The Rundown

The pandemic and lockdowns we've heard many times have created a "mental health tsunami." But a new study that looked at 31 different countries showed the mental health effects of the pandemic were minimal. How is this possible? The Agenda examines this study with two of its author, Brett Thombs and Danielle Rice, and the University of Toronto's Kwame McKenzie.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades the demise of the library has been predicted. But in 2023, is the library now more relevant than ever? From makerspaces to outreach programs and media literacy opportunities to podcast and video equipment, the library has evolved into a community hub. The Agenda examines the new role of the library, with:
Shamichael Hallman, Loeb Fellow at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University and co-founder of, Libraries as Bridges; Sabrina Saunders, CEO & Board Secretary at the Blue Mountains Public Library; Mary Chevreau, CEO of the Kitchener Public Library; Vickery Bowles, City Librarian at the Toronto Public Library.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, we focused on the state of democracy in India, which is going through some rather undemocratic times. But we got an email from a viewer who said, we in Ontario shouldn't be so smug, that the state of our democracy could be much improved as well. So, we thought, why not look into that too. For insights, we welcome: House leader Paul Calandra, who's the Progressive Conservative member for Markham-Stouffville; Peter Tabuns, former interim leader and New Democratic Party MPP for Toronto-Danforth; Janet Ecker, former Ontario PC Party cabinet minister; and Martin Regg Cohn, Ontario politics columnist for the Toronto Star.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research reveals most Canadians are unaware that labour trafficking is a major issue across the country. But Canadian authorities recently shut down an international labour trafficking ring operating in York region and across the GTA and rescued 64 Mexican nationals who were being exploited. Steve Paikin talks to experts about what labour trafficking entails, why this issue flies under the radar, sweeping changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, the pandemic's impact, and policy recommendations.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ford government's plans for development in York Region include upgrading wastewater infrastructure to move millions more litres of water out of the Lake Huron watershed, and eventually down to Lake Ontario every day. Moving large quantities of water between watersheds poses significant environmental threats to the Great Lakes, and potentially breaks the terms laid out in an international agreement between U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly five years ago, the federal government became ensnared in corruption allegations in what came to be known as the SNC-Lavalin affair. Over the past few months, controversy swirled in Ontario about invitees to a stag-and-doe reception held by the premier. Canada's place on Transparency International's corruption perception ranking was unchanged this year, at just 14th. For insight into what Canada needs to do to improve that, we welcome: Akaash Maharaj, ambassador-at-large for the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption; Garry Clement, who spent 34 years with the RCMP investigating organized crime; and James Cohen, executive director Transparency International Canada.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Statistics Canada, the underground economy was worth about $68 billion in 2021. For context, that's about what Ontario spends on health care every year. For a big picture view on side deals and ordinary evasions Canadians engage in, we welcome anti-fraud consultant Vanessa Iafolla; Michelle Gallant, professor in the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Law; and Noah Arshinoff, founder and managing director of ACT International Consulting.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Award-winning writer, poet, and actor, Cliff Cardinal discusses his latest play, "The Land Acknowledgement, or As You Like It." It delves into the relationship between Canada's Indigenous community and the settlers, as well as the state of the reconciliation process in Canada.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Britain in the 1990s was a cultural behemoth, producing bands as memorable as Oasis, Blur, and the Spice Girls, while also giving rise to the New Labour Party under Tony Blair. It was also a period of "unparalleled hedonism," according to journalist Dylan Jones, who chronicles this period known as Cool Britannia in his new book, "Faster Than a Cannonball: 1995 and All That."

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our week in review begins with a look at barriers to running for elected office. Then, why are so many pandemic pets now being abandoned. Teen these days are not learning how to drive. Why not? And, a look at the state of democracy in India.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.