In previous years, we’ve talked about alternatives to Canada Day fireworks, with LED lighting and drones among the headlining Plan B solutions. Is it time to ban private fireworks shows? Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Ken McMullen, who is an Alberta-based Fire Chief and the President of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. Over in Ontario, fireworks are going off at Queen’s Park after P.C. MPP Goldie Ghamari was booted out of Doug Ford’s caucus. CTV’s Katie Griffin delivers the details. Meantime, Ottawa Public Health is putting out an urgent warning about a new drug that was recently found in the city’s unregulated drug supply. This drug, according to health experts, could lead to a spike in overdoses. Details are on the way in Hour 2. And on a lighter note, Matt Demers delivers his Weekly Movie Picks.

Guest host Scott Reid breaks down the biggest stories of the day with Canada's top newsmakers. We also take a trip down Canadiana Avenue, as the country prepares to celebrate Confederation on Monday. In Hour 2, we shift gears to a disastrous debate performance by U.S. President Joe Biden. Here to weigh in on that are Sabrina Grover of NorthStar Public Affairs and Chris Day of Winston Wilmont. They also discuss the fallout of Monday’s federal byelection in Toronto and rhyme off their favourite Canada Day traditions.

In the world of 2024, it’s no secret that food waste has evolved into a major problem. Garbage waste, of any kind, is on full display at Ottawa’s landfill. According to the experts, a lot of today’s dilemmas are invisible to most Canadians, largely because our food system is so invisible to us. How can we fight against this never-ending battle? Kristy Cameron chats with Heather McLeod-Kilmurray, who is a member of UOttawa’s Centre for Environmental Law and Global Sustainability. Speaking of food and produce, it is time to talk all-things gardening with Ottawa Now’s top gardening expert. Carson Arthur breaks down his Top 3 favourite ‘whack-or-hack’ methods in Hour 3. Plus, the City of Ottawa is trying to assemble a quick-fix solution for a newcomer reception centre, as it awaits results from the feds on a more permanent funding application. And finally, an Ottawa man is speaking out about the dangers of today’s drugs, a topic that hits close to home after his father and brother died of Fentanyl overdoses.

Vassy Kapelos is back in the big chair ahead of tonight’s pivotal U.S. Presidential Debate. Who has the most pressure on their shoulders: Joe Biden or Donald Trump? Plus, what exactly is at stake this evening? We debate and discuss as the show rolls on. Meantime, the feds are talking a big game when it comes to protecting Canadian auto workers, as they aim to promote a level playing field. Are they taking the right approach? We dig deeper with Brian Kingston, who is the President and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association. And finally, it’s time to talk science with CTV’s Dan Riskin!

An Ottawa man is facing charges after allegedly uttering threats towards an Ottawa city councillor. It’s another discouraging moment for today’s world leaders, as Canadian politicians are slowly being pushed to their breaking point. Rideau-Vanier councillor Stephanie Plante joins the show in Hour 1. Meantime, puppy mills are officially illegal in Ontario after the Ford government’s recent legislation was passed into law. It has given officials a wide range of powers to implement harsh fines against puppy mill owners, leading to a series of devastating financial consequences for those who are found guilty. Kristy Cameron chats with Greg Glass, the President of Animal Welfare Legislative Reform, in Hour 2. Plus, are today’s all-age tourist destinations become financially unattainable for families to visit? CTV’s Matt Skube delivers his two cents.

It’s an historic moment on the Vassy Kapelos Show today, as Daily Debrief panelist Tim Powers upgrades his resume to fill-in host. And as we gear up for Thursday’s pivotal U.S. Presidential Debate, are we about to witness a make-or-break moment in this year’s campaign? We ask the experts as the show rolls on. In Hour 1, we also delve into a Summer Economic Outlook with Dawn Desjardins, a Chief Economist with Deloitte Canada. Plus, it was a huge night for the Canadian Men’s Soccer Team, as they took down Peru to claim their first-ever Copa America victory.

As of right now, 126 bird species have been essentially ‘lost’ to science, and researchers are wondering if some of these species have gone with the dinosaurs. In an effort to uncover the truth, the American Bird Conservancy has teamed up with BirdLife International for a mega-collaboration, and they need your help! That story is coming up in Hour 2. As for the Trudeau Liberals, they might be doing a little soul-searching this morning, as Pierre Poilievre’s Tories pulled off a massive upset during Monday’s byelection. With a Liberal stronghold in the heart of Toronto now changing hands, is it time for Prime Minister Trudeau to take a walk on the beach? Plus, Canada’s federal departments and agencies have spent at least $1.7 million on influencers since 2021, as well as various other forms of marketing campaigns. Critics argue that these lectures shouldn’t come at the expense of taxpayer dollars. Where do you side on this matter? Kristy Cameron asks the experts. In Hour 3, we open the debate floor.

Graham Richardson is filling in for Vassy Kapelos this afternoon. And within a 24-hour period, Justin Trudeau’s worst fear has come true, as Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives claimed a Liberal stronghold in Toronto. Has Monday’s byelection changed the entire landscape of Canada’s present-day government? Vassy Kapelos drops by to explain further in Hour 1. Later in the program, John Wright from Maru Public Opinion delivers his unique perspective on the situation, as he lived in that riding for over 41 years. Plus, the Edmonton Oilers emptied the tank against the Florida Panthers last night. Unfortunately, they ran out of gas just before the photo finish was taken, as a pivotal Game 7 slipped away.

According to Counterpoint, a technology market research firm, nearly 100,000 ‘dumb phones’ were sold across Canada in 2023. That is a remarkable 25 percent increase from similar sales in 2022. Is this big comeback a one-off trend, or are ‘simple smartphones’ here to stay? Kristy Cameron digs deeper with Jose Briones, who is a longtime reviewer of minimalistic tech devices. Meantime, the City of Ottawa and the Canadian government have kickstarted a lengthy 12-month process into the Experimental Farm’s long-term future. As a collective unit, they are trying to find a middle-ground that promotes dense development around the farm, while also exploring ways to protect food production against climate change. Beacon Hill-Cyrville councillor Tim Tierney joins the show in Hour 2. Plus, a pivotal byelection is about to get underway in Toronto, as a Liberal stronghold could be switching hands later tonight. Who stands to gain the most and what is the best outcome for the Trudeau Liberals?

Vassy Kapelos is back in the hosting chair, as the Canada Day pre-party officially begins. As for the Trudeau Liberals, they are hoping to keep the party going in Toronto, as the Red Team is in serious jeopardy of losing a normally sealed-tight riding. We preview tonight’s pivotal byelection throughout the show. Later in Hour 1, you’ll hear Vassy’s exclusive 1-on-1 conversation with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, as he insists that no imminent threats are facing NATO allies. Plus, the Edmonton Oilers will do battle with the Florida Panthers one last time, as the winner of tonight’s showdown in Sunrise will claim the 2024 Stanley Cup. Can this miracle team from Alberta pull off the improbable?