The Current

Finance minister Chrystia Freeland’s shock resignation has heaped pressure on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down. The CBC’s Rosemary Barton and the Globe and Mail's Stephanie Levitz discuss Freeland’s blistering resignation letter, and why it seemed designed to inflict “maximum damage” on the prime minister. 

Jonathan Haidt says technology and social media have rewired our children’s brains, and taken a heavy toll on their mental health. The social psychologist talks to Matt Galloway about his blockbuster book The Anxious Generation and the dangers of a childhood spent on screens.

Canada is working to address the flow of migrants and fentanyl into the U.S. in an effort to avoid hefty tariffs threatened by incoming President Donald Trump. But how much fentanyl actually comes from this country? An opioid expert says very little Canadian fentanyl makes its way south, while a border security expert says this country is still a hub for organized crime and money laundering.

European scientists have launched the Proba-3 space mission, which will study the sun by creating artificial solar eclipses. An astronomy reporter explains how it's possible and what mysteries about the sun scientists hope to solve through this research.

Out-of-office messages have become more than a handful of dates and the email of who to reach out to instead while you’re gone. A Canadian content creator tells us how the messages are becoming a site of creativity — and a new way to assert work-life balance.

Terrorist-designated rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is now in control of Syria, and the world is trying to decide how to engage with them. One of the only Western journalists  to interview HTS’ leader and an international analyst discuss the group’s promise of tolerance, and if sanctions on Syria should be lifted.

Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador have struck a new hydro energy deal. It replaces the previous pact that saw power leave the Churchill Falls hydroelectric plant in Labrador at a very low price. The tentative renegotiation will see Quebec pay 30 times the previous price. Premier Andrew Furey and the CBC’s David Cochrane share why the old agreement bred resentment within N.L. for more than 60 years, and how this step forward could change their province forever.

The Vancouver Island marmot — one of Canada’s most endangered species — is making a remarkable population rebound from near-extinction. A conservationist working to save the species tells us about this year’s record arrival of pups, and why the marmots aren’t out of the woods just yet.

Google promises its new “Willow” chip — unveiled this week as the latest update in the field of quantum computers — might someday revolutionize everything from drug discoveries to artificial intelligence. A technology reporter explains what quantum computing is, and why the arms race is on, even though practical uses are still years away.

A little inspiration in the kitchen can go a long way. Three food fanatics share the cookbooks they loved this year, and what cookbooks are good for in the age of 10-minute recipes on Instagram. 

In Syria, celebrating has shifted to planning, as the country maps its future after nearly 14 years of civil war. We hear from a Syrian national once detained by the Assad regime and the CBC’s Margaret Evans about the country’s cautious optimism.

Daniel Leader started selling loaves of bread out of his station wagon four decades ago. Now, the pioneer of the artisanal bread movement is sharing what he’s learned about his craft. Leader tells Matt Galloway about his early loaves — which were more like paperweights — and how the bread baking process is like meditation.

The Bank of Canada cut its interest rate again yesterday — now down to 3.25 per cent. An economist lays out what that means for your debt, our dollar and an economy that’s got Canadians feeling stretched.

Saudi Arabia has been named host of the 2034 World Cup despite a track record of human rights violations. An investigative football journalist tells us why the decision is a “middle finger” to fans of the game.

After Jessica Waite told Matt Galloway about her memoir A Widow’s Guide to Dead Bastards, our listeners shared their own experiences with grief. We hear some listener mail about coping with the loss of a partner — and more from producer Alison Masemann’s trip to Camp Widow.

Donald Trump wants Canada to curb the flow of drugs and migrants southbound across the countries’ shared border. For people living in border communities, what will that look like? We hear from folks whose work and lives straddle the dividing line about the uncertainty Trump’s crackdown brings.

Winter tires are mandatory across Quebec and on mountainous roads in B.C., but in the rest of Canada, the decision rests with drivers. Should that change? A road safety expert weighs in.

As the Canada Post strike enters its fourth week, small businesses and rural communities in particular are feeling the pinch. We hear from entrepreneurs who are losing money — and one who is losing their patience — plus a labour expert who says the strike is only proving the courier to be vital.

At a time when loneliness is described as a public health crisis, can your neighbours be the antidote? We hear from people  who are bringing their communities together, and a researcher who says a simple nod or smile can go a long way in strengthening relationships. 

Immigration Minister Marc Miller pressed pause on private refugee sponsorships — a model that other countries around the world have adopted — until the end of 2025. A refugee who fled persecution in Myanmar, his sponsor and an advocate share their fears about what the pause will mean for displaced people who had been hoping for a fresh start in Canada.

A cancer diagnosis isn’t only terrifying, it's also costly — a new study from the Canadian Cancer Society reveals that the average cancer patient will spend more than $30,000 out of pocket on their treatment. Matt Galloway speaks to one of the study’s authors, and a cancer survivor who had to decide between paying for medication and making rent.

Rebels took control of Syria’s capital on Sunday, sparking celebrations there and around the world, at the end of the Assad family’s 50-year dictatorship. A foreign policy expert says the regime’s swift fall is shocking, and a Syrian-Canadian describes it as a “moment of joy.”

Canada’s new Arctic Foreign Policy, announced on Friday, aims to strengthen Canada’s position in the region as it’s under threat from Russia and climate change. Leaders in Canada’s North say the policy looks good on paper, but are still waiting to see what changes it might hold for people living in the North, where infrastructure is scant and life is expensive.

After seven fishermen disappeared off the coast of Newfoundland this summer, the entire province feared the worst. A regional funeral had already been arranged for the men when the entire crew was found alive. The seven men recount their experience being lost at sea for 52 hours.

Police in Calgary ticketed and towed a street full of RVs — vehicles that people priced out of the housing market had been living in. While a local politician says the motorhome dwellers must move along, an Oregon city facing similar issues took a different approach. Could Canada learn from them?

From cantaloupes to almond milk, hundreds of foods have been recalled this year in Canada. We talk to food safety system experts to understand how confident you should be in the contents of your crisper drawer. 

Notre-Dame reopens this weekend — just five years after fire blazed through the iconic Paris cathedral. A journalist gives us a look inside the rebuilt “people’s palace,” and a Montreal blacksmith who forged the axes used in the reconstruction shares what it means to have left his mark on the 12th-century monument.

Hiker Sam Benastick survived 50 days in the B.C. wilderness, after he got lost while being chased by a wolf. Matt Galloway talks to a search-and-rescue operator who had his own violent encounter with a grizzly bear; and gets some expert advice on surviving in the backcountry.

Mireille Silcoff loves books, but her 12-year-old daughter was more interested in screens than reading. That is, until the author offered her kid $100 to read a novel. Silcoff shares how the deal panned out, and why she’d recommend the tactic to other parents. 

The award-winning documentary No Other Land tells the story of a West Bank community displaced to make way for an Israeli military firing range. Two of its directors, Palestinian Basel Adra and Israeli Yuval Abraham, discuss making the film and the struggle to have this story told in Israel and beyond.

Syria’s civil war has suddenly flared up again, with the rebel Islamist group Hayat Tahir al-Sham launching sweeping attacks and taking control of Aleppo. We look at how President Bashar al-Assad’s regime is responding, and what’s happening to the civilians stuck in the middle.

A recent report sparked widespread concern about black plastic leaching toxic compounds into food, via plastic utensils and containers. But scientist Joe Schwarcz says the research needs another look — and you might not need to dump all your black plastic spatulas and spoons.

Global uncertainty and a relentless news cycle are leading some people to embrace “cosy tech,” — a world of low-stakes, colourful video games to friendly AI companions. But while the trend may seem benign, writer Kyle Chayka says digital cocooning has its downsides.

The rink is like a second home for some during the hockey season, but many Canadians still face obstacles when it comes to getting on the ice. Douglas Gelevan explores where our national sport is falling short in his documentary, Hockey For All.

Australia has banned kids under 16 from social media, but critics say the new law doesn’t engage with the underlying risks of online platforms — and won’t actually stop kids from using them. As Quebec considers a similar ban, what can Canada learn from efforts down under? 

A new survey suggests many coaches still see hazing in sports as important for team building, despite high-profile incidents involving bullying and sexual assault. We talk to coaches and athletes working to change the idea that success in sport comes through suffering.

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Georgia, after the country’s incoming government halted talks to join the European Union. Eurasian expert Stephen Jones says the country is facing rising authoritarianism, and a choice between Europe or Russia.

The Canadian dollar is trading at its lowest level in almost five years. The CBC’s Peter Armstrong talks us through what’s going on, and what might lie ahead for the economy. 

Julie Nystrom was so worried that her teenage daughter would die from a drug overdose, she hired a private investigator to track down the man selling her drugs. She wants police to do more to protect teens against dealers and the toxic drug supply.

Anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been nominated as Donald Trump’s health secretary, prompting concerns about rising vaccine hesitancy and misinformation — both in the U.S. and here in Canada. 

When Jessica Waite’s husband died, she found shocking secrets in a box of his belongings. She writes about the anger she felt — and what it meant for her grief — in her memoir The Widow's Guide To Dead Bastards.

The CBC’s Nora Young has been looking at how medical misinformation spreads online, and how influencers have brought fringe ideas into the mainstream. She shares what she found.

A family of orcas wowed a passenger ferry in Vancouver's False Creek this week. We hear why researchers are also delighted by their unusual adventure into the heart of the city.

As a child Bob McKeown dreamed of winning the Grey Cup and being a reporter like his dad — both dreams he achieved. As the Fifth Estate host prepares to retire after 53 years in journalism, he looks back at a career that includes being punched in the face at an interview, bitten by a shark on camera and threatened with prison time for his work.

Tim Rodger fought hard for compensation when his luggage was damaged on a WestJet flight. But when he won and posted about it online, he was told to take the post down. Some experts say there’s a worrying trend where passengers are being silenced by airlines, their lawyers and even the Canadian Transportation Agency.

People don’t think Graham Isador is losing his sight. They think he’s an asshole.

Short Sighted is an attempt to explain what vision loss feels like by exploring how it sounds.

Written and hosted by master storyteller Graham Isador, the show’s mini episodes are an intimate and irreverent look at accessibility and its personal impacts.

Get lost in someone else’s life. From a mysterious childhood spent on the run, to a courageous escape from domestic violence, each season of Personally invites you to explore the human experience in all its complexity, one story — or season — at a time. This is what it sounds like to be human.

More episodes of Personally are available at: lnk.to/NGDubIQS

Filmmaker Lauren Greenfield convinced a bunch of teenagers to give her full access to their phones, where she saw social media’s impact on young minds in real time. She shares what she saw, what teens told her — and what parents should be worried about — in the documentary series Social Studies.

Ricky Garcia struggled with addiction for years, and fought for laws that would allow people in crisis to be forced into involuntary treatment in his home state of Washington. As ideas around involuntary treatment gain traction in Canada, Julia Wong’s documentary Ricky’s Law explores how the approach is working south of the border.

The prime minister held an emergency meeting with provincial premiers Wednesday, to discuss U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s tariffs threat. N.L. Premier Andrew Furey and N.B. Premier Susan Holt tell Matt Galloway what happened at that meeting. 

Saskatoon punches above its weight as a hub of creativity and culture, but is also grappling with the same problems roiling other Canadian cities. Matt Galloway hosts a special show at a packed Broadway Theatre to meet the people that make life great in the Paris of the Prairies.

First up, singer-songwriter Jeffery Straker performs some music from his new album Great Big Sky, and shares how he recently found out he has a new fan: King Charles III.

Then, literary power couple Yann Martel and Alice Kuipers only intended to live and work in Saskatoon for a year, but they fell in love with the “land of living skies” — and never left.

