Fight Back With Libby Znaimer

Today on Free For All Friday: listeners called in to discuss U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's joke about Canada becoming the 51st State and the ongoing political drama in Ottawa with calls for PM Justin Trudeau to resign, as well as to share their holiday messages with the Zoomer Radio audience.

A look back at the biggest Fight Back stories from the year that was.

RECOVERING POLITICIANS: TRUDEAU WILL SKI RATHER THAN WALK IN THE SNOW DURING HOLIDAYS Libby Znaimer is joined by Lisa Raitt, a former Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Cheri DiNovo, a former Ontario NDP MPP, and John Milloy, a former Ontario Liberal MPP who served as a cabinet minister under the Dalton McGuinty and Kathleen Wynne governments. Our panel reacts to the ongoing turmoil within the federal Liberals and with Prime Minister Trudeau, who continues to face calls for his resignation. WHY PROPOSED CHANGES TO AIR PASSENGER RIGHTS CHARTER DON'T GO FAR ENOUGH Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Gabor Lukacs, President of Air Passenger Rights and John Gradek, a former executive with Air Canada. Will Ottawa's proposed changes to the Canadian Air Passenger Rights actually going to make any substantial difference? We bring on Gabor and John to react to the latest. IN DEFENCE OF SIR JOHN A. MACDONALD  Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Patrice Dutil, Professor in the Department of Politics a

ZOOMER SQUAD: WHAT DOES THE FALL ECONOMIC STATEMENT OFFER OLDER ZOOMERS?  Libby Znaimer is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Operating Officer of CARP, Bill VanGorder, Education and Advocacy Officer at CARP, and Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs. Ottawa has just appointed its new Minister of Seniors as part of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet shuffle. The question is: how much can she expect to get done as the governing Liberals face a bleak future. Meanwhile, what does the Fall Economic Statement from Ottawa (which was greatly overshadowed by drama from within the Liberal party) offer up to Canada's Seniors?  PRINCESS MARGARET IS EXPANDING: HERE'S WHY Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Keith Stewart, Vice President, Cancer and Director of the Princess Margaret Cancer Program at the University Health Network (UHN). The University Health Network's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is expanding to meet the growing patient population and involves opening up a new building with more cancer care p

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.  

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 MA

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 

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 Toront

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 res

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.

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 Can

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 compani

RECOVERING POLITICIANS: CANADA POST STRIKE REACHES DAY 26 Guest Host Jane Brown was joined by Cheri DiNovo, former NDP MPP, George Smitherman, former Ontario Liberal Cabinet Minister and Lisa Raitt, former Federal Conservative Deputy Leader. Mediated talks to end the Canada Post strike remain stalled, with no updates on resumption. The union's latest proposal includes a 19% wage increase over four years, down from 24%, and a guaranteed 20-hour minimum for part-time workers. Canada Post’s wage offer stands at 11.5%, with no word on further changes. The government has yet to intervene. REPORT: GTHA TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK COSTS $44.7B IN LOST PRODUCTIVITY ANNUALLY Jane is joined by Nadia Todorova, executive director of the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario and Teresa Di Felice, Assistant Vice President, Government and Community Relations for CAA South Central Ontario. Traffic congestion in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas costs $10 billion in lost opportunities this year alone, risin

ZOOMER SQUAD: OLDER CANADIANS SEE INCOME IMPROVEMENT SINCE 1976, BUT LAG BEHIND WORKING-AGE ADULTS SINCE THE 1990S Libby Znaimer is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Operating Officer of CARP, Bill VanGorder, Advocacy and Education Officer of CARP and John Wright, veteran pollster. A new Canadian Cancer Society report highlights the financial strain of cancer diagnoses in Canada, with patients and families facing an average cost of $33,000. While Ontario recently announced extra support for caregivers, questions remain about its effectiveness. Meanwhile, the holiday GST break on some food items has faced widespread criticism. SYRIA'S UNCERTAIN FUTURE POST-ASSAD REGIME Libby is joined by Dr. Amos Guiora, Professor of Law at the University of Utah and a former legal advisor to the IDF in Gaza and Dr. Elliot Tepper, Professor of International Relations at Carleton University. The Assad regime in Syria collapsed after rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, seized Damascus. The group, once linked to ISIS

Today on Free For All Friday: listeners phoned in to talk about the Canada Post strike, food insecurity, and much more.

TUNE INTO THE TOWN: TTC PROHIBITS E-BIKES AND E-SCOOTERS ON VEHICLES DURING WINTER MONTHS  Libby Znaimer is joined by Karen Stintz, CEO, Variety Village, Jon Burnside, City Councillor for Ward 16 (Don Valley East) and Brett Chang, Co-Founder of The Peak. The TTC has banned e-bikes from the subway during winter due to fire risks and space issues. A staff report opposed a permanent ban, warning it could harm low-income delivery drivers. Critics argue the move benefits companies like Uber, which are accused of exploiting workers, while also questioning the city’s cap on rideshare drivers. FOOD PRICES IN CANADA EXPECTED TO RISE BY 3 TO 5% IN 2025 ACCORDING TO NEW REPORT Libby Znaimer is joined by Kristina Kupferschmidt, a data scientist and professor at the University of PEI. A new report predicts food prices will rise by 3-5% in 2025, with Ontario seeing lower-than-average inflation. While some commodities like olive oil may drop in price, beef, citrus, cocoa, and coffee are expected to remain high. Beef

THE MEDICAL RECORD: NEW FERTILITY PRESERVATION METHOD GIVES YOUNG CANCER PATIENTS HOPE FOR HAVING CHILDREN LATER Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Fahad Razak, General Internist at Unity Health Toronto, Provincial Co-Lead General Medicine, Dr. Alisa Naiman, family doctor practicing comprehensive primary care in Toronto and Dr. Aaron Schimmer, Director of Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre as well as a staff physician and a senior scientist. Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie promises every resident will have a family doctor within four years, but is this feasible? Meanwhile, former Liberal health minister Jane Philpott is tasked with finding a solution for the PC government. In Alberta, innovative treatments help young cancer patients preserve fertility, and with Australia facing a record flu season, how will Canada respond? Plus, RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine stance could impact public health policies across North America. MINISTER WHO WAS PRESENT SAYS TRUMP'S REMARK ABOUT CANADA BECOMING THE 51

RECOVERING POLITICIANS: ONTARIO'S NEW AG SHELLY SPENCE'S NEW REPORT, METROLINX CEO LEAVES THE COMPANY AND MORE Libby Znaimer is joined by George Smitherman, former Liberal MPP for Toronto Centre, Health Minister and Deputy Premier, Cheri DiNovo, former NDP MPP and Janet Ecker, former Ontario PC Finance Minister. Ontario’s new Auditor General, Shelley Spence, has released a damning first report, sharply criticizing Premier Doug Ford's government. In education, the report highlights increased violence and financial mismanagement within the Toronto District School Board. Additionally, the resignation of Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster is seen as a win by many. GIVING TUESDAY, A DAY OF GENEROSITY Libby is joined by Sharon Avery, President and CEO of Toronto Foundation and Bruce MacDonald, President & CEO of Imagine Canada. Since its launch in 2013, Giving Tuesday has expanded globally, now being observed in 90 countries. The event, which takes place on the Tuesday after American Thanksgiving (this year o

ZOOMER SQUAD: EXPERTS WARN OF FLU SURGE IN CANADA AS AUSTRALIA FACES RECORD SURGE Libby Znaimer is joined by Anthony Quinn, Chief Operating Officer of CARP, Rudy Buttignol, C.M. President of CARP and John Mykytyshyn, Conservative Activist, Political Consultant, and President of Bradgate Research Group. Experts warn of a potential flu surge in Canada, following Australia’s record-breaking flu season. With vaccination rates lower than expected, health officials stress the importance of getting flu shots. Meanwhile, the ongoing Canada Post strike disrupts services ahead of the holiday season. Adding to the uncertainty, the promised $250 rebates are now in question, with initial exclusions now seemingly overturned. TORONTO'S FOOD BANK USAGE REACHES RECORD HIGH Toronto's food banks are facing unprecedented demand, with 40% scaling back services. Over a million people used food banks last year, and nearly half were first-time visitors. Neil Hetherington, CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank, and John Stapleton, Soc

Today on Free For All Friday: listeners reacted to the Canada Post strike, and PM Trudeau's temporary GST tax break as well as the $250 rebate that excludes retirees.