Mornings with Simi
8,008 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 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
VPD sting sees 47 men arrested and seven charged with willingness to buy sex with underage girls
January 23, 2019 19:47 - 6 minutesVancouver police say 47 men have been arrested following a two-month operation in 2018, targeting people willing to purchase sexual services from youth. All of the arrests took place in 2018, and included men from “all walks of life.” They include a school trustee, a teacher, a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang and a fireman, according to police. Laurence Rankin, Deputy Chief Constable of the VPD outlines the process the police used to arrest the men in this sting. Seven of the men have ...
CKNW Health Series: How to help a partner struggling with mental health issues
January 23, 2019 19:38 - 6 minutesAny couple relationship, whether dating or a committed partnership, has its proverbial ups and downs. But what about when there is the extra challenge of dating or being the spouse/partner of someone who has a mental illness? Guest: Dr. Joti Samra Registered psychologist
Should Canadian cities be doing more to stop Airbnb upending local markets?
January 23, 2019 19:33 - 10 minutesSo much focus in recent years here in Vancouver about Airbnb... and a new report in Toronto is shedding light on the impact that it's having in that city. The group 'Fairbnb' says that the online platform is draining 6,500 homes from the housing market in Toronto. And there's criticism that Canadian cities are not doing enough to stop Airbnb from upending local markets - and that other parts of the world are being more proactive at preventing this. Guest: Dr Mariana Valverde Professor at t...
NDP call on BC Liberal MLA, and former speaker, Linda Reid, to explain her expenses
January 23, 2019 19:31 - 7 minutesGuest: Garry Begg NDP MLA for Surrey-Guildford Member of the Legislative Assembly Management Committee
Spotlight on the BC Liberals as more details on the expenses scandal emerge
January 23, 2019 19:25 - 10 minutesThe spotlight is on the BC Liberals as the expenses scandal at the BC Legislature continues to spark so much conversation today. The man identified as an anonymous whistleblower in the speaker Darryl Plecas’ report into alleged misconduct by the clerk and sergeant-at-arms in B.C.’s legislature says the matter of questionable expenses goes beyond the two accused senior staff members. Speaking exclusively to Global News, Connor Gibson says he was asked by Liberal MLA Linda Reid to file what h...
Mayors’ Day: Introducing Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart
January 22, 2019 22:34 - 1 hourMayors’ Day: Introducing Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart
SIMI AND KENNEDY’S LOSER AND WINNER OF THE DAY
January 22, 2019 22:04 - 5 minutesSimi’s loser Palm Beach County surgeon Ramon Vazquez Ramon Vazquez has to pay a fine of $3,000 for removing a kidney he mistakenly believed as tumor, which stems from not reading the medical records of the patient prior to the operation. Kennedy’s winner City of Vancouver Housing Team Today, the City broke ground on more than 200 affordable homes and a new community services centre. The new Roddan Lodge and Evelyne Saller Centre development will provide 213 safe, warm homes for famil...
The Best of The Simi Sara Show - Tues, Jan 22nd 2019
January 22, 2019 22:04 - 1 hourChapter 1 🔥🔥 Hot question of the day 🔥🔥 Vote in @simisara980's 🔥 question of the day: Canada’s new food guide emphasizes eating plants, drinking water and cooking at home. Today we want to know: how many times a week do you eat meat? Never 1-3 times 4-6 times 7+ times Chapter 2 Why didn’t the BC Liberals flag the legislature expenses scandal when they were in power? The lawyer for the two men at the centre of a spending scandal at the BC Legislature has issued a public statement a...
Ask the Mayor
January 22, 2019 21:53 - 13 minutesWe solicited questions for Mayor Stewart from some prominent Vancouverites. First up is Ann McMullin, President and CEO of the Urban Development Institute, and she has a question about the permit process for new construction in Vancouver. The next question is from Michael Geller, architect, planner, real estate consultant, and he has a question about Vancouver’s Empty Home Tax… Charles Gauthier is the President & CEO of Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, and he has a ques...
