Metro Morning from CBC Radio Toronto (Highlights)

Our podcast is changing names. To stay tapped into the stories the GTA is talking about, follow This is Toronto. Sanjay Ruparelia, associate professor in Politics and Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University, breaks down a recent skirmish outside a Hindu temple in Brampton. And personal finance expert Shannon Lee Simmons makes the argument for starting your holiday shopping now, even if it feels way too early.

Deputy mayor Ausma Malik explains how the city is preparing for T-day(s) in Toronto. Plus, the Competition Bureau says pharmacies are unfairly blocked from stocking drugs for pets. Wendy Chui, the pharmacist who made the initial complaint to the agency, spoke to David Common about the choked-off supply chain.

Metro Morning's political panel unpacks Ontario's Fall Economic statement. Plus, the province's former chief economist talks about Ford government's pricey promises as Ontario maintains the highest debt of any sub-national government in the world.

Metrolinx banned some e-bikes because of the fire risk. The TTC is looking to follow but voted to first study the risk and impact on gig workers. Host David Common speaks to TTC Chair Jamaal Myers about that balance. Also, writer Monika Warzecha talks about the "golden age of garbage clothing."

TTC councilor Stephen Holyday is proposing a new program to hand out 'Baby on Board' pins to pregnant women who ride transit, to help them get seats. Doula Shani Belle says pins won't solve the problems with public transit for pregnant women. Plus, are sirens still the best way to communicate a public emergency? Haydn Watters looks into that.

On the heels of federal changes to immigration and a cap on international students, Seneca Polytechnic is temporarily closing its Markham campus. President David Agnew explains why he thinks the policies are not comprehensive enough. Plus, journalist Justin Ling looks at polarization on the campaign trail, and its connection to Canadian narratives.

Outreach worker Diana Chan McNally and Toronto shelter and support services manager Gord Tanner discuss the options to keep homeless people out of the cold. And influential American organizer Marshall Ganz stops by the studio ahead of a talk about his new book People, Power, Change: Organizing for Democratic Renewal.

George and Karen Amaro break down their message to the Premier and Transportation Minister: "Bike Lanes Could Have Saved Our Daughter." And Gurpreet Malhotra of Indus Community Services explains why international students in Brampton are vulnerable to human trafficking.

David and Hannah Mirvish discuss their company and the state of the performing arts in the city. And Toronto resident Samantha Fraser introduces us to Chappell Bone, a 12-foot skeleton decked out as the pop star on her front lawn.

Dr. Joyce Cheung, chair of the Section of Palliative Medicine at the Ontario Medical Association, explains what she and other palliative care doctors are seeing with medical supply shortages around the province. NDP leader Marit Stiles outlines her party's priorities ahead of what's expected to be an early provincial election. And neighbourhood activist Faraz Gholizadeh reacts to a proposed redesign of one of the city's deadliest streets, Parkside Drive.

Menopause educator Shirley Weir talks to David about why she's dedicated her life to helping other women get the right advice. Consultant Tristan Knight explains what actually goes into an environmental assessment, and what it means that the Ford government wants to fast-track the process for the planned Highway 413. And criminologist Natalie Delia weighs in on the court case of a woman charged with the unprovoked killing of three people in the GTA over the span of a few days.

Host David Common talks politics today on the podcast; from Metrolinx shake-ups to bike lane crack-downs to the loaded accusations against the Indian government, and more. Plus, they may be ugly but we are all indebted to turkey vultures, says a member of the Toronto Field Naturalists.

Coyotes be warned, penned dog hunting is legal in Ontario again. An infectious disease specialist tells David Common why this isn't only bad news for prey, but also for humans. With less than a month to go into until the U.S. Presidential election, David speaks to longtime MSNBC correspondent Ali Velshi about the campaign, the stakes for Canada, and democracy itself. Plus, why the alternative food aisle is the right place for a singles mixer.

The worst of Hurricane Milton may have passed, but the challenges are just beginning. Host David Common checks in on recovery efforts. And, on Thanksgiving Monday, a conversation about how food evokes memory. Plus, David tries his hand at cozy gaming.

At a special show on-location in Oshawa, David Common hears from Melissa Schneider, who helped create a drop-in for homeless people in the city's downtown. Ene Underwood from Habitat for Humanity GTA and Tracy Greig from the Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation discuss building 50 new affordable homes in the city. Developer Richard Summers explains why he is turning a rundown Oshawa institution into a new apartment building. And Mary Krohnert drops by in the Living Room Community Art Studio, also known as the art bus.

Dr. Dominick Shelton, the assistant dean of admissions at TMU's new medical school, tells David what he hopes the school can accomplish. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow addresses calls for a public inquiry into Metrolinx and more. And culture writer Sadaf Ahsan talks about why so many people love watching a catfishing documentary.

Toronto AI researcher Geoffrey Hinton talks about being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. Closer to home, city councillor Brad Bradford reacts to a report on the habits of City Parks and Recreation workers. And breast cancer survivor Sherry Wilcox discusses the impact of lowering the age for regular breast cancer screenings.

David Common speaks with Geoffrey Milder, who is competing in a home pickling contest at Toronto's Picklefest. Toronto Metropolitan University DMZ director Abdullah Snobar muses on whether Canadian businesses are lacking ambition. And CAMH psychiatrist Dr. David Gratzer explains why the idea of forcing people with addictions into treatment is catching momentum.

The creators of the award-winning horror podcast Parkdale Haunt join David Common to talk about their new work, Woodbine. Munk School founding director Janice Stein sheds light on what the next steps may be after Iran's missile attack on Israel. And a Torontonian in Beirut shares why she's not planning to leave Lebanon just yet, despite calls from the government and her own family.

Host David Common speaks to a wildlife expert on International Raccoon Appreciation Day. City manager Paul Johnson talks congestion, bike lanes and Billy Bishop airport. And producer Sam Juric speaks to the organizer of a global effort to restore a 200-year-old Torah scroll.

Host David Common speaks with writer and professor, Niigaan Sinclair, about Canada's progress on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. Also on the podcast; Benjamin Felix, the Chief Investment Officer for PWL Capital, who makes the case that home ownership is no longer the holy grail for many. Money Shannon Lee Simmons also weighs in on the debate.

A tunnel under the 401? Metro Morning's political panel discusses the Premier's new idea. Plus, need a social life? You can get a prescription for that. And a TDSB student and trustee weigh in on a now-controversial field trip to a Grassy Narrows protest.

Rob Dods, who spent years living on the streets and in encampments, responds to Premier Doug Ford's comments about homeless people needing to "find a job." He is joined by Sanctuary Toronto's pastoral director Tanja Futter.

David Common speaks with author and educator, Bear Bergman, about why gentle parenting is leaving parents a little roughed up. Also on today's podcast, one of the masterminds behind looney dog days at the Jays and a woman fighting the Ontario law that allows hospitals to place discharged patients into long-term care homes not of their choosing.

Did you know that Toronto's hip-hop scene is older than that of many American cities? Host David Common speaks with two instructors of a new hip-hop course at U of T; urbanist-in-residence Kofi Hope and Juno-winning artist and rapper, Shad. Plus, Tanya Talaga speaks about her family's decades long search for their family matriarch. And global studies professor Ruby Dagher unpacks the politics of Hezbollah.

A 4th generation scrap metal dealer, an award-winning tree climber, and a student competing for a $50,000 global prize for her mental health initiative join host David Common on today's podcast.

Who is Edward Rogers, Toronto's new sports tycoon? David Common speaks to Globe & Mail business reporter Andrew Willis about Rogers Communication's buying up Bell's stakes in MLSE. Plus, Canada's medical community is apologizing for the harm it's done to Indigenous Peoples. What's next? University Health Network's Indigenous Health Lead, Dr. Mike Anderson, shares his thoughts. And David speaks with Ulrike Al-Khamis, CEO of the Aga Khan Museum, about its 10 year anniversary.

Toronto could be getting it's own pizza festival. David common speaks with pizza reviewer Joe Gonzales about the pie landscape in Toronto. He then brainstorms pizza options with the Metro Morning team; Marcia Young, Jill Dempsey, Scott Regehr and Jennifer Allen. Also on the podcast, Brampton's head of Bylaw & Enforcement Rob Higgs on "bad landlords" and Markham mayor Frank Scarpitti on that city's new e-scooter program. 

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress was protesting to stop the Russians at War documentary from being shown, and their representative tells David why, even though he has not seen it. Turns out, TIFF listened and "postponed" the premiere. We hear from a musician and small business owner about her many plans to get her band in the air in case of an Air Canada strike. And David gets a lesson in the Filipino martial art of kali.

Host David Common speaks with Paralympian Jesse Zesseu about his emotional win, a Toronto director who made it to TIFF with her stories about little girls being left out of dance and makes an appeal for short films and a nuanced look at the the controversial Russians at War that leaves one expert questioning how the film got made.

David Common talks to the Russian director of the controversial documentary "Russians at War" that is facing protests and critics that it is propaganda. Also, we speak to the man who wrote the book on how to debate Donald Trump, on if there was a winner in last night's debate. Plus, the chef Rachel Adjei on the pleasure of eating with your hands, and the future of African food in this city.

Host David Common speaks to therapist Sharon Moroney, who works with victims of Peter Nygard. Also on the podcast, Michael Brooks, CEO of REALPAC, and association representing some of Canada's largest landlords and actress Olunike Adeliyi.

Host David Common talks to Newsroom actress Alison Pill and director José Lourenço about Toronto as the romantic backdrop of their latest film. Plus, a dip into the city council race in Don Valley West. And all you need to know about the latest case of rabies —in humans.

Get caught up on headlines of the week with Metro Morning's 'Headline Scratchers' on today's podcast. Also on the pod: why is there such low uptake on Toronto Police's Vulnerable Persons Registry? Host David Common asks the city's ombudsman Kwame Addo, who penned a scathing report. Plus, get your guide to the week's best in film and TV from film columnist Jason Gorber.

Metro Morning's political panel assembles for a lookahead at Fall in Queen's Park and on Parliament Hill. Plus, will a September interest rate cut boost sluggish condo sales? Host David Common speaks to Richard Joy, Executive Director of Urban Land Institute Toronto about the housing market. And who hasn't got lost in the Path? One Toronto company created a 3D map to help lost wanderers.

Host David Common speaks to Maayan Shavit, the cousin of Carmel Gat; an Israeli hostage killed in the tunnels of Rafah. Plus, the daughter of the late, legendary journalist Stevie Cameron reflects on her mother's legacy. And two teachers mark the first day of school.

The Toronto Zoo is looking for videos to help them understand how an orangutan briefly escaped his habitat. Guest host Jill Dempsey spoke with the Grant Furniss, director of wildlife care at the Toronto Zoo, about the daring escape. Plus, how do you keep transit projects in the GTA to budget? The Toronto board of trade has some ideas. And an organizer of Roma Fest in Scarborough talks about the challenges and joys of being Roma in Canada.

On today's Metro Morning podcast, guest host Helen Mann checks in on the search for the next head of the TTC, the progress of a Markham neighbourhood fueled by geothermal energy, and the battle between Highway 413 vs. a tiny freshwater fish.

Guest host Helen Mann speaks to CBC's Devin Heroux in Paris as the city prepares for the Paralympics. Plus are teachers ready to crack down on cellphones in classrooms? A teacher and principal share their thoughts. And York Regional Police Deputy Chief Alvaro Almeida talks about rising crime in York region.

Seven years after Tess Richey's mother found her daughter's body in a stairwell -- the two police officers who were on the case are facing a tribunal. Guest host Molly Thomas speaks with the Richey family's lawyer about the legacy of that case. Also, are excuses and supports getting out of hand for university students? We hear from an instructor on the culture of accomodating students. And as monkey pox infections increase, should Canada be doing more?

Guest host Molly Thomas tackles the big topics of the week; Kamala Harris accepts the Democratic nomination, a rail strike threatens big industries, and Toronto's Fan Expo features one of Canada's most prolific voice actors.

Two of Canada's biggest rail lines are disrupted by labour talks. Guest host Molly Thomas speaks to the head of the Freight Management Association and a labour expert. Plus, a public health researcher talks about the governments move to shutter supervised injection sites and a bioethicist talks about a constitutional challenge to Canada's delaying its assisted dying laws.