The Alex Pierson Show

The Ford government has announced that it will keep the Pickering Nuclear plant operational until 2026, which was originally scheduled to shut down in 2025. AND they are looking at refurbishing it so that it can stay on line for decades. We get 14% of our energy from nuclear – without it we have energy shortages— Dr. Chris Keefer, Emergency Physician and President of Canadians for Nuclear Energy, sees’ the decision as a massive win as it not only cleans up the climate, it’s an economic win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Toronto city council opted Wednesday to deny heritage status to an east-end building with special significance to some in the Chinese community — a move that paves the way for the site to be redeveloped into an eight-storey apartment building. Alex is joined by Arlene Chan, Author and Chinatown Historian to discuss this building and the ramifications felt by Toronto's Asian community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's that time of the week where we check in with all things Ottawa and that's where we find Managing Editor of Blacklock's Reporter, Tom Korski. A grocers’ lobbyist yesterday denied allegations of profiteering. Profit margins in the retail food trade average three percent, the Commons finance committee was told. Jagmeet Singh wants an investigation and has been railing on greed inflation because grocers are making record profits. But there is no evidence that it’s happening. Also, Homeowners who paid down mortgages and built up equity should “demonstrate allegiance” by paying more tax, says a CMHC consultant. That and more on today's Blacklock's Check-In. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're seeing the headlines popping up more and more frequently of individuals online (or in person) targeting politicians with threats, harassment, and other vile talk. We just recently saw it happen to Pierre Poilievre, where someone online made a threat to sexually assault his wife. To talk about this and the group that the threat seems to be emanating from, is Warren Kinsella, Author of national best seller ‘Web of Hate’ and Postmedia Columnist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It seems as if the idea of buying a home in today's day in age seems like a foregone conclusion. With rates still rising and an ever demanding market, can Canadians keep up with the volatile shifts in housing? To join us for another segment on affordability, Alex is joined by Kat Eschner, TVO's Affordability Reporter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We learn that Half of the children in Canada who need life saving medical treatment, diagnosis and surgery and are waiting far longer than clinical recommendations allow. Experts say this could have serious, lifelong consequences. We know that there are delays across the system, but now kids can’t even get timely care? Emily Gruenwoldt, the President and Chief Executive of Children’s Healthcare Canada and Executive Director of Pediatric Chairs of Canada, joined us earlier and said her organization is calling on the federal government to make children a priority. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sable Island, a small island about 300km south of Halifax, is home to the Sable Island horse. The land, which is protected by Parks Canada, was just recently in the direct path of Hurricane Fiona, and as the dust settled, people were wondering if the horses were okay. To everyone's surprise, the horses are completely safe and didn't need any external intervention. To talk to us about these horses and the island itself, Alex is joined by Abbie Branchflower, Director of Education with Friends of Sable Island Society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.N. Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif has called for a "prompt, thorough, impartial investigation." Raisi has ordered an investigation, but protest organizer Nazanin Samavati argues Iran doesn't have an independent judicial system and is concerned its investigation won't be legitimate. Samavati organized the event to raise awareness about the situation for women in Iran and about the "unjust death" of Amini. Nazanin Samavati joined Alex to talk about the protest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another year and another delay for the Eglinton Crosstown. And locals are angry, some businesses are at their wits end. It’s been 10 years since this project broke ground and we’ve nothing to show for it. We spoke with Louroz Mercader, Manager of the York-Eglinton BIA, which represents the 200+ businesses along Eglinton Avenue West between Marlee Avenue and Dufferin Street, about how this stretch of the city has become the butt of the joke - and why Metrolinx needs to be held accountable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all know there’s a deadline looming for another interest rate. We’re creating a perfect storm to drive up the costs of everyday stuff. The loonie is sliding down, and while that might be good for some businesses, it’s bad for you and I. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, professor in food distribution and policy, and senior director of the AgriFood Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, joined Alex and says a weaker currency during the winter months might pose a problem for our borders, when our grocers import food. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices