The Backbench

Introducing: What Is Happening Here (Official Trailer)

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Some say Canada is currently in the throes of a horrible surge of anti-Jew hatred. Others say that anti-zionism is being conflated with antisemitism.

So which is it? And who is to blame for it — activists, or Israel?

What is Happening Here is a co-production of Canadaland and The Canadian Jewish News. Listen to the first two episodes wherever you get your podcasts.

Become a Canadaland supporter now and listen to the whole series plus bonus episodes, ad-free. https://canadaland.com/join/

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We're in the Fight of Our Lives

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:45:00 GMT

Canadaland covers Canada, period.

If there was ever a time to support Canadian news, it’s now. Go to canadaland.com/join and become a supporter today.

Host: Jesse Brown

Credits: Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Jesse Brown (Editor and Publisher)

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What Are You Still Doing Here?!

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:00:00 GMT

The Backbench has moved!

Episodes of The Backbench have been available on the Canadaland feed for a few months now, alongside lots of other great content — from original reporting to media criticism to our brand-new support-only show.

Starting now, The Backbench feed (this one!) will no longer be publishing new episodes, but the show lives on! You can still find new episodes of this show every Tuesday on Canadaland.

Just search “Canadaland” in your podcast player of choice, and we’ll see you there.

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Looking for The Backbench? We’ve moved!

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Since the end of last year, episodes of The Backbench have been available on the Canadaland feed, alongside lots of other great content — oftentimes featuring voices you may be familiar with from The Backbench. Starting in July 2025, The Backbench feed (this one!) will no longer be publishing new episodes, but you can still find new episodes of this show every Tuesday on Canadaland.

Just search “Canadaland” in your podcast player of choice, and we’ll see you there.

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Meet the Liberal MP Who Went Against Carney (and Who Might Take Out Doug Ford)

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:30:00 GMT

Mark Carney promised one Canadian economy. Now, his signature bill is one step closer to law as Bill C-5 rocketed through parliament with some amendments. The changes haven't quelled concerns from Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith, who broke ranks in the final vote. Host Noor sits down with MP Erskine-Smith to talk about why he voted no, and what he really thinks of Carney’s CEO-style politics.

And, you’ll hear concerns from the Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak about the process and lack of consultation. Plus some regulatory mythbusting by BC professors, Jess Dempsey, and Rosemary Collard.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Nate Erskine-Smith, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Jess Dempsey, Rosemary Collard

Background reading:

Liberals' major projects bill passes House of Commons with Conservative support – CBC News
Bill C-5 passes the House of Commons vote after accelerated process – Canada’s National Observer
As Parliament rushes to support Bill C-5, Indigenous groups prepare for legal fight – The Logic
A tale of two Bill 5s
The Extinction Paradox
Does regulation delay mines? A timeline and economic benefit audit of British Columbia mines

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G7! The One Where Trump Bounces

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 10:40:00 GMT

Canada is hosting the G-7 in Alberta, one of the most consequential meetings yet. Is this Carney’s moment to become a world leader, reorient our economy, and possibly the world order?

With the predictably unpredictable Trump, growing regional wars, rampaging wildfires, and some controversial invitations, there’s a lot of room for error. Could Carney play the role of global power broker?

And the latest on Pierre Poilievre’s one-on-one phone calls, our rekindling relationship with India, and another Liberal bill rushing through.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Matthew Holmes

Is Carney’s Bill C-2 ‘Much Worse Than Trump’?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:45:00 GMT

The Liberals’ first piece of legislation, Bill C-2 is a sweeping 139-page omnibus bill.

It would allow police to open and inspect mail from Canada Post, restrict cash transfers over $10,000, bolster surveillance, and expand what law enforcement can do…without a warrant.

But it will also overhaul our asylum-seeking process. And with the riots below the border, we can’t but ask: are we going down the same path?

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Adam Sadinsky

Background reading:

Experts warn of Bill C-2 as ’anti-refugee’ and ’anti-immigrant’ giving Canada ’unchecked powers’ like the U.S. – Radio Canada
Opinion | Border bill primed to give Mark Carney's government sweeping new powers. Who asked for this? - Toronto Star
Montrealers protest against border security Bill C-2 – CTV
Why the ‘language of loopholes’ should be avoided if Trump cracks down on the Canada-U.S. border – The Conversation
Ontario’s Bill 5 has passed. Here’s why it has sparked conflict with First Nations – The Canadian Press

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When Politics Ruins Friendships

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:30:00 GMT

Political divides are growing, and it’s not just over basic issues anymore. Increasingly, people are feeling differences in basic conduct, morality, and how they approach discussions. These divisions feel too big to ignore.

How do you go about fixing that divide? This week host Sam Konnert sits down with Ryan Broderick to iron things out.

And the latest on the grand meeting of the Premiers in Saskatoon, Carney’s new chief of staff pick and Trump’s doubling of the steel and aluminum tariffs.

Host: Sam Konnert

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Ryan Broderick

Background reading:

Sponsors:

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Endangered Species – an Interview with an NDP MP

Tue, 27 May 2025 10:45:00 GMT

Earlier this year, Jagmeet Singh laughed off the idea of losing. Now, he’s out and the NDP is in free fall. They lost official party status. They lost ground with key voters, organized labor, and their traditional strongholds in B.C. and the GTA. So, did the NDP learn anything from this catastrophic loss? To answer that question, host Noor Azrieh asks Heather McPherson, one of the 7 NDP MPs left.

And, the latest on King Charles Canadian tour, who’s gonna babysit rowdy MPs in the House of Commons, and maybe it's time to break up with Jenni Byrne…for good this time.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Heather McPherson

Background reading:

NDP caucus members dispute appointment of interim leader Don Davies – The Globe and Mail
NDP faces 'Parliament from hell' without official party status, says former MP – CBC News
Is it R.I.P. for the federal NDP? Not quite, experts say – CBC News
New Democrats say they want leadership race rules to ensure multiple serious candidates, shorter contest – The Globe and Mail
King Charles and Queen Camilla begin royal visit to Canada – CBC News
Pressure mounting on Poilievre to fire Jenni Byrne: sources – CBC News

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Can Carney Run Canada Like a CEO?

Tue, 20 May 2025 10:45:00 GMT

After a couple of weeks of pats on the back and trying to find Pierre Poilievre a new home, we’re finally seeing how Mark Carney’s government plans to tackle the country’s biggest problems and who he’s putting in charge to do it. Next week, King Charles is set to kick off parliament with the throne speech, and we’ll finally have MPs back in the House of Commons after months of parliamentary paralysis. We’re at the top of the hill before things start to inevitably crumble, so Host Noor Azrieh asks Nick Taylor-Vaisey what Carney’s first few weeks say about how he’ll be running our country?

And the latest on what’s gone down in Terrebone, and where the hell Pierre Poilievre lives.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Nick Taylor-Vaisey

Background reading:

Erskine-Smith says he feels 'disrespected' after being dropped from cabinet - Canadian Press
Carney shows 10 ministers from his first cabinet the door - CBC News
Mark Carney’s cabinet change is a mirage - The Globe and Mail
Mark Carney’s bulky and performative cabinet - The Globe and Mail
John Ivison: The day after cabinet swearing-in is the day it starts going wrong - National Post

Sponsors:

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Is Carney Actually Tough on Crime?

Tue, 13 May 2025 10:40:00 GMT

Mark Carney promised tougher bail and more police – a “get tough” agenda that the Liberals shoplifted right off the Conservative shelf. Host Noor sits down with Adelina Iftene, a criminal law professor, who calls Mark Carney’s revival of “tough on crime” a “slippery slope”. Will Mark Carney’s revival of “tough on crime” fix anything? What actually makes communities safer? And what happens if we get this wrong?

And the latest on Canada’s unemployment problem, the one vote that changed Terrebonne, and Carney’s new cabinet crew

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Adelina Iftene

Background reading:

Sponsors:

Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadaland

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protecting your family’s health or their financial future, PolicyMe is reliable and makes it

effortless and fast.

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Bruce Fanjoy - The Liberal Who Took Pierre's Riding

Tue, 06 May 2025 10:30:00 GMT

Pierre Poilievre is packing his bags to rural Alberta, after losing his seat to Bruce Fanjoy. How the hell did Fanjoy do it? We asked him.

Plus, pollster David Coletto breaks down things you may have missed in the election results.

Host: Sam Konnert

Guests:

Background reading:

Sponsors:

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It’s Poiliover

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 10:30:00 GMT

Carney wins, Poilievre loses, Jagmeet steps down. What went down? Politico’s Mickey Djuric breaks it down for us, way past bedtime.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Mickey Djuric

Background reading:

Poilievre's Carleton riding had the most advance voting in Canada | CBC
Liberals projected to win 4th term in remarkable reversal of political fortunes | CBC
The eight fateful issues that Canada’s next PM must face | Globe and Mail
Politics Insider: Canada votes in the shadow of tragedy and a trade war | Globe and Mail

Sponsors:

Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadaland

Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz and its long list of added-value features. Activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data.

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sault Ste. Marie, ON: So effin good (ft. Douglas Soltys)

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Today we are bringing you a great episode from our friends at Canardian!

Sault Ste. Marie. Population 71,000. A place best known as the hometown of Roberta Bondar, the first woman in space, Treble Charger, and countless NHL players. Douglas Soltys, host of The BetaKit Podcast, joins the show (instead of going to therapy) to discuss the best pizza in town, being a 90s indie rock kid, destructive hockey teams, and WAY more.

Listen to Douglas's podcast, The BetaKit Podcast, on your favourite podcast platform now!

Find more from BetaKit here: https://betakit.com/

Links:

Canardian is the flagship podcast of Pod the North, the newsletter for the Canadian podcasting ecosystem from Kattie Laur.

Check out Pod the North at podthenorth.com and share your Canadian podcasting news!

Follow Pod the North on Instagram @podthenorth

Email Kattie at podthenorth@substack.com

The Canardian theme song is by Mark Allin and Kattie Laur, mixed by Jordan White, with vocals including Shane Fester, Brad Cousins, Ben Cousins.

The Canardian podcast artwork is by Brad Cousins and Kattie Laur.

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BONUS: The Candidates Caught on Doorbell Cams

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:30:00 GMT

It’s the final election stretch, and the vetting continues. This week we talk conversion therapy, million-dollar pyramid schemes, & the dangers of doorbell cameras

Host: Sam Konnert, Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor)

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Will Canada Split if Carney Wins?

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 10:45:00 GMT

While most Canadians are gearing up to head to the polls, some are looking for an escape plan. This week, we’re examining the deep roots of Western alienation, Danielle Smith’s separatist flirtations, and what could erupt if Mark Carney’s Liberals sweep to power. To do that, producer Sam Konnert heads out to Alberta to talk to some voters, and calls up Preston Manning, the man behind the conversation. Later, host Noor Azrieh sits down with Dr. Lisa Young for a serious reality check.

And the latest on the utter sidelining of Indigenous issues, a polling update, and why you should get your arse out to the polls on April 28th.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Preston Manning, Lisa Young

BONUS: The Loose Moose Candidate

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 10:45:00 GMT

There are 1959 people running to represent YOU in this federal election in the year of our lord 2025 - and we’re looking for dirt.

This week - a liberal candidate that didn’t want to be a distraction was replaced by an EVEN bigger distraction, a far-right media personality has some INSANE takes, and independent candidate Elliot Moose is on the loose.

Host: Sam Konnert, Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Want to hear the rest of the episode? Support us!

You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.

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Political Animals in the Wild (a Field Report from Ottawa)

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 10:30:00 GMT

With two weeks out from election day, Ottawa is buzzing. Staffers are partying late into the night and reporting to work at 7 a.m., Chipotle’s are turning into war rooms, and the polls are telling stories.

We went to three party-specific events in Ottawa for a pulse check on how people feel in the nation’s capital. From 11-year-old door knockers to Jagmeet Singh to Trump’s former trade representative, we heard a LOT of opinions.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Background reading:

Liberals lead dips for 1st time in Canada election as Tories gain: poll | Global
Carney apologizes for fake Trump-style buttons, Liberal staffers 'reassigned' | National Post
Record-tying number of candidates running in Ottawa riding of Carleton | CTV
NDP Strategy in the Final Stretch of the Election | Global
Pierre Poilievre is sticking to his greatest hits. That’s the problem | Globe and Mail

Sponsors:

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BONUS: The Garfield Porn Guy Running for Parliament

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:45:00 GMT

It’s an election, we’re googling your candidate.

There's a candidate for the Green Party who’s actively campaigning for the Conservative Party. There’s a famous YouTuber candidate with an icky social media history, there’s a guy who is promising to fix housing problems that HE created. And then we’ll get to the explicit Garfield porn. It gets crazy.

Host: Sam Konnert

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Is Pierre Actually a Girl's Girl?

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 10:30:00 GMT

Last week, Pierre Poilievre said tick tock goes your biological clock. This was the first time that host Noor Azrieh noticed, during the campaign, that someone (anyone!) was speaking to women directly and explicitly. And it prompted a wave of pushback…and some praise.

The gap between men and women is widening. If the election happened today, and only women voted, Mark Carney would be on track for the biggest landslide in Canadian history. Gender gaps have been a mainstay of Canadian politics for years, but never quite like this.

In this episode, we’re diving into the minds of voters. What are they thinking about when they head to the polls? And the latest on Trump’s tariff tantrums, Poilievre’s big news on drug policy, the NDP’s rent control dream, and is it defund the CBC or refund the CBC…we can’t tell anymore.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Further Reading On Our Website

Sponsors:

Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadaland

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Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off & 10GB of free data.

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BONUS: The Hams for Terrorism MP

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 10:45:00 GMT

There are hundreds of unvetted candidates vying for a seat in Parliament…

Canada has 343 federal electoral districts stretching from coast to coast to coast. In every riding, candidates are stepping up…some for the first time. This means there are hundreds of unvetted candidates vying for a seat in Parliament.

This week, we’re looking at a few standouts: a candidate who bragged about making coin flipping condos, an MP that’s a “published writer on Mi’kmaw laws, history, and knowledge” but said an appalling thing about Indigenous women, and a candidate who somehow thought the death of Nathan Cirillo was a great opportunity to sell hams. Yes, hams.

Host: Sam Konnert

Background reading:

MP says she is sorry for antigay remark – Globe and Mail
MP Gallant compares abortion to Iraq beheading – CTV News
The Real (Estate) Talk with Peter Muraca | Ned Kuruc
Trudeau won't remove Liberal candidate for racist, sexist social media posts | CBC

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Pardon His French? Quebec's Crush on Carney

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:45:00 GMT

With 78 of the 343 seats in the House of Commons, Quebec isn’t just a battleground…it could decide the entire election. And this time, the usual Bloc-Liberal-NDP tug-of-war is taking some unexpected turns. We hit the streets of Montreal to find out what is on people’s minds, and host Noor Azrieh sits down with Martin Patriquin to unpack what it all means.

And, you’ll hear from Philippe J. Fournier, founder of 338, to talk about where the parties are at in the polls, and if we can even trust the polls…at all.

Plus, the latest on tensions rising inside the Conservative party, and the phone call heard around the world between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Martin Patriquin, Philippe J. Fournier

How Poilievre Went From Top Dog to Underdog

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMT

And we’re off to the races! It’s time for the matchup, and election, of a generation. Newly minted Prime Minister Mark Carney is taking on former front-runner Pierre Poilievre on April 28th. It’s a 5-week campaign. In the backdrop of a trade war, Trump’s annexation threats, And almost 10 long years of Liberal leadership.

For over a year, Poilievre pretty much held a 20-point lead. A landslide Poilievre win wasn't just possible, it felt inevitable. But now? The game has changed. Somehow, against all odds, the Liberals have clawed their way back to the top. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with conservative strategist Amanda Galbraith and progressive strategist Jordan Leichnitz to dissect what went so wrong for Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives.

And the latest on, Mark Carney’s long-awaited seat announcement coupled with the ousting of Liberal MP Chandra Arya, and Premier Danielle Smith’s untimely appearance on Breitbart.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Amanda Galbraith, Jordan Leichnitz

Further Reading On Our Website

Sponsors:

Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadaland

Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off & 10GB of free data.

Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more! To claim, visit ARTICLE.COM/BACKBENCH, and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why AI Isn't Going To Steal Our Election

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Is AI slop the ultimate weapon for foreign interference? Or are we spiraling into another internet-fueled moral panic?

Last week several AI-generated photos of Mark Carney and Ghislaine Maxwell looking chummy went viral. It was easy to spot the fake, but it raised an important question: should we be worried about AI in this election?

Ryan Broderick, author of the Garbage Day newsletter, and host of his own podcast Panic World, doesn’t think so.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Ryan Broderick

Further Reading On Our Website

Sponsors:

Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off & 10GB of free data.

Visit policyme.com to explore insurance plans that cover your needs. Whether you're

protecting your family’s health or their financial future, PolicyMe is reliable and makes it

effortless and fast.

Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more! To claim, visit ARTICLE.COM/BACKBENCH, and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

None of That 51st State Sh*t

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Canada is deep in the trenches of a trade war with the United States. After U.S. President Trump unpaused the 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports, all hell has broken loose: the federal government has fired back, provincial leaders are firing shots of their own, and more threats have been made - and then walked back - by the White House. All this, while Canadians are caught in the middle. What sense can we make from the mudslinging? If the chaos unfolding only covers one week of this dispute, what could possibly come next?

Host Noor Azrieh catches up on the longest week in Canadian politics with Max Fawcett, lead columnist for the National Observer. Together, they sift through the madness, and they argue whether or not Canada’s new, un-elected prime minister, Mark Carney, is up for the task of wartime leadership.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guest: Max Fawcett

Further Reading On Our Website

Sponsors:

Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadaland

Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz and its long list of added-value features, and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off & 10GB of free data.

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Carney — the Less We Know, the Better

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 11:00:00 GMT

For the first time since 2021, the Liberals are beating the Conservatives in a recent poll. We’ll find out on March 9th if Carney is officially sticking around for the long haul. And then? He’s going to be the Prime Minister - at least for a little while. Carney-mania is going around - is it real? Or seriously overblown? Is he Canada's Kamala Harris - mild, overhyped, and fated to lose - or a serious contender? Host Noor Azrieh and Luke Savage try to diagnose what's behind Carney-mania– how a socially conscious banker became the man of the moment.

And the latest, on the ongoing saga of Trump’s tariffs. Also, King Charles’s sit-down with PM Justin Trudeau over “matters of importance” to Canadians. And BREAKING NEWS, Donald Trump doesn't like Chrystia Freeland or Pierre Poilievre.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Luke Savage

Is There Going to Be a War Over the Arctic?

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

The Arctic is quickly becoming the center of a geopolitical shitstorm. We’re talking power, resources, and territory at stake. And everyone wants a piece of it. Donald Trump floated taking Greenland and Canada to make his claim. But he’s not the only one. Russia’s making moves. So is China. And Canada? Politicians, left and right, are talking about it. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Gavin John, a freelance journalist embedded in the Arctic, and asks, what’s really at stake for Canada in the Arctic? Is this frozen tundra our greatest vulnerability or our most valuable asset?

And the latest on, the crash and burn of Liberal candidate Ruby Dhalla, and PM Justin Trudeau’s Ukraine visit. Oh, and don’t forget the Ontario election.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Gavin John

Background reading:

Canada Tries to Break the Ice With Trump – Foreign Policy
Trump’s Manifest Destiny in the Arctic: The Greenland Gamble – Modern Diplomacy
Poilievre's Arctic follies – The Hill Times
Canada to open consulates, appoint Arctic ambassador under new foreign policy – CBC News
Poilievre promises new military base in Nunavut as part of Arctic defence plan – CBC News

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Jagmeet Singh On Why He Won't Step Down

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Jagmeet Singh has taken a lot of shit: his nice watch, his ambivalence on taking down the Liberals, and of course his polling. But he says he’s not giving up. He says he’s here to win.

Sit down with Noor as she goes past the “corporate interest” talking points and grills the leader on all things NDP. Why doesn’t he have a successor? Why won’t he step down? Why is he so fancy for a lefty?

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Jagmeet Singh

Background reading:

#115 Did Jagmeet Singh Miss His Big Chance? - CANADALAND
Get ready for an early federal election, NDP tells candidates in an internal memo – CBC News
Jagmeet Singh's NDP is in deep trouble – National Observer
Singh says he will bring down government in March but wants to pass Trump tariff relief first – CBC News

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Man of Steel, Nation of Bloat

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

The government hired 110,000 workers over the past 10 years, did we get 110,000 times more efficient? It doesn’t look like it, but veteran public servant Michael Wernick breaks it all down for Noor.

And, yes folks, we’re talking about tariffs again, because Donald Trump enacted a 25 percent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, with NO exceptions. Plus, our nominations for Fentanyl Czar, and the defamation case against Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman, CIJA, and Ezra Levant.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Michael Wernick

Background reading:

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Three Businesses Jerked Around by Trump

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

On Saturday, President Trump followed through with his promise of 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods and 10 percent on energy. We clapped back with our own.

But late yesterday, after a couple of calls between the two leaders, Trump relented after Trudeau said he outlined Canada’s $1.3 billion border plan and also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl. Trump said he’d pause for 30 days.

A trade war is bad, but some businesses might fare better than others. Our producers went out to see how they were reacting.

Host: Sam Konnert

Guests: Jeff Kirstein, Adam Brierley, Kacee Vasudeva

Background reading:

Photo credit: Presidencia de la República Mexicana via Flickr

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Did Jagmeet Singh Miss His Big Chance?

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 11:00:00 GMT

When Justin Trudeau stepped down earlier this month, it should have been the perfect opportunity for Jagmeet Singh and the NDP to swing the narrative. To seize control.

But they haven’t done any of that. What used to be Canada’s worker’s party seems like a shell of its former self. Why can’t they reach voters when everything is up in the air?

This week Noor sits down with columnist and critic Max Fawcett, and former NDP strategist Mélanie Richer to unpack Singh’s woes.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Mélanie Richer, Max Fawcett

Background reading:

The NDP is getting outflanked — again – National Observer
Ginny Roth: The NDP don’t take themselves seriously, so why should we? – The Hub
Is It Time for Singh to Go? – The Walrus
Is Jagmeet Singh’s job at risk in the upcoming election? – iPolitics
Singh says NDP still plan to vote to topple Liberals ‘at the earliest opportunity,’ regardless of leader – CTV News

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Introducing: The Copernic Affair

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:00:00 GMT

The Copernic Affair is available now, wherever you get your podcasts.

The life of an unassuming sociology professor in Canada gets turned upside down when he is accused of carrying out a 1980 bomb attack on a synagogue in Paris. Hassan Diab says heʼs innocent, but French investigators are determined to prove otherwise.

Journalists Dana Ballout and Alex Atack take listeners through the twists and turns of this extraordinary story, all the while asking…

Is Hassan Diab guilty, or is he a scapegoat? And what if one person’s justice means committing an injustice to another?

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Trump Almost Forgot to Bully Us

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Donald Trump’s back, but Canada is STILL divided on how to respond. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has gone rogue, Doug Ford just wants everyone to look at his cool new hat.

It’s an economic threat, but also threatens to pull our very identity apart. Are we just supposed to sit and wait? To break it down, Noor welcomes Wall Street Journal reporter Vipal Monga, and UBC lecturer Stewart Prest.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Vipal Monga, Stewart Prest

Background reading:

Canada’s fight with Trump isn’t just economic, it’s existential – The Conversation
Canada Knows Trump Would Win a Trade Fight. It Is Preparing to Retaliate Anyway. – The Wall Street Journal
Canada on Trump’s Proposed Union: Thanks, but Let’s Just Be Friends – The Wall Street Journal
Canada Suddenly Has No Leader, and No Plan, for a Trump Trade Fight – The Wall Street Journal
Alberta premier's Trump visit raises concerns she's flouting Team Canada approach – CBC News
Canada ready to buy more American products to appease Trump's tariff threat, ambassador says – AP News

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Interview With a Young Lefty

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Join Noor Azrieh and Sam Konnert for a discussion to bid farewell to key legislation that is likely to be lost due to Parliament's prorogation. From the Online Harms Act, to clean drinking water for First Nation communities, there’s a lot to mourn.

