to Canada's entertainment landscape, and why it might not actually help make anything better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the deadline draws closer every day, it's looking more and more like thousands of TTC workers could be hitting the picket line on June 7th as a deal with the TTC has yet to be locked in. Could over 2 million daily riders be left without transportation? Host Alex Pierson is joined by the president of ATU Local 113, the union representing the TTC workers, Marvin Alfred. Marvin explains why the negotiations haven't been successful yet, why the workers feel they need to protest and what it could mean for the City of Toronto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carrot was just a young white tailed buck back in 2020. It was a miracle when the arrow was removed and Carrot survived, but he went on to have his own family and would be seen regularly visiting the locals in Kenora. He would also regularly visit, with his offspring, the woman who saved his life and brought us the magic story of Carrot. Lee Anne Carver found this boy through her work as a wilderness photographer. And fought to save him, knowing that he’d always be wild, and now sadly reports that her beloved Carrot had been found dead. Alex is joined by Lee Anne Carver, wildlife photographer, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Korski, Managing Editor of Blacklocks Reporter joined Alex Pierson to discuss password-sharing. If you buy a subscription, are you entitled to share your password? Just one subscription allows anybody to view Blacklock content without any payment if they have the password. Maybe it won't matter for the tech giants, but for independent media outlets will be a problem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The announcement on breast screening goes against all of our beliefs. The Health Minister says decision not to lower Canadian breast cancer screening age prompts review. Host Alex Pierson speaks with Dr. Jean Seely, Professor of Medicine in the Department of Radiology at the University of Ottawa, Head of the Breast Imaging Section at the Ottawa Hospital. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is Toronto the worst housing bubble in Canada? We have the fewest homes per capita. There's a major disconnect. Host Alex Pierson is joined by Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party to discuss home building, decriminalization, drug activists, and comments Doug Ford made earlier this week. All that and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Korski, Managing Editor of Blacklocks Reporter joined Alex Pierson to discuss a federal judge dismissing two Arrive Can executives to quash an investigator's report that alleged criminal wrongdoing, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland yesterday denied spending is out of control, and Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, a Liberal appointee, yesterday said cabinet must apologize for what she called Canada's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. All this and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The city of Toronto is planning on building more bike lanes, but this time along Avenue Road! And as expected, the outrage is only growing. But is this actually a bad idea? To get a handle on it, Host Alex Pierson speaks with an avid biker, Trevor Townsend, who is also the founder of the "Keep Toronto Moving" on why he believes this bike lane will cause much more pain than pleasure for all involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's already been a big year for changes in the TDSB, but after the resignation of their current director of education, even more of a shakeup is coming. Host Alex Pierson is joined by TDSB Trustee for Ward 12 Dr. Weidong Pei to help explain this transition, and what major motions are being introduced by the board to hopefully help make schools more about education and less about politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yet another line drawn in the sand has been clearly crossed. After the University of Toronto warned faculty to not get involved, over 60 faculty members directly aligned themselves with the pro-Palestine encampment. Will this encampment be cleared out before convocation ceremonies begin? What will it take to get the campus clear of these protesters? To answer these questions and more, host Alex Pierson is joined by Warren Kinsella, the president of the Daisy Group and a former political strategist for Jean Chretien. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an early morning announcement, the federal and provincial governments of Ontario announced they reached an agreement which will see $375 million in federal funding sent right to the province. And in another major first, Queen's Park has just officially allowed a new language to be spoken in the legislature! Host Alex Pierson is joined by the man involved in both of these stories, Provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs, Housing, Minister of Legislative Affairs & Government House Leader Paul Calandra. Minister Calandra tells Alex why this deal with the feds means a big win for the province, how it can help get houses built, and why he helped MPP Sol Mamakwa gain the right to speak his mother tongue in Queen's Park. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Mark Miller announced that Canada will be increasing its cap on refugees from Gaza. But there are concerns that many of these people may be loyal to Hamas, so could this be a risk our intelligence agencies or authorities are worried about? Host Alex Pierson is joined by Phil Gurski, CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk, former CSIS Sr. Strategic Analyst on Terrorism. Phil tells Alex that this is something many are concerned about, and why the Liberal gov't may want to rethink its immigration policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Korski, Managing Editor of Blacklocks Reporter joined Alex Pierson to discuss Immigration Minister Marc Miller yesterday said he wants no votes from friends of Israel who equate criticism with anti-Semitism, ''I don't want their vote,'' Miller told the Commons immigration committee, Cabinet Ministers have been ''drinking wine and schnapps'' with Jewish diplomats in Ottawa instead of condemning Israeli war crimes. All this and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The protestors at U of T aren't moving. Today, lawyers are going into court to file an injunction. Next week is graduation week and the encampments need to be removed. Host Alex Pierson speaks with Ryan O'Connor, Partner at Toronto-based Zayouna Law Firm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Jewish girl school in North York was the target of a shooting. We have seen nothing from Olivia Chow and Myron Demkiw and this is fueling hate even more in Jewish communities. Actions speak more than words. Host Alex Pierson speaks with Rabbi Yaacov Vidal, Principal of the Bais Chaya Mushka Girls Elementary School. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A video was recently released showing 5 hostages being held by Hamas who were initially taken after a terror attack in October. One father saw that his daughter was still alive in the tape and is praying for her return, but questions if she's even still safe. Host Alex Pierson is joined by this father, Shlomi Berger, the father of Agam Berger, as he shares what is the most painful experience in his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traffic and congestion have built to insane levels in the past few years in Toronto...but could forcing drivers to pay a congestion charge not only address congestion, but also put some much-needed money in the city coffers? Host Alex Pierson is joined by Jennifer Keesmaat, the Founder of the Keesmaat group and the former chief city planner for Toronto. Jennifer is in favour of introducing this charge and its benefits, while Alex remains unconvinced. Take a listen to see who you would agree with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Korski, Managing Editor of Blacklocks Reporter joined Alex Pierson to discuss Federal aid worth more than a half billion annually reduced the ''point-in-time count of homeless persons by about 6,000 people.'' Canada's chief bank inspector yesterday said the interest rate shocks on mortgage renewals remain a top risk, Housing Minister Sean Fraser yesterday said critics must ''not interfere''' in his plan to build 3.9 million homes. All this and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Ontario, there are regulations in place to ensure a workplace cannot be too cold, but what about when its too hot? Well, guest host Anthony Furey had the same question and asked someone leading the charge to change the books in Ontario, the official opposition critic for Climate Change, NDP MPP Peter Tabuns, who explains why his party believes now more than ever this needs to be laid out in law. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The city of Toronto is moving forward with its renaming and rebranding of Yonge-Dundas Square to Sankofa Square, and its going to at least cost a few hundred thousand dollars if everything goes right...and much more if there are any delays. Is this really a good use of city funds, especially since we know just how broke Toronto really is? Guest host Anthony Furey is joined by a member of the "Downtown Concerned Citizens Organization" Dana McKiel, who breaks down just how dissatisfied Torontonians are with the rebrand, and why these funds could easily be used for something much more substantial and needed. Then, Anthony and Dana open up the phone lines and answer some questions from listeners on the issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After weeks of uncertainty, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has announced that her party will be tabling the Capital Gains Tax motion before the house rises for summer break. She also has said that regardless if it is passed into law, the 2024 budget has said it will come into effect on June 25th. Is that right, and is it really the hill the Liberals want to die on? To get answers to this and more, guest host Anthony Furey turns to the CEO of BetaKit, Siri Agrell who has a firm understanding of this motion, and who it will be effecting. SIRI AGRELL: Siri Agrell LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Occasionally a crime is committed in Toronto that has all the makings of a Hollywood movie, and this is no exception. Guest Host Anthony Furey speaks with The Toronto Star City Hall Bureau Chief David Rider about a story he just broke, in which a former long-time bureaucrat for the City of Toronto was arrested and charged for his alleged connection to an illegal gambling ring operated by a Hell's Angel's hitman! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a weird move, the federal government announced a new framework to tackle rising auto theft across the country...but only did so on a Monday when much of the country was not working or watching the news. What could've been the reason for this, and what is new that we haven't heard before? Guest host Anthony Furey will not only help you understand but is also joined by Hank Idsigna who is a former Toronto Police Investigator as well as the 640 CFIQ crime specialist. Anthony asks Hank just why it's so hard to keep people's vehicles safe, why certain brands are being targeted over others and when Canadians can expect to wake up and not find their cars and trucks stolen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi and other Iranian officials were killed after their helicopter crashed over the weekend, leaving many to wonder just what kind of ramifications could come from this. Guest host Anthony Furey had these same questions and is joined by Kaveh Shahrooz, a Lawyer and Toronto-based Human Rights Activist who is extremely versed in the Iranian regime. Kaveh and Anthony discuss what the atmosphere in Iran is right now, why Kaveh believes that this will not bring any serious changes to Iranian politics and who the former Iranian foreign minister blames for this crash. Kaveh Shahrooz Social Media: Kaveh Shahrooz - X Account Kaveh Shahrooz - LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New Bank of Canada inflation numbers were finally released, and show that across the country inflation is getting back to manageable levels. But with millions lined up to renegotiate their mortgage payments soon, will it be enough to keep people from foreclosure? Guest host Anthony Furey is joined by Dr. Ian Lee, an associate Professor at Sprott School of Business at Carleton University, who has a strong grasp of the real estate and financial markets. Dr. Lee helps to explain how this was an expected move from the Bank of Canada, how it could affect mortgages and ultimately how it could help Canadians save money. Dr. Ian Lee Social Media Accounts Dr. Ian lee - Carleton University, Sprott School of Business Dr. Ian Lee - X account Dr. Ian lee - LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Korski, Managing Editor of Blacklocks Reporter joined Alex Pierson to discuss a third of marijuana users still buy from black market dealers who offer better product, price and service, says in-house Department of Public Safety research, Federal prisons this summer will begin buying full body scanners five years after Parliament approved their use. All this and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aiden Pleterski ''Crypto King'' is arrested and charged and Durham Police classify this as the largest fraud investigation that they've seen in that region. He is...arrested on bail. Host Alex Pierson speaks with Norman Groot, founder and managing Lawyer of Investigation Council PC. This is an 18 month investigation. Is this a sense of relief or anger? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

