The Big Story

After Honda announced it is hitting pause on a $15 billion investment in electric vehicle production in Canada, questions are swirling about three other major EV projects in line for billions of dollars in public subsidies. With Trump’s tariffs and overall economic uncertainty, how realistic is it the Canadian auto sector will transition to nearly all-electric production by 2035?Host David Smith speaks with Tim Dimopoulos, publisher of Automotive News Canada, about the outlook for the dream of a made-in-Canada EV supply chain. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

A big week on the budget front, for multiple reasons.Not only did Ontario release a budget that aims to get the province through the trade war, we learned that the new Liberal government will NOT be releasing a spring document.Host of "In This Economy" Mike Eppel digs into the consequences of all the budget news this week and has a sneak peek on what the Bank of Canada might do next. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Today on The Big Story - we're debriefing, big time.Hosts David Smith, Kris McCusker and Cormac Mac Sweeney get together to chat about Prime Minister Carney's choice of cabinet and the fallout from a mixed week on the job.Join us for "The Big Debrief", a weekly examination of the news events of the week, as seen through the eyes of the people reporting on them. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It’s been a rough few weeks at the airport in New Jersey after two radar and radio outages - but there’s a lot more to the story.The acting administrator with the U-S Federal Aviation Administration says travel into Newark is safe.But it’s not the only issue with air travel in the U-S this year, which might have some travelers concerned ahead of the summer travel season.Host Kris McCusker speaks to George Ferguson - Senior Aerospace, Defense & Airline analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence – about what’s been happening, how it gets fixed and who is to blame. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Has the White House gone completely "pay for play"? While experts debate the ethics of U.S. President Donald Trump's latest actions including accepting a plane from Qatar, others are watching his foray into cryptocurrency closely. While many in the space have called for more regulation of crypto, "Trump coin" is causing issues for those trying to build cryptocurrencies as a legitimate financial instrument.Host Mike Eppel discusses this with Erica Pimental, Assistant Professor at the Smith School of Business at Queen's University. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Canada's unemployment rate remained relatively stable for the month of April, sitting at 6.9%. But the rate for youth unemployment jumped to its highest figure in the past two decades excluding pandemic figures, now sitting at a little more than 15%. And as companies continue to strategize how to stay afloat among tariffs, more specifically, who they can get rid of and who they have to keep around, the term 'last hired, first hired' enters the chat. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Emily Durham, career coach and host of the Straight Shooter Recruiter podcast, on how to enter, move through, exit and gracefully re-enter the workforce in a time of bottom line uncertainty thanks to a global trade war. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

You can’t always see it but plastic is everywhere. So much so – that it’s now in our rain and it’s there because of humans. It’s almost as worrisome as acid rain was in the 1970s – an issue that is no longer a major concern. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Benji Jones, Environmental Correspondent at Vox in New York, about how pervasive plastic has become – and what you can do to mitigate your exposure. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Tomorrow Prime Minister Mark Carney will be unveiling his first cabinet since receiving a minority mandate from voters 2 weeks ago. The decisions will not be easy, as Carney has to navigate regional representation, a leaner inner circle, and a trade war with the U.S. that hangs over every federal decision. So who stays and who may get promoted?Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is speaking about the delicate art of cabinet making with Marci Surkes, Chief Strategy Officer at The Compass Rose Group, and a former Executive Director of Policy and Cabinet Affairs to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Punctuality – its definition and importance really depend on who you speak to. A recent study out of the UK shows a generational divide when it comes to tardiness and how it could be perceived by those around us. Host Melanie Ng speaks with peak performance coach and best-selling author, Hina Khan @coachwithhina, about a number of scenarios and why there is a sweet spot when it comes to how you show up both professionally and socially. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

