PODCAST · news
The Big Story
by Frequency Podcast Network
An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today.
Episodes
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Big Headlines: Carney says trade talks between Canada and the U.S. are still on pause and Stelco could face legal action
Plus: Carney is warning Stelco that it could face legal action if it fails to meet its employment commitments, the federal government will add $1-billion to help build a road to the Ring of Fire region in Northern Ontario, New Brunswick's biggest ocean port is getting a major upgrade, and today...
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Why is Gen Z protesting around the world?
Protests have erupted across Europe, as activists seek for radical political and societal change. In France, young people are looking to improve school conditions and access to education. Similar to those in Albania, Italy, and Serbia, where protesters are revolting against government corruption...
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Big Headlines: Alberta's separation vote could have lasting impacts and an update on the injured soldiers from CFB Wainwright
Plus: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has updated the province on the status of the Canadian Armed Forces soldiers injured during the fire at C-F-B Wainwright, Prime Minister Mark Carney is headed to Turkey today in a bid to deepen ties with a strategic ally, a lawsuit filed in the United States...
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Danielle Smith's post-referendum problem
Alberta has decided its fate remains within a united Canada. More than 75% of voters in Monday's historic referendum struck down the idea of separating from the country, a result Prime Minister Mark Carney says he's 'thrilled' about. As the results continue to roll in for the other nine…
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Big Headlines: Alberta voters overwhelmingly reject push for separation and investigators are on the ground at CFB Wainwright
Plus: Residents of Wainwright, Alberta, are mourning the four soldiers killed and 39 injured when a wind-driven grass fire swept through a military training exercise at the Alberta base, interim British Columbia conservative leader Lorne Doerkson says attempts by NDP leader David Eby to "impugn"...
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Keith Morrison and Diana Swain on the case of Elizabeth Bain
Elizabeth Bain was 22 years old when she went missing from Toronto on June 19, 1990. The details of her disappearance have kept Canadians wondering for years what happened to her. More than 35 years later, new, unreported evidence could bring her case back into focus for investigators and law...
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Big Headlines: Four soldiers dead after tragedy at CFB Wainwright
Plus: federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre offers condolences to the families of the soldiers who died at CFB Wainwright, Alberta labour leaders say the tragedy that struck over the weekend in the province demonstrates the need for national unity, another former Marineland beluga whale…
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Are our drug laws making things worse?
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...
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Weekend Listen: Are companies doing enough AI training?
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…
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Big Headlines: Carney's last push to keep Alberta united with Canada and Lotto Max hits record jackpot of $90M
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…
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What was Ryan Wedding's endgame?
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...
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Big Headlines: Canada continues to strengthen ties with EU while Ontario and New York strike new energy deal
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…
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Pierre Poilievre’s impossible Alberta balancing act
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…
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Big Headlines: Canada's sovereignty being put to the test in Alberta and Cornell cancels all frat parties for the year
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...
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Faster, greener, riskier? The micromobility debate
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...
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Big Headlines: Advance polls open today for Alberta referendum and Canada's Wonderland indefinitely shuts down two roller coasters after Georgia theme park death
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...
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Anthony Scaramucci on Trump, Carney, and the trade war
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…
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Weekend Listen: Time to think about your holiday budget?
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…
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Big Headlines: Canada's economy lost 68,000 jobs last month and grocery prices could spike this winter
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...
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Should we be worried about the plague?
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...
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Big Headlines: Canada will prohibit people suffering from a mental illness to access MAiD
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,...
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When AI causes harm, who's responsible?
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…
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Big Headlines: Fuel prices continue to surge worldwide and an American is charged after helping carry out the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting
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....
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Why Quebec’s independence debate is back
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...
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Big Headlines: Investigators identify the Canadians onboard an air ambulance that crashed in the Atlantic and Parti Quebecois secures a minority
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...
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What Avi Lewis thinks Ottawa got wrong with Bill C-39
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...
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Big Headlines: U.S. Coast Guard suspends search for missing aircraft off Boston coast that had four Canadians onboard
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...
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Can Canada actually deliver universal childcare?
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...
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Weekend Listen: Can Canada catch a break on trade after the US midterms?
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...
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Big Headlines: Alberta's hopes for pipeline to B.C. being fast-tracked and Canada wants to link payment systems with E.U.
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,...
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Why is Gen Z going analogue?
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....
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Big Headlines: Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk has blasted off to the International Space Station and the Carney government responds to Stelco cuts
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…
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Canada's role in space exploration
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...
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Big Headlines: Israel-bound flight redirected to Saudi Arabia after intense cockpit disturbance and 17,000-foot drop as officials claim "a possible hijack"
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…
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How Carney's infrastructure push is testing reconciliation
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...
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Big Headlines: Canada-U.S. trade war escalates again as import bans kick in on more Canadian products
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…
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The Houthis, Iran, and the risk of a wider war
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…
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Big Headlines: Pair of Conservative premiers convene in Calgary to talk energy and Canada's overhauling foreign policy around its autonomy
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...
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Can we prevent El Niño's 451,000 extra deaths?
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...
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Weekend Listen: What would you sacrifice to achieve home ownership?
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...
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Big Headlines: Experts say possible changes to Canada's labour code gives the federal government too much new power and a Quebec man tried planning an attack for ISIS
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...
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Cell phones at concerts? The great debate
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...
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Big Headlines: Carney and the Canadian Forces have evaluated options for 'unlikely' U.S. military action against Canada
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...
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David Eby's BC election gamble
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...
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Big Headlines: Carney meets European Commission boss in New York and Ottawa extends gas tax holiday into 2027
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...
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A Canadian guide to the US Midterms
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...
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Big Headlines: Ontario synagogue shooting suspect reportedly with the Canadian Forces and B.C.'s government sues OpenAI for Tumbler Ridge tragedy
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...
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Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney on the fight for Canada
Alberta's unlikeliest duo is teaming up to make their case to Albertans ahead of the October 19 referendum. Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney, both from opposite sides of the political aisle have joined forces with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to propel their campaign, 'Alberta and Canada:...
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Big Headlines: Gunfire exchange near Belleville synagogue injures 2 and Parliament returns after a 3-month break
PLUS: Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre says Canada will never be part of the European Union, Montreal city council is set to debate a proposed bylaw this week that could ban people from insulting municipal employees and police officers, and Kerry-Lynne Findlay steps down as Conservative…
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How Ontario kept a man in isolation for 20+ years
Camelott Hamblett is a 43-year-old Canadian man who's spent the last 20 years in isolation at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care in Penetanguishene, Ont. His family has been advocating for the Ontario Review Board to reconsider his stay in isolation, as they believe it's not helping improve…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today.
HOSTED BY
Frequency Podcast Network
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Big Story have?
The Big Story currently has 1000 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Big Story about?
An in-depth look at the issues, culture and personalities shaping Canada today.
How often does The Big Story release new episodes?
The Big Story releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 1000 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to The Big Story?
You can listen to The Big Story on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Big Story?
The Big Story is created and hosted by Frequency Podcast Network.
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