The Big Story

It can be found in some of your favourite candies, baked goods and beverages: red dye no. 3. The FDA has recently banned the synthetic dye from food (by 2027) and oral medication (by 2028) in the United States, but Health Canada says they won’t be following suit. So what’s the real danger behind this colour additive compared to others we ingest?Host Melanie Ng takes a deep dive into the research with Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe, Professor and Canada Research Chair with the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph. 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

If you weren't sure what was going to happen with interest rates with the new U.S. administration in place, you're not alone. We're just days ahead from the first policy announcement from the Bank of Canada and it's to be interesting to see where it goes.Host Mike Eppel speaks with Royce Mendes, Managing Director and head of Macrostrategy at Desjardins Capital Markets. 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

Donald Trump wants to ‘Make America First in AI’. He has announced a $500 billion deal with Silicon Valley to accelerate AI development in America.At stake in this technological arms race? Human rights, national security and the rules-based global world order.What’s Trump’s agenda?Host David Smith speaks with Don Lenihan, an expert on how digital technology shapes society and governments, about how artificial intelligence is poised to shape Trump’s second term. 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 only been 5 days since Donald Trump has been president, but you'd be right to feel like we've been through many news cycles since then and dozens of headlines. The governing Liberals, while dealing with its own leadership race and pressures to dissolve Parliament, are working through the very real threats of the U.S. government about tariffs and becoming the 51st state. To make sense of what the government is doing and feeling about week 1 of the new Trump era, host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada, François-Philippe Champagne. 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 United States banned TikTok. But Donald Trump says it can still operate in America, for now. The Executive Order that Trump signed on his first day in office only protects TikTok for 75 days.170-million users, billions of dollars and U.S. national security are at stake.What happens next?Host David Smith is joined by tech analyst and journalist Carmi Levy to break down what we know, and don’t know, about the TikTok ban. 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

Donald Trump has been sworn in as U.S. president for a second time – but this term is likely to look different than the first one.Especially if the inauguration speech is any indication. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Wayne Petrozzi, Professor Emeritus, department of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University about how Trump could change the game in the next four years – and how Canada and Canadians should prepare. 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

Donald Trump has been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. But he chose not to follow through on his threat of tariffs on Canadian imports on his first day in office.What does that mean? And what happens next? Do we still need to worry? Host David Smith speaks with Xavier Delgado, expert on the Canada-US relationship and Senior Associate at the Woodrow Wilson Centre’s Canada Institute in Washington, D.C.. 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 two frontrunners vying to replace Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader have officially launched their campaigns.Both Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland’s launch events could have gone better. Carney’s inexperience on the political stage showed in Edmonton, while Freeland was the target of protestors in Toronto.Host David Smith breaks down how the two candidates performed, and what the keys to success will be for their respective campaigns. 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 a real tipping point for electric vehicles. Although the feds have a goal of having 100% zero emission vehicles on the road by 2035, there are major challenges.In the second part of a weekend series on electric vehicles, host Mike Eppel speaks to David Adams, President and C-E-O of Global Automakers of Canada about the future of EVs. 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 group of auto sector groups came together in Ottawa this week to call on the Trudeau government to scrap its plan to mandate electric vehicle sales quotas starting next year. With Parliament prorogued, and an election on the horizon, automakers and dealerships have no idea whether they will be able to comply with the EV sales mandate starting next year. They say the situation is untenable, creating chaos for consumers, and the government is silent.On top of that, Canada’s auto sector might be hit with 25% tariffs on all cars and parts that cross the U-S border. In part one of our series on the future of electric vehicles, host David Smith speaks with Brian Kingston, President and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association. 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 officially passed what's known as "Quitter's Day", the second Friday in January where people generally abandon their new year's resolutions. If you're feeling down because you've swapped the celery for Timbits, don't! According to dietician Abbey Sharp, there is a better way and January may not even be the best time to start something new. Host Eva Fragiskatos sits down with Abbey to talk about the best way to be healthy, how to avoid fads and how to stay sane in a time where everyone has an opinion on food and nutrition. You can also listen to Abbey's podcast - "Bite Back with Abbey Sharp" here: Bite Back with Abbey Sharp - Frequency Podcast Network Bite Back with Abbey Sharp. Read more about Abbey at: Toronto Media Dietitian, Food Blogger, TV Personality - Abbey Sharp | Abbey's Kitchen (abbeyskitchen.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

Canada first and Canada united - the message after a First Ministers' meeting in Ottawa with the country's premiers - with one exception. With Doug Ford sporting a new hat that said "Canada is not for sale" and Alberta's Danielle Smith the outlier in the group, there's a lot to break down. To do that, NewsRadio's Queen's Park reporter Richard Southern speaks to Parliament Hill reporter Cormac Mac Sweeney about the meeting, the wrap up news conference, what happened behind the scenes and what's 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

A financial fact check for you. U.S. President elect Donald Trump will be sworn in next week – with the threat of 25% tariffs on Canadian products looming. And he’s been using numbers to back up his decision. Host Kris McCusker speaks to one economist to set the record straight and fact check the numbers being thrown around. Guest: Jim Stanford with the Centre for Future Work in Vancouver, B.C. 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

Less than a week to go before Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. For the past month, Canadian political leaders have taken different tactics in responding to Trump’s threats and pleading Canada’s case for exemptions to any import tariffs. How are they doing?Host David Smith speaks with Barry McLoughlin, an expert in crisis communications and leadership and President of TLC Transformational Leadership Consultants. 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

Game on! The federal Liberal party has unveiled the rules of engagement for its leadership race.What we know so far is that it costs A LOT to enter and there will be a new leader announced on March 9. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is speaking with Greg MacEachern, Principal of KAN Strategies. 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

There are still more questions than answers after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation this week.That includes legislation involving your finances.Host Kris McCusker speaks to Jamie Golombek, Managing Director of Tax and Estate Planning with CIBC Private Wealth about how people should treat changes around capital gains and a proposed extension on charitable donations. 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 first week of January felt like A LOT? You're not alone. There are so many things going on in this economy right now that could impact you. Host Mike Eppel is here to break down all the headlines that have made up this very busy news week including the Canadian dollar, the threat of tariffs and takeover and Meta abandoning fact-checkers. 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

Unreal scenes out of L.A. as fires continue to burn, most with zero per cent containment. Communities have been wiped out with thousands of structures burned including the homes of some high profile celebrities. Thousands have been driven from their homes - with no end in sight. On this episode of the Big Story, host Fil Martino speaks with Canadian and environmental journalist Aliya Jasmine who lives in Los Angeles, about the situation on the ground and what it's like living through an actual nightmare. 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

If a federal election were held today, nearly half of Canadians say they would vote for the Conservative Party of Canada.Since 2022, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has grown the party’s support to record highs. But he remains a polarizing figure.What’s behind the strategy that has the Conservatives riding high in the polls? Host David Smith speaks with Chris Day, the political communications expert and president of the public affairs firm Winston Wilmont. 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 started with a social media post that some dismissed as a joke. Now, President-elect Donald Trump is threatening to use “economic force” to make Canada a U.S. state.Is he serious? What’s going on here?Host David Smith speaks with Professor Ian Lee from the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University about what this all says for the Canada-U.S. relationship under a second Trump presidency. 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 end of the Trudeau era - but the beginning of what's going to be a new chapter in Canadian politics. There's a lot of uncertainty and a lot at stake. So what's the next move for Canada's political parties and who will be the next Liberal leader? Host David Smith digs in to this with two of the best political minds in Ottawa who sit on both sides of the political spectrum. Guests: Susan Smith, principal of Blue Sky Strategy Group and Tim Powers, chair of Summa Strategies and managing director of Abacus Data. 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

Bonus episodePrime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he will resign and has prorogued Parliament until March 24th. He will stay on as leader and Prime Minister until the Liberal Party has chosen a new leader. This sets the stage for a federal election in the spring of this year. What happens next? And what will Justin Trudeau’s legacy be?Host David Smith speaks with NewsRadio's Parliament Hill Bureau Chief Cormac MacSweeney on an historic day in Canadian politics. 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

