Episodes

  • Free For All Friday - December 20 2024

    Free For All Friday - December 20 2024
    Dec 20 2024
    Today on Free For All Friday: listeners reacted to the dramatic week that was for PM Justin Trudeau, starting with the resignation of Chrystia Freeland from cabinet and ending with the cabinet shuffle earlier today.
    Show more Show less
    50 mins
  • A Synagogue in Montreal Targeted by Arson

    A Synagogue in Montreal Targeted by Arson
    Dec 19 2024
    TUNE INTO THE TOWN: WHAT'S THE LATEST AT CITY HALL? Libby Znaimer is joined by Toronto City Councillor Jon Burnside for Ward 16 Don Valley East, Karen Stintz, a candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada and a former Toronto City Councillor, and Taylor Scollon, co-founder of The Peak. This week: what are the hot button issues coming out of City Hall before the year's end? And, sadly, we have to revisit the conversation around traffic congestion in Toronto. A SYNAGOGUE IN MONTREAL TARGETED BY ARSON; POLICE FIND FIREBOMB REMNANTS ON THE SCENE Libby Znaimer is joined by Amir Epstein, Executive Director of Tafsik, a grassroots organization combating antisemitism and Aaron Hadida, the founder of Magen Herut Canada. This week: Montreal Synagogue Congregation Beth Tikvah (located in Dollard-des-Ormeaux) was the target of a firebomb. It's the second time they've been targeted in the past 14 months. They are calling on government officials to take action in addressing the rise in antisemitism. THE MAJOR FOOD STORIES THAT MADE HEADLINES IN 2024 Libby Znaimer is joined by Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University Sylvain Charlebois and his team over at Dalhousie University have put together a list of "the most impactful food stories shaping Canada’s agri-food landscape" for 2024. Sylvain, a regular contributor to Fight Back, presents us with the top ten list that includes the Loblaw strike and record food bank reliance.
    Show more Show less
    51 mins
  • Toronto Experiences a Series of Violent Jewelry Store Robberies

    Toronto Experiences a Series of Violent Jewelry Store Robberies
    Dec 18 2024
    THE MEDICAL RECORD: WHY ARE THERE MORE HEART ATTACKS DURING CHRISTMAS WEEK? Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Nadia Alam, a family doctor and anesthetist in Georgetown, and Dr. Jamie Spiegelman, Internal Medicine and Critical Care Physician at Humber River Hospital. Today: we discuss challenges in primary care, the spike in heart attacks during the holiday season and more healthcare news of the week. BRAD BRADFORD SAYS THAT MAYOR CHOW'S DECISION TO BOOT HIM FROM VARIOUS ROLES IS "POLITICAL" Libby Znaimer is joined by Toronto City Councillor Brad Bradford of Ward 19 Beaches-East York. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has removed Councillor Brad Bradford from the City's housing committee this week and from the boards of CreateTO and the Toronto Parking Authority. Councillor Bradford says that the Mayor's decision is a political one. He shares with Libby his thoughts on the situation. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT A STRING OF TORONTO JEWELRY HEISTS Libby Znaimer is joined by Irvin Waller, an emeritus professor of criminology at the University of Ottawa. It's quite alarming: there's been a string of violent jewelry heists at shopping malls in the GTA. What's also concerning is that security cameras filming the acts in progress don't seem to be enough of a deterrent. And, how can retailers take measures to better protect themselves from thieves?
    Show more Show less
    51 mins
  • More Reaction to Chrystia Freeland's Resignation Letter

    More Reaction to Chrystia Freeland's Resignation Letter
    Dec 17 2024
    RECOVERING POLITICIANS PANEL: MORE REACTION TO FREELAND’S RESIGNATION LETTER Libby Znaimer is joined by Bob Richardson, a Public Affairs Consultant, Cheri DiNovo, a former Member of Provincial Parliament of Ontario, and Lisa Raitt, a former Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Our panel reacts to Chrystia Freeland's resignation letter she put out yesterday that was directed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. TERRY FOX WILL BE ON THE CANADIAN FIVE DOLLAR BILL Libby Znaimer is joined by J.D.M Stewart, a historian and the author of Being Prime Minister, and Dr. Ronald Stagg, Professor of History at Toronto Metropolitan University. Canadian icon Terry Fox is going to be the next face of our five dollar bill according to the federal Fall Economic Statement. We discuss that and the importance of preserving our Canadian history. A CONCERNING REPORT ABOUT HOW A CANADIAN CHARITY IS SPENDING ITS MONEY Libby Znaimer is joined by Kate Bahen, Managing Director at Charity Intelligence in Toronto. We are in peak giving season for charities. Between the affordability crisis, the postal strike and the pandemic hangover, donations are way down, making it more important than ever to pick the right one. Yesterday there was a big expose of Breast Cancer Canada. The report found that the charity is not actually spending its money the way that it claims to.
    Show more Show less
    52 mins
  • Chrystia Freeland Resigns from Cabinet

