The federal Liberals are pitching big, costly bets such as nuclear power, critical minerals, and high-speed rail as central to Canada's economic future, raising questions about who pays and whether pension funds should help finance projects tied to economic sovereignty. Matthew Mendelsohn and Keith Ambachtsheer examine the risks and rewards of tapping pension capital. Then, economist Kaylie Tiessen looks critically at the surge in "Buy Canadian" policies and whether they actually deliver on their economic promises.

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

Should Pension Funds Help Build Canada's Future?

Last year was the second-worst wildfire season in Canadian history, with millions of hectares burned and communities across the country forced to evacuate. As climate change drives longer, more intense fire seasons, how bad could future years get and are we prepared? We examine Canada's growing wildfire risk with Mike Flannigan, a professor of wildland fire at Thompson Rivers University, and look at other extreme weather threats, including severe storms, with Greg Kopp of Western University and Anabela Bonada of the University of Waterloo's Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation.

Is Canada Ready for a New Era of Extreme Weather?

Research is challenging the assumption that younger generations are becoming more progressive, suggesting some Gen Z men are adopting more conservative views on gender and masculinity. Heejung Chung of King's College London and University of Toronto Scarborough psychologist Leif Anderson, explain what may be driving that shift. Then, Dalhousie University sociologist Michael Halpin examines the rise of "looksmaxxing," an online subculture centred on physical perfection and social dominance.

Why Are Some Gen Z Men Embracing Traditional Gender Roles?

Online betting now brings in major revenue for the province, but experts warn that the financial upside may come with mounting public-health costs. A similar tension shows up in new data on alcohol use: fewer Ontarians are drinking, yet binge drinking rates remain stubbornly high. What explains the disconnect, and what responsibility does government have when it profits from addictive products? We speak with addiction researchers Andrew Kim and Dominique Morisano.

Should Pension Funds Help Build Canada's Future?

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