This Matters | Daily News Podcast
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The world is changing every day. Now, more than ever, these questions matter. What’s happening? And why should you care? This Matters, a daily news podcast from the Toronto Star, aims to answer those questions, on important stories and ideas, every day, Monday to Friday. Hosts Saba Eitizaz and Raju Mudhar talk to experts and newsmakers about the social, cultural, political and economic stories that shape your life.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
4 hours ago
Is Canada failing older women?
Guest: Moira Welsh, Toronto Star journalist leading The Third Act project
A growing number of older women are facing poverty in Canada. It is a situation that can be brutally isolating as well as physically and emotionally exhausting. According to government data, it is also an issue affecting more women in their senior years than men. Journalist Moira Welsh, author of “Happily Ever Older: Revolutionary Approaches to Long-Term Care,” joins the podcast to discuss her latest story. It is part “The Third Act,” a Toronto Star partnership with the National Institute On Ageing that pushes Canada to do better for its older adults.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Brian Bradley and Paolo Marques.
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1 day ago
How the Gardiner East debate may drive votes for mayor
Guest: Alyshah Hasham, City Hall reporter
Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway is a perennial debate from all directions, and just as the mayoral race gets underway, we have arrived at the debate about the $1.2-billion future of the eastern section. Josh Matlow, a city councillor and recently-confirmed mayoral contender to replace John Tory, says going forward would be a “historic mistake” and, along with a handful of community groups, is urging for an updated accounting of the cost of the plan with an eye to maybe shelve it. Other mayoral contenders are also beginning to speak up on what may possibly be a key election issue. Today we talk about our love/hate relationship with the Gardiner and why this debate runs through the heart of what this city means to us.
Audio sources: CTV and CityNews
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2 days ago
Silicon Valley Bank collapsed. What are the Canadian implications?
Guest: Chay Ornthanalai, associate professor at the Rotman School of Management
Silicon Valley Bank was the 16th largest bank in the United States yet, in less than two days, it collapsed and marked the single largest American banking failure since the financial crisis of 2008. Ripple effects from SVB’s collapse continue to hit similar institutions, have reached Credit Suisse Group (itself moving to sell) and ignited a political blame game. Chay Ornthanalai, an associate professor at the Rotman School of Management, joins “This Matters” to explain what went wrong and explore why it is unlikely for such failures to happen in Canada.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley and Paulo Marques.
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5 days ago
How ‘southbounders’ are fuelling cross-border politics
Guest: Allan Woods, staff reporter
Just as Roxham Road in Quebec became a crossing point for thousands of migrants hoping to enter Canada to avoid deportation in the United States, a new northern border phenomenon has people from countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and India using Canada as an entry point to the U.S., often making a perilous journey. Called “southbounders” by the RCMP, officials on both sides of the border say there has been a sharp spike in the number of people attempting this dangerous crossing. Republicans are leveraging the issue as political fuel and now cross-border issues are expected to feature heavily in the U.S. President Joe Biden’s upcoming visit to Canada next week.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Paulo Marques.
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6 days ago
The ticking TikTok: How an app ignited a national security debate
Guest: Caitlin Chin, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC
The social media app TikTok has attracted billions of users but concerns have grown over its roots in China and countries around the world, including Canada, have banned TikTok from government devices. Now, in the last 24 hours, the Biden administration has escalated a heated debate on TikTok’s security implications by issuing an ultimatum to the company: sell TikTok or be banned. We look at how the trendiest social platform of this generation ended up at the centre of an uproar involving national security, political panic and a serious ultimatum by the American president.
Audio sources: CNN, CNBC, NBC
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Paulo Marques.
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Mar 15, 2023
What we know and don’t know about hate incidents on campuses
Guest: Rob Cribb, investigative reporter and director of the Investigative Journalism Bureau
Hate is on the rise on university and college campuses across the country. Wanting data, The Star and the University of Toronto’s Investigative Journalism Bureau sent requests to over 80 schools across Canada to find out how they track and deal with racist, homophobic and other hate-motivated incidents. The picture that came back is troubling but also incomplete, as both students and some administrations look for answers to this growing problem.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: Global News
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Mar 14, 2023
What did we learn from the four-day work week experiment?
Guest: Matt Juniper, associate partner at PRAXIS
Last year, the largest ever global trial of a four-day work week began in the midst of a work culture reckoning and a pandemic. Companies across the world, including dozens across the U.S and Canada, signed up and now, the results are in. Companies are commiting to the four-day work week model. Matt Juniper, associate partner at full service marketing communications agency PRAXIS, shares some compelling insights.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Paulo Marques.
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Mar 13, 2023
Why Jagmeet Singh still wants to prop up the Liberals
Today, we're bringing you an episode of It's Political with Althia Raj.
Althia takes stock of the supply and confidence agreement the Liberals and NDP agreed to last March. In exchange for supporting the Liberal government on confidence matters until June 2025, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh received assurances Ottawa would enact a dental care program for low and middle income Canadians, as well as move ahead on a number of shared priorities, such as pharmacare, housing, climate change and reconciliation with Canada's Indigenous Peoples.
One year later, how have things panned out?
In this episode: NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, former MP David Christopherson, former NDP director of issues management Ian Wayne, former NDP national director Karl Bélanger, Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, long-time New Democrat Dennis Van Meer, Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan. Hosted by Althia Raj.
Some of the clips this week were sourced from the CPAC, the House of Commons, CBC and CTV.
“It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.
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Mar 10, 2023
Why engineers want to retool a mysterious ring ceremony
Guest: Robyn Paul, Retool the Ring
At the end of their education, engineers receive a coveted ring in a ceremony full of symbolism, steeped in secrecy. It is called The Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer and it has come under fire for failing to reflect the contemporary views and face of engineering in Canada.Retool the Ring, an informal organization, is part of the drive for that change, claiming the ritual contains “outdated and harmful world views, including colonialism, racism and sexism.” Robyn Paul, a co-facilitator, joins “This Matters” to explain.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Paulo Marques.
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Mar 9, 2023
How the idea of 15-minute cities became controversial
Guest: Alex Boyd, staff reporter
The 15-minute city has long been an urban planning ideal, where people lived close to everything they need. It has recently become twisted by those who feel it might be something that could lead to the next lockdown, sparking protests online and in cities across the world, including in Canada. How did a seemingly benign planning theory become so controversial?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CityNews, @T_seaward on Twitter and @andrewknack on TikTok.
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Mar 8, 2023
A life lost, a person unclaimed and a subsidized apartment frozen in time
Guest: Victoria Gibson, Affordable Housing reporter
Sometimes even beloved neighbours and friends can slip away unnoticed at life’s end, with their memory frozen in time. That’s what happened to Charles Parris, 81, of Henry Street in Grange Park. He died at home, remains quietly buried, but worldly belongings remained. For 10 months, his Toronto Community Housing Corp. apartment sat uninhabited despite a raging housing crisis. Such vacancy limbo seems to be connected to another growing problem — an increasing number of unclaimed bodies. Victoria Gibson tells a haunting story on “This Matters.”
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Paulo Marques.
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Mar 7, 2023
What will it take to calm uproar at Oakville Trafalgar High School?
Guest: Kris Rushowy and Isabel Teotonio, reporters
Administrators, teachers and students connected to Oakville Trafalgar High School have been subject to bomb threats (as recently as February), death threats and police activity in recent months after photos of educator Kayla Lemieux made international headlines and left parents unnerved by action from the Halton District School Board. As the situation escalates, sudents say they feel unsafe and their learning environment is disrupted while the board scrambles to get support for a new “professionalism policy” and hire an outside adviser to help manage the uproar.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Paulo Marques.
Audio Sources: CHCH News, Twitter
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Mar 6, 2023
Private care in a public hospital
Guest: Megan Ogilvie and Kenyon Wallace, reporters
A group of orthopedic surgeons is leasing operating rooms from Ottawa’s biggest hospital. It’s a controversial move that the company says will help alleviate surgery wait-times in the province. But health care advocates are concerned and want more information about the arrangement. Why is a private corporation operating inside a public hospital? And will we see more of this in the future?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: Global News and CPAC
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Mar 3, 2023
Who is Canada’s most wanted person?
Guest: Peter Edwards, crime reporter
Canada’s list of most wanted fugitives lives at Boloprogram.org (“bolo” meaning “be on the lookout”). These criminals are being hunted by authorities, both here and around the world. Currently, there is a $250,000 bounty for information leading to the capture of Rabih Alkhalil, a convicted multi-murderer who walked away from a British Columbia prison last July in a dramatic and daring escape. Peter Edwards has written a book about these criminals and joins “This Matters” to share his expertise.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Mar 2, 2023
Canadian elections and foreign influence: What we know so far
Guest: Tonda MacCharles, Ottawa Bureau Chief
Ottawa is buzzing over news about the possibility of foreign interference in the last two federal elections. While government officials say those elections were free and fair, several reports and specific allegations of such attempts has Parliament looking at the issue. As top security officials testify, Canada’s election watchdog confirmed it is launching an investigation, while others call for a public inquiry.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: Canadian Press, CPAC, CBC, Global News
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Mar 1, 2023
Probe calls for workplace culture change at Trillium Health Partners
Guest: Megan Ogilvie, Health Reporter
Last year, a group of doctors anonymously made serious allegations of abuse of power by hospital leadership at Trillium Health Partners. It triggered an independent investigation and the findings have finally been made public a year later. While the report said there wasn’t enough information to substantiate some of the more serious claims, it did lay out a series of recommendations on how to improve the workplace culture. Trillium Health Partners has always strongly disputed these allegations and repeatedly said it welcomed the third-party investigation. We take a look at the timeline of events and what has happened since.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Paulo Marques.
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Feb 28, 2023
Search barred: Why Google is conducting secret tests to filter news results in Canada
Guest: Raisa Patel is a reporter in the Star’s Ottawa Bureau
Google has been conducting a secret test that filters out online news results for a small percentage of Canadians as a result of their concerns over Bill C-18, the Online News Act. This has raised the ire of several government officials, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and now the company’s top executives have been summoned to appear before a Parliamentary Committee to discuss the search engine giant’s actions.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar
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Feb 27, 2023
New data sheds light on Canada's wrongfully convicted. What does it tell us?
Guest: Jim Rankin, Toronto Star reporter
There finally might be a way to track a long-standing dark side of Canada’s criminal justice system — the issue of wrongful convictions — through a new database. It’s hard to put a number to just how many people are languishing behind bars for something they did not do. The launch of a new database by the Canadian Registry of Wrongful Convictions could help pave the way for reforms just as the government introduces long awaited legislation that aims to make it easier and quicker for people who may have been wrongfully convicted to have their cases reviewed. Star reporter Jim Rankin talks joins to discuss.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Paulo Marques.
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Feb 24, 2023
Canada was called a vaccine hoarder. Has it redeemed itself?
Guest: Alex Boyd is a reporter in the Star's Calgary Bureau.
It has been almost two years since Justin Trudeau committed to sharing Canada’s vaccines with the world. Two years later, the results are in. By New Years day 2023, Canada had donated the equivalent of 196 million doses. That’s four million shy of its 200 million target. Government officials have celebrated the milestone, but there are many asking, could Canada have done more?
Audio Sources: Global News
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Raju Mudhar and Paolo Marques.
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Feb 23, 2023
Netflix cracks down on password sharing
Guest: Patrick O'Rourke, Mobilesyrup.com Editor-in-Chief
Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing arrived in Canada this week, with the streaming service warning users who let others mooch off their accounts that they could be paying more for sharing. There are still lots of questions about how this will all work, and whether consumers will pay up or cancel the service in retaliation.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CTV
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Feb 22, 2023
Fight for gender equality heats up at Canada Soccer
Guest: Bruce Arthur, sports writer and Star columnist
Canada’s national women’s soccer team is playing in the SheBelieves Cup in Orlando, Fla. this week, an important warm-up event in the lead-up to the World Cup five months from now. Instead of wearing red and white jerseys during our national anthem, the team has been wearing purple T-shirts, emblazoned with the words “Enough is Enough.” The protest is the latest in an ongoing and increasingly tense labour dispute with Canada Soccer, the team’s governing body. The colour purple symbolizes gender equality and is a nod to the team’s fight to be paid and treated equally to the men’s national team.
Audio Sources: ESPN, Sportsnet and TSN
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Raju Mudhar and Paolo Marques.
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Feb 21, 2023
What a balloon says about U.S. and Canadian concerns with China
Guest: Charles Burton, Senior Fellow from Macdonald-Laurier Institute
When the alleged Chinese spy balloon floated across the United States earlier this month, it ignited a firestorm of concern about Beijing’s surveillance program. U.S. President Joe Biden called it a violation of U.S. sovereignty while, after other unidentified objects over North American airspace became of interest, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged “a very serious situation.” The reaction spoke volumes about U.S. and Canadian concerns, while Beijing insisted the initial white orb was an errant civilian airship. Charles Burton, a Senior Fellow from Macdonald-Laurier Institute and expert in China-Canada relations, joins “This Matters” to discuss what we’ve seen in the skies, surveillance technology and the state of our relationships with China.
Audio sources: Warner Bros. Television
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Feb 17, 2023
Introducing The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry Sherman
This Matters would like to introduce a new podcast from the Toronto Star, by playing episode 1 of “The Billionaire Murders: The hunt for the killers of Honey and Barry Sherman.” Episode 2: The Bodies is available wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.
Episode 1: The Man on the Inside
Where are Honey and Barry Sherman? It’s a typical day for these eccentric billionaires but they’re not answering the phone. After a gruesome discovery, the Sherman children decide to tear down the mansion where they grew up. Before wreckers arrive, a mysterious intruder discovers signs of an investigation gone wrong.
This series probes the strange case of the famous Toronto couple who were found strangled in their north Toronto home in 2017. For five years, Kevin Donovan has covered the case for the Star, fought court battles to access documents on the police investigation and the Shermans and their estate, and wrote a book about it.
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Feb 16, 2023
The devastating earthquake in Turkey and its political aftershocks
Guest: Ali Mustafa, Istanbul-based correspondent for TRT World
The United Nations has launched an appeal for $1 billion in aid to help victims in Turkey as the country reels from massive decimation and displacement after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck near the Syrian border and left over 40,000 dead. As hope is running out for survivors, questions have arisen about why the earthquake was so deadly in a region that’s prone to them. Had the government not taken proactive steps? Could an unprecedented tragedy that might take generations to process change the entire political landscape of Turkey?
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Paolo Marques.
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Feb 15, 2023
192 Ontario jail deaths in just eight years. What can be done?
Guests: Justin Piché, University of Ottawa
A landmark report from the Ontario Chief Coroner’s Office has revealed there were almost 200 inmate deaths in Ontario jails in just eight years, almost all of which were preventable. There is an obvious need for reforms, but are more jails and more staffing the answers to a complex, systemic issue with roots that extend beyond our correctional facilities? Justin Piché, associate professor in the Department of Criminology at University of Ottawa, joins “This Matters” to discuss.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Paolo Marques.
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Feb 14, 2023
Why Doug Ford’s ties to developers are under scrutiny again
Guests: Noor Javed and Charlie Pinkerton
Premier Doug Ford’s ties to developers are under scrutiny again. As reported by The Star’s Noor Javed and freelance journalist Charlie Pinkerton, several well known developers attended wedding events the Ford family held to celebrate the nuptials of one of the premier’s daughters. Ford says he’s done nothing wrong and that his guests have been his friends for years, but many people feel the developer relationship is too cosy and with his government opening up and fast-tracking land development, many are poised to benefit.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: Global News and City News
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Feb 13, 2023
How the Star broke the story on John Tory and what’s next for Toronto?
Guest: David Rider is the Star's City Hall Bureau chief.
An hour after the Star’s City Hall reporters David Rider, Ben Spurr and Alyshah Hasham reported Toronto Mayor John Tory had a consensual affair with a 31-year-old staffer, the mayor confirmed the inappropriate relationship and announced his resignation. The news came as a shock for a politician who sailed to victory months ago, and comes at a crucial time for the city as it needs to pass a budget and now call a byelection to replace him. We talk with the Star’s bureau chief about how this story came together and what happens next.
This episode was produced by Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CTV News
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Feb 10, 2023
CaféTO lives! The new deal for the patio program
Guest: Ben Spurr, City Hall reporter
CaféTO is a city program created during the pandemic to help restaurants generate business by allowing them to build patios around their establishments on sidewalks and road lanes. While it energized the city’s street culture, it also caused more traffic and congestion. As city hall created new rules and fees for it to become a permanent fixture, restaurateurs balked at what they considered extravagant costs to keep it going. It came to a head at this past week’s council meeting where the program and its future was debated.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio Sources: City News
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Feb 9, 2023
The $46.2 billion federal prescription for the health care crisis
Guest: Tonda MacCharles and Robert Benzie
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed a $46.2 billion, 10-year deal in health funding this week, writing a prescription to help deal with a health care crisis. Calling it a “major federal investment,” the plan includes an immediate injection to tackle the crisis in pediatric hospitals and emergency rooms, ongoing wait times for surgeries and other key health issues. Tonda MacCharles, senior reporter in the Star’s Ottawa bureau, and Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park bureau chief, take us behind the scenes and into what broke Canada’s political stalemate on health-care funding and give insight into when much needed dollars will flow from Ottawa at last.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Paolo Marques.
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Feb 8, 2023
Ontario court rules encampment can stay in precedent-setting decision
Guest: Estair Van Wagner of Osgoode Hall Law School
A recent court ruling in Waterloo concluded the city could not evict people from an encampment if there was not adequate shelter space available in the system because it was a violation of their human rights. This could have ramifications over how other municipalities deal with unhoused people but, like with most legal decisions, it is complicated. Estair Van Wagner, a professor at York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School and advocate for the rights of the unhoused, takes us through the ruling and how it might change how the City of Toronto may deal with unhoused people.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Feb 7, 2023
What Amira Elghawaby’s apology says about Islamophobia
Guests: Raisa Patel and Asmaa Malik
It was Jan. 26 when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Amira Elghawaby, a visibly Muslim woman, as point-person on Islamophobia and just days later, Elghawaby found herself at the centre of a media storm with government officials calling for her resignation. Why? A 2019 opinion piece Elghawaby co-wrote about Quebec’s controversial Bill 21 resurfaced, in which she quoted from a poll that said support for the bill was linked to anti-Muslim sentiment. New reaction saw a dizzying wave of criticism from Quebec and members of the federal government that gave her the job, raising serious questions about Islamophobia in this country. Toronto Star Raisa Patel and Asmaa Malik, an associate professor of journalism at Toronto Metropolitan University, join “This Matters” to discuss.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Paolo Marques.
Audio sources: CPAC and Global News
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Feb 6, 2023
Justin Trudeau's next moves: A sit down with the Prime Minister
Today, we're bringing you the first episode of season 2 of It's Political with Althia Raj. She welcomes the Star's Susan Delacourt, in conversation with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This week on “It’s Political,” we bring you Toronto Star’s columnist Susan Delacourt’s interview with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The two sat down together on Jan. 17 in Windsor, Ont., for a candid conversation on his future and the future of his government. In this episode: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Toronto Star columnist Susan Delacourt. Hosted by Althia Raj.
“It’s Political” is produced by Althia Raj and Michal Stein. Kevin Sexton mixed the program. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.
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Feb 3, 2023
Canada’s new alcohol guidelines have a spirited response
Guest: Jessica Mudry, associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University
When the change in recommended guidelines for alcohol use was served last month, the reaction was spirited. While once the guideline said 10 to 15 drinks per week was the recommended maximum, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) now says no amount of alcohol is good for your health and anything beyond two glasses a week increases your risk for alcohol-related consequences, from injury to cancer. The updated recommendations, funded by Health Canada and based on solid research, have not been well received and met with disbelief, displeasure and denial. Jessica Mudry, an associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Professional Communication, joins “This Matters” to talk about how the guidelines are being received and how they could have been better communicated.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Paolo Marques.
Audio Sources: CHCH News
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Feb 2, 2023
Why Toronto’s homeless are sleeping in hospital ERs
Guest: Victoria Gibson, affordable housing reporter
While hospitals are still struggling with staff shortages and overflowing ERs, some have also been pushed to the front lines of Toronto’s homelessness crisis. As almost 5,000 homeless Torontonians came through St. Michael’s downtown trauma centre last year, some were there simply because they had no place to stay. It prompted hospital staff to launch an outreach program that connects patients to crucial supports beyond just immediate medical care. This includes providing a warm bed, clothes and even free legal advice to the city’s vulnerable. We take a look at the scope and span of this program.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Saba Eitizaz.
Audio Sources: City of Toronto
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Feb 1, 2023
Can a vending machine save lives?
Guest: Dr. Sean B. Rourke, neuropsychologist at St. Michael’s Hospital
Smart vending machines have launched on Canada’s East coast. They’re the first of what will be 100 nationwide. But instead of dispensing chocolate or candy, these machines hold life-saving supplies like HIV tests, naloxone kits and unused needles. They’re called Our Healthbox and they’re designed to reach communities underserved by traditional health care. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Sean Rourke, a clinical neuropsychologist and scientist with MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital, who is leading the initiative. You can learn more about OurHealthbox and whether your community is eligible for a Healthbox here: https://www.ourhealthbox.ca/
Sources: CBC
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Saba Eitizaz and Paulo Maurqes.
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Jan 31, 2023
Why Scarborough is upset about potential electoral redistricting
Guest: Katie Daubs, feature writer
Scarborough is the former city and Toronto borough that feels like it never gets any respect. Now as the federal government looks to update electoral districts based on population and density, slices of the Scarborough-Agincourt and Scarborough Centre ridings might be annexed into two North York ridings. These moves have left residents upset with many fighting the decision.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: @scarboroughspots on Instagram
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Jan 30, 2023
How gas stoves affect health, the climate and (some say) freedom
Guest: Marco Chown Oved, climate change reporter
After the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the U.S. said it was considering banning new gas stoves amid research that links them to childhood asthma, Republican lawmakers, conservative pundits and right wing social media commentators were aflame with reaction. They imply it is an infringement on freedom, but the science is clear. In addition to health concerns, natural gas includes methane, a catalyst in climate change that is 86 times more warming than carbon dioxide. Marco Chown Oved, a climate change reporter, joins “This Matters” to share the burning truth behind gas stoves and how it fanned the flames of a culture war.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley and Paolo Marques.
Audio Sources: MSNBC, Forbes, Relaxing Sounds
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Jan 27, 2023
Violent TTC incidents leave riders questioning safety of transit system
Guest: Lex Harvey, transportation reporter
There have been 10 high-profile, violent incidents reported on TTC vehicles and property in just over a week. With so many seemingly random attacks, passengers are on alert as authorities look for answers and ways to make the transit service safer. This comes after another wave of incidents last year, as ridership remains down after the pandemic and the TTC considers service cuts and a fare hike. With the transit system, Toronto police and Mayor John Tory weighing in, there are short-term solutions and long-term ideas to stop the disturbing trend.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CBC, Citytv and CTV News
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Jan 26, 2023
Looking at the ‘Freedom Convoy’ a year after the occupation
Guest: Grant LaFleche, investigative reporter at The Hamilton Spectator
It was only a year ago the so-called “Freedom Convoy” held a three-week demonstration in Ottawa, later termed an “occupation” by politicians and police. It was a protest that started out fighting against vaccine mandates against truckers, but became a home for all kinds of grievances across the far right political spectrum. But what could have been a galvanizing event for these groups has instead become splintered and many feel it’s unlikely a similar event will ever happen again.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Jan 25, 2023
Following a string of sexual assaults inside a Toronto university, the school’s response is under fire
Guests: Brendan Kennedy and Morgan Bocknek, investigative reporters, and Leah Mosier-Farquharson, TMU student
A string of sexual assaults and security incidents on the Toronto Metropolitan University campus have left many students and faculty members worrying for their safety and deeply critical of the school’s response. After two women were assaulted at Kerr Hall last year, some students were so frustrated by a lack of information from the administration that they formed their own security network on social media. We talk to Star investigative reporters Morgan Bocknek and Brendan Kennedy about what happened and TMU student Leah Mosier-Farquharson about the impacts on campus.
A Toronto Metropolitan University official said the campus is safe and TMU has increased security in the building where two people were attacked.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Saba Eitizaz.
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Jan 24, 2023
Sewage flowed into waters around Hamilton for years. Why?
Guest: Matthew Van Dongen, The Hamilton Spectator
The City of Hamilton has found that nearly 400 million litres of sanitary sewage from 61 homes has leaked into Hamilton Harbour, an industrial area, over a 26 year period. It is a messy situation, but one that was only found after attention was called underground in 2019 when a Hamilton Spectator investigation revealed that 24-billion-litres of sewage had leaked into Chedoke Creek, a recreational area frequented by area residents, over four a year period. The city knew about that problem, but kept the find private and did nothing to stop it. Matthew Van Dongen, a transit and environment reporter at The Spectator, joins “This Matters” to share details about efforts to inspect, clean up and have more transparency at Hamilton’s City Hall.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Crawford Blair and JP Fozo.
Audio sources: CHCH News
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Jan 23, 2023
How food inflation is hitting food banks as demand grows
Guest: Dhriti Gupta, staff reporter
There were more than one million visits to food banks across Canada in 2022, according to Food Banks Canada. It is the highest number on record. In addition to this surge in demand, food banks are grappling with rising food costs. One of them is the Allan Gardens Food Bank in Toronto, which has seen an almost 50 per cent increase in individuals served in just a year. Through the lens of this food bank, we try to understand the larger problem of food insecurity and what needs to happen next.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Saba Eitizaz.
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Jan 20, 2023
Everything you need to know about XBB.1.5, a.k.a. the Kraken subvariant
Guest: Dr. Fahad Razak, internist at St Michael’s Hospital
The XBB.1.5, known by the nickname “Kraken,” is the latest COVID-19 subvariant of concern. Found to be highly transmissible, health experts are already seeing surges in other parts of the world like Europe and the United States, where there are higher case counts and hospitalizations. The same effect is likely to happen here. Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist at St Michael’s Hospital and a professor at the University of Toronto who served as the head of the province’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, joins “This Matters” to share what we know.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: BBC, PBS, Euronews
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Jan 19, 2023
Why Canada still needs to work on recognizing skills of immigrants
Guest: Nicholas Keung, immigration reporter
Canada needs more immigrants to help fill labour shortages, yet so many people who come here find roadblocks and issues in pursuing work in their chosen fields. It has been a recognized problem for decades, but it persists. There has been some change for the better, including better information for prospective newcomers, but skilled immigrants still face challenges.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Jan 18, 2023
How Ontario hospitals treated the surge in sick kids
Guest: Megan Ogilvie, health reporter
Faced with a triple-demic including flu, RSV and COVID-19, children have been hit by wave after wave of illness and filled up the pediatric hospitals across the province. It was a situation some doctors said could have been a catastrophe. By working together in an unprecedented way, moving children wherever beds were available, this is the story of how the health care system dealt with the surge of sick kids and avoided the worst of outcomes.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Jan 17, 2023
Ontario’s plan to use private clinics for surgeries explained
Guest: Rob Ferguson, Queen’s Park bureau
The Ontario government has unveiled their plan to deal with surgical backlogs in the province by moving some procedures to private clinics. Critics fear this move will pull staff away from hospitals, and say this is moving the province toward more privatized, two-tiered health care that will cause further issues to the existing public system.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: Global News
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Jan 16, 2023
Caught on camera: How mass surveillance is changing our judicial system
Guests: Betsy Powell and Alyshah Hasham, staff reporters
Mass surveillance is everywhere and adding to the use of video in police investigations and in-court cases. The head of the Toronto Police Service’s Homicide squad credits cameras and video for helping push their solve rate above 80 per cent, but what is the price of that safety? What are the legal and ethical concerns about video becoming so prominent in our judicial system? What if the images don’t tell the whole story?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CBC and Global News.
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Jan 13, 2023
How to make sense of Toronto’s 2023 budget
Guest: Ed Keenan, city columnist
A few months ago, Toronto Mayor John Tory was asking other levels of government to help cover $2 billion in budget shortfalls and yet, the mayor has now announced more money for police, transit safety and more. What changed? Not much. While the city is raising property taxes and making some cuts, there is a huge budget hole that will need to be dealt with eventually.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: Breakfast Television, CP24
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Jan 12, 2023
Air travel and passenger rights: What you need to know
Guest: Gábor Lukács, president of Air Passenger Rights
The airline industry’s meltdown over the holidays has the House of Commons transportation committee convening an emergency meeting to grill company executives about exactly what went wrong. While Canada has adopted a passenger bill of rights, critics say it has not been effective. Gábor Lukács, president of Air Passenger Rights, an independent consumer advocacy group for air travellers, joins “This Matters” to share what you need to know if you experience air travel chaos.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Jan 11, 2023
Does the RCMP need a revamp?
Guest: Jeremy Nuttall, staff reporter
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) organization remains a symbol of Canadian history and national pride, even though the recent history of the police force is littered with internal scandals including racism in hiring and sexism within the ranks, in addition to heavy criticism for their handling of high profile crimes. Does the force need a revamp? A recent Star series looked at the force now and how it might need to adapt.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CBC, Global News and P.A.T. Film Services
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Jan 10, 2023
TTC crimes, cops and service cuts
Guest: Lex Harvey, transportation reporter
As TTC ridership is down, violent incidents are up. As the service still recovers from the pandemic, a spate of violent crimes on TTC vehicles and in and around stations is making many riders worry about their safety while riding the transit system. More security is planned to help the problem, along with a fare hike and service cuts in the proposed 2023 budget. Will the TTC get back to the days of its Red Rocket glory?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CBC and City of Toronto.
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Jan 9, 2023
The Star, police and racial profiling: A reporter looks back
Guest: Jim Rankin, staff reporter
Twenty years ago, the Star published a landmark and controversial investigation examining data that showed police interaction with racialized people occurred at a higher rate, kicking of years of stories that reinforced this initial conclusion. This past year, after looking at their own data, acting Toronto police chief James Ramer apologized for police interactions with the Black community. The problems persist through all areas of law enforcement despite the acknowledgments.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio source: CBC and Globe and Mail
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Jan 6, 2023
Why there are more coyotes in urban areas
Guest: Katie Daubs, feature writer
There have been an increasing number of coyote sightings and attacks across the GTA. Often portrayed as smart, dangerous animals, the truth is that there is another animal to blame for the their encroachment into urban areas — humans.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio Sources: CTV News
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Jan 5, 2023
Medical condition reports: How a diagnosis can lead to a suspended licence
Guest: Robert Cribb, investigative reporter
Imagine having your license suspended and you didn’t know it was in jeopardy? It all comes down to medical condition reports (MCRs), widely used forms that some medical professionals must file when patients have potentially dangerous conditions that “warrant a licence suspension,” according to the ministry. Doctors are paid to submit the form and sometimes they don’t have to inform a patient. A joint investigation by the Toronto Star and the Investigative Journalism Bureau at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health has found these reports and suspensions have been applied haphazardly and they have had a devastating affect on a person’s life.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar.
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Jan 4, 2023
What’s the real estate market going to look like in 2023?
Guest: Tess Kalinowski, real estate reporter
2022 was a roller coaster year in the GTA’s real estate market and, just as we hit a peak, things are now speeding downhill. Falling prices, a lack of inventory and rising interest rates all contributed to the downturn in the market and will continue to be factors moving forward. Don’t fret. There are experts who feel that as the weather warms up, people on the sidelines might start re-engaging in the market.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar.
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Jan 3, 2023
A spirited take on Dry January (Rebroadcast)
This episode originally aired January 4, 2022.
Guest: Christine Sismondo, author of “America Walks Into a Bar” and the upcoming “Cocktails: A Still Life”
Happy New Year! By now, hopefully your hangover from new year celebrations are long gone and you are focusing on the year ahead. One thing that many people do after holiday season is decide to cut alcohol intake for the month of January as a way to reset and refresh. While some people do Sober October, more mark Dry January to abstain from alcohol. How did it get that way? Is a zero-tolerance policy the best way to go? We get some history, tips and advice from someone who’s been thinking about consumption for a long time.
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Dec 30, 2022
A tribute to John Honderich, newspaperman (Rebroadcast)
This episode originally aired on February 11, 2022.
John Honderich, who has served as both editor and publisher of the Toronto Star, as well as chair of Torstar, died on Saturday, February 5, at 75. “This Matters” spoke to some of John’s former friends and colleagues about his positive impact to journalism and the people around him.
Any charitable donations be made to the John Honderich City Builder Fund through United Way Greater Toronto: www.uwgta.org/johnhonderich
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Dec 29, 2022
How do you want to spend the final years of your life? (Rebroadcast)
This episode originally aired on November 7, 2022.
Guest: Moira Welsh, investigative reporter
The devastation faced by Ontario’s long-term care residents during the pandemic may have fuelled a reckoning and a collective question: how do you want to spend the final years of your life? That’s the focus of The Third Act, an ongoing series produced by the Star in collaboration with Toronto Metropolitan University and the National Institute on Ageing, which aims to explore real world solutions that could make a genuine difference to Canadians as they age. The conversation is at a critical juncture as Ontario’s health care sector is in crisis and almost a quarter of Canada’s population set to become seniors in the next few decades. While some places are reframing old-age care, why is Canada behind? Moira Welsh explains.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Alexis Green.
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Dec 28, 2022
The cold truth about the fastest warming place on Earth (rebroadcast)
This episode originally aired on November 15, 2022.
Guest: Lex Harvey, staff reporter
The Arctic town Svalbard is about as remote as you can get. It’s an archipelago located on top of the world. Residents carry guns and live alongside polar bears, they can see the northern lights during the day and they’re not allowed to give birth or die there. It is also the fastest warming place on Earth and experiencing the worst effects of climate change where residents live under constant fear of the next disaster. Svalbard serves as a stark warning to the rest of the world. Star reporter Lex Harvey takes “This Matters” listeners on a tour and a wake-up call.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Alexis Green.
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Dec 27, 2022
How Toronto police made an arrest in two cold cases (rebroadcast)
This episode originally aired on November 29, 2022.
Guest: Wendy Gillis, crime and policing reporter
The Toronto police cold case unit has announced the arrest of Joseph George Sutherland, 60, for allegedly committing the murders of local women Erin Gilmour and Susan Tice in 1983. After 2008 testing of evidence confirmed one man was responsible for both murders, advances in genetic sequencing and forensic genealogy would lead police to arrest Sutherland in Moosonee, Ont. The charges against Sutherland have not been proven in court.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio source: Toronto Police Services
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Dec 23, 2022
Holiday romance movies and why Ontario loves (and makes) them
Guests: Katie Daubs and Kris Rushowy, staff reporters
Holiday romance movies are everywhere. They started as a staple of the Hallmark brand, but now have spread to others like Lifetime, Netflix and more. Many of these new holiday films are filmed right here in Ontario and, beyond spreading the spirit of the season, they also provide a beneficial economic impact to this region.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Dec 22, 2022
Highway Development: Documents show Bradford Bypass could double in size
Guest: Noor Javed covers 905 municipal politics for the Star
According to the findings of a Star co-investigation with The Narwhal, documents show that the government is quietly considering expanding the Bradford Bypass from four to eight lanes. This highway is already controversial because the planned route threatens many ecologically sensitive areas and now, could potentially double in size.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CityNews and Global News
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Dec 21, 2022
Will COP15 help save the world’s biodiversity?
Guest: Kate Allen, climate change reporter
Will the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) be a “Montreal moment” in the fight to save the planet’s biodiversity? That’s how Steven Guilbeault, the federal minister of environment and climate change, described the conference while announcing what some are calling a historic and transformational agreement. While it takes Indigenous and global equity issues into account, some critics say there is more work to be done to hold governments accountable to ensure the deal’s ambitious targets.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: Canadian Press
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Dec 20, 2022
What’s behind the staggering increase in car jackings and pharmacy thefts?
Guest: Jennifer Pagliaro, crime reporter
Car jackings and pharmacy thefts are on the rise, with many of the crimes committed by younger people. With a stolen luxury car fetching up to $10,000, it is believed the high risk, high reward is driving the increase of these types of criminal activities. As more teenagers commit these crimes, the bigger question is how to help and support youth, and prevent them from getting involved and trapped in these cycles of crime and violence.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Dec 19, 2022
Ontario Place: Yours to discover spa treatments?
Guest: David Rider, City Hall bureau chief
Ontario Place is in the news as the plans for a massive spa on the site move through City Hall. While the 155-acre site on Toronto’s waterfront is an urban park now, the new plan includes a five-level subterranean parking lot for more than 2,000 vehicles that taxpayers might be on the hook for. The place where many made memories might look very different in the future.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: Retro Rabbit Years, Classic 90’s Commercials and The W/O/C Archives (YouTube)
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Dec 16, 2022
Scrooged: The scams of Christmas present (a true rhyme podcast)
Guests: Nichelle Laus, former police officer, business owner and TikTok creator, and Stephen Lautens, an author, lawyer and podcaster
Deck the halls for holiday times, fa la la la la, la la la la.
Keep an eye out for these crimes, fa la la la la, la la la la.
These are scams for the season, fa la la la la, la la la la.
Play this podcast for that reason, fa la la la la, la la la la!
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar.
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Dec 15, 2022
Are pension plans funding human-rights abuses in China?
Guest: Jeremy Nuttall, investigative reporter
Chances are, like most Canadians, you have no idea how the country’s big pension funds are investing your money. A report is revealing that multiple federal and provincial funds are investing in Chinese companies complicit in human rights abuses and pension funds of several other Western countries have done the same. Jeremy Nuttall, an investigative reporter for the Star, joins “This Matters” to share what we know.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.
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Dec 14, 2022
The pains of transit projects: Metrolinx and various disputes around the city
Guest: Lex Harvey, transportation reporter
Public transit is something that is always difficult to get built in the Toronto area. Case in point: several transit lines are to be built in the next decade, and already skirmishes are happening. There have been complaints about the state of the years-delayed and overbudget Eglinton Crosstown, concern about the fate of mature trees at Osgoode Hall and questions from parents and kids at an east end school where transit work is underway. Metrolinx, the agency responsible, is taking a heavy hand of community complaints. Is it all par for the course or are there bigger questions to be asked?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio source: Breakfast Television and CityNews
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Dec 13, 2022
The Barry and Honey Sherman murders: Kevin Donovan reflects five years on
Guest: Kevin Donovan, chief investigative reporter
It has been five years since the murders of Barry and Honey Sherman. The police say it is an active investigation, but there are have been no arrests and only one very mysterious suspect. Noting a lack of progress, family members have increased the cash reward up to $35 million for information that leads to the culprit or culprits. What do we know about the day the Shermans were killed and, five years on, where is the police investigation currently focused?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio source: CBC
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Dec 12, 2022
Cold weather, full shelters. Where can those facing homelessness go?
