The Big Story

A BC Supreme Court judge found that a section of Canada's Controlled Drug and Substances Act was unconstitutional, and gave Ottawa six months to fix it. 

The ruling came after a pair of drug activists, Eris Nyx and Jeremy Kalicum, were convicted on drug trafficking charges after their downtown Vancouver compassion club, DULF, was raided by police in 2023. Their charges have since been stayed.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Michelle Gamage, a health reporter from The Tyee, and Dr. Dan Small, a medical anthropologist with the University of British Columbia to discuss the politicization of h...

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!".

A.I. is spreading like wildfire across workplaces. Canadian workers in multiple industries are being increasingly asked to engage with the tool by their employers. But are they ready for it? Are they getting the training they need to use A.I. both effectively and, most importantly, safely? 

Host Mike Eppel is speaking with Sam Jenkins, Managing Partner and co-founder of Punchcard Systems, about the results of a study they conducted about how workers in heavy industries are being asked to use Artificial Int...

Plus: A community in Oregon gathered to remember three children killed in a shooting at an elementary school, drone attacks on cargo ships in the Black Sea this month have raised concerns among NATO members, the Snowbirds Aerial Demonstration Team will perform at their final air show in Moose Jaw, and what was Ryan Wedding's endgame? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about...

Some ten months after disgraced Olympian-turned drug lord, Ryan Wedding, was arrested in Mexico, the details surrounding how he was taken into custody and what exactly he was after remain unclear. 

Prior to his arrest in late January, Wedding was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list with a $15 million reward. Mexican officials say he handed himself over to officials, while US authorities say the FBI arrested him in Mexico. 

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Michelle Shephard, journalist and filmmaker, and Calvi Leon, investigative reporter for the Toronto Star about their new podcast 'The Mo...

Plus: a Montreal man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing his nine-year-old daughter and leaving her body in a marsh in rural upstate New York, the latest on a deadly roof collapse of a Pakistani school, Pope Leo continues to recover from lung surgery, and Pierre Poilievre's impossible Alberta balancing act. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection...

In less than a week, Albertans will head to the polls to vote on a series of ten referendum questions, one of which brings the province's sovereignty into focus. For the past several months, support for separation has dwindled, as both former and current politicians continue to plead with Albertans to reconsider thoughts of separation 

Among the current names that have stayed out of the spotlight for the most part, however, is Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Other than a handful of speaking events, he hasn't been as loud as other figures in making the case for federalism. 

Plus: A U.S. judge has ordered an American accused of helping plan the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. to remain in custody until trial, a Montreal man found guilty of drowning his young daughter in a creek in upstate New York in 2025 is set to be sentenced in Essex County court, the Pope is doing well following lung surgery, and the latest on the micromobility debate. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted...

E-bikes and e-scooters are having their moment across North America. Along with the popularity comes the criticism against them, citing safety concerns, etiquette, lack of regulation and more. 

Host Maria Kestane is speaking with Ahmed El-Geneidy, a professor at McGill University’s School of Urban Planning about the explosion of micromobility, what infrastructure is needed across provinces to keep everyone safe, and who bears the responsibility for when things go south.

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:

Through email at hel...

Plus: Canada has joined more than two dozen countries in denouncing Iran's apparent involvement in a planned attack on an airbase in England, dramatic moments on board a Delta flight from Los Angeles to New York, a rollercoaster catastrophe in the U.S., shocking stats on the future of dementia around the world, and Anthony Scaramucci, host of the Rest is Politics, talks Trump, Carney and the trade war. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted...

It's hard to think of a time in the modern age when relations between the U.S. and Canada were at a lower point. Since U.S. President Donald Trump started the trade war, tensions have risen, while Canadian's opinion of our neighbour to the south have fallen. While some politicians and commentators south of the border have taken aim at Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney's handling of the relationship, others are glad someone is finally standing up to Trump.

Host Caryn Ceolin is speaking with Anthony Scaramucci, host of the Rest is Politics: US, former...

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!". With Thanksgiving days away-- it's time to start thinking about Christmas. At least that's the case for PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada, an accounting firm which has done their annual survey on where families and individuals are at in terms of budgets as they head into the holiday season, and what it could mean for retailers.

