
About this episode
It’s not a surprise but it is a disappointment.
Canada has lost its measles elimination status after almost 30 years. It comes as the country grapples with what it calls a 'mulit-jurisdictional' outbreak that began in October 2024, resulting in more than 5,100 cases and two infant deaths.
We are not the first country to lose the title - and we probably won’t be the last – but getting back in the 'elimination zone' will not be an easy one, and will be timely.
Host Kris McCusker speaks to Dr. Barry Pakes, Program Director of the Public Health and Preventative Medicine Residency Program at the University of Toronto about what the status change really means, how it happened and what it says about vaccination accessibility across the country.
We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:
Through email at [email protected]
Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Big Story publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Big Story

Weekend Listen: What did Carney gain with his Investment Summit?
The Big Story

Big Headlines: 'O Canada' performed at Buffalo Bills' home opener despite recent...
The Big Story

Is Canada's future European?
The Big Story

Big Headlines: Carney addresses EU Parliament as the push continues to get Canad...
The Big Story