Beyond the Headlines

The 2025 federal election comes at a critical juncture for Canada, with national conversations focusing on major challenges such as the rising cost of living, climate action, infrastructure development, and government transparency. These pressing issues are shaping the platforms of candidates and nomination contestants alike as they propose solutions to address Canadians' most urgent concerns. Affordability remains a top priority for many voters. Across the country, rising housing costs, inflation, and stagnant wages are creating economic pressures that require immediate attention. Proposals to increase housing supply through policy reforms and interprovincial cooperation have gained traction as potential remedies to the housing crisis. Similarly, Canada’s response to climate change is a key election theme, with debates surrounding carbon taxes, investments in renewable energy, and efforts to modernize public infrastructure. Infrastructure development is another pressing concern, as outdated systems hinder economic growth and connectivity. Calls for modernization, including the introduction of high-speed rail and improved interprovincial trade networks, reflect the need for long-term solutions to these challenges. Meanwhile, institutional transparency and accountability are under scrutiny, with Canadians demanding reforms to government systems, particularly around access to information and decision-making processes. Amid these broader national issues, local nomination contests are determining who will represent Canadians in Parliament. In Burlington, Connor Fraser is campaigning for the Conservative Party nomination. With a professional background in engineering, finance, and public policy, Fraser has centered his platform on addressing housing affordability, economic modernization, and public safety. He has also emphasized the importance of transparency in governance and collaboration between federal and provincial governments to reduce trade barriers and strengthen economic competitiveness. As Canadians prepare to head to the polls, the choices made at both the nomination and federal election levels will shape the nation’s path forward. These decisions will influence how Canada addresses its critical challenges and builds a future that balances sustainability, affordability, and prosperity for all. Produced by: Julia Brahy CIUT 89.5 FM, Toronto’s only independent, open-format radio station, is hosting its Fall Fundraising Campaign from November 18th to November 24th, 2024, with a goal of raising $100,000 to keep this vital community resource thriving. Powered by over 80 unique hosts, CIUT delivers diverse programming that reflects the heart of our city. Your support ensures this unique platform remains accessible to all—donations can be made online at www.ciut.fm or by calling 416-946-7800 (local) or 1-888-204-8976 (toll-free). Contributions of $89.50 or more grant membership, while a $500 donation lets you host a two-hour music show; all donors receive a retro glow-in-the-dark t-shirt as a token of appreciation. Help us keep The Sound of Your City alive!

The re-election of Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election marks a pivotal moment in American politics, raising critical questions about the future of democracy, social policy, and international relations. With a strong conservative base and renewed Republican control in Congress, Trump's second term is likely to bring significant shifts to key areas such as reproductive rights, civil liberties, and the role of federal institutions.   This election has underscored deepening divides across American society, with shifting support among white male, white female, and Latino voters signaling evolving priorities and a complex response to Trump's policies. Additionally, his victory has implications that extend beyond U.S. borders, potentially reshaping America's commitments to allies and its positions on conflicts such as Ukraine and Israel-Gaza. In today’s episode, we explore both the domestic and international implications of a second Trump presidency with this week’s special guests.   Joining us first is Professor Matthew Lebo, a distinguished scholar in political science from the University of Western Ontario, where he co-directs the Centre for Computational and Quantitative Social Science. Professor Lebo's expertise lies in political methodology and American politics, with a focus on national institutions, political behavior, parties, and public opinion. Professor Lebo is the author of Strategic Party Government: Why Winning Trumps Ideology (2017), and his upcoming book, A Practical Guide to Time Series, will be published by Cambridge University Press in 2025. His work has been featured in over 35 top political science journals, including the American Journal of Political Science and the Journal of Politics. Professor Lebo has also held notable roles as department chair both at Western and SUNY-Stony Brook, where he founded the Center for Behavioural Political Economy. Throughout his career, he has held prestigious appointments, including a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard, an Academic Visitor role at Oxford, and Visiting Professor positions at the University of Toronto and, currently, McGill University.   Our second guest this week is Professor Lawrence LeDuc, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Toronto. Professor LeDuc's work has made an influential mark in the fields of Canadian and comparative political behavior, with a special focus on political parties, elections, and research methods. Among his published works are key titles such as Absent Mandate: Strategies and Choices in Canadian Elections (2019), Comparing Democracies: Elections and Voting in a Changing World (2014), and Dynasties and Interludes: Past and Present in Canadian Electoral Politics (2016). His research has also appeared in respected journals, including Electoral Studies, Party Politics, and the American Political Science Review. In recognition of his contributions, Professor LeDuc was awarded the Mildred A. Schwartz Lifetime Achievement Award in Canadian Politics by the American Political Science Association in 2015.    Produced by: Julia Brahy