Host Mike Eppel is speaking with Adam Boutros, National Consumer Markets Leader Partner at PwC, about consumer trends, what people are planning to spend, a generation divide, and how AI factors in...

Plus: The chief executive of Stelco's U.S-based parent company says hundreds of Southern Ontario steelworkers facing temporary layoffs will be recalled if Canada and the U.S. reach a trade deal on steel. Former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne says she saw parallels between herself and Christine Frechette as Quebec's election results came in. Canadian poet Anne Carson won the Nobel Prize in literature, but not much is known about her personal life. Also, what we know and don't know about the Russian lab tech that died, her work with the plague, and if we should be worried or not...

The death of a lab worker in Russia has raised fears of the plague. Authorities claim she died of pneumonia from an unknown origin, but have yet to release any other details surrounding if there's a connection to the lab she worked at. 

Host Maria Kestane is speaking with Angela Rasmussen, a virologist and the Science Chair for the Save America movement, then she's joined by Maria Popova, a political scientist from McGill University. They discuss what we know about the pneumonic plague, its chances of breaking out into another global pandemic, and about the challenges of d...

British Columbia NDP leader David Eby says Ottawa needs to impose minimum standards on all social media companies and AI companies requiring that threats of violence be reported to the police. Canada’s Defence Minister is in Alberta to highlight the billions of military dollars being spent there, with less than two weeks to go before Albertans vote on whether it’s time to quit confederation. The Parti Quebecois says it's asking for a recount in a Montreal-area riding that it lost to the Liberals by a narrow margin. Canadian poet Anne Carson wins the Nobel Prize in Literature.

When a person hacks a government website, it's illegal. But when a rogue AI agent does it, it's an incident that needs 'further investigation'.  

Canada has invested billions of dollars into AI infrastructure and education, and although safety is a top priority according to Ottawa, robust legislation and regulation to govern the software has not kept up with the momentum.

Host Maria Kestane is speaking with Takara Small, a technology journalist, about who's held to account for AI's mass destruction, and why top-down legislation isn't the end-all be-all for a solution. 

We lo...

Plus: Christine Fréchette is resigning as leader of the Coalition Avenir Québec, but will stay on as premier until her P.Q. successor is sworn in. Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit Turkey from October 21st to 23rd as Canada seeks stronger trade, defence and investment ties with the NATO ally. Countries around the world are pushing Russia for more information about the death of a 28-year-old researcher who worked at a lab studying plagues in Siberia. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at he...

Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has been voted in as Quebec's newest Premier. 

His party, Parti Québécois, secured their minority government on Monday night's election with 59 seats, up from three seats back in 2022. Among his plans for the province, he eyes holding a referendum in a push to separate Quebec from Canada. And although Plamondon promised to wait until US President Trump left the White House, the new Premier would still need to gain the support from the other provincial parties. 

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to André Lecours, a political science professor at the University of Ot...

Plus: Health care and taxes dominate the election campaign in British Columbia with the Conservatives criticizing the NDP's record, the Manitoba government is proposing changes that would eliminate window coverings on all cannabis storefronts because of safety concerns, the head coach of Canada's men's soccer team says he has a unique perspective when it comes to speaking out on political issues, and what Avi Lewis thinks of Ottawa's Bill C-39. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky ...

Ottawa is furthering its pursuit of building a stronger, more sovereign Canada. Bill C-39, the Build Canada Strong Act is the latest omnibus legislation that aims to reform parts of the Canadian Labour Code, as well as streamline projects deemed of 'national interest' . Critics, however, say the bill throws environmental protection, Indigenous consultation and workers' rights all into limbo.

Among those critics is Federal NDP Leader, Avi Lewis. 

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Mr. Lewis to discuss who he thinks gets left behind in the bill, what tweaks are needed to protect workers, and why P...

Plus: Cornell's Jane Doe has received multiple threats to withdraw her lawsuit, Florida voters are deciding whether to scrap property tax with Canadians potentially having to foot the bill, a dozen people are isolating after a lab worker dies in Russia from pneumonia of an 'unknown origin', a new report says screen time and social media use should be deemed a public health issue, and how can Canada improve on its universal child-care system? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory...