For generations, Canada and the United States have enjoyed a special relationship. Our cultural, political and economic ties run deep, but they are not immune from destructive forces. Like all relationships, it faces tests and challenges. Any disruptive changes south of the border will have major impacts on Canada and Canadians. So what’s at stake with the incoming Trump administration?Host David Smith speaks with Matthew Lebo, professor of political science and expert on American politics at Western University, about what’s in store for 2025. 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 may have been a joke at the Mar-a-Lago dinner with PM Justin Trudeau and President-elect Donald Trump, but the question is out there: is there a risk of Canada becoming the 51st state? On top of that, what is the future of Canadian-U.S. relations with Trump coming back to office? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is speaking with Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne. 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 heard these stories time and time again - a crime committed by someone who was out on bail. Multiple stories have led to a lot of finger pointing about who is responsible for fixing our bail system and renewed calls for bail reform. On this episode of The Big Story we talk to York Regional Police Superintendent Ryan Hogan and Associate Minister of Auto Theft and Bail Reform Graham McGregor. 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

There could be major changes coming to Canada's labour market in 2025 after a bumpy couple of years. If you are a job seeker - where you live and which sector you work in will determine your success. And federal immigration policy is likely to play a big role. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Indeed's Senior Economist Brendon Bernard about his expectations going forward. 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 Canadians drinking this year?On this New Year's Eve, host Richard Southern is digging into what we were sipping this year and digs into Canadians' changing tastes with Alanna Bailey, Senior Spirits Director at LCBO. 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

The Big Story partners with NewsRadio to break down the biggest stories in politics in 2024. 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 Big Story partners with NewsRadio for a look back at some of the biggest stories of 2024. 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

If it feels like your kids are bleeding you dry, there's evidence that it's actually true. A new story in the Walrus suggests the average amount to raise 2 kids until they're 17 is $293,000, even more if the kids attend post-secondary. Host Kris McCusker is speaking with the writer of the piece in the Walrus, Chantal Braganza. 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 was a volatile year for the Canadian economy. Host Mike Eppel speaks with Doug Porter, Chief Economist at BMO about what predictions came true this year and what Canadians can expect in 2025. 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 year for Toronto mayor Olivia Chow. Host Momin Qureshi sits down with Chow at Toronto City Hall to talk about some of the challenges this year and what's expected for residents in Canada's biggest city in 2025. 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

Superstar Taylor Swift had 9 sold out shows in Canada this year and while some Swifties were able to snag tickets via Ticketmaster, others weren't so lucky. Many opted to take the third-party route and ended up spending outrageous amounts of money for a chance to see the show. Is there a better way to buy concert tickets? On this episode of the Big Story we talk to Shannon Mckarney from Etobicoke, Ontario who's started a petition on Change.org calling for the regulation of ticket re-selling. 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

NewsRadio's national talk show host Rob Snow sits down with leader of the Official Opposition, Pierre Poilievre, about the dramatic week in Canadian politics and what comes 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

We're looking into our crystal ball here at the Big Story and looking at some of the economic trends, both positive and negative, that will dominate in Canada in 2025. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Shannon Terrell and Clay Jarvis at NerdWallet Canada about what they’re watching going forward and how Canadians can put themselves in the best position to thrive next year. 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 a week in Canadian politics! From a stunning resignation, to a tonne of speculation about the future of Justin Trudeau, there's a lot to talk about. Host Mike Eppel is breaking down a historic week with Darryl Bricker, the Global CEO of Ipsos Public affairs and digging in about what comes 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

In the weeks since United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down on the street in Manhattan, the public’s reaction has become a major part of the story. While some condemn the killing of an innocent man, many are publicly celebrating the shooter’s act of violence. Why are so many Americans unfazed by the targeted killing of a CEO? Host David Smith speaks with Ali Breland, staff writer for The Atlantic, who has been writing about the public’s treatment of alleged killer Luigi Mangione. 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 was chaos in the nation’s capital on Monday as Parliament Hill was rocked by the sudden resignation of federal finance minister Chrystia Freeland. What does this latest high profile resignation mean for the Trudeau government’s future?Host David Smith speaks with Garry Keller, former advisor to prime minister Stephen Harper and Vice President at Strategy Corp. 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, the government will be unveiling its fall fiscal update - what should Canadians be expecting? And are the Liberals trying to spend their way to re-election? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney with Tyler Meredith, Senior Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs & 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

A new study suggests 74% of Canadian professionals are looking to change jobs.In this economy, is now a good time? Is the grass always greener?Host Mike Eppel speaks with Martin Fox, Managing Director at Robert Walters 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

Over the past few years, homeless encampments have become a fixture in every major city across Canada. Governments of all stripes have been grappling with the best approach to dealing with them. Is it best to clear out encampments, and push the people living there into the shelter system? Or is it better to take a hands off approach, and accommodate encampments as best as possible? In the province of Ontario, the Ford Government has taken the drastic step of tabling legislation to give municipalities more power to evict people living on public land, and shield authorities from lawsuits afterwards. Is that a step in the wrong direction? Host David Smith speaks with Tim Richter, CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, about why governments are struggling to effectively deal with chronic homelessness.Over the past few years, homeless encampments have become a fixture in every major city across Canada. Governments of all stripes have been grappling with the best approach to dealing with them. Is it best to clear out encampments, and push the people living there into the shelter system? Or is it better to take a hands off approach, and accommodate encampments as best as possible? In the province of Ontario, the Ford Government has taken the drastic step of tabling legislation to give municipalities more power to evict people living on public land, and shield authorities from lawsuits afterwards. Is that a step in the wrong direction? Host David Smith speaks with Tim Richter, CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, about why governments are struggling to effectively deal with chronic homelessness. 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 jumbo cut expected by the Bank of Canada actually happened - but what does it mean for you? Host Kris McCusker speaks with Senior Economist Jules Boudreau at Mackenzie Investments about his concerns for the Canadian economy – and why he thinks interest rates will need to move lower. 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 50 years of the oppressive Assad regime, the people of Syria will get a new government. In just two weeks, rebel forces swept through the country and took control of the capital of Damascus. Now, the hard work of nation building begins. Can a new regime heal a traumatized country and usher in an era of peace and prosperity for the long-suffering Syrian people? Host David Smith speaks with Professor Elliot Tepper, Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, about what’s next for 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

While inflation may have cooled in Canada this year, the price of groceries is still increasing faster than before the pandemic. According to the 2025 Canadian Food Price Report, families can expect to pay $800 more for food next year than they did this year.But it's not all bad news - there are some savings to be had! Host David Smith speaks with report author Sylvain Charlebois, head of the Agrifood Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, about the outlook for Canadians struggling to fill the fridge on a budget. 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

Taking a flight can be expensive, and you could be facing new fees in the new year. Air Canada has announced new charges for passengers picking their lowest fare option, so if you want to bring a carry on bag, or pick your seat, then you’ll have additional charges. The federal government says it's disappointed by this news, but hasn’t said what action it will take. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with John Gradek, an aviation management lecturer at McGill University about why airlines are charging you more, what options the government has, and whether increased competition in the airline industry can bring you some airfare relief. 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

Times are tough for many Canadians - and maybe spending money you don't have doesn't fit into your plans this year. Or maybe you want the money you do spend on gifts to be put to good use. Lisa Hannam is the Editor in Chief at MoneySense.ca. She speaks to host Kris McCusker about how to have an awkward conversation if you don't want to buy gifts this year - and would rather focus on what's really important. 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 not just something you put on your weekend pancakes - it's a huge industry in Canada that's been under threat in recent years. What's the deal with Canada's maple syrup industry? Host David Smith speaks with Randal Goodfellow, President of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers' Association. 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

On December 6, 1989 a lone gunman walked into Montreal’s École Polytechnique and began shooting female students. The young man was motivated by his misogynistic hatred for women. He targeted his victims because they were women.By the time his rampage was over, 14 young women lay dead.It was a tragedy that shook the nation to its core. Never before had our country seen such horrific violence targeted at young women.The Polytechnique shooting galvanized the women's movement in Canada and put a national focus specifically on violence against women.Parliament went on to create a national action plan on combating violence against women.Every year on December 6 we mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.Still, violence against women remains an epidemic in this country.Host David Smith speaks with Ecole Polytechnique survivor Nathalie Provost about her memory of that terrible day and her work advocating for stricter gun control laws in 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

There are more electric vehicles on the market than ever before. But, Canadian car shoppers are showing less interest in buying an E-V, citing a number of concerns that have always dogged the technology. In today's edition of the Big Story, host Mike Eppel is separating myths from reality and look at whether the automotive industry needs to look at its messaging to consumers. Today's guests: Jason Clifton, Partner, Electric Mobility Practice at E-Y Canada AND Erik Novak, Professor of Business and Sustainability at Seneca College and the editor of the Novak Report. 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