Mornings with Simi
8,008 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingMornings with Simi (Monday – Friday: 5.30 – 9am) helps you wake-up, reconnect, and get your day off on the right foot. Simi Sara dives into on the headlines of the day with veteran Global News anchors and reporters. They help you navigate through the details of the stories, highlight essential information and share new perspectives on how the daily news affects you. Simi loves the Lower Mainland. She’s lived here her whole life and truly understands the history and challenges our communities have faced over the years. Spend your Mornings with Simi and spend the rest of your day talking about what you heard on the show.
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Episodes
Should the Union of BC Municipalities accept cash and hospitality from China?
June 24, 2019 19:20 - 13 minutesThe Union of BC Municipalities conference gets underway again this fall, and there are concerns about how much influence the Chinese government has on the summit. Guest: Brad West Mayor of Port Coquitlam
The Best of The Simi Sara Show - Fri June 21st 2019
June 21, 2019 20:55 - 1 hourChapter 1 🔥🔥 Hot question of the day 🔥🔥 Vote in @MikeSmythNews's 🔥 question of the day: should the legal age for buying tobacco and vaping products in British Columbia be increased from 19 to 21? Yes, restrictions needed No, makes no difference Chapter 2 Trump calls off Iran strike with moments to spare US President, Donald Trump, says his country was fully prepared to retaliate against Iran last night, but cancelled military strikes 10 minutes before they were to be carried out. T...
B.C. government announce moratorium on resource development to deal with caribou protection plan
June 21, 2019 20:17 - 10 minutesThe B.C. government is pressing the pause button on new resource development in the ongoing struggle to deal with long-term caribou protection strategies in the northeast part of the province. Premier John Horgan announced on Thursday an interim moratorium on new resource development in parts of northeastern British Columbia to provide time for engagement with affected communities and industries. The moratorium was one of the suggestions brought forward by former B.C. Liberal minister Blair...
One year after a hockey coach was murdered, are Surrey’s streets any safer?
June 21, 2019 19:47 - 16 minutesOne year ago this weekend, a popular hockey coach was murdered in his driveway in Cloverdale. Paul Bennett was 47 when he was shot and killed on a Saturday afternoon on his cul de sac. The street was alive with kids on bikes enjoying the summer, and adults outside tending to their lawns. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Bennett was an innocent victim in a case of mistaken identity. No one has been arrested. Guest: Kash Heed Former Public Safety Minister and Former West Vanc...
'All parties agree to put judicial training for sexual assault cases in platforms': Rona Ambrose
June 21, 2019 19:40 - 18 minutesIt was a bill which would require lawyers who want to be eligible for a federally appointed position - as well as sitting judges - to undergo training to be able to better deal with sexual assault and rape cases on the bench. It was brought by former Conservative Rona Ambrose. But now, it has died in the unelected Senate. That’s because they didn’t get around to passing it before the federal election this fall - once that election happens, it clears the slate of bills for the Senate to consi...
Tampa Bay gets green light from MLB to explore playing split season in Montreal
June 21, 2019 19:26 - 14 minutesStarved for fans despite success on the field, the Tampa Bay Rays have been given the go-ahead by Major League Baseball to look into playing a split season in Montreal. However, the mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida, home of the Rays, says the team can’t explore playing home games elsewhere before 2028 unless there is an agreement with the city. No timetable for the possible plan was announced. An idea under consideration is for the Rays to play early in the season in Tampa Bay and later in ...
74% increase in youth vaping in Canada: study
June 21, 2019 19:23 - 18 minutesA study by the Canadian Cancer Society has called for national action, after a study found vaping among teens and young adults (16-19) across the nation has increased by 74%. The study - done by the University of Waterloo and published in the British Medical Journal - is in line with anecdotal reports from high schools reporting a struggle with preventing children from vaping. Guest: Saadiq Daya CEO, VanGo Vapes
Trump calls off Iran strike with moments to spare
June 21, 2019 18:41 - 14 minutesUS President, Donald Trump, says his country was fully prepared to retaliate against Iran last night, but cancelled military strikes 10 minutes before they were to be carried out. Trump tweeted that he's in no hurry to respond to the downing of a US surveillance drone. The US says the drone was in international airspace when it was shot down. Tehran says it had violated Iranian airspace. Guest: Stephanie Carvin Assistant Professor of International Relations at Carleton University Former...
The Best of The Simi Sara Show - Thurs June 20th 2019
June 20, 2019 21:08 - 54 minutesChapter 1 🔥🔥 Hot question of the day 🔥🔥 Vote in @MikeSmythNews's 🔥 question of the day: Doug McCallum has been back on the job for eight months since winning last October's election. How is the Surrey mayor doing so far? Good job! I approve. Bad job! I disapprove. Chapter 2 SkyTrains, police forces, and canals: is this the kind of grand vision the City of Surrey needs? Last week, Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum raised the idea of building a ‘wandering canal’, Venice style, through the ci...
Do you really need to pay your parking fines? One lawyer suggests you may not always have to
June 20, 2019 21:06 - 22 minutesA Vancouver lawyer says drivers don’t always need to pay the parking fine they receive in private parking lots. Paul Doroshenko joined Mike Smyth today to discuss the nuances. Guest: Paul Doroshenko Vancouver lawyer
BC business owners ask provincial government for more work on climate action
June 20, 2019 20:19 - 8 minutesIn recent weeks we’ve spoken to business owners who have told of their struggles because of changes being made to protect the environment. Not all business owners feel that way, though. A letter has been sent to the BC government, signed by 40 local businesses, asking for the province to take more action to capitalize on green initiatives. One of the signatories is the Modo Co-Op Guest: Patrick NangleCEO, Modo Co-Operative
Desjardins says info for 2.9M members shared outside of organization
June 20, 2019 19:51 - 15 minutesDesjardins Group says the personal information of more than 2.9 million of its members has been shared with individuals outside of the organization. The Quebec-based financial institution says the breach affects 2.7 million individual members and 173,000 business members. It says the situation is the result of unauthorized and illegal use of its internal data by an employee who has since been fired. Personal members may have had several pieces of personal information released including th...
Tax take from cannabis sales is lower than expected
June 20, 2019 19:41 - 7 minutesOttawa and the provinces made $186 million from various taxes on cannabis from last October through the end of March, numbers released Wednesday show. The provinces took the lion’s share of that money, with $132 million in combined sales tax and excise tax revenue; the federal treasury took in $55 million. Guest: Robyn Gibbard Economist with the Conference Board of Canada
Raptors president Masai Ujiri produced ID before altercation with sheriff, police say, but not proper credentials
June 20, 2019 19:38 - 10 minutesAccording to an article in the Globe and Mail, Raptors president Masai Ujiri identified himself to a police officer who was blocking the executive from the on-court celebrations after the Raptors’ historic NBA Finals win last Thursday, police say. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Mr. Ujiri told the deputy he was the team’s president and did present NBA identification, after The Globe and Mail described an eyewitness account of the officer being told that Mr. Ujiri was a Rap...
Science With Simi: dogs deliberately make cute faces to manipulate humans
June 20, 2019 19:26 - 7 minutesYou know that cute face your dog makes every time it wants something from you? That’s no coincidence - new research shows dogs have evolved that way to manipulate humans. Mike Smyth spoke to a researcher involved in that study on the Simi Sara Show. Guest: Professor Anne Burrows Researcher from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh One of the co-authors of the paper
Canada has become the first country in the world to ban the import and export of shark fins
June 20, 2019 18:44 - 10 minutesThat’s Ocean and Fisheries Minister, Jonathan Wilkinson, speaking to reporters. Canada has become the first G20 country in the world to ban the import and export of shark fins in a move advocates hailed as a major win for preserving ocean populations. The ban passed in the Senate late Tuesday as part of Bill C-68, which overhauls the Fisheries Act. Canada has outlawed the practice of cutting fins off domestic sharks since 1994, but it did not have legislation to prohibit people from bringin...
SkyTrains, police forces, and canals: is this the kind of grand vision the City of Surrey needs?
June 20, 2019 18:37 - 13 minutesLast week, Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum raised the idea of building a ‘wandering canal’, Venice style, through the city. But Surrey councillors have been keeping quiet since the idea was floated on Thursday. While the GM of engineering in Surrey says the mayor didn’t talk to him about the canal, but later clarified his position in an email statement to Janet. Guest: Dianne Watts Former Mayor of Surrey
The Best of The Simi Sara Show - Wed June 19th 2019
June 19, 2019 20:53 - 1 hourChapter 1 🔥🔥 Hot question of the day 🔥🔥 Vote in @MikeSmythNews's 🔥 question of the day: 164 lots of unused public land in BC, worth around $1 billion, have been sold off since 2013. The deals included former schools, hospitals, and agricultural ground. What do you think should be done with unused public land? #bcpoli Sell it and get revenue Retain and develop it Chapter 2 Federal Oceans Minister responds to criticism of Trans Mountain approval And now the sales pitch begins. Two f...
Simi’s loser and winner of the day
June 19, 2019 20:53 - 4 minutesLoser The parents involved in a brawl at a baseball game from 7 YEAR OLDS in Lakewood, Colorado A baseball game between a group of 7-year-old kids degenerated into an all-out brawl with parents throwing haymakers, others cowering for cover and a woman even jumping on someone's back. The reason for the brawl: a parent didn't like the calls being made by a 13-year-old umpire. Winner Leanne Carrasco, a recent high school graduate from Texas Leanne is being recognized after she turned her h...
Seniors paying up to 40% of income for one or two hours of daily home care: BC Seniors Advocate
June 19, 2019 20:21 - 11 minutesBC's Senior Advocate says at-home care needs to be much more affordable for seniors. In a new report, Isobel Mackenzie says seniors are paying up to 40 per cent of their income for one-to-two hours of care at home per day. Mackenzie says as a result there are 4,200 seniors in long-term care who could be living at home, and she suggests that is costing B.C. taxpayers more than $116 million dollars per year. She also says at-home care is precarious for workers, who often work casual and part...
Will BC launch fresh court challenges against the Trans Mountain pipeline?
June 19, 2019 20:15 - 11 minutesThe President and CEO of Trans Mountain is anticipating work beginning soon on expanding the pipeline after yesterday's federal government approval of the project. Ian Anderson says they will work with the National Energy Board to get permits and licenses to resume work and he anticipates that process will happen quickly. In the House of Commons this past hour, the Prime Minister defended the decision to approve the pipeline and the Liberals’ record on the environment. Guest: George Heyman...
Why are vegetables so expensive?
June 19, 2019 19:40 - 7 minutesThe annual pace of inflation picked up in May as the consumer price index rose 2.4% from last year. One of the most startling figures was the increase in the price of vegetables, which is up 16.7%. So why are vegetables suddenly becoming so expensive? Guest: Prof Simon Somogyi Arrell Chair in the Business of Food at the University of Guelph
Should cyclists have the option on whether or not they wear helmets?
June 19, 2019 19:40 - 7 minutesAround this time yesterday, I spoke with Susan Stokhof, the “bicycle mayor” of Victoria. During the interview, Stokhof said that she thinks that helmets should not be mandatory. Here’s what she told me. That sparked a LOT of conversation on our buzzline, by email, and on Twitter. Plenty of comments agreeing with Stokhof but most people who made contact with us were not in agreement. Guest: Dr Shelina Babul Spokesperson, The Community Against Preventable Injuries
$1 billion in "surplus" public land has been sold off since 2013
June 19, 2019 19:04 - 17 minutes164 lots of unused public land in BC, worth around $1 billion, have been sold off since 2013. The deals included former schools, hospitals, and agricultural ground. But is this the most appropriate use of “surplus” land? We’ll find out what was sold and to whom. Guest: Lori Culbert Reporter for the Vancouver Sun
Federal Oceans Minister responds to criticism of Trans Mountain approval
June 19, 2019 18:22 - 9 minutesAnd now the sales pitch begins. Two federal cabinet ministers are making appearances in Alberta today following the Trudeau government's controversial second approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. Natural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi is set to visit the Trans Mountain terminal in Edmonton, while Finance Minister Bill Morneau will address an Economic Club of Canada breakfast in Calgary. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader, Andrew Scheer, says Canadians wanted more information on ...
