The Decibel
News & Politics
About
Context is everything. Join us Monday to Friday for a Canadian daily news podcast from The Globe and Mail. Explore a story shaping our world, in conversation with reporters, experts, and the people at the centre of the news.
Episodes
- Why are drug deaths rising in Edmonton, but falling elsewhere?
This episode of The Decibel examines the increase in drug overdose deaths in Edmonton, contrasting it with a national decline. It discusses reasons behind the local rise and the pushback against harm reduction policies.
- The pressure is on for Canada to meet growing energy demand
The war in Iran has altered global energy flows, boosting North American exports. Reporter Emma Graney discusses the pressure on Canada to meet increased demand, challenges faced by Canadian companies, and implications for the fossil fuel…
- Saudi Arabia’s vision for its future is crumbling
Saudi Arabia
- Alberta separatist campaign faces legal hurdles
The Decibel episode discusses the legal challenges facing Alberta's separatist campaign, including a court injunction halting the verification of referendum signatures due to potential treaty rights violations.
- What does Canada gain by hosting the new global defence bank?
Canada has been selected as the host country for the new Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, a multilateral financial institution aimed at providing stable financing to member countries. This move is part of Canada's increased defence s…
- Canadian professors on how AI is changing education
Five Canadian university professors share their views on how artificial intelligence is impacting higher education, with varying opinions on AI adoption in their classrooms.
- A food economist’s case against public grocery stores
This episode features food economist Mike von Massow discussing the concept of public grocery stores as a potential solution for food affordability in Canada. The discussion occurs in the context of the Canadian government's recent spring…
- Where your money ends up after a scam
Scammers launder stolen money by purchasing verified Canadian bank accounts. The Decibel speaks with reporter Alexandra Podazki about the black market for these accounts and the increasing use of 'money mules', individuals who unknowingly…
- Takeaways from the Liberals’ first economic update as a majority
The Liberals' spring economic update includes $54 billion in new spending and projects a $66.9 billion deficit for 2025-26. Political analyst Campbell Clark discusses the fiscal policy and its relation to the government's majority power.
- The first Canadian effectively cured of HIV
A Toronto patient will be the first Canadian, and 11th worldwide, effectively cured of HIV following a stem cell transplant. Health reporter Jennifer Yang discusses the procedure, advancements, and future outlook with the doctors involved.
- First, the Alberta health scandal. Then the surveillance began
The Decibel episode discusses allegations of government interference in Alberta Health Services' contracting, involving a medical supply company. A whistleblower and others, along with a Globe reporter investigating the case, faced harassm…
- INTERSECT/26: John Bolton on Canadian military defence
Andrew Coyne interviews former U.S. ambassador John Bolton at The Globe and Mail’s INTERSECT/26 forum. They discuss the potential threat of Trump to Canada's sovereignty, the bilateral relationship, and necessary defence enhancements.
- The Alberta government is accused of gerrymandering
The Alberta government is accused of gerrymandering after Premier Danielle Smith voted to appoint a new commission to create an electoral map, rather than using the one provided by the original commission. Reporter Matthew Scace explains t…
- Drones and the future of Canada’s military industry
The Decibel episode discusses Canada's focus on developing military drones, driven by advancements in warfare technology. It explores the potential for Canadian defence companies and the strategic implications of reduced U.S. dependence.
- The next step in Carney’s invest-in-Canada plan
Prime Minister Mark Carney
- Big changes in Ontario’s education system
Ontario has introduced new legislation proposing significant changes to its education system, including school board management and the inclusion of attendance in final grades. Education reporter Dave McGinn discusses the government's rati…
- The violent incidents and menacing texts targeting waste giant GFL
The Decibel podcast covers a year-and-a-half investigation into violent incidents and menacing texts targeting waste management company GFL and its sister construction company GIP. The episode details suspected arson, vandalism, and shooti…
- Why Canadian movies are having a moment
Canadian films experienced a downturn in 2025, earning $13.9 million compared to $23.5 million in 2024. Despite this, recent box office records set by five Canadian movies suggest a potential renaissance for the industry.
- Who are the people hacking hackers?
Ransomware attacks have increased, leading to the rise of negotiators who communicate with attackers to reduce ransom fees. Reporter Alexandra Posadzki discusses the risks and strategies involved in 'hacking the hackers.'
- Mark Carney’s majority moment
The Decibel podcast features a political panel discussing the implications of Mark Carney’s Liberal government achieving a slim majority in the House of Commons. The panel, including Stephanie Leviz and Campbell Clark, will explore how the…
- The future of free trade in North America
Canada and Mexico are approaching the USMCA renewal deadline with different strategies. Mexico has been engaged in technical discussions, while Canada's talks with the U.S. only recently resumed. Economics reporter Mark Rendell discusses t…
- What you need to know about taxes as the CRA aims to improve
This episode discusses the Canadian Revenue Agency's (CRA) attempts to enhance tax services using AI and digital solutions, exploring their potential effectiveness for Canadians during tax season.
- Iran’s power grows ahead of peace talks as Gulf remains on edge
Negotiators from the U.S., Israel, and Iran are set to discuss the war's future in Pakistan. Columnist Doug Saunders analyzes the growing power of Iran and the potential impact on the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, despite Gulf Arab…
- Groceries, airfare and EVs: the war is changing how we spend
The Decibel episode explores how the conflict, particularly its effect on oil prices and the Strait of Hormuz, is increasing costs for airfare, groceries, and other goods. Consumer affairs reporter Mariya Postelnyak details the price hikes…
- Another crucial strait that could strangle the global economy
The Decibel episode discusses the critical Bab el-Mandeb Strait, its importance to global trade, and the potential impact of its closure. Expert Thomas Juneau analyzes the situation, including the relationship between Iran and the Houthis.
