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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 19h

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has been elected Quebec's newest premier. Among his plans for the province is a referendum on Quebec's separation from Canada. To unpack this, we're joined by University of Ottawa political science professor André Lecours. Listen now: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

#ICYMI On "How Carney's Infrastructure Push Is Testing Reconciliation", Chadwick Cowie (@utoronto.ca) discusses the Carney government's relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and why meaningful Indigenous consultation matters 🎧Apple Podcasts podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/h...

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Did Ottawa get Bill C-39 wrong? #NDP Leader @avilewis.ca shares who he thinks gets left behind in the bill, labour protections, major project approvals, and who he thinks actually benefits from the legislation. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

What would it take to make Canada’s “universal childcare” truly universal? Fees have fallen, but access remains a challenge with demand for spaces outpacing availability. Martha Friendly of @childcarepolicy.bsky.social joins us to unpack this and what changes need to be made. Listen: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Why is Gen Z ditching smartphones for wired headphones, digital cameras and iPods? As tech gets smarter, many young people are choosing simpler devices instead. Ramishah Maruf and Richard Lachman join us to explore why digital minimalism and a return to analogue tech are resonating with Gen Z.

Close-up of a classic white iPod with a click wheel held in a person's hand.

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Astronaut Joshua Kutryk is on his way to the International Space Station today for a six-month stay, becoming only the fourth Canadian ever to do so. Former #NASA Deputy Branch Chief for Crew Operations, Maj. Erin Edwards, joins us to discuss the mission, Kutryk, and Canada's future in space.

Astronaut Josh Kutryk in a flight suit speaking into a microphone outdoors, with other flight-suited figures blurred in the background.

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Saudi Arabia is facing pressure as Iran-backed #Houthi forces advance along Yemen's Red Sea coast. At the centre of the conflict is the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key global shipping route. Peter Bates of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute joins us to break it down. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

More than 451,000 additional deaths could be linked to extreme heat from this year’s “super” El Niño, according to a Climate Impact Lab study. Genevieve Maricle joins us to discuss where those deaths could occur and what emergency preparedness should look like. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Phones up or phones away? We explore the debate over cell phones at concerts with Andy Greene of @rollingstone.com and anthropologist Wendy Fonarow. Listen now: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

This week on our episode 'Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney on the Fight for Canada': former Alberta Premiers Jason Kenney and @rachelnotley.bsky.social discuss their campaign, 'Alberta and Canada: Stronger Together' and why they believe Alberta is stronger within Canada. Listen: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

ICYMI: Are U.S. Democrats coming to save Canadians? @aaronparnas.bsky.social says no. Listen to our episode, “A Canadian Guide to the U.S. Midterms,” wherever you get your podcasts: link.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

British Columbians head to the polls this fall, two years early. @thenarwhal.ca reporter @sobittersosweet.bsky.social breaks down Premier Eby's gamble to call a snap election, the drama surrounding the B.C. Conservatives, and how Indigenous rights and DRIPA are shaping the campaign: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Confused about the #U.S. midterms? We’ve got a Canadian guide. U.S. independent journalist and commentator @aaronparnas.bsky.social joins us to lay out what you need to know, including whether a new congress could put a check on the President. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Former #Alberta premiers @rachelnotley.bsky.social and Jason Kenney have set aside partisan differences to campaign against Alberta separation. They join us to discuss the campaign, the Oct. 19 referendum, and the economic consequences separation could have for Alberta and Canada: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

How did Ontario keep a man in isolation for 20+ years? @thestar.com reporter Jacques Gallant joins us to unpack his investigation '20 Years in Isolation' and what it reveals about Ontario’s only maximum-security psychiatric facility. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

PM Mark Carney became the first foreign leader to attend the #EU State of the Union address, where the European Commission President invited Canada to become the EU's first-ever associate member. UBC's Dr. Kurt Hübner joins us to break this all down: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Should Canada's airports stay public? Ottawa is moving ahead with plans to privatize several #airports. @policyalternatives.ca Senior Researcher @simonenoch.bsky.social and Adviser to former PM Brian Mulroney's office Mark McQueen weigh in. Listen to today's episode here: lnk.to/bigstory

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Reposted by The Big Story

Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I talk airport privatization and the potential consequences podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/d...

podcasts.apple.com

Does Canada need private airports?

Podcast Episode · The Big Story · September 17 · 26m

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

#U.S. #tariffs are once again putting pressure on Canada’s softwood lumber industry. Wood market expert Russ Taylor explains the stakes, the history behind this cross-border dispute, and what support the sector needs now. Listen: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The German state of Saxony-Anhalt has elected the AfD, a party flagged by intelligence officials as an extremist right group. We speak with Jordan Leichnitz of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation on the rise of the far right in Europe and what it could mean for North America. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

#Canada has joined the UK and France in sanctioning trade tied to #Israeli settlements in the West Bank. On today's episode former Canadian ambassador to Israel Jon Allen joins us to break this all down. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Why can you drag yourself to work when you'd rather stay home? Executive function and experts say it's on the decline. @comadork.bsky.social, professor of cognitive neuroscience and imaging at @westernu.ca, explains what's happening and how to strengthen it. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Who controls the digital maps we use every day? @vassb.bsky.social joins us to unpack "Lake America", digital imperialism, Trump's ties to Big Tech, and why Canadians should care. Listen now: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

What does Canada’s push for "digital sovereignty" actually mean? More data centres? AI across government? Upgraded hospital and school board tech? Beauceron Security’s @davidshipley.bsky.social joins us to discuss how stronger cybersecurity can improve Canada’s digital defences: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

When the economy struggles, the impacts go beyond finances. Today on The Big Story we discuss how economic downturn increases gender-based violence with @endvaw.bsky.social Executive Director Anuradha Dugal. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

What comes next in the Lindsay Clancy trial? @apnews.com reporter Michael Casey joins us to discuss the mood both inside and outside of the courthouse, the chances of a mistrial, and how it's reshaped conversations about maternal mental health. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

As questions of Canadian unity loom, Quebec's separatist Parti Québécois leads in the polls. But with 5 parties competing and 3 consistently polling above 20%, the provincial election remains unpredictable. @ericgrenier.bsky.social helps us break this all down: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

7 MLAs have left the #BC #Conservatives since Kerry-Lynne Findlay took over as leader, raising questions about her future at the helm. @vancolour.bsky.social joins us to chat about what happened and whether Findlay can survive the losses: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Where is Mitch McConnell? The US senator hasn't been seen publicly since June 11. @nytimes.com Chief Washington Correspondent Carl Hulse and @northeasternu.bsky.social law professor Wendy Parmet join us to discuss this & what the public is entitled to know about a politician's health lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Last week, #Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake #Ontario to "Lake America." We speak with Rosemary Thompson of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society about what authority a foreign leader has over Canadian place names and the future of Canada-U.S. relations. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

A massive Russian cargo plane has been sitting at Toronto Pearson Airport since 2022. #Canada closed its airspace to #Russia after its invasion of #Ukraine and a judge recently ruled that the jet isn’t going anywhere. Aviation expert John Gradek explains. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

Grayscale image of a large Russian Cargo plane with hotel buildings in the background. Red circle with eye on the top right corner

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Canadians have long viewed themselves as different from the US when it comes to guns but firearm licences in Canada are hitting record levels. Professor and author @noahschwartzy.bsky.social discusses the changes in Canada's gun culture and how Ottawa can regulate the gun market lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

What will the #Canada-US trade war cost you? Today on The Big Story, we get into the latest round of #tariffs imposed by both the US and Canada with @trevortombe.bsky.social, professor and Director of Fiscal and Economic Policy at @ucalgary.bsky.social. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

Greyscale photo of Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne speaking at a podium with red circle and eye in the corner. Champagne recently announced that Canada will be providing up to $7.5B in tariff relief for Canadian workers and businesses

