Politicians have been promising high-speed rail in Canada for decades, and with a new federal plan now on the table, questions remain about whether it will finally move forward and what it means for communities along the route. Jeff Leal, mayor of Peterborough, and Bonnie Clark, warden for Peterborough County, join us. Then, the rapid rise of e-bikes is transforming how people get around, embraced by commuters and delivery drivers but raising new safety concerns as well. With the province now considering updated rules of the road, Michael Longfield, executive director of Cycle Toronto, weighs in on how to balance accessibility, convenience, and public safety.

Hosted by Jeyan Jeganathan, The Rundown delivers original journalism and in-depth analysis of the social, political, cultural, and economic issues that shape life in Ontario. Each episode focuses on one topic that’s making headlines, examining it from different angles and through diverse points of view — providing the context you need to understand what’s happening in the province and around the world.

<p data-renderer-start-pos="1">Hosted by Jeyan Jeganathan, The Rundown delivers original journalism and in-depth analysis of the social, political, cultural, and economic issues that shape life in Ontario. Each episode focuses on one topic that&rsquo;s making headlines, examining it from different angles and through diverse points of view &mdash; providing the context you need to understand what&rsquo;s happening in the province and around the world.</p>

Hosted by Jeyan Jeganathan, The Rundown delivers original journalism and in-depth analysis of the social, political, cultural, and economic issues that shape life in Ontario. 

The Rundown

How Do High-Speed Rail and E-Bikes Fit into Ontario's Future?

What happens when the spaces people rely on to connect outside of home and work begin to disappear? The idea of the "third place," first defined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, points to the everyday settings that foster community and belonging, and experts say they remain critical to health and happiness. Debbie Laliberte Rudman of Western University, urban planner Corey Horowitz of DIALOG, and cultural programmer Said Yassin examine how these spaces shape social life and what is at risk as cities evolve. Then, a fight to save one of Toronto's most recognizable gathering spots brings that question into focus, as organizers mobilize petitions and pack city hall committee rooms to protect the iconic dive bar Sneaky Dee's, with general manager George Diamantouros on the front lines of a battle over what the city stands to lose.

What Happens When Community Spaces Vanish?

As conditions in Cuba worsen, President Donald Trump's intentions toward the island remain unclear, raising questions about what happens next and what role Canada should play. Mark Entwistle, Canada's ambassador to Cuba from 1993 to 1997 and now a senior fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, joins us. Then, the ripple effects closer to home as Ontario's small but longstanding Cuban diaspora reflects on the crisis, with roots dating back to the 1800s. A trip to Niagara brings one man's journey into focus and sheds light on what people on the island are facing today.

What's Next for Cuba?

In just a few months, Alberta voters may weigh a referendum on separation as a coalition pushes the case for staying in Canada. What's driving the renewed separatist push, and how strong is the argument against it? Jen Gerson of The Line and Lead Not Leave joins us. Then, Ottawa's climate agenda under scrutiny after the Carney government scrapped the consumer carbon price, EV mandate, and oil and gas cap. Is this a retreat from climate action or a policy reset? Martha Hall Findlay and Caroline Brouillette weigh in.

How Do High-Speed Rail and E-Bikes Fit into Ontario's Future?

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