One's identity frequently serves as a cornerstone for one's sense of belonging, often intertwined with their traditions and heritage. The case of Iberian Jews compelled to convert to Christianity, underscores their remarkable duality and resilience required to uphold their traditions and beliefs. These covert observances, deemed as Judaizing, were punishable by severe penalties, including execution by Inquisitional authorities in Spain and Portugal. The legacy of these Crypto-Jews persists in their descendants to this day.

India is playing an increasingly important role on the global stage, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Now the world's most populous country, India is in the midst of its largest general elections, with a staggering 969 million eligible voters, making it the biggest election the world has ever seen. While experiencing rapid economic growth and projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030, India is also facing concerns about the curtailment of democratic freedoms and minority rights and the rise of Hindu nationalism.  In this week's episode, we delve into the complexities of India's current political environment, from the reshaping of its domestic politics to its strategic importance on the global stage.  In the first part, I speak with Professor Sumit Ganguly to explore the last decade of India's domestic political landscape under the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party and PM Narendra Modi. We also examine the significance of Prime Minister Modi's larger-than-life persona, as well as concerns about democratic backsliding. The second part of the episode is focused on India's foreign policy and diplomacy. Professor TV Paul shares insights on Ind ia's more assertive and globally engaged approach to international relations, and examines its evolving relationships with key partners.  Further Reading: Ascending India and Its State Capacity (Yale University Press, 2017) The Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi (New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2024)

In our upcoming episode, we embark on a journey through the intricate realm of sustainable innovation and carbon markets, illuminating their profound significance in sculpting a pathway towards a net-zero future in the 21st century. As the spectre of climate change looms large, confronting humanity with unprecedented environmental challenges, the imperative to curtail carbon emissions has emerged as a paramount concern. Against this backdrop, carbon markets stand as a beacon of hope, offering a multifaceted approach to not only mitigate emissions but also spur ingenuity and progress. Through the lens of this episode, we endeavour to unravel the complexities surrounding carbon market development, shedding light on the latest advancements and ingenious solutions that are propelling sustainability to the forefront of global discourse. From innovative technologies to transformative policies, we delve into the diverse array of strategies deployed to catalyze emission reductions and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of carbon markets, uncovering their transformative potential to reshape our trajectory towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. To tackle this issue head on, we have invited Professor Jim Whitestone of the University of Toronto and Mrs. Adi Dunkelman from ClearBlue Markets to shed better light on this topic.

In a day and age where technological innovation and information processing systems are driving economic development in society, there exists a frontier that promises to redefine the very fabric of computation. Welcome to Quantum Computing. In today’s Beyond the Headlines Podcast join us as we unravel and explore the future of how the principles of Quantum computing can revolutionize the way we process information. From groundbreaking research to real-world applications, we'll navigate through the complexities of quantum mechanics and discuss the incredible potential and challenges of this cutting-edge technology. As policymakers grapple with the implications of quantum computing for global security, specifically in the context of privacy issues, and for the global economy, this BTH podcast seeks to ask the crucial queries about how this transformative technology may shape future policies and regulations.

