Hamilton Today with Scott Thompson

So did the feds decide to stop spending on road infrastructure or not?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Hamilton’s own designer fashion label, Blackbird Studios, has fully returned to the downtown after a popup at Limeridge Mall became home for over three years. As spaceflight and rocket launches become the norm again, some astronomers are noting that the proliferation of satellites are interfering with our ability to see into the night sky. Following the fallout from the ArriveCAN app scandal, the Conservatives are calling on the Auditor-General ...

Jagmeet Singh on Pharmacare and the deal with the Feds… what?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: There is little recourse for Canadians who are victimized by explicit images generated using artificial intelligence technology. Canadians are stressed out about the economy and have little faith in politicians or governments to fix big problems, according to the 2024 CanTrust Index published by Proof Strategies. The Super Bowl ratings are in, and it has been a huge comeback! It is fair to say that the “Taylor Factor” played a part in how the nu...

Canada's Auditor General Doesn't Know How Much ArriveCAN Cost to Make

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Aside from just the big game, we look at the how the entire Super Bowl telecast turned out. Trudeau should follow Doug Ford’s lead and scrap the alcohol tax, if you ask the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Donald Trump is facing backlash from the Republican party, among others, for his comments about not protecting NATO allies. Although the cost of the ArriveCAN app is what will grab the attention of Canadians, there are many other issues revealed...

Trudeau on Bell’s “Garbage Decision”

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The Trudeau and Ford governments have finalized a health deal, with Ontario committing to hiring more doctors and nurses. We look into Ontario's decision to incorporate mandatory Black history learning into Grades 7, 8, and 10 history courses. Bell Canada's recent decision to slash 4,800 jobs and close over 100 The Source stores. What led to this decision, and what might be the broader implications for the telecommunications industry and Canadia...

How can we stop the rising scourge of auto-thefts in Canada?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The leader of the NDP says that he's putting his foot down and if the Prime Minister fails to deliver a pharmacare bill, their deal is over. Has Pierre Poilievre given Justin Trudeau his wedge issue for the next election? The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu says that there can be no peace deal without beating Hamas. A new trade deal with Ukraine is going through despite Conservatives' effort. $340,000 is an enormous amount of money ...

No Peace Deal Without 'Beating Hamas' according to Netanyahu

We've heard chatter regarding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but now it's looking like President Netanyahu says there will be no peace deal without total victory over Hamas. Guest: Aurel Braun (PRONOUNCED "brown"), Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto

What is the new reality we face with the rise of auto-thefts?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: What is the reality that we are facing as auto-theft becomes an increasingly prevalent crime? It's about time we start talking about healthcare without the kid gloves on. According to a report from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, we are still facing a decline in business confidence following the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada is seeing an incredible rise in the number of bankruptcies. What does it actually cost to own a car today? It would appear th...

Rising auto-theft: what’s going on and what penalties exist?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Let’s talk cars and auto-theft! What’s going on? What are the penalties? Canada’s fertility rate is at an all-time low, but there’s also an important point the survey says about Baby Boomers. The political issues in the U.S. and what it could mean for Ukraine in the future. Taylor Swift and Celine Dion drama after the Grammy’s and what that says about the social media landscape. An update on the ongoing World Juniors sexual assault case out of L...

5 former World Junior players facing sexual assault charges

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: We take a closer look at the sexual assault case against 5 former members of the Canadian World Juniors hockey team. Canada is set to host 13 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup's matches. It would appear that the 'We Are The World' documentary is missing what's touted as the most moving moment of the night. The federal government plans to extend its ban on foreign homebuyers for another two years. Facebook is marking its 20th anniversary. Many immigrant...

It’s Groundhog Day! When did winter happen?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The Professional Women’s Hockey League has reached its first quarter. How is the inaugural season going? The newest proposal for a ceasefire is reportedly being received well by Hamas leadership. Could this actually lead to a de-escalation and a path forward? As the foreign interference commission kicked off this week, details have already started coming to light. Canadians set to pay even more for groceries as the annual industry-wide price fre...

Founder of nonprofit Schools of Dreams is Hamilton's honouree for Black History Month

Scott’s Just Checking In, How Are You Doing?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Niagara Falls may be the place to be, to take in the April 8 solar eclipse. Elmo asked us how we were doing, and we opened up. A lot. The Westdale theatre is preparing for the 5th anniversary of its re-opening and a celebratory gala fundraiser filled with music, entertainment and special guests on February 14. U.S. Senate hearings on social media and child exploitation. Foreign Interference, China and India named in a top-secret briefing report ...

If our politicians were doing better in the polls, would they still be talking about crime?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Why are school boards concerned about eclipses? The Russia-Ukraine POW swaps: are they a sign of de-escalation? What do they mean for the war? The affordability crisis is increasingly impacting the ability for Canadians to retire. The RNC and Trump’s relationship may make for a continually interesting race. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation president and CEO Catherine Tait told the House of Commons heritage committee she and the CBC executive te...

POW swaps between Russian and Ukraine. What does this mean for the war?

The Russia-Ukraine POW swaps: are they a sign of de-escalation? What do they mean for the war? Guest: Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto.

Elon Musk’s Neuralink Implant In A Human… no seriously!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation calls on CBC President Catherine Tait to commit to ending bonuses at the public broadcaster. Leon’s Furniture plans to build a new Toronto neighbourhood. How did this plan come about? One of Elon Musk’s Neuralink implants has been installed in a human for the first time. In a new piece for the Globe and Mail, Lawrence L. Herman writes that there is an electric vehicle trade-war brewing between North America and ...

Carbon Tax Rebrand... still the same carbon tax

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: We look at the increasing role that Iran is playing in foreign interference. As parliament returns, Ipsos polling has brought us the results of their survey on what issues are the most important to Canadians right now. What is the issue with some Staples welcoming in Service Ontario locations in February? Abacus Data polling shows respondents think Pierre Poilievre would handle Donald Trump better than Trudeau would a second time around. A long-...

Why does Trudeau clap that way?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The province is puts a moratorium on public-private partnerships for colleges in Ontario. The estate of George Carlin has filed a lawsuit against the media company behind a fake hour-long comedy special that purportedly uses artificial intelligence to recreate the late standup comic's style and material. The Staircase is having a “Re Re Re-Opening” event Saturday at 7:30 p.m.. Adam Oldfield joins us to discuss the steps he is taking to address i...

Who should be running Hamilton's LRT?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: McMaster residents at 10 Bay will be moving into a hotel while the school figures out what’s happening with the water. A staff report says that a contracted operator and not the City of Hamilton should run the LRT for the first ten years, with the right to step in afterwards. There is opposition to this suggestion. Is the Republican primary going to get uglier? Nikki Haley is still staying in the race, while Trump is warning that those who suppo...

Freedom Convoy 2 years later, and the fallout of the Mosley Ruling…

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Late, great Canadian rocker Robbie Robertson of The Band is now nominated for an Oscar in the Original Score category for his contributions to ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ on Tuesday. Where do the federal Liberals go, politically, following the ruling from Federal Court Justice Richard Mosley on their use of the Emergencies Act two years ago, in the face of “Freedom Convoy” protests? How will the cap on international student visas impact schools...

Developments in the Red Sea, the future of Gaza, and more

The U.S. has been engaged in the Red Sea, along with Canada an other allies opposing the Houthi pirates raids on ships carrying supplies to and from Israel. Meanwhile, The Biden administration and Netanyahu’s government are finding themselves at odds over the future of Gaza. Guest: Elliot Tepper, Emeritus Professor of Political Science with Carleton University. 

Emergencies Act Use Deemed “Unreasonable” by Federal Court Justice

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Norman Jewison, the acclaimed and versatile Canadian-born director, whose Hollywood films ranged from Doris Day comedies to social dramas, has died at age 97. StatCan says that the majority of Canadians now have more debt than savings. How will the cap on international student visas impact schools and their business, what about other areas of the economy? In a decision released just earlier this afternoon, Federal Court Justice Richard Mosley ru...

Will the federal Liberals' retreat be more of a repeat?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The government says it will approve approximately 360,000 undergraduate study permits for 2024 — a 35 per cent reduction from 2023. Trudeau and his federal cabinet are on retreat, to gear up for 2024 and prepare to not let it a repeat of last year. The Eaton Centre arrests: just because you are not arrested immediately does not mean you won’t be, eventually. Ron De Santis has dropped out of the race for Republican presidential candidate, and end...

Mayor of Kyiv Concerned About Measures Taken To Defend Ukraine

The mayor of Kyiv is worried that the measure taken to defend his nation in the ongoing fight against Russian invasion is transforming Ukraine into an autocracy. Guest:  Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto.

Who Will Win: EVs? or Canadian Winter?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Canadian children’s entertainer and television broadcaster Nerene Virgin has passed away. EV’s are affected by North American cold. What does that mean for their place in the market, and what does it mean for our budding industry? Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney issued a warning at the World Economic Forum that global supply shocks are becoming more persistent, forcing central bankers to adapt to tame inflation. Talk of Justin Trudeau...