- Saskatchewan’s new massive ‘pink gold’ mine
The Decibel covers the opening of Saskatchewan's largest potash mine by BHP, highlighting its significance as the company's largest investment and the critical role of this
- Navigating Canada's fertility industry
Globe investigative journalist Kathryn Blaze Baum explores Canada's booming fertility industry, sharing her reporting and personal experience with assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and surrogacy. The episode discusses the high fi…
- Why some doctors are critical of B.C.’s new health care regulations
The Decibel podcast discusses British Columbia's first health care system overhaul in 30 years, focusing on new regulations for health professionals. Host André Picard explains the changes and addresses the controversy sparked by some doct…
- Artemis II: A Canadian heads to the far side of the moon
The Decibel episode
- Can Avi Lewis bring the NDP back to life?
The Decibel podcast features a panel discussing the election of Avi Lewis as the new leader of the New Democratic Party. They analyze the challenges Lewis faces in rebuilding the party after recent election losses and an MP's defection, an…
- Prediction trading is coming to Canada
Prediction trading is gaining popularity globally and is set to generate $2 billion in revenue this year. Canadian company Wealthsimple is introducing a similar platform, but Canadian regulations and a fragmented market present unique chal…
- To ban or not to ban: Canadian teens weigh in on social media
Canadian teenagers discuss potential social media bans, sharing their usage habits and perspectives on adult concerns. They address misconceptions about their online activities and the implications of losing access to platforms vital for s…
- How the war in Iran exposes the limits of China’s influence
The war in Iran, initiated by U.S. and Israeli attacks, has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil prices and significantly affecting Asia's energy-dependent economies. China, despite being a strategic partner to…
- How sweeping cuts could impact Canada’s public sector
Canada's federal government aims to save $60 billion over five years by implementing cuts across the public sector, affecting various departments and programs, with potential impacts on services for Canadians.
- The trouble with enforcing Canadian food labels
Journalists Susan Krashinsky Robertson and Kate Helmore discuss the complexities of enforcing Canadian food labelling regulations. They explore the rise in consumer complaints about mislabelled products since the "Buy Canadian" movement be…
- The landmark case over rights and freedoms at the Supreme Court
The Decibel podcast discusses a landmark Supreme Court of Canada case concerning the notwithstanding clause and its potential impact on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The episode delves into the clause's origins, provincial usage, and…
- How much AI music is in your playlist?
This episode discusses the rise of AI in music creation and its implications for artists and the industry, questioning what it means to create music and whether listeners can distinguish human-made sounds from AI-generated ones. Globe repo…
- What war in Iran means for Canadian oil
The war in Iran has led to a global oil price increase due to the disruption of oil tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Journalist Jeffrey Jones explains to The Decibel how this impacts Canadian domestic energy prices, even though…
- Why holding government to account in Ontario could get harder
Ontario is introducing legislation that would exempt the Premier, cabinet ministers, and their offices from freedom of information requests. While the government cites privacy and confidential policy discussions, critics argue this move re…
- Behind schedule and over budget: Why do we keep building LRTs?
This episode discusses why Canadian cities frequently experience delays and budget overruns with Light Rail Transit (LRT) projects, using examples like Ottawa, Finch West, and Eglinton Crosstown. Oliver Moore explores how to improve future…
- An analysis of Mark Carney’s first year as Prime Minister
This episode of The Decibel features Shannon Proudfoot analyzing Mark Carney's first year as Prime Minister. It discusses his popularity, political persona, and how he has maintained public support with limited experience in elected office.
- Why Israel’s war with Iran is spreading to Lebanon
The war between Israel and Iran has expanded to Lebanon, with Hezbollah engaging in cross-border fire. This escalation has resulted in significant displacement and casualties among the Lebanese population, marking a concerning development…
- How the towing industry is linked to police corruption
An investigation into police corruption in Ontario, Project South, led to arrests including police officers and revealed links to the towing industry. Reporter Molly Hayes joins the show to discuss the industry's history of corruption and…
- Voices from the Iranian diaspora in Canada
Eight members of Canada's Iranian community share their experiences, emotions, and hopes for the future, discussing their feelings about the ongoing conflict and the potential political landscape in Iran.
- Tumbler Ridge shooting highlights B.C.’s mental health deserts
The Decibel episode discusses the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, exploring the shooter's mental health challenges and the difficulties families face accessing care in the region, described as a 'mental health desert'. Reporter Andrea Woo sha…
- Skinny, Inc. Part 3: Body image in the age of Ozempic
This episode examines the impact of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic on mental health and body image, featuring perspectives on personal experiences, weight stigma, the body positive movement, anti-fat discrimination, and potential effects on indi…
- Why a sleep doctor says we should never change our clocks again
Psychology professor Joseph De Koninck explains how Daylight Savings Time affects our circadian rhythms and suggests Canada should consider year-round Standard Time to minimize negative health effects.
- What Canada needs to learn from Alabama
Reporter Tim Kiladze discusses findings from Alabama concerning economic indicators where Canada lags, examining the criticisms of GDP per capita and the reaction to his reporting.
- After years of hostility, Carney defrosts relations with India
Prime Minister Mark Carney visited India this week, aiming to establish a new partnership amid longstanding tensions and recent allegations. Senior parliamentary reporter Steven Chase discusses the significance of this diplomatic reset, an…
- How the war against Iran is choking global energy supply
The war against Iran has led to significant increases in oil and LNG prices, with about 20% of global supply passing through the blocked Strait of Hormuz. Eric Reguly discusses the energy crisis and its global impact.