Ontario has become the latest province to extend their $10-a-day childcare deal with the federal government. It's a policy that's undoubtably reduced prices for Canadians, but that doesn't mean it's become more accessible. A crisis of affordability has become one of availability, as the number of open spots across the province is far fewer than the demand for them. So, what needs to happen to make Canada's "universal childcare" program actually universal? 

Host Caryn Ceolin is speaking with Martha Friendly, the Executive Director of the Childcare Resource and Research Unit, about how the system is working, how i...

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!". The drama around Canada-U.S. trade and U.S. President Trump's ramp up in rhetoric might all be connected to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to push back. Many of us are now watching closely and voters south of the border prepare to vote in their midterms, where Canadians are hoping a Democratic congress could put a check on Trump. However, one longtime watcher of Canada-US relations says its not clear if things will change.  

Host Kris McCusker speaks to Ron Stagg, Professor Emeritus of...

Plus: A top official at the Bank of Canada says monetary policymakers are struggling to find new tools and pathways to address persistent housing affordability challenges, the Saskatchewan government and Bell Canada say work is ramping up on the company's mega A.I. data centre outside Regina, Canadian Astronaut Joshua Kutryk is now aboard the International Space Station as a mission specialist on the four-person mission crew. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast...

Digital cameras, wired headphones, Discmans galore. 

If you're noticing more and more technological regression in your everyday life, you're not alone. People seem to be opting for less-advanced tools and toys, for the more simple, analogue items.

Why? Well, that's what we're trying to figure out.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Ramishah Maruf, writer for CNN Business, as well as Richard Lachman, a professor at the RTA School of Media at Toronto Metropolitan University and author of Digital wisdom: Searching for Agency in the Age of AI. They discuss why people are heading o...

Plus: Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to announce today that an oil pipeline to the west coast will be designated as a project of national interest. Industry Minister Melanie Joly says the government is evaluating all its options after an Ontario steel producer announced hundreds of job cuts this week, members of British Columbia's Tsawwassen first nation lined the road, drummed and chanted as the bodies of two elders were taken away outside a shopping centre south of Vancouver. More details on the Israel-bound passenger jet that was diverted to Saudi Arabia after its co-pilot attacked the captain. We...

Another Canadian is heading to space!

Alberta-native Joshua Kutryk will be on his way this week for a six-month visit to the International Space Station, alongside three other crew members onboard NASA’s SpaceX Crew 13 mission. They plan on conducting research, maintenance, as well as experiments as they orbit the Earth. 

Host Catherine Jetté speaks to Major Erin Edwards, NASA Deputy Branch Chief for Crew Operation and ISS CAPCOM instructor. They discuss Kutryk's mission, and Canadian impacts on space exploration and advancement at large. 

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well...

Plus: Several events are being held across Canada as the country remembers its residential school legacy and honours survivors and victims, mid-term elections are right around the corner for the U.S. as Carney says he won't apply new trade pressure right now, more U.S. troops are leaving Iraq, and a new survey finds young Canadians are growing more and more skeptical of democracy in this country. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by...

As Prime Minister Mark Carney longs for a stronger Canada, his lust for fast-tracking projects signals a threat to meaningful conversation and consultation from Indigenous groups. Earlier this month at his Investment Summit in Toronto, hundreds of protestors across the country gathered in opposition to his pitch for a trillion dollars in exchange for what they feel like is their say in projects. Same goes for the Ontario government's plans for infrastructure surrounding the Ring of Fire, specifically Bill 5.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Chadwick Cowie, political science professor at the University of Toronto to discuss the...

Plus: Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Vancouver, set to make a major announcement related to the energy industry. Ontario Premier Doug Ford says Albertans need to stay Canadian. Ukrainians who survived Russian captivity are thanking Canada for its advocacy and for funding programs to help children heal from trauma. Canada will mark its 5th National Truth and Reconciliation day on September 30th, a new digital book is exploring how generations of Indigenous artists have responded to the Indian Residential School System and its ongoing legacy. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes...

Yemen's Houthi rebels have further complicated any chance at restoring global security and trade in the Middle East, after taking control of the Bab al-Mandab Strait and Yemen's Red Sea coastline. They've since attacked numerous Saudi Arabian ships trying to pass through, as well as launched drone attacks into country. 

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has asked US President Trump for help, but Trump has ruled out US airstrikes, rather offering intelligence and other supports. 

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Peter Bates, a former Canadian Foreign Service Officer and Fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs In...

Plus: Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre wants to eliminate all tax on diesel sales until at least Canada Day, the Canadian Police and Peace Officers’ annual memorial service in Ottawa has recognized five police officers and a correctional services officer who died this year, a decade after their final concert a staple of Canadiana joined the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.co...

More than 451,000 additional lives may be taken come February as a result of extreme heat from this year's 'super' El Niño. That's according to a recent study by the Climate Impact Lab, who also says these deaths can be avoided if the right mitigation plans are put in place.

Host Maria Kestane is speaking with Genevieve Maricle, the Executive Director of the Climate Impact Lab, about where these 451,000 deaths could come from, how much of the problem has to do with infrastructure rather than temperature, and what emergency preparedness could look like. 

We lo...

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!"

It’s a long running issue for Canadians: affordable housing.

Its lack thereof leaves many spending a large amount of their income solely on keeping a roof over their head. And at a time where just about everything seems to be getting more expensive, the idea of ownership seems distant for many.

Host Kris McCusker speaks to Bruce Sellery, the CEO of Credit Canada for some tips on how to manage expectations, what changes you should consider if you want to ac...

Plus: the Federal government is trying to relieve concerns after a New York Times report claimed Canada has considered military scenarios to defend against an attack from the U.S., today is the last day to apply for a mail-in ballot for Alberta's October 19th referendum, and September 25 is now Dolly Parton Day. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and...

If you've gone to a concert recently-- or any event really-- you've probably noticed them come out. Maybe they've obstructed your view. Maybe you've pulled one out yourself. Maybe you've judged people for it. Maybe they're so ubiquitous now, you actually haven't thought about them at all. Of course, we're referring to cell phones. They're a topic of contention, with plenty of people ready to tell you they're ruining the concert experience-- but is there also an upside? Let's have the debate.

Host Caryn Ceolin is speaking with Andy Greene, a senior writer at Rolling Stone magazine...

Plus: U.S. President Trump hosts Xi Jinping at the White House, two major speeches are planned for the United Nations General Assembly, a new poll shows the vast majority of Canadians support Canada becoming an 'associate member' of the EU, another animal from Marineland has died, and why British Columbians will be heading to the polls two years early. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz...

British Columbians will be heading to the polls two years ahead of schedule this fall.

The snap call by Premier David Eby comes amid turmoil within the B.C. Conservative Party, his chief opponents, and at a sensitive time for the province, as the government has attempted to deal with controversy around Indigenous rights legislation.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks with Shannon Waters, a B.C. political and environmental reporter for The Narwhal, about the gamble Eby took by dropping the writ, the drama surrounding the B.C. Conservative Party, and how much of an election...

PLUS: Several seniors have been arrested and charged with trespassing on Parliament Hill as they called for stronger government action to address climate change, voters in B.C. will head to the polls on October 24th after provincial NDP leader David Eby called a snap election, the Polaris music prize given to Angine De Poitrine. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our...

U.S. voters will soon head to the polls to determine who will control their Senate and House of Representatives.

Happening halfway through President Trump's second term, the midterms are often considered a barometer of how Americans feel their leader is doing - and poll after poll show Trump's approval rating continue to dip to historic lows. 

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Aaron Parnas, a US-based independent journalist and commentator about what Canadians need to know about this upcoming midterm election, what Trump means when he tells Americans to "vote like my name is on t...

PLUS: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is rejecting a claim from her party president that her government is muting its Pro-Canada messaging ahead of the separation vote next month. The British Columbia government has filed a lawsuit against artificial intelligence company Open AI in California over the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge that left eight people dead, including five students and a teacher's aide at the local secondary school- back in February. Canada's privacy commissioner is investigating a data breach at a major online ID verification company. The Carney government kicked off the new Parliamentary session by tabling bill C-39, titled...