Unlicensed Online Gambling Sites Used For Money Laundering?

Unlicensed online gambling being used by money launderers.  Guest: Moshe Lander, Senior Economics Lecturer with Concordia University. 

Gov to Small Business: It’s Time to Pay Up

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: When is it too cold to take your dog for a walk? Amid a surge in auto thefts in the Greater Toronto Area, some insurance companies are now pushing owners of highly targeted vehicles to install tracking devices. For thousands of small businesses, it’s time to pay up. Is China on the precipice of a decline? Interim Ethics Commissioner Konrad von Finckenstein has been called to testify on Justin Trudeau’s Jamaican vacation, but Democracy Watch has ...

"Attainable" housing is coming thanks to an Ancaster facility!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: A modular housing builder is set to receive federal funding to upgrade its Ancaster, Ontario, facility and ramp up production to increase the country’s “attainable homes” supply. Bob and Doug Mackenzie are back! And they are challenging the beer tax hike, in new commercials courtesy of Beer Canada. Writing in the National Post, Tasha Kheiriddin says that Canada’s immigration policies are damaging the economy, citing findings from some of Canada’...

Canada's largest sugar refinery to set up shop in Hamilton

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: We recap the innovations and eye-catchers on display at the Las Vegas Electronics Show. Hamilton is set to become home to Canada's largest sugar refinery! Alberta’s power issues: are they a sign of what is to come? Former President Donald Trump won the Iowa caucuses Monday night, capturing the first state in the 2024 Republican presidential nominating process as he seeks to quickly dispatch his rivals and consolidate his control over the party. ...

Hamiltonian renting a trailer for people to live in

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: One local Hamiltonian is testing out the idea of renting out a trailer for $700 as a living space – essentially treated as an apartment. The Canadian Taxpayer Federation says that the start of a new year is the perfect time for Trudeau to make a resolution to “slim down” that “bureaucratic belly.” The Emmy Awards are tonight! Are you going to be watching? Alberta’s power issues: are they a sign of what is to come? No more 50% off sales for items...

Staying safe in the midst of the incoming winter storm

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Environment Canada says heavy snowfall is coming to areas including Hamilton, Brantford, Ont. and Burlington, Ont. late in the day Friday. What does that mean for us, and has the prediction improved? The Trans-Mountain pipeline has billions of dollars more in lifelines being pumped into it. Between January 4 and 9, 2024, Abacus Data conducted a nationwide survey involving 1,500 Canadians (18+) to gauge their perceptions of the recently establish...

Another Juicy Vacation Story for 2024...

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Niagara politicians voiced their opinions about the future of the region before a provincial committee on Wednesday. Trudeau’s Jamaica vacation: a sunny getaway lands the Prime Minister in hot water… again. The scandal around the BTNX COVID-19 rapid test kits and Health Canada. Writing in the National Post, Mike Fegelman says that it is up to the people of Gaza to end the fighting. The feds were warned that higher immigration rates could impact ...

South Africa Accusing Israel of Genocide, Charges At The Hague

Israel at The Hague on charges of genocide, brought by South Africa. Guest: Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. 

Differentiating Palestinians from Hamas

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: A 10-year veteran of the Hamilton Police Service has retired amid honours from his fellow officers: Jake the police dog joined the force in 2014, and served alongside his handler Constable Kevin Wilson throughout his career. Wilson joined the service in 2008 before transferring to the K-9 unit to serve with Jake. An Air Canada passenger boarded a flight to Dubai and then, instead of taking their seat, decided to dip out the backdoor of the Boein...

Niagara's ice wine festival welcomes 30-plus operators to 2024 event

What's with the disparity in people getting arrested lately?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Niagara is preparing to celebrate its annual ice wine harvest season. Rebel News personality David Menzies was arrested Monday for allegedly assaulting a police officer while trying to ask Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland questions about the government's decision to leave the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) off the designated terrorist entity list. We look at the successes of the CHML Children’s Fund in 2023. Pollara Strategic Insight...

Is another battery plant coming to Ontario?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: The Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 mid-air door blowout. Staying safe while shopping on Facebook Marketplace. Winter weather: better late than never? Honda considering opening an electric vehicle battery plant in Ontario. David Booth says something might be fishy with the numbers being reported, though. Encampments and affordable housing remain top of mind in Hamilton at the start of 2024. We look at pharmacy fees and what can be done about th...

Lancaster bomber from Hamilton's warplane museum to join tour marking RCAF centenary

Prime Minister's Plane Breaks Down in Jamaica

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: It’s almost the first weekend of 2024. Have you held onto that New Year’s Day optimism? We look at the historic Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap, as well as the situation Canada now finds itself in, being asked to push allies to pick up pace of support. David Soul of Starsky & Hutch has died. Vulcan rocket aims to be first private mission to the Moon. Lea Wittig, a school crossing guard in Tavistock, Ontario, is looking for an explanation after she ...

Dr. Elliot Tepper on the Strength of Western Support for Ukraine

We look at the historic Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap, as well as the situation Canada now finds itself in, being asked to push allies to pick up pace of support.  Guest: Dr. Elliot Tepper, Emeritus Professor of Political Science with Carleton University

Sorry Trudeau, but Canadians Want An Election Now...

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Canadians would rather have a federal election now, rather than wait until 2025. Fire Chief Dave Cunliffe joins us to talk about fire safety, particularly for encampments. The Hamilton Fire Department has released a fire safety resource material for encampments, which – like all fire safety material – is crucial information, especially as we hear stories of more people finding themselves living in tents around the city. Big changes coming to the...

Chief says increase in calls around Hamilton’s encampments prior to Woodlands fire

Saying Goodbye To Café Limoncello...

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: As covered in Hamilton’s own The Bay Observer, the renaming of Dundas Square in Toronto may have come about after a less-than-thorough review process. Cafe Limoncello closes after two decades of business. According to a new survey, nearly 44 per cent of hospital workers in Hamilton say they “dread going into work,” and a similar amount are on the verge of quitting. Are we in a recession or not? We get an update on Trump’s ballot fights, as well ...

Hamas Leader Killed In Lebanon, Israel At The International Criminal Court, and More Coming Out Of The War In Gaza

We look at developments coming out of the war in Gaza, including news that Israel is set to defend itself at the International Criminal Court in The Hague against South Africa’s accusations of genocide, as well as fears that there will be escalations in the Middle East. GUEST: Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto.

Professional women's hockey is here!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Airport runway collision and subsequent airplane fire in Japan. The era of the Professional Women's Hockey League has begun. Where does it fit into sports history? A signature move of the Doug Ford Government is being carried into 2024: the gas tax cut was once again extended – at least until June 30th. Justin Trudeau says that he will not walk away from his position as leader of the Federal Liberals nor his role as Prime Minister. Why keep the ...

Looking back at Canada's 2023 and how we're looking for 2024

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: We look back at this year in popular culture, and everything else, with Elissa Freeman! What are the stories of international politics that jump out, when we look back on 2023? Let’s take a look at what we listened to in 2023, and everything else that impacted the music industry in the past year. Aside from the Hollywood strikes, what were the significant moments for film and television in 2023? We lived and breathed the big stories in Canadian ...

Super Saturday 2023: What will it look like?

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Angus Reid Polling on anti-Semitism and Islamophobia found that across the country, the vast majority of people agree that both anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim views are problems. More U.S. auto-buyers are turning to hybrids as sales of electric vehicles slow. This weekend is Super Saturday – the last Saturday before Christmas, when those who have not finished (or started) their shopping hit the stores. The leader of Hamas has issued a thank-you t...

Jagmeet Singh wraps the year with Scott Thompson!

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: We start with news out of the U.S. It seems like Donald Trump’s 2024 bid for a return to presidency has hit a hiccup: he has been banned from the ballot in Colorado! Word has come out that November's inflation rate held steady 3.1%. How much of a positive sign is that, is it significant? Are relations between India and Canada softening? Trudeau says he senses a change in tone, and Modi has begun talking about looking into the assassination claim...

We talk with the CP Newsmaker of the Year: Pierre Poilievre

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: We have heard stories of an influx of animals into shelters in our region. We check in with the Hamilton-Burlington SPCA, to find out how they are managing. Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney are more popular choices to lead the Liberal Party than Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, according to a new Nanos survey conducted exclusively for The Globe and Mail. What’s happening to the Guess Who? Pierre Poilievre joins the show to offer us his year-in re...

How the international community can disrupt groups like Hamas

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson: Looking for activities to do over the next couple of weeks? Check out the Winter Wonders at the RBG! Mikal Skuterud co-authored a piece in the Globe and Mail making the case for why must stem the surge in temporary foreign workers and international students. It’s one thing if polling shows your popularity is slumping, or that your rivals are now out-performing you, but when 69% of respondents outright say they want you to step aside in the new y...

Market analysts ponder whether 'Wartime' home program is fit for Hamilton