Scott Thompson Show

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: We’re getting hit with uneven weather to close out the month of February. What can we anticipate? Will we need shorts one day and snowpants the next? Preserving heritage sites or making room for more housing. Like with much of the talk about finding spaces for housing, we ask – is there a middle ground? Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history who maintained his power in the face of dramatic convulsions in the Republican Party for almost two decades, will step down from that position in November. The latest Leger polling on the economy and federal politics show Poilievre taking up more space. As you know, there is much debate around the Online Harms Bill. French President Macron won’t rule out sending troops into Ukraine. The search for a middle path forward when dealing with issues like the parking lot vs. affordable housing debate in Stoney Creek: is there enough being done to find a compromise, or a way to make everyone happy? The RCMP di

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: What are the safety issues with a solar eclipse, and are they worth shutting down school early or should schools be taking advantage of the cosmic, educational moment? The Online Harms Bill has a focus on human rights and stiffening responses to hate crimes in online platforms: is the bill living up to its goal or missing the mark? In an age of artificial intelligence, how crucial is it to be taught writing? What does the CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association think of the NDP-Liberal pharmacare plans? In an interview on The West Block, Canada’s former chief of defence staff, retired general Rick Hillier, said that Canada’s biggest national security risk is “our irrelevance. Surge pricing for your burger and fries?! Wendy’s is looking to test that out in the near future. The plight of Hamilton’s homeless is on display in front of city hall as several tents have been set up in protest of a failed motion last week to build affordable housing on two municipally

February 22nd is Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, and Hamilton resident Cole Morro has firsthand experience with the disease. Cole was training to become a physician assistant when a classmate noticed he had a murmur. Heart Valve Voice Canada is leading an awareness campaign called “Listen to Your Heart” in partnership with the Alliance for Aging and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Over 1 million Canadians are affected by heart valve disease, but awareness of the signs and symptoms is shockingly low. The symptoms are not always severe and can be mistaken as part of the natural aging process. Guest: Cole Morro, Interventional Radiology Physician Assistant in Hamilton, Ontario, advocate for Heart Valve Disease awareness

Palestinian prime minister submits government’s resignation, a move that could open door to reforms. Dr. Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Doug Ford beating out Marit Stiles in the provincial political realm? Abacus says so. Are the Liberals not enthused about the pharmacare deal as the NDP? Hamilton is clearing a path to more “gentle density” by inviting triplexes and fourplexes into neighbourhoods where single-detached homes predominate. How are housing starts defined in Ontario? Cybersecurity incidents targeting municipalities are becoming more common, and it seems like Hamilton has become the latest victim. Funding for post-secondary education in Ontario. The government is expected to table its long-promised online harms legislation Monday afternoon, which they say is focused on primarily protecting children on the internet and not focused on restricting expression. Palestinian prime minister submits government’s resignation, a move that could open door to reforms. Guests: Eddie Sheppard, PhD, Vice President, Insights at Abacus Data Larry Di Ianni, former mayor of Hamilton Craig Cassar, Ward 12

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Wednesday's passage of a Conservative motion came a day later than the party originally hoped for after debate around amendments stretched until the end of the allotted meeting time. This week we heard BlackBerry is making moves to become the go-to company for designing the operating systems for cars. Beyoncé has gone country and become the first black woman to top the Billboard Country Music chart, and we're due to get four interconnected movies about The Beatles, from director Sam Mendes! Yesterday we spoke with Ward 5 councillor Matt Francis about the vote that saw two parking lots in Stoney Creek preserved rather than marked to be converted into affordable housing but the story doesn't end there. Just before the show began, the Liberals and the NDP have a pharmacare deal, according to New Democrat Party leader Jagmeet Singh... let's bring him on and find out more! Embarrassment or National Security: What are the reasons for withholding details around the fir

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: We get Hamilton International Airport’s reaction to news that in the summer, Air Canada will offer ‘luxury’ bus service to Toronto Pearson Airport from Hamilton as well as Waterloo. Today, February 22nd is Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, and Hamilton resident Cole Moro has firsthand experience with the disease. A plan to use a portion of a downtown Stoney Creek municipal parking lot to shore up Hamilton's affordable-housing stock has fizzled in the face of stiff local opposition. A man who killed four members of a Muslim family and injured a fifth in London, Ontario, committed an act of terrorism, Justice Renee Pomerance concluded today. Pierre Poilievre is in London, Ontario. We speak with him about the issues affecting Southern Ontario. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Cole Horncastle, Executive Managing Director with Hamilton International Airport. Cole Morro, Interventional Radiology Physician Assistant in Hamilton, Ontario, advo

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The Conservatives want to issue another formal summons for the owners of GC Strategies to appear before the government operations committee probing the ArriveCan controversy. Let’s talk Shingles: a new survey of Canadians 50 and older, commissioned by GSK Canada and conducted by Leger Research, revealed significant misconceptions about shingles, despite the fact that 8 in 10 respondents say they are familiar with the virus. Canada is prepared to assist the Czech Republic with an initiative to ship tens of thousands of artillery shells from different countries to Ukraine on an urgent basis. Is Ontario preparing for the growth in its senior population? What needs to change with home care in the province. The federal government is scaling back carbon price rebates for small businesses. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Duff Conacher, Co-Founder of Democracy Watch Tim Powers, Chairman of Summa Strategies and Managing Director of Abacus Data

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: With the addition of a new flour mill, Hamilton is taking bigger and bigger steps toward becoming an agri-food hub. We find out more about the Ford government’s ‘Get It Done Act’ and what it means for drivers in the province, according to Ontario’s Minister of Transportation. Should the operating systems for cars be designed by BlackBerry? There may be pros and cons to the tech company becoming the go-to for vehicles OS but the big question is, do they have a solution to auto-theft? Is the news of dipping inflation part of a trend that we can be optimistic about? Can we have a safe and secure public inquiry into foreign interference? Another group representing a diaspora has pulled out because they do not trust everyone involved with the hearings. The Ontario Legislature returned today. They had a lot of leftovers to deal with, and some brand-new legislation to introduce. This month, the city of Hamilton is launching its EmployerOne survey, in partnership with W

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Hamilton’s budget has been voted in but not every councillor voted in favour of it. Family Day is coming up on Monday! What can we expect in Hamilton? How do grocers decide which foods to donate and which to dump? One of Vladimir Putin’s harshest critics, the imprisoned leader of the opposition, Alexei Navlany has died. Niagara region is having success with its modular homes. What is the situation like in Hamilton, and what does our near future hold? The Ford government’s Get It Done Act and what this legislation means for drivers in Ontario. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Matt Francis, Ward 5 Councillor for the City of Hamilton. Todd Lewis, host of Rec Culture TV, NASCAR announcer, ft. in Scouting The Refs & Racin’ It Out podcasts. Janine Gaunt, Senior Manager – Recreation District Operations, with the City of Hamilton. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, professor of food distribution and policy, and the director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: How much snowfall are we looking at, and how will we be affected? We get more from the neighbours of the GFL Landfill in Stoney Creek. Canada’s political leaders can’t dodge the need for NATO spending any longer. The Carbon Tax rebrand announced by Trudeau’s government is not winning over the people at the Canadians Taxpayers Federation. How do we approach the role of Artificial Intelligence in the classroom? Can we imagine a place for it? The LCBO identification card pilot has been scrapped. The LCBO was trying to address the problem of theft in their stores. This year’s budget has finally been voted on and it features some councillors voting for and against it much like last year. Let’s hunker down with your discount post-Valentine’s Day chocolates and catch up with Scott Radley. Guests: Anthony Farnell, Chief meteorologist, Global News Kathleen Morrison, Hamilton resident who lives near the landfill Campbell Clark, Chief Political Writer for The Globe and Mai

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Hamilton’s own designer fashion label, Blackbird Studios, has fully returned to the downtown after a popup at Limeridge Mall became home for over three years. As spaceflight and rocket launches become the norm again, some astronomers are noting that the proliferation of satellites are interfering with our ability to see into the night sky. Following the fallout from the ArriveCAN app scandal, the Conservatives are calling on the Auditor-General to investigate all contracts between the Liberal government and GC Strategies. No more funding for roads and infrastructure? That can’t be right. What is the hubbub being caused by Steven Guilbeault’s comments? Rideshare Drivers Association of Ontario and RideFair Toronto are part of the local groups representing Uber and Lyft drivers who are striking today. Time to rebrand the Carbon Tax; that’ll solve everything! Are friendships just as – or more – important than romance? The future of the Federal Liberals if they stay

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: There is little recourse for Canadians who are victimized by explicit images generated using artificial intelligence technology. Canadians are stressed out about the economy and have little faith in politicians or governments to fix big problems, according to the 2024 CanTrust Index published by Proof Strategies. The Super Bowl ratings are in, and it has been a huge comeback! It is fair to say that the “Taylor Factor” played a part in how the numbers turned out. Writing in the National Post, Dr. Shawn Whatley says that Ontario's health-care agreement with Ottawa will not fix the system we have. We look at the potential fallout from Donald Trump’s stance on NATOs delinquent members, including Canada. Why is it that Canada has become a hotbed of car theft and exportation? It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: David Shipley, Cyber security expert and CEO of Beauceron Security. Dr. Jack Cunningham, Ph.D., Program Coordinator at the Bill Graham C

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Aside from just the big game, we look at the how the entire Super Bowl telecast turned out. Trudeau should follow Doug Ford’s lead and scrap the alcohol tax, if you ask the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Donald Trump is facing backlash from the Republican party, among others, for his comments about not protecting NATO allies. Although the cost of the ArriveCAN app is what will grab the attention of Canadians, there are many other issues revealed in the Auditor General’s report that will raise eyebrows, as the information in delved into. Ontario is gearing up to provide financial support to Colleges in light of the changes to rules around international students. The deadline for tabling pharmacare legislation is approaching and this could spell the end of the NDP-Liberal partnership. The Liberals and the Conservatives are weighing in on what should be done about auto-theft in Canada, and our country becoming a hotspot for it. To some, sports gambling advertisemen

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The Trudeau and Ford governments have finalized a health deal, with Ontario committing to hiring more doctors and nurses. We look into Ontario's decision to incorporate mandatory Black history learning into Grades 7, 8, and 10 history courses. Bell Canada's recent decision to slash 4,800 jobs and close over 100 The Source stores. What led to this decision, and what might be the broader implications for the telecommunications industry and Canadian employment? Poilievre's promised crackdown on car theft and its significance in the political landscape, and we get some insights from the recent summit where Trudeau hinted at tougher penalties for car thieves. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Armine Yalnizyan, Economist and Atkinson Fellow with the Future of Workers. Dr. Shawn Whatley, Author of ‘When Politics Comes Before Patients — Why and How Canadian Medicare is Failing’, and a senior fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Patrice B

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The leader of the NDP says that he's putting his foot down and if the Prime Minister fails to deliver a pharmacare bill, their deal is over. Has Pierre Poilievre given Justin Trudeau his wedge issue for the next election? The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu says that there can be no peace deal without beating Hamas. A new trade deal with Ukraine is going through despite Conservatives' effort. $340,000 is an enormous amount of money no matter who you ask, it's even more when you consider the executives who were behind ArriveCAN received that in bonuses. The federal government is looking for ideas at a national summit in the hopes of slowing the rise of auto-thefts. More funding is coming from Ottawa to stem the hikes in grocery prices and decreases in rent affordability. It is all coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Peter Graefe, Professor of Political Science, McMaster University. Marvin Ryder, Professor with the DeGroote School of Busi

We've heard chatter regarding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but now it's looking like President Netanyahu says there will be no peace deal without total victory over Hamas. Guest: Aurel Braun (PRONOUNCED "brown"), Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: What is the reality that we are facing as auto-theft becomes an increasingly prevalent crime? It's about time we start talking about healthcare without the kid gloves on. According to a report from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, we are still facing a decline in business confidence following the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada is seeing an incredible rise in the number of bankruptcies. What does it actually cost to own a car today? It would appear that there the Boeing door plug that blew off mid-flight came as a result of some missing bolts. Donald Trump is not immune to election denial or insurrection and with trial appeal and delays coming, how does it reflect the election timeline and the potential for a delay until after the election? The JUNO Awards' nominations for 2024 have been announced, how does it look? "Fake Chinese income" mortgages appear to be the fuel pumping up Toronto's real estate bubble, something we only know thanks to an HSBC Bank leak. Guests:

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Let’s talk cars and auto-theft! What’s going on? What are the penalties? Canada’s fertility rate is at an all-time low, but there’s also an important point the survey says about Baby Boomers. The political issues in the U.S. and what it could mean for Ukraine in the future. Taylor Swift and Celine Dion drama after the Grammy’s and what that says about the social media landscape. An update on the ongoing World Juniors sexual assault case out of London, and much more coming up on the Hamilton Today Podcast! Guests: Elliott Silverstein, Director of Government Relations with CAA Insurance. Kristen Smith, Manager of Off-Campus and Community Experience at Brock University. Andrew Furgiuele, Lecturer with the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto. Kate Choi, Director of the Centre for Research on Social Inequality with Western University. Elliot Tepper, Emeritus Professor of Political Science with Carleton University. Tim Powers, Chairman of Summa Strategies and

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: We take a closer look at the sexual assault case against 5 former members of the Canadian World Juniors hockey team. Canada is set to host 13 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup's matches. It would appear that the 'We Are The World' documentary is missing what's touted as the most moving moment of the night. The federal government plans to extend its ban on foreign homebuyers for another two years. Facebook is marking its 20th anniversary. Many immigrants are deciding to leave Canada only a few years after arriving according to StatsCan. What constitutes a 'loss leader' and how do grocery stores use them to encourage higher spending? A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas looks to be on the horizon. King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer. Guests: Dr. Ann Pegoraro, Lang Chair of Sport Management at the University Guelph and the Co-Director of The National Research Network for Gender Equity in Sport Joe Callaghan, Journalist for The Toronto Star, The Guardian, and T