Guest: Victoria Gibson, affordable housing reporter
Hundreds of people looking for a place to stay are being turned away from Toronto’s shelter system every night. As winter arrives and the weather gets colder, encampments are being cleared, temporary shelters in hotels are closing and the shelter system is operating at or near full capacity. It is a cold, desperate situation for many. Affordable housing reporter Victoria Gibson joins “This Matters” to talk about the many issues those facing homelessness face right now.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Dec 9, 2022
Artificial Intelligence went viral with ChatGPT and Lensa AI. What’s next
Guest: Kelsey Piper, senior writer at Vox.com
ChatGPT by OpenAI and Lensa AI are two generative artificial intelligence tools that have been going viral. There are fun uses of artificial intelligence (AI) that show the possibilities of how these might start to influence and change the world as the technologies continue to improve and get better. That said, there’s a good reason that AI and the machines battling with humans is a such a huge theme in science fiction. Even these fun tools are already forcing people to ask questions about ethical uses of AI and that’s just the beginning.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: NBC and Cleo Abram (@cleoabram) on TikTok
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Dec 8, 2022
How Ford’s housing plan may mean property tax hikes
Guests: Brian Rosborough and Colin Best, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
The Ontario government’s new housing bill has many municipal politicians upset about the removal of development charges, as they are typically used to build the necessary infrastructure in communities. There have been huge estimates for that funding shortfall, and while the province told some municipalities they are willing to work through an audit process, many fear the possibility of large property tax hikes to make up the difference. Brian Rosborough, executive director of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), and Colin Best, AMO president and Halton regional councillor, explain some of the cost and effect of the new housing bill and how municipalities are calculating these numbers.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio source: CityNews and CTV
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Dec 7, 2022
Violence in schools: York Memorial and how the TDSB plans to respond
Guest: Isabel Teotonio, education reporter
After months of neglect and violent incidents, the situation at York Memorial Collegiate Institute has reached its breaking point. Students staged a walkout last week to point to the number of issues at their school that they say has made for an unsafe learning environment. Students, parents, teachers and the Toronto District School Board are focused on fixing the problems, but this dire situation also comes at a time when the board has just tabled a report looking at how to deal with the increasing incidents of violence in and around schools.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: Global News, CBC, CTV News and CityNews
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Dec 6, 2022
Why some of Canada’s notorious criminals could get out of prison sooner
Guest: Susan Clairmont, Hamilton Spectator justice columnist
How long should offenders with more than one murder conviction stay in prison before they are eligible for parole? According to the Supreme Court, the answer is 25 years. Earlier this year, the court found the practice of consecutive life sentences (serving more than 25 years before parole eligibility) to be cruel and unjust. While this is a decision that only affects a few high-profile criminals, it reminds us of some of the worst crimes in Canadian history and will have a direct impact on the families of homicide victims.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CBC
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Dec 5, 2022
RSV: as hospitals struggle, a mother shares her story
Guest: Megan Ogilvie, health reporter, and Weronika Drab, mother
While a fraction of babies with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are hospitalized each year in Canada, that’s still about 12,000 infants and this year’s burst of infections have hit an already strained hospital system harder and earlier than usual. Joining “This Matters” to discuss are health reporter Megan Ogilvie to talk about what health care professionals are seeing on the front lines and Weronika Drab, who shares the terrifying medical journey when her seven-week-old baby was struck with the virus.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.
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Dec 2, 2022
Will China’s protests over zero-COVID spark lasting change?
Guest: Joanna Chiu, staff reporter
China saw its largest protests in a generation this week. In more than 20 cities across the country, protesters demanded an end to Beijing’s draconian zero-COVID policy, which expanded to dissent against President Xi Jinping’s repressive regime. As of this recording, at least six cities across China have since eased COVID restrictions. Some say an end to zero-COVID may be in sight. Did the protests spark change? Has this exposed faultlines in Xi Jinping’s previously iron-clad control over China’s citizens?
Audio sources: CNN, Reuters
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques, Joanna Chiu and Alexis Green.
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Dec 1, 2022
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s power move with sovereignty act
Guest: Kieran Leavitt, politics reporter
Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith has fulfilled her campaign promise and launched the Alberta Sovereignty in a United Canada act, which aims to allow the province to ignore and potentially alter federal laws it deems harmful to Alberta or its citizens. While Smith says the plan is legal and constitutional, experts are already warning this could be the beginning of another conflict over federal versus provincial powers and citizen rights.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CPAC
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Nov 30, 2022
Migration cessation: a process that could cost refugees their Canadian future
Guest: Nicholas Keung, immigration reporter
Will a former refugee’s trip to see his dying father cost him his status in Canada? A growing number of ex-refugees have lost protected status in Canada as few know they can be pursued by Canadian border officials and faced with deportation after using an old passport or returning home. It’s a little-known process called cessation that for some has grave consequences. Immigration reporter Nicholas Keung joins to explain.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques, Sima Shakeri and Alexis Green.
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Nov 29, 2022
How Toronto police made an arrest in two cold cases
Guest: Wendy Gillis, crime and policing reporter
The Toronto police cold case unit has announced the arrest of Joseph George Sutherland, 60, for allegedly committing the murders of local women Erin Gilmour and Susan Tice in 1983. After 2008 testing of evidence confirmed one man was responsible for both murders, advances in genetic sequencing and forensic genealogy would lead police to arrest Sutherland in Moosonee, Ont. The charges against Sutherland have not been proven in court.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio source: Toronto Police Services
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Nov 28, 2022
The PM, the protestors and the public inquiry
Guest: Tonda MacCharles, Ottawa Bureau
Live testimony at the inquiry into the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act during the so-called “Freedom Convoy” protests in Ottawa last winter has concluded after six weeks. The final day of hearings saw Prime Minister Justin Trudeau take the stand to defend his decision. Tonda MacCharles was in the room and joins “This Matters” to discuss.
Audio source: Pubic Order Emergency Commission
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Alexis Green.
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Nov 25, 2022
Greenbelt development: Looking into who owns what
Guests: Star reporters Noor Javed and Brendan Kennedy and Emma McIntosh from The Narwhal
The Ontario government has decided to change its position and build on the Greenbelt, a series of protected lands around the GTA. It has identified 15 parcels of lands that could potentially be opened up for development, but who owns these lands and who stands to benefit in their change of status? Star reporters Noor Javed and Brendan Kennedy and Emma McIntosh from The Narwhal did a joint investigation join us to discuss their findings.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Nov 24, 2022
What you need to know about Ontario’s new housing legislation
Guest: Tess Kalinowski, real estate reporter
The Ontario government’s new housing bill is a massive piece of legislation that changes many of the rules and established practices for development in this province. While there is everything from removing development charges to changing planning and zoning rules to stripping powers from environmental agencies, many are concerned there aren’t enough provisions to create affordable housing. The government says its necessary to solve the housing crisis.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: Legislative Assembly of Ontario
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Nov 23, 2022
Show me the money! Toronto’s $2.3 billion dollar budget shortfall
Guest: Matt Elliott, contributing columnist
The City of Toronto is facing a $2.3 billion budget shortfall for this and next year’s budget. Mayor John Tory has been sounding the alarm, asking both the provincial and federal governments for a bailout and warning that there will be massive service cut, tax hike or both if one doesn’t come soon. There hasn’t been much response or cash flow yet, but it is clear there are issues about how the city plans its budgets and its use of revenue tools.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CP24
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Nov 22, 2022
Do mayors need even stronger powers?
Guest: David Rider, City Hall Bureau Chief
With an eye to an ambitious Ford government housing plan, Toronto Mayor John Tory asked for and received even stronger mayoral powers than he already had been given over the summer. It was a move that caused an uproar in municipal politics. While some councillor called it a power grab, others are calling it an unprecedented, undemocratic move that will sideline councillors even further. How will the new powers work and what will this mean for Toronto?
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.
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Nov 21, 2022
Advocates sound the alarm over youth violence in the GTA
Guest: Jennifer Pagliaro, crime reporter
There have been several violent incidents, including stabbings and gun-related incidents, around many GTA schools in recent weeks. An 18-year-old was shot and killed outside of Woburn Collegiate on Oct. 31, while last week another shooting in Brampton left an 18-year old seriously injured. With one 17-year old arrested after the Brampton incident, advocates say it feels like those involved in these crimes are getting younger.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar
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Nov 18, 2022
To mask or not to mask, that is (still) the question
Guest: Todd Coleman, epidemiologist and assistant professor of health sciences at Wilfred Laurier University
The president and CEO of SickKids begged people last week to wear a mask as pediatric ICUs across Ontario hit a breaking point. She’s not alone in that wish. Calls have been growing for the province to bring back mask mandates as health experts warn of a difficult viral season with a “triple threat” of the flu, RSV and COVID-19. Despite this, Ontario’s top doctor Dr. Kieran Moore has so far only encouraged people to voluntarily mask indoors and he has not inspired many. Do we need a mandate to follow public health advice and mask? We take a deep dive into government messaging and public psychology around masking.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.
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Nov 17, 2022
Is the GOP still on Trump’s wavelength?
Guest: Allan Woods, global and national affairs reporter
While facing federal investigations for trying to overthrow the 2020 U.S. election results and inspiring a riot at Capitol Hill, former president Donald Trump has announced he wants to run for president again. His third attempt for power comes in the wake of an underwhelming midterm display for the Republican party and a moment of reckoning on whether to roll out the red carpet for a candidate whose refusal to accept defeat in 2020 pushed American democracy to the edge. Looking toward Florida governor Ron DeSantis and former vice-president Mike Pence, there are also new players in the game. The Star’s Allan Woods breaks down the implications.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.
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Nov 16, 2022
Kicking off the World Cup
Guest: Bruce Arthur, sports columnist
World Cup fever is hot! So is Qatar. Sweltering temperatures and how the authorities plan to treat exuberant, international football fans are two of the big questions as this tiny nation prepares to welcome soccer fans from all over the world. This World Cup has been controversial since it was awarded in 2010, and only remains so as it gets underway. It is extra special for Canadian fans as it is the first time since 1986 that the Canadian men’s team has qualified. Is this the beginning of an international football renaissance for our squad?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar.
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Nov 15, 2022
The cold truth about the fastest warming place on Earth
Guest: Lex Harvey, staff reporter
The Arctic town Svalbard is about as remote as you can get. It’s an archipelago located on top of the world. Residents carry guns and live alongside polar bears, they can see the northern lights during the day and they’re not allowed to give birth or die there. It is also the fastest warming place on Earth and experiencing the worst effects of climate change where residents live under constant fear of the next disaster. Svalbard serves as a stark warning to the rest of the world. Star reporter Lex Harvey takes “This Matters” listeners on a tour and a wake-up call.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Alexis Green.
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Nov 14, 2022
Michael’s choice: The ethics of medical assistance in dying
Guest: Robert Cribb, investigative reporter
A joint investigation between the Toronto Star and the Investigative Journalism Bureau followed the life — and death — of Michael Fraser to offer a glimpse into the complexity and ethics of Canada’s legislation around medically assistance in dying, and those that believe it is their only option. The Star’s Robert Cribb, along with Charlie Buckley, Thea Gribilas and Declan Keogh of the Investigative Journalism Bureau, were behind the investigation.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Alexis Green.
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Nov 11, 2022
Developing the Greenbelt: Ontario’s new plan to build on protected lands
Guest: Noor Javed, staff reporter
Building on Ontario’s Greenbelt has long been a hot-button political issue in this province, and one that many politicians have stayed away from. Now, citing the need for new housing, the Ontario government has backtracked on promises not to develop on it and proposed a land swap that could open up 15 areas and thousands of acres to new development. Advocates are concerned these moves could have damaging consequences to the environment and contribute to more urban sprawl, while the government says millions of people are moving to Ontario over the next decade and need a place to live.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: Global News, Ontario Proud
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Nov 10, 2022
Climate justice centre stage at COP27
Guest: Julia Levin, national climate program manager for Environmental Defence
The 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change — or COP27 — is underway this week in Egypt with more than a hundred world leaders attending. For the first time, climate justice, climate colonialism and reparations are on the agenda. Frontline countries from the Global South who have dealt with some of the worst impacts are making their case for loss and damage. Julia Levin is attending COP27 at Sharm-el-Sheikh and talks about the significance, the developments and the controversies.
Audio source: CBC, TIME and UN
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Alexis Green.
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Nov 9, 2022
The kids aren’t alright: flu, RSV, COVID and medicine shortages
Guest: Dr. Dan Flanders, a pediatrician
COVID-19, cold and flu season, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are combining to create a three-headed monster that is making a lot of kids sick and overwhelming children’s hospitals across the province. Beyond that, a shortage of over-the-counter medications for children like acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil), as well as the commonly-prescribed antibiotic amoxicillin, has plenty of kids needlessly suffering and parents stressed. Dr. Dan Flanders, a pediatrician and owner of Kindercare Pediatrics, joins “This Matters” to diagnose what brought us here and share what parents can do to get their kids through this sniffly season.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Nov 8, 2022
Do you feel like somebody’s watching you...at work?
Guest: Karim Bardeesy, Toronto Metropolitan University
As many Canadians moved from the office to work remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in electronic surveillance by employers and an increased demand for related technologies. The intrusive surveillance has been allowed as workers have limited privacy protections, but things might be changing in Ontario. The provincial government passed legislation in April requiring some employers to have an electronic monitoring policy and to disclose it to their employees. Karim Bardeesy, co-founder and executive director of the Leadership Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University, co-authored a report on workplace surveillance during COVID-19 and joins “This Matters” to discuss the significance of this legislation and the multiple ways our bosses could be keeping an eye on us.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.
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Nov 7, 2022
How do you want to spend the final years of your life?
Guest: Moira Welsh, investigative reporter
The devastation faced by Ontario’s long-term care residents during the pandemic may have fuelled a reckoning and a collective question: how do you want to spend the final years of your life? That’s the focus of The Third Act, an ongoing series produced by the Star in collaboration with Toronto Metropolitan University and the National Institute on Ageing, which aims to explore real world solutions that could make a genuine difference to Canadians as they age. The conversation is at a critical juncture as Ontario’s health care sector is in crisis and almost a quarter of Canada’s population set to become seniors in the next few decades. While some places are reframing old-age care, why is Canada behind? Moira Welsh explains.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Alexis Green.
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Nov 4, 2022
How did the manufacturing sector suffer so many COVID fatalities?
Guest: Sara Mojtehedzadeh, investigative reporter, Toronto Star
Never-before-seen fatality reports filed to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board from the start of the pandemic’s to the end of 2021 were accessed by the Star’s Sara Mojtehedzadeh. These reports show that the manufacturing sector in Ontario suffered more fatalities than any other industry. Star investigative reporter Sara Mojtehedzadeh explains.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Alexis Green.
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Nov 3, 2022
The good books: Star recommends your holiday reads
Guest: Deborah Dundas, Toronto Star books editor
Once again, it’s award season for books in Canada and also a great time to curl up cozily with your favorite book or audiobook over the upcoming holidays. Canada’s prestigious literary award, the Scotiabank Giller Prize has announced its shortlist and will be announcing a winner as soon as next week. Some awesome titles have also been released this fall along with all these Giller nominees. Star books editor Deborah Dundas talks about the Giller big names and the worthy fall titles to add to your reading lists.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Alexis Green.
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Nov 2, 2022
CUPE vs. the province: Schools, the notwithstanding clause and workers' rights
Guest: Kris Rushowy, Queen's Park reporter for the Star.
This week has seen some unprecedented action in the labour dispute between CUPE and the provincial government. Ontario is passing back-to-work legislation and invoking the notwithstanding clause to get the bill through, which many feel tramples on workers’ rights. CUPE is now planning a walkout on Friday, with their workers facing potentially massive fines in penalties. At the moment, both sides are negotiating, but this is a situation that could have huge ramifications for the labour movement and for education in Ontario for the foreseeable future.
This episode was produced by Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Nov 1, 2022
The Drug User Liberation Front: Selling drugs to try to save lives
Guest: Eris Nyx, cofounder of the Drug User Liberation Front
Death from drugs has become an epidemic in Vancouver, so the Drug User Liberation Front is a group that has decided to buy, test, package and then sell drugs to people who are at high risk of fatal overdoses. While it’s currently being run under the auspices of a health research project, it is illegal, but something that they feel is necessary to try and help at-risk people in the community.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar.
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Oct 31, 2022
Toronto’s homeless shelter system is stretched to the brink
Guests: Dreddz, a community worker and an advocate for homeless issues who is currently in the shelter system; A.J. Withers, who is the Ruth Wynn Woodward Junior Chair in Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies at Simon Fraser University
Toronto’s homeless shelter system is at capacity, and hundreds of people seeking shelter every night cannot be accommodated. It’s a desperate situation as the number of people seeking help is growing every month and it’s likely only going to worse as the weathers turns, but also because the city is closing a number of temporary shelters it opened during the pandemic, some in hotels, which advocates say is going to cause even more upheaval for unhoused people.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Oct 28, 2022
Ontario’s new housing plan: construction targets, density and development
Guest: Robert Benzie, Queen's Park bureau chief
The Ontario government unveiled its massive new housing plan this week, with sweeping changes and housing targets for municipalities across the province, all to get to the goal of building 1.5 million homes in the next decade. Critics are already concerned about density, availability of tradespeople to build the homes, impacts on affordability and the environmental considerations, but also, without penalties for not hitting targets, how is the government going to actually make this happen?
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio source: CPAC
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Oct 27, 2022
‘Don’t take my emotion as weakness’: Patricia Jaggernauth in conversation
Guest: Patricia Jaggernauth, former CP24 broadcaster
Former CP24 broadcaster and Toronto television personality Patricia Jaggernauth has spoken out about an allegedly systemic pattern of racism, sexism and discrimination and filed a human rights complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). Her announcement comes as the CP24 parent company, Bell Media, has been in the news over the treatment of employees at sister network CTV News. “This Matters” reached out to Bell Media for a response regarding Jaggernauth’s human rights claim and a Bell Media spokesperson emailed us the following statement:
“We do not comment on matters involving current or former staff members, but can confirm that Bell Media takes allegations of any potential discrimination or workplace misconduct very seriously, and are committed to a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment where employees can thrive. If a matter is brought to our attention where an employee did not feel adequatel…
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Oct 26, 2022
Grocery store price freezes backfire
Guest: Jim Stanford, director at the Centre for Future Work
The Competition Bureau is investigating if the Canadian grocery industry is contributing to skyrocketing food prices. Coming on the heels of the news that Loblaws and Metro are freezing prices on their in-house brands as part of a goodwill gesture to consumers, there are reports pointing to corporate profiteering leading to higher prices. This is colloquially referred to as “greedflation,” and if it’s happening, the bigger question is what, if anything, can be done about it? Jim Stanford, director at the Centre for Future Work and contributing columnist at the Star, joins “This Matters.”
