The Current

Following decades of colourism shaped by colonialism, racism, and media, lighter skin was often seen as more desirable, even within Black communities. Now, that idea is experiencing “The Great Shift” on social media. We talk about the cultural turn where darker skin tones are being embraced, and the long-term health risks of skin-lightening creams and drugs.

For months, getting aid into Gaza has been near impossible. This week, Canada made its first humanitarian airdrop during a multinational mission led by Jordan. CBC’s international correspondent, Susan Ormiston, was on board the Jordanian plane. She brings us that story and explains how these aid drops compare to the real need on the ground in Gaza.

When Canada was imposed with 35 percent tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump last week, Mexico received a 90-day extension on trade talks. So, in the face of two very different trade talks with the U.S., Canada is working to strengthen its economic ties with Mexico.  We discuss what closer trade ties between Canada and Mexico could entail, and how Canada should adjust its approach to trade talks with  PresidentTrump.

Last week, the  Trump administration announced that the E.P.A. planned to rescind the 2009 declaration, known as the endangerment finding. The proposal would eliminate limits on greenhouse gas emissions, particularly for cars and trucks. Guest host Sean Henry speaks with scientists both in the US and in Canada about the consequences for the fight against climate change.

Ohio doctor David Sabgir realized that asking his patients to get out and exercise wasn't working.  So, he laces up his running shoes and hits the pavement with them. The program, called Walk With A Doc, has spread to more than 500 communities around the globe. Dr. Sabgir explains the difference walking has made for his patients — and his own practice.

U.S. President Donald Trump raised tariffs on some Canadian goods to 35 percent last week, after a trade deal with Canada wasn't reached. Canadian negotiators, however, continue to work on a deal. Our experts discuss what to expect next from Trump’s tariffs and how they will impact Canadians — and their wallets.

It is a Summer to remember. 18-year-old Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh continues to dominate after she won four gold and a bronze at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships. We talk to her former coach about what makes her keep breaking records, and how she's keeping her champion mindset alive.  

Everyone’s getting older, but not everyone wants to think or talk about it. In a new series, The Current looks at aging well and the hard choices facing older adults and their loved ones. We start with a conversation many people have been avoiding: how to talk to our aging parents about getting older.

Burnout is a very real challenge faced by caregivers for aging folks. That’s why educators are finding innovative ways to help caregivers better understand the conditions their patients or loved ones are living with. As part of our ongoing series As We Age, Matt Galloway visits an aging education centre for himself — and test drives a dementia and frailty simulator.

In the conclusion of our series As We Age, we bring together a panel of guests navigating emotional and complex conversations — from how to care for their aging parents, negotiating moves into retirement homes, to what it means to grow old yourself while caring for someone else. It’s an intimate look at the realities many Canadians are quietly managing behind closed doors.

Canada will now recognize Palestinian statehood, but under certain conditions.  Many in the Canadian Jewish community say this is not the right time.  Palestinians believe this is long overdue.  And what does this dramatic policy shift mean for Canada’s relationship with the U.S., as we negotiate a trade deal?

Excitement is growing in Vancouver as the city prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but this excitement also brings some concerns. A newly revealed contract between FIFA and Vancouver is raising questions about what some of the security demands will mean for people and businesses in that city. We discuss what Canada has committed to, and are we prepared to handle it.

Some aid is being allowed into Gaza, but humanitarian agencies say it’s not enough.  The World Health Organization says the people in Gaza are suffering from man-made starvation.  We discuss what further actions the Canadian government can take, and the latest developments in the conversation about Palestinian statehood.