The Big Story

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced its AI Strategy as part of the AI Strategy for the Federal Public Service 2025-2027. Included are measures to streamline the ministry's administrative tasks using AI without allowing the technology to make executive decisions on applications.

According to the IRCC, AI has been used since 2013, although only for what it calls 'if-then' models, but starting this year, it says it will be used to triage applications and respond to inquiries.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Joshua Schachnow, a family lawyer and the CEO of Visto.AI to learn more about the technology's potential to help the ministry become more efficient, but also what dangers we should be on the lookout for.

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What is the most harmful substance in Canada? You may not be able to guess it-- but according to a recent Canada-wide study, it's alcohol.

While it may not cause the most deaths, the study suggests it causes the most harms. And that's aggravated by that fact that most Canadians are woefully uninformed about the basics of alcohol safety and consumption.

Host Maria Kestane speaks to Dr. Iris Gorfinkel, a Toronto-based family physician and clinical researcher to discuss the price Canadians pay - both physically and fiscally - for the lack of awareness of alcohol dangers, and how Ottawa can fill the policy gaps to reduce deaths and harms.

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From growing unvaccinated in an anti-science household, to becoming an immunologist and vaccine advocate, Dr. Elisabeth Marnik knows what it's like being shamed for not rolling up her sleeves. She says in a climate of rising mis/disinformation in the healthcare world, empathy will always win.

Host Catherine Jette speaks to Dr. Marnik about her experience, what lead her to becoming an immunologist, and how approaching vaccine hesitancy with empathy will prove more resourceful than using shame.

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The conflict in the Middle East is well into its second week, and just like rest of the world, Canadians are starting to see its impacts in our everyday lives - including at the gas station.

Correspondence from the White House only seems to be making it worse, with oil prices heading in every which direction after a false claim from US Energy Minister Wright on the movement of an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. The critical passway has been effectively closed by the Iranian regime. 

Host Maria Kestane speaks to John Kirton, political science professor and Director of the G7 Research Group for the University of Toronto. They discuss how Canadians can make sense of what they're seeing in the Middle East, and how much worse of a hit their pockets could take.

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Two years ago, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told parliament there was credible evidence that the Indian government was involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen, sparking a national discussion about trans-national repression, and creating serious tension between Canada and India.

Since taking over as Prime Minister, Mark Carney has put in the work trying to rebuild ties, inviting India to the G7 and visiting the South Asian country on trade missions. Yet there's still no definitive answer from the Canadian government whether India is considered a security threat.

Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Amarnath Amarasingam, an associate professor at Queens University, to discuss the Carney's approach to the Canada-India relationship and the reality of security threats. 

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:

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