“Peace be with you”. Those were the first words spoken from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to the massive crowd below by the newly chosen pontiff, now known as Pope Leo XIV.133 cardinals from around the world voted in a handful of rounds before the final decision was made and the white smoke billowed from the Sistene Chapel chimney.Formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, Leo is the first pope from the United States – a choice that shocked some and has many wondering what this may signal.Host Melanie Ng speaks with religious scholar Héctor Acero Ferrer from the Institute for Christian Studies about the new pontiff and how he will position himself on the world stage. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Prime Minister Mark Carney has made his first trip to the White House to meet President Donald Trump, with Trump heaping praise on Carney. But the meeting wasn't all sunshine, as the two leaders clashed over trade positions and Trump's ongoing musings of making Canada the 51st state. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney breaks down the first face-to-face in the oval office with Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat who also helped negotiate the first two trade deals between Canada and the U.S. They also discuss where negotiations may go from here, and the hard work that has to be done here at home to buffer our economy from further shocks. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Is Hollywood North in jeopardy, based on a social media post by U.S. President Donald Trump? After musing about hitting foreign film production with a 100% tariff, there are concerns this could shut down the film industry in Canada.Host Mike Eppel is gauging reaction from Andrew Barnsley, President of the Toronto Film School. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney will make his first trip to the White House to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. Tariffs, the economy, and military defense will be the key focus for Carney as he looks to set Canada on a path to negotiations to end the trade war between our countries.This first face to face meeting between the leaders will be crucial to set the tone of the relationship for the next four years. Will they get along? How should Carney address Trump's "51st state" comments? Could this meeting backfire? And what will Trump and Carney be able to achieve?Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Jon Allen, a former Canadian Ambassador and diplomat who is now a senior fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

After a stunning election loss in which Pierre Poilievre couldn’t hold on to his own seat in Parliament, what comes next for the federal Conservatives?Will there be a push to oust Poilievre? What will the Party look for in its campaign post-mortem? Why are Conservative premiers calling out their federal counterparts? Host David Smith speaks with two veteran conservative strategists, Jordan Paquet and Neil Brodie, to get answers on what happens next for the team in blue. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

We're dropping a timely episode of In This Economy into the weekend feed. We now have clarity now on Canada's new government, but predictions about the state of economy going forward are murkier.There are signs the economy is contracting, so what does that mean for you?Host Mike Eppel speaks with Dawn Desjardins, Chief Economist at Deloitte Canada. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Canadians could be in for a break at the grocery store for the next couple of months.After food inflation ticked higher in March, a food economist is expecting more stability through the summer months with the next update from Statistics Canada coming on May 20th.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Stuart Smyth, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan about what is influencing prices - and why it's subject to change. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Warning: this episode may be triggering for some listeners. Friday has been declared a day of mourning in British Columbia for the victims of the Lapu-Lapu Day festival attack.What was meant to be a celebration quickly turned to tragedy on Saturday, as nearly a dozen people were killed and dozens more injured when a suspect drove their vehicle into a crowd at a Filipino festival in Vancouver.The man charged in the alleged attack was overseen by a mental health team and was on extended leave at the time of the incident – which is now raising questions about mental health reform.Meantime, we are learning more about some of the victims and how members of the community are supporting one another.Host Melanie Ng speaks with Sonia Aslam, journalist with 1130 NewsRadio and CityNews Vancouver, who has been following this story closely. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The Liberal minority government is now officially set.What's also now official is the deep dive into what went wrong into the campaigns of Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh, two party leaders who lost their seats on Monday night. Between the Doug Ford fight with Poilievre and the NDP losing official party status, there are many storylines to emerge from the election.Here to break it down with host Mark Day is Rob Snow, NewsRadio's national talk show host. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

In what's been a very upside down election campaign - the results were just as wild. At time of writing at 2:30am, it's a Liberal minority government. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is in danger of losing his seat and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh stepped down as leader after losing his seat of Burnaby Central. In this stripped down version of The Big Story, host David Smith stayed up really late to put together the full results for you this morning. Much more to come on all the election storylines throughout the week. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

After 36 days, it all comes down to this. Canada is voting for his next leader and all eyes are on the Liberals and Conservatives with a neck and neck race. It comes after a wild swing from the winter when the Conservatives had a double digit lead in the polls.Host Richard Southern and NewsRadio's Parliament Hill Correspondent Cormac Mac Sweeney discuss the campaign and all the political events over the past year that have led to this vote. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Owning a small or medium sized business is never easy, and this year, it's been even more challenging. The small business sector is the country's largest employer and they're facing a ton of uncertainty from tariffs and the threat of higher inflation and a potential recession.Host Mike Eppel talks to Simon Gauldeault, Chief Economist and VP of Research for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business to get his take. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

