Closer Look

How widespread is human trafficking in Canada? Two new reports offer the clearest evidence yet.

According to Statistics Canada, more than 5,000 incidents of human trafficking were reported to police between 2014 and 2024, for a national average of 1.2 per 100,000 people. Among the provinces and territories, Ontario recorded the second-highest rate.

The StatsCan analysis comes on the heels of another alarming report from The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, which revealed that annual calls to its hotline reached an all-time high. In 2024, the centre fielded more than 5,100 calls from victims, survivors and others affected by human trafficking — an average of 14 calls every day.

Joining us on tonight’s Closer Look to talk about the latest numbers, what they reveal — and what more can be done to help victims — is Julia Drydyk, executive director of the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking.

More information about the hotline (1-833-900-1010) can be found HERE.

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is [email protected].

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Imagine looking at a billboard — then realizing it’s watching you back.

That’s exactly what’s happening near Union Station in Toronto, where certain signs are outfitted with small cameras that record every person walking by. Known as anonymous video analytics (AVA), the technology generates stats about people’s estimated age and gender, then uses that information to determine which kind of ads to display.

The company behind the billboards, Cineplex Digital Media, is adamant that nobody’s image is stored or shared. In fact, if someone turns away from the camera and comes back, the company insists the device will think they’re a new person.

But those assurances aren’t nearly enough for many concerned commuters, who want the signs removed because of potential privacy violations. This week, Canada’s Privacy Commissioner launched an official investigation.

Among those demanding the removal of the billboards is Technologists for Democracy, a newly formed organization that advocates for the responsible use of emerging tech, including AI. Adam Motaouakkil, one of the group’s organizers, is our guest on tonight’s episode of Village Media’s Closer Look podcast.

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is [email protected].

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Cheers to charity? That’s what the Ford government is being urged to do.

For months, the LCBO has been sitting on an $80-million stockpile of U.S. booze — all of it yanked off store shelves back in March as retaliation for Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

The Ontario Liberals are now calling on the province to sell all that bourbon, wine and spritzers and donate the money to charitable causes — following the lead of other provinces, including Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

The Ford government hasn’t completely ruled out the idea, saying it’s “currently exploring options for the products.”

“It seems like a no-brainer,” says Tom Cooper, a business professor at Memorial University in Newfoundland and Labrador, one of the growing number of provinces selling its U.S. alcohol to benefit food banks.

“I would encourage the Ford government, the Conservatives, to do this,” he continued. “It’s a good political win for them to say: ‘Look, we took a hard line. We've been leading the opposition in Canada around the tariffs, but we decided to try and help some groups that really are trying to do good in the community.’”

Cooper is our guest on tonight’s episode of Village Media’s Closer Look podcast. Fill a glass and enjoy the show.

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is [email protected].

Reach out to Frisco and Scott

For more than four decades, Joe Bowen’s unmistakable voice has been the soundtrack of Leafs Nation. But this season will be the last of his legendary career behind the mic.

Bowen — the pride of Sudbury — is retiring from the broadcast booth after more than 3,800 NHL games and countless magical calls. And next Tuesday night, the Maple Leafs have a special on-ice tribute planned during their game against the Chicago Blackhawks, the same team on the opposing bench when Bowen first called the action way back in 1982.

“I wake up in the middle of the night thinking: ‘What in the hell are you going to say after this is done on the ice?’ ” said Bowen, during an interview on Village Media’s Closer Look podcast. “I'm hoping that I don't end up being a bawling mess, but I think we have a few things [to say] and lots of people to thank, that's for sure."

Bowen was gracious enough to spend 30 minutes on our podcast, reminiscing about his favourite calls, the many friends he’s made in the game, and his plans for retirement. He also expressed deep gratitude to the many fans who've reached out with best wishes.

“It’s been overwhelming, it really has,” Bowen said. “I've gotten letters, I've gotten texts, emails…It breaks your heart sometimes, but it warms your heart so many times, all of the great stories that everybody has.”

You can watch our full interview with Bowen in the above video, or in the YouTube clip below.

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Have something to say? Please reach

Reach out to Frisco and Scott

This lottery winner will need to spend a portion of his prize on a defence lawyer.

A 70-year-old Toronto man is facing theft and fraud charges after allegedly claiming a $1-million Lotto Max prize that was actually intended to be split among three people.

