Shows / The Big Story
The Big Story
An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today.
Episodes
- The Big Story
Digging into to Canada's fringe political parties and their hopes for election day Monday
The federal election....from the "fringe". Most voters are familiar with the major national parties running in this election, such as the Liberals…
- The Big Story
What can advanced voter turnout tell us about election day?
Elections Canada saw a record-breaking 2 million people cast their ballot on the first day of advanced voting for the federal election, resulting in a grand…
- The Big Story
Examining the legacy of Pope Francis and who might succeed him
Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of breaking ground in the vatican and his attempts to modernize the Catholic church…
- The Big Story
What one group is doing to make the case for election reform in Canada
It’s been hotly debated by scholars and advocates for decades: do we need to change the way we elect governments in this country? On April 28th, there will be…
- The Big Story
One week until Canada votes in one of the most existential elections of our time
One week from today Canadians will cast their ballots to pick their next government, in what has been described as an existential election amid U.S. President…
- The Big Story
Is Trump bridging the gap between politically polarized Canadians?
It used to be a social no-no, but Canadians now seem to find themselves diving head-first in political engagement, dialogue, and awareness, all in the wake of…
- The Big Story
Explaining the controversy around the Notwithstanding Clause
This week, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre re-ignited debate about Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Poilievre is pledging…
- The Big Story
What can Canadians expect when travelling to the US?
To burner phone or not to burner phone? The current debate on social media amid heightened searches of personal electronic devices by US immigration officers…
- The Big Story
The 5 Ws of Voting in Canada
Canada is less than two weeks away from its 45th Federal Election, and whether it's going to be your first time voting, or you've spun the block before, The…
- The Big Story
Election 2025: The Housing Crisis
With so much attention on Donald Trump and the trade war, it’s easy to forget about the other crisis facing Canada today: Housing affordability. All three…
- The Big Story
Gentle parenting: Is it too rough for parents?
It's the latest among the vast plethora of parenting styles: Gentle Parenting...but just how gentle is it? And for whom? The US General Surgeon has issued…
- The Big Story
The cloud that surrounds the Gr8's chase
Alex Ovechkin's recent achievement of surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record with his 895th goal on April 6 has been met with both celebration…
- The Big Story
Are markets starting a comeback?
After an epic meltdown around the world, wiping away 10 trillion dollars in value, the S&P/TSX saw its best day in 5 years. The Nasdaq had its best day in 24…
- The Big Story
Are the limits on student visas hindering the future of local journalism?
Ottawa is one year into its two-year temporary international student visa cap project, and post-secondary institutions across the country are heavily feeling…
- The Big Story
How real is the threat of Western separatism?
When you hear about separatism in Canada, you may immediately think of Quebec. But in recent years, a growing separatist movement in Western Canada has emerged…
- The Big Story
Canada-US travel in an era of boycotts and new legislation
Once a favoured travel hotspot for Canadians looking to escape the cold or stock up on American-only goodies, now stands as a no-go zone for many travellers…
- The Big Story
How short-sighted was Trump's Liberation Day?
US President Donald Trump dubbed it 'Liberation Day', and it seemed like numbers across the North American stock market took the word 'liberate' and headed…
- The Big Story
Elbows up, Canada: A look at the movement that is picking up steam across the nation
It has become our unofficial Canadian battle cry: ELBOWS UP! As we face trade tensions and threats from the U.S president about making our nation their 51st…
- The Big Story
To tariff or not to tariff? What Trump's latest tariff announcement means for the Canadian economy
Newsrooms, dinner tables and just about everyone in between woke up on the edge of their seats the morning of April 2 - the day US President Donald Trump…
The Big Story'That system is meant to break you': An honest conversation with Jasmine Mooney
A disturbing resurgence of ICE horror stories are taking centre stage on social media - this Trump term, however, some recounts are now being told from…
- The Big Story
Signalgate: emojis, war plans, and unexpected guests
Ahead of the announcement on reciprocal tariffs today, the Trump Administration is looking to move on from so called Signalgate – after war plans were shared…
- The Big Story
Why is Poilievre losing his stronghold on Canadians?
Federal Conservative Party Leader, Pierre Poilievre, was positioned for a landslide win over the federal liberals, but incomes a new rival leader, and voters…
- The Big Story
The inevitable demise of the Hudson's Bay Company
What were once positioned as the four stripes that were recognizable by Canadians worldwide now sparingly lace abandoned shelves across the country dressed…
- The Big Story
Why aren't Canadians as happy as they used to be?
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or…
- The Big Story
Foreign Interference & Election 2025
Foreign election interference is back in the news after week one of the federal election campaign. Questions about foreign interference followed both Pierre…
- The Big Story
One month to go: breaking down week 1 of the federal election campaign
The federal election is several days in and it’s already been a wild ride. This vote has been framed as an existential election for our country, amid the trade…
- The Big Story
Election polls: how trustworthy are they in one of Canada's most important elections
It’s been a busy first week on the campaign trail for federal leaders. One storyline that's stood out is the early election poll tracking. All the major…
- The Big Story
Log out or lean in? How to balance social media and your mental health
We’ve all heard how social media can have a negative impact, but unfortunately putting your phone down can be a tricky task. New research out of the University…
- The Big Story
What's the future for Tesla amid a market tailspin
Tesla is in a tailspin. Sales are dropping and the stock has been cut in half since December, blamed on Elon Musk's involvement with DOGE in the U.S. There…
- The Big Story
Why are concert tickets so expensive and hard to get?
Getting concert tickets is harder than it used to be – and it means many Canadians have been shut out or forced to pay much higher prices with a reseller. Is…
- The Big Story
A real and raw conversation with Dina Pugliese
Live TV is often unpredictable, but at least the team behind the scenes is ready. However, this week, the ultimate surprise was pulled off — morning show…
- The Big Story
Checking in on how Prime Minister Carney's first week is going
Prime Minister Mark Carney is almost through his first week of Prime Minister. So, how's it going? He's already completed an international trip, had some…
- The Big Story
Is Doug Ford Canada's most unlikely diplomat?
Is Doug Ford Canada's most unlikely diplomat? Doug Ford travelled to Washington last week to talk tariffs, after threatening to impose tariffs on energy or…
- The Big Story
Examining Taylor Swift as a historical figure
Imagine being so famous that there are university courses studying your every move! Taylor Swift will be the subject of course being taught at Brock University…
- The Big Story
What you need to know about buying a car in a trade war
Spring is usually the hottest time of year for car sales. But with Trump’s tariffs affecting aluminum, steel and auto parts, this year could be different. If…
- The Big Story
Weekend listen: How Canadian business operators are dealing with so much uncertainty
Trying to run a business in this economy is anything but easy. Uncertainty, unease and pressure from so many different factors are creating a very difficult…
- The Big Story
Weekend listen: Is Canada a NATO freeloader?
For a longer weekend listen, we're going back in the archives from November to talk about an issue that's back in the headlines - NATO, and the U.S. concerns…
- The Big Story
The power of punctuality and what it says about you
Punctuality – its definition and importance really depend on who you speak to. A recent study out of the UK shows a generational divide when it comes to…
- The Big Story
The trade war goes metal
U.S. President Donald Trump has taken the next step in its tariff battle with the world, placing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products from Canada and…
- The Big Story
How long will Mark Carney's PM era last as Canada gears up for a federal election
We're going to have a new Prime Minister this week, with no shortage of issues for Mark Carney to face. After Carney won a decisive victory in the Liberal…
- The Big Story
Five years since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic - what have we learned?
It was 5 years ago today the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic because of the novel coronavirus. It marked the start of a very different way…
- The Big Story
Examining Trudeau's legacy a day after he says goodbye
After nine years in power, Justin Trudeau’s time as Prime Minister is over. Mark Carney was voted Liberal leader Sunday, in what was a landslide victory. As…
- The Big Story
Weekend listen: Economists struggling to forecast in uncertain times
It's been another week of uncertainty for the financial markets. With back and forth announcements on tariffs happening this week, it's been next to impossible…
- The Big Story
Weekend listen: Debunking health and wellness misinformation
Check in with today’s amazing guest Dr Andrea Love: Instagram: @dr.andrealove X: @dr_andrealove Website: www.immunologic.org References…
- The Big Story
As Trudeau's popularity bounces back, the Liberals prepare for a new leader
After more than 9 years leading the country, Justin Trudeau’s time in office is down to days. On Sunday the party will count the votes and announce a new…
- The Big Story
Fact checking tariffs and examining the fallout
The word of the week: tariffs. In what's been a confusing back and forth whether or not the tariffs against Canadian goods were on, we learned there was a last…
- The Big Story
Understanding the measles outbreak and what’s truly at stake
It’s a preventable crisis – that’s the message from many public health officials when describing the recent measles outbreaks in parts of Canada and the United…
- The Big Story
Checking in on our border plan, as U.S. tariffs come into effect
It’s been months since the federal government announced a $1.3 billion border security package in response to the Trump tariff threat. But the President…
- The Big Story
As the U.S. threatens tariffs on medications, the first provincial pharmacare deal is signed
The Trudeau government has signed its first provincial deal to implement the first stage of its national pharmacare plan. The agreement with Manitoba comes…
- The Big Story
Why Canada needs national licensing for doctors
Doctors in Canada can’t move between provinces to practice medicine without going through cumbersome licensing requirements and a sea of government red tape…
- The Big Story
Digging into the final stretch of the Liberal leadership race
The four candidates in the Liberal leadership race are on the last leg of the campaign after going head to head in French and English debates earlier this…
- The Big Story
Countdown to tariffs: how much is it going to cost you?
It’s less than a week to go before U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to put a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods. After that happens, the Government of…
- The Big Story
How B.C. got safer supply wrong
The Government of British Columbia is overhauling its safer supply drug policy so that drug users will have to take their prescription opioids under the…
- The Big Story
Canada is finally getting a high speed rail line
Canada is the only G-7 nation without a high speed rail line, but that might be about to change. Our federal government has unveiled plans for an ambitious…
- The Big Story
How to find the money to make an RRSP contribution
You want to save for your retirement - but where do you find the money? Head's up - the RRSP deadline is coming up on March 3, 2025. Host Mike Eppel is talking…
- The Big Story
Why Trump turned on Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump has a plan to end the war in Ukraine. It's basically, cut off support, and capitulate to Vladimir Putin. It has been three years…
- The Big Story
A fear of flying goes much deeper than you think
The videos and images of recent airplane crashes are hard to shake. For some, it has ignited a fear of flying – but is it warranted? The statistics say one…
- The Big Story
Digging into aviation safety in the wake of Monday's crash landing in Toronto
It’s been an unusually bad start to 2025 for air travel accidents. Monday’s crash at Pearson International Airport that saw a Delta airlines flight come to…
- The Big Story
The crisis facing colleges and universities that no one is talking about
There is a crisis facing Canada’s post-secondary education sector that no one is talking about. Now that the federal government has slashed the number of…
- The Big Story
Tracking a Killer: the Patrick Santos case
On this special edition of the Big Story, we're shining a light on cold cases across Canada. The podcast, Tracking a Killer: the Cold Case files is hosted by…