    Chrystia Freeland Resigns from Cabinet
    Dec 16 2024
    ZOOMER SQUAD: OTTAWA'S GST HOLIDAY AND LATEST ON CANADA POST Libby Znaimer is joined by Rudy Buttignol, President of CARP, Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, and Anthony Quinn, Chief Operating Officer of CARP. There is a lot to unpack today. The Trudeau Liberals' GST holiday is in effect. Meanwhile, Canada Post workers are being sent back to work tomorrow by order of the Canada Industrial Relations Board. It comes after a month of striking. And, Chrystia Freeland has resigned from cabinet. What comes next? A POST-ASSAD SYRIA: WHAT IT MEANS FOR ISRAEL AND THE MIDDLE EAST Libby Znaimer is joined by Avraham Levine, a Major in the IDF Reserves, a resident of the Golan Heights and an expert with Alma, a research and education centre based in Israel, and Phil Gurski, President and CEO of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting and a former senior strategic terrorism analyst at CSIS. In a post-Assad Syria, a lot remains unknown about what the country's new leadership will mean for Israel and the rest of the Middle East. And, what is Israel's strategy towards its neighbour? CHRYSTIA FREELAND IS RESIGNING FROM CABINET: WHAT IT MEANS FOR PM JUSTIN TRUDEAU Libby Znaimer is joined by Charles Bird, Managing Principal at Earnscliffe Strategy Group in Toronto and Jason Lietaer, Conservative Strategist, President at Enterprise. We thought that she'd be delivering an economic update today, but instead Chrystia Freeland has announced that she is resigning from cabinet. So, why did she make that decision and what does it mean for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau?
    Show more Show less
    52 mins
  • Free For All Friday - December 13 2024

    Free For All Friday - December 13 2024
    Dec 13 2024
    Today on Free For All Friday: listeners phoned in to discuss the Canada Post strike, the CEO shooting in New York, Trudeau's meeting with Trump, and more.
    Show more Show less
    50 mins
  • Tunnels Discovered Under Hamilton Encampment

    Tunnels Discovered Under Hamilton Encampment
    Dec 12 2024
    TUNE INTO THE TOWN: ENCAMPMENT TUNNELS, SHELTER DISPUTES, AND CONGESTION WOES Libby was joined by Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village, Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 14 Toronto-Danforth and Anthony Perruzza, City Councillor Humber River- Black Creek. Hamilton’s discovery of 6-foot tunnels tapping into the electrical grid highlights alarming trends seen in impoverished areas worldwide. Meanwhile, Toronto’s controversial shelter policies, criticized for anti-Black racism, spark a public clash. Reports also warn of worsening congestion and unanswered questions about Uber licensing. POSTAL STRIKE NEARS FOUR WEEKS: WHAT'S THE ENDGAME FOR CANADA POST? Libby was joined by Jim Bookbinder, Professor in the Department of Management Sciences, University of Waterloo and Christina Santini, Director of national affairs CFIB. As the postal strike enters its fourth week, experts say even a swift resolution won’t ensure Christmas delivery. With tensions rising, the question remains: Will this crisis mark the end of Canada Post or its union? The future of both looks uncertain. TRUDEAU'S TRUMP VISIT FACES BACKLASH; U.S. MURDER SUSPECT GAINS UNEXPECTED SUPPORT Libby was joined by John Mykytyshyn, Conservative Activist, Political Consultant, President of Bradgate Research Group and Tasha Kheiriddin,A Canadian public affairs commentator, consultant, lawyer, policy analyst and writer. Also Guest Host of Fight Back with Libby Znaimer. Trudeau’s visit to Trump, once seen as a diplomatic success, is now facing backlash as critics accuse him of “kissing the ring.” Meanwhile, in the U.S., murder suspect Luigi Mangione, a wealthy anti-capitalist, is being unexpectedly lionized despite his brutal crime.
    Show more Show less
    51 mins
  • Landmark Smoking Class Action Lawsuit Pending Approval

    Landmark Smoking Class Action Lawsuit Pending Approval
    Dec 11 2024
    THE MEDICAL RECORD: ONTARIO PROPOSES EMPOWERING NURSE PRACTITIONERS TO LEAD MEDICAL CARE IN LTC FACILITIES Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Alisa Naiman, a family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto, Dr. Malcolm Moore, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Dr. Jamie Spiegelman, Internal Medicine and Critical Care Physician at Humber River Hospital. Ontario's new long-term care bill proposal would allow nurse practitioners to oversee residents' medical care, replacing physician medical directors. The bill also mandates dementia care programs and addresses abuse. Funding for adult day programs, and two innovative pilot projects focusing on emotional care and home-based services is also included. CANADA’S TOBACCO GIANTS PIVOT TO WELLNESS PRODUCTS AMID LANDMARK $32.5B SETTLEMENT Libby is joined by Cynthia Callard, executive director of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada and Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst at the Canadian Cancer Society. Canada’s top tobacco companies may face a landmark class-action settlement to cover healthcare costs, damages to smokers, and fund research. Smoking rates have dropped from 27% to 12% in the past 25 years, with teen smoking falling to just 2%. Some provinces are considering age-based sales bans. FORD'S LEGISLATION TO DISMANTLE HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS DELAYED UNTIL NEXT YEAR Libby is joined by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown. Ontario has proposed legislation to allow the removal of homeless encampments and expand police powers on public drug use, following requests from 12 city mayors. However, the bill won't be debated or passed until early next year.
    Show more Show less
    51 mins