The Current

A petition calling for koalas to be introduced to New Zealand in order to save the species from extinction following massive wildfires ravaging Australia is being met with skepticism from ecologists.

Today on The Current: We discuss the government’s review of Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying law, and the very personal stakes wrapped up in the legislation. Then, an ecologist weighs in on a petition to save koalas from Australia’s bushfires, by relocating them to New Zealand. Plus, Peace by Chocolate CEO Tareq Hadhad tells us how it feels to become a Canadian citizen, four years after he came here as a Syrian refugee. And finally author Leslie Jamison discusses obsession, the promise and limits of empathy, and what sobriety has brought to her writing.

Craig Avery and Clarence Hynes were born on the same day, in the same hospital in Come by Chance, N.L. They believe they were switched at birth, and have been left with many unanswered questions.

A Canadian litigation lawyer who is offering his services to the families of those killed in the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752 says the best way to get compensation for the loss of their loved ones is to charge the Iranian government for "perpetrating a terrorist act." 

Today on The Current: We listen to the incredible story of Clarence Hynes and Craig Avery, two Newfoundland men who believe they were switched at birth in 1962. Then, our national affairs panel looks at the investigation into Iran’s shooting down of flight PS752, and a Canadian lawyer tells us that suing Iran may be the best way for families to secure compensation. Finally, we look at the cheating scandal engulfing Houston Astros, and ask if cheaters ever do prosper.

Amna Saleem, a writer based in Glasgow, says "relentless" attacks with "coded racism for black women" contributed to Prince Harry and Meghan's decision to step away from royal duties.

Our new series The Fix looks at people solving the problems in our world today, starting with the harmful plastic in our oceans. We talk to Newfoundland diver Shawn Bath, who has pulled 20,000 lbs of trash from the sea, and ask ecology expert Chelsea Rochman what more can be done.

April Reign, an activist and the creator of #OscarsSoWhite, spoke to The Current about why she feels the lack of diverse films and performers nominated for Academy Awards just doesn't cut it in 2020.

The surge of crystal meth use, and the disruptive symptoms that come with it, may be leading Canada into a drug emergency on top of the existing opioid crisis.

Today on The Current: What prompted Harry and Meghan to step back from royal duties? Plus, our new series The Fix looks at people solving the problems in our world today, starting with the harmful plastic in our oceans. Then, we discuss diversity at the Academy Awards with the woman who coined the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite; and CBC reporter Nicole Ireland explores the rise of meth in Canada.

Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino says the government "will not rest" until there is accountability for the families of Canadians killed in flight PS752.

Daniel Levitin, professor emeritus of psychology and neuroscience at McGill University, has published a new book on the science of helping the brain stay sharp into old age.

On the 10th anniversary of the earthquake that killed both her parents, Dominique Anglade, a member of Quebec's National Assembly, reflects on that tragedy and what her parents gave to Quebec and to her.

Today on The Current: We ask federal minister Marco Mendicino what the government will do to seek justice for the Canadians killed in Flight PS752, downed by Iran. Then, we revisit the earthquake that hit Haiti 10 years ago, talking to a doctor who rushed to help, and a Quebec politician who lost four members of her family in the disaster. And finally, neuroscientist Dan Levitin gives us his tips on how to age well, and why he thinks old age is a stage of life where we can still grow.

Author Peggy Orenstein has spent decades researching and writing about girls and sex. In her latest book, she turns her attention to boys.

One of the organizers of a Toronto vigil for victims of the Flight 752 crash in Iran told The Current it was moving to see so much support from the broader Canadian community.

Amid the devastation of the bushfires in Australia, one dog has stepped up to help his furry friends. Meet Bear, a research dog who has been trained to sniff out koalas — who can’t run from the flames.

Firebrand politician John Crosbie has died at 88. Rick Mercer remembers the man who played a dominant role in his beloved Newfoundland and Labrador for decades.

Today on The Current: Grieving families have questions about the deaths of their loved ones in this week’s plane crash in Iran — what it will take to get to the answers? Then, we look at the devastating effect bushfires are having on wildlife in Australia, where millions of animals have been killed or displaced. And finally, Peggy Orenstein’s new book looks at the way young boys understand and deal with the topic of sex, and what parents can do to help them develop a healthy attitude.

How will politics affect the investigation into the plane crash in Iran? We discuss the issues which could hamper the search for answers, including Canada’s lack of an embassy in Tehran.

Today on The Current: We speak to Iranian-Canadians mourning the loss of their friends and loved ones, following the plane crash outside Tehran that claimed 63 Canadian lives. Then, we discuss how the politics around the region could affect the investigation into the crash, including Canada’s lack of an embassy in Tehran. And finally, we talk to Health Minister Patty Hajdu about the opioid crisis across the country, and what needs to be done about it.

U.S. President Donald Trump responded to an Iranian missile attack with a call for Europe to play a greater role in the Middle East. Political science professor Christian Leuprecht says it's in Europe's best interests to do just that.