Explore every episode of the podcast BC Today

The Trudeau government is cutting the projected number of new permanent residents from 485,000 this year to 395,000 in 2025, with further cuts in 2026 and 2027. We discuss the impact on Canada and prospective immigrants and ask viewers to share their views. Then, the Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival returns this weekend. We meet the curator of the festival's Indigenous programming and ask viewers to tell us their favourite horror movies.

The Bank of Canada has cut its key interest rate by a half-point for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the next steps for Canada's economy and ask how today's announcement affects you.

The Burnaby School District is warning that five city high schools could be moving to staggered class scheduling for the 2025-2026 school year due to a space crunch caused by growing student enrolment. We ask you if this is a good solution to deal with overcrowding in schools.

BC Today callers across the province weigh in on the moments that stood out for them in Tuesday's party leaders' debate.

B.C.'s political party leaders are set to square off in a televised debate tonight starting at 6:30 p.m. PT. We go over what to expect, and ask listeners what they want to hear.

After the news, we hear from Disability Without Poverty — a grassroots movement led by disabled people — on what issues need more attention in this election campaign.

On Monday's show, we hear perspectives on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas in Israel. Michelle Eliot speaks with political scientists, a retired U.S. general, as well as Vancouver's honorary consul for Lebanon, who is in Beirut. We invite viewers to tell us how the crisis in the Middle East has affected them in the past year.

They may not agree on much, but if there's one thing B.C.'s competing political parties seem to agree on, it's that British Columbians need more ways to get around the province. Our guest Denis Agar, ‘Movement: Metro Vancouver Transit Riders' executive director speaks with guest host Amy Bell, and we hear from people across this diverse province. Then, Mothers Against Drunk Driving Canada national's president is raising awareness about the risks associated with drug- and alcohol-impaired driving. We speak to the group's national president and invite you to tell us if someone's impaired driving has affected you.

It's just about midway through the B.C. election campaign, and the parties are honing in on affordability. CBC's Provincial Affairs Reporter Katie DeRosa takes us through how each party plans to tackle the issue.

In our second half we hear from two young Vancouver students who won awards at an international STEM competition.

Kelowna RCMP are investigating an attack on a 13-year-old at a Kelowna park that was recorded and then widely circulated on social media. We speak to Jillian Roberts, University of Victoria professor of educational psychology, and ask viewers how they discuss incidents like this with their children. Then, B.C.'s political parties are making various pledges on public transit ahead of the provincial election. We hear from Brad West, Port Coquitlam mayor and chair of the TransLink Mayors' Council and ask viewers what they would like to see developed by the next government.

Tuesday's show includes the latest in the conflict in the Middle East with guest Fawaz Gerges, professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science is our guest; what seniors are concerned about ahead of the B.C. provincial election with Ramona Kaptyn, Chief Advocacy & Communications Officer, Canadian Association for Retired Persons (CARP), B.C. Chapter, and Jeopardy's Mattea Roach, the new host of CBC's Bookends, talks about listeners' favourite reads.

House Speaker Greg Fergus says MPs should improve their behaviour after several recent sessions where tensions flared. Daniel Reeve, political scientist with Camosun College We invite viewers to share their thoughts on decorum in politics, and whether it needs improving.

Then Gardening columnist Brian Minter is back to answer your questions as fall begins.

Thomas Davidoff, UBC's Sauder School of Business associate professor, speaks with guest host Amy Bell, about B.C.'s main parties ahead of the Oct. 19 election. Then, our guest Mark von Schellwitz, Vice President, Western Canada discusses the impact of recent cuts by the federal government to Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker program.

The federal Liberals face a non-confidence vote in Ottawa. We bring you the latest and discuss the implications of the vote with Sanjay Jeram, political science professor. Then, we take your calls on B.C.'s health care system. Finally, our guests are Chef Hidekazu Tojo, and director Mads K. Baekkevold, on the new Chef Tojo documentary, "The Chef and the Daruma," premiering next week at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

As we await the final results of Saturday's B.C. election, we discuss the potential outcomes and how the legislature could function with a minority government with Max Cameron, UBC political science professor. Then, at least two people are dead after an atmospheric river hit southwest B.C. on the weekend, triggering mudslides and washouts. We discuss the severity of these kinds of weather events and how municipalities can prepare with Kai Chan, UBC Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability professor.

