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Barack Obama reflects on 'outsized' expectations of his presidency, and convincing Michelle he should run
In his new book, former U.S. president Barack Obama reflects on the “outsized expectations” of his election as the country’s first Black leader, as well as how living up to those expectations wasn’t always possible.
Obama calls Trump era an 'anomaly' in Canada-U.S. relations
Barack Obama says he's confident that after four turbulent years, Canada-U.S. relations will be restored to a more stable course under president-elect Joe Biden. Obama made the comments in a wide-ranging interview in which he also discussed whether the current president is a racist and the need to repair the U.S. image internationally.
Barack Obama on a Biden presidency, racism in the Trump era and what he misses about being president
Former U.S. president Barack Obama says the biggest challenge for president-elect Joe Biden will be to bridge the vast political divide that exists in the country and find areas of potential compromise with those who continue to support Donald Trump, without whom he can't govern. Watch excerpts from his full interview with The Current.
The Current for Nov. 23, 2020
Former U.S. president Barack Obama on racism in the Trump era, U.S.-Canada relations, a Biden presidency and his new book A Promised Land. Plus, an investigation from CBC's The Fifth Estate reveals new details of the shooting rampage that started in Portapique, N.S., and what law enforcement knew.
Chris Nikic smashes record — and stigma — as 1st person with Down syndrome to finish Ironman triathlon
It’s hard enough to complete the Ironman competition as is, but Chris Nikic did something that had never been done before — he became the first person with Down syndrome to finish the triathlon. Guest host Rosemary Barton spoke to him and his father about the achievement.
The Current for Nov. 20, 2020
Today on The Current: National affairs panel on winter and rising COVID-19 cases in Canada, Chris Nikic becomes first person with Down Syndrome to complete Ironman triathlon, The pros and cons of Sweden’s approach to the pandemic, André Picard on the possibility of school closures.
'Cold comfort to be offered the choice to die' when not offered support to live, says disability advocate
Proposed changes to Canada’s medical assistance in dying law have been described as an existential threat to dignity by some disability advocates, who argue their communities need greater assistance in living instead. But others see it as a necessary balance between autonomy and security.
Q&A
This chess master says it's 'pretty cool' The Queen's Gambit is encouraging young girls to take to the board
Netflix chess show The Queen's Gambit is familiar to Dorsa Derakhshani. She was 18 when she was awarded the title Woman Grandmaster and International Grandmaster by the World Chess Federation in 2016.
The Current for Nov. 19, 2020
Today on The Current: Medical assistance in dying and people living with disabilities, Jessica J. Lee wins $60,000 award for memoir Two Trees Make A Forest, Gates Foundation CEO on vaccine access, Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit and women in chess.
Joe Murphy's fall from NHL champion to homelessness — and brain trauma's role
Author and journalist Rick Westhead on the story of Joe Murphy, the former Edmonton Oilers player who went from winning the Stanley Cup to living homeless. Westhead says Murphy’s story is part of a bigger discussion about brain injury and mental illness — one the National Hockey League must address.
The Current for Nov. 18, 2020
Today on The Current: Could ‘COVID Zero’ be possible for Canada?, Concern over delay to White House transition, Odeuropa project aims to bring you the smells of the past, How former Edmonton Oilers player Joe Murphy went from winning the Stanley Cup to living homeless.
'New climate denialism' is stopping Canada from approaching crisis with WWII-level effort: Seth Klein
In his new book, public policy expert Seth Klein argues Canada must mobilize to fight climate change in the same way the country did to fight climate change.
Crowded houses, isolation fatigue among concerns as Nunavut enters COVID lockdown
As Nunavut prepares to enter a two-week lockdown period, Lorne Kusugak, the territory’s health minister, is positive residents will overcome the disease. But despite his confidence, concerns prevail among some Nunavummiut.
The Current for Nov. 17, 2020
Today on The Current: Nunavut entering lockdown as COVID-19 cases spike; Seth Klein on fighting climate change like it's WWII; Dr. David Fajgenbaum details the drugs treating COVID-19; Edmonton illustrator Kyle Charles on drawing for Marvel Comics’ Indigenous Voices.
As COVID-19 surges in Canada, 'half-hearted' measures leave ICU staff with sense of 'dread': doctor
Dr. Darren Markland, an intensive care physician in Edmonton, says the measures to fight the spike in COVID-19 cases 'are half-hearted and not effective,' despite the fact the second wave was predicted months ago.
Who was this mysterious ballerina from the viral Swan Lake video?
A recent viral video shows a former ballerina — living with memory loss — coming to life as she hears music from Swan Lake. But who is she? Alastair Macaulay, former dance critic for the New York Times, looked into her life.
The Current for Nov. 16, 2020
Today on The Current: Doctors and nurses describe ‘dread’ as COVID-19 cases risk overwhelming hospitals; Is devastation of spring’s first wave repeating itself in long-term care homes?; Mystery behind viral video of woman with dementia dancing to Swan Lake; Fears over growing conflict in Ethiopia.
'She believed she was always right': The polarizing legacy of Margaret Thatcher
With The Iron Lady prominently featured in the new season of Netflix's The Crown, British historian June Purvis discusses the complicated legacy of Britian's longest serving prime minister.
'Politics at play' more than ever as pandemic drags on in Canada, says reporter
With COVID-19 case counts surging across the country, the second wave of the pandemic is becoming increasingly politicized, says a political reporter for the Globe and Mail.
The Current for Nov. 13, 2020
Today on The Current: The politicization of COVID-19 in Canada; Margaret Thatcher takes centre stage on Season 4 of The Crown; and Willie O’Ree on breaking the colour line.
Raptors hopeful they'll play in Toronto this season, says team president Masai Ujiri
Raptors president Masai Ujiri says he is hopeful the team can return to Toronto for the new season set to begin Dec. 22, 2020. He noted it will be difficult, but the NBA is trying to lead a return to the new normal amid the pandemic.
Lawyer for missing N.S. toddler's family hopes cyberbullying law can stop online vitriol against boy's parents
The parents of a Nova Scotia toddler who went missing this spring have spent the last six months coping with an added torment: thousands of people on social media accusing them of being responsible for their child’s disappearance.
The Current for Nov. 12, 2020
Today on The Current: Raptors president Masai Ujiri on the U.S. election and the upcoming NBA season; cyberbullying laws and the case of a missing Nova Scotia boy; and how politics is impeding the pandemic response in the U.S.
Alberta doctors are calling for a 'circuit breaker' lockdown. Here's what that would mean
As COVID-19 cases rise across the country, some Alberta doctors are calling for a two-week "circuit breaker" to help control the virus. But some say the short-term lockdown won't do enough to stem the spread.
Q&A
A historian's take on the importance of Remembrance Day and understanding war
On Remembrance Day, as Canadians honour those who sacrifice their lives to defend our freedom, one historian says it’s more important than ever to talk about war and history.
