The Big Story

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

Frequency Podcast Network


    • Jun 23, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 1,928 EPISODES

    4.6 from 27 ratings Listeners of The Big Story that love the show mention: jordan, murder, daily, listen, love.



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    Latest episodes from The Big Story

    Big Headlines: Montreal shooting kills three, including a police officer and a tragic update in the search for Nancy Guthrie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 7:58


    Plus: A ransom note reportedly told Nancy Guthrie's family she died shortly after she was kidnapped, residents in Lytton begin returning home after a wildfire forced them to evacuate, Ontario First Nations enter a deal to own a new nuclear reactor, Canada's first high-speed rail line could get another stop, and Keir Starmer joins the long list of British Prime Ministers to resign in recent years. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    The revolving door of UK Prime Ministers post-Brexit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 22:41


    Keir Starmer's resignation as Britian's Prime Minister marks the 6th in just a decade, as political turmoil and a post-Brexit reality disturb the country's stability. Poised to be the country's next leader is Greater-Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Mel Cappe, distinguished fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy to discuss what lead to Starmer's step-down, what challenges lies ahead for the country's new leader, and the legacy that Starmer leaves behind. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: Inflation rises to its highest rate in years, and British PM Starmer resigns

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 6:03


    Plus: Celebrations on Sunday mark National Indigenous Peoples Day, contract talks start for thousands of Canadian auto workers, Ottawa reaches a deal to build a new radar defence system, and what do teenagers think of a possible social media ban? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    How parents and teens actually feel about a social media ban

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 24:05


    Canada has taken inspiration from its fellow commonwealth cousin, Australia, and has moved to ban social media for anyone under 16. A part of Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act requires social media platforms to ensure kids are staying safe online, or else they get banned. But what 'safe' looks like exactly hasn't been clearly outlined by Ottawa yet. The act also aims at protecting children from AI chatbots. Academics and experts in the safe have spoken both for and against the act, but how do the actual stakeholders feel about it? Host Maria Kestane speaks to Jenny Perez, founder of Unplugged, as well as Mya Callaghan, a 13 year old from Alberta to get a pulse check on how parents and teenagers are feeling about the legislation, and how the next few months could unfold. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Weekend Listen: When will investing in AI pay off?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2026 24:37


    Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show 'In This Economy?!' Big players in the artificial intelligence space like OpenAI or Anthropic continue to take up tons of conversational space, whether it's about how much they're worth, how much they spend, and how much it takes to maintain their systems. Often left out of the conversations, though, are whether or not their investments could be a net benefit to the economy. Host Mike Eppel speaks to Raj Juneja, President of Cisco Systems Canada, about the company's leadership role in AI infrastructure, what he's hearing from CEOs about the growth payback from investing in AI, and how building trust and data security is key to Canadian user adoption. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: An historic win for Canada at the World Cup but at a cost to the lineup

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 7:36


    Plus: Talks between the U.S. and Iran are delayed, Frank Stronach is found guilty on two counts in his sex assault trial, the mine where three workers were trapped for days in a collapse last year gets a key approval for underground mining, a groundbreaking procedure for cancer patients has been performed in Canada for the first time, and why are so many Canadians turning away from legacy media? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    TLDR; More Canadians are avoiding the news

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 23:55


    Have you stopped checking the headlines in the morning? Are you changing the channel once the news comes on? Do you find yourself feeling anxious when hearing about current events? If so, you're in packed company. This year's Digital News Report found that engagement and trust in legacy media continues to fall, as online content creators and AI dominate digital platforms. Not only has the medium changed, but also interest. This year's report found that 45% of Canadian respondents actively avoid the news. Host Catherine Jette speaks to Craig Robertson, a co-author of the Digital News Report to discuss why Canadians are turning away from the headlines, and how media companies can keep up as interest peaks elsewhere. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: The U.S. and Iran sign a ceasefire deal and Canada's World Cup journey continues

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 7:06


    Plus: It's match day for Canada at the World Cup, another suspected is arrested in the shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto, Alberta's premier reacts to a call for her and her party to be investigated for treason, a Vancouver-based mining company hires a former Trump cabinet member, and Ontario's premier sends legislators on a five-month summer vacation. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    (148) Days of Summer: Ontario MPP's lengthiest break

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 23:05


    A five-month summer vacation doesn't sound too shabby, especially following a winter vacation that lasted more than three months. That's the case for the members of the Ontario provincial government, as Premier Doug Ford sent the MPPs on an extended break before rejoining for the fall session. He says he'd rather have his members out in the community, engaging with residents, rather than spend their time 'arguing with each other' during question period. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Richard Southern, 680 NewsRadio Queen's Park reporter, to discuss other possible reasons for Ford's extended break, including a potential cabinet shake-up, as well as hopes for a reset in public opinion. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: Details emerge on the new U.S.-Iran deal and Carney shares a 'hot mic' moment with Trump at the G7

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 6:17


    Plus: Mark Carney addresses his hot mic conversation with Donald Trump about the Canada-China EV deal, a new study analyzes homeownership rates among recent immigrants compared with Canadian-born individuals, Jacob Hoggard's bid for full parole is denied, evacuation orders are lifted in B.C. as a wildfire continues to burn, and will Ottawa's food strategy actually lower your grocery bill? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Will Ottawa's food strategy actually lower your grocery bill?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 20:42


    Ottawa is investing more than $3 billion as part of a national food security strategy. It aims to combat anticompetitive industry practices, boost agricultural infrastructure to improve access to fresh produce year-round, and address online surveillance pricing. But it isn't the first time a Liberal government pulled out the stops to make groceries cheaper or address grocery store monopolies.  Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Pascal Thériault, Director of McGill University's Farm Management and Technology Program and an agricultural economist, to discuss what it means for Canadians to have a national food strategy, and whether or not it will actually lower grocery bills. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: Carney announces new Russia sanctions and Trump says he'll release the full Iran deal in days

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 7:23


    Plus: the latest on the U.S. and Iran's agreement on the Strait of Hormuz, a dozen children are injured at a B.C. waterpark, the NHL begins investigating former head coach Mike Babcock ahead of his possible return the the league, a new commercial airport opens in Montreal, and protesters take to the streets in Albania over a planned resort funded by Donald Trump's son-in-law. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    How the Kushners sparked Albania's 'flamingo revolution'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 20:55


    Massive protests have swept the streets of Albania. Dubbed "The Flamingo Revolution", the anti-government protests have kicked off after Prime Minister Edi Rama announced plans for a luxury resort to be built, in part, on environmentally-protected land. The resort's primary investor would be Jared Kushner, son-in-law to U.S. President Donald Trump. Rama, however, has downplayed the size of the protests, and claimed that much of the outrage online has been fueled by Iranian agents. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Vladimir Karaj, a journalist with the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, on why the Albanian government is defending the Kushner's development plans, what protesters are calling for, and whether or not either side will back down. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: The U.S. and Iran reach a deal on the Strait of Hormuz but key questions remain

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 8:11


    Plus: this year's G7 summit gets underway in France, Mark Carney meets with French and Irish leaders, Parliament is set to introduce two major bills, a slain Ontario police officer's funeral will be held this week, Canada takes a step toward advancing from its group with a draw at the World Cup, and why do many Canadians seem to care so little about their local government? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    The election you're probably ignoring (but shouldn't)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 23:32


    This year, six of Canada's ten provinces and one of it's three territories have held or will be holding municipal elections. It's a level of governance that tends to get the least amount of engagement from Canadians, and yet it's also the one that can most directly affect our lives. So what do our city councils do for us? Why do we pay so little attention? Why is turnout so low? And what might be done to increase turnout in elections coming up this fall? Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with John Michael McGrath, a writer and host at TVO about the importance of municipalities, and why we seem to care so little about them. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Weekend Listen: Will the new US Fed Chair cave to Trump?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2026 23:20


    Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!" Kevin Warsh will officially take over as the head of the US central bank on Wednesday – but it's not clear how his term will play out. The U-S President has been calling for interest rate cuts since he returned to office last year but several factors suggest that's not likely in the cards. But will Warsh feel the pressure from Donald Trump to cut anyway? And how might his decisions impact Canada? In today's episode of In This Economy?!, host Kris McCusker speaks to Scott Anderson, Chief US Economist for BMO Capital Markets - based in San Francisco, California about how the Fed might look different under Warsh and what could be coming during the early part of his term. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: Carney's looking for new partnerships in the City of Love and the World Cup kicks off in Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 7:14


    Plus: Trump is declaring the Iran war over despite a different narrative from Iran, Alberta is appealing a judge's decision to throw out a petition that's asking whether it should leave Canada, a Florida man sues several law enforcement agencies after an AI mistake, the White House-UFC event continues preparations for this weekend, and the World Cup is officially here. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    FIFA, politics, and the future of soccer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 25:57


    It's the most exciting time for soccer fans and sports lovers alike, as World Cup 2026 kicks off across North America. But in the shadows of fan fests and buzzing bars remains the very stark reality of strict US immigration policy that threatens the very nature of the tournament. Somali referee Omar Artan was sent back to Turkey upon his arrival in Miami earlier this month after White House officials claimed he'd been in contact with terrorists. Meanwhile, the Iranian team has been advised they can't stay in the US before or after a match, forcing their accommodations onto Mexican soil instead. Guest Host Devang Desai speaks to Founder and Host of Soccerwise, David Gass, to discuss the immigration fallout from the World Cup thus far and how geopolitical tensions may overshadow the game. You can find more of David's work, here: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: Police across Canada mourn the loss of a Toronto officer and Trump threatens to "hit Iran very hard tonight"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 6:57


    Plus: the Gordie Howe bridge opening hits another speedbump, protests continue in Belfast, the World Cup kicks off today in Mexico, and how drones are playing a key role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Drones redefine the Ukraine-Russia war

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 25:18


    On February 24th, 2022, Russian troops marched across the Ukrainian border-- the beginning of an invasion experts had been warning of for some time. It was believed the embattled nation would fall within months. But four years later, Ukrainians continue to defy the odds. One of their key weapons: drones, which they use as devastating weapons of modern warfare. And while a fifth of the nation remains under Russian occupation, the Russian army hasn't managed to advance any further. It's become a stalemate, a war attrition-- but that might be a good thing for Ukraine. Today on The Big Story podcast, host Caryn Ceolin is speaking with Dominique Arel, chair of Ukrainian studies at the University of Ottawa about Ukraine's attacks on Russian logistics, and whether or not the country might be able to force Putin into a peace deal. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: Police across Canada mourn the loss of an Ontario officer and Trump says Iran is taking too long to reach a deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 6:06


    Plus: the Bank of Canada is keeping its key interest rate unchanged, the Carney government is set to introduce its Online Harms Act today that could include a social media ban for kids under 16, Trump is still reportedly clashing with Ontario's Premier, and chimpanzees are now engaging in deadly combat. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Inside the Uganda chimpanzee civil war

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 19:30


    It's something scientists have never observed before: chimpanzees, formerly with close family bonds, now engaging in deadly combat. A recent study looked at one of the largest groups of chimps in the world, which primatologists have been observing since 1995. For decades, the group thrived, but recently, factions have broken off, and fighting has turned deadly-- and scientists aren't sure why. Host Caryn Ceolin is speaking with Dr. John Mitani, one of the researchers who's been observing the chimps, and an author of the paper, about what's going on between the primates-- and what we might be able to learn from it. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: Trump believes the Iran-Israel war is almost over and an Air Canada pilot flies without a licence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 6:58


    Plus: Prime Minister Mark Carney wants public opinion on the Ontario government's expansion plan for Billy Bishop Toronto Island Airport, Trump took in Game 3 of the NBA Finals in-person, birth rates are dropping with a link to smartphones, and what's the state of the federal Conservatives right now? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Poilievre's campaign against Alberta separation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 28:17


    It's been an interesting past few months for the Federal Conservatives, from several MPs crossing the floor, to reports of inner-circle fighting, to Pierre Poilievre questioning PM Carney's education in economics. In more recent events, the Federal Opposition leader has since claimed that Canada is in a 'full-blown' recession, and has called for unity among Alberta separatists. Host Maria Kestane speaks to Glen McGregor, political correspondent for CityNews to discuss what challenges Poilievre's caucus may return to after the summer recess, and what issues are currently dividing the party. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: Canada's new Governor General sworn in and a 7.8-magnitude earthquake slams the Philippines

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 6:13


    Plus: Pierre Poilievre is expected to call for a shift in federal policies with rising separatist movements in Alberta, Iran's military says it's stopping offensive operations after exchanging fire with Israel, and looking ahead to the World Cup - security and the top-ranked stadiums. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Why Canada's next Governor General matters right now

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 19:39


    Louise Arbour, a former lawyer, Supreme Court Justice, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, is being sworn in as Canada's next Governor General. It comes at a nuanced time for Canada's global identity. Host Catherine Jette speaks to Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor at the University of Toronto about the Governor General's role in Canada, whether or not Canadians feel connected to the monarch, and how Arbour could use this precarious geopolitical moment to capture the country's appetite for unity and identity. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Weekend Listen: Are we in a recession? Not technically

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2026 23:18


    Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!" Following a negative performance for economic growth in the first quarter of 2026, the Canadian economy fell into what's been described as a "technical recession". While the headline was pounced on for political debate, with such a small decline (just a 0.1% contraction) and some parts of the economy still doing quite well, economists are downplaying the significance of all this recession talk. Nevertheless, under the weight of the trade war with the U.S., there are a lot of questions around the recent signals by the Bank of Canada even talking about hiking interest rates and whether the central bank will be changing its message to the markets next week with it's policy announcement on June 10th. Host Mike Eppel speaks with Royce Mendes, the managing director and head of macro strategy at Desjardins, about this so-called "recession", and what the consequences of reading too much into it might be. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: Select Canadians could receive a financial top-up today and the country's unemployment rate has dipped

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 6:02


    Plus: can Albertans actually be dual citizens if the province separates from Canada, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested a face-to-face with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, the Ontario government is going after illegal ticket resellers again, and could B.C. see its first Conservative premier in a century? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    BC Conservatives take a hard right

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 26:14


    The British Columbia Conservative Party hasn't won an election since, and hasn't won a seat in 50. As recently as the 2020 provincial election, the party earned just 36,000 votes. But in 2024, the party surged in popularity, nearly toppling the long-thought invincible BC NDP. Then came interparty turmoil, which led to the ousting of their leader, John Rustad, and a leadership election that went on for months. In the end, it was narrow, and the BC Conservatives elected Kerry-Lynne Findlay. Today on the Big Story, host Caryn Ceolin is speaking with Mo Amir, host of This is VANCOLOUR, a daily politics and news show, to find who she is and what she'll bring to the party. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: Carney's attention on AI and the WHO says to lift travel restrictions on Ebola-affected countries

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 5:51


    Plus: Carney's responding to the latest tariff threats from the U.S., Toronto Police have arrested four more in connection with suspected hate-motivated assaults, a Vancouver ski resort could be setting a Guinness World Record, and what's killing the oysters in P.E.I.? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    What's killing PEI's oysters?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 26:05


    A pair of parasitic diseases are wreaking havoc on Prince Edward Island's oyster industry, forcing farms across the province to throw out close to all of their supply. MSX and Dermo are to blame. They're fatal to the mollusk but not harmful to humans. Host Maria Kestane speaks to James Power, general manager of Raspberry Point Oysters in PEI to discuss what farmers are left to do with ambiguous government assistance programs, and what comes next for one of the province's most lucrative industries. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: Canada-U.S. trade tensions could be cooling off and FIFA reprimands a B.C. charity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 6:46


    Plus: a pill that could double survival time for patients with pancreatic cancer could soon be coming to Canada, Zellers is continuing to accelerate its comeback in Canada, the latest on CBS's firing of veteran news correspondent Scott Pelley, and how can provincial Liberals make a comeback? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Can provincial Liberals make a comeback?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 21:08


    While the Federal Liberals remain historically popular under Prime Minister Mark Carney, that isn't the case for their provincial counterparts. By the end of 2016, more than half of Canada's provinces and territories had Liberal governments. Today, that's down to one, as Liberal premiers fell one by one to largely conservative-- but some NDP-- replacements. Liberal parties faced especially historic collapses in BC, Ontario, and Quebec. But despite that, recent polls have shown the provincial liberals gaining some ground in a couple of provinces. Host Caryn Ceolin is speaking with John Ibbitson, journalist and author, about what happened to provincial liberals, and if there is any hope for their future. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: Carney says Canada is failing its Jewish community and a deadly shooting rocks northern Saskatchewan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 6:17


    Plus: the federal NDP want to do-away with floor crossings, police are warning of counterfeit merch ahead of the World Cup, Sabrina Carpenter has been granted a restraining order against an alleged stalker, and how data centres are having a moment in Canada right now. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Canada's latest obsession: data centres

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 26:16


    If you've noticed that data centres are having a moment in Canada right now, you wouldn't be the only one. As Ottawa looks to maintain a sovereign digital footprint amid the current AI rush, building its own data centres has the potential to do so. But the question is who actually funds these centres, and what are they doing to the environments around them? Host Maria Kestane speaks to Shion Guha, assistant professor at the Faculty of Information and Department of Computer Science to discuss why Canada is in a rush to build all these data centres and what Canadians need to know about them. Shion also writes The Public Interest Technologist newspaper, you can read it here: https://publictechnologist.substack.com We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: Food Banks Canada's latest poverty report card

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 5:09


    Plus: Latest contract offer from Canada Post to postal workers, Canada's projected economic lift from FIFA World Cup 2026, health groups calling for Federal Government to cut nicotine use by 2045, and the results from The Canadian Screen Awards. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Canada strong shouldn't mean environmental neglect

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 23:06


    Amid a cost-of-living crisis, a war across the Middle East, job uncertainty thanks to AI - do you still have emotional bandwidth to worry about the environment? It seems like Ottawa doesn't. Since PM Carney took office, he's made strides towards strengthening our economy by bridging resource gaps with our very own products and assets, while simultaneously disregarding efforts made the previous Liberal Government to help meet our 2050 net zero emissions target. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Caroline Brouillette, Executive Director of Climate Action Network Canada to discuss how Canada has environmentally moved backwards in an effort to develop its own resources, and what Carney should focus on if he wants to make sure Canada hits its emission reduction targets. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Weekend Listen: Summer vacation?! In this economy?!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2026 21:11


    Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!" A recent survey shows many Canadians are scaling back their spending on vacations this summer as life continues to get more expensive. And while it's not surprising, experts say it presents a really unique opportunity to re-examine your finances overall to prioritize things like trips. This week on "In This Economy?!" Co-Host Kris McCusker speaks to Sumaiya Bhula, Senior Manager, Saving, and Investing Journey at TD Bank for tips and tricks to make the most of your paycheque – and score yourself a getaway. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: A downward surprise on the Canadian economy and the U.S. and Iran are close to a tentative deal

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 6:46


    Plus: The health minister defends Ebola travel restrictions, a man accused of selling deadly substances online to people at risk of self-harm pleads guilty, a rocket explosion, and Danielle Smith's referendum gamble. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Danielle Smith's referendum gamble

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2026 27:22


    As separatist sentiment swirls across Alberta, the country has been holding it's breath and wondering: "will we face another separation referendum?" It seemed inevitable, as Premier Danielle Smith changed the rules to make putting a referendum forward easier. But a court decision rejected their petition on the grounds that Indigenous peoples who would be affected were not properly consulted. Smith has since announced a compromise, of sorts: a referendum on whether or not to have a separation referendum. Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Ryan Jespersen, host of "Real Talk", an Alberta daily news and politics show, to get the perspective from the ground, and discuss how she has managed to anger both federalist and separatist Albertans.  You can listen to "Real Talk" with Ryan Jespersen wherever you get your podcast, or at https://www.ryanjespersen.com/ And you can follow the show on YouTube and all social media @RealTalkRJ We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    Big Headlines: The Prime Minister is in NYC and an apparent hot-mic moment for Carney

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 6:10


    Plus: China's foreign minister arrives in Canada, a new report from the United Nations Weather Agency, Ebola latest, and the Pope calls for AI regulation. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

    The Pope calls for AI regulation. Will Canada listen?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2026 23:47


    In his first ever Encyclical, titled "Magnifica Humanitas"-- or Magnificent Humanity-- Pope Leo XIV says AI needs to be "disarmed". It's a sweeping document, introduced to the world by Pope Leo himself, a first for a papal encyclical, calling for the leaders to make sure the new technology is developed for the common good. To ensure that, he explicitly calls for more government regulation in the industry. Host Maria Kestane speaks with Dr. Gerard Ryan from the Regis St. Michael Faculty of Theology at the University of Toronto to discuss the weight an encyclical has on public policy, what it means for Leo's pontificate, and whether or not PM Carney will take note. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

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