Beyond the Headlines

Shaping Canada’s Future: Key Issues in the 2025 Federal Election

The 2025 federal election comes at a critical juncture for Canada, with national conversations focusing on major challenges such as the rising cost of living, climate action, infrastructure development, and government transparency. These pressing issues are shaping the platforms of candidates and nomination contestants alike as they propose solutions to address Canadians' most urgent concerns.
Affordability remains a top priority for many voters. Across the country, rising housing costs, inflation, and stagnant wages are creating economic pressures that require immediate attention. Proposals to increase housing supply through policy reforms and interprovincial cooperation have gained traction as potential remedies to the housing crisis. Similarly, Canada’s response to climate change is a key election theme, with debates surrounding carbon taxes, investments in renewable energy, and efforts to modernize public infrastructure.
Infrastructure development is another pressing concern, as outdated systems hinder economic growth and connectivity. Calls for modernization, including the introduction of high-speed rail and improved interprovincial trade networks, reflect the need for long-term solutions to these challenges. Meanwhile, institutional transparency and accountability are under scrutiny, with Canadians demanding reforms to government systems, particularly around access to information and decision-making processes.
Amid these broader national issues, local nomination contests are determining who will represent Canadians in Parliament. In Burlington, Connor Fraser is campaigning for the Conservative Party nomination. With a professional background in engineering, finance, and public policy, Fraser has centered his platform on addressing housing affordability, economic modernization, and public safety. He has also emphasized the importance of transparency in governance and collaboration between federal and provincial governments to reduce trade barriers and strengthen economic competitiveness.
As Canadians prepare to head to the polls, the choices made at both the nomination and federal election levels will shape the nation’s path forward. These decisions will influence how Canada addresses its critical challenges and builds a future that balances sustainability, affordability, and prosperity for all.
Produced by: Julia Brahy
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America at a Crossroads: The Implications of Trump’s 2024 Victory

The re-election of Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election marks a pivotal moment in American politics, raising critical questions about the future of democracy, social policy, and international relations. With a strong conservative base and renewed Republican control in Congress, Trump's second term is likely to bring significant shifts to key areas such as reproductive rights, civil liberties, and the role of federal institutions.
 
This election has underscored deepening divides across American society, with shifting support among white male, white female, and Latino voters signaling evolving priorities and a complex response to Trump's policies. Additionally, his victory has implications that extend beyond U.S. borders, potentially reshaping America's commitments to allies and its positions on conflicts such as Ukraine and Israel-Gaza. In today’s episode, we explore both the domestic and international implications of a second Trump presidency with this week’s special guests.
 
Joining us first is Professor Matthew Lebo, a distinguished scholar in political science from the University of Western Ontario, where he co-directs the Centre for Computational and Quantitative Social Science. Professor Lebo's expertise lies in political methodology and American politics, with a focus on national institutions, political behavior, parties, and public opinion. Professor Lebo is the author of Strategic Party Government: Why Winning Trumps Ideology (2017), and his upcoming book, A Practical Guide to Time Series, will be published by Cambridge University Press in 2025. His work has been featured in over 35 top political science journals, including the American Journal of Political Science and the Journal of Politics. Professor Lebo has also held notable roles as department chair both at Western and SUNY-Stony Brook, where he founded the Center for Behavioural Political Economy. Throughout his career, he has held prestigious appointments, including a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard, an Academic Visitor role at Oxford, and Visiting Professor positions at the University of Toronto and, currently, McGill University.
 
Our second guest this week is Professor Lawrence LeDuc, Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Toronto. Professor LeDuc's work has made an influential mark in the fields of Canadian and comparative political behavior, with a special focus on political parties, elections, and research methods. Among his published works are key titles such as Absent Mandate: Strategies and Choices in Canadian Elections (2019), Comparing Democracies: Elections and Voting in a Changing World (2014), and Dynasties and Interludes: Past and Present in Canadian Electoral Politics (2016). His research has also appeared in respected journals, including Electoral Studies, Party Politics, and the American Political Science Review. In recognition of his contributions, Professor LeDuc was awarded the Mildred A. Schwartz Lifetime Achievement Award in Canadian Politics by the American Political Science Association in 2015. 
 
Produced by: Julia Brahy
 

Crypto Jews in Iberia, the Spanish Inquisition, and Nation Building

One's identity frequently serves as a cornerstone for one's sense of belonging, often intertwined with their traditions and heritage. The case of Iberian Jews compelled to convert to Christianity, underscores their remarkable duality and resilience required to uphold their traditions and beliefs. These covert observances, deemed as Judaizing, were punishable by severe penalties, including execution by Inquisitional authorities in Spain and Portugal. The legacy of these Crypto-Jews persists in their descendants to this day.

India Unveiled: Navigating Domestic Politics & Foreign Policy

India is playing an increasingly important role on the global stage, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Now the world's most populous country, India is in the midst of its largest general elections, with a staggering 969 million eligible voters, making it the biggest election the world has ever seen.
While experiencing rapid economic growth and projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030, India is also facing concerns about the curtailment of democratic freedoms and minority rights and the rise of Hindu nationalism. 
In this week's episode, we delve into the complexities of India's current political environment, from the reshaping of its domestic politics to its strategic importance on the global stage. 
In the first part, I speak with Professor Sumit Ganguly to explore the last decade of India's domestic political landscape under the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party and PM Narendra Modi. We also examine the significance of Prime Minister Modi's larger-than-life persona, as well as concerns about democratic backsliding.
The second part of the episode is focused on India's foreign policy and diplomacy. Professor TV Paul shares insights on Ind ia's more assertive and globally engaged approach to international relations, and examines its evolving relationships with key partners. 
Further Reading:Ascending India and Its State Capacity (Yale University Press, 2017)
The Unfinished Quest: India’s Search for Major Power Status from Nehru to Modi (New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2024)

Sustainable Innovation and Carbon Markets: Paving the Way for a Net-Zero Future in the 21st Century

In our upcoming episode, we embark on a journey through the intricate realm of sustainable innovation and carbon markets, illuminating their profound significance in sculpting a pathway towards a net-zero future in the 21st century. As the spectre of climate change looms large, confronting humanity with unprecedented environmental challenges, the imperative to curtail carbon emissions has emerged as a paramount concern. Against this backdrop, carbon markets stand as a beacon of hope, offering a multifaceted approach to not only mitigate emissions but also spur ingenuity and progress. Through the lens of this episode, we endeavour to unravel the complexities surrounding carbon market development, shedding light on the latest advancements and ingenious solutions that are propelling sustainability to the forefront of global discourse. From innovative technologies to transformative policies, we delve into the diverse array of strategies deployed to catalyze emission reductions and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of carbon markets, uncovering their transformative potential to reshape our trajectory towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.
To tackle this issue head on, we have invited Professor Jim Whitestone of the University of Toronto and Mrs. Adi Dunkelman from ClearBlue Markets to shed better light on this topic.

Quantum Computing: Queries to Navigate the Future

In a day and age where technological innovation and informationprocessing systems are driving economic development in society, there exists a frontier that promises to redefine the very fabric of computation. Welcome to Quantum Computing. In today’s Beyond the Headlines Podcast join us as we unravel and explore the future of how theprinciples of Quantum computing can revolutionize the way we process information. From groundbreaking research to real-world applications, we'll navigate through the complexities of quantum mechanics and discuss the incredible potential and challenges of this cutting-edgetechnology. As policymakers grapple with the implications of quantum computing for global security, specifically in the context of privacy issues, and for the global economy, this BTH podcast seeks to ask the crucial queries about how this transformative technology may shapefuture policies and regulations.

Crossroads of Crisis: COVID, Care, and Gender-Based Violence in Canada

In today’s episode, we delve deep into the critical issues surrounding gender equality in Canada, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore the major challenges and developments in gender equality, paying special attention to the disturbing rise in gender-based violence during this period and how it varies across different regions in the country. Our conversation then extends to examining areas where Canada shows promising signs of gender equality, along with an in-depth look at the care economy. We discuss Canada's response to the care economy during and after the pandemic, comparing it with global best practices.
 
Content warning: Please be aware that in this episode, we will be discussing topics related to gender-based violence, which might be sensitive or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

Truth First: The Legacy of Canada’s Residential Schools

*Trigger Warning: This episode includes content dealing with upsetting, sensitive, and potentially triggering themes including institutionalized modes of oppression, sexual violence, and violence against children.
 
Today’s episode delves into the history and enduring consequences of Canada's residential school system. With a focus on understanding the systemic abuses inflicted upon Indigenous children and communities, we examine the roots of the residential school system and its devastating effects on Indigenous cultures and identities.
In the first segment, Kaila Johnston provides an overview of the history of residential schools in Canada, discussing their role within the broader context of colonialism and the suppression of Indigenous cultures. She also explains the methods used within the system to suppress Indigenous languages and cultures and clarifies the term "cultural genocide." Kaila addresses common misunderstandings about residential schools, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their impact on Indigenous communities.
Tyler Pennock then discusses the long-term impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities, focusing on intergenerational trauma and cultural loss. They emphasize the crucial need for Canadians to acknowledge and confront the truth of residential schools for reconciliation. Tyler also discusses Indigenous storytelling and knowledge, providing guidance for non-Indigenous Canadians seeking to educate themselves further. 
 
Further resources:
Residential School history.
Learn whose land you are on.
Justice, D., Carleton, S., Truth before reconciliation: 8 ways to identify and confront Residential School denialism (mentioned by Kaila).
Tyler Pennock’s website.
Indian Horse’s movie trailer (mentioned by Kaila).
Books for adults on the topic of residential schools.

China’s Evolution: From Reform to Retract

This episode examines China’s dramatic transformation over recent decades, transitioning from rapid economic growth and liberalization, particularly post its 2001 WTO accession, to a phase of increased tensions with Western nations. This shift, amidst rising geopolitical tensions and internal policy shifts, demands a deeper, more nuanced understanding that goes beyond traditional top-down analyses. The focus is on a bottom-up approach that prioritizes gaining insights directly from individuals who have been actively involved in and have firsthand experience of these changes. This narrative offers a concise yet comprehensive view of China's changing role in the global landscape and its complex implications both at home and abroad.

Two years of War in Ukraine

It has now been two years since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine. Last year, in February 2023, there was a prevailing sense of optimism and hope as the Ukrainian armed forces were able to hold back the Russian advance and even reclaim large swaths of territory. Now, 12 months later, that sense of optimism has been diminished to a great extent. Disappointing results from the Ukrainian fall counteroffensive along with stiff Russian defenses has left the battlelines in Ukraine largely unchanged. Furthermore, faltering Western support, most notably from the, United States and some European countries risks depriving Ukraine of crucially needed funds, equipment, and ammunition. 
Through a conversation with Janice Stein from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, the first segment will discuss the most important developments of the war in the last year as well as the Ukrainian, Russian, and North American perspectives of the war. 
In the second segment, we have a discussion with Andres Kasekamp, also from Munk School. This segment puts emphasis on the European point of view of the war and goes into more detail on the broader political trends that Europe faces right now.