Journalist Tim Mak was there on day one of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He was NPR's war correspondent and most recently returned on his own as an independent journalist, founding the newsletter, "The Counteroffensive." From Ukraine news fatigue to how the human stories of the war need to be told, and the recent U.S. aid package, he gives us a glimpse into life in Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has the West Forgotten the Ukraine War?

The Agenda with Steve Paikin is TVO's flagship current affairs program - devoted to exploring the social, political, cultural and economic issues that are changing our world, at home and abroad. The Agenda airs weeknights at 8:00 PM EST on TVO - Canada's largest educational broadcaster.

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Pride celebrations in Ontario have transformed since the first "Gay Day Picnic" on Hanlan's point in August 1971. Toronto's Pride parade estimated over 2 million spectators last year. As corporate participation increases and celebrations become more mainstream, has pride strayed from its roots as a place of protest? And, are pride celebrations really a place where everyone can freely express themselves?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Has Pride Changed?

Requests for asylum in Canada from 2SLGBTQIA+ refugees are popping up from every corner of the globe, driven by hostile environments and laws targeting the community. The Canadian government has partnered with civil society organizations to welcome those facing persecution in their own countries, but are we and other states doing enough to protect this vulnerable minority? For insight, we welcome:
 Aleks Selim Dughman Manzur (they/them), co-executive director at Rainbow Refugee Society; Adrienne Smith (she/her), principal lawyer at Smith Immigration Law;
 Bali Ali (they/them), queer human rights defender; Devon Matthews (she/they), head of programs at Rainbow Railroad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding Safe Haven for LGBTQ+ Refugees

Noah Irvine was just five when his mother died by suicide, and just 15 when his father passed away after an accidental prescription drug overdose. Now Noah has made it his mission to change the way Canada cares for people struggling with mental health challenges and addiction. In addition to writing over two thousand letters to elected officials across the country, Noah has memorialized his parents, his journey, and his vision for the future in his book, "Learning to Live."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Grieving Son's Fight for Better Mental Health Care

It was truly one of the greatest moments in Canadian history. Ben Johnson sprinted his way into the record books with an astonishing 9.79-second 100-metre dash at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. But his gold medal memories didn't last. Johnson tested positive for banned steroid use and lost his gold. Journalist Mary Ormsby takes us back to those emotional days but follows up with some probing questions about what else was going on with the other runners in that race. She chronicles it all in her book, "The Incredible Life of Ben Johnson: World's Fastest Man*" Steve Paikin talks to both the athlete and the author.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is It Possible to Railroad a Guilty Man?

Travelling from one end of the province to another is not an experience many Ontarians undertake. And, if they did, it seems that a car would probably be one of the best ways to get around. But what if you don't have a car or don't want to use one? Train services are not frequent enough, buses might not get you exactly where you need to go. Flights are expensive and beyond reach of many everyday Canadians. Places all over the world have embraced a more transit-friendly approach, so what's a province to do to get to the same level. We ask four transit and transportation experts to weigh in on how difficult it is to get around in the country's second-largest province and what can be done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has the West Forgotten the Ukraine War?

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