And, how could a new liberal leader possibly win back young men? We speak with Aiden Fox Ivey, who reached out after he heard our interview with a conservative bro.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Aiden Fox Ivey, Taylor Owen, Chris Moonias

Background reading:

With the House of Commons prorogued, some key Liberal legislation may not pass - CBC News
Young Canadians now more politically conservative than their elders – National Post
Poilievre’s Youth: Meet the young voters supporting the Conservatives – Global News
Hasan Piker on how Trump seized online culture – CBC Podcasts, Frontburner

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The Long Goodbye: Trudeau’s Not Gone Yet

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 11:00:13 GMT

Yesterday Trudeau announced that he would prorogue parliament and resign as Prime Minister. Now, the Liberal Party is embarking on a journey to replace him.

He talked about “internal battles” and pressure from Donald Trump, and decided this was the best option. But is it too little too late? Who could possibly have hair good enough to replace him?

Logic reporter Laura Osman and Trudeau’s former head of economic policy Tyler Meredith join Sam to discuss what this means for Canada.

Host: Sam Konnert

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Laura Osman and Tyler Meredith

Background reading:

Justin Trudeau resigned too late. There is no salvaging the Liberal Party now | Globe and Mail
Who will replace Justin Trudeau as the next Liberal leader? Here are the top contenders | Globe and Mail
Trudeau removes himself from the equation, but the math doesn't get much easier | CBC News
Trudeau says he's not the right choice to lead party in next election, promises to resign as PM. | CBC News

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Payday Loans: the Cost of Being Poor

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 11:00:30 GMT

Starting January 1st, the criminal interest rate on predatory lending will be lowered, meaning it should be safer to take out payday and installment loans. But these businesses have a tendency to skirt the law, adding unexpected fees and insurance rates to keep borrowers in the hole.

Sam welcomes Donna Borden to the show - an organizer with ACORN. She’s been a victim to these loans, and is now fighting against them. Will the crackdown work and really help lower people’s payments? How can we make short term loans a real option for people struggling, without the sky-high payments?

Host: Sam Konnert

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Donna Borden

Background reading:

Debt struggles spark concerns - Toronto Star
Anti-poverty advocates call payday lenders 'criminal,' urge feds to cap interest rates | CBC
New rules to curb predatory lending still leave many vulnerable - Globe and Mail
How a $200 payday loan cost over $31,000 - CBC Radio

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The Undoing of Justin Trudeau

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 11:00:33 GMT

It was a hell of a day for the Liberals yesterday, as Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland abruptly abandoned her post. Now, all fingers are pointed at one man: Justin Trudeau.

So what happened? And where do we go from here? Reporter for the Hill Times Stuart Benson sits down with Sam to break down Justin’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Host: Sam Konnert

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Stuart Benson

Background reading:

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Interview with a Conservative Bro

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:00:47 GMT

The political gender divide isnt just a U.S. phenonmenon, its showing up globally, from the U.K. to South Korea. It’s only a matter of time before the next Canadian election wherethese political dynamics could soon take center stage. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Jack Gordon, a young conservative, to ask what he’s thinking about politics these days? And, why conservative politics are resonating with young Canadian men?

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Jack Gordon

Background reading:

Young Canadians now more politically conservative than their elders – National Post
Poilievre’s Youth: Meet the young voters supporting the Conservatives – Global News
Hasan Piker on how Trump seized online culture – CBC Podcasts, Frontburner
Abacus Data Poll: Conservatives lead by 22 as surrounding impressions hold steady
What’s behind the global political divide between young men and women? – The Guardian
Why Trump Thinks He Needs Young Men to Win – TIME

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Does Trudeau Know How to Deal with Trump?

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 11:00:54 GMT

Last Monday, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump posted to his beloved Truth Social with a hefty threat. If Canada and Mexico don't get the border in order, or the drugs in check, he’ll slap a 25 per cent tariff on all goods. These tariffs could crash several major U.S. industries and ruin Canada’s economy. But this isn’t the first time Trump’s threatened Canada. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Vipal Monga to ask, did Canadian politicians learn anything from dealing with Trump the first time around, or are they stumbling into Trump 2.0 just as clueless?

And, the latest on a BC lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors and alleged interference in the Conservative leadership race that got Conservative Leader Pierre Polievre elected.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Post Production), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Vipal Monga

Further Reading On Our Website

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The Government Deadlock Nobody Knows About

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 11:00:12 GMT

Parliament froze in late September after the Conservatives launched a privilege motion, bogging down the government and demanding the Liberals hand over documents relating to a “green slush fund.”

Since then, the House has been on pause – no bills, no legislation, no nothing. Despite important government matters, this freeze could go on for a very long time, costing taxpayers millions.

Laura Osmon, The Logic’s Ottawa reporter, joins the show to make sense of this procedural nightmare, and explain how we could get out of this gridlock.

Host: Sam Konnert

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio), Cherise Seucharan (Editor), Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Laura Osmon, MP Peter Julian

Background reading:

No clear end in sight as House of Commons gridlock approaches 2-month mark | CBC News
Trudeau to unveil GST relief in multibillion-dollar affordability announcement | Globe and Mail
House filibuster is putting money for military, dental care, and keeping the government lights on at risk | The Hill Times

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Danielle Smith's All You Can Eat Alberta-Style Freedom

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith tabled a rehauled Bill of Rights with changes aimed at ending vaccine mandates, protecting gun ownership and ensuring property rights–a move she claims as “reflection of our shared values.” But it doesn't stop there, over 30 bills are making their way through the Alberta legislature, so host Noor Azrieh sits down with Ryan Jespersen and Mel Woods to make sense of the controversial changes and make sense of whether or not this bold stand for freedom (or play for Smith’s right-wing base) may alienate other Albertans.

And, the latest on the Canada post strike, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 7 minute video addressing the mistakes made on immigration.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Ryan Jespersen, Mel Woods

Background reading:

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UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, the Canadaland Interview

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:00:37 GMT

Last week, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese landed in Canada, setting off a firestorm of controversy that Canadian politics was not ready for. She’s been accused of antisemitism, refused meetings by government officials, and had her talks protested.

She’s been calling the war in Gaza a genocide, but the big question isn’t what she has to say, but whether or not she was someone anyone should even be listening to.

This week, we sit down with Albanese to discuss the genocide, the accusations against her, and the power of the UN.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Francesca Albanese

Photo credit: AFP pic

Background reading:

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How Canadian Voters Could Sway the U.S. Election

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 11:00:57 GMT

It’s the 60th US Presidential election, and the stakes feel like they’ve never been higher. This episode is a pulse check on what people are doing, thinking, and feeling on our side of that Windsor-Detroit border. Host Noor Azrieh also looks back on the 2016 election and her feeling of powerlessness, and addresses the stakes, impact, and consequences of this election.

And, the latest on Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre’s proposed GST cut for home sales, Alberta’s bill of rights (again…), and Canada’s collective failure in upholding the legacy of Murray Sinclair.

CORRECTIONS 11/05/2024:

This episode incorrectly identifies Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu as the President, we apologize for the error.
On this episode, the goods and services tax (GST) is incorrectly referred to as the "general sales tax".

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Michael Breshgold, Georganne Burke

Background reading:

#94 Can Kamala Save Canada from Trump? - Canadaland
U.S. election: How would Harris, Trump immigration plans impact Canada? - Global News
Organizers for both parties mobilizing to get Americans in Canada to vote - CBC News
Canadian support for Donald Trump higher than in last U.S. presidential election, survey finds - CTV News
Where Do Trump and Harris Stand on Israel-Gaza Conflict? - The New York Times

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Trudeau, Trump, Poilievre, Harris: What Do Voters Even Want?

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:00:22 GMT

Liberal MP’s have hopped on the #TrudeauHasGotToGo bandwagon after 28 caucus members asked for his resignation. The PM is in a completely different arena than when he arrived nine years ago. So did he change? Or did we?

Vox writer Zach Beauchamp sits down with host Noor Azrieh to unpack what kind of leaders are meeting this moment. What leaders are voters looking for? Are they looking for authenticity or radical change?

And, the latest on the Liberals’ slashed immigration targets, and calls for a public inquiry over more and more police killings of Indigenous people.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Guests: Zach Beauchamp

Background reading:

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This episode features the audio short “Fish Count” by Jean M. Sarrazin (Comox, BC), one of the finalists from the 2024 Local Correspondents Audio Competition, a CanadaLabs initiative.

CanadaLabs, a hub for the next generation of audio journalists, is made possible with the support of Amazon Music, The Perspective Fund, and Canadaland Supporters.

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India’s “Horrific Mistake” in Canada

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:00:43 GMT

A massive criminal campaign—extortion, intimidation, coercion, harassment, even murder—allegedly orchestrated by India on Canadian soil. This is a BIG deal. After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India and expelled six diplomats, Arshy Mann joins host Noor Azrieh to explain the impact and political blowback of these allegations.

And, the latest on the coup against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, political paralysis in parliament, and how we were right on the money with our BC election predictions.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor/ Mixer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Arshy Mann

Background reading:

Allegations of murder, extortion, coercion by India spark diplomatic retaliations - National Newswatch
Pierre Poilievre Is Soft On (Indian Government Organized) Crime - Baaz News
Opinion: Why Indians of almost every political persuasion are backing New Delhi in its dispute with Canada - The Globe and Mail
India's response to diplomatic communication from Canada

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B.C.’s Batsh*t Election

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:00:21 GMT

Shit-posting candidates, climate change denial, outright racism, and those damn paper straws. Host Noor Azrieh calls up Arno Kopecky, Shannon Waters, and Mo Amir to ask what the hell is going on in B.C.’s election.

And, the latest on the foreign interference commission, pharmacare, and Alberta’s Bill of Rights.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager), Jesse Brown (Publisher and Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Arno Kopecky, Shannon Waters, Mo Amir

Background reading:

British Columbia’s Election Is a Bellwether for Climate Policy - The Walrus
Opinion: B.C. election puts broader populist tide to the test - Montreal Gazette
The BC NDP Is Boring Voters. That Could Be Their Selling Point - The Tyee
What on earth just happened with B.C.’s carbon tax? - The Narwhal
BC Conservative Candidate Called For ‘Boycott’ of Air Canada to Stop Airlifts Rescuing Syrian Refugees - Press Progress

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Trump Says Canada Doesn’t Pull Its Weight in NATO—He’s Right

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:00:07 GMT

It feels like we’ve never been closer to another world war. If our NATO allies called us, could we answer?

This week, host Noor Azrieh, with guests David Pugliese and Stephen Saideman, explore whether NATO targets matter, what we should be spending our money on, and if we’re at the mercy of our beefed-up southern neighbours.

And, the latest on Prime Minister Trudeau’s regrets with electoral reform, Canadians choosing to stay in Lebanon and the Bloc Quebecois Pierre-pressuring the Liberals.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor/Mixer), Max Collins (Production Manager) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: David Pugliese, Stephen Saideman

Background reading:

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Canada's Gutless Palestine Policy

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 09:00:49 GMT

While world leaders meet and Israel’s war on Gaza spreads, Canadian MPs are at odds over recognizing a Palestinian state.

How much does Canadian recognition really matter? Why are we dragging our feet? Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Michael Lynk, the former Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territories, and Mark Kersten, a human rights and international criminal justice expert to find out.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Jesse Brown (Editor), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Mark Kersten and Michael Lynk

Photo Credit - Richard Koek

Background reading:

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Parliament is Back and More Childish Than Ever

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:05:42 GMT

We’re a week into parliament's new session, and things are getting ugly. Justin Trudeau is trying on a new attitude, Jagmeet Singh ripped up the Supply and Confidence Agreement and Pierre Poilievre is doing everything he can to force an election as soon as possible. So, what are we in for here? An election? A year of mudslinging?

Our panelists Max Fawcett, Brian Platt and Shannon Phillips try to make sense of it all.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Noor Azrieh (Producer), Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager)

Guests: Max Fawcett, Brian Platt and Shannon Phillips

Additional music by Audio Network

Background reading:

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Introducing The Worst Podcast

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 13:00:05 GMT

Canadaland just launched its first ever celebrity interview podcast and it’s not great. It’s The Worst Podcast.

Celebrities are always talking about their bests. Now hear them at their worst.

Join award-winning filmmaker and noted curmudgeon Alan Zweig for refreshingly honest conversations with “notable people” about the worst things in life.

Alan has no interest in best-selling books or Hollywood triumphs, and doesn’t know (or care) much about his guests.

He’s looking for real conversations that dig deep and get to the worst things: nagging fears, embarrassing secrets and haunting regrets. And he’ll no doubt share a few of his own along the way.

Listen to The Worst Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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What Trudeau's Housing Minister Has to Say for Himself

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 07:00:14 GMT

He was the immigration minister when we rehauled the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. He’s now the housing minister, tackling Canada’s massive housing crisis. He’s got a huge job.

This week, host Mattea Roach asks the hard-hitting questions about mistakes the Liberals have made, and how they plan to fix it.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Production Manager), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Minister Sean Fraser

Background reading:

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Politics and Violent Threats: It’s Getting Worse

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 07:00:55 GMT

Harassment of MPs has risen around 800% in the past five years. One-off threats can so easily turn to real violence. Many leaders are calling it quits — saying it’s just too much.

What does that feel like for those in office? And for the team responsible for keeping these politicians safe?

We get into it with MP Marco Mendicino, MP Pam Damoff and Senator Bernadette Clement. We also speak with Assistant Commissioner Michele Paradis.

We want to hear from YOU! Fill out our quick survey to tell us what you think of the show, what you’re enjoying, and what you want more of. Complete the survey: https://forms.gle/t5n1dQxHjCs7uEMU6

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Production Manager (Max Collins), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: MP Mendicino, MP Damoff, Senator Clement, Assistant Commissioner Michele Paradis

Background reading:

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How Poilievre Will Win YOUR Vote

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:09 GMT

Pierre Poilievre isn’t just on the campaign trail, he’s pounding the pavement. And by jove, he’s following it all the way to the top of the polls relying on several rhyming promises.

Nanos polling has the Conservatives at 41 per cent nationally, with the Liberals dragging at 25, and the NDP at 17 per cent. It also has Poilievre as the preferred choice as PM by 14 percentage points.

How do you approach an upcoming election when you’re so clearly ahead? Who's he meeting with? Where is he focusing his energy?

This week, host Mattea Roach welcomes Fred Deleroy, Host of iPolitics' On Background podcast and former National Campaign Manager for the Conservatives, Stuart Benson, a reporter with The Hill Times and Tyler Meredith, the lead author of the 2019 and 2021 winning election platforms of the Liberal Party.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Fred DeLorey, Stuart Benson, Tyler Meredith

Background reading:

Sponsors:

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Can Kamala Save Canada from Trump?

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 07:00:15 GMT

Two team Canadas… two wildly different levels of athleticism. While our athletes head to Paris, our politicians are flooding to the USA to promote Canadian interests in a wildly turbulent time.

Our panelists are closely tracking trade, immigration, and our own election. But no matter who wins the next election, the road may get tough for Canadians. How do we prevent this? What's actually at stake?

To find out, Mattea Roach asked Laura Dawson, executive Director of the Future Borders Coalition, Senior Washington Correspondent for Capital Forum Paul Mcleod, and Toronto Star staff reporter Richard Warnica.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Max Collins (Production Manager), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Laura Dawson, Paul McLeod, Richard Warnica

Background reading:

Article is offering our listeners $50 off your first purchase of $100 or more. To claim, visit ARTICLE.COM/BACKBENCH

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Introducing: The Secret Life of Canada | Sorry not Sorry

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 04:00:30 GMT

We’re bringing you a special episode of a show we love! The Secret Life of Canada from CBC Podcasts is a podcast about the country you know and the stories you don't. Join hosts Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson as they reveal the beautiful, terrible and weird histories of this land. In this episode, “Sorry not Sorry”, they explore the history of the national relationship to the word "sorry" and the truth and myths of Canadian politeness.

More episodes of The Secret Life of Canada are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/5FPMYDg9

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Introducing A Field Guide to Gay Animals

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:30:00 GMT

Strap on your binoculars and lace up your boots: today we’re sharing an episode of the newest show on the network, A Field Guide to Gay Animals.

A Field Guide to Gay Animals explores sexuality, gender, and joy in the animal world. Animal enthusiasts Owen Ever and Laine Kaplan-Levenson take us on a quest to see beyond the natural world as we know it and into the natural world as it is: queer as f*ck.

Cheeky and contemplative, curious and raunchy, Field Guide shows us that the natural world is more exuberant, more joyful, and more gay than we could possibly imagine.

Episode two is available now. Follow A Field Guide to Gay Animals wherever you listen to podcasts.

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The Spy Who Loved MPs

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 04:00:02 GMT

On June 3, a cross-party committee released a redacted document alleging some parliamentarians have been "semi-witting or witting" participants in the efforts of foreign states to interfere in Canadian politics.

Trudeau says he has “concerns,” Singh says he’s “alarmed,” May is “relieved,” and Poilievre won’t even look. So who’s right about foreign interference in Canada?

To find out, Mattea Roach asked Globe and Mail reporter Steven Chase, Wesley Wark, a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, and Michelle Tessier the former Deputy Director of Operations of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. We also spoke to Green Party leader Elizabeth May, the first opposition leader to view the unredacted report.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Max Collins (Production Manager), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Elizabeth May, Steven Chase, Michelle Tessier, Wesley Wark

Background reading:

Sponsors: Douglas, Article

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Flip-Flopping on Decriminalization

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 04:08:05 GMT

When B.C. decriminalized small amounts of drugs in January 2023, it was seen as a promising weapon in the battle against the drug crisis. In May, B.C. walked that policy back, saying it caused disorder in the streets.

In a similar move, Toronto tried decriminalizing, but the feds quickly shot down their attempt. So what gives? Was this year-long experiment a disaster? Was it not given enough time to flourish?

To find out, Mattea Roach asked professor Gillian Kolla, journalist Andrea Woo, and former drug user and advocate Guy Felicella.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Noor Azrieh (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Guy Felicella, Andrea Woo, Gillian Kolla

Background reading:

#36 Is Canada Ready to Decriminalize Drugs? – The Backbench
Detox beds in B.C. routinely sit empty because of staff shortages – The Globe and Mail
Opinion: Backtracking on drug decriminalization is politically cowardly – and illogical – The Globe and Mail
British Columbia drops decriminalization of drugs in public – The Guardian
Addictions minister had ‘deep concerns’ with Toronto’s decriminalization pitch – Global News
Decriminalization in B.C.
Decriminalizing people who use drugs in B.C.

Sponsors: Douglas, AG1

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Stop, Students What’s That Sound

Tue, 21 May 2024 04:00:22 GMT

When the first group of students parked up at Columbia University, it sparked a movement that has gripped schools across the world. These encampment protests have now gripped universities across Canada- at U of T, U UOttawa, McMaster, U of C, McGill, U of A, UBC, and Dalhousie.

The encampments have sparked a debate on the legality and ethics of protests in shared spaces. We dive into the legality of the protests and we also ask why the police response looked so different across the country.

To find out, Mattea Roach asked journalist Justin Ling, professor Roberta Lexier and professor James Turk. We also speak with a professor in an exclusive interview who witnessed the police action against protesters at an encampment at the University of Calgary.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Justin Ling, Roberta Lexier, James L. Turk

Music credit: For What It’s Worth - Buffalo Springfield. Columbia Records (1966)

Background reading:

Queen’s Park and Gaza - Canadaland Wag the Doug
5 people arrested following pro-Palestinian protest at University of Calgary - CBC
The Columbia Protests Made the Same Mistake the Civil Rights Movement Did - NYT
What the backlash to student protests over Gaza is really about - VOX
Protesters unsatisfied by the University of Toronto’s concessions to end encampment - Globe and Mail
Quebec Superior Court judge rejects McGill injunction request to remove encampment - CBC

Sponsors: AG1, Article

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Introducing Pretendians

Tue, 14 May 2024 07:30:58 GMT

Today we’re sharing with you a preview of the first episode of Canadaland’s newest show Pretendians.

What do some of the most prominent and successful Indigenous artists, leaders and thinkers have in common? They aren’t Indigenous.

From major universities, to the halls of power, to Hollywood, there are people claiming to be Indigenous in the interest of power, money, and status. There are dozens of outrageous cases of Indigenous identity fraud that we know about, and likely thousands that we do not.

So why do these so-called “Pretendians” do it? How do they pull it off? And what happens when they are exposed?

To hear more follow Pretendians in your podcast app or click here.

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Canada’s Exploited Foreign Workers Program

Tue, 07 May 2024 04:00:20 GMT

Temporary foreign workers are relied upon to fill the gaps in the Canadian labour market. But the system is convoluted and ripe with exploitation – all at a time when immigrants are being blamed by politicians and the public for the housing crisis.

The system needs an overhaul to protect our economy and the workers that make it tick. Are immigrants really to blame for the housing crisis? What types of immigrants are the feds targeting?

To find out, Mattea Roach asked lawyer Jonathon Braun, author and professor Catherine Connelly and economist Mikal Skuterud.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Jonathan Braun, Catherine Connelly, Mikal Skuterud

Background reading:

WORK #3 - Bitter Harvest - Commons, Canadaland
WORK #4 - Reaping the Whirlwind - Commons, Canadaland
#369 Stranded Servants: Nannies And Cleaners During Lockdown - Canadaland
Linking immigration to the housing shortage may be missing the problem, experts say - CBC News
Canada is scaling back temporary foreign workers. Critics say the program needs an overhaul - CBC
Temporary Foreign Worker program sees 68% jump in approvals - The Globe and Mail
Immigration is making Canada's housing more expensive. The government was warned 2 years ago - CBC

Sponsors: AG1, Douglas

For a limited time, get 6 months of exclusive supporter benefits for just $2/month. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a supporter today.

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

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Conservative Comic-Con

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 05:26:36 GMT

The Canada Strong and Free conference is one of the biggest events of the year for Canadian conservatives. The party is polling high, and this event was set to be a launching point for an upcoming wave of victories. Boris Johnson and former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott were in the house, along with premiers Danielle Smith and Blaine Higgs.

It’s a strange place, where the movement grapples with big topics like climate change, housing costs and foreign policy. What are conservatives talking about? What do they disagree on? We sent our producers Aviva and Sam into the belly of the beast to find out.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Background reading:

Poilievre pitches ‘common-sense Canadian consensus’ at Canada Strong and Free conference, casts Trudeau as ‘illiberal’ outlier – The Hill Times
Boris Johnson tells Canadian conservatives that freedom is the key to victory - National Post
Poilievre attacks Trudeau for not reading intelligence briefing notes, breaking 'with liberalism itself' - National Post

Sponsors: AG1, Rotman

Want your audio story on CANADALAND? Submissions for the Local Correspondent Audio Contest are now open! To learn more, visit canadaland.com/audiocontest and follow @CanadaLabs on Instagram to stay in the loop.

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State of Emergency Rooms

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 04:00:44 GMT

We’re bringing you a special episode today from our friends at Commons. Over thirteen seasons, Commons has exposed Canada’s foundational reliance on monopolies, our addiction to real estate and the dark side of hockey. In their new season, host Arshy Mann is now dissecting the state of work in Canada to ask – how did we get here? And what can we do to fight back?

Across Canada, emergency rooms have been shutting down, leaving desperate people in the lurch. And at the heart of this health care crisis, is a labour crisis.

Nurses are leaving their jobs in droves, leaving hospitals understaffed and sometimes unable to carry out their most basic obligations.

In this episode, we'll tell you how nursing went from a profession hailed as heroic to one in an utter state of crisis, all through the eyes of a woman who lived through it all.

Featured in this episode: Nadira Ross

Credits: Arshy Mann (Host and Producer), Jordan Cornish (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

To learn more:

“How Canadian hospitals became dependent on expensive, out-of-town nurses” by Tu Thanh Ha, Kelly Grant and Stephanie Chambers in The Globe and Mail

“How nursing staffing agencies are costing Ontario hospitals untold millions” by Mike Crawley in CBC News

Sponsors: AG1

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The Convoy Keeps Rolling

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 04:00:54 GMT

When the trucks moved out of Ottawa in 2022, our public discourse changed. Grievance politics thrived, and our political parties adapted.

