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How bad is the country’s doctor shortage? So bad that the medical misinformation business is flourishing online. Alarming new data released by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) shows that more than one-third of Canadians are getting health information from the Internet because they can’t access a primary care provider. Forty-two percent have tried medical advice found online, while nearly one quarter — 23 per cent — have experienced a negative reaction after following that advice. Joining us to talk about the survey results is Dr. Joss Reimer, president of the CMA. Also the podcast this week: Get ready for an early provincial election! Premier Doug Ford is about to trigger a snap election.

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A new report has painstakingly tallied the number of Ontarians who experienced homelessness last year — and the figure is staggering: 81,515. If things stay the same, that number is expected to double over the next decade (and potentially reach 300,000 in an economic downturn). What can be done to turn things around? The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), which commissioned the report, says the fix will cost $13 billion in government funding: $11 billion over 10 years to boost the supply of affordable housing, improve transitional and supportive services, and enhance prevention programs; and $2 billion over eight years to eliminate encampments. Joining us to break down all the numbers is Lindsay Jones, director of policy and government relations at AMO. Also on the show: It’s peak season for political junkies! Get your popcorn.

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Frisco and Scott are back for a fourth season of Inside the Village — and we kick things off with a blast from the past. Former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is now a professor at the University of Toronto and has plenty of thoughts on the big political news of the week, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation and Donald Trump’s looming trade war. Should Premier Doug Ford call an early election? She has a strong opinion on that, too. If you’re a political junkie — or worried about the threat of tariffs after Trump is inaugurated — don’t miss this episode.

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Launched in 2022, this news podcast has covered a lot of ground. As we mark the end of 2024 — and the release of our 100th episode — we take a look back at some or our most indelible interviews, including Ted Nolan, Gurdeep Pandher, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and an 18-year-old lottery winner named Juliette Lamour. To everyone who has listened over the years, thank you. We look forward to putting together the next 100 shows. Happy New Year!

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Delivery date unknown. That’s the news at the moment when it comes to when a deal will be reached in the ongoing Canada Post strike. Both sides remain far apart on the key issues that triggered this labour dispute, and no new mediation is scheduled. Joining Scott and Frisco on the podcast this week is Jim Gallant, a member of the bargaining unit with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. We asked him a whole lot of questions — and he didn’t mail in any of his answers. If you’re looking to understand more about what postal workers are fighting for, this is the interview for you. Also on this week’s podcast (which just so happens to be our 100th): the launch of yet another new feature from Village Media.

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It’s a tough time to be a small business owner in Canada. Surviving the pandemic was a massive hurdle in any community, town or city. Now, the stakes seem just as high with the impact of the two week old Canada Post strike, potential tariffs on goods to the US when Donald Trump becomes president, not to mention the upcoming ‘tax holiday’ that many business owners say frankly just isn’t worth the hassle. Dan Kelly, the president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business joins Frisco and Scott to tell us what it all means and how small business owners are bracing for impact. Plus, we’ve solved your flyer problems and take a closer look at a new feature we’re launching.

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A new report says girls are closing the gap with boys when it comes to playing organized sports in Canada. A full 63 per cent of girls are playing sports weekly, compared to 68 per cent of boys, the report found. Although the numbers are up, the study also found there is still “more work to do.” The remaining 37 per cent of girls — nearly four in 10 — are missing out on the benefits of organized sports, a number that rises to five out of 10 by age 16. Joining us on the podcast to break down the stats is Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, the CEO of Canadian Women & Sport. She explains what still needs to be done, and how the emergence of the WNBA and the Women’s Professional Hockey League have played a role in boosting participation. Also on this week’s episode: the official launch of SPACES (and another project now in the works).

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When all is said and done, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour will have grossed over $2.2 billion. Every community on her tour has cashed in the concerts — including Toronto, where Swift is about to open a six-night run at Rogers Centre starting Thursday. Estimates have the economic spinoff for the Big Smoke to be over $280 million, including over $150 million in direct spending. TorontoToday reporter Alex Flood will be at opening night and joins Frisco and Scott on this week’s episode of Inside the Village. Also on the show: some behind the scenes moments from our chat with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. And yes, we have invited the other party leaders to be on our show.

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