The Big Story

Frequency Podcast Network

An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today.

  • 15 minutes 37 seconds
    Why are people celebrating the murder of a health care CEO?

    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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

    18 December 2024, 9:00 am
  • 24 minutes 3 seconds
    Is this is the end of the line for PM Justin Trudeau?

    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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

    17 December 2024, 9:00 am
  • 17 minutes 58 seconds
    Is the fall fiscal update a Hail Mary for the Liberal government?

    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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

    16 December 2024, 9:00 am
  • 16 minutes 9 seconds
    Is now a good time to change jobs?

    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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

    15 December 2024, 9:00 am
  • 24 minutes 21 seconds
    What should we do about homeless encampments?

    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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

    13 December 2024, 9:00 am
  • 19 minutes 47 seconds
    What does the latest interest rate cut mean for you?

    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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

    12 December 2024, 9:00 am
  • 25 minutes 51 seconds
    Breaking down the latest developments in Syria

    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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

    11 December 2024, 9:00 am
  • 26 minutes 45 seconds
    A look at how much more you could be paying for food in 2025

    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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

    10 December 2024, 9:00 am
  • 18 minutes 2 seconds
    What airline travel will look like in 2025

    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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

    9 December 2024, 9:00 am
  • 10 minutes 38 seconds
    Is it okay to skip the presents this holiday season?

    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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

    8 December 2024, 9:00 am
  • 14 minutes 56 seconds
    Digging into the future of Canada's maple syrup industry

    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 @thebigstoryfpn on Twitter

    7 December 2024, 9:00 am
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