B.C. Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau introduced her party's platform on the province's opioid crisis; NDP Leader David Eby and B.C. Conservatives Leader John Rustad have competing platforms. Dr. M-J Molloy, associate professor of medicine at UBC's Divison of Social Medicine joins us to discuss evidence-based research on safe supply, involuntary treatment and safe consumption sites. Then, it's the time of year for bears to fatten up before hibernation. We talk with Holly Reisner, co-executive director of the North Shore Black Bear Society on how to co-exist with bears.

We start with an update on the provincial election campaign. The B.C. NDP has announced its plan to ban the need for doctors' notes for worker absences up to five days, while the B.C. Conservatives have announced a plan for a monthly rebate for renters and homeowners.

We're joined by Fiona Famulak, B.C. Chamber of Commerce CEO; Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president, Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs; and Stephanie Allen, Housing & Community Development Consultant, former BC Housing vice-president to hear about the policies they'd like to see leading the agenda as the campaign unfolds.

The provincial election campaign officially kicks off on Saturday. What are the top issues for B.C. voters? We speak with CBC's Provincial Affairs reporter Katie De Rosa, and take audience calls from across the province to find out which election issues are important you to.

Then, we hear an insider perspective of working in restaurants from CBC's Langara Read-Mercer Fellow Jamie Mah, and ask our audience for their stories about what it's like to work in the restaurant industry.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada Marc Miller has just announced a further nation-wide cut of 10% to the number of international student permits that will be approved. We are joined by BC Federation of Students Chairperson Jessie Niikoi for her perspective on how this will impact students. Associate professor of political science at the University of the Fraser Valley also weighs in with how this decision may impact different aspects of the economy, such as jobs and housing costs. We ask you: how the latest cuts to international student permits will impact the province?

Next, Meta has announced new restrictions for teen Instagram accounts in an effort to protect teens online. CEO of the Online Exploitation Institute Tiana Sharifi joins us. We ask parents to call in to explain if they feel that these measures will be enough to protect youth online.

A new report commissioned by the B.C. Hotel Association suggests the province's new short-term rental rules are working, but Airbnb disputes the findings. Craig E. Jones with the UBC Housing Research Collaborative provides context on the rules and what's known about their impact so far, before BC Today callers share what the restrictions have meant for them.

Then, Clean Energy Research Group director Andy Hira says the massive Site C dam is not the answer to the province's growing need for more electricity. We hear from our audience callers on where they think the Province needs to turn for sustainable energy.

Dr. Daniel Vigo, B.C.’s chief scientific advisor for psychiatry, toxic drugs and concurrent disorders, discusses how the Mental Health Act will be used for the province's involuntary treatment plan.

Then, Bif Naked joins us to talk about returning to life on the road for her new album Champion, and what it means to be a Canadian rock icon. We take your calls to hear your favourite Bif Naked memories and to speak to Bif herself!

The B.C. government has announced it will expand involuntary care for people with mental health and addictions issues, and will open "highly secure" facilities to house people detained under the Mental Health Act throughout the province.

We'll hear arguments for and against mandatory treatment throughout the program. Viewers are invited to share if they feel this is the right path for B.C., and if they would want this for themselves or their loved ones.

A re-elected NDP government would scrap the province's long-standing carbon tax and shift the burden to "big polluters" if the federal government drops its requirement for the tax, Premier David Eby says. CBC BC provincial affairs reporter Katie Derosa. We'll break down how the policy works in B.C. with Keith Brooks, Environmental Defence Canada program director, and take viewers' calls on the announcement. Then, gardening columnist Brian Minter joins us to talk about preparation for the winter months. Call in with your gardening questions.

With Air Canada and its pilots still at the bargaining table negotiating over wage demands, the airline could suspend flights as early as Sunday without an agreement. The Business Council of Canada is among those who say the federal government should intervene to halt a strike. We ask viewers if they agree, and to share their stories about how the uncertainty is affecting their travel plans.

Then, organizers expect four million people to participate in the 44th annual Terry Fox Run, which takes place in communities across Canada this Sunday. We speak to Terry's brother, Darrell Fox, and invite viewers to share what the legacy of Terry Fox means to them.

The province is forecasting a record budget deficit of $8.9 billion. We speak to Finance Minister Katrine Conroy and hear our audience's feedback on the deficit, and how they want the government to manage our finances. Then, Theo Lamb, Quest Food Exchange's executive director advocates for a provincewide strategy to address food insecurity.

We bring you the latest reaction as the outcome of Saturday's provincial election remains too close to call.

A Liberal MP in Quebec says her constituents are "very adamant" that Justin Trudeau needs to step down as party leader and prime minister. As the party's caucus meets in Nanaimo, guest Mario Canseco, Research Co. president discusses the position the Prime Minister and federal Liberals are in, and ask viewers if Trudeau has become a liability for the party. Then, with polls suggesting a tied race, tonight's U.S. presidential debate will be keenly watched to see which candidate performs best. Our guest Aaron Ettinger, Carleton University political scientist, joins us for a preview.

We speak to good samaritan Chris Boyd, whose intervention helped stop an assault on a woman in East Vancouver on Saturday. We ask viewers what they feel bystanders can do when an attack happens in public. Then, we speak with Ashley Ramsey, former B.C. United candidate about her campaign as an independent in the upcoming provincial election. Finally, September is arthritis awareness month, our guests include Trish Barbato, Arthritis Society Canada's President and CEO, and Grace Parker Palidwor, who was diagnosed with arthritis when she was 18 months old.

Wednesday's random attacks in downtown Vancouver are prompting a renewal of calls to reopen Riverview Hospital to treat people with mental illnesses. Our guests Brad West, Port Coquitlam mayor, and Guy Felicella, harm reduction and recovery advocate, join us to discuss the nuanced topic of institutionalisation. Then, Gwen Sjogren, author of the "O Canada Crosswords" series joins us to play our on-air puzzle game with our audience.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim says a "pivot" is needed in the response to public safety, after a random attack in the city on Wednesday left one man dead and another seriously injured. We speak to Dr. Julian Somers, clinical psychologist, SFU's faculty of health sciences, about community concerns and ask you how you think they should be addressed. Then we get the latest details on federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh's decision to pull his party out of a supply-and-confidence agreement with Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party from CBC News senior parliamentary reporter Olivia Stefanovich joins us live from Ottawa.

The NDP announced it is ending its supply-and-confidence agreement with the Liberal minority government. Our guest Sanjay Jeram, senior lecturer, political science, Simon Fraser University, breaks down what this may mean, and our audience responds with their thoughts. Then as we transition into the first week of school classes, we're talking about burnout and how to handle it with Christy Nichol, burnout recovery specialist and corporate wellness coach.

As classrooms reopen around the province, CBC reporter Yasmine Ghania reports from Surrey where students and teachers are adjusting to staggered start times and new rules on cellphone use. We also hear about Canada's 2nd gold medal at the Paralympics, won by Victoria's Cody Fournie. Then, we discuss the challenges faced by mature students returning to the classroom, and the support that's needed to upgrade skills later in life with Eeric Fry, BCIT Agile and Work Integrated Learning associate dean, and Alison Howard, Executive Director of ABC Life Literacy Canada.

Current B.C. United MLA Mike De Jong, and former B.C. Liberal Party health minister Terry Lake talk about where centrists can take their vote now that B.C. United has suspended its election campaign.

Brian Minter takes calls from green thumbs around the province.