How does the new City Council plan to address housing affordability and homelessness in Vancouver?
January 22, 2019 21:31 - 19 minutesA big challenge for Mayor Stewart and his new council will be to find ways to address housing affordability and homelessness in Vancouver. One solution the Mayor is exploring is an increase in the number of laneway houses - these are homes that are built at the back of existing residential properties, and which face onto the laneway. We’re joined on the show by Jake Fry, who started a company called Smallworks in 2005 and who has become a strong advocate for laneway housing. Guest: Jake Fry...
Mayors’ Day: SkyTrain is the preferred transit method out to UBC
January 22, 2019 20:48 - 20 minutesTransLink is releasing the findings of its technical study into the best options for extending rapid transit in Vancouver from Arbutus to UBC. The study concludes that SkyTrain is the best rapid transit technology option for this corridor. Translink says "it is the only technology that can accommodate the expected growth in demand along the Broadway corridor and allow for future expansion beyond 2045." Guest: Santa Ono President and vice-chancellor of the University of British Columbia ...
Mayors’ Day: Introducing Kennedy Stewart: how to write a book
January 22, 2019 20:24 - 17 minutesSeason two of our Mayors Day series begins today! And here on the Simi Sara Show, we’re joined by the newly-elected Mayor of Vancouver, Kennedy Stewart. The Mayor’s books include: Turning Parliament Inside Out: Practical Ideas for Reforming Canada's Democracy (2017) Think Democracy: Options for Local Democratic Reform in Vancouver (2003) Local Government in Canada (latest edition published in 2016) The Mayor's wife, Jeanette Ashe, chairs the Department of Political Science at Douglas Co...
‘Roma’ and ‘The Favourite’ get 10 Oscar nominations each
January 22, 2019 20:03 - 13 minutesThe Oscar nominees for best picture have been announced. The eight films vying for the top honours are Black Panther, BlacKkKlansman, Bohemian Rhapsody, The Favourite, Green Book, Roma, A Star Is Born, and Vice. Meanwhile, several Canadians have landed Oscar nominations. The category for best animated short includes the Pixar production "Bao'' by Toronto-raised Domee Shi. Also on that list is "Animal Behaviour'' by Vancouver's David Fine and Alison Snowden, and "Weekends'' by Canadian-born ...
CKNW Health Series: how new advances in brain research can help your mental health
January 22, 2019 19:31 - 6 minutesPart of understanding mental health and how to improve it for you and the people around you, is appreciating how it works, and what is possible. Eric Chapman and Amir Ali look at new advancements in brain research, and how we can physically change our brains, and develop new ways of thinking. It proves you really can teach an old dog new tricks.
Canada’s new food guide emphasizes eating plants, drinking water and cooking at home
January 22, 2019 19:19 - 10 minutesCanada's new food guide does away with food groups and portion sizes, focusing instead on broader guidelines that include eating more plant-based protein and drinking more water. Early indications the new guide would promote more plant-based protein have already sparked concern among dairy and beef farmers, who are worried about the long-term impacts the change could have on their livelihoods. Guest: Desiree Nielsen Registered Dietitian based in Vancouver; author
Why didn’t the BC Liberals flag the legislature expenses scandal when they were in power?
January 22, 2019 18:55 - 19 minutesThe lawyer for the two men at the centre of a spending scandal at the BC Legislature has issued a public statement after yesterday's release of a 76-page report compiled by Speaker Darryl Plecas. In the statement, suspended Clerk Craig James and Sergeant-at-Arms Gary Lenz complain that at no time over the last weeks or months did Mr. Plecas provide them with information about these allegations or give us any opportunity to respond. They go on to say, "We are confident that time will show th...
Two-thirds of Canadians enter 2019 worried about economy: Kitchen table forecast
January 21, 2019 21:50 - 12 minutesThe survey sought to add consumer context to reports on slowing economic growth by asking Canadians about a series of "kitchen table” issues – the sort of daily financial concerns that confront people on a daily basis, such as bill payments and debt, cost of living, job security and bankruptcy. It comes on the heels of a global report by The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that suggests Canada is showing signs of a sharp decline in growth in 2019. Guest: Laurie...
