The Current

This episode examines the escalating trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., specifically focusing on the 50% tariffs threatened by Donald Trump. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt discusses the economic impact of these threats, the importance of provincial unity as 'Team Canada,' and the decision to maintain bans on certain U.S. alcohol products. Reporter David Cochran further explores the alignment between Canadian premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding trade pressures. The discussion highlights how U.S. tariffs are strategically targeting specific provinces to exploit fault lines in Canadian federalism while the Prime Minister seeks a comprehensive agreement.

This episode explores the lasting impact of the FIFA Men's World Cup on soccer interest in Canada, noting significant increases in player registrations in regions like Vancouver and Ontario. However, this growing demand has highlighted an urgent need for more infrastructure, such as artificial turf and field space. Mark Kohan, board chair of the Northern Super League, discusses leveraging World Cup momentum to invest in Canadian soccer infrastructure and domestic leagues. He emphasizes a public-private partnership model and the importance of creating professional pathways to ensure talented players can remain in Canada.

This episode features an interview with wildland fire ecologist Bob Gray and a discussion with professor Jen Beverly regarding wildfire management in Canada. The conversation explores the effectiveness of prescribed burns, the challenges of managing vast, inaccessible boreal forests, and the importance of upfront mitigation versus reactive response. The discussion further examines Canada's boreal forest as a fire-adapted ecosystem and explores strategies for protecting vulnerable populations from wildfire smoke. While extreme weather is driving larger fires, the conversation notes that many communities are showing resilience through fire-smart practices.

This episode explores the proposal for a voluntary national service year in Canada, designed to combat high youth unemployment and significant skill gaps. Senator Farah Mohamed and researcher Ilona Doherty discuss how such a program could provide essential work experience and address economic challenges. The discussion highlights that the primary issue for youth is often a lack of hands-on experience rather than a lack of skills. The guests emphasize that scaling such a program requires significant investment in infrastructure and community organizations to avoid negative outcomes, while warning of the long-term social and economic risks of failing to address youth unemployment.

In this episode of The Current Podcast, host Matt Galloway and foreign correspondent Katie Simpson discuss the escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada. Following an announcement from Donald Trump regarding 50% tariffs on various Canadian goods—including dairy, wood, cement, and even hockey sticks—the discussion explores the motivations behind these protectionist measures. The segment examines the use of Section 338 tariffs as a pressure tactic to extract concessions during ongoing CUSMA negotiations and investigates the potential economic impact on both small businesses and American consumers facing rising inflation.

Business journalist Eduardo Garcia and Business Council of Canada CEO Goldie Heider discuss the trade uncertainties surrounding the USMCA, focusing on the impact of tariffs, investment chills, and complex North American supply chains. The discussion covers how trade instability is hindering new investments in Mexico and highlights concerns regarding transshipment from China. Heider further explores the current impasse in USMCA negotiations, emphasizing that Canada has made significant concessions and is seeking a deal that avoids further unilateral sacrifices. She notes that broader national security issues, such as NORAD and F-35 purchases, are central to the relationship with the U.S. and could serve as leverage to resolve trade logjams.

This episode of The Current Podcast features an interview with Lawrence Wamakamik, Chief of the White Sand First Nation, regarding the devastating wildfires in Northern Ontario. As nearly 200 wildfires burn across the region, entire communities have been forced to evacuate, leaving residents in temporary accommodations in Thunder Bay and beyond. The discussion covers the immediate impact of the evacuations, the anxiety surrounding the proximity of the fires to homes, and the lack of timely communication from provincial authorities during the crisis. Chief Wamakamik also addresses the challenges faced by evacuees, including the strain on local resources and the need for financial support to cover evacuation costs. The episode highlights the tension between community leaders and government responses at both the provincial and federal levels, while noting the solidarity shown by other First Nations in providing aid to those displaced.

This episode follows a reporter on the ship Atlantis as researchers use advanced 3D mapping technology and submersibles to explore the wreckage of the Quest, the final voyage ship of Sir Ernest Shackleton. The expedition examines the historical significance of these legendary shipwrecks and their ecological impact. The discussion delves into the scientific value of underwater wreck exploration, specifically how studying man-made structures helps understand marine ecosystem impacts. The episode also explores the history of Robert Falcon Scott's Terra Nova expedition, compares the leadership styles of Scott and Shackleton, and reflects on the enduring human drive to explore both space and the deep ocean.