In today’s episode of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp, I will be talking to Dr Emily Contois, an Associate Professor at the University of Tulsa specializing in how identities are formed at the vital intersection of food, the body, and ideas about health. She is the author of “Diners, Dudes, and Diets: How Gender and Power Collide in Food Media and Culture” and co-editor of “Food Instagram: Identity, Influence, and Negotiation”. Today we will be riding on the heels of the popular Netflix show Adolescence, we are exploring the very scary effect of the manosphere, incel and “red pill” subcultures on young boys. Today we’re going to chat about how the patriarchy harms not just women, but men as well. We discuss the dangerous teachings of the manosphere and leading influencers like Andrew Tate. We also talk about the pipeline that young men are finding themselves going down starting with innocuous places (ie. self improvement, dating, fitness, dieting) that lures them into incel culture. We talk in detail about the intersection between diet culture and the manosphere and the lack of body positivity movements for men. We talk about the role of bullying, social isolation, AI, p0rn, types of school, and gender roles modelled at home. I finish with a list of potential actionable tips to help you start to build emotional resilience, media literacy and tolerance to different expressions of gender to help set the stage to allow your kids to reject these manosphere ideologies. https://bite-back-with-abbey-sharp.simplecast.com/episodes/the-shocking-pipeline-to-the-red-pill-manosphere-from-health-nutrition-content-online-with-dr-emily-contoisBe sure to check out my first episode with Emily: “Ladies eat salad, men eat steak & burgers”.References:https://www.everyonesinvited.uk/primary/readhttps://aibm.org/research/male-suicide-data/?https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html?https://www.bbfc.co.uk/about-us/news/children-see-pornography-as-young-as-seven-new-report-findshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39907845/https://cyberbullying.org/cyberbullying-continues-to-rise-among-youth-in-the-united-states-2023?https://tribune.com.pk/story/2536330/netflix-drama-adolescence-prompts-anti-misogyny-curriculum-shift-in-uk-schoolshttps://unpluggedcanada.com/Check in with today’s amazing guest: Dr Emily Contois, Associate Professor at the University of Tulsa. Follow at @emilycontoisWebsite: www.emilycontois.comBooks: - Diners Dudes and Diets - Food InstagramDisclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is never a substitute for medical advice. If you’re struggling with with your mental or physical health, please work one on one with a health care provider.If you have heard yourself in our discussion today, and are looking for support, contact the free NEDIC helpline at 1-866-NEDIC-20 or go to eatingdisorderhope.com.🥤 Check out my 2-in-1 Plant Based Probiotic Protein Powder, neue theory at www.neuetheory.com or @neuetheory and use my promo code BITEBACK20 to get 20% off your order!Don’t forget to Please subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review! It really helps us out.✉️ SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTERS ⤵️Neue Theory newsletterAbbey's Kitchen newsletter🥞 FREE HUNGER CRUSHING COMBO™ E-BOOK!💪🏼 FREE PROTEIN 101 E-BOOK!📱 Follow me!Instagram: @abbeyskitchenTikTok: @abbeyskitchenYouTube: @AbbeysKitchenMy blog, Abbey’s Kitchen www.abbeyskitchen.comMy book, The Mindful Glow Cookbook affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3NoHtvfIf you liked this podcast, please like, follow, and leave a review with your thoughts and let me know who you want me to discuss next! We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The federal election....from the "fringe". Most voters are familiar with the major national parties running in this election, such as the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP, & Greens.But there are actually 16 registered political parties looking for your vote. Some of them are known as fringe parties, while others are upstarts, hoping to make an impact down the road. Today on The Big Story, we're shining a light on some of the lesser known parties in this campaign, and letting them have their voice heard as the country goes through the democratic process.Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with the Leaders of the Animal Protection Party, the Canadian Future Party, the Communist Party, and the Marijuana Party. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Elections Canada saw a record-breaking 2 million people cast their ballot on the first day of advanced voting for the federal election, resulting in a grand total of more than 7.3 million over the four day period. And as Canada enters the final stretch of campaigning in one of the most critical elections of our time, what can these preliminary numbers tell us about what's to come? Which party could benefit the most from those who vote early? And will we see this sort of momentum on April 28? Host Maria Kestane talks to John Beebe, Founder and Director of the Democratic Engagement Exchange for Toronto Metropolitan University about whose voice will be heard the most among these numbers and what it means for the future of Canada's civic engagement. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of breaking ground in the vatican and his attempts to modernize the Catholic church. Francis also left a lasting impact on Canada, with a 2022 trip to apologize for the church's role in the residential school system. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Emma Anderson, a professor of religious studies at the University of Ottawa, about the tenure of Francis, what comes next in the process to pick a new pope, and could a Canadian be in the running? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It’s been hotly debated by scholars and advocates for decades: do we need to change the way we elect governments in this country?On April 28th, there will be 91 candidates on the ballot in the riding of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. It will be the longest ballot in Canadian election history. Of 91 candidates, 85 are independent protest candidates from the Longest Ballot Committee, a group raising awareness about electoral reform.Host David Smith speaks with one of those candidates, Blake Hamilton, about what the group hopes to accomplish with this move. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