''Let's axe the gas tax during the summer.'' Given with what Canadians are going through, let's axe the gas tax from Victoria Day long weekend and all the way up to Labour Day weekend. Host Alex Pierson speaks with Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Opposition Party of Canada. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada's infamous "crypto king" Aiden Pleterski was just arrested! This is yet another major player in the crypto field who turned out to be misusing funds...but just how prevalent is this issue? Greg Gard, the Principal Investigator and Business Development Consultant for Investigative Solutions Network, and a former Toronto Police officer completely understands this issue, and helps our host Alex Pierson not only get a better grasp of the crypto world...but also why its so volatile for investors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once again, the TTC is in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, especially in light of the exclusive Global News Coverage of the 4 times hydraulic fluids spilt onto line 2...but the public was never made aware. Is there an ongoing PR crisis at the TTC? Who better to help host Alex Pierson answer that question other than the internationally respected "Train Daddy" A.K.A. Andy Byford, the Former Commissioner of Transport for London, TTC, New York Metro, Sydney RailCo, & now works with Amtrak. Byford tells Alex that when he was the TTC commissioner, he made sure to be public-facing and always be truthful with the public...a lesson that the current leadership could take a page from. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Toronto's Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa has announced that she will be stepping down from her position at the end of the year, just as the province heats up its battle with the city to do away with decriminalization. Where does this leave the city, our medical community and ultimately...you. Host Alex Pierson asks all these questions to Dr. de Villa herself, including the one many Torontonians may have themselves...does she have any regrets? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Korski, Managing Editor of Blacklocks Reporter joined Alex Pierson to discuss Parks Canada on Saturday is reopening John A. Macdonald's historic Kingston, Ont.home with ''racism and sexism'' tours and admission is only 9 bucks, an ArriveCan executive yesterday admitted to drinking and dining with contractors in breach of ethics rules but said he never talked about money, Liberal MPs yesterday opposed disclosure of payments to pharmaceutical companies for ''safe supply'' opioids. All this and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yet another EV production facility is being developed in Ontario that will the first of its kind in the country! But considering we've seen promised jobs literally given to people outside the country, many are wondering if this facility will actually be a good investment. To help our host Alex Pierson make sense of it all, she is joined by Aaron Wudrick, the director of domestic policy at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Aaron breaks down the cost for the average taxpayer and why this time the jobs better stay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shortly after Ontario releases new laws aimed at curbing auto theft, the province has also just announced new driving laws that will target the rising problem of people driving intoxicated. But will it actually address anything or is it just political lip service? Criminal Lawyer Ari Goldkind joins host Alex Pierson to help talk about how the law has been altered, why the province believes its necessary, & if will really help at all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the day when we celebrate Israel's independence, Toronto Mayor Oliva Chow decided that the ceremony was "too divisive" and that she would not be attending. But was this the right move? Host Alex Pierson speaks with Toronto City Councillor for York Centre James Pasternak, who was present at the ceremony. Alex and James discuss how long it was known Mayor Chow would not be attending, and why councillor Pasternak tried to convince her it was worth the appearance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An Ottawa judge has ruled his city failed to protect the Taxi industry when Uber rideshares were brought in....and awarded $215 Million in damages to the class-action lawsuit for the cabbies. Could we see a similar ruling come in Toronto? Host Alex Pierson asks this question to Kristine Hubbard, the operations manager with Beck Taxi who has been following this case for quite some time. Kristine tells Alex that this is a watershed moment for the Taxi industry, and why Toronto might want to keep this ruling in mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The province of Ontario just introduced new legislation that would see people convicted of auto theft have their license suspended for 10 years, and potentially even for life if caught multiple times. But will this really do anything to address the criminal element? And what is this new personalized pricing system that Uber is using...will it be at all good for the riders? To get these answers, host Alex Pierson is joined by Lauren O'Neil, an anchor and reporter with AM 640 who was at this press conference. Lauren not only breaks down what the province is introducing but also how Uber's pricing system may be an invasion of privacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Korski, Managing