The Sunday Magazine

As a former cabinet minister, Chrystia Freeland was a central figure in Canada's negotiations with United States President Donald Trump. Now, while Prime Minister Mark Carney sees a rupture in the U.S.-led world order, Freeland isn't giving up on the possibility of a unified Western alliance to keep adversaries at bay. She makes her case for rebuilding it – with America included, and Canada playing a different role – in her new book Unreliable Boyfriend. Piya Chattopadhyay speaks with Freeland about her vision, her time in government with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and her take on Carney's tack during the current trade war.

The celebrated Olympic athlete was rocked by menopause alongside a major knee injury. It set her on a path she didn't expect, including taking psychedelics and other drugs. Clara Hughes discusses how this experience led her to finally connect with and love her body and herself.

Plus: Veteran journalist Carol Off explores how Canadians can embrace a renewed sense of national pride without slipping into the dangers of nationalism that have torn other countries apart.

A new study suggests the holiday will be 10 per cent more expensive this year. Retail analyst Bruce Winder and economist Jim Stanford break down how everything from war in the Middle East to tariffs are driving the high cost of living, and what – if anything – Ottawa can do to ease the pain.

Plus: It's been 10 years since Medical Assistance in Dying became legal in Canada. As the federal government plans upcoming changes to its framework, Dr. Ramona Coelho and Dr. Stefanie Green reflect on MAID's legacy a decade on, and what they think its future should hold.

A student in Calgary, an electrician in Okotoks, and a new Canadian in Red Deer with a range of perspectives on the ballot questions talk about what's informing their decisions ahead of the big vote, and how they feel about building a future in Alberta – regardless of the referendum's results.

Plus: Piya faces off against sports broadcaster Donnovan Bennett and Pemberton, B.C. listener Nina Morley in an all-new round of our monthly challenge, That's Puzzling!

Quebecers will choose their next provincial government on Monday. Polls have consistently shown the Parti Québécois leading, with a potential majority government in sight. A victory could bring their separation referendum promise to life – but is it what Quebecers want? La Presse Ottawa bureau chief Joël-Denis Bellavance and Le Devoir columnist Emilie Nicolas break down the stakes of the race ahead of voting day.

Plus: The Atlantic Council's Victoria Taylor and The Economist's Gregg Carlstrom unpack what this past week's U.S. withdrawal from Iraq could mean for the country and the region at large.

Laugh, cry, and play along as Piya squares off against Alberta country music star Brett Kissel and Redcliff, Alta. listener Gail Thompson in our monthly battle of brain games devised by Edmonton-based puzzle master, Peter Brown.

Piya heads to the prairies in the run-up to October's referendum to hear how neighbors on either side of the separation question are bridging their divide, discover how Banff National Park serves as an example of just how messy a potential provincial breakup would be, and unpacks the potential stakes of immigration questions with affected communities and Alberta's minister in charge of that file

Our understanding of common phrases doesn’t always line up with what they originally meant. Writer and humourist Eli Burnstein helps us discover the true origins behind "carpe diem," "you are what you eat," and "ignorance is bliss"... and reflects on what we can learn by putting their historical, literary and philosophical contexts back in place.

Plus: David Suzuki says he has done everything he could to protect the Earth, but fears he has fallen short. The environmental activist and broadcaster reflects on his nine decades on the planet he loves, and what he envisions for its future.

MPs head back to the House of Commons on Monday, with Canada embroiled in a trade war with the U.S. and a curious bond forming between our country and Europe. The Toronto Star's Tonda MacCharles, Politico's Nick Taylor-Vaisey and journalist and author Paul Wells break down the politics at play, both at home and abroad.

Plus: After 30 years, the WNBA is making headlines. Is it for the right reasons? Veteran WNBA journalist Tamryn Spruill reflects on how far the league has come, and what conversations surrounding players Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham say about its place in culture today.

The 20th century fascism you know is over – and a decidedly modern version is taking its place. So say Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor. The writers and activists discuss how they see today's far right defined by tech billionaires, religious fundamentalists, and ethnonationalists, and their prescription for fighting the threat this movement poses to democracies.

Plus: University of Toronto English professor Randy Boyagoda considers the future of civil discourse in higher education amid fraught campus politics.