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Could #Ukraine hold a wartime election? On today’s episode, @ualberta.bsky.social Ukrainian studies expert Jars Balan explains what lead to calls for an election, how it could lead to domestic polarization and whether an election can be held safely and securely. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Mark Carney has suspended trade talks with the #U.S. and announced dollar-for-dollar retaliatory #tariffs in response to Trump's latest tariffs on $28B worth of Canadian goods. @dalhousieu.bsky.social political science professor Lori Turnbull joins us breaks it down lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

In today’s digitally saturated world, third places are being forgotten. But these physical third spaces are more important to social connection than we think. On today’s episode: a case for more third spaces with @thestar.com columnist @justinling.ca . Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

A historic #energy deal between #Newfoundland and #Labrador and #Quebec has been announced. However, it remains unsigned amid a looming Quebec election and pending Indigenous approval. @mcgill.ca professor François Bouffard explains why this agreement is so significant: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Today on The Big Story: a petition with 230,000+ signatures is gaining momentum in Canada, calling for the removal of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra. Critics say he has further strained Canada-US relations and breached diplomatic protocol. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Pope Leo excommunicated the ultra-conservative Society of St. Pius X after it ordained bishops against his orders, creating the #Catholic Church’s biggest schism in 156 years. Dr. Catherine Foisy of @uqam.ca explains what led to the move and what it means for the #Church. Listen: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

A new federal report calls antisemitism a systemic problem on university and college campuses, saying institutions have failed to address it. More than 95% of Jewish students say they saw or experienced antisemitism last year. Study lead Dr. Jack Jedwab joins us to discuss. Listen: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Is it time for #Canada to lift its ban on #U.S. alcohol? The ban has helped pressure the Trump administration, but reports suggest Canada may drop it in exchange for #tariff relief as new duties deadline nears. @kaylietiessen.bsky.social of @canadianshieldinstitute.ca joins us: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Ceuta, Spain’s enclave on Morocco’s coast, was overwhelmed as thousands of Moroccan migrants crossed the border or swam around it. While majority of the migrants have been returned to Morocco, many still remain. @geraldknaus.bsky.social of the European Stability Initiative joins us: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

A report by Thomson Reuters has revealed how human traffickers are utilizing the country's highways and airports to move Indigenous women and girls between major Canadian cities. @theglobeandmail.com Temur Durrani joins us to unpack the findings. Listen: lnk.to/bigstorylisten

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Kids Help Phone is seeing the biggest surge in calls in its history. Rebecca Shields, President & CEO, joins us to discuss what's behind the spike in young people seeking support and how the organization is responding. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

In 2006, Patrick Santos was found dead, zip-tied and duct-taped behind his Scarborough home. Now, investigative genetic genealogy has linked crime scene DNA to Pierre O'Connor of Hamilton. Fil Martino, News680 reporter and Tracking a Killer co-host, joins us break it all down: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story

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

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

20 years after the murder of 21-year-old Patrick Santos in Scarborough a suspect has been charged thanks to investigative genetic genealogy. We spoke with Steen Hartsen from BCIT’s Forensic DNA Lab about how genetic genealogy works. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Are you actually using all your vacation days? A recent survey found 4 in 10 Canadians aren't taking all the personal time off available to them. Emily Durham, career coach and host of the Clock In with Emily Durham podcast, joins us to discuss lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Are elective full-body MRIs worth it? No medical association recommends them. So why are they so popular? Dr. Matt Davenport from the Department of Radiology at @umich.edu explains what a full-body #MRI is and its potential benefits and harms. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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The Big Story @thebigstory.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

We discuss the plan to end the Israel-Hamas war and why it might fail. #Hamas says Israel must withdraw its forces before it disarms. Meanwhile, #Israel says Hamas must disarm before it withdraws. @naderhashemi.bsky.social of @georgetown-sfs.bsky.social joins us. Listen here: lnk.to/bigstory

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