Supporters of the convoy splintered into different groups. They became very politically engaged in causes like the 1 Million March for Children, the Save the Children Convoy, Canadians for Truth and even a grassroots lobby group - Take Back Alberta.

As the organizers' trials reach their end, we look at the movement's lingering effects. Where are the members now? Do they represent a significant part of the country? How do we address this fundamental change in discourse?

To find out, Mattea Roach asked David Fraser, a CBC Ottawa reporter who’s been covering the convoy for years, and David Moscrop, a political scientist and columnist based in Ottawa.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: David Moscrop, David Fraser

Background reading:

What is the ‘Save the Children Convoy’ and What Do They Really Believe? - Press Progress
Anti-LGBTQ+ ‘Million Man Marches’ Are Being Held Across Canada. Who is Behind Them and What Are They Really About? - Press Progress
How Canada’s Right-Wing Pivoted From COVID-19 Conspiracies to Conspiracies About Gender in 2023 - Press Progress
What remains of the convoy protest one year later - The Globe and Mail
2 years later, 'Freedom Movement' plans return to Parliament Hill - CBC News
Freedom, politics, control and money — the many motivations of the 'Freedom Convoy '- CBC

Sponsors: AG1, Douglas

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.

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The Hate U Post

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 04:00:59 GMT

Richard Warman used to take neo-nazis he found online to the human rights commission. He used an obscure provision called Section 13, which was repealed in 2014.

But it may be coming back.

The long-awaited Online Harms Act includes a section allowing human rights complaints over online hate speech. Free speech advocates are worried, but some say it’s time trolls start behaving.

Who gets to decide what’s hate speech? Is this the end of online hate or the start of something more sinister? To find out, Mattea Roach asked Emily Laidlaw, a Canada Research Chair in Cybersecurity Law and an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary, and Richard Moon, a law professor at the University of Windsor.

Correction (March 18, 2024): This episode’s description originally stated that the proposed Online Harms Act would permit “users to sue each other for hate speech online.” In fact, it would allow the Canadian Human Rights Commission to consider complaints related to allegedly discriminatory online speech and to refer such complaints to the quasi-judicial Canadian Human Rights Tribunal.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator) Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Richard Moon, Emily Laidlaw

Background reading:

The government doubles down on censoring the internet - The Hub
Online harms bill could spark 'an absolute tsunami of complaints' - National Post
Carson Jerema: Don't believe the Liberals, online harms act targets free speech - National Post
The history of Section 13, the controversial hate speech law the Liberals just revived - National Post
Poilievre says online harms should be punished with jail, 'not pushed off to new bureaucracy' - National Post
#198 Punching Nazis... With The Law! - Canadaland

Sponsors: Douglas, AG1

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Failing Universities 101

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:00:46 GMT

Canadian universities are barely scraping by. Queen’s is in a whole lot of debt, Laurentian declared insolvency in 2021, Alberta universities are slashing budgets, and McGill and Concordia are in danger over an out-of-province tuition battle. On top of it all, the international student visa cap will limit revenues for cash-strapped universities. Combined, it could have huge implications for our knowledge-based economy.

How did this happen? Where do we go from here? To find out, Mattea Roach asked Simona Chiose, the former higher education reporter at the Globe and Mail, and Alex Usher, the president of Higher Education Strategy Associates.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production in Coordinator) Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Alex Usher, Simona Chiose

Background reading:

Sponsors: Douglas, AG1

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

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Why Are Conservatives Obsessed With Trans People?

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 05:00:57 GMT

Alberta Premier and UCP leader Danielle Smith has unveiled what many are describing as some of the strictest anti-trans policies in the country. Shortly after, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who famously stated he would lead a “mind your own damn business party,” didn’t mind his own damn business and supported Smith’s move in interfering with trans kids' access to healthcare.

Why is it that conservatives are so obsessed with trans people? Mattea Roach asked Hannah Hodson, former Candidate for the Federal Conservatives, and Mel Woods, senior editor at Xtra Magazine.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor) Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Hannah Hodson, Mel Woods

Background reading:

Alberta’s New Policies: Anti-trans, Anti-evidence from The Tyee
The cruelty and calm of Alberta's attack on trans rights from Xtra Magazine
The 1st openly trans Conservative candidate calls out party's new gender policies from the CBC
Alberta premier’s pronoun policy spurs concern from law expert about vulnerable children from Global News
Premier Smith says Alberta's gender identity policies are based on a concern about 'what will happen' from CTV News
Conservatives tell MPs not to comment on Alberta transgender policies, prioritize parental rights, internal e-mail shows from The Globe and Mail

Sponsors: AG1, Douglas

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Could Canada Be Complicit in a ‘Plausible Genocide’?

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 05:00:14 GMT

The ICJ court ruled that Palestinians in Gaza face a “real and imminent risk” of genocide, and laid out the provisional measures Israel must take in order to prevent it. Canada has a legal duty to take steps to prevent genocide - yet their relationship to Israel may compromise their obligations to the Genocide Convention. What will it take for Canada to pivot on its special relationship with Israel? And might Canada be complicit in genocide?

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor) Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Amanda Ghahremani, Farida Deif, Mark Kersten

Background reading:

Ratification of the Genocide Convention
Statement by Minister Joly on South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice
Ruling by UN’s top court means Canada and the U.S. could be complicit in Gaza genocide from The Conversation
Claims that Israel is imposing 'apartheid' on Palestinians put new pressure on Trudeau Liberals from CBC News.
South Africa’s legal effort to declare Israel’s actions ‘genocidal in character’ poses dilemma for Canada from The Globe and Mail.
Canada should halt weapons shipments to Israel, arms control advocate says from The Globe and Mail.
International law, not history, holds the promise of protecting life in Gaza from the Toronto Star.

Sponsors: Douglas, AG1

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.

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Selling Sunset, Buying Stress

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:22:29 GMT

Lack of investment in affordable rental units, increased financialization of housing, soaring land prices, and jacked-up mortgage rates are just some of the reasons behind the rental and housing crisis we find ourselves in. But how the hell do we get out of this crisis while still being able to sip on our $5 coffees?

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor) Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Jen St. Denis, Tanya Burkart

Background reading:

Fact Checking Poilievre’s ‘Housing Hell’ Video - The Tyee
Why Can’t We Build Like It’s the 1970s? - The Tyee
People love living in co-ops — so why did Canada kill the program? - Ricochet
To solve Canada’s housing crisis, make renting great again - National Observer
Housing Hell - Pierre Poilievre

Sponsors: Rotman, AG1

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2023 Was the Year of Political Nonsense

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 05:00:17 GMT

This year has been one hell of a political rollercoaster. Host, Mattea Roach, sits down with Riley Yesno, Nick Taylor-Vaisey, and Kyle Duggan to make sense of key political moments of this year, and to make predictions of their future implications. They unpack everything from Canada’s foreign interference problem and the controversial carbon tax, to the housing crisis and the NDP-Liberal confidence agreement.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Riley Yesno, Kyle Duggan

Background reading:

Secret files show CSIS worried Canada has 'no consequences' for foreign state interference – The Toronto Star
Canada to pause carbon tax on home heating oil for three years – Reuters
Housing hell: How we got here and how we get out – Twitter @PierrePoilievre
Liberals say pharmacare bill unlikely to pass this year, despite promise to NDP – CP24

Sponsors: oxio, Douglas

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The Food Bank Industrial Complex

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:00:44 GMT

We’re bringing you a special episode from the Canadaland feed.

It’s the holidays, and on your TV or radio you’re inevitably hit with ads telling you that this is the season of giving - it’s time to donate to a food drive. Conservative politicians, Liberal politicians, banks, broadcasters, grocery stores: they all are united in this message. With the promotion of food banks from virtually every institution and elected official in the country, you might conclude that they are the best solution to food insecurity. Except - they’re not. Food bank use in Canada is at an all-time high, and experts, community organizers, even staff at food banks say that the growing need just shows how our government has failed to address poverty and hold corporations to account.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Jesse Brown (Host & Publisher), Cherise Seucharan (Reporter), Tristan Capacchione (Audio and Technical Producer), Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Sponsors: oxio, Douglas

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Roots of Tension in Canada’s Israel-Palestine Discourse

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:36:45 GMT

Editor's note: For additional context Hamas emerged in 1987 during the first Palestinian uprising, or intifada, as an outgrowth of the Muslim Brotherhood's Palestinian branch. The group is committed to armed resistance against Israel and the creation of an Islamic Palestinian state in Israel's place. For more: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2284721219710#:~:text=A%20spotlight%20was%20cast%20on,Ashley%20Fraser%20explores%20its%20origins.

In Canada, the political discourse on the news coming out of Israel and Palestine has given Backbench host, some “serious whiplash.” Discussions happening online seem extremely polarized, making it difficult to have productive and nuanced conversations. In this episode, Mattea sits down with Muhannad Ayyash, a Palestinian Professor of Sociology, and Jeremy Appel, a journalist and author, to get to the root of this contention.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Muhannad Ayyash, Jeremy Appel

Background reading:

Lobby group pushes Canada to conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism – The Breach
Weaponisation of anti-Semitism is bad for Palestinians – and Jews – Al Jazeera
Walk-outs, sit-ins, pickets in Montreal in support of Palestinians in Gaza – CBC News
Mosque attack victims shaken after hate-motivated assaults lead to Toronto man's arrest – CBC News
These troubling times have revealed my Jewish parents were right about hate – Toronto Star

Sponsors: oxio, Athletic Greens

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yukon's Path to Indigenous Self-Governance

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:00:23 GMT

Often underreported or ignored by national media, the unique and complex issues facing the people who call Yukon home rarely get the attention they deserve. In this LIVE TAPING Mattea Roach, Michelle Friesen, Tosh Southwick, and Carissa Waugh take part in a smart, nuanced, and engaging conversation centering the opportunities, and political and social challenges up north. But most importantly, this episode speaks to the absolute need to have tough and sometimes uncomfortable conversations about reconciliation.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Michelle Friesen, Tosh Southwick, Carissa Waugh

Background reading:

Sponsors: Douglas, Canva

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel, Palestine and Canadian Foreign Policy

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 05:51:33 GMT

Why did Canada abstain on an emergency resolution at the UN General Assembly calling for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities” in Gaza? Mattea Roach, Emilie Nicolas, Ethan Cox & Murtaza Hussain will break down the past 3 weeks' worth of news in the backdrop of decades of context, and get granular about Canada's response to it all.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor/Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Ethan Cox, Murtaza Hussain

Background reading:

Sponsors: Rotman, Douglas

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases & bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live & virtual events, & more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free & accessible to everybody.

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would You Listen to a Government Regulated Podcast?

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 04:00:59 GMT

When you think about film, art and creativity, government policy probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Make no mistake about it, our policy makers & politicians can crucially impact the art we make, who gets to make it, & the culture we consume. Good policy can create a thriving, diverse culture — & bad policy can destroy it.

Mattea Roach joins Matt Hatfield, Haydn Wazelle, Karen Lam, & Dennis Heaton for an unforgettable LIVE podcast taping with the Vancouver International Film Festival at the Rio Threatre. They explore the contentious Bill C-11 & its potential to disrupt the status quo, & the hot strike summer the media industry is having this year.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor in Chief)

Guests: Matt Hatfield, Haydn Wazelle, Karen Lam, Dennis Heaton

Background reading:

Bill C-11: What to know about the Online Streaming Act from The Globe and Mail
How the Online Streaming Act will support Canadian content from The Conversation
Taming the tech giants will cause collateral damage from Policy Options
Writers Guild of Canada Studying Tentative WGA Deal for Precedent in Local Contract Talks from The Hollywood Reporter

Sponsors: Douglas

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The End of Canadaland

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:50:43 GMT

Support us now! Click here: canadaland.com/join

The first episode of Canadaland was published ten years ago today. If we were to announce this is the last episode of Canadaland, no one would be surprised.

Journalism in Canada is in a fight for its life. You can have an impact. Head to canadaland.com/join to become a supporter today.

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Where Anti-Sikh Press Leads Us & Manitoba Marks the Ballot

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 04:00:35 GMT

Canada is accusing India of a state-sanctioned assassination. What does this mean for the future of Canada and India’s relationship? AND, parental rights, an opioid crisis, and the missing Indigenous women whose bodies are presumed to be in a Winnipeg landfill are front of mind in this Manitoba Provincial election.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Arshy Mann, Dennis Ward, Dan Lett

Background reading:

PCs make opposition to landfill search a central facet of campaign as Manitoba election day nears - CBC News
Manitoba's election is now the NDP's to lose - CBC News
Trudeau accuses India in killing of Sikh leader on Canadian soil - The Globe and Mail
Facebook is Blocking Canadians’ Posts About the Assassination of a BC Sikh Leader. Their Posts Were Targeted by India’s Government - Press Progress
Opinion: Justin Trudeau brings Canada’s ties with India under increasing strain - The Globe and Mail
Baaz News

Sponsors: UWO, Athletic Greens

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Students in Strip Malls

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 04:00:34 GMT

We’re busy preparing for our upcoming live events and working away on an exciting fall season, so we’re bringing you an episode from our friends Allison Smith and Jonathan Goldsbie on Wag the Doug – a monthly podcast that grapples with the realities of the Ford government in Ontario.

They look at an issue that continues to make headlines - the international student market. Allison and Jonathan investigate how Ontario colleges have cashed in on these students and have fundamentally altered the province’s post-secondary education system.

We’re hitting the road for three special live events! Canadaland Supporters get 50% off tickets to ALL events. Head to canadaland.com/events to learn more.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Sponsors: Rotman, Douglas

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GenZ’s Political Apathy-ocalypse

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 04:00:04 GMT

The tale generally goes like this: Gen Z is disconnected, disinterested, and buried so deep into their screens that they don't care about the politics going on around them.

But it's also clear that some young people are ready to ignite change if they have to. From the climate marches to the BLM protests to the Maple Spring, young people have been at the forefront of protests and disruptions for a long time. So, is the stereotype of Gen Z as disconnected and apathetic accurate, or is there something we're missing here?

In this episode of The Backbench, you'll hear from young people across the country who share their perspectives on how they engage with democracy. Additionally, you'll hear a conversation between Mattea Roach and Samantha Reusch, the executive director of Apathy is Boring, to understand WHY Gen Z engages in politics in unconventional ways.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Samm Reid, Azaad Gill, Alex Stevenson, Jenna Inch, Tannia Vijeyenthiran,

Samantha Reusch

Sponsors: UWO, Douglas

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Backbench Catch Up

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 04:00:39 GMT

It’s summer time, and Parliament’s been out of session for 2 months. For this episode of the Backbench, host Mattea Roach is joined by an all-star panel of Riley Yesno, Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop. With updates on stories you may have missed this summer. Did shutting down an illegal border at Roxham Road work? Have we taken any political moves on addressing foreign interference?

We’ll look ahead at what you should be keeping your eye on once parliament returns. With a new cabinet on the hill, what change can we expect? How well is our Conservative Leader’s fresh new look treating him in the polls? Are there any plans whatsoever to address the cost of living crisis?

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: Riley Yesno, Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop

Background reading:

Sponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases & bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, tickets to our live events, & more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free & accessible to everybody.

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Controversial Carbon Tax

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 04:00:19 GMT

Despite two catastrophic climate emergencies earlier this year, Nova Scotia has faced yet another devastating crisis - intense flash flooding. Our Scotian host, Mattea Roach, is joined by Halifax-based reporter from the National Observer, Cloe Logan to interrogate Nova Scotia’s climate emergency response. And in the wake of this climate catastrophe all eyes are on the recently implemented carbon tax in the province. Why does it seem like we’re blaming the carbon tax for all our climate related policy failures?

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Cloe Logan

Background reading:

Sponsors: oxio, Douglas, Athletic Greens

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s Up With Canada’s Political Left?

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 07:05:00 GMT

Mattea kicks it with esteemed Backbencher and political journalist David Moscrop at a café in Ottawa to talk about the current climate in Canadian politics, the impact of social media on discourse, the state of Canada’s political left, and are we in for an election next year?

Editor's Note: In this episode of The Backbench, The Black Squirrel neighbourhood is incorrectly identified as being in Sunnyside. It is correctly located in the Ottawa, Ontario neighbourhood named The Glebe.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Tony Wang (Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor), Karyn Pugliese (Editor-in-Chief)

Guests: David Moscrop

Sponsors: Canva, Douglas, Athletic Greens

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Musical Voice of the Nation

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 04:00:24 GMT

When Dr. Andrea McCrady first heard the sound of the carillon, she was hooked. Her passion led her to become the first woman Dominion Carillonneur on Parliament Hill where she plays for thousands. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Parliament Hill and the history of this booming instrument.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Tony Wang (Marketing & Community Outreach Coordinator), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Andrea McCrady

Sponsors: Oxio, Douglas, Athletic Greens

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Conversation With Erin O’Toole

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 04:00:50 GMT

Former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole has officially stepped away from Canadian politics, leaving behind the Conservative party he called home for over a decade. O’Toole addressed parliament for the last time on June 12th 2023, warning Canadians with the polarization of politics, the dangers of algorithms (their role in political discourse) and his overarching concerns with politics in this country. In this episode, Mattea Roach is joined by Erin O’Toole to unravel the layers of his tenure as a politician. They talk about how he views the evolving landscape of Canadian conservatism, his biggest regrets in office and Mattea challenges him on some of his comments during his final parliamentary speech.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Erin O’Toole

Background reading:

Sponsors: Canva, Athletic Greens, BetterHelp

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

These Rights Are Precarious: A History of LGBTQ+ Liberties

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 04:00:36 GMT

It’s Pride month! So we’re taking you back to notable moments in Canada's 2SLGBTQ+ history, so we can remember the people and work that can have made Canada the place it is today.

The history of LGBT rights in Canada is not as simple as pride campaigns, parades and vibrant gay villages. It’s a history of resilience, courage, and a determination to redefine what it means to be free and equal in this country. Increasingly, we can’t take these rights for granted.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guest: Brenda Cossman

Background reading:

TIMELINE | Same-sex rights in Canada - CBC
Listen: Trans scholar and activist explains why trans rights are under attack - The Conversation
Remembering the 1981 Toronto bathhouse raids | Queer History - Xtra
Track Two - Enough is Enough
The Pussy Palace was more than the raid - Xtra

Sponsors: Canva, Better Help, Athletic Greens

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ctrl+Alt+Regulate: Can Canada's AI Act Save Us?

Tue, 30 May 2023 04:00:34 GMT

Are Canadian policy makers ready for the AI revolution? How effective are our current regulations? what should we be worried about? AND, are immigrants going to save our economy, or break it? From controversial rhetoric, a housing crisis, & more…How can we navigate this immigration conversation?

Host: Riley Yesno

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Meagan Simpson, Nicholas Keung, David Moscrop

Background reading:

How will Canada regulate AI? Ottawa will figure it out later - The Globe & Mail
The race to regulate artificial intelligence - The Decibel
A new era of immigration politics has started in Canada - The Hub
No, immigration is not some magic pill for saving the economy - The Globe & Mail
Why the argument that immigration is the sole cause of soaring home prices is flawed - The Financial Post
Rural Ontario needs to learn cultural acceptance to stave off its own decline, study suggests - CBC

Sponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens, BetterHelp

Canadaland is turning 10! From May 24 - June 2, sign up for our highest level of ongoing support for only $10 a month. PLUS the first 100 signups will receive a FREE limited edition 10th Anniversary tote bag. Head to canadaland.com/join to become a supporter!

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music - included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alberta’s Wildfires Meet an Even Wilder Election

Tue, 16 May 2023 04:00:42 GMT

A fiery election in Alberta. No, literally Alberta’s on fire this provincial election. AND, a $95 billion dollar lawsuit against the Ontario and Canadian Government challenging a lack of consent around resource extraction and the way treaty rights are upheld. This week longtime guest, first time host Riley Yesno is filling in for Mattea Roach.

Host: Riley Yesno

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Catherine Griwkowsky, Emma Jackson, Emma McIntosh

Background reading:

Sponsors: BRYCE@100, Athletic Greens, BetterHelp

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PSAC Strike and the Future of Labour

Tue, 02 May 2023 04:00:01 GMT

This week host Mattea Roach is joined by Riley Yesno, Karen Restoule, and Ethan Cox to unpack the The Public Service Alliance of Canada Strike, and the increase of police involved deaths. PSAC has reached a tentative contract agreement after almost two weeks of striking against its employer – the Government of Canada. AND, there’s a sharp rise in police-involved deaths peaking in 2022. What is really going on here?

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Riley Yesno, Karen Restoule, Ethan Cox

Sources:

Sponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens, BetterHelp

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases & bonus content. You’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who Benefits From Public Safety?

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 04:00:35 GMT

This week Mattea Roach, is joined by Ziya Jones, Riley Yesno, and Frances Bula, to talk about public safety. A few weeks ago unhoused folks in Vancouver were met with displacement and decampment by police and bylaw officers. Who is this supposed solution meant for? AND, transgender and queer people have been facing a new wave of violent attacks globally. What kinds of protections might actually help?

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Ziya Jones, Riley Yesno, Frances Bula

Background reading:

Sponsors: Athletic Greens, BetterHelp

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Federal Budget: Betting on Clean Tech

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 07:05:39 GMT

It’s that time of the year again! Budget season… AND, the story about Chinese government influence just keeps getting even more complicated. This week Mattea Roach is joined by Murad Hemmadi, Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Stuart Thomson to unpack how the complex issue of government interference is being seized on by various parties, and how feasible Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland’s proposed budget is for this country’s future.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Murad Hemmadi, Nick Taylor-Vaisey, Stuart Thomson

Background reading:

Sponsors: Douglas, PSAC, Athletic Greens, Images Festival

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Backbench

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:30:45 GMT

Dig into Canadian politics from the best seats in the House. Join host Mattea Roach and our rotating roster of panelists from across the country while we engage in discussions about what is happening in Canadian politics right now, and why it matters.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Food Costs Soar, Banks Collapse

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 07:05:31 GMT

The Silicon Valley Bank collapsed, marking it as the biggest bank failure in the United States since the 2008 Financial Crisis. AND, our three top grocers testified at the House of Commons recently, but Canadians learned very little. This week host Mattea Roach is joined by Murad Hemmadi, Meagan Simpson, and Arshy Mann to unpack the future of the bank and tech industries, and why many Canadians are feeling the strain every time they step into a grocery store, all while grocers are making record profits.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Murad Hemmadi, Meagan Simpson, Arshy Mann

A full list of background reading can be found on our website.

Sponsors: Rotman, Bryce@100, Athletic Greens

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Ruckus at Roxham Road

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 05:00:46 GMT

Host Mattea Roach is joined by Emilie Nicolas, Stuart Thomson and Les Perreaux to talk about the latest at Roxham Road, the irregular border crossing where thousands of asylum seekers flock to Canada. What’s bringing them here and what’s happening once they arrive?

And a subset of Google users in Canada have discovered a bunch of Canadian news mysteriously disappearing from their search results… whose fault is this, and should we be concerned? We unpack the Online News Act, Bill C-18.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Stuart Thomson, Les Perreaux

Background reading:

Canadians Fume as Migrants Surge at Their Border - New York Times
It’s time to close the breach at Roxham Road and enforce Canada’s borders - Globe and Mail
Niagara Falls facing 'limits' in accommodating influx of asylum seekers, mayor says - CBC News
Roxham: The little country road that became a big political headache for the Trudeau government - CBC News
Google threatens Canada, because it can - Globe and Mail
The Bill C-18 Reality: Everyone Loses When the Government Mandates Payments for Links - Michael Geist

Sponsors: Douglas, Bryce@100, Athletic Greens

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

99 Spy Balloons & 1 Rouleau Report

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 05:00:56 GMT

Host Mattea Roach is joined by Nick Taylor-Vaisey, David Moscrop and Sandy Garossino to talk about the two objects shot down over Canada. Is this a question of national security? Or a weather monitoring program gone wrong? It’s probably not aliens, right?

Also, the Rouleau Report was released shortly after RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki announced the end of her tenure. The RCMP has felt the impact of scandal after scandal, so what kind of leadership is required to move forward and build better?

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Nick Taylor-Vaisey, David Moscrop, Sandy Garossino

Background reading:

Sponsors: Rotman, Athletic Greens

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bail Reform And National Reconciliation

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 08:05:47 GMT

A proposed settlement of a class-action lawsuit has been reached between the federal government and 325 First Nations, which applies to Indigenous children who attended residential schools during the day—students who were left out of the 2006 residential schools settlement. This episode gets into the legal elements of this lawsuit, how we got here, and what impacts it might have going forward.

And, all 13 provinces and territories are calling for “immediate action” to strengthen Canada’s bail system in the wake of the death of an Ontario Provincial Police officer in late December. What does the bail system look like in Canada? How is this specific moment being politicized? And, what would the consequences of bail reform be?

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Riley Yesno, Karen Restoule, Patricia Barkaskas

Background reading:

Sponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Canada Intervene In Haiti?

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 08:05:20 GMT

Armed conflicts across the world are increasingly demanding the attention of Canadians and prompting the federal government to get involved. This episode, host Mattea Roach is joined by Emilie Nicolas, Arshy Mann, and Steven Chase to talk about what Canadian intervention in Haiti could and should look like, and they also tackle the existential questions we have about our military: What is the state of our military? Are we prepared to take on an expanded role? Should we?

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Annette Ejiofor (Managing Editor)

Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Arshy Mann, Steven Chase

Background reading:

Sponsors: Rotman , Athletic Greens

If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You’ll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts at our store, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you’ll be a part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis, you’ll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody.

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flatlining On Healthcare

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 08:05:59 GMT

We tackle two crises facing our country – healthcare and climate change. Host Mattea Roach asks our panelists Riley Yesno, Drew Brown, and Sara Birrell about what we are doing to solve the major problems that exist in our splintered healthcare system and where we are really at when it comes to climate change policy. Does throwing money at the problem actually help?

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capachionne (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)

Guests: Riley Yesno, Drew Brown, Sara Birrell

Background reading:

Healthcare

Climate Change Policy

Sponsors: Douglas, Athletic Greens

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Backbench Live: A Year in Review

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 08:05:39 GMT

On December 14th, we brought The Backbench to you LIVE and in-person from the Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto. It was an evening of “serious” political discourse and endless laughs. Our host Mattea Roach and our expert panelists, Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop, and Murad Hemmadi unpacked the seriously eventful year that was 2022 – from faulty infrastructure, to the Pope’s visit, to our 2023 political wish list, and more.

Taking inspiration from David Moscrop's powerful questions: Show of hands....is anyone here a supporter?

If you want to hear a special and hilarious extended cut of the evening, which includes Mattea’s opening conversation with “political consultant” Dan Cashgrab, also known as comedian Miguel Rivas, you can become a supporter to get access to the exclusive convo.

Go to canadaland.com/join.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)

Guests: Emilie Nicolas, David Moscrop, Murad Hemmadi

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Matter Of Life And Death

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 08:05:14 GMT

We want to warn listeners that segment one talks about suicide and may not be suitable for all listeners. If you'd like to skip it go to 23:37. If you’re struggling with mental health please connect with a crisis responder to get help without judgment: Call 1-833-456-4566 / Text: 45645 (4 pm – midnight ET).

In this episode, host Mattea Roach, and panelists, Karen Restoule, Jaskaran Sandhu, and Arshy Mann, unpack the controversial expansion for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) set to change on March 17, 2023. Also, Canada is trying to re-establish itself on the international stage after announcing its Indo-Pacific Strategy in Beautiful British Columbia. Does Canada’s future lie in the Indo-Pacific?

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchionne (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)

Guests: Karen Restoule, Jaskaran Sandhu, Arshy Mann

Background reading:

Canada will soon allow medically assisted dying for mental illness. Has there been enough time to get it right? in The Globe and Mail
Medical experts call on government to delay expansion of MAID for mental illness in The Globe and Mail
Call to Action re:March 2023 MAiD Expansion by the Society of Canadian Psychiatry
Canada launches Indo-Pacific Strategy to support long-term growth, prosperity, and security for Canadians by the Government of Canada
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy by the Government of Canada
Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy sees China as a ‘disruptive global power’ in The Globe in Mail
SIKHS WEARY OF INCREASED FOREIGN INTERFERENCE IN WAKE OF CANADA’S INDO-PACIFIC STRATEGY by the World Sikh Organization
Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy ‘long overdue,’ shows ‘radical change’ on China: experts by Rachel Gilmore from Global News

Sponsors: Douglas, oxio, Athletic Greens

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

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TL;DR – Emergencies Act Inquiry

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 08:05:18 GMT

The six weeks of dramatic testimony have officially come to an end with testimony from the Prime Minister himself. Join our host, Mattea Roach, and an exceptional panel with Stuart Thomson, David Moscrop, and Sandy Garossino for a deep retrospective on Trudeau’s invocation of the Emergencies Act against the 'Freedom Convoy' this past February. Also, the Green Party has a “new” leader. Welcome back Elizabeth May. This episode Mattea and our panelists discuss the future of the Green Party.

If you want to support this show go to https://canadaland.com/join

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)

Guests: Stuart Thomson, Sandy Garossino, David Moscrop

Background reading:

Racism and hate are threats to public safety. Why haven’t we heard this during the Emergencies Act inquiry? by Amira Elghawaby from the Toronto Star
Trudeau 'serene' about invoking Emergencies Act, says police plan to clear protest 'wasn't a plan at all' by Catharine Tunney from CBC News
'Bad humour' and short fuses: How politicians' texts played out at the Emergencies Act inquiry by Joseph Tunney from CBC News
The Green Party has two new leaders. Will their shared vision get the party back on its feet? by Natasha Bulowski from the National Observer
Political insider breaks down Green Party of Canada co-leadership win, potential trouble ahead by Gregor Craigie from CBC News

Sponsors: Douglas, oxio

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

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Lost In Inflation

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 08:05:12 GMT

Financial Minister Chrystia Freeland’s mini-budget is at your service to save us from inflation. Or is it Justin-flation? This week our host, Mattea Roach, is joined by Emilie Nicolas, Murad Hemmadi, and Nick Taylor-Vaisey to talk about the effectiveness of the proposed budget, the impending recession, and the “costly-coalition.” They also tackle the increasingly common use of the notwithstanding clause—what does it mean, and should we be worried?

Get tickets to The Backbench live show on December 14. Support Canadaland to get your free tickets.

Host: Mattea Roach (Recorded via personal microphone. Audio quality may differ.)

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)

Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Murad Hemmadi, Nick Taylor-Vaisey

Background reading:

Sponsors: Oxio

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who's Afraid Of A Contested Election?

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 07:05:14 GMT

BC NDP leadership candidate Anjali Appadurai had the rug pulled out from under her. This week Mattea Roach is joined with Stuart Thomson, Jaskaran Sandhu, and Arno Kopecky to talk about how and why the BC-NDP ended up disqualifying Appadurai, leaving David Eby to be sworn in as Premier of British Columbia. Also, this week the backbenchers talk about the Federal handgun freeze that is supposedly the strongest action in a generation. We’ll see about that…

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio and Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator)

Guests: Stuart Thomson, Jaskaran Sandhu, Arno Kopecky

Background reading:

Chronicle of a death foretold by Arno Kopecky in Canada’s National Observer

The desperate disqualification of Anjali Appadurai by Avi Lewis in Canada’s National Observer

BC NDP Investigative Report by BC NDP Table Officer

Freeze on handgun sales takes effect as Liberals face criticism they interfered in the probe of Canada’s deadliest shooting by Stephanie Levitz in the Toronto Star

You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing our new series: Ratfucker

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 12:38:30 GMT

Meet David Wallace, political fixer. After decades in the game he says he’s getting out, telling all, and dumping his files in public. The result is the viral "Klondike Papers" theory of conspiracies, conservatives, and cults. But are the allegations true? And why is he really implicating himself, and so many others? A wild, true story.

Series launches October 31st.

Subscribe now (link).

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Guns And Wild Roses

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 07:05:04 GMT

What is going on in the Wild Rose Country? Mattea Roach is joined by experts Catherine Griwkowksy, Emilie Nicolas, and David Moscrop. Together they unpack the implications of Alberta’s new premier's calls for more sovereignty and the possible unravelling of our beloved Canadian federalism. This week we also get into Canada’s complicated diplomatic response to the Iranian protests.

Host: Mattea Roach

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Associate Producer), Tristan Capacchione (Audio Editor & Technical Producer), André Proulx (Production Coordinator), Nathan Burley (Music)

Guests: Emilie Nicolas, Catherine Griwkowsky, David Moscrop

Background reading:

Sponsors: oxio

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NDP - New Dental Plan

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 07:05:31 GMT

Our host Mattea Roach, tackles the “new” and “exciting” Federal dental plan with Riley Yesno, Stuart Thomson, and Nick Taylor-Vaisey. The NDP are patting themselves on the back for getting something done in Ottawa—but how much have they really accomplished here? Speaking of “new” and “exciting” we need to talk about the IRCC’s new proposed immigration pathways that seem to be recycled old ones.

Links:

Dental:

Politico piece re: dental

Immigration:

CTV piece: Migrant workers continue to call for change after death of Jamaican worker at Ontario farm
Toronto Star piece: Here’s Canada’s new plan to help foreign students and workers become permanent residents. Some say it isn’t nearly new enough

Sponsors: Douglas, oxio, Toronto Star Podcasts

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Picking Apart Pierre's Populism

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:05:21 GMT

Our new host, Mattea Roach, ponders Poilievre’s political playbook with Riley Yesno, David Moscrop and Catherine Griwkowsky on this week’s panel episode. And you know the saying, leaders come and go. As Pierre Poilievre makes his way into the Conservative leadership, Queen Elizabeth II has left us. Is it time to crack open our constitution and jettison the monarchy once and for all?

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Meet Mattea Roach, Our New Host! (Teaser)

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 07:00:46 GMT

We’re thrilled to announce that Mattea Roach will be hosting the brand new season of the Backbench. She’s best known for her 23-game winning streak on Jeopardy!, but Mattea also has a keen interest in politics and has a background in sexual diversity studies, political science, and women and gender studies.

In this teaser episode, Mattea is joined with Backbench Producer Aviva Lessard and Associate Producer Noor Azrieh for a sneak peak at what they hope to accomplish in the new season.

Support CANADALAND: https://canadaland.com/join

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Fatima’s Last Episode

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 07:05:14 GMT

Where are the fresh faces in Canadian politics? Today, we dive into career politicians—the good the bad, and the ugly. Plus, why can’t our various levels of government just work together? It’s time to end the federal, provincial and municipal war.

Also, guest contributors join Fatima’s last episode for her last point of order segment.

Panelists:

Emilie Nicolas, Murad Hemmadi, Stuart Thomson

Guest Contributors:

Raisa Patel, David Moscrop, Jason Markusoff

Links:

https://www.keenan.ca/

Sponsors:

Oxio, Douglas, The Peak

Additional music by Audio Network

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leaders Who Don't Lead

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 07:05:11 GMT

In this week’s episode, we talk about what constitutes good leadership, and why our leaders are struggling to meet the moment amid a global ripple of failed democratic leadership. Plus, is provincial immigration autonomy going to save us from the 2.7 million applicant backlog? Producers note: Due to technical difficulties, Fatima's voice may sound a little different.

Panelists: Drew Brown, Riley Yesno, Jaskaran Sandhu

Sponsors: Oxio, Douglas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Catastrophe Commissioner

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 07:05:24 GMT

In this episode, Jerry DeMarco, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, delves into the Canadian federal response to climate change, and why our response is still insufficient. DeMarco unpacks 30 years of failed climate progress and offers an analysis of our government’s actions and inactions to deal with our seemingly impending doom.

Links:

2022 Reports 1 to 5 of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development to the Parliament of Canada

Federal environment commissioner presents his 2022 spring reports – April 26, 2022

Sponsors:

Oxio, The Peak, Calm, Douglas

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Don’t Women Run For Office?

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 07:05:28 GMT

It’s 2022 and our politics remain dominated by men. We talked to three women who spent time in office to try to find out why.

We’re joined by former NDP MP Peggy Nash, current NDP MP Leah Gazan, and former Vancouver city councillor Andrea Reimer.

