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The AIH Transcript for March 16, 2020

Hosts: Carol Off and Chris Ali Hassan

CAROL OFF: Hello, I'm Carol Off.

ALI HASSAN: Good evening. I'm Ali Hassan, sitting in for Chris Howden. This is As It Happens.

[Music: Theme]

Prologue

AH: Tonight:

CO: Come home, now. That was the message from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today to Canadians abroad. We reach a couple stuck in Spain — who are desperately trying to heed that call.

AH: Borderline chaos. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says watch this space, when asked about closing the Canada-U.S. border, a Conservative critic says the government should be acting more quickly on crucial decisions.

CO: The boy on the beach. A Turkish court hands three human traffickers stiff sentences in the case of Alan Kurdi, the young boy who drowned trying to flee Syria. His aunt tells us about why she feels some comfort from that sentence, but also some guilt.

AH: Early bird special. A No Frills in Kitimat, British Columbia wiped itself down and opened its doors an hour earlier than usual today to give seniors a safer shopping experience.

CO: Plagued by indecision. We hear from a restaurant owner who is frustrated by the lack of clarity about what businesses like his should be doing right now. So he's closed his own doors.

AH: Song bomb. Cape Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac says he's hoping to boost social connection during social distancing. With the new online music event, he's calling "Quarrantine Ceilidh".

AH: As It Happens, the Monday edition. Radio that appreciates a good tune-up.

[Music: Theme]

Part one: Canadians in Spain, COVID-19: boarder critic and Chrystia Freeland

Canadians in Spain

Guests: Donna MacInnis, Kevin Ball

AH: Getting into Canada just got a lot harder today. Justin Trudeau announced that Canada is closing its borders to all non-Canadians and non-permanent residents, except for those coming from the United States. And for Canadians abroad, the prime minister's message was clear.

SOUNDCLIP

JUSTIN TRUDEAU: Let me be clear. If you're abroad, it's time for you to come home. If you've just arrived, you must self-isolate for 14 days. And finally, all Canadians — as much as possible — should stay home. By staying home, you can not only protect your health and that of those around you but ensure that our health care professionals and our health care systems can focus on those who need their help. This is an adjustment for all of us. We know that staying home is an important step to protect the community and each other. We all have to do it.

AH: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, urging Canadians to stay home if they're in Canada. Or to come home if they're abroad. We'll hear from Deputy Minister Chrystia Freeland in just a moment. But first, for people like Donna McInnis and Kevin Ball, coming home is a lot easier said than done. The Halifax couple is currently in Spain, which now has nearly 10-thousand confirmed COVID-19 cases, and more than 330 deaths. And flights out are increasingly hard to come by, not to mention wildly expensive. We reached Ms MacInnis and Mr. Ball in Malaga.

CO: Donna, I'll start with you. How are you both doing right now?

DONNA MACINNIS: Well, we should be relieved. But we're shaking in a way because we've had such a rush of trying to make a booking. And having made one, of course, we're still faced with a lot of uncertainty.

CO: And that was a booking you just made moments ago. Because we spoke with you earlier, you thought you were going to be stuck in Spain. But you've got something now. Did you?

DM: We did. We heard Prime Minister Trudeau's ominous phrase that we should not only come home, but that we should come home, quote, “while it was still possible to get home”. [deep laughter]

KEVIN BALL: Yes, we wondered what that actually meant.

CO: Right. Kevin, we're trying to figure it out too, so [laughing]. And now what do you have in the way of an exit plan?

DM: Now, we're leaving on Thursday at 7:00 something at night, provided a taxi can get us from here to Malaga Airport. And then we will arrive in Halifax Friday night.

KB: Four planes, three stops, Aer Lingus from Malaga to Dublin. And we're overnight in Dublin. And from Dublin in the morning to Heathrow is an hour-and-a-half or something. And then this other one from Heathrow, which is now Air Canada. And it goes to Pearson, short stop there. And then Pearson to Halifax.

DM: Right.

CO: I don't want to add to any anxiety you're having, but you're making a lot of plane changes, a lot of stopovers. Are you concerned about your exposure during that trip?

DM: Exactly. That's why we originally felt we might be better to hunker down and wait it out. But the pace of change is just crazy. Spanish television has shown us just terrible conditions in terms of health care provision. One of our uncertainties is what kind of health care we could get if we needed it, even for another very ordinary problem, you know? If you fall and break your leg [laughing].

CO: Kevin, might I ask how much you paid for your trip?

KB: Twelve-hundred pounds or so total.

CO: Okay.

KB: We could have paid a lot more, but we were kind of tough about that. We could have paid six-thousand bucks for the two of us quite easily.

DM: My husband was with nerves of steel refused to do it. And I had a meltdown.

KB: Yeah, I don't like being played.

CO: Okay, so you played a bit of chicken there [chuckling]. And did you succeed? Did you hold to your price?

KB: Yeah, we did. We got a flight for twelve-hundred pounds.

DM: But as I said, I'm shaking because I wanted to move very quickly on it. When we saw it.

CO: Now, how long have you been in Spain now?

KB: Well, we got here on the 1st of February. And we were both here until the end of February. And then I had to go to Toronto for a medical treatment. So that took me a week. And so we've been here basically since the beginning of February, with the exception of the week that I was away.

CO: Hmmm. And so any ideas that, I mean, I don't know if you looked at the weather in Halifax? BNut I'm sure it's much nicer where you are [all laughing]. And thoughts of just hunkering down and staying in Spain?

DM: We thought that, but, you know, first off, it was going to be 15 days, it would be fine. We actually had to talk about, well, what if it turns into two months, three months, six months? That was a bit of a corker, six months, you know?

KB: We just didn't want to take the risk that we wouldn't be able to get back. Donna’s going to be 71 in a couple of weeks. I'm 76. So, you know, we just didn’t want to take any risks. But you're quite right to point out that, you know, that being in transit is really the riskiest part. Because we're really very safe where we are. We have lodgings, which are pretty separated from anybody. The only time we would be exposed here is if we ran out to get food.

CO: And at the risk of sounding ageist, they are saying that over 70 is kind of a difficult age to be for this virus [trying not to laugh].

KB: Well, it's better than over 80.

CO: [chuckling] That's true. Look at the bright side. But it was when you heard the prime minister say, get home, get home now, because there's been other warnings, other suggestions. But that was the one that actually made you think.

DM: The critical phrase was, while it's still possible to do so, that's almost like, oh, my goodness, there are countries that don't let you out. We were worried about that with Spain. And there are countries that don't let you in. And I'd hate to think Canada was one of those. And we haven't had any indication from our government that particular pains would be taken to repatriate citizens who happen to be stupid enough to ignore the directive to get home, you know?

CO: Well, Canada has said that people who are not Canadians or permanent residents, cannot get into the country. So we have closed our borders to some extent. And they have warned that this is a fluid situation. And they will rule out nothing to protect the health system here. So you're right to consider that. Now, the other thing that Mr Trudeau said, he said that Canadian travellers will be able to get financial assistance to help with the cost of returning home or temporarily cover basic needs while they wait to come back to Canada. We don't know exactly what that entails at this point. But does that encourage you?

DM: [KB laughing awkwardly] You know, we didn't give that a full thought.

KB: Maybe we'll get a refund.

DM: Maybe we'll get a refund.

KB: Back if I don't go bankrupt.

CO: But if you need some assistance while you travel, it seems that the Canadian government might take a long time to get. But it's going to be available for people trying to get home.

DM: Yes. Well, that's… I think, particularly about people who have taken a one week, two week holiday, you know, borrowed money to do so. You know, my heart goes out to them. So I’m really hopeful and pleased that they could get some relief.

CO: But you're both healthy now? You’re both feeling pretty fit for travel?

DM: Well, let me tell you this. I have a little anxiety about the fact that I have a chronic bronchial condition, which means that I cough sometimes, you know, I probably cough more than most people. Now, I've heard that... Well, first of all, that makes me susceptible. And so I'm going to have to be doubly careful. But I've also heard that, you know, you can get challenged by a flight attendant. You can make other people uncomfortable. The more uncomfortable I get, the more anxious I get, the more likely I am to cough. So I hope I'm healthy. Well, you know, I know I am healthy.

KB: You are, Donna.

CO: Well, Donna, you won't be making many friends on your flight home. [laughing] That's for sure. But the other thing is that the airlines — and you should know this — that the other instruction from the government is that if airlines believe people to be sick, to have the virus, that they're not to bring them back to Canada. So that is also a consideration.

DM: Well, you know, I mean, basically, we're healthy, we're hiking up mountains. And we're fine. But, you know, there's just constant anxieties of that sort, you know?

KB: Uncertainties as well.

CO: Well, Kevin and Donna. I wish you safe travels. It's gonna be a long flight, but I hope that you get home without anything. Thanks for speaking with us.

DM: Yeah, we're looking forward to tucking ourselves in for two weeks at home [all laughing].

KB: Well, you'll be doing that. Take care, both of you.

DM and KB: Thank you.

CO: Bye.

DM and KB: Bye.

AH: Donna MacInnis and Kevin Ball are two of the many Canadians abroad wondering when and how they'll be able to make it home. We reached them in Malaga, Spain. And as you've heard, the prime minister announced new measures aimed at controlling the spread of COVID-19. Here he is again, expanding on his come home, stay home message.

SOUNDCLIP

JT: First, we will be denying entry to Canada, to people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This measure will carve out some designated exceptions, including for aircrews, diplomats, immediate family members of Canadian citizens. And at this time, U.S. citizens. Second, air operators will be formally mandated to prevent all travellers who present symptoms of COVID-19 to board a plane. Air operators will be required to complete a basic health assessment of every air traveller based on guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada. This means that anyone who has symptoms will not be able to come to Canada. I know this news will spark concern among Canadians travelling abroad. I want to assure you that our government will not leave you unsupported. To help asymptomatic Canadians return home, our government will set up a support program for Canadians who need to get on a plane. Canadian travellers will be able to get financial assistance to help them with the costs of returning home or temporarily covering their basic needs while they wait to come back to Canada.

AH: That was Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa this afternoon.

COVID19: Border Critic

Guest: Mat Jeneroux

AH: Matt Jeneroux is the Conservative health critic. We reached him in his Edmonton riding.

CO: Mr Jenereoux, the prime minister has announced severe new restrictions on foreigners coming into Canada and on Canadians returning who show symptoms. Are you satisfied with that?

MATT JENEROUX: I think, you know, we've been trying to take a real supportive approach of the government. We've certainly asked in the last 24 hours that there's measures that they take. These measures are partly in line with some of what we've asked for. So we want to be there to support the prime minister when it comes to this. You know, Carol, this has really been quite an extraordinary time, you know? My colleague in the NDP and Bloc Quebecois with the minister all attempting to help and support the minister and as best we can.

CO: You've said this elsewhere. You're concerned that there is, and this is a quote, “that there's a secrecy around the decisions”. And that you feel that you have been excluded from all the planning. What could you have brought to the table?

MJ: Well, I think right now, what we're getting. And you're right, I have said it’s an inordinate amount of secrecy. But I think what we've been getting right now from the minister's office is that one-way communication. So saying this is what we're doing. It's quite frankly, it's after the fact, this is what we did or this is what we just announced. So it's being able to be at the table and I think have some of the thoughtful conversations. You look at what we just saw over the weekend at the Pearson Airport, where a policy was announced, but then it wasn't being implemented in place, you know, being a Member of Parliament that represents part of Canada that doesn't have a lot of ministers sitting at the table...

CO: You mean out West? You mean Alberta?

MJ: Yeah.

CO: And so you feel that could have been helpful if people from the West had been at the table. And you've also said that you're concerned that you'd like to see people, among the things you've asked for, is that from high-risk areas that their flights be cancelled altogether. You mentioned Spain earlier. We just spoke with two elderly Canadians who are on the way back from Spain. One of them has a chronic cough. What would you say to them tonight?

MJ: Yeah, I think first, on your initial point, you know, I don't think it would hurt having us at the table, essentially, is what I think is the message we want to let the minister and the prime minister know.

CO: Sure.

MJ: With regards to the couple from Spain. And, you know, we just heard today there's three additional deaths out in B.C., And certainly, heart goes out to those families. It's a lot of families going to a lot of stress and a lot of unknown right now. We've been told when asked about specific cases that the Foreign Affairs Office is there to support. And we've sent a number of cases that way. They haven't come home yet, but we've been assured that they're working diligently to get Canadians home.

CO: You mentioned in an earlier scrum that countries, including Spain, that you thought we shouldn't have fights back. We shouldn't be letting people back from those hotspots. You did not mention the United States. In fact, you specifically ruled it out. We've seen now a lot of talk that the next surge in cases is coming. In the United States, they've admitted that there's a serious lack of testing and that they are concerned that within their own community that the public health care system in the U.S. is inadequate to the task. Why do you think that it's okay to keep the border open with the United States?

MJ: Well, I mentioned that one of our asks is to stop all flights from high-risk areas, according to our public health agency, those are the South Korea, Italy, Iran and pending Spain with the U.S., they haven't put that as a high-risk area. Common sense, you’re right, would dictate that there's a lot of cases in the U.S., particularly Washington state, which shares a border with British Columbia. However, the public health agency hasn't indicated that's the case. You know, I think go back to what the health minister said when it comes to borders being that shutting down borders on Friday, shutting down borders isn't effective. Now, it is. It is effective, apparently. So, you know, we're trying to get to the bottom of where that science is, because you're right. You know, common sense would indicate that a place like the United States would have a significant risk factor of bringing people across the border...

CO: So why not shut it down? I'm confused now. Why wouldn't you advocate that we should shut that border?

MJ: Well, I think the prime minister said that the U.S. that's been granted the exception. And based on science and evidence. If that science is determined that it's the best approach, then they should explain why. And considering the criticism they’ve received up to this point, I don't think the prime minister’s necessarily answered that question.

CO: Yeah.

MJ: And that's a question that we have out there too, wondering, well, what is special about the U.S. that's remaining open.

CO: But you said based on science and evidence, just quickly, perhaps based on politics?

MJ: I don't know? You know, that's a fair point. It’s certainly probably a point to ask the prime minister, perhaps ramifications to come if they close the border to Donald Trump. The prime minister would have had to make that call. Now, again, I think it comes back to our point. We simply want to be sitting at the same table and having these discussions. I think being able to weigh in and provide some of that. I'd even take as an observer at this point in time. Just being able to hear where some of these discussions are going. You know, we saw a scrum yesterday where a number of ministers came out of the cabinet meeting saying we have an announcement, but we're not going to tell you what that announcement is [dryly laughing]. I just think there really does seem to be that inordinate amount of secrecy. Just I would appreciate the opportunity to share that with Canadians.

CO: All right. We'll leave it there. Mr Jeneroux, thank you.

MJ: Thank you, Carol. Appreciate it.

CO: Bye.

AH: Matt Jeneroux is the Conservative health critic. We reached him in Edmonton.

COVID-19: Chrystia Freeland

Guest: Chrystia Freeland

AH: Chrystia Freeland is Canada's deputy prime minister. We reached her today in Ottawa.

CO: Minister Freeland, your government took some very big steps today, and one of them being the barring entry to travellers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. But you left the border with the U.S. Open, to United States, to non-Canadian visitors. Why is that?

CHRYSTIA FREELAND: Well, I think, first of all, let me be clear that when it comes to the U.S. border, that is something that we are constantly reviewing and we are looking at very closely in partnership with the provincial leaders, with unions, with businesses and, of course, with our U.S. neighbours. And it's something that I think all Canadians understand is a unique situation. This is the border — the land border — between Canada and the United States is the world's longest unmilitarized border. Four-hundred-thousand people cross that…

CO: Right

CF: Border every day. And let me just finish my sentence, Carol. And I promise I'll answer more questions. And so, you know that human movement across the border is a lifeline for both the Canadian and the U.S. economies. I think we all know about supply chains and things like the automotive sector, but also for things like getting groceries in our stores. So anything we do at the U.S. border — and it is something we are reviewing constantly — needs to be done with great care very surgically and carefully. And that is what we are focussed on right now.

CO: You're not ruling that out that that may be. Because everything you said is that everything's on the table. Everything's possible. Is it possible that you might close the border to visitors?

CF: So I never make predictions about the future. But let me say, we are not ruling anything out. And Adrian Dix, the health minister of B.C., offered what I think was very sensible advice today to U.S. tourists, saying, please don't come visit us right now. We have been very clear that our advice to Canadians is avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada and for American visitors, look, normally, we love it when you come visit us. But this is a very special circumstance. And what we have been very clear on is everyone who comes into Canada from outside Canada — Canadians and people who are not Canadian — will have to self-isolate for 14 days. That doesn't sound like a great holiday to me. So my personal advice to all American friends is now is not the time to visit.

CO: But you're telling people who are from other countries you cannot come here. But you're saying we can ask Americans not to come. Why not make the next step that Minister Dix has and say, don't come?

CF: Well, I have, I think, offered the same advice just now that Minister Dix offered. And as I said, it's a situation we are reviewing constantly. When it comes to the U.S. border, I think Canadians know it's a unique situation, just unique in terms of how much the daily life of so many Canadians depends on what happens going back and forth across that border. So any action we take needs to be very carefully thought through. Having said that, we understand this is a very particular situation. We need to act with agility and alacrity. And it is a situation we are absolutely reviewing right now.

CO: We're seeing in the United States, they have admitted they have a lack of testing and very weak testing. They've had a surge in cases. People who work in their public health care systems say it was inadequate even before this, it was threadbare. And that they're not up to this task. They are really struggling with it. Are you not concerned about the developments, the lack of public health care in the United States and what impact it might have on all the efforts that you're putting into it at this point?

CF: You know, Carol, my first and foremost concern is to ensure that Canada's public health care system has all of the resources that it needs to rise to this challenge. For sure, we are mindful of the situation in all other countries, very much including the U.S. border. And that's why we've said clearly anyone coming into Canada from the U.S., whether Canadian or not, needs to self isolate for 14 days. I think that that is, and should, discourage casual visitors. And I do. Absolutely, accept, accept is the wrong word, I sort of embrace the reality that we need to be, and we absolutely are, very energetically reviewing what it is we need to be doing at our border with the U.S. We need to really be thoughtful about what is the essential work that happens back and forth across that border? And, you know, also to do this at the end of the day, appreciating that it is actually good neighbourly behaviour for Canadians and Americans to have a conversation, which we are having right now, about how can we take care of ourselves and each other? And we are having that conversation in real-time. I would say watch this space.

CO: Okay. So you're saying, just a quick answer to this one, that you're not ruling out going beyond asking them not to come, and telling them not to come?

CF: We are not ruling out anything. And we think it needs to be a very collaborative conversation with business, with labour, with provinces, with cities and with our American partners. And we are having that conversation right now.

CO: Okay. The prime minister said today the window is closing on stopping the spread in Canada. It’s a very, very concerning statement to make. And an important one. The biggest criticism we're hearing on this program and the CBC is that people feel that we're catching up. We’re at 48 hours behind where we should be, that we're skating to where the puck has been and not to where it's going. When are you going to get ahead of it?

CF: Well, the prime minister's statement was important and it was candid. And that has been, is and will be our government's approach, this situation. We're going to be honest with Canadians. And the reality is that the advice we are receiving from public health experts is that this situation will get worse before it gets better. That is where we are. The reality is also that Canadians are really coming together in a united national response to this situation, a response that is going to put as an absolute priority the health and safety of Canadians. And that is what we are doing.

CO: Okay. I'm going to presume that by virtue of that, you are skating to where the puck is going and not where it's been?

CF: You know, Carol, I probably shouldn't disclose this, but some advice I gave yesterday to colleagues was exactly that, that what we all needed to be doing is skating to where the puck will be. And I guess it's very Canadian that perhaps particularly at times of crisis, we find hockey metaphors are very comforting.

CO: Wayne Gretzky, thank you [laughing].

CF: Exactly. Exactly.

CO: Stay healthy, Minister. And thanks for speaking with us.

CF: Thank you very much. And if I could just say, thank you for the work that you are doing and that all journalists are doing. I think a really important part of our national response is having media, which is trusted and which brings expert views, expert advice to Canadians. Absolutely essential.

CO: All right.

CF: Thanks a lot.

CO: Thank you for that vote. Bye-bye.

CF: Okay, bye.

AH: Chrystia Freeland is the deputy prime minister. We reached her in Ottawa.

[Music: Soft rock]

Social distancing

AH: A lot of you out there are probably practicing that thing we've come to know as social distancing. Here at As It Happens, we're in the same boat. That doesn't mean we're going anywhere. The show, as they say, must go on. And it shall. And we know you're relying on us more than ever to keep you informed. And, of course, to keep you entertained. So we're going to do exactly that. But we're also doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep everyone safe. About half our staff is working from home, and only the people who absolutely have to be in the CBC building are here. And Carol and I fall into that category. Don't worry. Just like you. We're practicing good hygiene, disinfecting our studio, giving each other much needed space, singing our favourite songs while we wash our hands for the recommended 25 seconds and trying very hard not to touch our faces. And just like you, we're still figuring things out. We're trying to get used to the new normal. So if the show sounds a wee bit different over the next couple of weeks, that is why. Please bear with us because we are all in this together.

[Music: Sombre]

Part two: Alan Kurdi sentencing, Toronto restaurants closing

Alan Kurdi sentencing

Guest: Tima Kurdi

AH: You'll likely remember the image from 2015. It's impossible to forget. It showed two-year-old Alan Kurdi washed up, face down on a Turkish beach. He and his family had fled Syria. They were trying to get to Greece, but the boat they were on capsized. And Alan, his brother and his mother died. Alan's father survived. Now a Turkish court is holding three men responsible for their role in the deaths that day. And they've been sentenced to 125 years in prison each, according to The New York Times, their precise roles have not yet publicly been confirmed. And Tima Kurdi is Alan Kurdi's aunt. She lives in Coquitlam, British Columbia. That is where we reached her.

CO: Tima, what was your reaction when you learned of these 125-year prison sentences for these men?

TIMA KURDI: Yeah, to be honest, since the Friday, from the phone call with my brother, Abdullah, and he was trying to tell me about did you hear the news? You know, or what I'm thinking? You know, about my brother, Abdullah, we are reliving that tragedy all over again.

CO: Yeah.

TK: It's good they put only three people. Only three people. But this is not gonna solve the problem. Yes, it gives us a little bit of comfort, especially when Abdullah said he recognized only one person. But the way, you know, to relive that moment, it's very sad and it's heartbreaking.

CO: You're talking about your brother, Abdullah. This is the boy's father, Alan's father. He lost that boy. He lost his other son. He lost his wife. How is he doing?

TK: You know, right now, again, it's been brought back so much, the memory about what happened in 2015, when he lost his entire family. But, hopefully, this will prevent other people from taking the same journey.

CO: Does your brother, he said he could identify one of the people, one of these smugglers, who was responsible for putting them into this boat and this horrible tragedy. But can you tell us anything more about what happened? And has this case brought any more to light about how this horrible death happened?

TK: Yes. When I was talking to him, he said to me, you have no idea. When I saw one of them, you know, I recognized them. He said, you have no idea. It took me back to that night. How we were so desperate that we put our hope in their hand. At that time, I was really bugging him to… [breaking down] You know, it's very hard to break into lives and to remember that moment for me, especially for my brother, that night, you know? The way you bugging somebody to say, please, give my family a safety. You put in all your hope in their hands. And even though I know they don't care about you. They just care about how many people they can fit in that boat and make money. So it's heartbreaking to live that moment again, especially for my brother, Abdullah. You know, but again, he said this is, you know, three people from the big network is not going to stop desperate people from trusting those smugglers. Me personally, you know, I'm responsible for that too. You know, by sending the money to pay the smugglers. You know, I feel guilty, too. But what do you do when you see your family struggle, when you witness the situation they live in and they are so desperate, like many other people.

CO: But, Tima, can I tell you that blaming yourself is not fair because you would not have sent that money. They would not have been on that raft if there had been more compassion, if people had been... If the international community had cared for them. It was an act of desperation. They had to get out. So there is a larger circle of blame, is there not?

TK: It is. It is. But I cannot help it. I've been living with this guilt for that since 2015. And I’m trying. But again, sometimes, out of desperation, people find any route to reach to safety, you know? Yes, the international community are responsible for the suffering of people in general. For me, trying to bring them to safety here. An example, you know, it was so impossible, really impossible to bring them legally to Canada.

CO: We talked to you after Alan and your family had died in that boat. And you told us how difficult it had been. That the federal government wouldn't help you to bring them here. So do you feel that there are others that need to take more responsibility for what happened to Alan, to your sister-in-law, to your other nephew?

TK: You know, it's not about the blame. And to the point, you know, I blame this or that. It's about how the situation right now is getting worse and worse. And people continue to suffer. And there is no way to go. You know, if we’re talking since 2015, when the world leaders told me in person, with their tears in their eyes when they saw the image. They said this tragedy will be the last one. And what did we see from it? Yes, you know, here in Canada, you know, the new government, they brought in, you know, 25-thousand people. And I cannot thank enough the Canadian people who made it happen. But what are we doing? You know, those people in power, they forget about tragedy.

CO: That image, the image of, as you say, that picture of your nephew, and of the boy on the beach. Of course, it affected — deeply affected — people around the world. And the expectation was that that was now going to change. That the international response would now change because it was so wrong. He was a symbol of that.

TK: Um-hmm. You know, the question right now we should ask about ourself, that it's been almost nine years, the war in Syria. And people continue to suffer. Now is the urgent time. You know, taking refugees, it's a great. But it's not the solution. The solution to end all of this, to bring peace. You know, in September 2nd, 2015, the image of Alan Kurdi was the wake-up call to the world. And today in the news, with the coronavirus, it's another wakeup call to the world. All of us, we need to be united. And think about the other people who really struggle or suffer until now.

CO: Tima, that is really good advice for people to bear in mind, to try and help others. And again, I say to you, please don't blame yourself. I think that you did everything you could, and continue to. And I really appreciate that you would speak with us today. Thank you.

TK: My pleasure. Thank you.

CO: Bye-bye.

AH: Tima Kurdi is Alan Kurdi's aunt. She spoke to us from Coquitlam, British Columbia.

[Music: Jazz]

Toronto restaurants closing

Guest: Chris White

AH: The party's over. Yesterday, the Quebec government ordered that bars, theatres, gyms, ski hills, sugar shacks and arcades all shut down amid COVID-19 fears. And now other jurisdictions are heeding those calls, too. Toronto's top health officials recommended today that bars close. And that restaurants offer takeout only. Our guest has already closed up his popular restaurant, but it was no easy decision. Chris White is the co-owner of “Brothers”, a restaurant in downtown Toronto.

Chris, at what point did you realize this weekend that you should close your restaurant?

CHRIS WHITE: I think Saturday, mid-evening, we had a nice service, but noticed a shift in the vibe for sure.

CO: What do mean a change in the vibe? What were you referring to?

CW: We work with a small community of regulars. I mean, we're pretty lucky. And everyone came out to support. And it was really beautiful that they did so. But, you know, our guests are middle-aged or older, and the conversations that were slightly more boisterous, the days leading up turned to pretty general worry and even into what we, you know, responsibility, I'd say so.

CO: So you're doing this out of civic responsibility? It's not a business decision? It's a community thing that you're responding to?

CW: It's the worst business decision I've ever made [both laughing]. I mean, we were very worried. And, you know, we're trying not to personalize that. Everybody's gonna feel this. And there's people that are worse off. But this is very scary fiscally for sure. But we're part of a really amazing community of people that we love and want to lead the pack, I guess. But, you know?

CO: Lead the pack. So you feel that others should do what you're doing. They should be shutting down their bars and restaurants?

CW: Absolutely. I mean, I see both sides of it. And I totally get... And I have peers that have yet to make the decision, but less and less so. I mean, on Saturday, it seemed like we were ahead of the curve. By the end of the day today, the bulk of the restaurants I live and breathe with are down.

CO: Now, I spoke with someone in the restaurant business on the weekend in Toronto who said that he wanted to see the government order the bars and restaurants closed as they have in other countries, and as we saw it happen in Quebec. That was what was required was that leadership from the government. So why would that be necessary? Why would not people just close down on their own volition?

CW: Physically speaking, everyone wants to know that they're making a decision that'll be protected. You know, my biggest worry right now is that I was under the impression that today we were gonna get that exact news, and to find out that almost nothing was said. Two different levels of government are essentially making soft suggestions, rather than an order. I mean, how does this work if everyone shuts down on their own volition, insurance, mortgage, rent, employment? I mean, I laid off 20 people today, all of whom are, I'm sure, quite worried as well. There needs to be some protection here.

CO: And we heard on Friday the announcements of sums of money in the billions for credit for businesses, for ability to sort of remain solvent, to access different programs that have yet to be fleshed out. Will you have access to that if you have done this voluntarily?

CW: I mean, that's a great question and something I'm currently quite worried about. I have no idea. I mean, we run day-to-day as it is. And luckily, do our best to acquire much debt. But we're a 30-seat restaurant downtown. And we, at this point, are looking... If we were to reopen in the first half of April, we're looking at losses, you know, upwards of $200,000. I'd love somebody to stand up and say, we're going to figure this out. And the first step is to stop. So far, no one's done that.

CO: We’re hearing stories of restaurants doing some other creative things. Some are becoming community kitchens for the homeless. Distilleries in the U.S. are making hand sanitizers [laughing]. Is it giving you any ideas?

CW: Certainly, we're talking a lot about beer right now. But we've reached out to our core group of regulars, especially some of them that are older. We want to make sure that they have access to everything they need in the coming weeks and that we are still here and can help, we’re a small business, and I think that's the way we can be the most effective. I've heard a few peers with larger kitchens and larger operations talking about different opportunities to help and restructure their business as well. And at some point, maybe that's an option for us. The product that we put out and the way that we work is pretty focussed and not something that we really usually put in a box. So there'll be a different moment, I guess.

CO: Now, tomorrow, as you know, is St. Patrick's Day, a big day for bars and restaurants. If they're not told to close, are you concerned that the civic responsibility is not being shared by may-be patrons?

CW: Absolutely. I mean, it's super scary to think that we were standing in a smaller pack here making this decision. You know, I'm also I'm quite concerned that the government has delayed more serious announcement to protect this holiday in some way [laughing], you know? I really hope that that's not the case. It's time for everyone to stay home, period, you know?

CO: And that's what the prime minister said today. And so how do you think of how Canadians, Torontonians are responding to this crisis?

CW: You know, in our immediate peer group, in our community, it seems like in the last 24 hours the conversation’s really shifted to how we can take care of each other. You know, it's kind of devastating that we are hoarding Lysol wipes and I have friends sending me videos from their porches in Italy. They're singing to each other. I mean, we really need to step up our plague game here [both laugh].

CO: That great line, Chris. We'll leave it. Thanks so much. And I hope things work out for you.

CW: Thanks, Carol.

CO: All right. Bye.

CO: Chris White is the co-owner of Brother's, a Restaurant in downtown Toronto, and we reached him earlier today.

[Music: Hip-hop]

Poop Zamboni

It's typically not news when a town or city purchases a new piece of recreational equipment. But this time was different. Mike Hicks, who works for the municipality of Sooke, B.C., recently ordered a fancy new machine from New Zealand designed to scoop up goose poop. Officially, it's called a tow and collect machine, but that name didn't really catch on. Poop Zamboni seemed a better fit. It was all fun and games until the ice resurfacing company Zamboni called. They told Mr. Hicks to kindly stop linking their company to faeces. The company's vice president of sales and brand management, Greg Dean, told a local radio station, quote, “As you can imagine, the connotation of a poop Zamboni is not really something we want to have out there,” end quote. Here's Mr. Hicks in conversation last week with Carol, who drops the Z word more often than Mr Hicks does.

SOUNDCLIP

CO: Mike, why did your town need a poop [censored]?

MIKE HICKS: Well, the real goose problem on the on the West Coast, and especially in Sooke. We have a real goose problem. And there's hundred or hundreds --there's a couple of hundred geese at any one time on a field where the kids play soccer. And each goose let's go about three pounds of poop every day. And I discovered a machine in New Zealand that would take it, that would clean up the poop. And that's what we are doing right now.

CO: Okay. So what's been happening up to now? Before you had the poop [censored] and you had three pounds per poop on your field -- would that mean the kids couldn't play?

MH: Oh they played. Everyone dragged all that poop back to their houses and their cars. And it's just a mess.

CO: How did you convince the town to buy this?

MH: And we have gas tax funds that Prime Minister Trudeau sends to us for infrastructure. And we're also allowed to use it for recreational equipment. So I convinced the powers that be that this was recreational equipment.

CO: [Laughs] What would you think Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would think if he knew you were spending that money on a poop [censored]?

MH: I think he, amongst more than anyone, would be delighted. He has two kids that play soccer. He probably would say, "Get me one of those things for the fields in Ottawa."

AH: That was Mike Hicks, speaking to Carol last week about his poop Zam... I mean, tow and collect machine.

[Music: Electronica]

Part three: B.C. seniors shopping, Rupert River Cup, Online Ceilidh

B.C. seniors shopping

Guest: Kyle McGilvray

AH: Over the weekend, images of empty shelves at crowded grocery stores made the rounds. And as worries about the coronavirus continued to fuel panic buying and stockpiling in some areas, but as some stores start to limit their hours of operation, Kyle McGilvray opened his doors a little earlier than usual today to a group of people who have one thing in common: their age. Mr McGilvray is the owner of Kyle's no-frills and Kitimat, B.C. That's where we reached him.

CO: Kyle, who did you allow into your store early this morning?

KYLE MCGILVRAY: I guess anybody that considers themselves a senior. We didn't put an exact number to it, so.

CO: You weren't checking their driver's licence?

KM: No. No. I didn't want to offend anybody [laughing]. Or I wasn't getting that detailed? No.

CO: Right. Usually, senior people are more worried about being mistaken for being seniors. Maybe this is an advantage this time to look senior [chuckling]?

KM: Yeah. No one took advantage of it. So it was very civil. It was good.

CO:Okay. What kinds of numbers turned up then?

KM: I think we had about 100 people through in the first hour. Yeah, it was pretty good.

CO: And what makes this a better time? What's what's safer for seniors to shop in the system that you've set up?

KM: So just the fact that we had three trucks arrive last night, and we were well-stocked. Overnight, it gave us the opportunity to really deep clean the store, which we do on a regular basis anyway, but just gave us that extra. We brought buggies in from outside and disinfected them. Just did a more thorough clean. And then, yeah, this morning, the store was clean and stocked for the seniors.

CO: And how did they feel about that? What did they say to you?

KM: I'm pretty sure every one of them was very happy. I was thanked... I greeted them at the door as they came in. And I sanitized the carts again as they came in and the handles. Yeah, I think every one of them personally thanked me. So that was nice.

CO: Did anyone give stories or tell you what why this was so useful or important to them?

KM: Not particularly, but you could definitely see some concern in some of their eyes. And they really appreciated just that they were being recognized for, you know, a higher threat or a higher, you know, higher level of concern for them. So, yeah, I think they were overwhelmingly happy for sure.

CO: How did you come to make this decision to have this hour of the store just exclusively for seniors?

KM: I just thought it was a need within my little community, like we're a very small town in northern B.C. and just hearing from other people in the community that we should do this, and just made the decision. And then I recently seen that others are following. So that's kinda interesting.

CO: Huh! So you've seen that elsewhere, this has been picked up?

KM: Yeah, I think the premier of Alberta shared it on Facebook. So after that, it went viral pretty quick.

CO: Right. And so have you seen other grocery stores… Because it's I think elsewhere in the world they're having initiatives like this. So do you think you started something here?

KM: Possibly. But I think everyone's considering it. Obviously, I can only speak for what I do and what we do here in Kitimat. But I think it's on the radar for everyone now.

CO: How busy has the store been during this past week?

KM: Definitely, definitely busier than normal. Normally, March break is a little bit of a lull in business for us. Everyone, you know, likes to travel and take their kids either wherever to Mexico. So, now, everyone with travel restrictions are being told, stay home. There's already an increase in business. And then with the virus concern on top of that, like there was a lot of demand in the last five, six days.

CO: So are people really stocking up or have they been?

KM: You’re definitely seeing everyone coming in and getting their fair share. We're not seeing anything crazy where it's buying, you know, everything on the shelf or whatever they get their hands on. We do still have plenty of stock. And, you know, if I could tell people like there's no need to panic. So we have plenty of stock. We have plenty of trucks. We have trucks arriving here every day. And I think that's the case with all grocery stores right now.

CO: How's your toilet paper supply?

KM: Good. We had plenty for the seniors this morning.

CO: Good.

KM: paper towels, Kleenex, toilet paper. And like I said, there's more on the way.

CO: Okay, so now and how's your hand sanitizer? A friend wants to know.

KM: I think the hand sanitizer is needed elsewhere right now. I think it's being directed, you know, to higher-level care facilities and stuff like that. So we don't have that item. But like I said, I’ve been telling everyone else, there's plenty of soap — hand soap. And that's what I think Health Canada is advising everyone to do anyway, is wash your hands.

CO: Yeah, I think we've heard that [laughing].

KM: Yeah. Yeah.

CO: Now, this idea of having a safe place for seniors to shop for this period of time, are you going to do it again, or is this a one-off thing?

KM: I think we're just playing it day-by-day right now and just seeing what tomorrow brings. Well, yeah, it was very well-received. So that was nice. Yeah, we'll definitely consider it for sure. It's just taking things one day at a time right now.

CO: I’m Sure you are. Kyle, thanks for speaking with us.

KM: No problem at all.

CO: Bye-bye.

AH: Kyle McGilvray is the owner of Kyle's No Frills in Kitimat, B.C.

[Music: Indie rock]

Junos: Jann Arden

AH: With the cancellation of the Juno Awards, fans are gonna have to wait to see Jann Arden be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. But they didn't have to wait long to see her perform. Today, thousands of Ms Arden's fans were treated to a special live performance... on her Facebook page. Here's just a bit of it.

SOUNDCLIP

[Music: “Sleepless” by Jann Arden]

JANN ARDEN [singing]: Take your coat and shoes off. Come and sit beside me, but not too close! We could talk for hours. Or we could just do nothing.

AH: That is Jann Arden with a special online performance of “Sleepless” today. Ms Arden is not the only performer looking for creative ways to connect with fans during this time of social distancing. Still to come in tonight's show, we'll hear from fiddler Ashley MacIsaac, who's organising a "Quarantine Ceilidh".

[Music: “Sleepless” by Jann Arden comes back up]

JA [singing]: All we have is each other. And that’s all I ever wanted. Oh, yay, yay, yay, yay, yay!

Miami mayor self-isolation

AH: Miami's mayor, Francis Suarez, is in self isolation after testing positive for COVID-19. But if you were standing next to him, you probably wouldn't know it. And that's because Mayor Suarez is showing almost no symptoms. But because of his own carefulness, he's avoiding passing the virus on to others. It's a testament to something you've likely been hearing on the news a lot these days. Social distancing. And even if you don't feel sick, you should be staying away from people to stop the spread of the virus. Here's a daily video diary that the mayor is sharing with the world.

SOUNDCLIP

FRANCIS SUAREZ: Good morning. Today is day three since I tested positive for the Coronavirus. Actually, the fourth day that we’re sure I know that I had it because the test was from an exam traken the day before. So it's the fourth day. Today, I feel very good. I took two temperature readings this morning, and that was at 98. Mild to almost no symptoms right now. So I'm very fortunate that I seem to be, for the moment, in that 80 per cent category was experiencing mild to no symptoms. Good news is everyone so far that has been in direct contact with me has tested negative. All elected officials who have gone public. I want to say any private information. But all elected officials that have gone public have stated that they're all negative, or our police chief negative, or our missing major negative. You know, it's been tough, obviously, being quarantined, not being able to see anybody. Certainly, my family, we've been in communication by FaceTime and doing a lot of interviews. Probably working too hard. I want to thank everyone for all their messages. I still have about 600 unread text messages that have to go through. And so please be patient. But I want to thank you all. And, hopefully, the symptoms will remain mild to no symptoms throughout this. And then I can start talking about how to come out of this protocol. But I just wanted you all to know that please continue to follow all precautions from the CDC and the Health Department. And wanted you to have an update as to how I'm feeling very good. No fever, no aches. Mild symptoms, if any.

AH: That was Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who has tested positive for COVID-19.

[Music: Elevator music]

Rupert River Cup

Guest: Jeremy Solomon-Wesley

AH: Members of the Moose Factory Scrappers hockey team never imagined a big tournament win could end up feeling so wrong. That big tournament is for the Rupert River Cup. And it's one of the biggest in the James Bay Area. Ten members of the Northern Ontario team decided to make the trip by snowmobile last week, cutting the track from a 15-hour drive to a mere four hours across the ice of James Bay. Left winger Jeremy Solomon-Wesley says everything went great on the way to the tournament, but the trip back was a different story. Mr. Solomon-Wesley had his team's winning cup on the back of his snowmobile, when he suddenly realiZed it was gone. We reached him in Moose Factory, Ontario.

CO: Jeremy, can you describe the exact moment when you realized that the Rupert River Cup was gone?

JEREMY SOLOMON-WESLEY: I was in shock, so about 20 minutes later is when I realized it was gone. Captain of our team, Brendan Biderman, mentioned where's the cup? I looked behind on the back of my Ski-Doo, and it was gone.

CO: Yikes!

JSW: So my action was shock. I was feeling bad. It felt like I needed to go back that second, which I did. And by then, it was too windy, too stormy. You could barely see in front of you.

CO: So where exactly were you when this when you fell off your Ski-Doo [chuckling]?

JSW: So after searching for it, when we found it, it was halfway between Hannah Bay. So right in the middle of the bay.

CO: That you were crossing?

JSW: Yeah.

CO: And so how did it... Was it not attached properly? How did you lose it?

JSW: So, apparently, I don't have the proper skills of tying it down, according to everybody. But I was re-tying it down every single time. And sure enough, that and bumpy whether it was just properly tied to the back, my Ski-Doo by itself. So, yeah. So It happened.

CO: Okay, so how did you tell your teammates that you had lost the cup?

JSW: Well, I think I recall there was five of us heading back with the Ski-Doos, and we’re all travelling together. So we stopped for a break in Big Stone. And, as I said, Brendan mentioned where's the cup? And everybody else noticed it.

CO: Were you in big doo-doo at that point?

JSW: [laughing] Not at the time. But I felt like I was the next day. And it laid heavy on me. I felt guilty. And hearing all the Facebook posts. And I felt like I had to go get her back.

CO: Well, you sure did. But njust tell people how big a deal this is? Because this is a really big tournament. In the North, isn’t it? this one that you were part of. You’re one of the Moose Factory Scrappers. So just tell us how important this cup is?

JSW: I believe it's a new cup. But out of all the tournaments, this is one of the most competitive tournaments there are in the James Bay coast and Quebec territory.

CO: And was this the first first time you had played with the Moose Factory Scrappers?

JSW: Yeah, actually, it was my first time. And I was invited to play with them. And knowing that I'll be joined by skating's and cutting the travel time in three hours than 15 hours rather than going around. So I thought it was a great opportunity. And my wife thought I should go.

CO: And this was why you were out on Ski-Doos. Because you thought that this was a shortcut in order to get to the tournament, right?

JSW: Yeah, it's quite the difference, yeah.

CO: But then you won, and then you're heading home, and you lose the cup.

JSW: [laughing] That's correct.

CO: Okay. So you didn't sleep. Then what did you do?

JSW: Well, I had to say home with my daughter the next day because my wife had to work. I’m on on parental leave. So it was kind of cloudy that day as well. So the next day, we knew it was going to be sunny. And so I asked my in-laws to watch my daughter. She came over that morning, and a teammate and, Cody Small, run out. It took approximately two hours to get out to Hanah Bay. Sorry, my son’s just yelling.

CO: It's Okay.

JSW: And sure enough, we located it right in the middle of Hannah Bay.

CO: But you were saying that when you were there, that when you went back for it, there was a lot of blowing snow. So how is it that the cup was still visible?

JSW: Just lucky, I guess. It showed the back end of the cup. I'm not sure if you’ve seen any photos? But there are photos of the cup before I even dug it out. And yeah, just to back, the bottom part was showing. So luckily enough, it didn't drift all the way over the cup.

CO: [dry chuckling]So a bit of a glint from the sun, and you were able to see that last bit of silver before it disappeared?

JSW: Exactly.

CO: uh-huh. If you hadn't found it when you did, what's the likelihood that, well, it would have been lost?

JSW: We probably would have either replaced the cup. If not the team, me personally just because it was my responsibility. I actually told one of the organizers that I'd be taking care of it personally and sending it back.

CO: So they had trusted you with this. Oh, my God!

JSW: Exactly!

CO: Okay, So you found it. And how did your team react when you told them that you had recovered the cup?

JSW: Like I said, me, my teammate, Cody Small found it. We’re relieved, and joyed, and cheering hard. And we actually phoned back home because there’s no reception out there. We phoned back home with a satellite phone. Phoned his mum, and she made a post. And a few of the locals were waiting by the road to Moose Factory, and taking pictures. And didn't realize it was gonna be that big until we got back.

CO: Okay, so now did they trust you to take it back once you found it?

JSW: [laughing] Yeah, I actually told them that I wasn’t going to let it go.

CO: Well, you said that the first time. That didn't work, right?

JSW: [laughing] Yeah. We went out to a local bar, and we kind of celebrated with that. One of the teammates took it home and someone actually took a picture of him taking it, so I wouldn't get any blame. [CO chuckling] The next day, I picked it up. Personally, took it to the chief, had a couple pictures and decided we're going to keep it with him.

CO: Yeah, right [deep laughter]. Okay, so you don't get to keep it?

JSW: [both laughing] No.

CO: Well, anyway, it's back. You won. Congratulations on the tournament. And in getting the cup back. And listen, you should learn your knots.

JSW: [laughing]Yeah, I will.

CO: I guess the lesson learned here.

JSW: I posted on Facebook that I was going to be joining the local fire department top learn some knots.

CO: Good plan! Jeremy, great talking to you. Thanks.

JSW: Thank you.

CO: Bye.

JSW: Bye.

AH: Jeremy Solomon-Wesley plays left wing for the Moose Factory Scrappers, who just won — and nearly — lost the Rupert River Cup. We reached him in Moose Factory, Ontario.

[Music: Indie pop]

Online Ceilidh

GuestL Ashley MacIsaac

AH: Social distancing is all the rage. We've mentioned it today on this show a number of times, but in Kingston, Ontario, over the weekend, hundreds of students either didn't get the memo or they just ignored it. Despite multiple warnings, Queens University students flooded onto a street for a St. Patrick's Day party on Saturday. And here's what some students had to say.

SOUNDCLIP

FEMALE STUDENT: I have a compromised immune system, but I’m still 21. But I’m not even worried because I just take supplements. And like I self-medicate, so it’s fine.

REPORTER: Are you worried that gatherings like this will potentially spread the virus?

MALE STUDENT: Yeah. You know what? I'm not worried. I know it will. Like, it's not... This is not a question. That's not a question because it will definitely spread the disease.

AH: But not all parties need to be in-person. Ashley MacIsaac thinks he's found a creative solution. The Cape Breton fiddler has had his own gigs cancelled up to July because of the Coronavirus. And that prompted him to organize something called a Quarantine Ceilidh. We reached Mr. MacIsaac in Windsor, Ontario.

CO: Ashley, what's your idea for a Quarantine Ceilidh?

ASHLEY MACISAAC: It's pretty simple. A lot of people are going to get bored of watching reruns and and continuing to see how many times they can watch “Stranger Things” on Netflix over the next couple of months? I figured as artists that go out and perform across the country, go to communities all the time, have that live feeling with people that is shared both from the audience and the stage, that something like that would work very well right now on the Internet. We're musicians. We're used to travelling. We can't do it. People can't come out to see our shows. So we're going to bring it to your living room.

CO: Okay. Walk us through how this happens? You're aiming for April 1st, right?

AM: Yeah, April 1st will be the first broadcast.

CO: And it's not a joke? Because that is April Fool's Day. So you are going to actually do this [laughing]?

AM: Obviously, if it goes sideways, then I'll have to say April Fools! But no, everything is coming together nicely. I've been very fortunate to meet and know a lot of musicians and entertainers over the years in Canada and other places. And it's not just, you know, in Canada. I've already spoke to some of my friends in New York who are like, can we be on the next episode? I go, let's just get the first one up and running and see what happens.

CO: Okay. Well, now, of course, you said you've met all these people or many of them, but you won't be able to meet them now, right? You're not going to be in the same room together, I presume?

AM: Well, that's it. You know, one of the musicians who first and foremost I called is George Canyon and George, a Canadian superstar, he just came back from Costa Rica. So he was self-isolating. He said, I'd love to be able to perform. I said, you know, we're not looking to be as high-quality as the great variety performances and shows that CBC has done as far as technically is concerned, we're not going to be doing three-camera shoots. He'll be in his home, sitting in his home studio, maybe with an iPhone and sitting with his wife nearby and performing some of the songs. We'll have my sister, who's out on the road right now trying to get back from Saskatchewan with a group called Madison Violets. I'm going to hopefully be able to go live to the Yukon, where I was supposed to perform this week. And if it all goes well, there'll be some opportunities where I can play and they could play and we could mash it together. If we can't operate that live, we will do some tape stuff. But more than likely, this will be live off the floor like a ceilidh's supposed to be.

CO: Okay. Definitely a ceilidh in the kitchen. But in this case, many kitchens?

AM: Many kitchens. I'm going to put myself in a club in Halifax, so that it'll be closed to the public, but be able to set up the video switching and that type of stuff. I thought, Okay, I want some central place to be a host. And, you know, make it have this feel of a show that you're out to see. It’ll be the old triangle in Halifax. I think it's going to go over very well.

CO: Okay. But you're not just doing this to entertain us, [laughing] which we definitely need at this point. But this is also a way to raise some funds for those artists who are not getting out and about. So how is that gonna work?

AM: I just lost all my work between now and July. Every musician that's out there makes their living on live touring these days. I've done it for years. You know, since I was a kid. So when you're all of a sudden put in a position where you don't have a platform to perform for people, you know, in the past it was only large artists like Madonna, David Bowie. These people could garner enough audience to make a pay-per-view event happening. So at this point, it's going to be a very nominal fee. We're hoping it'll be in, you know, four or five, six dollars to be able to access the download and sit around the living room and watch this live show.

CO: Six bucks to watch the show, and you got your own beer.

AM: Exactly. And you know, you don't you don't have to get dressed up. I play theatre shows, I play club shows, I play everything in between. You can sit home in your underwear and watch the ceilidhs.

CO: Okay. Now, so you had some response? Are you expecting more? Because you're just getting started. Is this going to kind of really pick up steam as people hear about it?

AM: I hope so. I know people want to be entertained. Because I did my living for so many years. So in this period of time where every time you turn on the TV, we're going to have to see about this tragic event that's unfolding. An awful lot of live news and stories that are not the best. So to give people an opportunity to see something like that's entertaining and fun. I hope it gets the ball rolling. And if it works well, why not, if we need to, do it on May 1st, June 1st, and then there's Canada Day. I'm hoping that people take the opportunity to watch it and enjoy it. And it becomes a platform for Canadian artists who want to actually appear in front of their fans in their home on a Wednesday night and enjoy what they see.

CO: Okay. So right now, you got a lot of people who are shut in. And they are bored and depressed and they need to get up on their feet and dance. So what's the best cut for that? Give us a music recommendation we can play now?

AM: Well, you know, I've been thinking what would be the opening song for this thing? And I had thought I was going to do “Home I'll Be” by Rita MacNeil. But that’s a very passionate song. And I think I might close the show with that.So I've decided for the opening number, I'm going to have to do the “Gilligan's Island Theme”. [CO laughing] because clearly that's the original quarantine song.

CO: Okay. One's funny. The other one will make us cry. What about something from “Fire in the Kitchen”?

AM: You know, if you want to play some Celtic music, I would suggest playing something by oh, any Newfoundland band is always fun to listen to.

CO: What about yours? Something cut from you?

AM: Oh, well if you want something of mine.

CO: Yeah.

AM: Jeez! I don't even know cause I just played all by ear. How about you try. Gee, I don't know.

CO: Okay.

AM: “Devil in the Kitchen”? “Devil in the Kitchen” is always entertaining.

CO: That sounds like a good one. But if you trust me, if I might choose one of my own if we don't like that one. I'm sure we will. But we might choose one of our own. We’ll take your recommendation. In any event, we're gonna get people up and dancing. So thank you.

AM: Thanks for giving me the chance to tell the people that we're with you. If you're at home, we're entertainers. And we feel onstage what it's like to feel the human connection. And we can't lose that, even if we can't leave our homes.

CO: Good one, Ashley, thank you.

AM: Okay. Thanks, Carol.

CO: Bye.

AH: Ashley MacIsaac is a fiddler from Cape Breton. We reached him in Windsor, Ontario. And leading up to the April 1st quarantine ceilidh, we want to hear from you. What creative ways are you finding to pass the time and connect with your friends and family with social distancing in mind? Send us your ideas for board games, exercise. Nature walks. I need this personally as well. Let us know on Twitter and Facebook, both” @CBCasithappens. Our email is: aih@cbc.ca. And we always love to hear your voice. So call TALKBACK at: 416-205-5687.

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March 16, 2020 episode transcript

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