Scott Thompson Show

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson February marks Black History Month and Scott marked the occasion by highlighting the Black History Month Virtual museum lecture series in St. Catharines museum. Erin O’Toole got the boot from the CPC and so the question remains, who will replace him and in what direction will they take the party? We get an on-the-floor account of the border blockade in Coutts with Global News’ Heather Yourex-West. And The Beach Canal Lighthouse is now overseen by the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, they have announced plans for restoration. Guests; Ian Hamilton is President & CEO of HOPA Ports (Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority). Sara Nixon, Public Programmer with St. Catharines Museum. Tasha Kheiriddin, Principal at Navigator and a Lecturer with the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University. Heather Yourex-West, Global National – Alberta Correspondent Stephen M. Saideman... Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University; Director, Canadia

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson As we enter February, Scott is looking forward to the future where we end our COVID restrictions, stop dividing our nation, and get back to normal! Erin O’Toole may be getting the boot from the federal Conservative leadership, pending an internal vote. What are the CPC looking for in a replacement? That on the round table and with Michael Taube. Scott also wants to share with you his donut opinions. Don’t want to miss that! Guests: Dr. Tim Sly, School of Occupational and Public Health at Ryerson University. Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and a Senior Member of the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. Carmi Levy, Tech Analyst and journalist. Stephanie Carvin, Associate Professor of International Affairs at the Norman Paterson School of International Affair at Carleton University, Former National Security Analyst for CSIS; AUTHOR OF NEW BOOK: Stand on Guard: Reassessing Threats to Canada’s National Security. Elissa F

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson The convoy has passed… mostly. Some holdouts stay in Ottawa hoping that all COVID restriction demands are met, Scott has some opinions to share with you all on that and Mercedes Stephenson of Global’s The West Block reports on-site. Ontario is beginning the reopening process again today, but how long will it be before we the people are ready to go back to normal life? Also the Olympics are on the way…again! Guests: Sarah Wayland, Senior Project Manager for Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council. Bill Brioux, television critic and author. Phil Gurski, President of Borealis Threat and Risk Consulting, Director of the University of Ottawa’s Security program, and former CSIS analyst. Mercedes Stephenson, Ottawa Bureau Chief for Global National, host of The West Block.   Keanin Loomis, Hamilton mayoral candidate and outgoing president of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. Thomas Tenkate, Professor at the School of Occupational & Public Health with Ryerson U

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson... As the convoy and its supporters converge in Ottawa, we speak with Phil Gurski to get his read on the security concerns at play. The Fox 40 Whistle has many uses, and Burlington, Ontario’s Animal Control has bought 1,200 of them, to help scare off coyotes! To tell us how this came about, is the legend himself, Ron Foxcroft! Gas prices aren't far from the minds of Canadians nowadays especially as it slowly creeps ever higher but are we going to get a new record high? What sort of political reaction could we see in response to the protests from the provinces that are watching Ottawa take the heat for issues that fall under the purview of the provinces, not the federal government? Monday sees a loosening that includes the return of surgeries deemed non-essential, and popcorn being sold in the newly reopened movie theatres, among other things. Dr. Kieran Moore has said that it is time to start looking at learning to live with COVID-19 – is this the way to go abou

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson... One of CHML's reporters was out and about to see what was going down at the gatherings around Hamilton in support of the convoy as it rolled through Hamilton, what did he see? What is the U.S. perspective on Canada’s vaccine mandate, its affect on the trucking industry, and the convoy? Canada will extend its military training mission in the Ukraine, Operation Unifier, for three years, as well as provide non-lethal equipment, enhanced intelligence sharing and resources to defend against cyber attacks. The trucking convoy has earned a lot of attention in the media – despite what some believe – but it has been a tough balance to strike, covering the news while not riling up extremists and giving some parties exactly the sort of fuel that they want. How do we engage with stories like this in 2022, and what are the biggest challenges? The pandemic has intensified existing troubles with the Canadian healthcare system. We already have a public/private mix but is the

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson On Hamilton Today Scott asks the age-old Canadian question: When will the Bank of Canada raise interest rates? It seems like it has been ages of putting it off. Don Fox has his view to share. Back on the truckers, what are they as a movement? What is their purpose? More on the Russia-Ukraine situation with PoliSci professor Elliot Tepper, as well as the CCP sticking its nose in the affairs of Chinese-Canadians with one of Global News’s foremost investigative reporters. And, of course, tickets for the World Cup Qualifiers games are selling like hotcakes! Guests: Rev. Jim Carriere of the Good Shepherd Church in St. Catharines, Ontario. Don Fox, of IG Private Wealth Management. Howard Ramos, Professor, Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology, Dalhousie University. Dr. Nick Bontis, business professor with McMaster University, keynote speaker, management consultant, entrepreneur, soccer player and President of Canada Soccer re: World Cup Qualifying Game