Editor of Blacklocks Reporter joined Alex Pierson to discuss the Senate two years after it legalized bookmarking will reopen committee hearing on the harms of online gambling, a Senate committee has laded in the midst of a threatened lawsuit after it distributed links to a video alleging sadistic abuse of animals at a Canadian theme park, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's office yesterday falsely claimed Canada ''was among the first countries to recognize Israel's Independence'' in 1984. All this and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A proposed 18-20 storey residential tower that was set to be put up in Stoney Creek has just been rejected by the Ontario Land Tribunal. Is this a sign of NIMBYism in Hamilton, or could this actually be beneficial to all residents in the area? Host Alex Pierson is joined by Hamilton City Councillor for Ward 5 Matt Francis to help explain that this is not the start of a bad thing, but a move that will improve the area for all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investigative Reporter Sam Cooper has uncovered evidence that Canadian politicians may have been exposed to a PRC blackmail ring that involved a palatial Mansion in Markham, an illegal casino and brothel. The stuff of movies. He joins our host Alex Pierson to help refresh this major story that happened over 4 years ago, and who may have been targeted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is a threat of a major strike that could deeply affect Canada's supply chain...and in turn, places further tarnish this country's reputation as a reliable trading partner. Host Alex Peirson is joined by Sylvain Charlebois, the Director of the agi-food analytics lab at Dalhousie University and who also wrote a Toronto Sun article highlighting this very issue, and why we need to make sure the strike doesn't happen. For our wallets...as well as help rebuild Canada's reputation on the global stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A policy in place within the Toronto District School Board that allows specialized programs to only admit students through a lottery system may be facing provincial review very soon. But what is this system, and why do so many students and parents find it a problem? Hot Alex Pierson is joined by Bethany Bergman, a member of the group called Concerned-Parents-4-Arts-TDSB, whose own children have been deeply affected by this flawed program, and who is pushing for its complete elimination. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He was famous for being witty, outspoken, a little crass and extremely intelligent. Rex Murphy embodied what quite a few consider as all the best traits a journalist should have. After his sudden passing, host Alex Pierson speaks with a long-time friend of Rex, Catherine Swift, who is also the President of the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers & Business. Catherine pulls back the veil and shares some of her favourite memories of this Canadian Icon, and how he was always able to bring a smile to her face. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. President Biden has announced the States will be withholding a much-needed shipment of munitions to Israel in light of the growing Palestinian humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But some question if this was done for human rights, or to sway voters to the democrats. Host Alex Pierson asked the very same question and was joined by Christian Leupretcht, a professor at the Royal Military College and Queen's University as well as a Sr. Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Christian helps break down the geo-politics at play, and if this move by the U.S. could have lasting, and long-term ramifications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A video circulating online of a Pro-Palestinian protestor yelling at a Jewish sr. citizen has just developed a new wrinkle....the protestor is actually a stand-up comedian who says he finds hate funny. But is that really an excuse, or could this man be considered a threat? Phil Gurski, the CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk and a former CSIS Sr. analyst joins host Alex Pierson to help explain what counts as hate speech, and if this comedian could be considered a threat by authorities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've just been told that Toronto is in the running for a new WNBA team and will be playing at the Cocoa-Cola Stadium. But that area is a bit of a dead zone for fans, so is it going to be a draw? To get these answers and more, host Alex Pierson turns to Jennifer Van Der Valk the Sr. VP of communications & marketing for the Toronto Board of Trade. Jennifer lays out how excited the city is to begin building up Exhibition Place to be more pedestrian-friendly, and the many benefits it can bring the city. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a surprising tweet, Sabrina Maddeaux, who was campaigning for the Conservative nomination to run for MP for Aurora-Oak Ridge-Richmond Hill announced that she is immediately suspending her campaign due to issues with the integrity of the election process. How serious is this issue, whats being done about it and how could it affect you? To get those answers and more host Alex Pierson is joined by Chris Chapin, the managing principal of Upstream Strategy Group, who helps to make sense of this complex and disturbing issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After YEARS of debates in the House of Commons, the federal government finally unanimously agreed to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp as a terrorist group. But is this really something, or just some lip service? Salma Sima, who spent time imprisoned by the IRGC previously joins host Alex Pierson to expose just how dangerous this corp is, and why Canada needs to do more ASAP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A.I.- generated deepfakes are spreading across Canada, and disturbingly is helping to fuel child exploitation and pornography...can this wave be slowed? To get a better handle on this issue, host Alex Pierson is joined by Bill McGarry, the director of Cyber Investigations for Investivative Solutions Network Inc. (ISN) who also served as a Toronto Police officer for over 30 years. Bill breaks down to Alex just how fast the technology is advancing, and tactics police are using to attempt to keep up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices