Robyn Flynn is joined by political analyst Karim Boulos, and Lionel Perez, former Montreal opposition leader and CEO of CorpCentre.
Premier Christine Fréchette will launch a thirty-nine day provincial election campaign ahead of the October 5 vote.
Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada outlined Montreal's provincial priorities, demanding thousands of shelter beds and water infrastructure funding.
Insiders revealed US trade negotiators did not explicitly target Quebec's French language laws during failed tariff talks.
Meta agreed to an eighteen billion dollar US youth safety settlement but excluded Canadian teens from new protections.

Robyn Flynn is joined by political analyst Karim Boulos, and Lionel Perez, former Montreal opposition leader and CEO of CorpCentre.
<ul data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-ved="2ahUKEwjbkrXT8sCWAxWkoisGHQplLuYQ-7AUegYIAAgLEAA" data-hveid="CAAICxAA" data-complete="true" data-processed="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAAICxAB" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">Premier Christine Fr&eacute;chette will launch a thirty-nine day provincial election campaign ahead of the October 5 vote.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAAICxAC" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada outlined Montreal's provincial priorities, demanding thousands of shelter beds and water infrastructure funding.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAAICxAD" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">Insiders revealed US trade negotiators did not explicitly target Quebec's French language laws during failed tariff talks.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAAICxAE" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">Meta agreed to an eighteen billion dollar US youth safety settlement but excluded Canadian teens from new protections.</li>
</ul>

The Big Five is the quintessential Montreal podcast, and the best way to get caught up on the top stories impacting the city. Every weekday, host Elias Makos and a roster of Montreal thought leaders debate and inform.

The Big Five is the quintessential Montreal podcast, and the best way to get caught up on the top stories impacting the city. Every weekday, host Elias Makos and a roster of Montreal thought leaders debate and inform.

The Big Five Podcast

The latest audio and podcasts from CJAD 800 Montreal.

The latest audio and podcasts from CJAD 800 Montreal.

CJAD 800 - The Latest Audio and Podcasts

The latest from the Quebec election trail.

The latest from the Quebec election trail.

Quebec Votes 2026

The Big Five is the quintessential Montreal podcast, and the best way to get caught up on the top stories impacting the city. Every weekday, host Elias Makos and a roster of Montreal thought leaders debate and inform.

The Big Five

Quebec election officially kicks off. Plus: Montreal demands shelter funding and infrastructure cash

Akil Alleyne is joined by Andrew Caddell, columnist for the Hill Times and President of the Task Force on Linguistic Policy, and Paul Gott, lead singer of the Ripcordz and journalism professor at Concordia.
Ottawa announced twenty-seven billion dollars in retaliatory tariffs and a seven billion dollar business support package.
A scathing Auditor General report revealed major gaps in Montreal's emergency shelters and waste management.
High-profile figures, including Pauline Marois, published a letter calling for a national summit on homelessness.
Retiring and defeated Quebec MNAs stand to receive massive payouts following a recent forty-four percent salary hike.
The panel debates the twenty-year legacy of Facebook and its overall societal impact.

Akil Alleyne is joined by Andrew Caddell, columnist for the Hill Times and President of the Task Force on Linguistic Policy, and Paul Gott, lead singer of the Ripcordz and journalism professor at Concordia.
<ul data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-ved="2ahUKEwjn-IXksb6WAxVzNIYAHaglJGwQ-7AUegYIAQgKEAA" data-hveid="CAEIChAA" data-complete="true" data-processed="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAEIChAB" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">Ottawa announced twenty-seven billion dollars in retaliatory tariffs and a seven billion dollar business support package.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAEIChAC" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">A scathing Auditor General report revealed major gaps in Montreal's emergency shelters and waste management.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAEIChAD" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">High-profile figures, including Pauline Marois, published a letter calling for a national summit on homelessness.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAEIChAE" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">Retiring and defeated Quebec MNAs stand to receive massive payouts following a recent forty-four percent salary hike.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAEIChAF" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">The panel debates the twenty-year legacy of Facebook and its overall societal impact.</li>
</ul>

Canada hits back with massive counter-tariffs. Plus: Auditor General slams Montreal's emergency preparedness

Akil Alleyne is joined by Meeker Guerrier, commentator at Noovo and RDS, and Raphaël Melançon, political analyst for CTV Montreal and CJAD 800, and columnist for the Montreal Gazette.
Watchdogs cleared former Liberal leader Pablo Rodriguez of wrongdoing, suspecting leaked text messages were completely fabricated.
A new Léger poll shows the CAQ jumping four points into a second-place tie as tariff tensions benefit Premier Fréchette.
Donald Trump threatened auto tariffs and a Lake Ontario renaming while denying he ever targeted French Canadians.
Montreal City Council passed a heavily watered-down Gaza motion after stripping out all boycott and apartheid language.
The panel reflects on twenty years of public access to Facebook and the broader cultural impact of social media.

Akil Alleyne is joined by Meeker Guerrier, commentator at Noovo and RDS, and Rapha&euml;l Melan&ccedil;on, political analyst for CTV Montreal and CJAD 800, and columnist for the Montreal Gazette.
<ul data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-ved="2ahUKEwjA9-D17LuWAxVHNIYAHcC8ICUQ-7AUegYIAAgJEAA" data-hveid="CAAICRAA" data-complete="true" data-processed="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAAICRAB" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">Watchdogs cleared former Liberal leader Pablo Rodriguez of wrongdoing, suspecting leaked text messages were completely fabricated.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAAICRAC" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">A new L&eacute;ger poll shows the CAQ jumping four points into a second-place tie as tariff tensions benefit Premier Fr&eacute;chette.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAAICRAD" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">Donald Trump threatened auto tariffs and a Lake Ontario renaming while denying he ever targeted French Canadians.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAAICRAE" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">Montreal City Council passed a heavily watered-down Gaza motion after stripping out all boycott and apartheid language.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAAICRAF" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">The panel reflects on twenty years of public access to Facebook and the broader cultural impact of social media.</li>
</ul>

Pablo Rodriguez cleared of wrongdoing. Plus: CAQ surges in new Léger poll

Akil Alleyne is joined by Daniel Tran, Director of Communication and Government Relations at Casacom, and Jimmy Zoubris, Montreal businessman, longtime activist, and former special advisor to Valerie Plante.
Trade negotiations collapsed after Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected late US demands, sparking a full-blown tariff war.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Christine Fréchette united to protect Quebec culture from Washington's trade pressures.
A Leger poll revealed cost of living is the top issue for non-francophones, while many youth plan to leave Quebec.
Montreal City Hall faces a heated debate over a Projet Montréal motion calling for a boycott of Israel.

Akil Alleyne is joined by Daniel Tran, Director of Communication and Government Relations at Casacom, and Jimmy Zoubris, Montreal businessman, longtime activist, and former special advisor to Valerie Plante.
<ul data-sfc-root="ep" data-ved="2ahUKEwjco5KWsLmWAxWGNYYAHWssAVMQ-7AUegYIAAgKEAA" data-hveid="CAAIChAA" data-complete="true" data-processed="true" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 12px 0px 16px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAAIChAB" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">Trade negotiations collapsed after Prime Minister Mark Carney rejected late US demands, sparking a full-blown tariff war.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAAIChAC" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Christine Fr&eacute;chette united to protect Quebec culture from Washington's trade pressures.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAAIChAD" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">A Leger poll revealed cost of living is the top issue for non-francophones, while many youth plan to leave Quebec.</li>
<li data-sfc-cp="" data-sfc-root="ep" data-hveid="CAAIChAE" data-complete="true" data-sae="" data-copy-service-computed-style="font-family: &quot;Google Sans&quot;, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 0px rgb(10, 10, 10);">Montreal City Hall faces a heated debate over a Projet Montr&eacute;al motion calling for a boycott of Israel.</li>
</ul>

Quebec election officially kicks off. Plus: Montreal demands shelter funding and infrastructure cash

Quebec Votes 2026

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