Ontario Provincial Police say they launched an investigation in September and confirmed that the winning ticket was part of a group play arrangement.

For the many Canadians who play the lottery with a group, this case is a timely reminder to make sure you keep good records. What kind of records?

Stephan Desbiens, a portfolio manager at Exponent Investment Management, has all the answers. He also has some good advice for the lucky few who strike it rich at the lottery kiosk.

Desbiens is our guest on tonight’s episode of Village Media’s Closer Look podcast.

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is [email protected].

Reach out to Frisco and Scott

Earlier this year, the Retail Council of Canada released an alarming report about a "national crisis" facing its members: skyrocketing rates of theft, violence and organized criminal activity.

This week, police in Halton Region added to the long list of examples.

Three people were arrested for their role in what the cops described as a “large-scale liquor trafficking operation” that moved more than $1.3 million worth of stolen booze across the Greater Toronto Area. Police say the ring included at least ten groups of organized thieves who stole bottles from various LCBO outlets.

"Our community deserves to shop and work in safe environments," said Inspector Raf Skwarka. “The individuals involved in this operation showed a deliberate disregard for the law and for the safety of others."

How is it even possible for a group of people to shoplift more than $1.3 million worth of alcohol? Is this one of the most brazen examples of the crime wave Canadian retailers are grappling with? What is the solution?

Joining us on tonight's Closer Look to tackle those questions, and many more, is Rui Rodrigues, a loss prevention advisor at the Retail Council of Canada.

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is [email protected].

Reach out to Frisco and Scott

Don’t expect the new year to ring in lower grocery bills.

The latest edition of Canada’s Food Price Report, produced annually by several universities, projects that an average family of four will pay close to $1,000 more for food in 2026 than this year — for a total bill of $17,571.79.

The report pegs the rate of food inflation at somewhere between four and six per cent, with items such as meat, baked goods and vegetables seeing the biggest price jumps.

What’s driving the ever-rising prices? What can shoppers do to find some relief? Our guest on tonight’s Closer Look podcast is Professor Sadaf Mollaei, an associate professor at the University of Guelph’s School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management.

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is [email protected].

Reach out to Frisco and Scott

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is [email protected].

Reach out to Frisco and Scott

Raccoons as pets? Don’t laugh.

A new study has found that urban raccoons have shorter snouts compared to their rural counterparts — a sign they're heading down the same path of evolutionary domestication that dogs and cats did tens of thousands of years ago.

TorontoToday reporter Emma Johnston-Wheeler dug a little deeper into the research, seeking out reaction in a city where the raccoon has risen to the status of de facto mascot.

Johnston-Wheeler is our guest on tonight’s episode of Village Media’s Closer Look podcast.

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Have something to say? Please reach out. Our email address is [email protected].

Reach out to Frisco and Scott

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a harsh truth about Ontario’s long-term care homes: many were woefully understaffed, a factor that helped fuel the rapid spread of the deadly virus.

Doug Ford’s government promised a major overhaul, including this key goal: by the end of 2024-25, LTC homes would have enough staff that each resident would receive an average of at least four hours a day of direct “hands-on care” from nurses and personal support workers (PSWs).

As it worked toward that goal, the government crunched the numbers and regularly disclosed the provincial average. Although Ontario just missed its final target — recording an average of 3 hours and 49 minutes of hands-on care in the fourth quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year — it exceeded the four-hour mark the following quarter.

But data on individual homes’ performance has not been made public. Until now.

The Trillium, Village Media’s bureau at Queen’s Park, obtained the internal government data via a freedom of information request. The exclusive report includes a searchable tool that anyone can use to access the data regarding their local long-term care homes.

Jessica Smith Cross, editor-in-chief of The Trillium, is our guest on tonight’s episode of Closer Look.

Along with her investigative report, we also talk about The Trillium's ongoing crowdfunding campaign related to the Ford government's Skills Development Fund (SDF). You can find out more about that project HERE and HERE.

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

Fresh episodes drop every Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. right in your local news feed — and on the show’s dedicated website: closerlookpodcast.ca. Of course, you can also find us wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Want to be the first to know when a new episode lands? Sign up for our free nightly newsletter, which delivers the latest Closer Look straight to your email inbox. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel or follow us on X,

Reach out to Frisco and Scott