In today’s episode, we delve deep into the critical issues surrounding gender equality in Canada, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the major challenges and developments in gender equality, paying special attention to the disturbing rise in gender-based violence during this period and how it varies across different regions in the country. Our conversation then extends to examining areas where Canada shows promising signs of gender equality, along with an in-depth look at the care economy. We discuss Canada's response to the care economy during and after the pandemic, comparing it with global best practices.   Content warning: Please be aware that in this episode, we will be discussing topics related to gender-based violence, which might be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

*Trigger Warning: This episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive, and potentially triggering themes including institutionalized modes of oppression, sexual violence, and violence against children.   Today’s episode delves into the history and enduring consequences of Canada's residential school system. With a focus on understanding the systemic abuses inflicted upon Indigenous children and communities, we examine the roots of the residential school system and its devastating effects on Indigenous cultures and identities. In the first segment, Kaila Johnston provides an overview of the history of residential schools in Canada, discussing their role within the broader context of colonialism and the suppression of Indigenous cultures. She also explains the methods used within the system to suppress Indigenous languages and cultures and clarifies the term "cultural genocide." Kaila addresses common misunderstandings about residential schools, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their impact on Indigenous communities. Tyler Pennock then discusses the long-term impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities, focusing on intergenerational trauma and cultural loss. They emphasize the crucial need for Canadians to acknowledge and confront the truth of residential schools for reconciliation. Tyler also discusses Indigenous storytelling and knowledge, providing guidance for non-Indigenous Canadians seeking to educate themselves further.    Further resources: Residential School history. Learn whose land you are on. Justice, D., Carleton, S., Truth before reconciliation: 8 ways to identify and confront Residential School denialism (mentioned by Kaila). Tyler Pennock’s website. Indian Horse’s movie trailer (mentioned by Kaila). Books for adults on the topic of residential schools.

This episode examines China’s dramatic transformation over recent decades, transitioning from rapid economic growth and liberalization, particularly post its 2001 WTO accession, to a phase of increased tensions with Western nations. This shift, amidst rising geopolitical tensions and internal policy shifts, demands a deeper, more nuanced understanding that goes beyond traditional top-down analyses. The focus is on a bottom-up approach that prioritizes gaining insights directly from individuals who have been actively involved in and have firsthand experience of these changes. This narrative offers a concise yet comprehensive view of China's changing role in the global landscape and its complex implications both at home and abroad.

It has now been two years since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine. Last year, in February 2023, there was a prevailing sense of optimism and hope as the Ukrainian armed forces were able to hold back the Russian advance and even reclaim large swaths of territory. Now, 12 months later, that sense of optimism has been diminished to a great extent. Disappointing results from the Ukrainian fall counteroffensive along with stiff Russian defenses has left the battlelines in Ukraine largely unchanged. Furthermore, faltering Western support, most notably from the, United States and some European countries risks depriving Ukraine of crucially needed funds, equipment, and ammunition.  Through a conversation with Janice Stein from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, the first segment will discuss the most important developments of the war in the last year as well as the Ukrainian, Russian, and North American perspectives of the war.  In the second segment, we have a discussion with Andres Kasekamp, also from Munk School. This segment puts emphasis on the European point of view of the war and goes into more detail on the broader political trends that Europe faces right now.

The global decline in fertility rates poses significant challenges for socio-economic structures, with Canada experiencing a notable decrease that mirrors this worldwide trend. This reduction in birth rates leads to an aging population, straining healthcare, pension systems, and altering workforce dynamics. In Canada, the fall in fertility rates necessitates a reevaluation of immigration policies to counterbalance demographic shifts and maintain economic growth. The decline also prompts concerns about the sustainability of social support systems, as a smaller working-age population may struggle to support an increasing number of retirees. Addressing these implications requires comprehensive policy planning and international cooperation to adapt to the changing demographic landscape.

