Longstanding co-operation between the U.S. and Canada in keeping the Great Lakes safe, clean and healthy is at risk as a result of budget and staffing cuts to federal agencies south of the border. A look at the future of lake research and stewardship between the nations, and the threats that have arisen to them as U.S. support dwindles.

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Threats from the invasive Quagga mussel species are growing in deeper parts of the Great Lakes, just as zebra mussels have altered ecosystems in shallower water closer to shore. Quagga mussels compete for food with a number of young fish species, putting commercial and recreational fishing at risk, and also threaten historic wrecks. A look at how widespread the problem is, and efforts to control the invasive species, with the team behind documentary All Too Clear.

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When so much of the musical theatre available in Canada is based off of existing stories, what does it take to create a fully original musical? We hear from Britta Johnson, the composer and lyricist of the musical "Life After," which returns to Toronto at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre.

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The Agenda's week in review features an interview with author and educator Irshad Manji about being a Canadian living in the U.S., and a discussion with Sergey Radchenko, author of "To Run the World: The Kremlin's Cold War Bid for Global Power".

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Political speechwriters have an important role to play in any election campaign. And of course, there's an art to their craft. So, what ingredients go into effective speechwriting? What makes some speeches memorable, and others miss the mark entirely? Host Steve Paikin asks: Jeni Armstrong, former lead speechwriter for Justin Trudeau, and Assistant Professor of Political Management at Carleton University; Michael Taube, former speech writer for Stephen Harper, and a columnist for the National Post, Troy Media, and Loonie Politics; and Jared A. Walker, former speechwriter for Jagmeet Singh, and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors at Broadbent Institute.

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The West's relationship with Russia has been utterly fascinating, confusing, maddening, and encouraging for more than a century. Sergey Radchenko (Distinguished professor at Johns Hopkins University) is the author of a new book called "To Run the World: The Kremlin's Cold War Bid for Global Power." It's just won the Lionel Gelber Prize, presented by the Munk School for Global Affairs, for the world's best English-language book on foreign affairs. He joins host Steve Paikin for a wide-ranging discussion on the making and breaking of the Soviet Union

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High-profile cases of visitors to the United States being denied entry or detained have Canadians concerned about travelling south. How worried should travelers be, and what do you need to know about the risks and your rights? Kelley McClinchey: Instructor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University; Heather Segal, founding partner of Segal Immigration Law; and Brett Caraway, Associate Professor in the Institute of Communication, Culture, Information, and Technology at the University of Toronto Mississauga join Jeyan Jeganathan to discuss.

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Over the years, libraries have become more than just places to borrow books or bring your kids for storytime. They offer newcomer services and advice -- a place where new Canadians can find community and learn about their new home. They have youth hubs where teens can meet and stay occupied, and plenty of children's programs that foster learning through play. They provide free wifi, and offer refuge from cold in winter and heat in the summer. We take a look at Albion Library and find out why it's become an important second and third space for some.

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Security clearances have become a flashpoint in the federal election campaign, with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre standing by his decision to forgo vetting. So who needs a security clearance, what's involved in getting one, and what are the practical implications of going without? We discuss with Wesley Wark Senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation and a fellow with the Balsillie School of International Affairs, in Waterloo

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The economic fallout from President Donald Trump's tariffs can be seen everywhere in Ontario and party leaders are taking various approaches to facing that challenge. The Agenda invites two economic watchers to get their takes on Canada's next move.

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