Plus, Saskatoon’s new Mayor Cynthia Block shares how she’s going to tackle a growing housing and homelessness crisis, and what it means to be the city’s first female mayor.

Also, some of Saskatoon’s biggest comedy stars share where they find their funny. Dakota Ray Hebert looks back at growing up in a trailer park for her new comedy album Trailer Treasure; and viral social media star Farideh lands some laughs about women’s health and being a (sometimes under-appreciated) mother. 

And Indigenous-led tourism is inviting the world to Saskatchewan, telling the story of this place through a distinctly Indigenous lens. Jenni Lessard and Honey Constant-Inglis tell us about the power and understanding that can come from sharing a story — and a meal.

Literary power couple Yann Martel and Alice Kuipers only intended to live and work in Saskatoon for a year, but they fell in love with the “land of living skies” — and never left.

Singer-songwriter Jeffery Straker performs some music from his new album Great Big Sky, and shares how he recently found out he has a new fan: King Charles III.

Some of Saskatoon’s biggest comedy stars share where they find their funny. Dakota Ray Hebert looks back at growing up in a trailer park for her new comedy album Trailer Treasure; and viral social media star Farideh lands some laughs about women’s health and being a (sometimes under-appreciated) mother. 

Saskatoon’s harsh winters are particularly difficult for the city’s homeless population. We meet some of the people grappling with how to help, from providing life-saving shelter to finding lasting solutions that get people back on their feet. 

We look at how farming is changing in Saskatchewan as farms get bigger, the climate shifts — and younger people fight to get a foothold, even as older farmers struggle to pass on their land. 

Steve and Mary Carroll set up the Saskatoon Diving Club 20 years ago, and this year they sent two divers to the Olympics. Matt Galloway heads to the pool to hear how this landlocked city built a world-class diving program — and take in the view from the 10-metre board.

Award-winning author Guy Vanderhaeghe takes us on a tour of Saskatoon to share what people love about the city, and explain why it’s long been a haven for writers and artists.

Nova Scotians go to the polls Tuesday, in a snap election called late last month. Guest host Peter Armstrong talks to voters about what’s shaping their decision, from health care to housing.

Finding a job is increasingly frustrating for young people in Canada, as youth unemployment hovers near a 10-year high. We look at what’s driving the problem, and how to turn it around.

Mats Sundin captained the Toronto Maple Leafs for 11 seasons, and still has more career goals, overtime goals and points than any other Leafs player. In a conversation from last month, he reflects on his NHL career — and why his family was important at every turn.

Former federal justice minister Irwin Cotler has revealed he was the victim of a planned assassination attempt, backed by the government of Iran. The human rights advocate talks to Matt Galloway about living under police protection — and why it won’t stop his outspoken criticism of the Iranian regime, or his efforts to help the people living under it. 

People in Saskatchewan have long trusted meteorologist Terri Lang to steer them through wild weather, from summer tornadoes to walloping snowfalls. She talks to Matt Galloway about retirement, armchair forecasters and why she doesn't tell people at parties what she does.

Rats can drive little cars — and not only that, getting behind the wheel seems to bring them joy. Researcher Kelly Lambert explains why she taught rodents how to burn rubber, and what it might teach us about ourselves. 

The Liberal government announced a GST holiday on everything from alcohol to Christmas trees, plus a $250 cheque for anyone earning less than $150,000. We look at who the temporary tax cut might help more — the public or the governing party — with the CBC’s Rosemary Barton, the Globe and Mail’s Stephanie Levitz and the Toronto Star’s Ryan Tumilty.

Meghan Fahey has shut down her online store selling greeting cards — at her busiest time of year — because the Canada Post strike means she can’t deliver to her customers. We look at the strike’s impact on small businesses; the sticking points between the two sides; and why some observers say it’s time for Canada Post to change its mandate.

Imagine powering your home by tapping into the relentless energy of the ocean’s waves. Scientists in Oregon are trying to make that dream a reality, testing devices that could turn the motion of the ocean into a staggering amount of electricity. 

International law has been replaced by the law of the jungle when it comes to Israel’s offensive in Gaza, says Palestinian human rights lawyer Raji Sourani. He wants the international community to hold Israel to account and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Palestinians.

The CBC's Susan Ormiston joins us from the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, where the clock is ticking for negotiators to reach a deal to finance years of climate pledges. 

Climate change is fuelling a spike in human trafficking in India's West Bengal region. The CBC's South Asia correspondent Salimah Shivji explains how dramatic shifts in climate are wreaking enormous change in peoples' livelihoods and safety.

Tracy Gomez says perimenopause turned her life upside down and eventually cost her her job — and she's not alone. A new B.C. study of more than 1,500 women looks at the economic impacts of menopause and perimenopause, and the barriers to getting treatment.

A new study says three quarters of adults in the U.S. are obese or overweight, while figures put two thirds of Canadians into the same category. We look at what’s contributing to our collective weight gain and how to tackle the growing problem of obesity. 

Some teachers say kids are just plain ruder these days, with a sharp increase in interruptions and outbursts in the classroom. We look at what’s driving that incivility, and what it means for these kids’ education and the adults they’ll become. 

Ukraine fired long-range, U.S.-made missiles into Russia for the first time, after outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden gave the green light. We look at how Russia might respond, and what Trump’s incoming presidency will mean for the war. 

Florida mother Megan Garcia believes an AI chatbot led her 14-year-old son to take his own life. Now she's suing Google and Character.ai, the company behind the digital companion.

From Harry Styles, to Dev Patel, to Jeremy Allen White — dozens of celebrity lookalike competitions have popped up in recent weeks. But why are doppelgängers all the rage, when they used to be a sign of bad luck? Nathaniël Siri and Edward Toledo are two lookalikes who say that they share similar interests and traits. However, a psychologist says not all doppelgängers share much in common aside from their looks.

As the addiction crisis continues to affect people and communities across Canada, some political leaders say that involuntary treatment can help those with severe mental illness or addiction get the care they need. Others say that getting help should always be a choice, made by individuals in consultation with their healthcare providers and loved ones. We hear from one mayor who wants his city to be considered for any future involuntary care pilot projects. 

Nine wealthy Canadian families and foundations have committed a total of $405 million over the next ten years to help with the climate change fight. The donors say that addressing the complex issue of climate change is multifaceted, and their funding is just the ‘one domino that gets things going.’ 

The Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz predicts economic chaos under Trump, but says he also understands why many people feel that the system isn't working for them — and why they voted for change. He talks to Matt Galloway about inequality, Elon Musk and a more progressive form of capitalism.

Shawndra Whaley says she cried and cried at Taylor Swift’s concert in Toronto Thursday, overcome by the emotions of being with thousands of other Swifties. We look at why the singer inspires such passion in her fans — including Dawn Johnston, a professor who has lectured on the cultural importance of the singer, and is a bit of a Swiftie herself.

My Little Pony is being inducted into The National Toy Hall of Fame, along with Transformers and the card game Phase 10. Chris Bensch, chief curator at The Strong Museum of Play, explains why these vintage toys have had such a lasting influence. 

Millions of people shared their DNA with 23andMe, but now the company is in financial trouble and shedding 40 per cent of its workforce. What does that mean for all the genetic information the company holds?

A B.C. teenager is in critical condition with bird flu, in what's believed to be the first domestically acquired case of H5N1 avian influenza in Canada. With the source of the infection still unknown, we look at the possibility of a wider outbreak — and what people can do to reduce that risk. [CORRECTION: A previous version of this story said this was the first human case of avian influenza caught in Canada. In fact, the case is the first domestically acquired case of H5N1 avian influenza in this country. Two poultry farm workers in B.C.'s Fraser Valley fell ill with H7N3 avian influenza during an outbreak in 2004.]

We look at the rich history and allure of butter, amid news that thieves in Ontario are stealing it in bulk to sell on the black market. 

Last month the Assembly of First Nations voted down a draft agreement with the federal government on child welfare reform, worth $47.8 billion. Matt Galloway talks to Chief Derek Nepinak, who says his community needed this agreement; and advocate Cindy Blackstock, who says the goal isn’t a perfect deal, but a just one.

Christine Harron, a book-loving teenager from Hanover, Ontario, leaves for school in the spring of 1993 and is never seen again. A suspect emerges, confessing to her murder, but the case falls apart and Christine's family are left without answers.

In Season 9 of the award winning podcast Someone Knows Something, David Ridgen, along with Christine's mother, reopen the investigation and come face to face with the man who said he killed Chrissy.

Someone Knows Something is the investigative true crime series by award-winning documentarian David Ridgen. Each season tackles an unsolved case, uncovering details and bringing closure to families.

More episodes of Someone Knows Something are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/Agj3dQwc

Emily Quint waited months for the trial of the man she alleges sexually assaulted her, but the case was stayed after it took too long to be heard. That was based on the strict time limits laid out in the Supreme Court’s so-called Jordan decision, which Quint says is more concerned with the rights of accused perpetrators of violence than the rights of survivors. 

Christine Harron was 15 when she disappeared from Hanover, Ont., in 1993. Her mother Mary Ann has struggled to find answers ever since, and has now teamed up with investigative filmmaker David Ridgen to find answers in the new season of CBC podcast Someone Knows Something.

Adam Pettle has struggled with a gambling addiction since he was a teenager, eventually racking up debts that forced him to sell his family home. The recent boom in online sports betting made Pettle feel like he had a racetrack in his pocket 24/7, and a new report warns that the industry is creating a public health crisis that should be treated like alcohol and tobacco.

Jas Arora’s life was turned upside down by phone calls from strangers demanding money and threatening violence if he didn’t pay up. He’s not alone. The CBC documentary Our House explores threats and extortion targeting members of the South Asian community in Canada, and why the RCMP alleges the criminals have links to India’s government. 

Ten Indigenous people have been killed during interactions with police since August, prompting calls for a national inquiry. Matt Galloway talks to Nadalie Saddleback, whose 15-year-old grandson Hoss Lightning was fatally shot by the RCMP three months ago. 

At 91, the great Willie Nelson has released his 153rd album — and shows no signs of slowing down. Music journalist John Spong has ranked all 153 of those records and explores the artist’s story in the podcast, One By Willie.

Sonia and Guy d'Artois were part of a secret force that parachuted into occupied France to help fight Nazis during the Second World War. In May, Nahlah Ayed told the story of their love affair — and their mission behind enemy lines — in her book, The War We Won Apart.

About 30 veterans have graduated so far from Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in Ottawa, thanks to a Veterans Affairs Canada education and training benefit. Graduates Frank Ouellette and Melissa Paris share how cooking has helped them heal, find purpose and move forward after their military service. 

The COP29 climate summit begins today, with uncertainty about the impact U.S. president-elect Donald Trump will have on climate change policy. Matt Galloway talks to a panel of climate experts about what could happen if the U.S. retreats from the fight, and what roles the international community should take on. 

There have been violent confrontations between Sikh separatists and Hindu nationalists outside temples in B.C. and Ontario. We look at what's behind the protests, how the diaspora here is responding and what it will take to turn down the temperature.

Some Ontario mayors are asking Premier Doug Ford to invoke the notwithstanding clause so they can clear homeless encampments in their cities. Matt Galloway talks to Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, who signed the letter; and Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, who says the solution lies elsewhere.

Younger men voted for Donald Trump in big numbers, perhaps influenced by endorsements from ultra-popular podcasters like Joe Rogan and Lex Fridman. Journalist Rebecca Jennings explains how podcasters and influencers are shaking up the political ecosystem — and eclipsing mainstream media.

What is it about air travel that prompts so many people to behave so badly? As one airline tries measures to shame passengers who jump the boarding queue, we ask an etiquette expert about the dos, don’ts and absolutely nots of air travel.

U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has promised an America-first approach to trade, with huge tariffs to back it up. What can Ottawa do to protect Canada’s economy?