One week from today Canadians will cast their ballots to pick their next government, in what has been described as an existential election amid U.S. President Trump's trade and sovereignty threats. As we enter the final stretch of the campaign, parties are shifting their strategies to ensure they get supporters to the polls and secure every vote they can. What can we expect from the parties in these final days, can we see a major shift in the polls and could leaders lose their jobs? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is breaking it down with Lori Williams of Mount Royal University. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It used to be a social no-no, but Canadians now seem to find themselves diving head-first in political engagement, dialogue, and awareness, all in the wake of what's perceived to be one of the most critical federal elections of our lifetime. Just three months ago, however, Canadians were at odds with each other over who they wanted the face of their country to be, what name they wanted the flag to be associated with, and the type of Canada they wanted moving forward. How do we navigate this new patriotic momentum while still meeting the moment on deciding what's best for our future according to the morals we hold so close to ourselves? How do we turn to our neighbours, family, loved ones to push for a stronger Canada all while seeking out different qualities in who we want and need out of a leader? Host Maria Kestane speaks to Justin Ling, journalist and author of the Chaos Campaign newsletter, to discuss what's driving Canadians to the ballot box and how we're engaging in a refined era of political polarization amid threats to our sovereignty and personal safety. You can check out Justin's newsletter here: https://www.bugeyedandshameless.com/s/chaos-campaign. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

This week, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre re-ignited debate about Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Poilievre is pledging to use the Notwithstanding Clause to bring in justice reforms, including reviving Harper-era consecutive life sentences that were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Host David Smith speaks with constitutional law expert Professor Eric Adams from the University of Alberta about why this section of the Canadian constitution is so controversial. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

To burner phone or not to burner phone? The current debate on social media amid heightened searches of personal electronic devices by US immigration officers. Combined with new requirements for Canadians travelling to the US, such as mandatory registration with the American government for a 30+ day stay, as well as frightening headlines of travelers being detained at the border - Canadians are rightfully turned off from the US. But for those who don't have the choice to opt out of travel, what can they expect, and are they safe? Host Maria Kestane speaks to Frédéric Dimanche, Director and Professor of the Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism, about what the current climate of Canada-US travel safety looks like, and what Canadians should expect when - or *if* - they head south. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Canada is less than two weeks away from its 45th Federal Election, and whether it's going to be your first time voting, or you've spun the block before, The Big Story is getting down to the basics. Where can you vote? What do you need to bring? Who's eligible? What if you don't have a voter information card? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks to Dianne Benson with Elections Canada to get the answers you need before the ballot box question on April 28. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

With so much attention on Donald Trump and the trade war, it’s easy to forget about the other crisis facing Canada today: Housing affordability. All three major federal parties are pledging billions of dollars in their housing platforms. But are these plans ambitious enough to meet the moment? A group of industry associations and advocacy organizations have come together to form the Canada Housing Coalition. They have a blueprint for the next federal government’s housing policy. For whoever ends up as Canada’s next Prime Minister, solving the housing crisis will be a monumental task. Host David Smith speaks with Tim Richter, CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, about what’s at stake in this election for Canadians dreaming of an affordable place to call home. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It's the latest among the vast plethora of parenting styles: Gentle Parenting...but just how gentle is it? And for whom? The US General Surgeon has issued public health advisory on the impact of modern stresses on parents' mental health, listing six factors it says contributes to parent/caregiver burnout. They include financial strain, time demands, children’s health & safety, loneliness & isolation, technology& social media, and cultural pressures. Host Pooja Handa speaks to Dr. Shimi Kang, Psychiatrist and Best-Selling Author of the parenting book, 'The Dolphin Parent', about the current struggles today's parents are facing, and what they can do to find the balance between raising emotionally regulated, well-rounded children. You can learn more about Dr. Kang at the following links: https://www.drshimikang.com www.futurereadyminds.com We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Alex Ovechkin's recent achievement of surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record with his 895th goal on April 6 has been met with both celebration and controversy. While fans and the hockey community lauded his on-ice accomplishment, his longstanding support for Russian President Vladimir Putin has reignited criticism, especially in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Guardian contributor, Colin Horgan, about how fans are welcoming the achievement, as well as feeling unsettled amid its troublesome backdrop. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

After an epic meltdown around the world, wiping away 10 trillion dollars in value, the S&P/TSX saw its best day in 5 years. The Nasdaq had its best day in 24 years. But does it matter if you're not invested? Host Kris McCusker speaks to Philip Petursson, Chief Investment Strategist at I.G Wealth Management about how and why it does matter - and why things could soon get better. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Ottawa is one year into its two-year temporary international student visa cap project, and post-secondary institutions across the country are heavily feeling the effects of a limited international tuition profit margin. Former Immigrations, Refugee and Citizenship Minister, Marc Miller, introduced the program of January 2024 which hopes of tightening up any immigration loopholes found within the student visa guidelines, as well as to alleviate housing and healthcare pressures brought on by the influx of students. But halfway through the plan, and cuts to dozens of programs and campuses are now starting to paint a clearer picture of what may be to come. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Gina Lorentz, Professor and Coordinator for Fanshawe College’s Multimedia Journalism program and President of the Radio-Television Digital News Foundation for Canada, about what things are looking for students across the province and where the future of local journalism could potentially go from here. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

When you hear about separatism in Canada, you may immediately think of Quebec. But in recent years, a growing separatist movement in Western Canada has emerged as a possible threat to national unity. With provincial governments in Alberta and Saskatchewan increasingly at odds with the federal government in Ottawa, is the future of confederation on the ballot in this election? Host David Smith speaks with Jon Roe from the Angus Reid Institute about the latest public opinion research on separatism in different regions of the country. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Once a favoured travel hotspot for Canadians looking to escape the cold or stock up on American-only goodies, now stands as a no-go zone for many travellers north of the border amid annexation threats and unwarranted tariffs from US President Donald Trump. New data shows a downtrend for Canadians heading south of the border for leisure trips for this travel season compared to previous years, but what exactly do the numbers mean and will the trend continue to head south (instead of Canadians) for years to come? Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks with Head of Public Relations and Communications for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, Amra Durakovic, about where things stand between two countries once known for their close travel ties as their dwindling relationship continues on the downward spiral. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

US President Donald Trump dubbed it 'Liberation Day', and it seemed like numbers across the North American stock market took the word 'liberate' and headed south. Besides the historic plunging of some of Wall Street's benchmarks as a result of the Trump's latest tariff announcement on April 2, his long-term goal of a stronger America seems more farther in the distance than he might've originally projected. But what exactly did he project? And was there any sort of input from the big players he's now backing into a corner to make his domestic-grown dreams come true? Host Mike Eppel speaks to Chief Deputy Economist at Desjardins, Randall Bartlett to make sense of the numbers. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It has become our unofficial Canadian battle cry: ELBOWS UP! As we face trade tensions and threats from the U.S president about making our nation their 51st state, many Canadians are standing together in a show of strength, solidarity and resilience. Thousands are turning up at rallies across the country, organized by 'Elbows Up, Canada!', a grassroots, non-partisan movement. Host Melanie Ng speaks with one of the organizers, Peter Wall about how it all got started - and how Canadians are connecting and reflecting. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Newsrooms, dinner tables and just about everyone in between woke up on the edge of their seats the morning of April 2 - the day US President Donald Trump dubbed 'liberation day' - but heading to bed, it was more of an uneasy feeling of 'now what?'. A few days later as the dust has started to settle, the confusion and ambiguity, however, has not. Although Canada was not on Trump's exhaustive reciprocal tariff list, 25% tariffs on foreign-made vehicles exported to America did apply to Canadian cars. Prime Minister Mark Carney struck back with 25% retaliatory tariffs on foreign-made vehicles imported to Canada, but the lines remained blurred with the Canada-US trade future. What tariffs are in place, what aren't, how many jobs are on the line, how much more expensive will cars be, and whose economy will be feeling the effects the worst? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Principal Economist with the Conference Board of Canada, Richard Forbes gets to the bottom of Trump's latest tariff announcement. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