-- Research Co.'s Mario Conseco and Camosun College political science professor Daniel Reeve give their insight on B.C. United's withdrawal from the provincial election campaign to throw its support behind the Conservative Party of B.C.

-- Then, B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad takes calls from viewers.

Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jennifer Whiteside and Daniel Snyder, Chair & Project Coordinator

Langley Overdose Response Community Action Team discuss B.C.'s new toll-free Opioid Treatment Access Line: 1-833-804-8111. Then, CBC Vancouver's Liam Britten brings us breaking news that BC United's campaign manager Mark Werner has confirmed that BC United's leader Kevin Falcon is resigning, and that the BC United party will withdraw from the B.C. provincial election. We speak with Daybreak South host Chris Walker, and our audience weighs in on what this news means to them.

The tragic death of a 17-year old UBC student from Ontario in Lynn Canyon on Sunday renewed calls for exercising caution, especially when you don't know the terrain. We speak with Dwayne Derban, assistant fire chief of the District of North Vancouver District Fire and Rescue Services about what happened, and what students and parents need to know.

Then, Canada has imposed a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. We're joined by Werner Antweiler, associate professor, UBC.'s Sauder School of Business, to discuss the economic and political ramifications.

Finally, a new TD Bank survey finds most parents are financially supporting their kids in post-secondary — and while students say they have a budget, many wish they knew more about financial planning. Meranda Hamilton, senior manager of youth and student banking at TD Bank, and Murray Baker, Manager of financial empowerment at the Family Services of Greater Vancouver, join host Michelle Eliot to talk about these issues.

CBC provincial affairs reporter Katie DeRosa joins us to break down the latest pitches from political parties ahead of polling day on Saturday. Then, Elections B.C. is reporting record numbers of advanced ballots cast. And finally, we hear from Suhana Gill, Kwantlen Student Council's Women's Representative, who is working to encourage young people to vote.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that his government will bring in new restrictions on the number of temporary foreign workers in Canada. We ask our audience for their thoughts and what the impact will be for workers and businesses. Our guests are Richard Kurland, an immigration lawyer based in Vancouver; and Ian Tostenson, President of the BCRFA (BC Restaurant and Food Association). Then, as the price of gluten-free food soars, gluten-free educator and chef Janice Skoreyko offers tips for keeping kitchen costs down, and how to thrive in living gluten-free.

Canada's labour minister thought he had ordered peace on the country's railways, but now the rail workers' union has issued a strike notice. SFU labour professor John-Henry Harter speaks with Amy Bell about the ongoing dispute.

We talk with Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, the directors of "Sugarcane", about their award-winning and critically-acclaimed documentary that illuminates how a community breaks cycles of intergenerational trauma from residential schools and finds the strength to persevere.

B.C. Premier David Eby takes our audience's calls on the issues concerning them ahead of the provincial election. Then, sexual health educator Saleema Noon joins us to answer your questions talking to your children about sex.

On Wednesday's show:

- A 9 p.m. PT deadline is looming for talks between the rail workers' union and railway companies CN Rail and CKPC. We discuss the wide-ranging impacts of a potential strike on commerce and communities with our guest Fraser Johnson, Supply Chain Management Association Chair at the Ivey Business School, Western University and ask you if you think the federal government should intervene.

- Without access to proper information, people who experience menopause can be unprepared for the physical and mental changes it brings. Our audience asks our guests Dr. Kelsey Mills, OBGYN, medical advisory board, Menopause Foundation of Canada, and Dr. Nishi Dhawan, menopause clinician their menopause questions.

To start this episode, CBC Vancouver's municipal reporter Chad Pawson explains the tough spot Harrison Hot Springs is in as a byelection approaches following the resignation of the village mayor. Next, we look at a new study that shows small businesses in B.C. are hit harder by construction projects. Senior policy analyst of the CFIB (Canadian Federation of Independent Business) explains the findings. Lastly, are you addicted to your smart phone? Tech analyst Carmi Levy, and psychiatrist, author, and founder of Future Ready Minds Dr. Shimi Kang discuss the growing popularity of "dumbphones" as students face cellphone bans in schools starting in September.

To start the episode, we speak with Pedro Antunes, Chief economist of the Conference Board of Canada. He voices concerns about the impact on B.C. exports if a looming rail strike goes ahead. Canada's two main rail operators said they would start locking out union workers early Thursday after contract talks broke down. On the second half of the show, a doctor explains the mainstream appeal of psychedelic — or “magic” — mushrooms for clinical use. We take your calls and emails live on both of today's topics.

We begin with an update from CBC reporter Brady Strachan on West Kelowna evacuees one year after the MacDougall Creek wildfire forced them from their homes. Then, we discuss how to deal with congestion as the province focuses on higher density with guest Denis Agar, executive director of Movement, transportation advocacy group. Finally, our gardening expert Brian Minter answers your gardening questions.

Premier David Eby says improvements are underway at the B.C. Wildfire Service, after two WorkSafeBC reports cited safety concerns surrounding the deaths of two wildfire fighters last summer. We hear from Paul Finch, BC GEU president who is calling for change and better work conditions. Then, we discuss the backlash to the marketing campaign for the film "It Ends With Us", which critics say detracts from the film's serious subject matter of gender-based violence with guest Ninu Kang, executive director, Ending Violence Association of B.C.

The CBC has obtained a WorkSafeBC report into the death of 19-year-old Devyn Gale, who died when she was struck by a burning cedar tree that fell on her while she was fighting a wildfire outside Revelstoke last year. The investigation found danger-tree assessments were not conducted, and it also outlines a culture of normalizing risk in the B.C. Wildfire Service. We hear a response from the wildfire service and learn more details from CBC's Daybreak South host, Chris Walker.

As October's provincial election approaches, new polling shows more gains for the B.C. Conservatives. We discuss the reasons for the party's surge in support with CBC The Early Edition's director Laurence Watt, and Hamish Telford, political science professor with the University of the Fraser Valley.

First, B.C. Premier David Eby announces new supports for fruit farmers. And then, COVID-19 infections are up in British Columbia. We speak with Tara Moriarty, University of Toronto professor and co-founder of the COVID-19 Resources Canada database, abuot the uptick in COVID-19 cases in B.C. Finally, there's a right way and a wrong way to behave on an airplane. We'll get insight from etiquette expert Nuwan Sirimanna on how to share such a limited space.

B.C. NDP Leader David Eby takes your questions ahead of election day

We speak to a climate change policy expert on each party's plan to address climate change and ask our audience to weigh in on how important climate is to them in this election.

Hot, dry weather has increased fire danger. We talk with Darius Mahdavi, CBC's science and climate specialist to see if rain is in the forecast. Then, SFU's City Program director Andy Yan discusses the ongoing struggle between municipalities and the province over housing development plans. Finally, we discuss if is it fair for restaurants to charge a fee if you don't show up for your reservation with Mario Conseco, Research Co's president.

With Canada on the brink of tying--or surpassing--their previous record medal count in the Paris Olympics, we check in with CBC Olympics special analyst Donnovan Bennett, and The Early Edition's senior producer Julia Lipscombe on all the highlights. Then, our pet specialist Sarah Shapiro-Ward shares her insights on the best way to care for animals during the summer.

B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Khalon answers questions about why a supposedly affordable rental housing project would offer units for high prices. And then, can summer camps make a comeback? Timberline Ranch executive director Craig Douglas speaks with Michelle Eliot about the value of camps, and we hear memories from our audience.

BC Today host Michelle Eliot speaks with Chris Green, resident, and chair of the Dunbar Earthquake and Emergency Preparedness group, who witnessed the fire that destroyed a construction site in Vancouver's Dunbar neighbourhood. Then, we speak with Vancouver School Board trustee Jennifer Reddy about VSB Board chair Victoria Jung's announcement to leave the ABC party and sit as an independent. Finally, we celebrate the prolific zucchini with recipe tips from chef Maryam Ghargharechi.