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson Sounds like we have got ourselves a convoy! Today Scott tackles the supply chain implications of the Freedom Convoy that is making its way to Ottawa. Also, an IPSOS poll suggests that Canadians are more favourable toward COVID restrictions for the unvaccinated, Darrell Bricker of IPSOS gives Scott the scoop on that. The falcon that sat atop downtown Hamilton’s Sheraton Hotel has died, Trudeau may be sending weapons to Ukraine, we are “celebrating” the two-year anniversary of COVID in Canada, and so much more. Guests: Darrell Bricker. President. IPSOS Public Affairs. Jackson Hudeki, Hamilton Naturalist Club Amanda Connolly, Senior political reporter with Global News. Opher Baron, Distinguished Professor of Operations Management, Academic Director, MMA Program at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Dr. Ahmad Firas Khalid, Health Policy expert. Ian Lee, Associate Professor with the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson The world is watching! With increasing instances of cyber-attacks including on Global Affairs Canada, what is the state of national and international security cyber or otherwise? Similarly, should our Canadian athletes take steps to protect their smart devices in China with their abysmal privacy track record? Although COVID is still wreaking havoc on Canada’s healthcare and education systems, with high absentee rates in schools, the US seems to be heading back to normal. How is Florida in particular managing? Scott’s friend in the Sunshine State gives us a look at what it is like on the ground. Scott also digs into the political history of COVID as we approach the two year anniversary of this pandemic. Guests: Doc Halen, Scott's Florida Informant and retired morning show host with CHEZ F.M. Ottawa Carmi Levy, Tech Analyst and journalist. Marvin Ryder. Professor with the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University. Phil Gurski, President of Borealis

The Hamiton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson... Dr. Roberta Bondar joins Scott to help commemorate the 30 year anniversary of her becoming Canada's first female astronaut and Earth's first neurologist in space while aboard the American space shuttle Discovery. To discuss the mindset of people in 2022, and how we might need to change our own ways of thinking, we are joined by Dr. Steve Joordens. The multi-talented Marvin Lee Aday, better known as Meat Loaf, died on Thursday at the age of 74. For insights from the perspective of the pharmacists administering vaccinations, we turn to Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacist Association. A memorandum of understanding has been signed by the Federal government and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation that will see thousands of residential school records turned over to the NCTR. Why have we not been hearing much from the opposition, in terms of Canada’s healthcare system troubles, which have been around for years? Guests: Dr. Roberta Bondar (C.C.

Small Business Spotlight… on Soupfest 2022! The annual event is the major fundraiser for Living Rock Youth Centre, a local non-profit in Hamilton. Living Rock has been supporting vulnerable youth since 1985, offering a place of belonging, safety, and a bridge to the community while supporting youth to develop a personal vision for their lives. The funds raised through Soupfest are directed to these programs and resources. This year, each participating restaurant will offer a signature competing soup during their hours of operation, for you to order. A percentage of each soup will support Living Rock and the balance will go to our local restaurants – because they need our support too! The soups will be available by the bowl, litre or both. All the details on the participating restaurants and their hours of operation can be found at www.livingrock.ca. Guest: Julie Conway, Operations Director Living Rock- Youth Resources

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson... What could have made this week’s snowfall even more frustrating? Losing your keys somewhere in your yard, buried underneath the blanket of frosty hell like CHML's very own Rick Zamperin! What does the Canadian Federation of Independent Business think of today's announcement by Doug Ford regarding reopening and loosening of COVID-19 restrictions? As you may have heard, Canada’s inflation numbers have hit 4.8% in December which is the highest in 30 years and well ahead of expectations presented to the Prime Minister in early 2021. The situation in Ukraine remains tense with world leaders sharing words and sending troops in anticipation of potential action. Are the steps toward the province’s reopening – laid out by Ontario Premier Doug Ford laid out earlier today – a reasonable course of action? Guests: Rick Zamperin, Host of Good Morning Hamilton Julie Kwiecinski, Director of Provincial Affairs for Ontario, Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)

Small Business Spotlight… Andiamo is more than a barber shop! It opened on July 7th, 2021 and offers a well-rounded experience, being a coffee shop, a full service bar, and even a music venue (when restrictions permit it). They are also good neighbours: yesterday, they helped out Electric Diner -- a recent Small Business Spotlight guest --  by setting up a GoFundMe to raise money for new heaters.  Guest: Andre "Dre" Bucci, Owner and operator of Andiamo, 102 George St, Hamilton, ON

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson... Last week, Tasha Kheiriddin wrote a piece on deterring people from carrying on unvaccinated and she's received a tsunami of responses both in agreement and in disagreement with a significant amount of vitriolic hate mail to match. She's now written a new article chronicling her experience and what's been taken away from it. Cadillac Bill has hosted his own show on Cable 14 since 2013 and over the years he's had many local musical acts on the show. To support those musicians and others who call Hamilton home, Bill has released a new DVD featuring some of the great performances from his show which can be picked up through local businesses and can be ordered for home delivery or computer download by e-mailing cadillacbill@hotmail.com. The rollout of Verizon’s and AT&T’s 5G technology in the U.S. has hit a snag pretty late in the game: it could cause some significant issues for air travel! Carmi Levy joins the show to further dive into 5G as well as the app Olymp

Small Business Spotlight… That Planted Fork, Serving delicious plant-based food, offering meal kits, as well as tips and tricks for your meals online! You can also join a class or hire them for recipe development or catering, and -- now -- there is even a cookbook available! Meanwhile, wholesale items like their sausage rolls can be found in stores across the GTA, and you can drop by their stall at the Hamilton Farmer's Market! Guest: Fraser Fitzgerald, Chef and Owner of That Planted Fork, and in Stall 28 at the Hamilton Farmer's Market, 35 York Blvd, Hamilton, Ontario

As you may have heard, officials in China are claiming that the case of Omicron in Beijing sprung from an envelope that was mailed from Canada… pretty much everyone agrees, that has a high degree of improbability. The likelihood is not the point, though: what matters is the claim and the blame. So where is this going? Meanwhile, a new report by Spanish-based rights group Safeguard Defenders says that the Government of China has been expanding its use of coercion to force the return of Chinese citizens who have settled abroad, many of them in Australia, Canada and the United States, in a campaign targeting fugitives and dissidents. Guest: Dr. Elliot Tepper, Emeritus Professor of Political Science with Carleton University

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson... Ghislaine Maxwell has ended the fight to keep the names of eight 'John Does' secret and will leave it to the court to decide whether the names should be unsealed. Yesterday saw Mohawk College’s broadcast radio program announced a big, forward-thinking change by announcing The Radio & Creative Content program which will prepare students for the future of radio as well podcasting, content creation and other areas of media. What will Health Canada's approval of Pfizer’s antiviral pill for treatment of COVID-19 mean for the fight against the pandemic? Can you really mail Omicron overseas in an envelope? Canada is deploying special forces in Ukraine, but not necessarily for the reasons you would expect. Two former Hamilton paramedics who failed to provide the necessaries of life to 19-year-old shooting victim Yosif Al-Hasnawi have been given an 18 month conditional sentence to be served in the community. Officials in China are claiming that a case of Omicron came

Small Business Spotlight… Blueberry Princess artwear fashion. Artist Sabine Frisch creates small scale clothing lines with customizable prints and designs inspired by nature, abstract art and – maybe most importantly – our beloved pets! Guest: Sabine Frisch, owner and creator of Blueberry Princess Artwear Fashion

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson... In a recent piece for the Toronto Star, Susan Delacourt argued that she knows exactly what should be done about the longstanding issues with 24 Sussex Drive: knock it down! Hey, did you get a lot of snow? What is up with the storm in Ontario and what can we still expect? Erin O’Toole is being urged by members of parliament to revive a special parliamentary committee that probed Canada-China relations. HEPA filters are a major part of the conversation that needs to be held when talking about moving past COVID-19 and though they haven't received a lot of attention in the past, their time has come. Today, Scott discuss the options – if not solutions – available in regard to Canada’s health system. Sales of condoms have dropped over the pandemic which makes some sense when you think of the stresses that singles and couples have been subjected to but how can we navigate our way through romance in 2022? Guests: Susan Delacourt, National columnist for the Toronto

Small Business Spotlight… Mesa, an authentic Mexican restaurant located at 255 James Street North, that features halal, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free meals. BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! The owners of Mesa have just opened a new business: Lola Latin Grocery! A specialty grocery store at 245 James Street North. Here to talk about both businesses is Veronica… Guest: Veronica, owner of Mesa (authentic Mexican restaurant at 255 James Street North) and Lola Latin Grocery (located at 245 James Street North) in Hamilton, Ontario

The Hamilton Today Podcast with Scott Thompson... Yesterday, Prince Andrew renounced his military titles and patronages, returning them to Queen Elizabeth ahead of his upcoming lawsuit connected to his relationship with disgraced late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein. Why is it that, despite having some very tight restrictions, Quebec has had so much trouble with COVID-19 case numbers? Dr. Katharine Smart of the Canadian Medical Association joins Scott to discuss some of the long standing trouble with our much lauded healthcare system. The vaccine mandates and associated restrictions for Canadian truckers have received a lot of attention over the past 48 hours, in no small part due to the statement that was “provided in error” by a spokesperson from the Canadian Border Agency. Truckers are, understandably, frustrated. Quebec’s vax or tax plan may or may not be “only” a scare tactic, but reaction to it has run the gamut. How will our supply chain get affected by the vaccine mandate & restrictions for truckers e