*Trigger Warning: this episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive and potentially triggering themes including sexual violence, torture, and death.* The Japanese Military Sexual Slavery, known as the “Comfort women” history refers to the system of sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese government during World War II. From 1931 and 1945, between 50,000 and 200,000 girls and women across the Asia Pacific, were forced into sexual servitude where they were raped and abused by the Japanese military. Despite the history having gained international attention as survivors came forward to share their stories, it remains largely unknown and silenced. Regardless, survivors and human rights activists have fought to raise awareness and have demanded appropriate redress, aiming not only for future generations to be accurately educated about this dark history, but also so that this crime against humanity is not repeated. In the first segment, Woohee Kim will provide the audience with a comprehensive understanding of the “comfort women” issue, exploring its historical background during World War II and addressing the current challenges faced by the survivors.  We then delve into what it means to appropriately address this issue and promote reconciliation. In the second segment, Phyllis Kim also explores the significance of the Peace monuments in raising awareness around the 'comfort women' issue and provides insights into the activist journey of Grandmother Lee Yong-Soo. We finish with Miki Dezaki, who helps us in debunking the 'comfort women' issue being dismissed as solely a political and emotional topic. He explores the significance of the silencing and denialism of such history and how we can overcome these challenges and achieve resolution and reconciliation through informed and respectful discourse. Further Resources: A compiled list of resources on the Japanese Military Sexual Slavery issue: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mFfRsEkUBMXXL9SjVxxJDamgU3XbcRGHcCmZkrKBKA4/edit?usp=sharing CARE (Comfort Women Action) and their work: https://comfortwomenaction.org/ Women’s Active Museum on War and Peace: https://wam-peace.org/en/ Miki’s film, Shusenjo: The Main Battleground of the Comfort Women Issue:  https://www.amazon.com/Shusenjo-Comfort-Women-Japans-History/dp/B08SHLLN9T Shusenjo: The Main Battleground of Comfort Women IssueApple TVhttps://tv.apple.com › movie › shusenjo-the-main-battl… For insights into the movement: Embodied Reckonings: “Comfort Women," Performance, and Transpacific Redress by Elizabeth Son  For insights into the history: Comfort Women: Sexual Slavery in the Japanese Military during World War II by Yoshimi Yoshiaki For survivors’ testimonies: Stories That Make History: The Experience and Memories of the Japanese Military Comfort Girls-Women

Climate justice is once again making headlines. On today's episode, we sit down with Assistant Professor Hanna Morris and Professor Kariuki Karagia from the University of Toronto to discuss climate change as an intersectional barrier to social justice. This episode is a collaboration with the Munk School Environmental Working Group. The EWG is a student-led organization that aims to raise the profile of environment, sustainability, and climate-related issues at the Munk School, while providing a platform for students to explore the intersections of sustainability, environmental policy, and climate change as they relate to other pillars of public policy and global affairs.

The majority of Canadians, about 3 out of 4, live in one of Canada's large urban centres and Canadian Downtowns are growing more rapidly than ever before.  In the rise of pressing urban policy issues like housing affordability, transportation, climate change and resilience, and social equity and inclusion, how do we imagine the future of our urban centers?  Today, we will turn to two experts to dissect their experiences working at two of the country’s largest cities: Vancouver, BC and Toronto, Ontario.

In 2015, 193 member countries of the United Nations agreed to 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), to be achieved by 2030. The SDGs are meant to be a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity by improving health and education, reducing inequality, and spurring economic growth – all while tackling climate change and preserving our environment. Now that it’s 2023, the clock is ticking, and the road to 2030 is at its halfway point. That raises the question: are these goals still within reach? Or is this an impossible dream? A Young Diplomats of Canada (YDC) delegation comprising of four Canadian youth made it their mission to answer this question when they attended the annual High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development, which is the central UN platform for the follow-up and review of the SDGs. In just a moment, you will hear from these YDC delegates as they chat about where Canada’s progress is with the 2030 SDGs, what it’s like to participate in a UN conference of this magnitude, and some of the key trends to look out for as the clock to 2030 counts down.

Today, we’re honing in on the topic of the housing crisis and how Toronto can remain a resilient city in the future. Every level of government and nonprofits are working toward finding the best method to resolve the pressing housing crisis for the future generations. Jad El Ghali from New Majority will bring the perspective on the housing crisis and the challenges they are facing as they work with youth for their future.

The Israel-Hamas war has taken an immense toll on both sides and caused thousands of casualties. As difficult of a topic as this is, shedding light on this war, with an objective and critical lens, is a vital endeavor in the hope that history should never repeat itself in this way again.   Today, we take a step back to discuss the histories in the region and the rise of Hamas to power, through to the present-day. For our guest today, we welcome Mr. Jon Allen, and professor Alejandro Paz to help us get a better understanding about the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas Conflict and how insurrection groups like Hamas rose into power in the region.    Before we begin this episode, our hearts here at Beyond the Headlines go out towards those who have suffered and lost tremendously through this war, from both sides. Any statements we make in this episode are rooted in empathy and a desire for peace. Our focus is on fostering understanding, compassion, and support for those affected by the devastating consequences of war. We understand that this is a difficult topic, so we welcome conversations on Twitter/X (@Byond_Headlines), or by reaching out to us on Instagram @beyondtheheadlines. We are listening.

This week's episode dives into the BRI's evolution over the last ten years where we take a closer look at BRI's as a tool of China's foreign policy, its impacts in the Global South, and its ongoing recalibration.   Note: The figure at 39:03 is supposed to be $170 billion. “The African Development Bank estimates that Africa will need $170 billion a year to fill its infrastructure gap”.

Ontario has launched a new initiative called Roadmap to Wellness, which aims to develop a comprehensive and connected mental health and addiction system for the region. Over 1 million Ontarians face mental health and addiction issues each year, and the system faces challenges including long wait times, service fragmentation, and lack of evidence-based funding. We spoke with our Allyson Theodorou about Ontario’s Roadmap to Wellness and the role of peer support in the mental health and addiction sector.

Are Canadian students being set up for success as adults in a democratic society? A functional democracy requires its citizens to participate fully in its collective institutions, which exist to serve the public interest and create public value. In this episode, we are looking at the role that civics education plays in creating a healthy, happy society. We believe that a strong civics education provides up & coming citizens with the relevant knowledge and toolsets necessary for participating respectfully in the political process to achieve the social outcomes that they want. Some observers claim that current civics curricula are inadequate in preparing students for their adult roles as civic participants.    In this episode, we have invited two experts to join us for a conversation about the role of civics education in contemporary democracies. Our first guest, Rebecca Rajcak, will speak about the landscape of the modern civics classroom in Ontario, and what could be improved, from an educator's perspective. Our second speaker, Dimitri Pavlounis, will join at 11:30 to discuss the role of civics education more broadly, how civics education is linked to democratic outcomes, and his work with CIVIX - a non-profit organization which leads the popular student vote programs in civics classrooms across Canada.   Further Reading:   Hess, D. E., & McAvoy, P. (2014). The political classroom: Evidence and ethics in democratic education. Routledge.   Pavlounis, D., Johnston, J., Brodsky, J., & Brooks, P. The Digital Media Literacy Gap: How to build widespread resilience to false and misleading information using evidence-based classroom tools. CIVIX Canada, November 2021.   Guests:   Rebecca Rajcak is Program Leader of English, Canada & World Studies, Social Sciences & Humanities, First Nations, Métis & Inuit Studies, and Library Services at a high school in Burlington. She teaches English, Civics and Careers, special education, and I-STEM classes. She holds a Master’s Degree in Literature from Queen’s University, as well as Bachelor degrees in English (UofW) and Education (Western). Rebecca is a dedicated and passionate anti-colonial, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive educator, and chairs as a mentor on her school’s student Equity Club.   Dimitri Pavlounis is the Research Director at CIVIX, a Canadian educational charity dedicated to building the skills and habits of active and informed citizenship among youth through experiential learning opportunities. He recently helped lead a large-scale national evaluation of CTRL-F, a digital literacy program aimed at helping students navigate our polluted information environment. Prior to joining CIVIX, he completed his PhD in Media Studies at the University of Michigan and taught numerous courses in media studies and digital studies at colleges and universities in the U.S.   Producers:   Connor Fraser - Executive Producer   Maria Cvetkova - Junior Producer