The Big Story

Frequency Podcast Network

4.3 (1.9K)
DAILY NEWS
UPDATED DAILY

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

14 HRS AGO

Breaking down the latest developments in Syria

After 50 years of the oppressive Assad regime, the people of Syria will get a new government. In just two weeks, rebel forces swept through the country and took control of the capital of Damascus. Now, the hard work of nation building begins. Can a new regime heal a traumatized country and usher in an era of peace and prosperity for the long-suffering Syrian people? Host David Smith speaks with Professor Elliot Tepper, Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, about what’s next for the country.

26 min
1 DAY AGO

A look at how much more you could be paying for food in 2025

While inflation may have cooled in Canada this year, the price of groceries is still increasing faster than before the pandemic. According to the 2025 Canadian Food Price Report, families can expect to pay $800 more for food next year than they did this year. But it's not all bad news - there are some savings to be had! Host David Smith speaks with report author Sylvain Charlebois, head of the Agrifood Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, about the outlook for Canadians struggling to fill the fridge on a budget.

27 min
2 DAYS AGO

What airline travel will look like in 2025

Taking a flight can be expensive, and you could be facing new fees in the new year. Air Canada has announced new charges for passengers picking their lowest fare option, so if you want to bring a carry on bag, or pick your seat, then you’ll have additional charges. The federal government says it's disappointed by this news, but hasn’t said what action it will take. Host Cormac Mac Sweeney speaks with John Gradek, an aviation management lecturer at McGill University about why airlines are charging you more, what options the government has, and whether increased competition in the airline industry can bring you some airfare relief.

18 min
3 DAYS AGO

Is it okay to skip the presents this holiday season?

Times are tough for many Canadians - and maybe spending money you don't have doesn't fit into your plans this year. Or maybe you want the money you do spend on gifts to be put to good use. Lisa Hannam is the Editor in Chief at MoneySense.ca. She speaks to host Kris McCusker about how to have an awkward conversation if you don't want to buy gifts this year - and would rather focus on what's really important.

11 min
4 DAYS AGO

Digging into the future of Canada's maple syrup industry

It's not just something you put on your weekend pancakes - it's a huge industry in Canada that's been under threat in recent years. What's the deal with Canada's maple syrup industry? Host David Smith speaks with Randal Goodfellow, President of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers' Association.

15 min
5 DAYS AGO

What's changed 35 years after the Montreal Massacre?

On December 6, 1989 a lone gunman walked into Montreal’s École Polytechnique and began shooting female students. The young man was motivated by his misogynistic hatred for women. He targeted his victims because they were women. By the time his rampage was over, 14 young women lay dead. It was a tragedy that shook the nation to its core. Never before had our country seen such horrific violence targeted at young women. The Polytechnique shooting galvanized the women's movement in Canada and put a national focus specifically on violence against women. Parliament went on to create a national action plan on combating violence against women. Every year on December 6 we mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Still, violence against women remains an epidemic in this country. Host David Smith speaks with Ecole Polytechnique survivor Nathalie Provost about her memory of that terrible day and her work advocating for stricter gun control laws in Canada.

24 min
6 DAYS AGO

Why is interest in electric vehicles waning?

There are more electric vehicles on the market than ever before. But, Canadian car shoppers are showing less interest in buying an E-V, citing a number of concerns that have always dogged the technology. In today's edition of the Big Story, host Mike Eppel is separating myths from reality and look at whether the automotive industry needs to look at its messaging to consumers. Today's guests: Jason Clifton, Partner, Electric Mobility Practice at E-Y Canada AND Eric Novak, Professor of Business and Sustainability at Seneca Polytechnic and the editor of the Novak Report.

24 min
DEC 4

Is Canada at risk of becoming the 51st state?

It may have been a joke at the Mar-a-Lago dinner with PM Justin Trudeau and President-elect Donald Trump, but the question is out there: is there a risk of Canada becoming the 51st state? On top of that, what is the future of Canadian-U.S. relations with Trump coming back to office? Host Cormac Mac Sweeney is speaking with Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne.

23 min

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4.3

out of 5

1,882 Ratings

Where’s Jordan?

2 days ago

SuzyQuzo7

unsubscribed.
Great!

2 days ago

18621978

I love Jorden’s delivery style. He’s an amazing host. :) Rogers laid him off????? I’m unsubscribing and getting rid of ALL Rogers services.
Laid Off The Host

5 days ago

Korkendra01

Rogers laid off the host and all of the longer term staff that supported this show. Its completely unbearable now. Unsubscribing, I will not be back. Rogers is a terrible company. Do not support this show. I would rate it negative stars if I could.
Lost a listener

5 days ago

D. M. Matthews

Been listening to The Big Story for years, the show was a part of my daily routine. I unsubscribed and will no longer be listing since Jordan was let go. Huge mistake.