Introducing: Wait, There's More
June 19, 2019 08:00 - 16 minutesWait, There’s More is a daily Global News podcast released every afternoon just in time for your commute home. On this episode, protests have erupted in Hong Kong as tens of thousands of people speak out against legislation that would allow the territory’s citizens to be extradited to Mainland China. Demonstrators tried to storm government buildings and police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. Host Tamara Khandaker explores Hong Kong’s precarious relationship with China since the e...
The Best of The Simi Sara Show - Tues June 18th 2019
June 18, 2019 21:31 - 58 minutesChapter 1 🔥🔥 Hot question of the day 🔥🔥 Vote in @MikeSmythNews’s 🔥 question of the day: do you think the #TransMountain pipeline expansion should be approved by the Trudeau government? #cdnpoli #bcpoli #abpoli Yes, in Canada’s interest No, for the environment Chapter 2 Should the Trudeau government approve the Trans Mountain pipeline? The federal government is widely expected to approve the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project for a second time today but, even with a Yes vote, ...
Simi’s loser and winner of the day
June 18, 2019 21:26 - 3 minutesLoser NO LOSER TODAY Winner Lauren Mulvihill, an Uber driver from Stockbridge, Georgia A compassionate Uber driver has also proven herself to be a guardian angel in disguise after she helped to transform the home of an elderly veteran who was living in “deplorable” conditions.
How could Downtown Vancouver become even more liveable?
June 18, 2019 20:03 - 12 minutesDowntown Vancouver is a magnet for tourists, for the biggest companies in the world, for workers, for movie stars… but what’s it like for the people who live in that part of the city? A new report today called the ‘State of Downtown’ has been released by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association. It goes through the things that are going well, and also the challenges that need to be overcome to make the Downtown core a more enjoyable place to live. Guest: Charles Gauthier Pr...
Trudeau government expected to approve Trans Mountain pipeline project
June 18, 2019 19:39 - 8 minutesThe federal government is widely expected to approve the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project for a second time today but, even with a Yes vote, construction is likely weeks, if not months away. The federal cabinet will be reconsidering the project at its weekly meeting this morning, nine months after the Federal Court of Appeal shelved the original approval. Any decision isn’t likely to be announced until after the markets close for the day at 1:30pm Pacific. Guest: Keith Baldrey Gl...
Meet the ‘Bicycle Mayor’ of Victoria
June 18, 2019 19:11 - 12 minutesDo you think cities in our province need to be more bike-friendly, and less car-friendly? Let me tell you about something that’s happening in Victoria - a ‘Bike Mayor’ has been appointed, to advocate for better bike facilities and to promote a more-cycling-centric culture in the city. She’s not actually appointed by the city - but Mayor Lisa Helps has spoken in support of my next guest. She’s the ‘Bicycle Mayor’ of Victoria, Susan Stokhof Guest: Susan Stokhof ‘Bicycle Mayor’ of Victoria
Raptors celebrations: what’s the right way to handle a shooting at a large public event?
June 18, 2019 18:43 - 8 minutesThat was Raptors play-by-play announcer, Matt Devlin, speaking to the huge crowd at Nathan Phillips Square in Downtown Toronto yesterday. This was moments after shots rang out in a section of the crowd. Four people were injured in the shootings, and six men have been charged in relation to the incidents. So when a shooting happens at a crowd like this, what are the organizers of the event supposed to do? Should they have shut the celebrations down and evacuated the area? Or did they handle ...
Should the Trudeau government approve the Trans Mountain pipeline?
June 18, 2019 18:39 - 19 minutesThe federal government is widely expected to approve the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project for a second time today but, even with a Yes vote, construction is likely weeks, if not months away. The federal cabinet will be reconsidering the project at its weekly meeting this morning, nine months after the Federal Court of Appeal shelved the original approval. Any decision isn’t likely to be announced until after the markets close for the day at 1:30pm Pacific. Guest: Sven Biggs Clima...
The Best of The Simi Sara Show - Mon June 17th 2019
June 17, 2019 21:38 - 50 minutesChapter 1 🔥🔥 Hot question of the day 🔥🔥 Vote in @MikeSmythNews's 🔥 question of the day: the Surrey Board of Trade is being criticised for inviting Robert F Kennedy Jr to speak at an environmental conference. Kennedy has publicly spoken out against vaccines, so should the Surrey Board of Trade withdraw its invite? Yes, it’s inappropriate. No, he should speak. Chapter 2 Should the Surrey Board of Trade withdraw its invite to Robert F Kennedy Jr? An American environmentalist will spea...
Simi’s loser and winner of the day
June 17, 2019 21:18 - 3 minutesLoser NO LOSER Winner Officer Brian Zagorski of the Niles Police Department in Illinois A homeless man was in disbelief after a police officer gave him his shoes. On Saturday, Niles Police Officer Brian Zagorski noticed a homeless man had tripped over his shoe, which was missing the sole. The officer had a quick conversation with the man... and then gave him his own shoes.
Travel Best Bets: What children flying alone need to know?
June 17, 2019 21:16 - 10 minutesDEALS: Los Cabos, Mexico Oct 7 Air & 7 nights in a 4-star beachfront all-inclusive resort (Riu Santa Fe) $765 + $460 tax (1225) 10 Night Hawaii Cruise Apr 10 Air, 10 night cruise, transfers, classic beverage package, pre-paid gratuities and $300 obc (Vancouver to Honolulu) $1499 + $398 tax (book by June 18 - tomorrow!!) Italy: Rome, Florence & Venice Nov 3 Air, 9 nights 4-star hotel, breakfast daily, train between cities, 3 city tours & transfers $2899 + $557 tax (3456) ...
How will the recent legalization impact grow-ops and real estate?
June 17, 2019 21:10 - 5 minutesGuest: Trevor Hargreaves VP, government relations, B.C. Real Estate Association
Should the Surrey Board of Trade withdraw its invite to Robert F Kennedy Jr?
June 17, 2019 19:45 - 9 minutesAn American environmentalist will speak at the Surrey Board of Trade later this year but his stance on vaccinations has prompted a social media backlash and demands for his keynote address to be cancelled. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is scheduled to speak at a conference about the environment. Doctors, public health experts and parents are taking to Twitter to object to Kennedy’s invitation. Surrey Board of Trade CEO Anita Huberman says they have no plans to cancel his keynote because the event w...
New survey indicates how many Canadians are feeling lonely
June 17, 2019 19:13 - 7 minutesA new survey by the Angus Reid Institute is shedding light on the numbers of people in Canada who say they feel isolated. 62% say they would like their friends and family to spend more time with them, while only 14% of Canadians would describe the current state of their social lives as “very good.” Guest: Dave Korzinski Research Associate at the Angus Reid Institute
Trudeau set to approve Trans Mountain expansion
June 17, 2019 18:58 - 8 minutesCanada looks set to approve a plan to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline tomorrow, people familiar with the process have been telling the Reuters news agency. Of course, we own this thing: the Liberal government last year took the unprecedented step of buying the pipeline from Kinder Morgan Canada for $4.5 billion. If it ever gets completed, the expansion would nearly triple the capacity on the pipeline that runs from Edmonton to Burnaby. Guest: Keith Baldrey Global BC Legislative Bureau ...
Should the Surrey Board of Trade withdraw its invite to Robert F Kennedy Jr?
June 17, 2019 18:49 - 9 minutesAn American environmentalist will speak at the Surrey Board of Trade later this year but his stance on vaccinations has prompted a social media backlash and demands for his keynote address to be cancelled. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is scheduled to speak at a conference about the environment. Doctors, public health experts and parents are taking to Twitter to object to Kennedy’s invitation. Surrey Board of Trade CEO Anita Huberman says they have no plans to cancel his keynote because the event w...
The Best of The Simi Sara Show - Fri June 14th 2019
June 14, 2019 20:55 - 56 minutesChapter 1 🔥🔥 Hot question of the day 🔥🔥 Vote in @MikeSmythNews's 🔥 question of the day: as Canada celebrates the @Raptors win, is it now time for Vancouver to have its own NBA team again? Yes, #WeAlsoTheNorth No, not enough interest Chapter 2 Surrey’s Mayor wants to build a ‘wandering canal’ in the city He admits it's an idea that’s “outside the box,” but Surrey Mayor, Doug McCallum, is suggesting a canal be built in his city. He says he came up with the idea while visiting Qatar. ...
Here’s how men can get themselves tested for prostate cancer
June 14, 2019 20:22 - 10 minutesAre you seeing a lot of people wearing plaid today? Well, wonder no more… it’s because it’s Plaid for Dad day today. It’s an annual campaign to encourage people to wear plaid, to promote awareness of screening for prostate cancer. With fathers’ day coming up over the weekend, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of how men can be proactive and take better care of their health. Guest: Robin Speer Prostate Cancer Canada ambassador
Cannabis edibles announcement?
June 14, 2019 20:16 - 10 minutesThe federal government made an announcement this morning about the future of legally-sold cannabis edibles in Canada. Minister Blair joined Simi on the morning show today, and says that since the legalization of cannabis last October, the industry needs a supply of edibles, and that consumers need to know what regulations for these products could be. Minister Blair said as well that there are inherent risks to using products like edibles, and that the government is focusing on educating pot...
Victoria City Council walks back on proposal to ask military to fund Remembrance Day events
June 14, 2019 20:12 - 12 minutesThat was Mayor of the City of Victoria, Lisa Helps, speaking at City Council last night. A controversial proposal to ask the Canadian military to fund Remembrance Day ceremonies in Victoria died at last night’s city council meeting Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps and her fellow councillors declined to bring the amendment to a vote. The councillor who introduced the motion, Ben Isitt claimed there’s been a smear campaign against his character. Here’s what he told the chamber. Council did vote las...
The BIG strawberry giveaway
June 14, 2019 19:44 - 13 minutesCaren McSherry of the Gourmet Warehouse is here with a BIG strawberry giveaway. Are you an avid baker? A canner? Or do you just love strawberries? Guest: Caren McSherry Chef President and owner of the Gourmet Warehouse
B.C. government ruling out Class 5 licences for ridesharing drivers despite committee recommendation
June 14, 2019 19:41 - 10 minutesThe B.C. government has stamped a definitive “no” on Class 5 drivers’ licences for ridesharing drivers, ignoring an all-party committee’s recommendation. Transportation Minister, Claire Trevena, says a commercial Class 4 driver licence provides a “safer atmosphere” for passengers, citing the extra testing and medical exams that come with it. Guest: Teri Towner Coquitlam City Councillor
Surrey’s Mayor wants to build a ‘wandering canal’ in the city
June 14, 2019 19:36 - 11 minutesHe admits it's an idea that’s “outside the box,” but Surrey Mayor, Doug McCallum, is suggesting a canal be built in his city. He says he came up with the idea while visiting Qatar. Would this be a great recreational facility in the city? Or a colossal waste of money? Guest: Janet Brown Global News Senior Reporter
The Best of The Simi Sara Show - Thurs June 13th 2019
June 13, 2019 20:55 - 56 minutesChapter 1 🔥🔥 Hot question of the day 🔥🔥 Vote in @simisara980's 🔥 question of the day: A Wisconsin city is considering fines for parents whose children are bullies. Is this a good way to deal with the problem of bullying in schools? Yes No Unsure Chapter 2 Navy vets boycotting Victoria over Remembrance Day spending flap Victoria councillor Ben Isitt made news last week when he put forward a motion to make the military — not Victoria city hall — pay for Remembrance Day celebrations i...
Canadian municipalities are being hit by cyber attacks - here’s why that’s important
June 13, 2019 20:52 - 9 minutesWe talk a lot about cyber crime, and cyber attacks, and when we do, we usually talk about how it could hurt you and your personal data. But now imagine cyber hackers tried to bring down the systems and services of an entire town or city? This is actually happening to various extents. And one of the latest Canadian municipalities to be targeted is the City of Stratford in Ontario. This past April, the city’s servers got hijacked in what police described as a ransomware attack. So what happ...