Travel Best Bets - How Travel Has Improved Lately
January 21, 2019 20:41 - 6 minutesTravel really has gotten nicer lately, with the spread of economy plus, or premium classes, AirBnB's competition with hotels, and even more long-haul flights to more destination. Claire Newell joins us to chat about it all. Phone: Claire Newell - President and Founder of Travel Best Bets
Stand.earth files new motion on Trans Mountain Pipeline reconsideration process
January 21, 2019 20:21 - 19 minutesWe talk pipelines from both sides of the fence in the face of a new motion filed by Stand.Earth against the TransMountain pipeline expansion, in the hopes of expanding the environmental review. Guest: Tzeporah Berman - International Program Director Stand.Earth Guest: Stewart Muir - Executive Director, ResourceWorks
CKNW Health Series - Seasonal Affective Disorder
January 21, 2019 19:39 - 7 minutesDoes the grey winter weather have you feeling down? You may be affected by S.A.D - seasonal affective disorder. What are the symptoms of S.A.D, and what can you do to prevent the winter blues? CKNW's Niki Reitmayer has the details.
How More Canadians Can Butt Out for National Non-Smoking Week
January 21, 2019 19:36 - 9 minutesThis week is National non-smoking week and with the rise of the use of vaporizers and vape pens, quitting nicotine, or simply switching off from cigarettes, is that much easier. We talk to an industry veteran for his take on the rise of newer smoking technologies, and how Health Canada is reacting to it. Guest: Peter Luongo - Managing Director, Rothmans, Benson and Hedges
What will Darryl Plecas have to say in today’s Legislative Assembly Management Committee Meeting?
January 21, 2019 18:59 - 19 minutesKeith Baldrey joins us to talk about today's LAMC meeting, and the upcoming byelections in Burnaby and Nanaimo. Guest: Keith Baldrey - Global BC Chief Political Reporter
The Best of The Simi Sara Show - Fri Jan 18th 2019
January 18, 2019 21:54 - 51 minutesChapter 1 🔥🔥 Hot question of the day 🔥🔥 Vote in @simisara980's 🔥 question of the day: A car crash involving 97-year-old Prince Philip has sparked fresh debate over whether there should be a driving age limit. @MikeSmythNews wants to know if you would support that. Yes, it would save lives. No, seniors need freedom. Chapter 2 Green Party leader, Andrew Weaver, now says he ‘hates’ the speculation tax Lots of you phoned us up yesterday to tell us how much you dislike the “negative bill...
Speculation tax fallout continues
January 18, 2019 21:47 - 14 minutesThe NDP’s speculation tax continues to make waves across British Columbia. Earlier we spoke to Green Party leader, Andrew Weaver. He says that he and his party “hates the tax,” even though the Greens did vote with the NDP to pass the tax. This all comes in the middle of the crucial byelection campaign in Nanaimo. And in the past hour, a new poll has come out. We spoke to Maclean Kay, Editor in Chief of The Orca. Guest: Anne McMullin Urban Development Institute
Foodie Friday with Caren McSherry
January 18, 2019 21:17 - 19 minutesToday we’re talking about classic comfort foods! Recipe: Really Good Meatballs Meatballs in my mind are rather ho hum and not that exciting, something to fill up on when visiting giant furniture stores. My mixture is veal, pork and beef which truly takes it over the top. Pine nuts and grated parmesan elevate it that much more. Who needs spaghetti?! 4 slices regular white bread, soaked in 1 cup water 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 large shallots diced fine 2 large eggs, beaten lightly 2 he...
New poll published on Nanaimo byelection
January 18, 2019 20:52 - 7 minutesThere’s a new poll out on the Nanaimo byelection - it was just published by The Orca 20 minutes ago - some dramatic findings in there, so let’s get all the details. Guest: Maclean Kay Editor in Chief of The Orca
Fact check: was Karen Wang mistranslated by the media?
January 18, 2019 20:48 - 5 minutesFormer Liberal candidate in Burnaby South, Karen Wang, told the Lynda Steele Show yesterday that her controversial WeChat post had been 'misinterpreted’ and ‘mistranslated’ by the media in its reporting. The Simi Sara Show decided to fact check this. We asked the StarMetro Vancouver for more information on the translation they published, and referred Wang's WeChat post to our own Global News translators. Our podcast reveals what we found out.
BC Hydro reports uptick in the number of scam calls received by its customers
January 18, 2019 20:44 - 16 minutesThat's BC Hydro spokesperson Mora Scott, talking about a sharp rise in the number of scammers demanding payment under the threat of disconnection, both by phone and by email. They will call a home or business, demanding IMMEDIATE payment in the form of pre-paid cash or credit cards, or by depositing money into a bitcoin ATM. Scott says Hydro does NOT collect credit card or bank account information by phone, email or text, nor does it accept payment from pre-paid cash, credit cards, or bitco...
CKNW Health Series: Future uses of cannabis for pain and symptom relief among cancer patients
January 18, 2019 20:42 - 3 minutesMore and more cancer patients are turning to cannabis to help alleviate their symptoms. But can marijuana cause more harm than good? Jennifer Palma reports on why patients need to be careful.
Green Party leader, Andrew Weaver, now says he ‘hates’ the speculation tax
January 18, 2019 20:40 - 15 minutesLots of you phoned us up yesterday to tell us how much you dislike the “negative billing” process the provincial government has brought in for the speculation tax. The onus is on YOU as a homeowner to fill out a form and let the province know that you’re NOT a speculator. If you’re unhappy about the speculation tax, you have someone who says he’s in your corner… but then why did he vote to help the tax pass in the legislature? Green Party leader, Andrew Weaver, joins us on the Simi Sara Sho...
The Best of The Simi Sara Show
January 17, 2019 21:53 - 1 hourChapter 1 🔥🔥 Hot question of the day 🔥🔥 Vote in @MikeSmythNews’s 🔥 question of the day: The Liberals candidate who stepped out of the Burnaby South byelection because of a ‘racist’ social media post now wants to reenter the race. Should Justin Trudeau give Karen Wang a second chance? Yes, mistakes happen. No, not forgivable. Chapter 2 Karen Wang wants to re-enter Burnaby South byelection race Never a dull day in BC politics… Yesterday, Karen Wang announced she was stepping down as t...
Liberals reject Karen Wang’s request to re-enter the Burnaby South byelection race
January 17, 2019 21:46 - 13 minutesKaren Wang is not getting a second chance from the Federal Liberal Party. It has swiftly rejected her call to be reinstated as the party candidate in the upcoming Burnaby South byelection. Wang dropped out of the race yesterday after making online comments that singled out the ethnicity of NDP Leader, Jagmeet Singh. She's now asking for a second chance - but her plea has been rejected by the federal Liberals. And she may end up running as an independent. Any moment now she’s expected to h...
China’s foreign ministry says Freeland ‘can't help speaking without thinking’
January 17, 2019 21:41 - 14 minutesA Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman says Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland may have spoken without thinking. Hua Chunying is rejecting Freeland's comment that the arbitrary detentions of Canadians represents a way of behaving that threatens all countries. She claims people from China could be at risk following Canada's detention of telecom executive Meng Wanzhou (MUNG wan-JOH') for quote -- ``no reason.'' Diplomatic relations have grown increasingly strained since China detaine...
Strategy that helped drive down rate of HIV/AIDS being used to tackle BC’s overdose crisis
January 17, 2019 20:29 - 8 minutesAn 18-month pilot project is being expanded across British Columbia - after more than double the number of drug-addicted people stayed in treatment to stop them from fatally overdosing. The initiative, led by the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS and Vancouver Coastal Health, uses the same strategy that helped drive down the province's HIV and AIDS rates. The pilot at 17 clinics in Vancouver involved 1,100 patients and showed seven out of 10 of them stayed in treatment after three months...
Mayors lash out at province over speculation tax opt-out
January 17, 2019 19:49 - 15 minutesOnce again the speculation tax is under intense scrutiny after it emerged homeowners who aren’t speculators will have to opt out of the tax, by filing a declaration. Finance Minister, Carole James, was on the Jon McComb Show this morning. She defended the way the tax is being rolled out and says it’s a straightforward process. So don’t throw away that BC Government letter when it arrives in the mail, or you could, by default, end up forking out! The City of Langford is one of the areas whe...
CKNW Health Series: AN INTRO TO MARIJUANA
January 17, 2019 19:47 - 5 minutesWith legalization still being fairly new, there are still lots of people unfamiliar with the world of Cannabis. Like, what is sativa? Or Indica? And how about THC and CBD? CKNW Contributors Eric Chapman and Amir Ali answer some of the burning questions that still surround pot.
Global Exclusive: Ontario casino regulator probing whether B.C. casino staff were connected to money-laundering suspects
January 17, 2019 19:43 - 10 minutesGlobal National Investigative journalist Sam Cooper says Ontario’s casino regulator is probing whether BC casino staff had links to money laundering suspects. Guest: Sam Cooper Global National Investigative Reporter
Karen Wang wants to re-enter Burnaby South byelection race
January 17, 2019 19:13 - 13 minutesNever a dull day in BC politics… Yesterday, Karen Wang announced she was stepping down as the Liberals candidate in the federal byelection in Burnaby South. That was after the StarMetro Vancouver reported that she had published a social media post, appealing for votes because she was Chinese, while pointing out that Jagmeet Singh is “of Indian descent”. This morning we’ve learned that Karen Wang wants a second chance - but the Liberal Party says it is rejecting her request. Guest: Keith Bal...
SIMI’S LOSER AND WINNER OF THE DAY
January 16, 2019 21:53 - 3 minutesLoser NO LOSER WinnerS Roberta Hoskie and Elmer Alvarez from New Haven, Connecticut Just before Thanksgiving last year, Roberta Joskie, a New Haven realtor, who lost a $10,000 check, paid Elmer Alvarez, a homeless man, handsomely for his honesty. This Thanksgiving, the realtor and homeless man are both paying it forward.
The Best of The Simi Sara Show - Wed Jan 16th 2019
January 16, 2019 21:52 - 1 hourChapter 1 🔥🔥 Hot question of the day 🔥🔥 Vote in @simisara980's 🔥 question of the day: The City of Vancouver is exploring extra fees for ridehailing trips to offset the added congestion those journeys would create. @JillReports wants to know if you would like to see this implemented. Yes, it eases traffic. No way, I won’t pay! Chapter 2 Breaking: Liberal candidate Karen Wang drops out of Burnaby South byelection The Liberal candidate running against NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh in the Bu...
CTF demands Prime Minister to put an end to policy that allows former governors general to bill taxpayers for their expenses
January 16, 2019 21:46 - 10 minutesThe federal government's books show that Adrienne Clarkson, who was governor general from 1999 to 2005, has billed more than one-million dollars in expenses since leaving the job. Besides their pensions, former governors general can get public funding for office expenses and travel. The program has existed since 1979, on the premise that governors general never truly retire. Simi spoke with National Post columnist Brian Platt about Clarkson’s expenses… After much public outrage over ...
Damage from December windstorm cost $37 million
January 16, 2019 21:22 - 13 minutesThe windstorm that struck the coast of BC last month has proved to be very costly. The Insurance Bureau of Canada out with the total cost of the damage, pegged at 37 million dollars. That includes damage to homes, businesses, vehicles and the city of White Rock's iconic pier. Guest: Aaron Sutherland Vice President of the Pacific Region for the Insurance Bureau of Canada
CKNW Health Series: debunking marijuana myth
January 16, 2019 20:59 - 3 minutesWith cannabis legalization now a reality, many of us are having to learn what can seem like a whole new language. From sativa to indica, CBD to THC - as Jennifer Palma reports, there are a lot of claims being made about just what marijuana does to you.
