The Big Story

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show 'In This Economy?!'
One of the original travel rewards programs in the Canadian market is getting a major rebrand.
Air Miles, which has been around since 1992, will soon be called Blue Rewards, as owner BMO refreshes the brand to highlight that it’s about more than just travel. At the same time, a longtime Air Miles partner, Shell, is making a move of its own—joining the Scene+ program operated by Scotiabank.
Host Mike Eppel speaks to Patrick Sojka, founder of RewardsCanada.ca which is a Canadian loyalty rewards database, to break down what these changes mean for consumers, and take a broader look at the more than 180 loyalty brands competing for Canadians’ attention.

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Plus: Donald Trump threatens Canada again, the Conservative Party of Canada's annual convention continues in Calgary, the Prime Minister praises "Heated Rivalry" and does the 'empty nester' still exist? We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future
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Gen Z are having a hard time conceptualizing the reality of financial freedom, as Canada grapples with an affordability crisis. That's especially so for residents of two of the country's most expensive cities, Toronto and Vancouver.
And while people in their 20s struggle with affording a place to stay, their parents struggle with watching them struggle, and inevitably end up opening their doors as they finish post-secondary and hunt for a job, a career, a place to stay or even a purpose in life.
Host Maria Kestane speaks to Claire Gagné, editor for Macleans and author of 'Why Gen Z Will Never Leave Home'. The two discuss the possibilities of multigenerational living to benefit Canadians struggling with money - and loneliness, and how Canada could improve its lagging productivity issue.

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
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Plus: a First Nation in Northern Quebec is under lockdown, General Motors is moving forward with job cuts, we're hearing from Donald Trump's border czar, and Pierre Poilievre has a leadership review. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future
episodes. You can find us:

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After an unremarkable blow in last year's federal election - at both the national and riding level - all eyes will be on Conservative Leader, Pierre Poilievre's leadership abilities during the Conservative Party Convention in Calgary.
Beyond the losses, Canadians seem to have questions as to whether or not Poilievre is meeting the moment amid renewed annexation threats from US President Trump.
Host Caryn Ceolin speaks to Jamie Ellerton, political strategist and Principal at Conaptus to discuss what could possibly come of this weekend's leadership review, and the work that lies ahead for the Federal Conservatives who work to bridge the gap between their platform and the man running it.

We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at [email protected]
Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky