The Current

The Current for May 1, 2019

Today on The Current: Our political panel weighs in on the latest from Canada’s corridors of power, including tensions with China, and developments in the SNC-Lavalin affair; plus, what the world of spelling bees can tell us about the aspirations of Generation Z; and a look at Canada’s indie opera scene, where performers ditch the concert hall for the local pub.
Anna Maria Tremonti hosts The Current's 17th season. (CBC)

Full Episode Transcript

Today on The Current:

  • Our political panel weighs in on the latest twists and turns in Canada's corridors of power, including tensions with China, and developments in the SNC-Lavalin affair.

  • Author Shalini Shankar talks us through the world of spelling bees, and the insight they give into the aspirations and psychology of Generation Z. Shankar says these kids, born in the late 90s and 2000s, have seen the world as competitive from a young age, and they're not afraid to fight for their spot.

  • There's a growing indie opera scene in Canada, led by troupes determined to bring the artform to a wider audience. That might mean ditching the concert hall for a performance in your local pub, but it also means more work for performers, and could boost the industry overall.