This Matters

The world is changing every day. Now, more than ever, these questions matter. What’s happening? And why should you care? This Matters, a daily news podcast from the Toronto Star, aims to answer those questions, on important stories and ideas, every day, Monday to Friday. Hosts Adrian Cheung, Saba Eitizaz and Raju Mudhar talk to experts and newsmakers about the social, cultural, political and economic stories that shape your life.

Annamie Paul and the Green Party: what it reveals about Canada’s misogynoir problem

Sep 30, 2021

Guest: Erica Ifill, columnist for the Hill Times

Green party leader Annamie Paul's resignation came after a defeat in her own Toronto Centre riding but it was a long time coming. After the party's own internal report leaked earlier this year and revealed the extent of systemic racism within, many said that she was set...

How should Canada handle former residential school sites? Ask the Indigenous community

Sep 30, 2021

As Canada reflects on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Star reporter Olivia Bowden wrote a piece titled: How do you teach children about residential schools? Mix history with kindness. Olivia was on the show in August and we are rebroadcasting her episode, as it is as relevant today as it...

What we know about vaccines and younger kids

Sep 29, 2021

Guest: Alex Boyd, Toronto Star reporter covering COVID vaccination

As parents await news on vaccines for younger kids, Pfizer recently announced shots for children aged five to 11 are not far away. While the world awaits for it to be officially approved, there are still questions about efficacy, timelines and...

Can an MP be forced to resign and, if so, how?`

Sep 28, 2021

Guest: Jacques Gallant, Toronto Star political reporter

Whenever a politician gets into trouble, people look up the steps for recourse but the truth is it's very difficult to remove an elected official from office. Such a mechanism is once again in the spotlight in part due to Kevin Vuong, a controversial politician who...

Two Michaels return. Where does that leave Canada and China?

Sep 27, 2021

Guests: Joanna Chiu and Jeremy Nuttall, Toronto Star reporters covering Canada-China relations

After nearly three years, Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, have been freed from Chinese detention. With their release coming in lockstep with the resolution of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou’s legal case, many...