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CPAC and CBC
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Oct 25, 2022
City hall’s new faces, tight races and Toronto’s oncoming challenges
Guest: David Rider, City Hall Bureau Chief
After a long election campaign, it comes as no surprise to many that John Tory won a third term as mayor of Toronto. What is surprising is the new makeup of council, with many progressive, diverse candidates winning seats. Some won in surprising wards, while a number of other familiar faces easily took their seats as voter turnout was around 29 per cent. The new look at city hall is something that everyone is going to have to get used to, as there are looming problems ahead for the city including a billion-dollar budget hole.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio source: CP24
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Oct 24, 2022
Inquiry into invocation of the Emergencies Act: what we know so far
Guest: Alex Boutilier, Global News national reporter
The inquiry into the federal government’s unprecedented use of the Emergencies Act during the so-called “Freedom Convoy” protests has almost reached its third week. Testimony from civilians, government and security stakeholders have shed new light and heightened tensions after revelations about the response of Ottawa police in handling the crisis. Alex Boutilier, national reporter at Global News, joins “This Matters” to share what we know so far.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.
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Oct 21, 2022
With Jacob Hoggard sentenced for sexual assault, what are the larger implications?
Guest: Alyshah Hasham, crime and court reporter
Jacob Hoggard, the former lead singer of the band Hedley, has been sentenced to five years in prison for sexual assault. The Canadian rock star was sentenced by a Superior Court justice on Thursday, after a jury found him guilty following a trial that began last May. The case has opened up an important conversation around consent and how it is perceived by the justice system and our society. The sentencing of Hoggard may have larger implications in a country where only one in 15 reported cases of sexual assault end with a conviction.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.
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Oct 20, 2022
Canada’s growing corporate tax gap
Guest: DT Cochrane, economist with Canadians for Tax Fairness
Canada’s largest corporations avoided paying $30 billion in taxes last year, according to a new report from the non-profit organization Canadians for Tax Fairness. Compared to previous years this was due to record profits and a very low tax rate, and lower than the one stipulated in the tax code. How did this happen? While it all appears to be legal, is it fair? We talk and explain the tax gap and how more information about these practices could benefit all Canadians.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Oct 19, 2022
The inner workings of hostage diplomacy and prisoner swaps
Guest: Jonathan Franks, crisis management consultant and president of Lucid Strategies
Hostage diplomacy is on the rise and some experts believe that more civilians are in the crosshairs of governments using this tactic for their own purposes. Canadians are familiar with the case of “The Two Michaels,” who were imprisoned in China and only freed after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was released from Canadian custody. Many are now watching the case of WNBA star Brittney Griner and Canadian-born Paul Whelan as they are being held in Russia. While there are rumours of a deal that may be able to free them, there are no easy paths or outcomes when human lives are being used as pawns in international diplomacy.
This episode was produced by Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar
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Oct 18, 2022
Toronto, the not so good. Can’t we do better?
Guest: Edward Keenan, city columnist
As municipal elections across Ontario enter their final week, the Toronto election has been bereft of interest. Sure, housing and affordability are big issues, but those will require all levels of government working together to tackle. There are a lot of small things that add up to big quality of life improvements when living in a city, and it’s some of those where it feels like the city is dropping the ball. The Star has been exploring these issues in the “Can’t We Do Better” series.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio source: CARP
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Oct 17, 2022
Are we ready to head back to the office? If so, how?
Guest: Nora Jenkins Townson, founder of Bright and Early
After two and a half years of lockdowns and working from home for millions of Canadians, many employers are expecting workers to return to the office. But according to a recent survey, four out of five Canadians would prefer to continue working from home and human resource experts are warning companies to remain flexible with their back-to-office demands or risk losing employees. Is it even possible to go back to a pre-pandemic work practices and culture or do employers need to find ways to adapt to a new reality? Nora Jenkins Townson, founder of Bright and Early, a modern HR consultancy focusing on designing human-centred, inclusive workplaces joins “This Matters.”
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley
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Oct 14, 2022
Is a recession inevitable? An economist’s view
Guest: Philip Cross, senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute
Many of the country’s top economists are predicting that a recession is coming, and it will hit harder and last longer than previously forecast. The Canadian housing market has been pegged as being one of the most distorted in the world and, while interest rates are rising in order to combat inflation, that has often led to a recession. What would a recession look like now and is it inevitable? Philip Cross, a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and former chief economic analyst at Statistics Canada, joins “This Matters” to break down the indicators for us
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio source: Bloomberg
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Oct 13, 2022
Analyzing the current attacks in Ukraine and what happens next
Guest: Judy Dempsey, senior fellow at Carnegie Europe and editor-in-chief of Strategic Europe
As Russia rains rockets down on a devastated Ukraine in retaliation for land victories in the Kherson region and for attacking the bridge to Crimea, the war trudged past its eight month with no real sign of diplomatic efforts to come to a peaceful conclusion. As allies try to send more weapons and support to Ukraine, Russia is trying to rally and reinforce its troops by calling up more civilians to join the fight. How does this conflict end?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paul Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CBC, BBC, CPAC, PBS and CNN
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Oct 12, 2022
What you need to know about Bill C-11 and online streaming in Canada
Guest: Jon Festinger, adjunct professor at the Allard School of Law
The federal government is changing how the internet is regulated in Canada. Bill C-11, also known as the Online Streaming Act, is new legislation that will give the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) the task of regulating companies like Netflix, YouTube and TikTok, similar to what it does with radio and television broadcasting. Many critics point out that internet streaming is very different and question if a similar approach is the right idea. There are also concerns about where user-generated content fits in. Jon Festinger, an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia’s Peter A. Allard School of Law and a faculty member in the Centre for Digital Media, joins “This Matters” to discuss.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Oct 11, 2022
Elon Musk finally agreed to buy Twitter. What comes next?
Guest: Will Oremus, Washington Post journalist
Elon Musk offered to buy Twitter in April for $54.20 U.S. a share and, after signing to buy it, proceeded to act like a man who clearly wanted out of the $44 billion deal. Musk and Twitter were set to go to court, but the business giant and tech investor sent word last week he plans to honour the terms of the purchase and close the sale. What happens now? Plenty of employees are fearful for their jobs and some of the moves Musk said he wants to make. Wanting less moderation and more free speech, could that lead to more growth?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: Bloomberg
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Oct 7, 2022
The Hockey Canada scandal and the culture of sport
Guest: Bruce Arthur, columnist
Developments with Hockey Canada have sparked a national conversation after revelations the organization spent millions in settlements following sexual misconduct claims that go back decades. There has been a push for change as the government amplifies its probe into Hockey Canada’s top leadership and big name sponsors like Tim Hortons, Scotiabank, Telus and Canadian Tire have been falling like dominoes. There are dire questions about the future of the game’s governing body and a larger conversation about sexual violence and misogyny in Canada’s hockey culture. Columnist Bruce Arthur joins “This Matters” to share his opinion.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley
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Oct 7, 2022
BONUS: Mike Wilner talks Blue Jays with Alek Manoah, John Schneider and Ross Stripling
This Matters is broadcasting a special playoff edition of Deep Left Field, the Star’s baseball podcast, hosted by Mike Wilner. He chats about the season and upcoming playoffs with Blue Jays ace, Alek Manoah, interim manager, John Schneider, and pitcher Ross Stripling, who were all chosen to win end-of-year awards by their fellow Blue Jays.
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Oct 6, 2022
View from Taiwan: A conversation on national security
Guest: Enoch Wu, founder of Forward Alliance, a Taiwanese NGO focusing on national security.
Last month Toronto Star journalist Joanna Chiu, a reporter covering national and international news, visited Taiwan, a self-ruling democracy at the centre of growing global tensions. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunified, by force if necessary. It’s a growing source of conflict that some observers worry could tip into full blown war. Today, Chiu brings us a special conversation with Enoch Wu, the founder of Forward Alliance, on the biggest challenges facing Taiwan. Enoch’s interview is part of a larger multimedia package highlighting Taiwanese voices. You can read and watch the entirety of Chiu’s series, “View from Taiwan,” on thestar.com.
Audio source: NBC
This episode was produced by Joanna Chiu, Alexis Green and Paulo Marques.
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Oct 5, 2022
Why sex workers are taking the government to court to reform the law
Guest: Alyshah Hasham, crime and court reporter
A coalition made up of sex workers and advocates is taking the government to court to challenge a federal law from the Harper era that experts say is putting marginalized people in peril. Monday was the first of a five-day landmark Superior Court hearing that advocacy groups are hoping will be the first step in getting sex work fully decriminalized in Canada. Current laws regarding sex work have long come under fire for endangering sex workers, people who are often the most vulnerable to gender-based violence. Alyshah Hasham, crime and court reporter for the Star, explains.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.
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Oct 4, 2022
Scandal and sexual abuse allegations at a Canadian megachurch
Guest: Morgan Bocknek, investigative reporter
After celebrity megachurch pastor Bruxy Cavey was arrested and charged with sexual assault in June, the Meeting House — once one of the most prominent megachurches in Canada — has been surrounded by scandal. Many other accounts have come to light and the church has acknowledged that three other former pastors have faced similar sexual misconduct allegations. We take a look at what happened.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Alexis Green
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Oct 3, 2022
‘Women, life, freedom’: Inside Iran’s new revolution
Guests: Anonymous member of 1500Tasvir and Pardis Mahdavi, author of “Passionate Uprisings: Iran’s Sexual Revolution”
A protest that erupted in the wake of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini’s death allegedly at the hands of Iran’s so-called morality police is now spreading like wildfire across the country and creating a serious challenge for the Islamist government. It’s being called one of the largest and most inclusive resistance movements in the country as people revolt against an oppressive regime, growing inflation, and a total lack of social and political freedom. The protesting continues as state forces intensify a crackdown against protesters, scores are dead and the internet almost totally blacked out. We deep dive into a movement that is being led by the women of a new generation with the rallying slogan “Women, life, freedom.”
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Paulo Marques.
Audio sources: The Guardian
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Sep 30, 2022
Is the pandemic over? It depends on who you ask
Guests: Star reporters Megan Ogilvie and Kenyon Wallace
We all know the COVID-19 pandemic started for most of the world in March 2020, but how do we decide when it is over? U.S. President Joe Biden recently declared the pandemic over, and it might be easy to agree as the world appears closer to normal. Canada is about to lift its travel requirements and, for many, masking has become a memory. But for a lot of people, like the immunocompromised and the medically vulnerable, it is just as dangerous out there and the pandemic is far from over. How do we find a way to live with the virus that captures both of these extremes?
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar
Audio Sources: CBS News, CPAC
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Sep 29, 2022
What truth and reconciliation means: a candid conversation
Guest: Dr. Alika Lafontaine, president of the Canadian Medical Association
As the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaches to remember the Indigenous children who died in residential schools, the question remains: how does a country move forward with reconciliation without coming to terms with its past? Dr. Alika Lafontaine is the Canadian Medical Association’s first Indigenous president in its 155-year history and joins today’s episode to speak about how close or far we are from true reconciliation, and how Canada’s dark colonial legacy extends beyond residential schools to virtually every institution, including health care.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Paulo Marques.
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Sep 28, 2022
They threatened Pierre Poilievre’s wife. What is Diagolon?
Guest: Alex Ballingall, politics reporter
Conservative party leader Pierre Poilievre has sent a strongly worded message denouncing the online group Diagolon after a clip emerged of de factor leader Jeremy Mackenzie threatening to sexually assault Poilievre’s wife, Anaida. It is the latest bit of news about the loose knit, online organization that espouses beliefs like white supremacy, antisemitism and conspiracy theories. The group has also been tied to some weapon-related incidents, while those involved tend to chalk up their views as a part of their humour or satire. How seriously should we take Diagolon?
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.`
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Sep 27, 2022
The criminalization of HIV non-disclosure
Guest: Alexander McClelland, member of the Canadian Coalition to Reform HIV Criminalization
The ongoing criminalization of HIV non-disclosure continues to perpetuate harmful stigma against people living with HIV has advocates noting how existing laws are overly punitive. A recent court decision also takes note of that. In 2013, Jennifer Murphy was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault and sentenced to more than three years in prison after having unprotected sex without disclosing her HIV status. The Ontario Court of Appeal overturned her conviction last month, noting Murphy’s undetectable viral load meant there was no realistic possibility of transmission of the virus. Alexander McClelland, assistant professor at the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Carleton University and a member of the Canadian Coalition to Reform HIV Criminalization, explains the implications.
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Sep 26, 2022
Who should pay for Pakistan’s cataclysmic flood?
Guest: Sahar Habib Ghazi, South Asia editor for Vice World News
As Atlantic Canada deals with the fallout of Hurricane Fiona, Pakistan continues to grapple with one of the most cataclysmic floods in its history. Over 33 million people have been affected in a country that is now one-third underwater. As of Friday, more than 1,600 have been killed and millions more have been displaced. Experts say a country that contributes less than one per cent to global carbon emissions has become a case study for the worst consequences of climate change. Pakistani journalist Sahar Habib Ghazi has been on the ground covering the catastrophe, trying to find out whether Pakistan has cause and a case for climate justice.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Paulo Marques.
Audio sources: PBS, CNN, DW
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Sep 24, 2022
BONUS: 'It's Political with Althia Raj' discusses Pierre Poilievre’s Big Tent
This Matters would like to share another Toronto Star podcast episode, welcoming back 'It's Political with Althia Raj.' Listen here then subscribe or follow in your podcast feeds.
This week on "It’s Political," Althia focuses on Pierre Poilievre’s leadership. First, she’ll take a look back at the divisive leadership race and Poilievre’s big win. Then she sits down with Yan Plante, the former chief of staff to transport minister Denis Lebel in Stephen Harper’s government, and Melanie Paradis, a long-time advisor and deputy campaign manager to Erin O’Toole during his successful leadership bid, to discuss Poilievre’s first few days as Official Opposition leader, his messaging and voter coalition and what to watch for as he puts his mark on the party.
In this episode: Toronto Star reporter Stephanie Levitz, Hamish Marshall from Pierre Poilievre’s leadership campaign, former Conservative staffer Rudy Husny and Philippe J. Fournier of 338Canada.com, as well as TACT vice-pre…
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Sep 23, 2022
A complicated country: Edward Keenan on reporting from the U.S.
Guest: Edward Keenan, Toronto Star journalist
Edward Keenan was the Star’s Washington bureau chief from 2019 until just a few weeks ago. Over his brief tenure, he witnessed two impeachment trials, the COVID-19 pandemic, the largest mass street movement in the form of Black Lives Matter, a disputed election, an unprecedented insurrection attempt at the Capitol and the overturning of Roe v Wade. He’s back home in Toronto now and talks to “This Matters” about his experience and impression through one of the most surreal and turbulent times in the country’s history.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn.
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Sep 22, 2022
Inflation, affordability, recession? What you need to know
Guest: Heather Scoffield, economics columnist
The latest inflation numbers are in and while it looks to be slowing slightly due to lower gas prices, all other signs show that Canadians are paying higher prices for all kinds of consumer goods. With the Bank of Canada raising interest rates, property values continue to fall and many worry that it will trigger a recession. Heather Scoffield, The Star’s economics columnist and Ottawa bureau chief, explains the latest numbers and why more creative solutions are needed.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Sep 21, 2022
Stranded with a broken wheelchair, Maayan Ziv on airline accessibility
Guest: Maayan Ziv, disability advocate and the founder and CEO of AccessNow
When disability advocate Maayan Ziv flew to an accessibility conference in Israel last week, she found herself stranded and traumatized after her wheelchair was severely damaged in transit. Her all too common experience has opened up a conversation on accessibility and mobility obstacles for disabled people at the hands of airlines. Federal law requires people who use wheelchairs to sit in an airplane seat during flights while their wheelchairs are stowed in cargo. This has led to many incidents of wheelchair damage and people getting hurt. Disability advocates say this needs to end.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Paulo Marques.
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Sep 20, 2022
How the Great Resignation became the Great Retirement in Canada
Guests: Kelly Matheson, a recently retired teacher, and David Macdonald, senior economist at Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
During the pandemic, Americans quit their jobs in such high numbers that the trend was dubbed The Great Resignation. Economists watched for signs of it in Canada, but it just did not happen here. It seems instead more people are retiring, and many at a younger age. The Great Retirement could have serious ramifications as it affects industries like health care and education, and leaves the question if it could become more widespread.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Sep 19, 2022
Meet one of the youth climate activists suing the province
Guest: Madison Dyck, youth climate activist
Climate activists brought the Ontario government to court last week, alleging the provincial climate plan fails to protect them and future generations. The landmark lawsuit dates back to 2018 when Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government repealed the Climate Change Act and replaced it with an act that has weaker emission reduction targets. Who is behind the legal action? Seven young climate activists under the age of 30. They have grown, graduated and moved across the country since the case was launched, but they’re still fighting the fight that could shape all our futures. Madison Dyck, a student from Thunder Bay, is one of the seven.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.
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Sep 17, 2022
In a London pub Lisa LaFlamme and Rosie DiManno discuss the Queen
On the patio of a pub near Green Park in London, the Star’s Rosie DiManno and Canadian journalist Lisa LaFlamme, on special assignment for City News, discuss what they are seeing as the city prepares for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday.
This episode was produced by Rosie DiManno, Lisa LaFlamme, Raju Mudhar and Sean Pattendon.
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Sep 15, 2022
Indigenous women reflect on the Queen and the monarchy
Guests: Angela Mashford-Pringle and Courtney Skye
The death of Queen Elizabeth II last week fuelled a wave of global grief, but also reawakened memories and ignited conversation of a brutal colonial legacy and the future of the British monarchy. The monarch’s 70 years on the throne have been both celebrated and questioned. Her reign included seven decades of silence for Indigenous peoples of Canada who faced treaty violations, residential schools and countless missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. As King Charles III ascends to the throne, we speak with two Indigenous women about why the monarchy does not represent the same thing to everyone. Joining “This Matters” is Angela Mashford-Pringle, an Algonquin woman from Timiskaming First Nation, who is assistant professor and associate director at the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health, as well as Courtney Skye, a Mohawk woman (Turtle Clan) from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory who is a research fel…
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Sep 14, 2022
Up in smoke? The reckoning coming for cannabis stores
Guest: Rosa Saba, business reporter
The future of cannabis retail is headed for a reckoning that could see a third of stores across the country close. Once thought to be a product that would be a license to print money, the retail cannabis space is dealing with a number of issues including steep competition, oversaturation in some markets and distribution issues while still having to contend with the illegal market. With more consolidation expected, experts are predicting a wave of closures for the cannabis industry.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Sep 13, 2022
Reality TV check: An investigation of ‘4 Days to Save the World’
Guest: Kevin Donovan, Chief Investigative Reporter
Reality television is a genre that has taken over the airwaves with all kinds of dating series and extreme competitions. Some find the genre shallow. But in one recent attempt, a producer gathered altruistic entrepreneurs to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems, like racism and poverty. However, it turns out the television show had a problem with reality. It didn’t really exist as discussed, leaving many contestants feeling confused and swindled. The Star’s Kevin Donovan joins to discuss his latest investigation, which looked at “4 Days To Save The World,” a reality series aimed at changing the world.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
Audio Sources: H2HTV
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Sep 12, 2022
Pierre Poilievre: What’s next for the new Conservative leader
Guest: Stephanie Levitz, politics reporter
Pierre Poilievre is the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. The front-runner for much of the leadership campaign, he won a decisive victory over his rivals and is now poised to shape the Conservative party. That has raised concern from critics who say that not only are some of his ideas very classically conservative, some court conspiracy theories. We can only find out more as Poilievre has the top job, the responsibilities that come with it and his eyes set on winning his next federal election campaign.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CPAC
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Sep 9, 2022
Saskatchewan aftermath: How the community is trying to heal
Guest: Omar Mosleh, staff reporter
The stabbing rampage in the James Smith Cree Nation has left that community reeling. The fatalities, injuries and subsequent manhunt for suspects left a trail of trauma and many questions unanswered. An entire community has to pick up the pieces, heal and move on, and ensure something like this never happens again. Toronto Star staff reporter Omar Mosleh joins “This Matters” from Saskatchewan.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: APTN
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Sep 8, 2022
Vision Zero: Are the city’s safer street policies working?
Guest: Lex Harvey, transportation reporter
With a number of recent traffic-related collisions resulting in fatalities and kids on the sidewalks with classes back in session, road safety is back under the microscope. While the City of Toronto has Vision Zero, an initiative to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on city streets, many road safety advocates feel the measures are not strong enough and much more could be done to make the city’s streets safer.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: City News
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Sep 7, 2022
Gaming the system: How casino-style gaming machines got into bingo halls
Guest: Christine Dobby is business reporter at the Star
Ontario’s bingo halls are looking at lot like casinos with rows of modern gaming machines. The question is, are they slot machines? Because if they are, they may be in violation of provincial law that prohibits slot machines in bingo halls. Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation says the machines follow the law. Business reporter Christine Dobby investigates.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar
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Sep 6, 2022
The overrepresentation of Black people when Peel police use force
Guest: Jason Miller, crime reporter
Peel police used force on Black people 3.2 times more often than their share of the population, a report on 2021 police data has shown. With only minimal improvement from 2020, the results are not a surprise to both police and the community. The police service has faced criticism after a series of high-profile killings of racialized men in crisis and questions about over-policing of certain communities, de-escalation strategies and whether the police should be front-line responders to mental health emergencies. If the service has launched anti-racism initiatives to address these concerns, why has the data remained significantly unchanged? The Star’s Jason Miller, a crime reporter covering the Peel region, joins “This Matters” to discuss the recent report and what it means for the community.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.
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Sep 2, 2022
The bivalent vaccine and the COVID way forward
Guest: Alex Boyd, reporter
Health Canada has authorized a new type of COVID shot from Moderna. It is a bivalent vaccine which means it is essentially two vaccines in one, in this case targeting the original virus and the Omicron variant BA.1. The new vaccines are arriving in Canada just ahead of a predicted COVID surge this fall. Toronto Star reporter Alex Boyd tells us more about bivalent vaccines and what this means for the future in a world where the virus isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Paulo Marques and Brian Bradley.
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Sep 1, 2022
How Bill 7 could change health care in the province
Guest: Robert Benzie, Queen's Park Bureau chief for The Star
Bill 7, also known as the “More Beds, Better Care” act is now law, and gives the government and medical authorities more power to potentially move patients from hospitals to long term care facilities that may not prefer to go too. The government says it is a necessary move as Flu season and an expected Fall COVID surge. Critics fear that beyond trampling patients rights, it’s just the beginning of more privatization of the province’s health care system.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio Sources in this episode: CPAC and CHCH News.
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Aug 31, 2022
Allegations of abuse within Canada’s temporary foreign worker program
Guest: Syed Hussan, the executive director of Migrant Workers Alliance for Change
Crowded bunkhouses. Rat-infested food. Verbal abuse and threats of termination. These are among the allegations made by Jamaican migrant workers on two farms hours from Canada’s biggest city. The allegations were made earlier this month in an open letter to Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour. They are unproven, but critics say they are not surprising. The Star reached out to the two farms named in the letter, who both dispute the allegations. Our guest, Syed Hussan, Executive Director of Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, says the problem is larger than a few employers. He joins “This Matters” to discuss the allegations and the changes he says should be made to Canada’s seasonal agricultural worker program.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Saba Eitizaz and Sean Pattendon
Audio Sources: CBC and Global News
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Aug 30, 2022
What you need to know about Toronto’s upcoming municipal election
Guest: David Rider, City Hall Bureau Chief
Municipal elections are coming soon across the province with campaigns just about to get underway. While Toronto Mayor John Tory seems to be safely heading toward a third term, there are plenty of interesting and competitive races for councillor seats in many wards. Here’s what you need to know at the outset of the campaign.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar
Audio Sources: Global News, CityNews
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Aug 29, 2022
Death threats for doing your job: Journalists discuss being on the receiving end
The following episode contains graphic language and references to sexual and racial violence. Listener discretion is advised.
Guests: Erica Ifill, The Hill Times columnist, and Rachel Gilmore, Global News reporter
The past two weeks have seen a peak in the wave of hate washing over Canada fuelled by political polarization, divisions over masks and vaccines, and a growing far-right movement. It resulted in what appears to be systematic and organized digital hate campaigns against mostly women and journalists who are Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) across Toronto, Ottawa and Edmonton. Journalists have been sent a torrent of racist, homophobic, misogynistic and violent abuse via email, with threats and content so disturbing police have been contacted and conversations with stakeholders in play to assure their safety. Journalists Erica Ifill and Rachel Gilmore join host Saba Eitizaz for a difficult conversation with about where it all started and what it’s like to be the…
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Aug 26, 2022
Grey Matters: LaFlamme exit ignites conversation on workplace sexism and ageism
Guest: Amanda Watson, senior lecturer and sociologist at Simon Fraser University
It’s been two weeks since journalist Lisa LaFlamme announced she’d been let go from her job as chief news anchor and senior editor at CTV National News. The decision came two years before LaFlamme’s contract was up and despite the fact she presided over one of Canada’s most watched newscasts. The network said a “business decision” and “changing viewer habits” inspired the action, but many aren’t buying it. We take a look at how LaFlamme’s dismissal has sparked a national conversation on sexism and age discrimination in the media and other workplaces.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Paulo Marques
Audio Sources: CTV News, Twitter
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Aug 25, 2022
What you need to know about sustainable aviation fuels
Guest: Marco Oved, climate change reporter.
The air travel industry is betting big on sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) to drastically cut the amount of airplane emissions over the next few decades. It is a solution that will work with existing aircraft, but there are plenty of questions including the supply and the cost. Is the industry latching on to a solution that sounds good in order to avoid some of the really difficult questions? Some believe the only way for the airline industry to really reduce emissions is to radically reduce the number of flights.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Aug 24, 2022
The Mayor of Peterborough’s f-bombs and the challenge of working in city politics
Guest: Diane Therrien, mayor of Peterborough
It was a tweet read across the country that got her city trending on Twitter. Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien called a group of QAnon-linked demonstrators who came to her city imbeciles and with a few uncensored expletives, told them to leave. Response to Therrien’s tweet has been varied. Some credit her for taking a strong stance against conspiracy theorists causing a ruckus, others say it was overly crass and offensive. But Therrien’s tweet is not a flippant comment. It was a culmination of years of trying to manage a government through a polarizing pandemic, a testament of burn out in municipal government, and a little bit of personal exhaustion in a job she says has not always been enjoyable. Therrien joins “This Matters” to discuss what was ultimately behind her tweet and why she’s deciding to leave politics, at least for now. As a warning to listeners, this conversation includes profane language.
This episode was produced…
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Aug 23, 2022
How did misinformation feed the myth that COVID vaccines killed hundreds of Canadians?
Guest: Alex Boyd, Toronto Star journalist
While there are many reasons including equity and access issues that can prevent someone from getting a vaccine, some have chosen not to because of the myth that COVID-19 vaccines have led to hundreds of deaths in Canada and abroad. If billions of vaccine doses have been administered around the world, how did some people end up taking the view a vaccine could kill them and data proved it? How did misinformation that COVID-19 vaccines are killing people take root and end up becoming one of the biggest dividing lines in Canada?
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Paulo Marques
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Aug 22, 2022
Ontario to disabled teen: lose funding or independence
Guests: Rob Hickey and Erin Sheldon, parents of Maggie Hickey
The government has given the Hickey family an awful choice. Maggie Hickey has Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes significant physical and intellectual disabilities. While she is non-verbal and developmentally delayed, she is a happy 19-year-old woman with a group behind her supporting her needs. The arrangement is called a Microboard, a group of individuals including her parents, personal support workers and others who all help take part in decisions about her care and help keep her independent. But now some of Maggie’s home care funding has been cut because some government agencies don’t recognize the arrangement. Her parents join “This Matters” to discuss why they are launching a human rights complaint to fight for their daughter’s rights.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar
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Aug 19, 2022
Quebec’s Bill 21 and its latest controversy
Guest: Allan Woods, a Montreal-based reporter for The Star
Quebec’s controversial Bill 21 has been law for three years now, and what’s known as the secularism law continues to cause controversies. The most recent one centres on a well known writer and his offence of a picture of an international student on a school’s website. As Quebec prepares to enter another provincial election, Bill 21 is sure to come up again as court challenges to the law loom in the future.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar
Audio Sources: CSPAN, CBC and Global News
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Aug 18, 2022
Ontario’s not-so-strong mayor plan
Guest: David Rider, City Hall Bureau Chief
Ontario has brought in new legislation to give “strong-mayor” powers to the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa. As it turns out, there are some strings attached. “Strong-mayor” powers generally are supposed to help a mayor cut through red tape and push their agenda through, but now it is clear mayoral powers will be tied to provincial priorities and it’s unknown how those will be decided. Many experts feel that while this will make the mayor stronger in council, it will make them more beholden to the province.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar
Audio sources: CP24 and Global News
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Aug 17, 2022
Why the cost and use of temp agency nurses is skyrocketing
Guests: Star reporters Jennifer Yang and Sara Mojtehedzadeh, as well as Anna Seto, a hospital nurse who joined a temp agency during the pandemic
A Star investigation has revealed that the use and costs associated with using nurse supplied by temp agencies is skyrocketing. Some hospitals have said the costs have grown over 500 per cent, and some agencies may be taking advantage by increasing their rates. Nurses are also choosing to go to work for them because agencies pay more and offer a better work-life balance. What is the larger toll on the health care system? Is this sustainable?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar.
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Aug 16, 2022
Back to school and what to expect
Guest: Kristin Rushowy, Queen’s Park reporter
As children prepare to return to classrooms in the fall, the Ontario government seems to be pushing for some kind of pre-pandemic “normal.” Mask mandates have been lifted, there’s a push to bring back extracurricular activities and a new “catch-up” plan has been announced to help kids bounce back from COVID related disruptions. The Star’s Kris Rushowy joins “This Matters” to explain what the back to school season will look like.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn
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Aug 15, 2022
Renovictions and tenant rights: How the city is trying to help renters
Guest: Abi Bond, Executive director of Toronto’s Housing Secretariat
Rents are rising at record rates across the country. While the pandemic brought rent costs down and created higher vacancies, now the rental market is surging because there is a lack of supply. Landlords are also using tactics like renovictions to get tenants out. The City of Toronto recently tabled a new report that looks at ways to help renters and fight against renovictions. Toronto’s top housing official joins “This Matters” to talk about how the city is trying to create more affordable housing.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Aug 12, 2022
905 politicians behaving badly
Guest: Noor Javed, staff reporter
Controversial politicians in Brampton, Richmond Hill and Mississauga have caused several issues for the municipal governments in those communities recently. While the reasons are very different, there has been all kind of political manoeuvring, lawsuits filed and city council meetings disrupted or cancelled. One issue this exposes is the lack of mechanism to punish or remove an elected official from office, other than voting them out in the next municipal election.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CityNews, CTV and CAGRichmondHill.
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Aug 11, 2022
Internationally trained medical staff could help Ontario hospitals but can’t
Guest: Dr. Makini McGuire-Brown, chair of International Physicians of Ontario
With emergency rooms closing due to staff shortages and a critical lack of family doctors across the country, many internationally trained doctors who have immigrated to Canada are asking why it’s so difficult for them to practice medicine here. From a lack of residency positions to programs that help them transition to our health care systems, these doctors say a valuable human resource is not being tapped as the health care system gets closer to a breaking point.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar
Audio Sources: CPAC
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Aug 10, 2022
Politics of public space: Cyclists and High Park
Guest: Ben Spurr, City Hall reporter at The Star.
There’s a bike fight brewing in High Park. After some park users complained too many cyclists are speeding through the park, police kicked off ticketing blitz. Tensions and activity escalated so much that in one incident, a police car hit a cyclist. Cycling advocates feel that riders are being unfairly targeted and this has been a waste of police resources. What it definitely shows is another fight in the city where pedestrians, cyclists and drivers are once again in conflict over how public space should be shared.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CTV and CP24
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Aug 9, 2022
Sexism in skilled trades: Meet a woman bringing change
Guest: Kayla Bailey, project manager Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen
Many women working in the trades sector like construction, say they have faced hostility, sexism and harassment on the job often without recourse. It’s happened enough that the provincial trades council has made a new committee that seeks to address the issues women face regularly, and also look for long-term strategies on improving this sector and making it more welcoming for women. That’s crucial in a sector facing a severe labour shortage. Kayla Bailey, a journeyperson steamfitter, gas fitter and welder in Toronto, has worked in the sector since 2014 and is now project manager for this new committee. She joins “This Matters” to share her experience.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn
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Aug 8, 2022
The metaverse is coming. What does that mean?
Guest: Matthew Ball, author of “The Metaverse: And How It Will Revolutionize Everything”
Many of the world’s biggest companies are investing heavily in, and betting big on, the metaverse. There are different visions of what the metaverse might look like depending on who’s speaking, but regardless it will be the next big evolution of the internet as how we interact with it becomes more immersive. It will all take time because there are several challenges and technologies that need to mature before it happens. Matthew Ball, author of “The Metaverse: And How It Will Revolutionize Everything,” joins “This Matters” podcast, to talk about how the metaverse is defined so far and shed light on the road leading to how it may be created.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Aug 5, 2022
Nancy Pelosi has left Taiwan, but the crisis is just beginning
Guest: Joanna Chiu, staff reporter
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi became the highest-ranking American official to visit Taiwan in 25 years earlier this week. The visit lasted only 19 hours but was long enough to infuriate the Chinese government. Hours after Pelosi landed, Beijing announced unprecedented military drills off the coast of Taiwan. The standoff continued on Friday, with China suspending dialogue with the U.S. on a range of issues from climate change to military relations to cross border crime. Star reporter Joanna Chiu, Toronto Star staff reporter and author of author of the book “China Unbound,” explains the significance of this week’s visit, why there are worries about war and what an ensuing conflict could mean for Canada.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
Clip sources: CNN, The Sun, Yahoo News, Bloomberg, The Print
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Aug 4, 2022
How the B.C. coast is a cruise ship dumping ground
Guest: Anna Barford, Canadian Shipping Campaigner with Stand.earth
While cruise ship lines took a hit during the pandemic, business is back in full swing. Cruise ships are floating cities on the water and generate all kinds of waste. Surprisingly, U.S. rules around dealing with such waste are much more stringent compared to Canada where we have lax regulations. According to a recent report from Stand.earth and B.C.-based West Coast Environmental Law, ships travelling along the Canadian West Coast are incentivized to dump waste in Canadian waters as it is cheaper and easier.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CNN and NPR
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Aug 3, 2022
If routine Pap tests are becoming a thing of the past, why is Ontario lagging behind?
Guest: Olivia Bowden, staff reporter
There has been global momentum to end Pap tests for cervical cancer and replace them with less intrusive and more effective HPV testing. As countries around the world and even some provinces in Canada start this transition in reproductive health care, medical professionals say Ontario is lagging far behind. The stakes go well beyond comfort. Star reporter Olivia Bowden explains why Ontario has delayed making the change and what it says about how we talk about the safety and pain of those with female reproductive organs.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Aug 2, 2022
What the Nova Scotia shooting reveals about survivors of domestic violence
Warning: This podcast contains graphic content
Guest: Farrah Khan, manager of Consent Comes First at Toronto Metropolitan University
The inquiry into Canada’s worst mass shooting has put a spotlight on how survivors of intimate partner violence often face anger and backlash. After Lisa Banfield was brutally assaulted and held captive by her common-law husband one night in April 2020, 22 people were killed as he went on a murderous shooting rampage. Countless people were impacted by devastating trauma, pain and anger as a result of the gunman’s actions, and Banfield was put under a harsh spotlight. Gender rights advocates say Banfield was unfairly criminalized, criticized and accused of abetting the shooter, and her own trauma as a victim of abuse was never acknowledged. There are now concerns the reception to Banfield will deter other women from reporting abuse.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn
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Jul 29, 2022
Housing correction: How far will the market fall?
Guest: Jacob Lorinc, business reporter
As prices fall and listings get pulled off the market, experts are projecting a historic correction to come for the Canadian housing market. There already was limited supply, but the confounding thing is that with rising inflation rates, housing affordability will remain a challenge for many people despite lower home prices. Now the two big questions are: How long will it last and how far will the market fall?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CBC, Global News, CityNews
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Jul 28, 2022
Thousands of Afghans are waiting for Canada’s help. Time is running out
Guests: Mohammed, Afghan human rights activist, and Nicholas Keung, immigration reporter
Nearly one year after the U.S. and NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover, thousands of Afghans are still trapped in the country, waiting for Western visas. Many of them are in danger precisely because they were allies of the West and now face repercussions at the hands of the Taliban. While Canada made a commitment to resettle 40,000 Afghans through a special immigration program, Star sources have revealed that the window is closing and the program could wrap up soon. We take a look at what’s going on and what it could mean for Afghans who are still stuck in limbo, fearing for their lives as a price for helping Canada.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Jul 27, 2022
What will it take for the Pope’s apology to mean something?
Guest: Brandi Morin, freelance journalist
Pope Francis is in Canada this week on a pilgrimage of penance, meeting the survivors of the residential school system in which the Catholic Church played a major role — a forced assimilation of Indigenous peoples that destroyed families, cultures and created a legacy of trauma. Brandi Morin, an award-winning French, Cree, Iroquois journalist from Treaty 6, has been bearing witness as her own life is intertwined with the brutal history of the schools. We caught up with her to try to understand this moment and discuss what it will take for it to truly mean something.
The Indian Residential School Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of a residential school experience. Support is available at 1-866-925-4419.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Jul 26, 2022
Monkeypox is a global health emergency. We talk to someone who went through it
Guest: Len Tooley, evaluation director at the Community-Based Research Centre
With more than 16,000 recorded cases in 75 countries so far, the World Health Organization has declared the monkeypox outbreak as a global health emergency. Five people have died worldwide since the outbreak began in May. Len Tooley is one of the 681 Canadians who have contracted monkeypox in the last two months. He says the community of gay and bisexual men currently most at risk have been largely left in the dark by public health on what to do if they get sick. He shares his experience on “This Matters.”