A disturbing resurgence of ICE horror stories are taking centre stage on social media - this Trump term, however, some recounts are now being told from Canadian voices. Regardless of documentation or criminal history, it seems no one is safe from the cold floors and foil blankets that personify the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement experience. Host Maria Kestane speaks with Jasmine Mooney on her chilling experience behind several sets of bars in several ICE detention facilities, and how a never-ending chain of 'I don't knows' painted a stark image of just how blurred the American immigration lines are. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Ahead of the announcement on reciprocal tariffs today, the Trump Administration is looking to move on from so called Signalgate – after war plans were shared on the commercial messaging app. It really raised eyebrows because a reporter, not just any reporter, but the Editor in Chief of the Atlantic, was added to the chat – likely by accident? It was seen as a gaffe by some while others wonder if it was intentional. Either way – there’s a lot more to the story. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Christian Leuprecht, Professor and Security Expert at Royal Military College, Queen's University. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Federal Conservative Party Leader, Pierre Poilievre, was positioned for a landslide win over the federal liberals, but incomes a new rival leader, and voters seem to have no problem moving the pendulum - and fast! Recent leaks from inside the campaign paint a chaotic picture for the federal tories just one month out from when Canadians head to the polls, and with the unpredictability of a diminishing Canada-US relationship, the concerns that shape the big ballot question come April 28 no longer mirror what they used to be just a few weeks ago. Host David Smith speaks to CEO of Abacus Data, David Coletto, about what's driving the pre-polling tank for a party once destined for victory, as well as what's grabbing the attention of Canadian voters in a time of economic despair, a pending North American trade war, and a sudden burst of Canadian patriotism. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

What were once positioned as the four stripes that were recognizable by Canadians worldwide now sparingly lace abandoned shelves across the country dressed with 'clearance' tags. The Hudson's Bay Company has begun the process of liquidating all but six stores Canada-wide, with those remaining - three in Ontario and three in Quebec - still very much up for grabs if the company doesn't present a comprehensive restructuring plan moving forward. But the question on many people's minds still remains: how did Canada's oldest company fall into the hands of creditor protection? A name once emblematic of Canadian retail, history and culture, now grasping onto whatever capital (and hope) it can to sustain a presence in an online-dominated retail landscape. Host Gurdeep Ahluwalia speaks with retail expert, Gary Newbury, about what lead to the slow burn of the Hudson's Bay Company, and if the writing was on the wall-post pandemic for the fate of the country's first company. The two discuss what the next months could look like for HBC, and what notes other retailers should be taking if they aren't interested in falling next in line. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us through email at [email protected] or @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

Foreign election interference is back in the news after week one of the federal election campaign. Questions about foreign interference followed both Pierre Poilievre and Mark Carney on the campaign trail this week. Poilievre again defended his refusal to obtain security clearance, while Carney was pressed to explain why the Liberals dropped a candidate with ties to the Indian government. Host David Smith speaks with University Ottawa criminology professor Michael Kempa about the latest developments and how foreign interference may play a role in this election race. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

The federal election is several days in and it’s already been a wild ride. This vote has been framed as an existential election for our country, amid the trade war and sovereignty threats from the US. While President Trump’s tariffs are having a massive impact on the campaign there are also many policy promises, questions around security clearance and business dealings, and gaffes from some of the leaders. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is checking the pulse of the race to form the next federal government , by speaking with Lori Williams, a political scientist at Mount Royal University. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

It’s been a busy first week on the campaign trail for federal leaders. One storyline that's stood out is the early election poll tracking. All the major polling firms are showing a huge surge in support for the Liberal Party under new leader Mark Carney.But how full a picture do the polls show?Host David Smith speaks with Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, about what goes into a modern election poll. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

We’ve all heard how social media can have a negative impact, but unfortunately putting your phone down can be a tricky task. New research out of the University of British Columbia shows there’s a way to manage your mental health while staying up to date on your favourite apps.Host Melanie Ng speaks with lead study author and psychology professor at UBC, Amori Mikami, about their findings.More info: pearl.psych.ubc.ca We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky