Podcasts about fahad razak

This week marks five years since Ontario declared an emergency to stop the spread of COVID-19. We hear how the pandemic still affects you and hear from Dr. Fahad Razak, former scientific director of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, about the lasting impacts on our health care system.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: NEW FERTILITY PRESERVATION METHOD GIVES YOUNG CANCER PATIENTS HOPE FOR HAVING CHILDREN LATER Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto, Provincial Co-Lead General Medicine, Dr. Alisa Naiman, family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto and Dr. Aaron Schimmer, Director of Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as well as a staff physician and a senior scientist. Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie promises every resident will have a family doctor within four years, but is this feasible? Meanwhile, former Liberal health minister Jane Philpott is tasked with finding a solution for the PC government. In Alberta, innovative treatments help young cancer patients preserve fertility, and with Australia facing a record flu season, how will Canada respond? Plus, RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine stance could impact public health policies across North America. MINISTER WHO WAS PRESENT SAYS TRUMP'S REMARK ABOUT CANADA BECOMING THE 51ST STATE WAS A JOKE Libby is joined by Bob Richardson, Public Affairs Consultant and Will Stewart, Conservative Strategist and Senior Vice President with Enterprise Canada. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself on a mountaintop beside a large Canadian flag, sparking buzz by suggesting Canada could become the 51st state. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who attended the Mar-a-Lago dinner, downplays the image as a joke and hails it as a symbol of strong U.S.-Canada relations. BONNIE CROMBIE JOINS FIGHT BACK TO TALK ABOUT HER PRIMARY CARE PLAN Libby is joined by Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie. Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie has promised to ensure every resident in the province has a primary care doctor within four years if elected. This ambitious plan comes as Ontario faces a significant shortage, with 2.5 million people currently without a family doctor. Will it be enough to address the root cause of many healthcare issues?

THE MEDICAL RECORD: DO YOU CARE ABOUT CALORIE COUNTS? Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing in Toronto, and Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Libby gives an update post-cataract procedure and we explore a study out of England that reveals the extent to which calorie counts actually influence our menu choices when we go to restaurants.  CALLS FOR PM TRUDEAU TO INCLUDE RETIREES IN HIS $250 REBATE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Will Stewart, a Conservative Strategist and Senior Vice President with Enterprise Canada, and Tom Parkin, a social Democratic commentator. PM Trudeau has excluded some very important groups from the $250 rebate cheques his government will be sending out to some 18.7 million Canadians. One of those important groups are pensioners who still pay tax! We've heard from our listeners who called in to express their disappointment about it. Opposition leaders in Ottawa are calling on Trudeau to make it so that they are included. HOW THE LOONIE'S DROP IN VALUE IS IMPACTING CANADIAN SHOPPERS + THOSE TRAVELLING TO U.S.  Libby Znaimer is joined by Moshe Lander, Senior Lecturer of Economics at Concordia University in Montreal and Stephen Fine, President & Managing Editor of SnowbirdAdvisor.ca. How are Canadian shoppers and those travelling to the U.S. being impacted by the drop in the value of the loonie? Our experts weigh in.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:  A MEASLES OUTBREAK & CATARACT PROCEDURES Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and former head of BC Cancer, Dr. Iris Gorfinkel, a family doctor based in Toronto and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and a general internist at a Toronto hospital. We discuss a measles virus outbreak in New Brunswick, get reaction to Donald Trump nominating RFK Jr. to head the U.S. government Department of Health and Human Services and what to consider if you are undergoing a cataract procedure. IT'S WORLD COPD DAY Libby Znaimer is joined by Henry Roberts, Director and a co-founder of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Canada. Today marks World COPD Day. COPD is a progressive lung disease with symptoms like shortness of breath and chest tightness to name just a few. It affects about 1.5 million Canadians and possibly about a million more who are undiagnosed. Henry is here to raise awareness and answers listeners' questions.

THE MEDICAL RECORD PANEL: ONTARIO LAUNCHING A NURSING PROGRAM & CANCER PATIENTS IN THE ER  Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak,  General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto, and Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist of Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. This week: there's an interesting study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal on people going to emergency rooms just before being diagnosed with cancer, or being diagnosed with cancer while there. On the positive side, the first new nursing program in 20 years was announced. It comes after the Ford government announced restrictions on medical school admission designed to boost the number of doctors here in Ontario. DONALD TRUMP HAS WON THE U.S. ELECTION Libby Znaimer is joined by Whitley Yates, a Republican strategist and founder and owner of The Niche Agency, as well as Dr. Chris Cooper, a Political Science Professor at Western Carolina University. After months of coverage and dramatic twists and turns in the U.S. Presidential contest, Donald Trump secured a decisive victory. We discuss that and analyze some of the promises he's made during the campaign. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE UPDATED COVID-19 VACCINES AVAILABLE NOW Libby is joined by Pharmacist Molly Yang, Director of Pharmacy Innovation; Professional Affairs at Whole Health Pharmacy. Have you had the latest COVID-19 booster? What about the flu shot? The latest guidance is to take them together, but there are also other vaccines Zoomers should be getting to prevent difficult and possibly debilitating bouts of illness.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: AT-HOME PATIENTS IN ONTARIO ARE REPORTING DELAYS IN MEDICAL SUPPLIES Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto, and Dr. Jamie Spiegelman, an Internal medicine and critical care physician at Humber River Hospital. Why are at-home patients in Ontario reporting delays in medical supplies and drugs for their care? We also discuss the issue of the primary care shortage across the province. A STAGGERING NEW REPORT SHOWS HOW MUCH FOOD IS BEING WASTED (AND THE COST) BY CANADIANS Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and Dr. Mustafa Koç, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Toronto Metropolitan University specializing in food security and food policy. A new report by Second Harvest shows the extent of our food waste, as well as the staggering cost of it among Canadians. Are we in need of rethinking our approach to the foods we buy and consume? IS THE PARTY OVER FOR PM JUSTIN TRUDEAU?  Libby Znaimer is joined by Bob Richardson, a Public Affairs Consultant and Jason Lietaer, Conservative Strategist and President at Enterprise. Will PM Justin Trudeau face a leadership challenge at today's federal Liberal caucus meeting? Our guests weigh in on the latest.

Guest: Dr. Fahad Razak, internist at St Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto), and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto

Vassy Kapelos speaks with Bob Fife, Ottawa Bureau Chief, The Globe and Mail, about the reported exodus from cabinet and what that means in the current context. On today's show: CTV's Senior Parliamentary Reporter Mike Le Couteur walks through the cabinet ministers not seeking re-election Eric Ham, CTV U.S. Political Analyst, weighs in on the Fox News interview with Vice President Kamala Harris and the leadup to election day Talk Science to Me with Dan Riskin We hear from you on if Canada should hold on to the monarchy and monarchy as celebrity The Daily Debrief with Hannah Thibedeau, Marieke Walsh, and Laura Stone Dr. Fahad Razak, report co-author, , internist at St Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto), and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto. He was also Scientific Director of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table

THE MEDICAL RECORD: REPORT ON DISEASE SURVEILLANCE Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto who served as a Scientific Advisor of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, Dr. Aaron Schimmer, the Director of Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as well as a staff physician and a senior scientist and Dr. Nadia Alam, a Georgetown, Ontario family doctor and anesthetist.  Even though it hasn't been long since we've been out of the COVID pandemic, according to a new report it's time to start preparing for the next global health crisis. COURT CHALLENGE AGAINST FORD GOV'T OVER ORCHARD VILLA LICENSE Jane Brown is joined by Natalie Mehra, Executive Director of the Ontario Health Coalition and Cathy Parkes, whose father passed away at Orchard Villa during the pandemic. Both Cathy and the Ontario Health Coalition are presenting a court challenge this week over the Ford government's decision to greenlight a new 30-year license to Orchard Villa. They want the lease quashed by the court. TORONTO'S ACTION PLAN TO KEEP ITS "ECONOMY THRIVING"  Jane Brown is joined by Toronto City Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North) who is also Chair of the Budget Committee and co-chair of the Economic Advisory Panel. Toronto's mayor and the city's budget chief have both just announced a new staff report and plan called Sidewalks to Skylines: An Action Plan for Toronto's economy. We get clarity on what it's all about.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:  SYNTHETIC BONES FOR CANCER AND TRAUMA PATIENTS? Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a former head of BC Cancer, Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and former Scientific Director of the COVID-19 Ontario Science Table, and Dr. Alisa Naiman,  a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto. This week: we take a deep dive into the controversial Bill 7 here in Ontario (aka More Beds, Better Care Act) which is being challenged in court. And, a team out of the University of Waterloo is 3-D printing synthetic bone with the aim of helping cancer and trauma patients. SOME OF THE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR DON VALLEY WEST COUNCILLOR Libby Znaimer is now joined by Anthony Furey, Rachel Chernos Lin and Dhruv Jain, all three of whom are among the candidates for City Councillor for Ward 15 Don Valley West. What are the priorities of some of the candidates running in the current Don Valley West municipal byelection in Toronto? ONTARIO EDUCATION MINISTER JILL DUNLOP LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO TDSB  Libby Znaimer is now joined by Tamara Gotlieb, founding member of Jewish Educators and Family Association of Canada. Ontario's Education Minister Jill Dunlop has launched an investigation into the TDSB after students were taken to a demonstration about mercury poisoning within Grassy Nation First Nation that turned into an anti-Israel protest. And, the TDSB is holding a "special meeting" tonight. Will they be getting to the bottom of what happened?

THE MEDICAL RECORD: WHAT COMES AFTER CANCER TREATMENT? Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, a Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and General Internist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto, and Dr. Keith Stewart, Vice President, Cancer and Director of Princess Margaret Cancer Program at the UHN. Today: a discussion about what comes next for cancer patients who complete treatment, a new guideline in the U.S. pertaining to mammogram results and, closer to home, Ontario Health is changing its guidelines on how iron deficiency is measured. THE PAINFUL REALITY OF ONLINE TRANSACTIONS Libby Znaimer is joined by Carmi Levy, Technology Analyst and Journalist based in London, Ontario. Why is making a transaction online such a hassle whether we purchase tickets for a concert or sports match or purchase something from a retailer? There's always a tedious process to follow including registration and providing personal details and even credit card info. Why are companies doing this, and what can we do as consumers to make the process less of an inconvenience?   REACTION TO THE TRUMP-HARRIS DEBATE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Brad Polumbo, a Conservative commentator and editor-in-chief  & Co-Founder of BASEDPolitics, Dr. Chris Cooper, Political Science Professor at Western Carolina University, and Lee Strickland, Toronto Chair of Democrats Abroad. Americans and the world got to watch the first ever debate between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris and it ventured into the absurd at times. Our panel of Americans weighs in on what was said and whether VP Harris or former President Trump won the debate.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:  COVID-19 HASN'T GONE AWAY & WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HYPERTENSION Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, a Medical Oncologist with Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a former head of BC Cancer, Dr. Fahad Razak, a General Internist based in Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto. Do you know someone in your circles who currently has or is getting over COVID-19? Our doctors weigh in on the spike in cases, as well as the importance of keeping track of your blood pressure as you age. CALLS INTENSIFY FOR CUPE'S FRED HAHN TO RESIGN Jane Brown is now joined by Amir Epstein, Executive Director of Tafsik, a grassroots organization dedicated to combating antisemitism around the world, and Salman Sima, a former political prisoner from Iran who joined a protest this week calling for CUPE's Fred Hahn to resign. The calls for CUPE's Fred Hahn to step down are intensifying. This past Tuesday, a demonstration with a large turnout from the Jewish community took place outside of the CUPE office in Thornhill asking him to go. WHY SCHOOLS ARE FACING A TEACHER AND STAFF SHORTAGE Jane Brown is now joined by Annie Kidder, Executive Director, People for Public Education, and Karen Littlewood, President and CEO of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF). The return to school for our kids and grandkids is right around the corner, and as highlighted by The Peak this morning, schools across the country are grappling with a shortage of teachers and staff. So, what are the contributing factors and what are the potential solutions to address the problem?

THE MEDICAL RECORD: A CONCERNING STUDY ON ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a former head of the BC Cancer Agency, Dr. Fahad Razak, a Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and General Internist based in Toronto, and Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto. Today on the show: our experts weigh in on concerning research linking a certain artificial sweetener--erythritol-- to an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. And, they explore an alternative treatment to the epipen when it comes to allergic reactions. CANADA'S POLICE CHIEFS CALL FOR HELP AMID A RISE IN PROTESTS Libby Znaimer is now joined by Thomas Carrique, Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police and President of The Canadian Association of Police Chiefs. Commissioner Carrique explains the call by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police on all levels of government to provide additional "financial" and "moral" support as they face an increase in protests. And, he reacts to the news of bomb threats sent to Jewish organizations, synagogues and some hospitals across Canada this morning. MORE LOCAL TORONTO BUSINESSES HURTING DUE TO CONSTRUCTION Libby Znaimer is joined by Chris Theofanidis, Owner of Rise and Dine Eatery and Christine Fedirchuk, Owner of Urban Renewals, both of which are located in East York. Construction in East York is hurting local businesses--many of them mom and pop shops. And according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), within the last five years, almost 75 percent of small businesses in the country say they've taken the hit from construction projects.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: UPTICK IN MPOX CASES, HEALTHCARE WORKER BURNOUT & CANCER PROJECTIONS FOR MEN Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a former head of the BC Cancer Agency; Dr. Fahad Razak, a Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and General Internist at Unity Health Toronto; and Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto, to discuss the medical news of the day. AMO SURVEY ON HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS The Association of Municipalities of Ontario is asking the province for guidance on how to handle the growing number of homeless encampments in the province. Libby Znaimer is joined by Andrea Horwath, Mayor of Hamilton; and Cam Guthrie, Mayor of Guelph to discuss this issue. CANADA'S POLICE CHIEFS CALL FOR HELP AMID A RISE IN PROTESTS The frequency of protests linked to both domestic and global issues is creating an "unsustainable demand" on policing services across the country, and they are asking governments of all levels to provide the "moral and financial support" necessary to meet the demand for service. Canadian public affairs commentator, consultant, lawyer, policy analyst and writer Tasha Kheiriddin joins Libby Znaimer to drill down on this matter. IS CANADA'S FOREIGN WORKER PROGRAM A 'BREEDING GROUND' FOR MODERN SLAVERY? A recently released report by a United Nations special rapporteur says Canada's temporary foreign worker program is a “breeding ground” for contemporary slavery. Libby Znaimer is joined by Guidy Mamann, Toronto immigration lawyer and Partner at Mamann & Sandaluk LLP Immigration Lawyers to discuss this issue.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: WHY ARE MEN MORE RELUCTANT TO VISIT THE DOCTOR? Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a former head of the BC Cancer Agency, Dr. Fahad Razak, a Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and General Internist at Unity Health Toronto, and Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto. Today: a rural town in Ontario has a creative plan in an effort to attract family doctors to work there. And, why is it that men are more reluctant to pay a visit to the doctor? Meanwhile, last week we started the conversation about cracking down on for pay services that are in the gray zone - one of them being virtual visits with doctors in other areas - there's research which shows that virtual visits with a doctor who knows the patient are great but with someone who is unfamiliar - not so much. BYLAW CHARGES LAID AGAINST COMPANIES FOR BIN LEFT ON BIKE LANE WHERE CYCLIST WAS KILLED Libby Znaimer is now joined by Criminal Defense Lawyer Ari Goldkind. Ari reacts to the news that companies are facing bylaw charges after a garbage bin was illegally placed on a Bloor Street West bike lane where a 24 year old cyclist was killed a couple of weeks ago. And Libby has more questions about how and when police choose to lay charges. Yesterday we heard about yet another illegal protest - this one had about 40 people on Jarvis near the ramp and blocking the highway. OTTAWA UPDATES TRAVEL ADVISORY TO THE UK AMID RIOTS Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Stephanie Carvin, Assistant Professor of International Affairs at Carleton University and an expert on national security issues, and Dr. Stephanie Baker, a sociologist at City University of London who researches the far right. Ottawa has updated a travel advisory cautioning those going to the UK to exercise caution amid riots. So, what is fueling those riots and what has happened there so far?

Ontario Today is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, internal medicine physician at St. Michael's Hospital.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: WHAT THE CMA OUTLINES IN ITS LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto, Dr. Aaron Schimmer,  the Director of Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as well as a staff physician and a senior scientist and Dr. Iris Gorfinkel, Family Physician and Founder PrimeHealth Clinical Research. Today: our panel of doctors react to draft recommendations made by the Canadian Medical Association and also how doctors communicate with their patients about stress and managing it.  BANK OF CANADA CUTS KEY INTEREST RATE TO 4.5 PERCENT Libby Znaimer is now joined by Jim Stanford, Economist and Director, Centre for Future Work. We have learned this morning that the Bank of Canada has cut the key interest rate to 4.5 per cent. So, what are the implications of this on peoples' mortgages and more? PROVINCIAL FUNDING WILL MEAN 24/7 CONSTRUCTION WORK OF GARDINER EXPRESSWAY + SPEEDING UP TIMELINE OF EXPECTED COMPLETION Libby Znaimer is joined by Councillor Brad Bradford, Ward 19 Beaches-East York. The province is providing funding so that Gardiner Expressway construction can be done 24/7 and the expected timeline for completion can be moved up a year.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: WHY PREMIER DOUG FORD WANTS TO SPEED UP THE APPROVAL PROCESS FOR PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS  Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Jamie Spiegelman, Internal Medicine and Critical Care Physician at Humber River Hospital. Ontario Premier Doug Ford wants the approval process for life-saving pharmaceutical drugs to be sped up. And a new study out of the American Cancer Society indicates that nearly half of cancer cases could be prevented by better lifestyle choices. WAS TORONTO TRULY PREPARED TO HANDLE THE SEVERE RAIN STORM   Libby Znaimer is joined by Toronto City Councillor Brad Bradford,  Ward 19 Beaches-East York and Constable Scott Stratton of the  OPP Highway Safety Division. Yesterday's epic rain dumped about a month's worth on Toronto in just a few hours. How prepared was the City of Toronto for the storm, what kind of service disruptions did we see, how many calls did emergency services respond to and how were residents and drivers impacted? Our guests react to the latest. HOW THE MAJOR TORONTO RAIN STORM IS IMPACTING RESIDENTS' INSURANCE Libby Znaimer is joined by Anne Marie Thomas, Director, Consumer & Industry Relations at the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). In the aftermath of the major rain storm from yesterday, some residents faced flooding and damage to their basements and vehicles. Our guest details what you should consider based on insurance coverage.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:  HOW DOCTORS COMMUNICATE CANCER DIAGNOSES TO PATIENTS  Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Aaron Schimmer, the Director of Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as well as a staff physician and a senior scientist and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and a general internist at a Toronto hospital, as well as Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto. Today: a conversation about how doctors communicate cancer diagnoses to their patients. We also explore ways to keep cool during the heat waves this summer. THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS CHARGED WITH HOMICIDE WHILE ON BAIL Libby Znaimer is now joined by Frank Caputo, a Conservative MP for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo, followed by Kim Schofield, Criminal Defense Lawyer with Kim Schofield & Associates. Just how many individuals have been charged for homicide while out on bail or some other form of release? It was a question Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman posed to the government and was brought to light in a column by the Toronto Sun's Brian Lilley. THE TARNISHED LEGACY OF ALICE MUNRO Libby Znaimer is now joined by Stephen Marche, a Canadian novelist and essayist. She was one of Canada's iconic and celebrated short story writers and was even awarded a Nobel prize. Now, the legacy of the late Alice Munro is tarnished: this past Sunday, a bombshell story written by her very own daughter, Andrea Robin Skinner, and published in the Toronto Star detailed her experience of being sexually assaulted by her stepfather. When she told her mother Alice about it, she did nothing. Stephen reacts to the latest.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: THE ROLE THAT REGULAR WALKING HAS ON REDUCING OUR LOWER BACK PAIN   Liz West is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto, and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and a general internist at a Toronto hospital. This week: a discussion about the role that regular walking has in helping to reduce lower back pain and what a new study says about loneliness and risk of stroke. CANADIANS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS TIPPING AT RESTAURANTS Liz West is now joined by Barry Choi, Personal Finance Expert, and David Neinstein, Owner of Barque Smokehouse in Toronto. So, what are Canadians' attitudes regarding tipping lately? We look at a survey that gives us a sense about that and we hear from a restaurant owner about why he got rid of tipping and how it's been working out. A 14 YEAR-OLD-BOY IS CHARGED IN SHOOTING OF ZOOMERS IN ETOBICOKE Liz West is now joined by Kim Schofield, Criminal Defense Lawyer with Kim Schofield & Associates. Remember how earlier this month there was a shooting at an Etobicoke high school parking lot in which two adults--a 61 year old and 46 year old--died shortly after? Well this week we learned that an individual was charged for it...and they are only 14-years-old.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: FDA ADVISORY PANEL BACKS EXPERIMENTAL ALZHEIMER'S DRUG Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and a general internist at a Toronto hospital, and Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto. In the news: Why an FDA advisory panel supports an experimental Alzheimer's drug, and Moderna is working on a two-in-one flu and COVID-19 vaccine. THE LEGAL BATTLE OVER ONTARIO PLACE'S FUTURE Jane Brown is now joined by Norm Di Pasquale, Co-Chair of Ontario Place for All, and Chris Glover, NDP MPP for Spadina – Fort York. Today we hear why judges threw out a legal challenge against the Ford government pertaining to its Ontario Place redevelopment plans and what comes next.  TORONTO MAYOR OLIVIA CHOW'S MISSION REGARDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING  Jane Brown is now joined by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. Mayor Olivia Chow sets the record straight with us on why she met with CEOs of Canada's major banks and her thoughts regarding the hybrid work model for workers in Toronto's financial district. 

Dr. Fahad Razak joins Ontario Today and takes your calls. Razak is an internal Medicine Physician at St. Michael's Hospital. He's also the former scientific director of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table

THE MEDICAL RECORD: CANNABIS CONSUMPTION & SUNSCREEN MISINFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Nadia Alam, family doctor and anesthetist in Georgetown, Ontario, Dr. Aaron Schimmer, the Director of Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as well as a staff physician and a senior scientist, and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and a general internist at a Toronto hospital. Today: our panel reacts to the latest dangerous social media trend trying to push misinformation about sunscreen...our doctors debunk that. And, in the States, daily cannabis consumption has jumped ahead of daily alcohol consumption. WHY ARE UNIONS DEFENDING ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS? Libby Znaimer is joined, first, by tech reporter Carmi Levy, followed by Howard Levitt, Senior Partner at Levitt Sheikh Employment | Labour Law and Michael Teper of Save Our Schools. We've just been talking about the latest piece of health misinformation purveyed on social media and consumed mostly by young people on Tik Tok. Here at home, five additional school boards in Ontario are joining  a lawsuit against social media giants including Tik Tok, Meta, and Snapchat, in which they allege that these social media apps are harming the well-being of students and hurting their academic growth. AND: Powerful unions have been expressing their support for anti-Israel protesters at the UofT encampment. From CUPE's President Fred Hahn to the President of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) to the Ontario Public Service Employees' Union (OPSEU) and other groups who showed up to the UofT campus to show support. One union leader even said: "“If the police come, we will be your human shields. We will be your line of defense. And I promise you that we will be here for as long as it takes to make sure that you are safe.” What rights do they have? Meanwhile some groups are calling on the TDSB to keep politics out of the classroom amid the Israeli-Hamas war. A motion being led by school board trustee Weidong Pei includes guidelines to prevent TDSB resources from being used for political activism. WHAT A NEW REPORT TELLS US ABOUT CANADIANS AND DEBT Libby Znaimer is now joined by Lesley-Anne Scorgie, founder of MeVest, a leading-edge financial education company specializing in money coaching for Canadians. According to a TransUnion report, more Canadians are seeing very high credit card balances amid inflation and the high cost of living.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: HIP FRACTURES AMONG OLDER ADULTS Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto as well as a General Internist.  Today we take a deep dive into hip fractures and other bone fractures among older adults, and best practices while in the recovery process of healing from a fracture. We also heard from listeners about their own experiences dealing with this. MARRYING LATER IN LIFE OR IS IT A SECOND MARRIAGE? WHY MORE COUPLES ARE LOOKING AT PRENUPS Jane Brown is joined by John Schuman of  Devry Smith Frank LLP who specializes in family law.  Getting married later in life or entering a second marriage? There's growing interest for couples to sign a prenuptial agreement before making a union…especially when there are separate assets involved. Our expert on family law weighs in. PARKS CANADA'S NEW JOHN A MACDONALD TOUR HAS PEOPLE SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS Jane Brown is now joined by Dr. Patrice Dutil, a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and Professor of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University. After 6 years of restoration, Parks Canada has reopened the Bellevue House National Historic Site in Kingston, Ontario--which was briefly home to John A. Macdonald. But it's sparking controversy for the way it is portraying the late icon of Canadian history. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Dr. Fahad Razak joins Ontario Today and takes your calls. Razak is an internal Medicine Physician at St. Michael's Hospital. He's also the former scientific director of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: BC SHIFTS ITS DRUG POLICY Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a former head of the BC Cancer Agency, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto. We get the doctors' take on BC's move to roll back decriminalization of drug use at least when it comes to using in public places. WHAT POLICE ARE AND ARE NOT LEGALLY ALLOWED TO DO DURING A HIGH-SPEED CHASE Libby is now joined by Joseph Neuberger, a Criminal Defence Lawyer with Neuberger and Partners LLP. Why were police on that dangerous and ultimately deadly high- speed chase on the 401 that killed an infant and his grandparents as well as the suspect? It was apparently the result of an armed robbery. An investigation is underway into this horrific tragedy. What are police legally and not legally allowed to do during a high-speed chase? TWO KEY BY-ELECTIONS ARE FAST APPROACHING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Libby is now joined by Bob Richardson, Senior Council to National Public Relations, and John Mykytyshyn, Conservative Activist, Political Consultant, and President of Bradgate Research Group. Two provincial bi-elections are taking place tomorrow in two ridings currently held by PC's - Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, which was the riding of Ford government Minister Monte McNaughton, and Milton, which was Parm Gill's riding before he resigned.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:THE POTENTIAL RISK OF MICROPLASTICS ON CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto and Dr. Nadia Alam, family doctor and anesthetist in Georgetown, Ontario. What a study says about the care provided by female doctors compared to male doctors, and what medical schools in Ontario want to see happen so that more students pursue family medicine. WHAT AND WHO IS BEHIND THE "STEAL FROM LOBLAWS DAY" CAMPAIGN Jane Brown is joined by Sylvain Charlebois,  Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. Sylvain reacts to the ongoing issue that consumers have with grocery giant Loblaws and revisits the discussion about "Shrinkflation". WHAT MAKES A TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS FAN...A TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS FAN? Jane Brown is now joined by Wally Rigobon, Co-host of the Naz and Wally Sports Hour on Zoomer Radio. It's that time of the year...the Toronto Maple Leafs have made it once again into the playoffs. Currently, they face the Boston Bruins. Will this be the year they win the Stanley Cup?

THE MEDICAL RECORD: CANCER SCREENING GUIDELINES  Libby Znaimer today is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto. It's Wednesday, time to talk about your health. We'll begin with the latest cancer screening controversy: a federally appointed body called The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health issues the guidelines that another group of medical experts are now calling dangerous and outdated.   REACTION TO THE FEDERAL BUDGET RELEASED IN OTTAWA THIS WEEK Libby Znaimer today is joined by Taylor Scollon, Co-Founder of The Peak, Muhammad Ali, Liberal Strategist and Senior Consultant at Crestview Strategy in Ottawa, John Mykytyshyn, Conservative Activist, Political Consultant and President of Bradgate Research Group. Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland released the federal budget this week. The budget is largely aimed at Gen Zs and Millennials as they face an affordability crisis. The budget also includes a disability benefit program that will see $6.1 billion in funding but payouts won't start until July 2025. THE LATEST ON DONALD TRUMP'S LEGAL TROUBLES  Libby Znaimer today is joined by Dr. Chris Cooper, a Political Science Professor at Western Carolina University.  Donald Trump continues to make headlines for his legal troubles…he is currently facing the hush money trial. The question is: will this complicate his political campaign?   

THE MEDICAL RECORD: GUIDELINES FOR ATRIAL FIBRILLATION HAVE BEEN UPDATED Libby Znaimer today is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto. There have been a number of cases of bird flu among dairy cows in the US and the concern is that there could be spread of the virus into the human population. We ask our doctors if this is something we should be worried about here in Canada. Meanwhile, various medical authorities in the US including The American College of Cardiology and The American College of Chest physicians have introduced an updated guideline for atrial fibrillation. VACCINES FOR PNEUMONIA & OTHER TYPES OF PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Jia Hu is a family physician from Calgary who is also an expert in health policy, public health and preventive medicine. Dr. Hu discusses what you need to know about pneumonia and other types of pneumococcal disease and the important role of vaccination for older adults.

THE BIG SYSTEM OUTAGE AT THE UHN If you have an appointment today at any of the University Health Network hospitals, you have likely been made to wait even longer than usual due to a system outage caused by the spring storm. Then on the program, the ability of artificial intelligence to detect tumor cells could be key to more accurate bone cancer prognoses. Jane Brown is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, a Medical Oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Data Informed Healthcare Improvement at the University of Toronto, and Dr. Jamie Spiegelman, is an Internal medicine and critical care physician at Humber River Hospital. AN ONTARIO/QUEBEC AUTO THEFT CRACKDOWN SHOWS PROMISING RESULTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THIS KIND OF CRIME Everyone is talking about auto theft especially if your insurance rates have gone up because you drive a car that is on the list of most stolen vehicles. And, of course you're talking about it, if you actually have had your vehicle stolen, possibly from your own driveway. Some people in Toronto aren't waiting for it to happen and have hired private security to make sure their vehicles aren't stolen. That's where Tom Doyle comes in.  He's the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Protection and Investigative Services which provides security for those who want to pay for it. Joining him to discuss the results of the OPP's Project Vector is Detective Inspector Scott Wade with OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau. AN UPDATE ON TORONTO'S HOUSING MARKET Jane Brown is now joined by Jason Mercer, Chief Market Analyst & Director of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TREB) and Karen Yolevski, COO, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. A new report from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board says there was enough competition among buyers that the average home price rose moderately from March of last year to March of this year to 1.12 million dollars. But overall sales were down 4.5 percent year over year.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: COVID-19'S FOURTH ANNIVERSARY Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, family physician and founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto; Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto; and Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to discuss COVID-19's fourth anniversary, giving birth mid-flight and more. LOBLAW FACING BACKLASH FOR TESTING RECEIPT SCANNERS AT SELF-CHECKOUT  In an attempt to combat theft at its stores, Loblaw is testing receipt scanners at four of its locations, and they're catching heat for it. Libby Znaimer is joined by consumer advocate and journalist Ellen Roseman to discuss this matter. AI: USING THE TECH TO HELP DEMENTIA PATIENTS  Researchers in Australia have developed an artificial intelligence companion named VIV, who offers conversation and compassion at a seniors' facility in Sydney. Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Adriana Shnall, Program Director, Koschitzky Centre for Innovations in Caregiving; and technology analyst and journalist Carmi Levy, to discuss this development.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: OVER A BILLION PEOPLE ARE OBESE GLOBALLY ACCORDING TO WHO Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto. This week: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), over a billion people globally are obese. So, what are the contributing factors of obesity and why has it become so widespread? Meanwhile, is Ontario at risk of a measles outbreak? Recently, a number of individuals contracted the highly contagious disease after travelling overseas. And then on February 19, York Region health officials diagnosed a man in his thirties even though he did not travel anywhere recently leaving the door open to the possibility that it was the result of community transmission. ETOBICOKE TO GET RID OF ITS COAT OF ARMS + TORONTO TURNS 190 Libby Znaimer is now joined by Councillor Stephen Holyday for Ward 2 Etobicoke Centre and Deputy Mayor for the west area of the City, and Dr. Patrice Dutil, Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University. We have just learned that the Etobicoke's coat of arms has been quietly removed. And, Toronto is celebrating its sesquicentennial today; the city turns 190 years old! Our guests react to the latest. THE AFTERMATH OF SUPER TUESDAY AND NIKKI HALEY BOWS OUT Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Chris Cooper, Political Science Professor at Western Carolina University and Brad Polumbo,  a conservative commentator and editor-in-chief  & Co-Founder of BASEDPolitics. Both U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump won big this past Super Tuesday. And, Trump has a new advantage now that his adversary Nikki Haley has decided to bow out from the race. So are we about to see a Biden-Trump rematch?

THE MEDICAL RECORD: A CLOSER LOOK AT A MAJOR STUDY ON ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE Tasha Kheiriddin is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and  Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto. Together they discuss the a major study about the challenges of access to primary healthcare and other medical news of the week! LISA LEVIN CALLS ON FORD GOVERNMENT TO DO MORE FOR SENIORS IN THE NEXT BUDGET Tasha Kheiriddin is joined by Lisa Levin, Chief Executive Officer, AdvantAge Ontario Lisa Levin is calling on the Ford government to consider 21 recommendations to address the needs of residents of long term care in its next provincial budget...whenever that comes out. THE BILL THAT TORONTO TAXPAYERS ARE FOOTING FOR THE WORLD CUP 2026 GAMES KEEPS CLIMBING Tasha Kheiriddin is joined by Carson Binda, BC Director of The Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Any excitement about Toronto hosting the FIFA World Cup Games in 2026 is being overshadowed by the rising cost of the bill and a lot of that will be footed by the taxpayers. Today, the overall price tag to host the games has surged to $380 million.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: ONTARIANS ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT CATARACT SURGERY BILLING Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and  Dr. Fahad Razak. Today: a discussion about cataract surgeries at private healthcare clinics in Ontario. TIPS AHEAD OF TAX SEASON! Jane Brown is now joined by Barry Choi, a Personal Finance Expert. Tax season is upon us! The deadline to file is on April 30. So, what do you need to know? Barry weighs in. NORTH YORK SHOOTINGS LEAVE RESIDENTS CONCERNED Jane Brown is now joined by Toronto Police Services Superintendent Andy Singh and Marcell Wilson, Founder of The One By One Movement. Residents of North York have been rocked by the shooting of two innocent pedestrians waiting at bus stops near the Jane Street and Driftwood Avenue intersection over the weekend. We hear the latest on the Toronto Police investigation and what community supports are being provided to residents of the neighbourhood.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: ONTARIO AND OTTAWA SIGN HEALTHCARE AGREEMENT Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and Dr. Jamie Spiegelman, Internal medicine and critical care physician at Humber River Hospital In the news: An anti-Israel protest took place in front of Mount Sinai Hospital on Monday night in yet another development making Toronto's Jewish community feel safe. Meanwhile, the Ford government has signed the $3.1 billion healthcare agreement with the federal government. How will the money be spent? Our doctors weigh in. REACTION TO THE ANTI-ISRAEL PROTEST AT MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL Libby Znaimer is joined by Richard Robertson, Director of Research and Advocacy at B'nai Brith Canada. It's a protest that never should have happened. Both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the pro-Palestinian mob that formed in front of Mount Sinai Hospital on Toronto's Hospital row on University Avenue on Monday night. Why did they have to protest at that specific hospital? Is this yet another attempt to intimidate Toronto's Jewish community? Since the event, Toronto Police have been increasing their presence in the area, but is this too little too late? Our Jewish advocacy organizations react. AG KAREN HOGAN REPORTS ON IMMENSE COST OF ARRIVECAN APP (PRE-TAPED) Libby Znaimer is joined by federal Auditor General Karen Hogan to discuss her damning report on the ArriveCAN app. The bottom line: Canadian taxpayers paid too darn much for it: an estimated cost of nearly $60 million! Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

THE MEDICAL RECORD: STUDY SHOWS SMOKING CAN INCREASE RISK OF HAIR LOSS FOR MEN Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and  Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto. Today: a conversation about food poisoning, how smoking can increase the risk of hair loss in men and also World Cancer Day.  COURT GIVES GREENLIGHT TO CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST FORMER LTC MINISTER Libby Znaimer is joined by Melissa Miller, Partner at Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP. This week, the Ontario Court of Appeal has greenlit a class-action lawsuit against the provincial long-term care ministry for alleged negligence in the way that the government dealt with the COVID-19 crisis. Melissa reacts to the news. IS THE HIGH COST OF LIVING FORCING YOU TO SACRIFICE YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS? Libby Znaimer is now joined by Andrew Fung, Acting Executive Vice President, Pensions at the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario. A new poll by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario shows that a majority of Ontarians (81 per cent) are more worried about paying their increasingly costly food, mortgage and rent bills than saving for retirement. 

THE MEDICAL RECORD: CANADIAN CENTENARIANS & AN ALZHEIMER'S BLOOD TEST Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and former head of the BC Cancer Agency, Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician, Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto. A research study shows promise in a blood test that could be a quicker and more affordable alternative way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease in patients. Also this week, ZoomerMedia celebrated iconic General Richard Rohmer who turned 100 years old. Our guests weigh in on centenarians-- the fastest growing demographic. TRUMP SCORES ANOTHER VICTORY...THIS TIME IN NEW HAMPSHIRE Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Patrice Dutil, Professor in the Department of Politics and Public Administration, and Toronto Metropolitan University Professor Michael Flamm with the department of history at Ohio Wesleyan University. U.S. President Donald Trump is one step closer to the Presidential race after his latest win--this time in New Hampshire. Despite his strong performance, rival Republican candidate Nikki Haley is still in the race putting up a fight. Others, including Vivek Ramaswamy and Florida governor Ron DeSantis have since dropped out and have officially announced their backing of Trump. So, what does this all mean? And Ottawa is already planning for any outcome of the U.S. Presidential election. THE EMERGENCIES ACT VIOLATED CANADIANS' CHARTER RIGHTS Libby Znaimer is joined by Andrew House, Counsel and Co-lead for the National Security Group at Fasken Law, and Noa Mendelson Aviv, Executive Director & General Counsel of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. Yesterday: the federal court ruled that the Trudeau government violated Canadians' Charter rights when it initiated the Emergencies Act in response to the Freedom Trucker Convoy protests.

Dr. Fahad Razak joins Ontario Today and takes your calls. Razak is an internal Medicine Physician at St. Michael's Hospital. He's also the former scientific director of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:  AN APP TO ALLEVIATE TINNITUS AND THE END OF THE PAP SMEAR? It's Wednesday and it is time to talk about your health. And we begin with an example of technology helping a common condition: Tinnitus - a ringing in the ears- affects about 10% of the adult population. It ranges from mild to debilitating.Well now there's a new app that has shown promise in dealing with it. Also it is January and so we have the annual list of best and worst diets. And the top spot goes to the same eating plan that has been recognized for 7 years in a row - the Mediterranean Diet. Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman,  Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto,  Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and  Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. PAY UP! RESTAURANTS ARE STRUGGLING TO PAY BACK THEIR PANDEMIC LOANS: SURVEY A big deadline for small businesses is coming up next week. On Januray 18, those that took out pandemic related CEBA loans must pay them back if they want to take advantage of the portion of the loan that will be forgiven. Many businesses- especially in the restaurant sector-are still struggling and they say this requirement will push them into bankruptcy. Libby is joined by Anita Thomson, Founder and owner of Zitto Zitto, an Italian restaurant on College Street in Toronto and Erik Joyal,  president of Ascari Group, which owns three restaurants. JOURNALIST ARRESTED FOR ASKING DEP. PM FREELAND THE TOUGH QUESTIONS Asking questions - tough ones - is what Rebel News reporter Dave Menzies was trying to do when he was roughed up and arrested by Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland's security detail this week. Libby is joined by Joseph Neuberger, Criminal Defence Lawyer with Neuberger and Partners LLP and Dave Menzies reporter with Rebel News to talk about it.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:   HOW EFFECTIVE WERE OVER THE COUNTER COVID-19 RAPID TEST KITS? Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre,  Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto and Dr. Sohail Gandhi, an Ontario based family physician and a past President of the Ontario Medical Association. It's Wednesday time to talk about your health. And there was a huge uptick in Covid cases before the holidays which I am sure is spiking even more after all the Christmas gatherings and the shopping in crowds. Meanwhile, a new report says those ubiquitous home test kits aren't as accurate as we thought and the company behind them fudged some of the results in order to get the multi million dollar contract. And there's a new study on physician burnout - again some of that must be related to the holidays. And two of our panelists were working over Christmas. So did a young emergency doctor who was a guest at our home. She left early to start her overnight shift on the 25th. OTTAWA'S SETTLEMENT FOR THE TWO MICHAELS Libby Znaimer is joined by Bob Richardson, Senior Council, National Public Relations and Phil Gurski, President of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting, and a former senior strategic analyst at CSIS Ottawa is ready to finalize a settlement with the two Michaels who were detained in China for nearly three years. The feds will reportedly provide each of them with around $3 million in compensation though Michael Spavor's lawyer is seeking $10.5 from Ottawa. Our panel weighs in. ONLINE PETITION WANTS TO REVERSE YONGE-DUNDAS NAME CHANGE Libby Znaimer is joined by Daniel Tate and Jonny Pottins--both concerned citizens, taxpayers and co-organizers of an online petition to reverse the name change of Yonge-Dundas Square. Toronto City Council has made the decision to rename Yonge-Dundas square to Sankofa Square--a decision that will cost taxpayers millions. But now there is an online petition written by Jonny Pottins and Dan Tate which is going strong with a target of reaching 100,000 signatures. The petition right now has reached just over 15,000 signatures. Both Dan and Jonny say this isn't just a matter of saving our hard earned money; it is also very much about preserving our history. If you wish to visit the online petition go to change.org/p/stop-the-renaming-of-dundas-in-toronto

THE MEDICAL RECORD: HEALTH AND THE HOLIDAYS It's time to talk about your health, and there are some holiday related issues we should be aware of. The latest numbers show that less than 15% of us have the updated Covid vaccine - this as we are gathering with friends and family in the midst of the viral soup of Covid, RSV and influenza - which is already clogging hospital emergency rooms. Also, there is an annual spike in heart attacks around the holidays. Why is that and what can you do to protect yourself? And what time are you having your Christmas feast? There's new work that tries to answer the question: is it bad to eat late at night? Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto; Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; and  Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto to discuss. MIDDLE-EAST PROTESTS TARGETING MALLS AND A SPIKE IN ANTI-SEMITISM There was a very disturbing incident at the Eaton Centre last weekend when masked kaffiyeh wearing protesters stormed the shopping mall to protest an ad from the Spanish clothing chain Zara, wwhen a shopper took issue with that one of them uttered a death threat. It happened right in front of a police officer but nothing was done. This comes amid the spike in anti-Semitic hate crimes we have been reporting in our news. And they aren't just targeting Jews. Some pro-Palestinian protesters are calling on their supporters to...quote...Shut down Christmas. Libby is joined by Noah Shack, Vice President, Countering Antisemitism & Hate at UJA Federation Of Greater Toronto; and Councillor James Pasternak, Ward 6 York Centre to unpack all this. A LOOK AT PERSONAL FINANCES IN THE NEW YEAR Dropping mortgage rates and other interest rates are generally good news, but for Zoomers who are in saving mode, not so much. This is probably a good time to lock in some excellent GIC rates, and we may have to hurry before they fall. Libby Znaimer is joined by personal finance expert Barry Choi for a conversation about personal finances ahead of the New Year. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

THE MEDICAL RECORD: NURSES HAVE ADDITIONAL PRESCRIBING POWERS NOW 12-12:30 PM Marissa Lennox is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto. Ontario registered nurses will now be able to independently prescribe medications including birth control and topical antibiotics. It's all part of a strategy by the province for patients to get certain prescriptions faster. The Ontario Medical Association (OMA), however, believes that this is the wrong approach because it won't give patients “the comprehensive care that a primary care physician offers”. Do our panelists agree? Meanwhile, according to leaked documents that were made public by the Alberta NDP, the Alberta government under Premier Danielle Smith plans to make big changes to its healthcare system including dismantling its province wide healthcare provider and potentially selling off its continuing care facilities. But why? An official announcement by Alberta's government is expected to come out today on that.  And, a new study led by Canadian researchers shows us that one third of the world's population may be at high risk of smart phone addiction. So what are the negative health implications of that? And, finally, our panel reacts to a study about the connection between our sleeping habits and cardiovascular health. IT'S LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH 12:30-1 PM Marissa Lennox is now joined by Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, Legendary former Canadian hockey player who won five Olympic medals with Canada women's national ice hockey team. Hayley retired from hockey in 2017 and the IOC in 2022. She is currently serving as the Assistant General Manager of Player Development for the Toronto Maple Leafs and is a practicing Family and Emergency medicine doctor. It's Lung Cancer Awareness Month. To mark the occasion, Dr. Wickenheiser has partnered with the Be the MVP – Change the Odds campaign aims to empower Canadians to take charge of their own health by increasing their awareness of lung cancer, including the related risk factors, signs and symptoms, and the importance of early detection. In this special one-on-one conversation with Marissa, Dr. Wickenheiser details what the campaign is all about, how meaningful of an experience it has been for Hayley to be a part of this wonderful initiative and  why early detection of lung cancer is so important. If you have questions or a personal lung cancer story that you want to share, call now and join the conversation.

THE MEDICAL RECORD:  WHAT A CMAJ STUDY TELLS US ABOUT SENIORS AND COVID-19 INFECTIONS 12-12:30 PM Marissa Lennox is joined by Dr. Sohail Gandhi, Family physician, and a past president of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto. In the news: The Ontario government is reducing breast screening mammograms for women from ages 50 to age 40 with the aim of making early detection easier. Meanwhile, data from a study from CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) shows that 4 in 10 Canadian Seniors ages 80 and older have likely avoided infections so far and that they must continue to be prioritized for vaccination since this demo is at highest risk of hospitalization and even death from COVID-19. And, we are soon going back an hour from Daylight Saving Time to Standard time. We've heard in the past that such a time change can lead to increase in risk of heart attack but what also cannot be discounted is the impact that it can have on those living with dementia and Alzheimer's by causing daily routine changes and worsening symptoms. FORD GOVERNMENT EXTENDING THE GAS TAX CUT 12:30-12:45 PM Marissa Lennox is now joined by Dan McTeague, President of Canadians for Affordable Energy. This week: Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that his government is extending the gas tax cut by 5.7 cents per litre until June of 2024. In the same announcement, Ford called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to drop the carbon tax altogether. TAKE YOUR KID TO WORK DAY 12:45-1 PM Marissa Lennox is now joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Community Officer of CARP and his daughter Celeste Quinn. It's Take Our Kids to Work Day and today we've got Celeste Quinn joining us. She tells us something new she learned about her dad's work at CARP, what she's got on the itinerary while she spends the day at the Zoomerplex and what career she wants to pursue when she's older (hint: it has to do with animals).

THE MEDICAL RECORD: NURSES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR & BLOOD TEST FOR CANCER DETECTION 12-12:30 PM Marissa Lennox is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Dr. Fahad Razak, Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto. With a substantial shortage of nurses across Canada, hospitals and long term care homes have been increasingly turning to private nursing agencies and paying millions in the process. Meanwhile, we take  a closer look at a successful model of primary care in an Ontario city that is setting an example for the rest of Canada. SEGMENT 2: CSIS CONCERNED OF LACK OF CONSEQUENCES FOR FOREIGN INTERFERENCE PERPETRATORS 12-12:30 PM Marissa Lennox is now joined by Phil Gurski, President-CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consultants,former strategic analyst at CSIS,  and Dr. Eric Ouellet, Professor in the Department of Defence Studies at Royal Military College of Canada Internal CSIS documents obtained by the Toronto Star reveal a concern over a lack of consequences for bad actors who engage in foreign interference that affects Canada's political system. And a parliamentary committee is recommending that Ottawa add penalties to the criminal code for such offences. SEGMENT 3: GROWING CALLS TO CHANGE OTTAWA'S APPROACH TO IMMIGRATION 12:45-1 PM Marissa Lennox is now joined by Guidy Mamann, a Toronto immigration lawyer and Partner at Mamman, Sandaluk & Kingwell LLP Immigration Lawyers. Should Ottawa change its approach to immigration? A Nanos poll from September, as an example, revealed that 53 per cent of Canadians wanted the country to accept fewer of them.  Currently, Ottawa's immigration plan is to allow as many as 465,000 new permanent residents in 2023. There are also growing calls to cap the number of international students being accepted and for a prioritization of highly skilled workers to add to the workforce.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: THE WIDESPREAD ISSUE OF CHRONIC PAIN 12-12:30 PM Liz West is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto. We begin the discussion with a closer look into the widespread issue of chronic pain. One in five Canadians suffer from it. So, how does Canada's healthcare system help patients find answers and treatments? Meanwhile, is adult ADHD being overdiagnosed in this country? And, what is even involved in the process of diagnosing a patient with ADHD? Finally, it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Our medical experts explain what adult women should consider on this aspect of health and the importance of regular screening. THE LATEST ON CANADA-INDIA RELATIONS: INDIA WANTS CANADIAN DIPLOMATS OUT 12:30-12:45 PM Liz West is now joined by Robin Sears, a Crisis Communications Consultant and former NDP Strategist. The relationship between Ottawa and New Delhi remains soured. Now, India wants as many as 40 Canadian diplomats out by October 10th. Meanwhile, foreign affairs minister Melanie Joly is stressing the importance of having diplomatic talks between the two countries behind closed doors. Tensions arose after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced to the House of Commons that he received credible evidence from intelligence that India was behind the murder of a Sikh leader in BC earlier in the Summer. Robin reacts to the latest. WHAT'S BEHIND THE CRTC'S NEW RULES? 12:45-1 PM Liz West is now joined by Carmi Levy, Technology analyst and journalist based in London, Ontario. Canada's broadcast regulator wants podcast services and online streaming services that operate in Canada, and that make $10 million and more in yearly revenue, to register with the CRTC by the Nov 28 deadline. This is happening as part of Bill C-11--the Online Streaming Act. Carmi reacts to the latest.

With COVID on the rise in Ontario, Dr. Fahad Razak, former scientific director of the now-disbanded Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table and internist and epidemiologist at St. Michael's Hospital, answers your questions.

THE MEDICAL RECORD: THE IMPACT OF QUITTING SMOKING ON YOUR OVERALL SURVIVAL 12-12:30 PM Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto. We begin with a study published in Lancet that indicates that quitting smoking can help your survival even if you get diagnosed with lung cancer. The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre lead the study. Meanwhile, research in the U.S. shows that multiple emerging risk factors for heart disease in women must be looked at in order to make early diagnoses and treatment happen. Risk factors include pregnancy complications, depression, breast cancer among others that will be discussed on today's show. And, our panel discusses the latest ways in which AI are proving useful in the healthcare system. NATION WIDE PROTESTS OVER SCHOOL GENDER POLICIES: WHEN DID THIS ALL BEGIN? 12:30-12:50 PM Libby Znaimer is joined by Tasha Kheiriddin, A Canadian public affairs commentator, and Julia Malott, a transgender individual from Toronto who is concerned about the increasing divisiveness around gender identity and ideology in Canada. Nation wide protests from organizations supported by groups like Hands Off My Kids and Parents Rights Coalition of Canada are taking place today with messages like #1MillionMarch4Canada circulating widely on social media. They are demonstrating against the gender policies at schools and, here in Toronto, they are organizing at Queens Park to voice their concerns. But, one of the questions we have is: when did this all become front and centre of the culture wars? UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY TO VISIT CANADA 12:50-1 PM Libby Znaimer is now joined by Maria Popova, Associate Professor of Political Science and Jean Monnet Chair at McGill University. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be visiting both Ottawa and Toronto starting on Friday. He has been in New York this week addressing the United Nations over Russia's war against his country and to rally support. This will be his first visit to Canada since the war broke out in February of 2022. Dr. Popova explains the significance of his visit.

What should you know about the new Moderna COVID-19 vaccine approved by Health Canada for fall? Guest: Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist at St Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto), and Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Data and Analytics at the University of Toronto A mother discusses her young son's health scare due to the E. coli outbreak in Calgary Guest: Sarah MacDonald, mother of daycare E.Coli victim  Why was a Vancouver triple stabbing suspect out of a psychiatric hospital on a day pass?  Guest: Michael T. Mulligan, defence lawyer, barrister & solicitor, Mulligan Defence Lawyers True Crime: The Long Island Serial Killer case  Guest: Robert Kolker, journalist and author of Lost Girls The difficulty of making a cave rescue  Guest: Christian Stenner, Alberta Provincial Coordinator, Alberta/BC Cave Rescue Service How did new furniture quality get so bad? Guest: CoCo Ree Lemery, a furniture designer who has worked for brands such as Pottery Barn and West Elm, and is currently a visiting professor of furniture design at Purdue University.

MEDICAL RECORD Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto; Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre; and Dr. Alisa Naiman, family physician and founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto to discuss England poised to rollout a world-first seven-minute cancer treatment injection; food insecurity among Canadian school-age children jumping by nearly 30%; and more. GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA ISSUES LGBTQ+ TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR THE U.S. Global Affairs Canada has updated its international travel advisories to warn members of the LGBTQ+ community that they may face discrimination if they travel to some places in the United States. Libby Znaimer is joined by Helen Kennedy, Executive Director at LGBTQ+ advocacy group Egale; Douglas Elliott, Partner at Cambridge LLP; and Curran Stikuts, Director of Advocacy and Strategic Communications at The 519 to discuss. SUPER BLUE MOON TONIGHT It's an astronomical event we won't see the likes of again until 2037. Tonight we will be treated to a super blue moon - the unification of a supermoon and a Blue Moon. But it won't really appear blue. Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Isaac Smith, Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair in Planetary Science at Lassonde School of Engineering at York University and a Senior Scientist at the Planetary Science Institute in the United States to explain. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre,  Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and former head of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Board, and Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto The British Medical Journal has published a report detailing why Canada should conduct a wide-scale review of its response to COVID-19 and it gave five key arguments including that doing so would provide accountability for the losses the country faced including the more than 50,000 deaths from COVID-19. ---- OTTAWA'S CABINET SHUFFLE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Libby Znaimer is joined by Bob Richardson, Senior Council to National Public Relations. The Trudeau Liberals underwent a major cabinet shuffle in Ottawa today. So, who was dropped, moved around and who will not be seeking re-election? ---- CAA INSURANCE SURVEY ON ONTARIANS CONCERNS REGARDING AUTO THEFT Libby Znaimer is now joined by Elliot Silverstein, Director, Government Relations, CAA Insurance. A survey by CAA Insurance Company details Ontarians' growing concerns about auto theft. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Aaron Schimmer, the Director of Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as well as a staff physician and a senior scientist, Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto. Experts in the field of Alzheimer's have introduced a seven point rating scale for doctors to use when diagnosing patients with the brain disease. The numerical scale is proposed guidance that was unveiled at the Alzheimer's Association conference in Amsterdam and is similar to the system used for cancer diagnoses. Speaking of Cancer, the Canadian Cancer Society has introduced a new strategy to collect data on Cancer in Canada. This strategy aims to better inform healthcare policies targeted to cancer patients across Canada. Our medical experts weigh in on the latest. OTTAWA TARGETS TECH EXPERTS THROUGH IMMIGRATION PROGRAM Libby Znaimer is joined by Guidy Mamann, a Toronto immigration lawyer and Partner at Mamman, Sandaluk & Kingwell LLP Immigration Lawyers and Jack Kim, A corporate immigration lawyer at Fragomen's Toronto office. Ottawa did a soft launch offering Canadian open work permits to highly skilled professionals in the IT field who already employed on H1-B specialty visas in the U.S. The program lasted less than 48 hours and met the cap of 10,000 applicants. Our immigration lawyers weigh in on how these open work permits will work, and what benefit the government hopes it will have for Canada. ---- CANADIANS ARE ALTERING THEIR TRAVEL PLANS DUE TO INFLATION, AIRLINE DELAYS  Libby Znaimer is joined by Doug Wallace,  Editor & Publisher TRAVELRIGHT.TODAY and  Natalie Preddie, Travel Expert and Travel Freelance Writer. According to a new Leger Survey from July that included 1,526 Canadians, a third of us are cancelling or altering our travel plans in response to high inflation and airline delays. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Liz West is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Dr. Sohail Gandhi, a family physician and former president of the Ontario Medical Association. Today: we kick things off with a discussion about Tick season. According to Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore, there is an increase in cases of three types of tick borne illnesses in the province in addition to Lyme disease. So, what are the factors contributing to this increase (hint: climate change is a big one)? And, Dr. Razak recently published a piece in The Globe and Mail about why Canada needs a serious long COVID-19 strategy. Do you or someone you know suffer from the symptoms of long COVID? If so, we would love for you to share your story about it. ---- NEARLY 2,000 AIR CANADA FLIGHTS DELAYED OR CANCELLED OVER LONG WEEKEND  Liz West is joined by Dr. Gabor Lukacs, President and Founder of Air Passenger Rights and John Gradek, a faculty lecturer at McGill University's Aviation Management Program and a former executive with Air Canada. Air Canada cancelled or delayed almost 2,000 flights during Canada Day long weekend. How did this happen and what rights do we have as air passengers? ---- WEDDING SEASON IS UPON US: WHAT ARE YOU WEARING? Liz West is joined by Jessica Lisi, Owner of Jessica Lisi Events. Wedding season is upon us and it appears that more and more couples attending wedding ceremonies are dropping traditional dress codes and changing things up in other ways. Jessica weighs in! Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto , Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto and Dr. Nadia Alam, A family doctor and anesthetist in Georgetown Ontario and a former president of the Ontario Medical Association. Today: We kick things off with a discussion of the poor air quality we are experiencing because of the wildfires. And, a new mental health study reveals that roughly half a million Canadian employees miss work on a weekly basis due to poor mental health. ---- COMPETITION BUREAU'S FINDINGS ON GROCERY RETAILERS Libby Znaimer is joined by Gary Sands, Senior Vice President of Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers and Ellen Roseman, a consumer advocate. We recap the Competition Bureau's report on grocery retailer competition in Canada. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

THE MEDICAL RECORD: A NEW URGENT CARE CLINIC IN MINDEN Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Dr. Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto. We kick things off with a discussion about the news that the Ford government will fund an urgent care clinic in Minden but it won't have any doctors. Starting on June 30, it is expected to be open on weekends and staffed by nurse practitioners and nurses according to health care minister Sylvia Jones. And, we continue the discussion on Ozempic. The maker of the obesity drug just announced lawsuits against clinics selling copycat versions of the drug. THE LATEST ON THE HIGHWAY 401 CRASH THAT LEFT TWO PEOPLE DEAD Libby Znaimer is joined by Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the OPP Highway Safety Division. A segment of the 401 highway in Pickering is closed after a major crash left two people dead at least.It involved two transport trucks and a passenger vehicle that resulted in an explosion during the collision. Sgt. Schmidt has the latest. ANTHONY FUREY GIVES HIS LAST PITCH BEFORE ELECTION NIGHT Libby Znaimer is joined by Toronto mayoral candidate Anthony Furey. Anthony joins to give our listeners his final pitch before election night on June 26. Today, candidate Rob Davis--who used to serve as a Toronto City councillor--dropped out to endorse him. Furey started the race as an outsider and has succeeded in polling high enough to get invites to some key debates in the City including here at Zoomer Radio.

Liz West is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the former head of the BC Cancer Agency, as well as Dr. Alisa Naiman, Family Physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station in Toronto. We begin the discussion today about the B.C. government's decision to send over as many as 4,800 cancer patients for radiation treatment to the U.S. over the next two years and it will be fully funded by the province (which will cost aprox. three times more than what it would cost in our healthcare system). Next, we get into the very important discussion on nutrition and the need to ensure that Seniors in the healthcare system get access to healthy, nutritional food programs.  ---- DAVID JOHNSTON CONCLUDES: NO PUBLIC INQUIRY NEEDED INTO ALLEGED FOREIGN INTERFERENCE Liz West is now joined by Robin Sears, a former NDP strategist and crisis communications advisor and Andrew House, Partner and Co-Leader in National Security at Fasken. Today: we recap the independent special rapporteur David Johnston's findings into his investigation over alleged foreign interference by China in our political system and his decision not to call for a public inquiry and instead recommended that public hearings be held for Canadians.  ---- CANADIANS AND HOUSEHOLD DEBT Liz West is now joined by David Macdonald, Senior Economist, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Today: Canadian homeowners are facing a mounting debt, more so than any other G7 country and owe more money than the entire country's economy. Our guest weighs in on the story.  Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Marissa Lennox is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist and epidemiologist at Unity Health Toronto and Dr. Alisa Naiman, family physician and Founder and Medical Director of The Medical Station clinic in Toronto.  This week:  We kick things off by taking a closer look at a study that recommends hormone replacement therapy as the first treatment offered to women under the age of 60 who experience menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and other challenges. We then take a deep dive into the negative health impacts of the processed foods (also known as ultraprocessed foods or UPFs) that are so prevalent in many of our diets.Finally, the WHO is recommending that we avoid consumption of non-sugar sweeteners in our efforts to lose weight. The panel has the latest.  ---- OTTAWA PROPOSES STRONGER BAIL REFORM LEGISLATION  Marissa Lennox is now joined by Toronto-based criminal defence lawyer, Ari Goldkind. Ottawa has proposed bail reform legislation this week that would make it harder for individuals accused of certain crimes to be granted bail. Ari weighs in on the latest news and whether it goes far enough in addressing the problem.  ---- TORONTO CONSTRUCTION IS ABOUT TO GET A WHOLE LOT WORSE  Marissa Lennox is now joined by Councillor James Pasternak, for Ward 6 York Centre and the Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee.  Councillor Pasternak joined Dep. Mayor Jennifer McKelvie this week to announce the commencement of major construction projects in Toronto that will total at least $1.14 billion.  Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Guest: Dr. Fahad Razak, internist at St. Michael's Hospital After more than three years, the World Health Organization has declared that COVID-19 is over as a global health emergency. However, the organization also said the virus remains a threat and can still get people very sick. For many people, the pandemic has been “over” for a while but there are also plenty of people for whom the effects linger and that's something to remember as we navigate this next phase. This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar. Audio Sources: CBC and ABC

Jim starts the show by comparing the leaders' overuse of the word wokeDan Laxer and Andrew Pinsent discuss and debate some of the big stories of the day.On the Deep Dive, Dr. Fahad Razak explains what the WHO announcement on COVID really means

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, a  General Internist and epidemiologist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, family physician and the founder and medical director of The Medical Station in Toronto, and Dr. Malcolm Moore, a medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. This week: The U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness as the new public health epidemic. A report from his office indicated that it increases premature death by almost 30 percent, increases risk of stroke and heart disease and is as deadly as smoking as many as 15 cigarettes a day. So, how did we get to this point? And, how severely does loneliness impact older adults specifically? ---- KING CHARLES' CORONATION: WHAT TO EXPECT  Libby Znaimer is joined by Suzanne Boyd, Editor-in-chief and Publisher of Zoomer Magazine/everythingzoomer.com . Will you be up early on Saturday morning to witness King Charles' Coronation ceremony? Suzanne weighs in on what we might expect to see on the milestone day for the King and she weighs in on The Archbishop of Canterbury calling on Brits and those living in places where he is the head of state to swear allegiance which not everyone is happy about. ---- CONSERVATIVE MP CHONG AND HIS FAMILY TARGETED BY CHINA: CSIS   Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Stephanie Carvin, Assistant Professor of International Affairs, Carleton University, and an expert on national security issues. The director of CSIS has informed Conservative MP Michael Chong that he and his family were targetted by Chinese foreign interference after he sponsored a motion in Parliament condemning Beijing's treatment of Uyghurs. Dr. Carvin weighs in on the latest story and discusses the national security implications of foreign interference in our political system. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, a  General Internist and epidemiologist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, family physician and the founder and medical director of The Medical Station in Toronto, and Dr. Malcolm Moore, a medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. This week: we start things off by discussing some good news-the survival rate for pancreatic cancer is increasing according to The American Cancer Society. The 5-year survival rate for this type of cancer went up by one per cent and is now at 12 per cent. This is good news considering that this particular type of cancer has a very low survival rate. Libby has been open about her battle with it in the past and about her successful recovery. ---- OLIVIA CHOW IS RUNNING TO BE MAYOR OF TORONTO Libby is now joined by Olivia Chow who is running to be the next mayor of Toronto. She is part of a roster of at least 50 other candidates vying for the City's top job. She talks about her specific vision for the City and how she would approach the increased violence on TTC and in our streets and the deterioration of city services and spaces. ---- APPARENTLY KING CHARLES' CORONATION QUICHE IS GROSS Libby is now joined by Joshua Chong, a staff reporter for the Toronto Star. One of the items on King Charles' Coronation menu is a quiche. Joshua decided to make the quiche himself (following the publicized recipe) and...sadly...it was yuck! He tells Libby all about it. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

THE MEDICAL RECORD: CANADA'S DRUG CRISIS Marissa Lennox is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, a General Internist and epidemiologist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, family physician and the founder and medical director of The Medical Station in Toronto, and Dr. Malcolm Moore, a medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. This week: we shed light on the scope of the drug crisis here in Canada with over 30,000 individuals losing their lives to drug overdoses in the past 7 years. Earlier this year, we learned that Toronto Public Health is partnering with Unity Health Toronto and University Health Network hospitals to implement additional supervised injection sites. But, is this the right approach that our healthcare system should be taking to address the drug crisis among its other strategies? Meanwhile, Sunnybrook and Michael Garron Hospitals will be helping to tackle the surgery backlog by performing hip or knee replacement operations over weekends. The plan is to do as many as 1,300 over he next year by doing those surgeries on Saturdays and Sundays. And, tick season is upon us with the arrival of Spring and these pests pose the very real threat of Lyme's disease. Our health experts weigh in on the latest. PUBLIC SERVICE WORKER STRIKE KICKS IN TODAY Marissa Lennox is now joined by Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. The Public Service Alliance of Canada's strike has officially started as of 12:01 am today. As many as 155,000 are off the job after the union and Ottawa failed to reach a tentative agreement on Tuesday evening. A part of those striking are employees at the CRA. Franco weighs in on why he feels PSAC is out of touch and how their demands for a pay raise, if fulfilled, would cost taxpayers $9.3 billion. TORONTO ENDS BACKYARD CHICKEN FARMING PILOT PROGRAM OVER CONCERNS OF AVIAN FLU Marissa Lennox is now joined by Dr. Tim Sly, an epidemiologist at Toronto Metropolitan University and Sarah Doucette a former city councillor and a three-year participant in the pilot program of backyard chicken farming. The City of Toronto is ending its backyard chicken farming pilot project over concerns of the threat of the Avian flu. We bring in our epidemiologist to weigh in on just how serious of a threat the disease actually is to humans. And, we ask our listeners: have you benefitted from this program? Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, a  General Internist and epidemiologist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, family physician and the founder and medical director of The Medical Station in Toronto, and Dr. Malcolm Moore, a medical oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. This week, Libby and guests discuss a study that details a new gene connected to hereditary breast cancer susceptibility. Meanwhile, the province of B.C. wants to limit the sale of the Ozempic drug to non-Canadians as demand for the Obesity drug grows. Then we react to both the provincial and federal budgets that came out this week. We also learned that the province struck a deal with Optometrists. ----- MARK SAUNDERS IS RUNNING FOR MAYOR Libby Znaimer is now joined by Mark Saunders, former Toronto Police Chief who is now officially running to be Mayor of Toronto. Mark is joining a crowded pool of candidates running for the City's top political job. Will his high-profile as a former police chief help him stand out from the rest? He says that he wants to restore a sense of community safety to our city as it deals with an increase in violence on the TTC and in our streets. Will he also work well with the higher levels of government to get much needed cash for the budget?   Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Bob Komsic is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. He is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, a medical oncologist  at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist and epidemiologist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family physician and founder and medical director of The Medical Station in Toronto. The province of Nova Scotia is offering its nurses a bonus of $10,000 in an effort to retain them in the public health system. The only condition is that they commit to a two year "return of service" agreement by the end March 2024.  Should Ontario's government follow the same strategy? Meanwhile, patients in Ontario have to now either pay out of pocket for virtual care as the province makes changes to its funding model and slashes virtual care from that funding. This will impact things like consultations, prescriptions and lab work referrals. And, the City of Brampton has notified the public through a press release that there have been cases of bird deaths due to avian flu. How concerned should the general public be about this? Our panel has the latest. ---- NEXUS IS COMING BACK Bob Komsic is now joined by John Gradek,  a faculty lecturer at McGill University in Montreal and a former executive with Air Canada. Good news for travelers to the U.S.: NEXUS enrollment offices are reopening at our airports this Spring. Travel restrictions were imposed on us three years ago as of March 2023. So, do you welcome this news? And, are you planning on making the line for your own Nexus card? John Gradek reacts to the latest. ---- PM TRUDEAU'S CHIEF OF STAFF TO TESTIFY Bob Komsic is now joined by Bob Richardson, Liberal Strategist and Senior Council to National Public Relations. Katie Telford, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Chief of Staff, will in fact be testifying over allegations of Chinese interference in our political system. So, what can we expect from her testimony? And, before this, Trudeau announced former governor general David Johnston to oversee a probe into the allegations and said he'd agree to whatever decision Johnston makes about whether or not a public inquiry should be launched. Bob reacts to the latest. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, a medical oncologist  at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist and epidemiologist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family physician and founder and medical director of The Medical Station in Toronto. A new study in JAMA Network Open reveals how a majority of older Cancer patients received invasive care in the last month of their lives and that it is not something they may have wanted. Our panel discusses the study findings and other topics. ---- BRAD BRADFORD JOINS FIGHT BACK Libby Znaimer is joined by Brad Bradford, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 19 Beaches-East York. He tells Libby about setting up an advisory committee and whether he's any closer to officially declaring that he will put his hat in the Toronto mayoral race. He also details his thoughts on the City's 2023 budget and his thoughts on the Toronto Police ending their additional patrols on the TTC. ---- BMO BUYING AIR MILES: WILL IT SAVE THE REWARDS PROGRAM? Libby Znaimer is joined by Barry Choi, a personal finance expert and Patrick Sojka, Founder of Rewards Canada. The Bank of Montreal is set to buy the problem-ridden Air Miles reward program, which has been faced with bankruptcy. The deal will go down after court approval and regulatory approval. Our guests weigh in on what it might take from BMO to give Air Miles a comeback. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, a medical oncologist  at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist and epidemiologist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family physician and founder and medical director of The Medical Station in Toronto.  This upcoming Saturday will be the three year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our panel reflects on how far we've come. Meanwhile, a new report by the province's patient ombudsman reveals that many patient complaints are driven by inadequate staffing at long-term care homes and hospitals.  Also, as we reported earlier this week, NACI is recommending that Canadians who have a high risk of serious illness should get their bivalent COVID-19 booster shot in the Spring. Finally, numerous NDP MPPS are calling on the Ford government to give clarification on a partnership that an Ottawa hospital has with a private corporation that is leasing their operating and recovering rooms on Saturdays. Our panel has the latest.  ---- INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY  Jane Brown is joined by Canadian Senator Salma Ataullahjan, and Ontario NDP MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam for Toronto Centre.  It's International Womens Day today and to mark the occasion we have invited two Canadian women leaders we feel have done a great job of advocating for our more diverse communities. They share their respective stories and talk about how we can make Canada a more inclusive place for all including religious minorities and the LGBTQ+  ---- INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CONTINUED  Jane Brown is now joined by Oksana Kishchuk, Director, Strategy & Insights at Abacus Data.  Oksana shares insights into a new study all about International Womens Day. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, a medical oncologist  at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist and epidemiologist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family physician and founder and medical director of The Medical Station in Toronto. This morning, Ottawa will be making an announcement about national standards for long-term care. Meanwhile, the FBI is making the case that COVID-19 was most likely leaked from a lab in China. And, it's  Shingles Awareness Week. Our medical experts discuss what you need to know about the virus and how to better protect yourself. ---- TORONTO MAYORAL CANDIDATE ROB DAVIS Libby Znaimer is joined by Rob Davis, a former City councillor who has announced he is going to join the race for Mayor of Toronto. Libby asks Rob about how he sees the City has changed since his time as a City councillor and whether he is up to the challenge of fixing the many problems that Toronto is currently suffering from--mainly that basic city services aren't functioning well or at all these days, increased violence on the TTC and homelessness and deteriorating infrastructure. ---- OTTAWA'S ANNOUNCEMENT ON STANDARDS FOR LTC  Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Geriatrics at Mount Sinai and the University Health Network Hospitals in Toronto This morning, Ottawa is making an announcement about national standards for long-term care. Dr. Sinha weighs in. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, a medical oncologist  at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist and epidemiologist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family physician and founder and medical director of The Medical Station in Toronto. This week: We start things off by discussing the increased spread of Norovirus since the pandemic and also a report by Toronto Public Health that shows that during the pandemic, mental illness, opioid overdoses and food and shelter insecurity have all worsened. ---- FRANCOIS LEGAULT'S TAKE ON TRUDEAU'S HANDLING OF THE BORDER  Libby Znaimer is joined by Daniel Béland, James McGill Professor; Director of the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada (MISC), and Dr. Jennifer Elrick, Associate Professor of Sociology at McGill University who specializes in immigration policymaking and implementation. This week: Quebec Premier François Legault wrote an article in the English national newspaper The Globe and Mail in which he called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to enforce Canada's border and deal with Asylum seekers in a better way and make that a priority Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

THE MEDICAL RECORD: OTTAWA STRIKES A HEALTHCARE FUNDING DEAL WITH PROVINCES Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, a medical oncologist  at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist and epidemiologist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family physician and founder and medical director of The Medical Station in Toronto. This week: Ottawa has made a healthcare deal with the provinces. The feds will provide provinces $196.1  Billion over the next ten years with 46.2 Billion in new funding. $1.7 Billion over the next five years will go towards supporting hourly wage increases for PSWs among other promises. Libby and our medical panel discuss the implications such a funding deal could have on our healthcare system and where the money is needed most! WHY ARE WE PAYING SUCH HIGH NATURAL GAS BILLS? Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Warren Mabee,  Director of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy at Queen's University and Dan McTeague, President of Canadians for Affordable Energy. Have you noticed your natural gas bills go way up? Residents in the GTA have seen the rates double over the past two years from 10 cents per cubic meter to 23 cents per cubic metre. Why is this happening? The Ontario Energy Board regulates the industry and they approve the prices set by the gas companies. So, what can they do to alleviate the problem? THE FAO BUDGET PROJECTIONS REPORT Libby Znaimer is now joined by Peter Weltman, Ontario's Financial Accountability Officer. Peter has published a report providing projections for Ontario's fiscal position from 2022-23 to 2026-27 period. He joins the show to provide the details.

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, a medical oncologist  at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist and epidemiologist at Unity Health Toronto, Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family physician and founder and medical director of The Medical Station in Toronto.  Today: World Cancer Day is coming up on Saturday. Meanwhile, Toronto's request for the decriminalization of personal possession drugs is still being reviewed by Health Canada, while BC is rolling out a three-year pilot program that will allow for possession of small amounts of certain types of drugs.  ---- CANADIAN YAZIDIS AGAINST REPATRIATION OF ISIS DETAINEES  Libby Znaimer is now joined by Jamileh Naso, President of the Canadian Yazidi Association.  Canadian Yazidis do not want ISIS-affiliated detainees to be repatriated to Canada. In January, Ottawa agreed to repatriate as many as 19 Canadian women and children from Syria where they were being detained in Kurdish camps. According to Jamileh, Ottawa's decision to repatriate has left her community members feeling "heartbroken and betrayed". The Yazidis originate from an ancient Kurdish-speaking farming community in Northern Iraq--a community that was viscously attacked by fighters of the Islamic State. Jamileh weighs in on the latest.     ---- THE FUTURE OF TORONTO'S CAFETO PROGRAM Libby Znaimer is now joined by Toronto City Councillor Paula Fletcher (for Ward 14 Toronto—Danforth), and Robert CheeOwner and operator of AVIV immigrant kitchen restaurant located at 779St Clair west and Chair of the Hilcrest BIA.  Today: a discussion about the future of Toronto's CafeTO program.  Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Guest: Dr. Fahad Razak, internist at St Michael's Hospital The XBB.1.5, known by the nickname “Kraken,” is the latest COVID-19 subvariant of concern. Found to be highly transmissible, health experts are already seeing surges in other parts of the world like Europe and the United States, where there are higher case counts and hospitalizations. The same effect is likely to happen here. Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist at St Michael's Hospital and a professor at the University of Toronto who served as the head of the province's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, joins “This Matters” to share what we know. This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar. Audio sources: BBC, PBS, Euronews

Libby Znaimer is joined by Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine, David Cravit, Vice President, Zoomer Media, Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP. This afternoon, the province will be announcing its fall economic statement. Can we expect any goodies to come out of it for Seniors? And, how much of the budget will be allocated to addressing Ontario's ongoing health crisis? WINTER DRIVING SEASON: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Libby Znaimer is now joined by Nadia Matos, External Communications for CAA South Central Ontario and Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the OPP Highway Safety Division. This week, the CAA, Toronto Police, OPP, ministry of transportation and City of Toronto will be joining forces to present tips and reminders for driving safely this Winter season. Tune in to ask your questions. ---- MASKING UP AND WHEN TO GET BIVALENT SHOT AFTER YOU HAD FOUR DOSES Libby Znaimer is now joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto and the former Scientific Director of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table before it dissolved. With COVID-19, flu and RSV circulating in the population, the province's chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore says we are faced with "a triple threat" and is recommending that the public mask up in all indoor settings especially as pediatric hospitals become strained. And, Libby asks Dr. Razak about the timing of getting your bivalent COVID-19 vaccine after you've had your four doses already. And, what you need to know about this year's flu shot. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Pediatric ICU capacity is at or beyond its limits, and parents aren't far behind. Why is illness on the rise for kids across the province? For insight we welcome: Dr. Rod Lim, Site-Chief of the Paediatric Emergency Department at the Children's Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, and an associate professor at Western University; and former director of the COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, Dr. Fahad Razak, who is an internist at St Michael's Hospital and assistant professor at the University of Toronto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A window into the pressure on patients and healthcare workers, with guest Dr. Fahad Razak, internist and epidemiologist at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, and co-founder of Canada's largest hospital research network Gemini.

Dr. Fahad Razak, former head of the now-disbanded COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, answers questions on immunity, treatment, vaccines, travel, long COVID and more.

With the healthcare system in crisis, why is Ontario shutting down a key independent COVID advisory group? Guest: Dr. Fahad Razak, scientific director of the Ontario COVID-19 Science AdvisoryTable, an internist and epidemiologist at St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health

As summer winds down and we head into fall and a new school year, we talk to Dr. Fahad Razak, the new scientific director of the COVID-19 Science Advisory Table to look at where Ontario is in its attempts to deal with the pandemic, how much natural immunity is present in communities, what modelling is suggested for the months ahead, and what to expect in the next round of vaccinations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ontario has officially entered its seventh wave of COVID-19, driven this time by the Omicron BA.5 subvariant. Guest host Rosemary Barton discusses this new wave with Dr. Fahad Razak, the head of Ontario's COVID-19 science advisory table, UBC professor Sally Otto, and immunologist Jennifer Gommerman.

Science Table Director Dr. Fahad Razak takes questions on BA.5, the new dominant variant in Ontario; the risks associated with reinfection; booster doses; what immunity earlier vaccines offer; workplace safety; socializing; weddings; PAXLOVID and more.

The Saturday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Bob Komsic. Interviews with: - The Zoomer Squad with David Cravit, Peter Muggeridge, and Bill VanGorder on taking The Balance Test - Sean Shapiro, Brian Patterson, and Erin Urquhart on a traffic & parking enforcement blitz happening in Toronto - The Recovering Politicians with David Peterson, Hugh Segal, and Howard Hampton on Doug Ford's cabinet choices - Dr. Fahad Razak, Dr. Prabhat Jha, and Tamara Daly on Canada's pandemic response and news of a fourth vaccine dose - And the best calls of the week!

Guest: Dr. Fahad Razak, scientific director of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, an internist and epidemiologist at St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health

BC Premier John Horgan announces he's stepping down, A UBC scientist wants you to mail him mosquitos, Assessing the Impact of heat dome on ecosystems in BC & Canada's COVID response ranked highly compared to similar countries - June 28th, 2022   BC Premier John Horgan announces he's stepping down  Guest: Keith Baldrey, Global News legislative correspondent    Ow what bit me? A UBC scientist wants you to mail him mosquitos  Guest: Dan Peach, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of British Columbia and Director, Entomological Society of British Columbia   Assessing the Impact of heat dome on ecosystems in BC   Guest: Rachel White, Assistant Professor, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia.    Canada's COVID response ranked highly compared to similar countries  Guest: Dr. Fahad Razak, scientific director of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, an internist and epidemiologist at St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health

This week, Edward Greenspon (PPF's President and CEO) discusses Canada's COVID-19 response with Dr. David Naylor (Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto) and Dr. Fahad Razak (Scientific Director of the COVID-19 Ontario Science Table). Nearly two and a half years later, we're taking stock of how Canada fared compared to its peers during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a report published on June 27th in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), authors: Dr. Fahad Razak, Saeha Shin, Dr. David Naylor and Dr. Arthur S. Slutsky review the COVID-19 response from G10 nations and share how Canada fared in comparison to its counterparts. This episode includes a #PPFProud shoutout to Enbridge for having received the Catalyst Award, which recognizes organizational diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that drive representation and inclusion for women.

This week, Edward Greenspon (PPF's President and CEO) discusses Canada's COVID-19 response with Dr. David Naylor (Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto) and Dr. Fahad Razak (Scientific Director of the COVID-19 Ontario Science Table). Nearly two and a half years later, we're taking stock of how Canada fared compared to its peers during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a report published on June 27th in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), authors: Dr. Fahad Razak, Saeha Shin, Dr. David Naylor and Dr. Arthur S. Slutsky review the COVID-19 response from G10 nations and share how Canada fared in comparison to its counterparts. This episode includes a #PPFProud shoutout to Enbridge for having received the Catalyst Award, which recognizes organizational diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that drive representation and inclusion for women.

The Saturday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - The Zoomer Squad with David Cravit, Peter Muggeridge, and Bill VanGorder on the use of MCRs and revoking driver's licenses -Dr. Fahad Razak explaining the latest with the COVID-19 pandemic as the last of the mask mandates are lifted - Patrick Brown on running for the federal conservative party leadership - Olivier Bourbeau, Court Desautels, and Annette Synowiec on news that the federal government will soon ban single use plastics - And the best calls of the week!

Libby Znaimer is joined by David Cravit, Vice President of Zoomer Media and Chief Membership Officer at CARP, Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine and Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP. Today: Have you ever heard of MCRs? Also, known as medical condition reports, they are files that healthcare professionals will fill out to the ministry if a patient is in a certain medical condition that would require a driver's licence suspension. But this system is susceptible to abuse and even misjudgment by doctors. Our Zoomer Squad discusses a Toronto Star investigation about it and listeners call in to share their personal stories of having their licenses removed through MCRs. ---- THE END OF MASK MANDATES AND THE STATE OF COVID-19 IN ONTARIO Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, The Scientific Director of the COVID-19 Science Advisory Table. The remaining mask mandates in the province of Ontario ended on June 11th. That means, you can board a TTC vehicle without a face covering and it is up to hospitals, for example, to maintain their own mask-wearing mandates moving forward. But, is it too early to make such a major policy shift? And, does it really follow the science? Ontario's COVID-19 wastewater signal is currently on the rise again, according to the province's science advisory table, which suggests an increase in case numbers. And, it comes at a time when restrictions have eased. Dr. Razak weighs in on the latest. ---- PATRICK BROWN ON THE CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP RACE Libby Znaimer is joined by Patrick Brown, Candidate for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada. Patrick weighs in on the Conservative leadership race so far and the record number of memberships. He also weighs in on the state of the federal Conservative Party. Brown, who has served as Mayor of Brampton since 2018, has until mid-August to sign up as a mayoral candidate for Brampton, which happens to fall a few weeks before the next federal Conservative leader is voted in. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Epidemiologist Dr. Fahad Razak, Scientific Director of Ontario's COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, helps fill in some of the gaps on what you still need to know to stay safe amid this latest pandemic surge.

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - Alison Eastwood, Peter Donolo, and Cat Criger with their takes on the royal visit to Canada - John Wright with the most respected occupations - Dr. Fahad Razak with long covid data - Michael Taube reacts to the resignation of Jason Kenney in Alberta - And the best calls of the week!

Epidemiologist Dr. Fahad Razak helps fill in some of the gaps on what you still need to know to stay safe amid this latest pandemic surge.

Epidemiologist Dr. Fahad Razak explains why he thinks travel restrictions are a good thing in light of the new Omicron COVID-19 variant; Jenn Beagan, an assistant coach with the women's junior national field hockey team, talks about what it's like being stranded in South Africa due to the Canadian government's new travel restrictions; Infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch breaks down what we know, and what we don't know, about the new COVID-19 variant.

The Saturday edition of the Best Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - The Zoomer Squad with David Cravit, Bill VanGorder, and John Wright on the final week of the federal election - Conservative Party of Canada leader Erin O'Toole gives his pitch for the country - Dr. Timothy Sly helps explain the news surrounding a new COVID-19 variant - Dr. Fahad Razak and Dr. Peter Juni discuss Long COVID - And the best calls of the week!

Dr. Fahad Razak says his team's latest research shows 10 percent of Ontarians infected with COVID end up with long term symptoms, and they need more resources. Sufferers complain the medical community has offered little help.

More than 70% per cent of doctors surveyed reported some level of burnout last year during the pandemic. Dr. Adam Kassam, the President of the Ontario Medical Association talks about the constant stress and its effects; Madeleine Tarasick of the Kingston chapter of Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan describes their efforts to provide support; Here in Ontario a third dose of the COVID vaccine is being provided for those who are most at risk of serious illness. Dasantila Golemi-Kotra, a professor in microbiology at York University in Toronto talks about the effectiveness of this strategy; If someone you know is unvaccinated or you're unsure about their status, how do you navigate social situations when you want everyone to be safe? We get some tips from etiquette expert Julie Blais Comeau; Ontario farmers are shipping hay to the province's northwest and out to the prairies to help make up for the poor harvest caused by this year's drought. We find out more from Keith Currie, a Collingwood farmer involved with the effort; Fahad Razak is a physician at St. Mike's Hospital in Toronto and a member of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table. He outlines what efforts can be made to vaccinate the more than two million people in the province who still haven't received a single dose of the COVID vaccine; From bannock and berries to wild rice and bison. Kevin Eshkawkogan of Indigenous Tourism Ontario talks about their strategy to promote Indigenous cuisine.

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: With cases of COVID-19 on the rise across Canada after a summer drop, doctors say the country has entered a fourth wave of the pandemic. Canada's seven-day average for new COVID-19 cases is nearing 1,300, up 60 per cent from last week. The bulk of new infections are in British Columbia, which reported more than 1,000 new infections between Sunday and Tuesday, followed by Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec. Dr. Fahad Razak, an internal medicine physician at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, said Canada is now in a fourth wave. GUEST: Dr. Timothy Sly, Epidemiologist and Professor Emeritus in the School of Population and Public Health with Ryerson University - With September around the corner and the government revealing their back-to-school plan, preparing for another unpredictable school year is on the minds of most parents. The provincial government announced that all students will be able to return to the classroom full-time this September. After a year of virtual learning and school closures, parents may feel overwhelmed while helping their children transition back to ‘normal.' “This year however things look and feel very different,” observed psychotherapist Colleen Blake-Miller. “In addition to backpacks and notebooks, parents will need to navigate emotions and anxieties associated with children returning for in-person learning post-COVID.” GUEST: Colleen Blake-Miller, Registered Psychotherapist - Another day, another heartbreaking headline. There have been so many about the “two Michaels” and Robert Schellenberg, Canadians locked away in China who appear to be political pawns in a game we cannot win. But the truth is we should have seen this coming. And we chose not to. Schellenberg isn't the only Canadian to receive a death sentence on a drug charge following Meng's arrest. Three other Canadians were sentenced to death within two years of Meng's arrest. Ye Jianhui, Xu Weihong and Fan Wei all face death. They are Canadians, but they aren't white. Read the full article HERE GUEST: Gordon Houlden, Director of the China Institute and Professor of Political Science with the University of Alberta

People have been kept away from their loved ones in hospital through the pandemic. But as more Canadians are vaccinated and COVID case counts drop, there are calls to ease restrictions on visits. Guest host Robyn Bresnahan talks to Ottawa resident Kim Gogo, who waited for hours in a hospital car park as her son had major heart surgery last month; Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist and epidemiologist in Toronto; and Dr. Alex Wong, an infectious disease physician in Regina.

Stefania Capovilla is a hairstylist and owner of Society Salon and Blow Dry Bar in Ottawa. She describes enduring the lockdown and looks ahead to reopening; Dr. Stephen McCarthy, a former student, and Josh Hill, a student trustee offer their reaction to the decision by the Peterborough Catholic District School Board not to raise the Pride flag; Has Ontario been too cautious in relaxing its pandemic restrictions? Epidemiologist Dr. Fahad Razak.who sits on the province's science advisory table offers his perspective; Colin Furness, an infectious control epidemiologist, discusses the vaccination program in the province and its effectiveness in dealing with the pandemic including the Delta variant; Michelle Berry of Hunter Street Books in Peterborough recommends some summer reads; The former Mayor of Cornwall,Bernadette Clement offers her reaction to being appointed to the Senate; We find out more about the Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival which will feature live performances but to a drive-in audience at Trent University in Peterborough. Joeann Argue the festival's co-creator tells us more.