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Jul 25, 2022
Planes, blame and airport shame: Pearson’s problems investigated
Guest: Richard Warnica, feature writer
Toronto Pearson International Airport has just been named the worst airport for delays in the world. The ranking comes after months of media reports of long lineups, cancelled flights, lost luggage and traveller horror stories of being stuck here. It has gotten so bad that polls show people will not travel until some of the problems are sorted out, but no one is sure when that might be.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Jul 22, 2022
Summer of strikes: Looking at the labour movement now
Guest: Larry Savage, professor of Labour Studies at Brock University
With organizing efforts underway at Starbucks, Amazon, Apple and many more employers, unions and the labour movement are having a moment. Unions are fighting for higher wages and benefits for workers as workplaces try to return to normal after COVID-19 and sky high inflation makes for a higher cost of living. With a tight job market, workers should have some leverage but as economic signs point toward things like a recession, the actions of the unions and the labour movement could become even more important for workers.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources in this episode: CHCH News, CNN, Global News, CBC
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Jul 21, 2022
Scorching weather signals crisis point: is Canada prepared?
Guest: Blair Feltmate, University of Waterloo’s Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation
This week has seen yet another in climate firsts as a scorching heat wave has swept across the globe. As Britain recorded its hottest-ever temperature at 40.2 C on Tuesday, things weren’t any better in Europe with sweltering temperatures and wildfires raging across several countries including Portugal and France. Here in Canada, accelerating climate change means that higher temperatures are on the horizon for us too. Last summer, British Columbia’s heat dome claimed over 600 lives and science tells us that the worst is yet to come. So the question is: are we ready? Blair Feltmate, professor & head of University of Waterloo’s Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, joins us to discuss our shared future.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
Audio source: CBS News
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Jul 20, 2022
What the new ‘strong-mayor’ plan means for municipal politics
Guest: Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief
The Ontario government is going to give enhanced powers to the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa. Described as being similar to U.S. style “strong-mayor” systems, it’s an idea that has been discussed for years as a way to quickly push the mayor’s authority and potentially expedite things like financial matters and appointments. But critics say Premier Doug Ford is once again messing with a municipal election right after it has gotten underway, just like he did in 2018 when he slashed Toronto city council from 47 to 25 seats. The “strong-mayor” plan will change this ongoing race and city governance in the future.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar.
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Jul 19, 2022
Panic buttons and peril: the new reality for Canadian politicians
Guest: Alex Ballingall, Toronto Star reporter
In recent months, and in the wake of alarming killings like the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, some Canadian politicians say fear of violence has become a regular hazard of the job. We take a look at the tense political climate that’s forcing public officials to amp up their security, what this means for the future of politics in this country, and where all this rage is coming from.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn.
Audio sources: Global News and CityNews
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Jul 18, 2022
How Canada's top three supermarket chains are making money from inflation
Guest: Marco Chown Oved, Toronto Star reporter
A Star investigation has found that Canada’s three largest supermarket chains are actually making money from inflation. Grocery prices have been rising faster than overall inflation because of the disruption of labour, supply chain and manufacturing costs, and a war in Ukraine, but there’s another factor driving prices up — profit. A deep dive into the financial statements of Loblaw Companies Ltd., Empire Company Ltd. (which owns Sobeys) and Metro Inc. reveals that these grocers are raising prices more than they have to and making Canadians pay for it.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Jul 15, 2022
Why emergency departments are overwhelmed
Guest: Dr. Katharine Smart, president of the Canadian Medical Association
Despite spending much of the pandemic trying to ensure that hospitals were not overwhelmed, incredibly long waits at emergency departments at hospitals across the country are becoming the norm. In Ontario, the average wait time for an ER visit is 20 hours and anecdotal stories of patients waiting hours and even days for treatment keep adding up. There are several reasons for this, from pandemic burn out-caused staff shortages and other issues in the health care system, like a lack of family doctors across the country. Experts are sounding the alarm as things must change to improve the situation.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Jul 14, 2022
To boost or not to boost? Ontario expands fourth shots to all adults
Guest: May Warren, Toronto Star reporter
Fourth COVID-19 vaccine doses are now open to all Ontarians older than 18 years of age. Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore made the much awaited announcement to expand eligibility on Wednesday, but the tone of the announcement left many confused. Dr. Moore said that healthy, currently vaccinated people continue to have significant protection against the worst effects of COVID, and can, if they want, wait for a new vaccine in the fall that will better target Omicron variants. So, should you get a shot right now or not? Reporter May Warren helps you make that decision.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Jul 13, 2022
The Right Stuff: What’s next for the Conservative leadership race
Guest: Stephanie Levitz, politics reporter for the Star
With just under two months left in the Conservative party leadership race, it’s been a wild week that still hasn’t been settled. Disqualified leadership candidate Patrick Brown is using legal means to see if he can remain in the race, but also throwing his support behind leadership candidate Jean Charest. He and Pierre Poilievre are the front-runners for the top job in an important contest where things like traditional conservative values are being challenged by a new populism, which is what the party has to wrestle with and reconcile as they choose a new leader.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources used in this episode: Global News, CTV, CBC, CPAC.
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Jul 12, 2022
Network effect: Rogers’ outage and how the government is making telcos work together
Guest: Christine Dobby, business reporter at the Star, joins us to talk Rogers fallout and the new requirement for telecom companies to help each other during outages.
The Rogers network outage affected Canadians, businesses and services across the country, and now the federal government wants to make sure it never happens again, mandating that the country’s telecommunications companies come up with formal agreements to help each other — and consumers — when one is experiencing a serious network disruption. Of course, how all that will work remains to be seen as does whether it will actually make a difference next time?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources used in this episode: CBC, Global News
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Jul 11, 2022
Contempt of the Supreme Court: The judiciary and American democracy
Guest: Edward Keenan, Washington Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star
Last month, as Ketanji Brown Jackson made history as the first Black woman to be sworn in as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, the moment was almost overshadowed by a series of decisions by America’s top court that will change the very shape of the future. One after the other, the Supreme Court struck down abortion rights, rolled back gun restrictions in New York and severely curtailed the powers of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate carbon emissions and counter global warming. Ed Keenan talks about the current shape of a Supreme Court that seems to be moving the United States staunchly to the right.
Audio Sources: NPR, NBC, Bloomberg, CBS News, Washington Post, Fox News
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Jul 8, 2022
How Canada’s new crime bill will wipe out drug possession charges
Guest: Jacques Gallant, politics reporter
As Bill C-5 moves through the legislative process, Canadians who have been convicted of simple possession of drugs could see their records disappear in the next few years. Although it won’t be an amnesty, the government is using a system called sequestration that would effectively hide the records. It’s another sign of the changing way authorities are dealing with illegal drugs and how people are punished for having them.
This episode was produced by Sean Pattendon and Raju Mudhar.
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Jul 7, 2022
Why are nurses quitting their jobs for temp agencies?
Guest: Armine Yalnizyan, Economist & Atkinson Fellow
Throughout the pandemic, nurses worked long hours with fewer resources and made major sacrifices to keep us safe. For some, perks that made the job appealing like stable income and a pension are wearing off as other issues remain unaddressed. This includes Ontario’s Bill 124, wage cap legislation as the cost of living and inflation continues to rise. As burnt out and exhausted nurses are leaving the profession in large numbers, a growing number of nurses have found an alternative where they can set their own hours and choose the jobs they want, all while earning more money. It’s called agency nursing and it’s skyrocketing across the country. Canadian economist Armine Yalnizyan talks about this new trend and what it could mean for the future of health care.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Jul 6, 2022
Can an Ontario breakthrough help long COVID sufferers?
Guests: Dr. Grace Parraga, Tier 1 Canada research chair in lung imaging at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and Dr. Michael Nicholson, a respirologist with the post-acute COVID-19 program at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, Ont.
An estimated one in ten COVID survivors suffer from long COVID. The cause of the condition has puzzled doctors and long COVID sufferers are frustrated by the lack of knowledge and support. With an estimated 200 symptoms associated with long COVID, it’s hard to diagnose and treat. Now, an Ontario research team has made a discovery that could be key in helping to diagnose it and potentially find treatments.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Jul 5, 2022
Down by The Bay: Inside the retailer's reinvention
Guest: Rosa Saba, business reporter at the Star
The Bay is spending millions on reinventing itself to appeal to Canadians. With a history that predates Canada, the company has a long tradition that in some ways hampers it, as young people think of it as their grandparents’ store. The company is updating its product offerings in-store and its automation for its online operations, which has plans to offer same-day delivery across much of Canada. Are they making the right moves? Or is it too little, too late?
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Jul 4, 2022
A prescription for healthy food? New program tackles food insecurity
Guest: Dr. Andrew Boozary, physician and executive director of UHN’s Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine
A pilot project called Food Rx, run in collaboration with the University Health Network (UHN) and the non-profit FoodShare, is aiming to tackle growing food insecurity in Toronto with a “doctor’s prescription” for regular home delivery of fresh fruit and vegetables. Nearly one in five Toronto households have inadequate or insecure access to food due to lack of money, and it has become a serious public health issue. According to the latest Who’s Hungry report by the Daily Bread and North York Harvest Food banks, visits to food banks skyrocketed by 47 per cent last year. Pilot programs like Food Rx are much needed but what does it say about a system where health care workers are providing prescriptions for food and will it work as food inflation continues to rise?
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Jun 30, 2022
Is a ‘Freedom Convoy’ sequel on the way to Ottawa for Canada Day?
Guest: Alex Ballingall, politics reporter for The Star
As Ottawa prepares for a larger and less COVID dampened Canada Day, protesters are making their way to the city to protest vaccine mandates, health restrictions and other freedoms they feel have been curtailed. Thinking back to some organizers who were involved with this past winter’s “Freedom Convoy,” which occupied the city for weeks, some of the city’s residents are worried about this being a sequel. The organizers are promising peaceful demonstrations but also more demonstrations over the summer. Will Ottawa’s police ensure a repeat won’t happen?
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Jun 29, 2022
What life is like on ODSP
Guests: Trevor Manson, co-chair ODSP Action Coalition, and Anne Jensen, mental health and disability advocate
Ontario’s Disability Support Program (ODSP), which provides income and employment support to people with disabilities, has been criticized by advocates for being out of touch with economic realities. The most a single person can receive through ODSP is $1,169 per month, or $14,028 annually. That’s about 30 per cent below the province’s poverty line of roughly $20,000. The Ford government has promised a modest ODSP boost of 5 percent, but is it anywhere near to the skyrocketing cost of living in this province? We ask two people on ODSP what it’s like to get by on so little.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Jun 28, 2022
Office Politics: Vaccination status and the workplace
Guest: Jacob Lorinc, Business Reporter at The Star.
The message early in the pandemic was simple from many employers: Get vaccinated. Now, as vaccine mandates are being lifted, some employees who were suspended or laid off for choosing not to get vaccinated are fighting back, often through their unions or civil lawsuits. The other issue is the vast majority of employees are vaccinated, many of whom are in favour of some type of rules in the office, so that they feel safer about heading back. Some employers are experimenting with radical solutions, but what is the fair and equitable way forward for all?
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Jun 27, 2022
Roe v. Wade has been overturned. What happens now?
Guest: Rosemary Westwood, reproductive health reporter
The U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade — a nearly 50-year-old constitutional right for a woman to end a pregnancy — will lead to bans on abortion in more than half of U.S states. That means abortion clinics will be forced to close in large swathes of the country. According to Planned Parenthood, more than 36 million people could lose abortion access. Rosemary Westwood, reproductive health reporter and host of the podcast “Banned,” explains how one Mississippi case led to the end of the protected right to legal abortions and what this new reality in the U.S. means.
UPDATE: A Louisiana court has temporarily blocked the state’s trigger laws on abortion. The blocking is temporary and a hearing on the matter has been set for July 8. Abortions can resume in Louisiana in the meantime.
Audio sources: Reuters, New York Times, PBS, CNBC
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Jun 24, 2022
Sanctions, censorship and war: What it’s like living in Russia
Guest: Allan Woods, global and national affairs reporter for the Toronto Star
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth long month, you may wonder, what’s it like in Russia? In a country slipping into further isolation and sanctions, where information is tightly guarded, do Russians support this war or are they living in fear of government surveillance and censorship at home? According to Star reporter Allan Woods, the answer is as complicated as the country. Like many journalists, Allan fled Russia when the war broke out. He had lived in Moscow for over four years. He made a recent trip back to Moscow and he gives us a glimpse into a city that appears as electric as ever — at least on the surface.
Audio sources: France24, PBS, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Jun 23, 2022
Tracking down one of Canada’s most notorious hit men
Guest: Jon Wells, feature writer for the Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton has a long history of organized crime. One of the biggest events in its history was the killing of Johnny “The Enforcer” Papalia in broad daylight on May 31, 1997. Ken Murdock was the man who pulled the trigger. Jon Wells, a feature writer at the Hamilton Spectator, tracked down one of Canada’s most notorious hit men and joins “This Matters” to talk about what it was like speaking to a killer in search of a story.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Jun 22, 2022
Explaining the cryptocurrency crash
Guest: Erica Pimentel, assistant professor at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University
Cryptocurrencies have been spiralling downward for the past two months after bitcoin’s value fell below $20,000 U.S., several exchanges halted trading and one company announced layoffs of their workforce. It’s a fast turnaround for a sector that is otherwise known for making people incredibly rich. Many are asking if this is just a bump in the road or the beginning of fundamental change, including more regulations on the sector.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Jun 21, 2022
400 displaced people in social housing. Few answers. Few homes
Guest: Victoria Gibson, affordable housing reporter
Hundreds of tenants of Swansea Mews, a beleaguered west Toronto community housing complex, have been thrown into turmoil after a ceiling collapsed and the complex was later deemed structurally unsafe. Residents have now been told they would need to relocate to motel rooms and dorms. There is no timeline for how long they will be displaced. What will the future look like when community housing in the city has been in dire straits for years? Toronto Star reporter Victoria Gibson explains the latest developments at Swansea Mews and how that sheds light on systemic issues within the Toronto Community Housing Corporation.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Paulo Marques
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Jun 20, 2022
Flight Risk: Will relaxing vaccine mandates tackle chaos at the airport?
Guest: Raisa Patel, Toronto Star reporter
As of June 20, Ottawa scrapped “proof of vaccination” requirements for air passengers on domestic or outbound international flights, as well as for rail travellers, and federal bureaucrats and federally-regulated workers like airline employees or those who process passports. The move comes as passengers have been expressing frustration over long delays, cancelled flights and endless queues at the airport. Ottawa-based reporter Raisa Patel explains what the new rules are and how we came to be here.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn
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Jun 17, 2022
Does Canada need legislation against Black and Indigenous hair discrimination?
Guests: Angelyn Francis and Annette Ejiofor, Toronto Star journalists
After decades of systemic racism and discrimination have punished Black Americans at school and at work because of their natural hair, at least eight U.S. states have made race-based hair discrimination illegal and now CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act is awaiting Senate approval. Canada also has a long history of hair discrimination against Black and Indigenous people. Is it time for Canada to make hair discrimination illegal?
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Jun 16, 2022
Unpacking the Toronto Police's report revealing systemic racism
Guest: Wendy Gillis, crime and policing reporter
On Wednesday, the Toronto Police Service unveiled a landmark report that made clear there is systemic discrimination in their policing. Including use of force statistics from 2020, the results show that many racialized people face over policing, in particular, Black and Indigenous people. This comes as no surprise to many of Black and Indigenous communities, but now the police have acknowledged the problem with their own data and say they have started with recommendations to fix it. Will it make a difference?
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Jun 15, 2022
Angry Young Men: How youth workers are trying to stop the next attack
Guest: David O'Brien, youth worker and director of mental health for ETA
It is evident that violent attacks committed by angry young men, regardless of the ideology behind them, are increasing. Whether motivated by white supremacy, incel subculture or other extremist belief, the path toward radicalization usually starts online and can end in violence. ETA is a GTA-based service that tackles hate and extremism in young people, often working with people who other agencies often refuse — or are unequipped — to deal with. Youth worker David O’Brien joins “This Matters” to talk about the approach to working with these individuals.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Paulo Marques and Raju Mudhar.
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Jun 14, 2022
Is the ride over for ActiveTO?
Guest: David Rider, City Hall Bureau Chief
The fate of ActiveTO is up for discussion at City Council this week. Established in April 2020 at the start of the pandemic lockdown, the program shut down major roads to let people ride their bikes and exercise while remaining physically distanced. As with anything that affects traffic in this city, it had its detractors, but for a long while, was held up as a success. Now, with complaints from high profile business-types like Toronto Blue Jays CEO Mark Shapiro, the question is whether this program has run its course or if there is some part that can be salvaged.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Matt Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Jun 13, 2022
Waves of power creation: How tidal energy is the next potential renewable source
Guest: Steve McKinley, Halifax bureau
There is an interesting project off the East Coast involving tidal energy that has accomplished something that no previous one has. Sustainable Marine’s floating tidal turbine platform PLAT-I 6.40 has connected to the Nova Scotia grid, converting the power of the world’s largest tides into electricity. With looming deadlines requiring more green energy from renewable sources, reporter Steve McKinley of the Toronto Star Halifax bureau joins “This Matters” to talk about how tidal energy could be one solution to moving people off fossil fuelled power.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matt Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Jun 10, 2022
A tale of two communities struck by climate disasters
Guest: Alex McKeen, reporter
Last June, a wildfire decimated the small town of Lytton, B.C. after three days of record-breaking heat. Months later, floodwaters drowned the farming region of Abbotsford, B.C. and left four people dead and the B.C. interior cut off for months. Canada is warming twice as fast as the world average and will no doubt experience a greater number of climate disasters in the coming years. After the ash settles from a fire or the water from a flood drains away, do we rebuild or retreat? B.C.-based reporter Alex McKeen visited both affected towns and talks about the tough choice ahead.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Paulo Marques
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Jun 9, 2022
Rights wronged: How police are violating people’s Charter rights
Guests: Rachel Mendleson, investigative reporter at The Star and Steve Buist, investigative reporter at The Spec
A recent Torstar investigation found over 600 cases where a judge found police forces committed serious breaches and violations of people’s Charter rights. As well, nine forces were found to have systemic breaches of not respecting these rights. It is a national problem. The consequences of this are criminal cases being thrown out with alleged suspects walking free as some innocent people have their rights trampled on.
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Jun 8, 2022
What the Hoggard verdict highlights about consent and sexual violence victims
Guest: Alyshah Hasham, courts reporter
Warning: Contains graphic content.
After six days of intense deliberations and being deadlocked twice, a jury has found Canadian rock star Jacob Hoggard guilty on one of three charges. Despite similarities between the accounts of his accusers, jurors were “really internally struggling” over Hoggard’s charges and Hoggard was found guilty of sexually assaulting a young Ottawa woman but not guilty of raping and groping a teenage fan. Alyshah Hasham, courts reporter for the Star, joins “This Matters” to explain the significance of the verdict and whether it can shine a light on how the justice system — and our society — perceives consent and victims of sexual violence.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Jun 7, 2022
Why Conservatives are embracing conspiracy theories
Guest: Justin Ling, Freelance Investigative Reporter
As the Conservative leadership race continues, several leadership hopefuls are embracing conspiracy theories in order to win support. For instance, some are engaging in theories like the idea that the World Economic Forum is a deep state illuminati that runs the world. It remains to be seen whether it is a politically savvy move that helps them win this race, or a move that could blow up on them, but what is clear is that there are Canadians who are engaged with these ideas and how that could shape our politics bears watching.
This episode was produced by Brian Bradley, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Jun 6, 2022
Tow truck wars, York Region and why high-profile cases keep falling apart
Guest: Jeremy Grimaldi, crime reporter at Yorkregion.com
With other 200 charges and 20 suspects, last year’s Project Platinum was hailed as a successful operation led by York Regional Police. Now, several of those charges have been dropped. It’s not the only high profile case in the region that has fallen apart. From organized crime to drugs and gambling, we take a look at why and how some criminal activities have ended up unprosecuted.
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Jun 3, 2022
What’s in Canada’s new gun control bill and is it enough?
Guest: Stephanie Levitz, politics reporter for The Star
In the shadow of mass shootings in the U.S., and another grim look at America’s lack of gun laws, Canada made a move to tighten its own. Earlier this week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Bill C-21, which would place a national freeze on handgun sales as part of the latest move to tighten gun laws. We take a look at the content and context surrounding the new law.
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Jun 2, 2022
What have Canada’s big pensions invested in? It’s hard to know
Guest: Christine Dobby, business reporter
If you’re a working Canadian, chances are your retirement investments are going into at least one of the country’s big eight funds. But, do you really know where your money is being invested? The country’s eight largest public sector pension funds collectively control about $2 trillion dollars in assets, making them a huge investing force across the world. They say they’re investing responsibly. If they are, why won’t they tell us what they’re investing in? The Star’s Christine Dobby looked for answers.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn
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Jun 1, 2022
Ontario Election: fact-checking the party leaders
Guest: Lex Harvey, politics reporter
On the eve of Ontario’s election, we take a look at the provincial party leaders and how they fared under The Star’s fact-checking process. While touting their own policies and achievements and attacking their rivals, how honest were Mike Schreiner, Andrea Horwath, Steven Del Duca and Doug Ford? Lex Harvey, Star politics reporter and fact checker, joins us to explain how the did.
This episode was produced by Matthew Hearn, Brian Bradley, Alexis Green and Raju Mudhar.
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May 31, 2022
There is a big demand for accessible housing in Ontario. Few can find it
Guest: Bailey Martens, Toronto Star reporter
Despite 2.6 million people in Ontario being disabled, there is no policy mandating barrier-free housing for those who need it. There is not even a mention of housing in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). For many people with disabilities in this province, the search for housing is as challenging as the lack of options. Star reporter Bailey Martens spoke to one family that had to move eight times in eight years to find wheelchair accessible housing for their young child. She tells their story on today's episode.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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May 30, 2022
Days after Uvalde massacre, NRA hosts annual summit
Guest: Edward Keenan, Washington Bureau Chief
Despite calls to cancel, the National Rifle Association’s annual meeting went ahead as planned in Houston this weekend, a mere 482 kilometres away from Uvalde, Texas where just days prior one of the deadliest school shootings in the U.S. in over a decade left 21 people dead (including 19 children). Two weeks before that, 10 people were shot dead at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York in an act called “a hate crime and an act of racially motivated violent extremism.” As the horror keeps repeating itself, how is it that nothing has changed even when data shows most Americans want some form of gun control?
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
Audio sources: CPAC, The Hill, Toronto Star
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May 27, 2022
Ontario Votes: Looking at the final days of the campaign
Guest: Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief
With less than a week until the June 2 election in Ontario, and as most polls point to a Progressive Conservative victory, there are still plenty of questions about how things could shake out. Premier Doug Ford has been campaigning like a front-runner, as the Liberals and NDP put up a good fight. But with plenty of races expected to be close, strategic voting is a card both of those parties will likely try to play.
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May 26, 2022
Baby boomers are getting older and want change in long-term care
Guest: Moira Welsh, investigative reporter
In the middle of the pandemic, when baby boomers hit the milestone age of 75, they awakened to the reality of growing old in Ontario and they’re not going quietly into nursing homes. They want to age with purpose, energy and love. Their message to politicians? Get rid of the medicalized culture of nursing homes. Moira Welsh, investigative reporter and author of “Happily Ever After: Revolutionary Approaches to Long-Term Care,” discusses the future of aging in Ontario and whether real change is coming in elder care.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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May 25, 2022
What we know about monkeypox so far
Guest: May Warren, reporter for the Toronto Star
As of Wednesday, the Public Health Agency of Canada says there are 15 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Quebec, and health officials are investigating more, including four in Toronto. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 90 confirmed cases in 12 countries, including Canada. What’s going on? Is it time to worry or are we just hyper anxious since COVID took over our lives? We might not have all the answers yet, but we spoke to Star reporter May Warren to find out what we do know about monkeypox so far.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn.
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May 24, 2022
The Price is Wrong: Grocery store inflation and what you can do about it
Guests: Sylvain Charlebois is a Canadian researcher and professor in food distribution and food policy at Dalhousie University.
A recent Angus Reid poll showed that almost half of Canadians are finding it difficult to feed their families due to rocketing inflation of food prices at the grocery store. In April, food prices rose on average of 9.7 percent, the highest jump in over 30 years. Experts say Canadians might need to prepare for a while for these type of prices for a while, as relief is not coming quickly.
Raju Mudhar is a co-host and producer on the Star’s podcast team.
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May 23, 2022
Introducing ‘Death in a Small Town,’ a podcast hosted by Kevin Donovan
This Matters would like to let you know about another Toronto Star podcast, ‘Death in a Small Town,’ hosted by Kevin Donovan. We are broadcasting episode 1, Just Another Day. Episode 2 is available at thestar.com/deathinasmalltownpodcast or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Episode 1: Just Another Day
Roll out of bed, get the kids to school, then off to work. Just before noon, disaster. A mysterious injury to young Nathaniel McLellan puzzles doctors at two hospitals and sparks what would become a six-year police investigation.
Episode 2: Suspicion is available at thestar.com/deathinasmalltownpodcast or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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May 20, 2022
Grand Theft Auto GTA: Carjackings and auto thefts soar
Auto thefts are soaring in the GTA, which is now punctuated by a carjacking spree that saw several incidents in the past week, including one involving Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner. There have already been more carjackings in Toronto in 2022 than in all of the previous year, and police warn that some of these are turning violent. By looking at the data, we look at where it’s happening across the city and talk about what you should do if it happens and some potential tips to secure your vehicle.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matt Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
Audio sources: CTV News and CityNews
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May 19, 2022
Food fight: The Michelin Guide is coming to Toronto
Guest: Karon Liu, Food writer at The Star.
The Michelin Guide to restaurants is coming to Toronto. This dining guide is known around the world for its three star rating system which highlights some of the best restaurants in the world. That said, it also has its critics as many believe it caters to higher end restaurants and there have been unintended consequences with many establishments after the ratings have come out. Will it accurately represent Toronto’s food culture? Or bring irrevocable change
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May 18, 2022
Why are hundreds of immigrants languishing in Canada’s maximum security jails?
Guest: Brendan Kennedy, social justice reporter on the Star investigations team
A Toronto Star investigation has revealed that Canada confines hundreds of non-citizens in conditions meant for a criminal population. On any given day, there will be roughly 200 to 300 immigrants in Canadian detention. Immigration detention is not supposed to be punitive, so why are nearly half of these detainees being held in maximum security jails, indefinitely? How does this sit with Canada’s global reputation for the ease and friendliness of its immigration system?
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May 17, 2022
Blue bin blues: Why recycling in Canada is a big green lie
Guest: Richard Warnica, Business feature writer
Plastic recycling in Ontario has been called a “green lie.” For instance, Canada produced about 1.9 million tonnes of plastic packaging in 2019, according to a recent report commissioned by the Canada Plastics Pact. Of that, the authors estimate just 12 per cent was sent for recycling. Now, things might be changing. Ontario is modernizing the recycling regime in the province, putting more of the onus on companies to deal with their packaging waste. Along with action from Ottawa, now could be the time where we all get more real about recycling and making it actually work.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matthew Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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May 16, 2022
Reproductive rights and abortion access: Is Canada as pro-choice as you think?
Guest: Martha Paynter, registered nurse and author of “Abortion to Abolition: Reproductive Health and Justice in Canada.”
The U.S. Supreme Court may soon strike down its 50-year-old landmark ruling ending constitutional protections for abortion, according to a draft decision leaked to Politico. The ruling would mean U.S. states decide whether and how to restrict abortion or ban it outright. In Canada, we had our own Supreme Court decision that decriminalized abortion in 1988 but, while it’s not being threatened in the same way, barriers still exist. Reproductive rights can often boil down to geography, equity, income and race.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn.
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May 13, 2022
Air sick: The problems at Canada’s airports and why it won’t get better soon
Guest: Rosa Saba, Business Reporter
Leaving on a jet plane, don’t know if I’ll be making my flight out of the airport? That’s not how the song goes, but it’s a reality for many people in Canadian airports right now, as they face long lineups, wait times and other issues caused by an uptick of travellers and staff shortages at many flight terminals. As some passengers even are missing their flights, airport related companies are trying to staff up to meet the demand. But solutions take time, so flyers might want to pack a healthy dose of patience with their carry-ons.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matt Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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May 12, 2022
Sticky wicket: Why Toronto needs more cricket pitches
Guest: Noor Javed, Star reporter
Did you know that Toronto used to be a leading city for cricket a few decades ago? As the sport continues to be one of the fastest growing sports in Canada, with an increasing number of immigrants from cricket-loving countries, the city is looking to regain lost cricketing glory and become a premiere city for the sport. There is a 20-year strategy to get there, but cricketers fear this long-term vision might be too late since facilities have deteriorated badly and players are already moving toward greener pitches in the suburbs. Toronto Star reporter Noor Javed explains the battle of the pitches.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn
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May 11, 2022
Can a new law tackle the opioid crisis in Ontario’s construction industry?
Guests: Nadine Yousif and Cristina Selva
As the pandemic surged in Ontario, the opioid crisis hit another peak. While opioid related deaths increased by 60 per cent in 2020, nearly one in three employed people who died were construction workers. To address the disproportionate impact of the opioid crisis on the construction workforce, Ontario passed a law mandating that naloxone, the drug that temporarily reverses the effects of opioid overdose, be available at construction sites across the province.
The Star’s mental health reporter Nadine Yousif explains how bad opioid use is in the industry and whether the new law will be enough to tackle a crisis already at boiling point. Also in this episode, we speak to Cristina Selva, the executive director of the College of Carpenters and Allied Trades, who has lost several members to overdose.
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May 10, 2022
Does the government need to clamp down on predatory lending?
Guest: Christine Dobby, Business Reporter
You don’t have to look far to see those who experienced terrible financial hardship over the past two years. We don’t talk about our finances. But a recent report has painted a harsh picture just the same. The report published by ACORN, a non-profit organization advocating for moderate to low-income Canadians has revealed that more and more people were forced to take out instalment or payday loans during the pandemic–and many are trapped in a vicious cycle, paying off interest rates of up to 60 percent.
Star Business Reporter Christine Dobby explains how high-cost lenders operate and whether the government should have done something to help prevent Canadians from falling through the cracks and into a crushing cycle of debt.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn.
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May 9, 2022
What a damning report reveals about white supremacy in Canada’s military
Guest: Jacques Gallant, Political Reporter
A yearlong review by a panel of former military personnel has recently concluded that military leadership failed to tackle systemic racism and discrimination within its ranks for the past two decades, despite numerous calls to action. The panel that was created to identify racism, discrimination and hate within the forces also concluded that the military is failing to root out white supremacists in the ranks and struggling to keep new ones out. “Racism in Canada is not a glitch in the system; it is the system,” reads the report. The Star’s Political Reporter Jacques Gallant explains.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn
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May 6, 2022
As cycling data points to rise in ER visits, how safe are our streets?
Guests: Ben Spurr and Jim Rankin, Star Reporters
At the beginning of the pandemic, bikes became a hot commodity as people looked for ways to enjoy the outdoors. Cities like Toronto added more bikes lanes and even shut down streets for events like ActiveTO, so people could enjoy it. But now looking at the data, emergency room visits from cyclists were up across Ontario with many young people injured. More riders accounted for some of these visits, but the findings also point to the lack of cycling infrastructure that could make riding in cities safer.
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May 5, 2022
The campaign is on. So, what’s behind Del Duca’s handgun ban?
Guest: Wendy Gillis, crime reporter
The Ontario election campaign is officially underway. Today, we zero in on an early pledge from Liberal leader Steven Del Duca who says that his government will ban handguns within a year if elected on June 2. Crime reporter Wendy Gillis joins us to explain what’s behind this pledge, why it is so contentious, and whether there is real political will to follow through.
This episode was produced by Jennifer Pagliaro, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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May 5, 2022
Introducing ‘It’s Political with Althia Raj,’ a new Canadian politics podcast
This Matters would like to let you know about another Toronto Star podcast launching today. ‘It's Political with Althia Raj’ is the Star’s new Canadian politics podcast. Every two weeks, Raj brings listeners behind the scenes on Parliament Hill with exclusive interviews, in-depth reporting and thoughtful analysis. Join us as we explore the ins and the outs of the drama unfolding in Ottawa with humour and intelligence.The first episode drops Thursday, May 5. Listen and follow or subscribe at thestar.com/itspolitical.
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May 4, 2022
How the Ukraine war is escalating the global hunger crisis
Guest: Arif Husain, Chief Economist at World Food Programme
Ukraine was forced to close its four Black and Azov sea ports earlier this week and, as one of the breadbaskets of the world, this cut off access to the country’s rich grains. These ports help feed 400 million people, many of whom live in the poorest countries in the world. Even before the war began, global food prices were at an all-time high and now experts fear how the closed ports will add to the global food crisis. Arif Husain at the World Food Programme talks about the consequences.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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May 3, 2022
Roe v. Wade in peril? What a major leak suggests about the future of U.S. abortion laws
Guest: Edward Keenan, Washington Bureau Chief
Protests erupted in Washington D.C. Monday night after a draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito leaked to Politico suggested the country's highest court might be poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, the almost fifty-year-old landmark ruling that gave women the constitutional right to abortion. The document – which was circulated among Supreme Court justices and supported by Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett, among others – is creating shock waves and could change the very shape of America's socio-political landscape for decades to come. Edward Keenan, The Star's Washington Bureau Chief, explains.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn
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May 2, 2022
Meet Percy: Freshii’s new outsourced ‘virtual cashier’
Guest: Jacob Lorinc, business reporter
Want a smoothie with a side of outsourcing? That’s what customers are seeing at several Freshii locations in Ontario. Instead of a regular cashier, a virtual customer service agent takes your order before actual staff in the restaurant prepare it. Called Percy, a virtual cashier is based in other countries, like Nicaragua or Pakistan, where they earn much less than Ontario’s minimum wage. This is a new customer-facing approach that could be a disruptive force in this sector in the coming years.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matt Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Apr 29, 2022
Ontario’s budget: Politics, platforms and how it sets up the election
Guest: Robert Benzie, Queen’s Park Bureau Chief
The Ontario government just released a record budget for spending, with over $198.6 billion allocated to things like health care, education, tax cuts and much more. With the provincial election writ dropping soon, there’s no way the budget can be passed before June 2 so instead it serves as the platform for Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives. With the other parties also releasing their plans to give Ontario voters a different choice, this budget plans signals that the election campaign starts now.
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Apr 28, 2022
The changing political dynamics of Toronto city hall
Guests: David Rider and Jennifer Pagliaro, The Star’s City Hall bureau
With a municipal election coming in October, change is coming to city hall. While Mayor John Tory will be seeking his third term, it is in the race for council seats where a lot of the action and interest will be. While there are no political parties tied to Toronto’s council, there are political factions and the political makeup and dynamics of the inner workings of council will be different after the depature of some left-wing councillors.
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Apr 27, 2022
How climate and pandemic anxiety is overwhelming Ontario teens
Guest: Nadine Yousif, mental health reporter
A recent survey conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has found disturbing trends. More than half of the 2,200 kids in grades 7-12 surveyed are not just reeling from the effects of the pandemic, they are anxious about climate change and the future. This is an eye-opening glimpse into how young people across Ontario have been coping over the last two years and is a snapshot of a generation that has grown up with the knowledge that they are set to inherit the Earth’s worsening natural disasters. The Star’s mental health reporter Nadine Yousif explains the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey.
If you are thinking of suicide or know someone who is, there is help. Resources are available online at crisisservicescanada.ca or you can connect to the national suicide prevention helpline at 1-833-456-4566, or the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew…
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Apr 26, 2022
Housing affordability: What can be done to help people get into the market?
Guest: Paul Kershaw, a professor at UBC’s School of Population and Public Health and founder of Generation Squeeze, a non-profit that works for generational fairness
They say timing is everything, but should it be when it comes to home ownership? Canada’s wealth gap is not just driven by income, but also by real estate with much determined by if and when you bought your home. As real estate prices soar, many are priced out of the market and very little is being done that will make houses more affordable. Part of the issue is how existing homeowners think about their home as an investment and how resistant they are to anything that might affect the value. For those who are stuck outside the market, it’s time to rethink how to solve this problem and perhaps look at more radical solutions.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matt Hearn and Raju Mudhar
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Apr 25, 2022
How right is too right? Conservatives look to the middle
Guest: Stephanie Levitz, a reporter in the Star's Ottawa Bureau
The Conservative party leadership race is underway and while the goal is to find a new leader, some think this contest could be for the soul of the party. While there candidates pushing more socially conservative views against others with more progressive stands on issues, there are also populist and further right-leaning factions. Somewhat alarmed by the latter, there is now a centrist coalition that wants the party to court the middle ground as a path to electoral victory. Will it work? How do all these disparate groups live in the same organization?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matt Hearn and Raju Mudhar
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Apr 22, 2022
Everything you need to know about the antiviral COVID drug
Guest: Megan Ogilvie & Kenyon Wallace, Star reporters
Last week, Ontario expanded eligibility to testing and antiviral treatments such as Paxlovid for high-risk individuals as the sixth wave of COVID continues to gain momentum. Paxlovid is now also available with a prescription at dozens of pharmacies across the GTA. But questions still remain around how to get a dose of the drug, where to find it and why those who need it the most in the hardest hit areas are still finding it a challenge to get a COVID treatment pill that could keep them out of the hospital. Star reporters Megan Ogilvie and Kenyon Wallace have the answer to your most pressing questions.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Apr 21, 2022
How Canada is trying to deal with the cost of inflation
Guest: Heather Scoffield, economics columnist and the Star's Ottawa Bureau Chief.
Inflation hit a 31-year high, rising to 6.7 per cent in March, with escalating prices across many sectors. Grocery store and gas bills in particular are where many people are feeling it, and the gas prices have risen almost 40 per cent from a year ago. There are several causes to inflation, but the one thing that experts know is that these higher prices are here to stay for a while. Governments and central banks are doing what they can to temper the spike, like raising interest rates, but it’s a very careful balancing game, as that can often lead to a recession.
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Apr 20, 2022
Why are so many COVID vaccine doses wasted in Canada?
Guest: Alex Boyd, Toronto Star reporter
Almost two years after the first COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Canada, the excitement is somewhat over. Most Canadians are now vaccinated and demand is grinding to a halt. The rush for vaccines has also slowed down considerably after recently lifted mandates. This means that millions of doses are lying unused, just weeks or months away from expiring. And millions of vaccines have been thrown away. Vaccination continues to lag in low-income countries. In the meantime, just how many vaccines are we tossing in the garbage and can Canada actually do anything to prevent this vaccine wastage?
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Apr 19, 2022
Birds eye view: Satellites and how we watch war now
Guest: Dr. Jeffrey Lewis, professor and satellite imaging specialist at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California.
Satellites and social media are working together to give new perspectives and viewpoints on the war in Ukraine. The amount and frequency of images, sophistication of technology and ever easier access for researchers and enthusiasts have created a new kind of theatre of war, that is already having ramifications, as it has exposed troop movements and war atrocities. The bigger questions are what kind of effect will it have on conflicts going forward and how could it change things like military tactics, intelligence gathering and how information about conflicts is verified.
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matt Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Apr 18, 2022
TTC bus drivers face violent and bizarre incidents
Guest: Ben Spurr, the Star’s transportation reporter.
It has been a terrible week for tragic events on public transit, with New York City dealing with a subway shooting, a murder outside of Sherbourne station and a woman getting pushed onto the tracks at Yonge station. While these are nightmare scenarios for any transit service, there are all kinds of incidents that occur every year on the TTC, and through a Freedom of Information request, the Star got the data on all of the incidents on the bus network over a five-year period and it tells exactly where the most crimes occurs and who the targets of it are.
This episode was produced by Raju Mudhar and Matthew Hearn.
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Apr 14, 2022
One hospital’s plan to treat gun violence
Guest: Wendy Gillis, Star reporter
As Toronto Police say the average age of those linked to gun violence continues to drop, Sunnybrook Hospital is taking action because “patching people up and sending them home” isn’t working. Today, we are joined by Star reporter Wendy Gillis, who’s been following the rollout of the new program designed to stem this tide.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Niki Thay.
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Apr 13, 2022
What we know about the fourth COVID shot
Guest: Alex Boyd, Star reporter
COVID-19 continues to circulate with the very transmittable Omicron variant BA.2 now dominant, just as most parts of the country have dropped mask mandates, restrictions are lifting and the future is anything but certain. While Omicron cases might be generally less severe for those who are vaccinated, vulnerable people are still at high risk and that’s why a fourth round of the vaccine has become available for some. Toronto Star reporter Alex Boyd gives us an explainer on booster shots, how they might be rolled out and whether you or someone you know might need one.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matt Hearn.
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Apr 12, 2022
The inequitable distribution of rapid tests in Ontario
Guests: Sara Mojtehedzadeh and Rachel Mendleson, Star reporters
While Ontario Premier Doug Ford touted rapid tests as a "game changer" and directed for them to be distributed to hot spot neighbourhoods to help quell the virus, a Star investigation found that only one fifth of 20 million tests ended up in those areas in the first 10 months of the province's taxpayer-funded screening program. In fact, privates schools got more tests than many other industries that were hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. How did this happen? Who else won and lost in the inequitable distribution of these rapid tests?
This episode was produced by Alexis Green, Matt Hearn and Raju Mudhar.
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Apr 11, 2022
Now or never: UN warns the world must act on climate
Guest: Alex Ballingall, Ottawa Bureau
The latest report released by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has been damning. It’s now or never, as scientists warn the world must cap global greenhouse emissions or risk irreversible damage and the worst effects of climate change. Ottawa has now unveiled an ambitious new $9.1 billion road map to meet Canada’s climate targets by 2030. Star reporter Alex Ballingall explains what it’s all about and whether it is enough to rise up to the climate challenge.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Apr 8, 2022
How the unregulated dog rescue industry has spelled disaster for some
Guest: Jennifer Yang, investigative reporter
Even if you’re not a dog owner, it is always nice to check out your local dog park to see which furry creatures are out for an afternoon romp. But where do those dogs came from? Toronto Star investigative reporter Jennifer Yang’s ongoing investigation about one popular dog rescue in particular, Redemption Paws, sheds some light. Many people adopted pets during the pandemic as companions in an uncertain time, but the relatively unregulated dog rescue industry has spelled disaster for some.
Redemption Paws did not respond to a request for an interview for this episode. CEO Nicole Simone previously responded to requests for comment, which can be read here, here and here. An excerpt of a statement provided by Simone can be read here.
This episode was produced by Jennifer Pagliaro, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn
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Apr 7, 2022
Jays Opening Day Extravaganza, with Bichette, Manoah, Berrios, Romano, Jansen, Rivera and Vladdy
This Matters is running today's opening day episode of Deep Left Field, the Toronto Star's baseball podcast, with host Mike Wilner. He gets down on the field with the Jays. It's a longer episode today but if you are a Jays fan, you'll want to stick around.
Guests: Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, pitchers Jose Berrios, Alek Manoah and Jordan Romano, catcher Danny Jansen and third base coach Luis Rivera. Plus 10 Questions with Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
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Apr 6, 2022
Why you should take the sixth wave of COVID-19 seriously
Guest: Dr. Tim Sly, an epidemiologist and professor emeritus from the School of Public Health at Ryerson University
Ontario is in the sixth wave of COVID-19. It is not known how many people are infected, but anecdotally, it certainly feels like a lot. With Omicron subvariant BA.2 now dominant and others on the horizon, this is another sign that while we may be sick and tired of COVID-19, this disease does not listen to proclamations that it is over. Despite the lifting of mask mandates, experts say you should take precautions against this wave and it is something we need to take seriously.
This episode was produced by Raju Mudhar, Brian Bradley and Sean Pattendon.
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Apr 5, 2022
Hotel check out: The city’s plan to close temporary homeless shelters
Guests: Victoria Gibson, affordable housing reporter, and Gru, a resident of a temporary shelter
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Toronto leased a number of hotels to augment the number of homeless shelters and allow adequate space between residents. These temporary shelters now account for 27 sites housing over 3,000 people and 40 per cent of people experiencing homelessness in Toronto. Now the leases are coming up and the city is looking at a number of options to take these temporary shelters out of the system, and find a way for the residents to not end up back on the streets.
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Apr 4, 2022
How a deadly sixth wave of COVID hit Hong Kong and New Zealand differently
Guest: Dr. Siddharth Sridhar, virologist at the University of Hong Kong
If it feels like suddenly COVID-19 is everywhere again, that is because it probably is. As Ontario’s indicators point to a sixth wave, the Omicron variant hit Hong Kong and New Zealand hard within weeks. Its impact could not have been more different. While COVID is spreading at the fastest rate in New Zealand, Hong Kong marked the highest COVID death rates in the world. What’s allowing New Zealand better outcomes in managing Omicron and what is driving deaths in Hong Kong? Today we discuss a tale of two countries.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Julia De Laurentiis Johnston and Niki Thay
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Apr 1, 2022
'I am very sorry.' Pope apologizes for Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system
Guest: Brandi Morin, a French, Cree, Iroquois journalist from Treaty 6, reporting from Rome
After a week of historic meetings between the Pope and 32 Métis, Inuit and First Nations delegates, a formal apology has been issued. To a crowd of nearly 200 on Friday morning, Pope Francis apologized for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential school system. A system that ripped more than 150,000 indigenous children from their homes and placed them in the care of strangers. A system that led to the deaths of thousands of children, discovered in unmarked graves.
Brandi Morin, a French, Cree, Iroquois journalist from Treaty 6, Alberta was in Rome, taking this moment in.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn
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Mar 31, 2022
Will Toronto’s real estate market bloom in spring? An agent’s outlook
Guest: Lauren Haw, CEO and Broker of Record at Zoocasa
Spring is usually the busiest time of the year for the real estate market, but many are wondering what this year might look like two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many trends that seem to be turning, and changes like workers returning to the office are starting to take effect. One issue that remains is the lack of inventory of houses to buy. Many hope this season will improve on that situation and the real estate market starts to look a little bit more normal, whatever that looks like now. We chat with a real estate agent about what she thinks the market has in store for us.
This episode was produced by Raju Mudhar, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn
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Mar 30, 2022
Canada’s World Cup qualifying dreams have come true. What’s next?
Guest: Laura Armstrong, sports reporter
It almost seems like a fantasy to long-time followers of the sport but the Canadian's Men's National Team has qualified for the World Cup and are heading to Qatar in November. The team has been on a remarkable run, climbing the rankings over the past year and making it so punching their ticket became almost inevitable as opposed to something that has eluded this team for almost four decades. This team looks like it could just be getting started. First, a look back at the journey so far and what comes next.
Audio sources: Sportsnet, ONE Soccer
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Mar 29, 2022
It’s a deal: unpacking the $10-a-day child care plan
Guest: Robert Benzie and Tonda MacCharles, Star reporters
With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford signing on the dotted line confirming the province of Ontario is in, Canada will have a national child-care program for the first time in history. With the province having one of the highest child-care rates in Canada, the federal government has earmarked 13.2 billion for Ontario over six years. Parents could see fees reduced by up to 50 per cent by the end of the year, with costs dropping to as low as $10-a-day by September 2025. The timing couldn’t be better. The country’s fiscal year-end is this week and the province is just nine weeks out from an election. In this episode, we talked to reporters from the Star’s Queen’s Park and Ottawa bureaus to unpack the plan, why Ontario took so long and what it means for Canadians.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn
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Mar 28, 2022
Jerry Dias and Unifor: How the head of Canada’s largest private sector union fell
Guest: Rosa Saba and Sara Mojtehedzadeh, Star reporters
Jerry Dias was one the most high-profile and well known union leaders in Canada, but now Dias is under investigation for breaching union rules and allegedly accepting money from a supplier and then trying to share it with another employee. The consequences for the former head of Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, have been swift but there plenty of a questions remain about how and why this happened, as well as what the labour movement can do to root out potential corruption at its highest levels.
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Mar 25, 2022
Mid-Life Happiness: Why joy later in life looks different than you think
Guest: Arthur Brooks, author of the bestselling book, “From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life”
What if everything that brought you to success, happiness and satisfaction in the first part of your life does a terrible job to prepare you to find those things in the latter half of it? That’s something that Arthur Brooks decided to tackle in his latest book. For all Brooks has accomplished — he’s a Harvard professor, columnist at The Atlantic and a bestselling author — the research on this book started out for himself, trying to figure out how to find happiness and fulfilment as he got older. Now he’s sharing the results and we discuss his findings.
This episode was produced by Raju Mudhar, Julia De Laurentiis Johnston and Matthew Hearn
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Mar 24, 2022
Scarred by war: The impact on Ukraine's children will be lasting
Guest: Dr. Samantha Nutt, War Child Canada and War Child USA
It’s been exactly a month since Russia invaded Ukraine. According to the United Nations, more than three million people have been forced to flee. Half of those are children. In addition, Ukrainian officials say more than 100 children have been killed. Children have nothing to do with war and yet it impacts them more than anyone. One in every six children across the world continue to live in active conflict zones, caught up in violence not of their own making. In today’s episode, Dr. Samantha Nutt, founder and president of humanitarian organization War Child Canada and War Child USA, joins to look at how children are scarred by war.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn
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Mar 23, 2022
Inside the Trudeau-Singh agreement
Guest: Susan Delacourt, national columnist
With a deal in hand with the federal NDP, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government will be staying in power until at least 2025. Effective immediately, Trudeau has promised to roll out an NDP plan for dental care, pharmacare, climate change and other policies – all items that have long been on NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh's wish list. Both leaders say they're seeking stability but the move has infuriated Conservatives, with interim Conservative leader Candice Bergen calling it a power grab. Veteran politics reporter and the Star's national columnist Susan Delacourt gives us the view from Ottawa.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Alexis Green and Matthew Hearn.
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Mar 22, 2022
How Ontario’s changes to the Blue Box program might need to be recycled
Guest: Richard Warnica, business feature writer
Ontario's Blue Box paper and plastic recycling program is in the midst of the overhaul, catching up with jurisdictions all over the world by putting more of the responsibility for getting rid of waste packaging on to producers. The made-in-Ontario solution has left no one happy, including industry stakeholders and environmental experts. Both are asking for clarity as deadlines loom to make proposed changes. Will the new regulations gets tossed to the curb, or will they be recycled into something that may work?
This episode discusses several parties, including the Ontario government and Green For Life. Below are their responses when asked for comment:
"From our perspective, there's no disagreement," he said. "They think that we are the big bad guys that are going to get in and drive up costs significantly once we control the market. And it couldn't be further from the truth." — Patrick Dovigi, founder and CEO of Green For Life Environ…
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Mar 21, 2022
A family violence case set a legal precedent. Can it help save lives?
Guest: Alyshah Hasham, courts reporter
A recent court ruling in Brampton, where a Superior Court judge ordered a man to pay his ex-wife $150,000 in damages for a 16-year pattern of abuse, might change how courts look at domestic violence. In considering such cases "often go beyond assault and battery to include complicated and prolonged psychological and financial abuse," experts say there is a new pathway for survivors to seek fair compensation in the civil courts. The Star's courts reporter Alyshah Hasham explains.
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Mar 18, 2022
Hang up that phone! Robocalls, spoofing and phone-related fraud
Guest: Katie Daubs, feature writer
Many of us have gotten that call from someone saying they are returning your call even though you never dialed their number. Then there are calls about owing money to the Canada Revenue Agency or border security. It’s something the scam operators do that’s called spoofing, which along with robocalling technology and humans armed with scam scripts are all part of the process of trying to trick people into giving up banking information or other personal data. This kind of phone fraud is a huge problem, and while both authorities and telecommunications companies are trying to tackle it, people still need to be careful, and most importantly, know when to hang up.
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Mar 17, 2022
New highways need gravel from GTA quarries. Residents are fighting back
Guest: Noor Javed, reporter for The Star who focuses on municipal politics and affairs in the 905 region.
As Premier Doug Ford pushes ahead with two major highway projects, how those roadways actually get built is a not-often considered process. Unless, of course, you happen to live next to one of the open-pit mines needed for the gravel to build them. Those residents and environmental activists say there are serious concerns with the growing number of mines across the GTA and a lack of regulations to stop them.
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Mar 16, 2022
A foodie’s guide to pandemic dining
Guest: Karon Liu, food reporter
Two years of a pandemic have changed the hospitality industry, including the way we look at labour, essential workers, the way we eat and our relationship with food. The Star’s food reporter Karon Liu and food writer Suresh Doss have kept us updated by sharing the best of what the city has to offer our taste buds from a hidden food court at the back of a flea market to a delicious new pierogi spot in an old church basement. Liu joins “This Matters” to discuss the latest pandemic food trends.
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Mar 15, 2022
Ontario’s Tiger King and the lack of rules around animals and zoos
Guest: Grant LaFleche, investigative reporter
Ontario is the wild west when it comes to regulations for ownership of exotic animals and the running of zoos and other animal exhibitions. This has led to some people opening roadside zoos in rural communities, leaving local governments dealing with all kind of problems including attacks and bites. There is also consideration for the animals, as there are no real requirements for a standard of care or for the owner to have proper animal handling certification. This has led to some gruesome outcomes. Grant LaFleche, an investigative reporter at the St. Catharines Standard and member of The Star's investigations team, joins “This Matters” to talk about Ontario’s Tiger King and an exotic animal’s grisly death.
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Mar 14, 2022
Ontario is lifting mask mandates. Here’s what it means for you
Guest: Rob Ferguson, Queen’s Park reporter
Ontario will be dropping mask mandates in most settings including schools on March 21, right after March break. Ontario’s top doctor Kieran Moore cites the province’s vaccination rates, decreasing case numbers and a decline in hospitalizations as reasons to ease some of the rules, and has indicated all other COVID public health measures may be lifted at the end of April. Many health professionals are worried the province is moving too fast and have spoken out. There is also a new Omicron subvariant in town to consider. Reporter Rob Ferguson of the Star’s Queen’s Park Bureau joins “This Matters” to clarify the ground rules come next week and explain why lifting a mask mandate doesn’t necessarily mean we should lift our masks mask.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn
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Mar 11, 2022
A scientist makes the case against Daylight Saving Time
Guest: Patricia Lakin-Thomas, York University professor
It is time to spring forward! Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend. Clocks shifting ahead an hour on Sunday not only may make you feel a little tired, it’s a much bigger deal than you may think. To some scientists, changing the time twice a year — which is not done in large parts of the world — is one of the world’s biggest experiments, and generally points to negative outcomes like an increase in heart attacks and traffic accidents. The problems don’t end there and thus, there are movements to abolish it. Today we speak to Patricia Lakin-Thomas, a York University biology professor who runs the Clock Lab.
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Mar 10, 2022
Escaping invasion in Ukraine: People share their stories
Today, we will be taking you to Ukraine, speaking with those who are trying to escape war, which for some includes leaving their homes, their families and their lives. Journalist Johanna Chisholm reports.
This episode was produced by Johanna Chisholm, Julia De Laurentiis Johnston, Matthew Hearn and Sean Pattendon.
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Mar 9, 2022
Why gas prices are high and won’t be going down anytime soon
Guest: Jim Williams, president and energy economist at WTRG Economics
As the world watches the horrors of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the ripple effects are being felt around the globe. With ever harsher sanctions effectively banning Russian imports, including oil, gas prices keep jumping higher as this conflict continues on. But that isn’t the only reason why prices have jumped at the pumps. Other factors are a low supply and an increase in demand as the world opens up with pandemic restrictions lifting. Experts say these surging prices could be here for a long time, and while countries and governments search for solutions and more capacity, people should prepare for pain at the pumps for the foreseeable future.
This episode was produced by Raju Mudhar, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn.
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Mar 8, 2022
The rules don't apply for some refugees in Europe
Guest: Lauren Markham, journalist and author
As Europe opens its doors to more than two million Ukrainians fleeing the horrific Russian invasion of their country, there are others for whom the doors are not left quite as open. The United Nations refugee convention states that a refugee should not be returned to a country that endangers life or freedom. It is international law, but not all laws are applied equally and sometimes they aren’t applied at all. For millions fleeing war, persecution, conflict and climate crises, a new form of brutality awaits them even at the place of refuge. Lauren Markham, a California-based journalist covering migration and author of the 2017 book “The Far Away Brothers,” explains why the basic human right of seeking safety is becoming the reason for thousands of deaths.
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Mar 7, 2022
Inside Ukraine, preparing for invasion in a border town
Today, we are taking you to Novoiavorivsk, a small town outside Lviv, Ukraine near the Polish border. Reporter Johanna Chisholm spent time there over the weekend, speaking with the townspeople on the different ways this war is both tearing them apart and banding them together; the ways in which they attempt to help each other and search inward for personal resolve. People who would ordinarily find themselves clocking in for work are now part of a well-oiled machine sewing balaclavas, watching check points or helping out in any big or small way they can. There's a war raging, and they are finding ways to contribute if they can’t be one of the thousands who can pick up arms. Here we bring you the stories from a town on the edge of war and the people who have come together to stand on guard.
This episode was produced by Johanna Chisholm, Julia De Laurentiis Johnston, Matthew Hearn and Sean Pattendon.
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Mar 4, 2022
The view from Ottawa: What Canada is doing to help Ukraine
Guest: Tonda MacCharles, Ottawa-based reporter covering federal politics
When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted about speaking to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday, there was an urgent plea between the lines of the diplomacy: help stop Russia's relentless attack on Ukraine. Canada has rolled out new measures since the assault began, including trade restrictions on Russia, lethal aid for the military and a new fast track to Canada for Ukrainians fleeing the war. But as Europe's greatest security crisis in decades escalates seemingly undeterred by global warnings, the question being raised within Ukraine and around the world is: what will it really take to stop Russia? Tonda MacCharles shares the view from Ottawa.
This episode was produced by Saba Eitizaz, Brian Bradley and Matthew Hearn