Death penalty sentences a ‘very grave problem’ in China
January 16, 2019 20:56 - 15 minutesCanadian Robert Schellenberg remains on death row in China after being found guilty of drug smuggling. Schellenberg was originally sentenced to 15 years in prison, but a Chinese court increased the penalty to a death sentence after stating that the original sentence was too lenient. Schellenberg’s family says they are working with their local MP, Ed Fast from the Conservative Party, to ensure the government makes every effort to secure fair treatment for Robert Lloyd Schellenberg. A Canadia...
Travel Best Bets: How to ensure your money is protected while travelling
January 16, 2019 20:42 - 10 minutesMaui, Hawaii Apr 15 - May 15 Air & 7 nights hotel $899 + $237 tax (1136) Ireland Self Drive Tour May 26-Jun 12 Air, 7 nights accommodation, daily breakfast & car rental $1269 + $577 tax (1846) 7 Night Tulip Time River Cruise March 22 Air, deluxe 7 night all-inclusive river cruise, all meals, sightseeing guided tours & transfers (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Middelburg, Willemstad, Amsterdam) Book by February 19 $2799 + $599 tax (3398) Guest: Claire Newell ...
City of Vancouver considering congestion charge on ridehailing services
January 16, 2019 20:39 - 10 minutesThe City of Vancouver is exploring extra fees for ridehailing trips to offset the added congestion those journeys would create. Staff at City Hall yesterday received a presentation on the topic - and the idea would be to add an additional charge onto journeys in high-traffic areas and at peak travel times. Guest: Pete Fry Vancouver City Councillor representing the Green Party
CKNW Health Series: how can cannabis be used to treat young patients?
January 16, 2019 20:36 - 5 minutesFocus - Marijuana and pediatrics We know that cannabis products are used to treat the symptoms of epilepsy. Are researchers looking at cannabis use as treatment for any other condition in children?2. Since there hasn't been a lot of research on the issue, is there a concern about exposing young patients to cannabis? 3. Are you concerned about how the legalization of recreational marijuana could impact unauthorized medical use? Guest: Dr. Rod Rassekh Pediatric oncologist Investigator at ...
Family of Abbotsford man sentenced to death in China working with local MP to secure fair treatment
January 16, 2019 20:25 - 6 minutesThe U.S. State Department says China's death sentence against an Abbotsford man is “politically motivated.” A statement today from U.S. deputy spokesman, Robert Palladino, says US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Canadian Foreign Minister, Chrystia Freeland, spoke yesterday, and spoke about their concerns regarding the “arbitrary detentions of Canadian nationals.” This is happening because a Chinese court resentenced Robert Schellenberg to death in a sudden retrial of a drug-smuggling ca...
Breaking: Liberal candidate Karen Wang drops out of Burnaby South byelection
January 16, 2019 20:18 - 10 minutesThe Liberal candidate running against NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh in the Burnaby South byelection has bowed out of the race. Karen Wang says she made comments online that referenced Singh's cultural background and her choice of words wasn't well-considered and didn't reflect her intent. StarMetro Vancouver reported this morning that Wang wrote on Chinese social media platform WeChat that she was the "only'' Chinese candidate in the riding, rather than Singh, who she identified as "of Indian de...
The Best of The Simi Sara Show - Tues, Jan 15th 2019
January 15, 2019 21:52 - 1 hourChapter 1 🔥🔥 Hot question of the day 🔥🔥 Vancouver city council is set to vote Tuesday on a motion from COPE councillor Jean Swanson that would support free transit for youth and discounts for low-income riders. Listen to this Global News report by reporter Nadia Stewart…. Vote in @simisara980's 🔥 question of the day: A poverty-reduction group says transit fare evasion fines are damaging to people on low incomes, and community service should be considered instead. @JillReports wants to know...