This event was organized by Between the Lines, the publisher of Peggy Nash’s book Women Winning Office: An Activist’s Guide To Getting Elected.

Panelists: Peggy Nash, Leah Gazan, Andrea Reimer

Sponsors: Oxio, Douglas, Images

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All Policing Is Political

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 07:05:18 GMT

Are our policing systems broken? Today, we dive into reimagining public safety following an array of policing scandals across the country. Plus, what did our government achieve and fail to achieve in Parliament this past year?

Sponsors: Images Festival, Calm, The Peak

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Justinflation Or Chrystia Frecession

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 07:05:14 GMT

What is happening to the Canadian economy? Stephen Gordon, director of the department of economics at Université Laval, helps unpack the ins and outs of the Bank of Canada, an institution we know little about. He talks to Fatima about the worries of a hyper-politicized economy and helps us understand how the next months under this economic turmoil will unfold.

Sponsors: Oxio, 22 Murders

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Does Voting Have To Suck?

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 07:05:04 GMT

Could changing Canada’s electoral system solve the crisis of voter apathy? Today, we dive into electoral reform. Plus, a new bill that would give border guards wide discretion to search our phones and computers.

UPDATE: After we recorded on Monday, senators on the national security and defence committee passed an amendment to Bill S-7 to replace the term "reasonable general concern" with "reasonable grounds to suspect." Read more here: https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/senate-amends-bill-that-would-create-controversial-new-standard-for-cellphone-searches-at-border

Panelists: Drew Brown, David Moscrop, Raisa Patel

Links:

Read Senator Paula Simons’ op-ed about Bill S-7 in The Line: https://theline.substack.com/p/paula-simons-the-government-is-trying

Sponsors:

Douglas, 22 Murders, The Peak

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Notes From a Young Progressive Conservative

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 07:05:23 GMT

Shiv Ruparell is a young, transit-loving, urban bike advocate. He’s also a conservative, born and raised in Alberta, who has been active in politics at all levels. He talks to Fatima his view of conservative politics right now and why he remains optimistic about our political future.

Sponsors: Oxio, Calm

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A Jason Kenney-Sized Hole

Tue, 31 May 2022 07:05:23 GMT

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was one of the heavyweights of Canada’s Conservative movement. We discuss his resignation and what it might tell us about conservatism today. Plus, Canada was left out of a major Indo-Pacific trade deal. Are we losing our place on the world stage?

Panelists: Catherine Griwkowksy, Murad Hemmadi, Stuart Thomson,

Sponsors: Oxio, Ground News, Skipper Otto

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Is Canada Ready to Decriminalize Drugs?

Tue, 24 May 2022 07:05:15 GMT

Parliament is heading towards a vote on an NDP Private Member’s Bill that would decriminalize drug possession for personal use, among other changes to address Canada’s overdose crisis. The Liberals have also proposed a bill that would amend the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.

Garth Mullins of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users has been fighting for decriminalization for a long time as he’s watched friends die and get incarcerated. He talks about these two bills and his vision for healthy drug policy in Canada.

Links:

Listen to Crackdown, Garth’s podcast about the drug war: https://www.crackdownpod.com/

Sponsors: Oxio, The Peak, Ground News, Skipper Otto

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What Do Women Want? Sexual Healthcare

Tue, 17 May 2022 07:05:17 GMT

The abortion debate is back in Canadian politics. Our panel discusses the state of reproductive rights in Canada and what else the Government can do. Plus, a new report suggests civil servants are afraid to speak up and offer expert advice.

Panelists: Leena Minifie, Emilie Nicolas and Raisa Patel

Links:

Further reading on Canada’s abortion laws: https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/how-canada-came-to-have-no-federal-law-whatsoever-on-abortion
A chart showing abortion access in Canada: https://www.actioncanadashr.org/resources/factsheets-guidelines/2019-09-19-access-glance-abortion-services-canada
The full Top Of Mind report about the civil service: https://iog.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Top-of-Mind-Summary-Report-EN.pdf
Read about the pointy-headed whales: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/may/16/arctic-mine-expansion-rejection-narwhal-canada

Sponsors: 22 Murders, Oxio

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Confessions Of An International Student

Tue, 10 May 2022 07:05:14 GMT

Shefali Mann came to Canada as an international student in 2019. She was hoping to follow the path to permanent residency, but then the pandemic happened. She has been navigating a confusing, shifting set of programs and rules ever since, while the federal government bets on international students to help ease some of Canada's labour shortages.

Links:

Read more about how international students are affected by these changes in the Toronto Star

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2022/04/22/canada-unveils-new-measures-to-keep-international-students-from-running-out-of-status.html

Sponsors: 22 Murders, The Peak, Oxio

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A Generation-Defining Inquiry

Tue, 03 May 2022 07:05:55 GMT

The Government has launched an inquiry into the use of the Emergency Act during the Freedom Convoy. And the Canadian Armed Forces released a scathing report about racism and discrimination within its ranks. Can the culture of the military be changed?

Panelists: Emilie Nicolas, Stuart Thomson and Paul Wells.

Links:

Read the report about racism and prejudice in the Canadian Armed Forces here.

Sponsors: Oxio, 22 Murders, Ground News, The Waves

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The Conservative Candidating Game

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 07:05:19 GMT

Eight people are in the running for leadership of the Conservative Party, but only one will emerge victorious and get a chance to become the next Prime Minister of Canada. We're joined by Politico’s Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Backbench regular Jason Markusoff to introduce our candidates. What's their vision? What have they done? And who’s most likely to flame out publicly?

Links:

Subscribe to Politico’s Ottawa Playbook newsletter
See the picture of teenage Patrick Brown with a Jean Charest poster on his wall
At the time of recording, Joseph Bourgault was not yet confirmed as a candidate, but he is also in the running. His website is available here

Additional music from Audio Network

Sponsors: 22 Murders, The Peak, Ground News

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Government Fix Housing?

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 07:05:32 GMT

We dig into the first two chapters of the government’s new budget: housing and economic growth.

This week’s contributors: Murad Hemmadi, Caroline Elliott, David Moscrop

Links:

Read Budget 2022
Read Jen Gerson’s piece that Caroline mentions, “No One Is Going to Fix Housing”

Sponsors: Oxio, 22 Murders, Skipper Otto, Ground News

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An Audience With The Pope

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 07:05:20 GMT

What does an apology mean? And what happens next? Fatima speaks to two people who were in Rome to hear the Pope’s apology to Indigenous people over the Residential School system: Norman Yak’e ula, a survivor who has been waiting for 58 years to hear these words; and Taylor Behn-Tsakoza, co-chair of the Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council, who was part of the delegation that got an audience with the Pope.

Links:

Watch the Pope’s full apology here:
Read the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission:
Watch the APTN video we mentioned of Taylor Behn-Tsakoza preparing to go to Rome:

Sponsors: Skipper Otto, Ground News, The Peak, 22 Murders

Additional music by Audio Network

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Screaming Children, Dying Planet

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 07:05:05 GMT

With deals for affordable childcare now in place across the country, we compare what each province got and discuss what this process might reveal for future programs, like pharmacare.

And we dive into the good, the bad and the ugly of the government’s Emissions Reductions Plan.

This week’s contributors: Emilie Nicolas, Drew Brown, Stuart Thomson

Links:

- A comparsion of childcare deals across the country.

- The Emissions Reduction Plan

Sponsors: Oxio, Freshbooks, The Peak Daily

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Justin And Jagmeet's Experiment In Democracy

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 07:05:04 GMT

Jagmeet Singh’s Chief of Staff Jennifer Howard was in the room during negotiations for the Liberal-NDP supply and confidence agreement. She breaks down how politicians can work together, even if looks like they hate each other on TV.

A Shit Ton of Energy Insecurity

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 07:05:17 GMT

As nations around the world cut off business with Russia, can Canada help fill the international demand for oil and gas? More importantly, should we? And the pandemic caused unprecedented government spending, as well as shifting priorities on everything from work to healthcare. How will that all play out in the upcoming budget?

This week’s contributors: Jason Markusoff, Caroline Elliott, Murad Hemmadi

Links:

Shannon Proudfoot’s Maclean’s profile of Pierre Pollievre: [https://www.macleans.ca/longforms/why-is-pierre-poilievre-so-angry/]
And the accompanying Q&A [https://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/pierre-poilievre-on-his-combative-style-of-politics-and-his-plans-for-canada/]

Sponsors: The Peak Daily, FreshBooks, Ground News, Oxio

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A Conversation With Bob Rae

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 07:05:23 GMT

As escalation between Russia and Ukraine continues, what is Canada’s role in this ever-changing world? And how do conversations we have on the international stage impact our decisions here at home - and vice versa? Canada's UN Ambassador Bob Rae weighs in.

Sponsors: Skipper Otto, Rotman, Ground News

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Teaser: We're going weekly!

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 08:05:31 GMT

For the next few months, The Backbench is going to bring you weekly episodes!

Expect us to chat with those who are impacted by or impacting what’s happening in Ottawa. We want to put the people back in politics so if you're either of those categories, get in touch at backbench@canadaland.com.

Don't worry - We’ll still be bringing you the panel you’ve come to know and love.

Our first episode drops next Tuesday.

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Contradictions In Conflict

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 08:05:22 GMT

As the war in Ukraine escalates and Canadian leaders head to Europe, we assess the economic and military responses so far. And despite fully grasping the severity of Russian aggression, we want to know: Why does Canada's response to conflict vary so much depending on the country?

This week's contributors: Drew Brown, Caroline Elliott, Jaskaran Sandhu

Links:

The Narwhal's piece about Canadian players still dealing in Russian resources
More context on the Canadian discourse re: Sikhs written by Jaskaran
More on Ottawa's decision to delay the decision on Newfoundland's Bay du Nord oil project

Sponsors: Oxio, Freshbooks

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In Case of An Emergency

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 08:30:09 GMT

As the Emergencies Act passes and border blockades come down, we examine what impacts the Act and the satellite protests had domestically and internationally. And Canada decides to step up in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia - and it's unclear exactly why.

This week's contributors: Murad Hemmadi, Jason Markusoff, Emilie Nicolas

Sponsors: Rotman, The Big Story

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Maximum Chaos

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 08:05:43 GMT

The 2022 Freedom Convoy has taken over Ottawa, both the city and the political discourse. Why is the federal government so paralyzed by it and will it have a long-term impact on Canadian politics? And as the Conservative Party steps into the post-Erin O'Toole era, we try to figure out what "true blue" means now and whether it has Trumpian characteristics.

Sponsors: Rotman & The Big Story

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The NDP's Progressive Struggles

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 08:05:11 GMT

People have been declaring that they have stopped donating their money and/or time to the NDP recently. Why is the NDP struggling to retain self-described progressives? What is the party's role in federal politics today?

This week's contributors:

Lori Idlout, NDP MP (Nunavut)
Peggy Nash, Former NDP MP & Finance Critic (Parkdale-High Park, Ontario)
Des Bisonnette, President of NDP EDA (Lakeland, Alberta) & Member of the Democratic Socialists of Canada

Sponsors: Hot Docs Podcast Festival, Island Crime

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The So-Called Era Of Reconciliation

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 08:05:12 GMT

Three generations of Indigenous panelists join us this week on what The Backbench thought was the biggest story of 2021: the unmarked graves on former residential school grounds. We break format to take stock of what has been promised and repromised, the diversity of demands from Indigenous communities, and what a new "interlocutor" position can do to help with healing.

Guests: Leena Minifie, Riley Yesno feat. Romeo Saganash

Links:

Trudeau’s promises to Assembly of First Nations in 2015
Globe and Mail piece re: interlocutor
CBC's piece re: pending $40-billion settlement

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Economy As Entertainment?

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 08:05:10 GMT

Political showmanship about #Justinflation abound, just as the Liberal government is set to release their Fall Economic Statement this week. And it's our last episode of 2021! We offer some highlights and lowlights of the year.

This week's contributors: Murad Hemmadi, Jason Markusoff, Jaskaran Sandhu

Links:

Since recording, Justin Trudeau has said he will not yet intervene in Quebec's Bill 21

Sponsors: Rotman Negotiations Program

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A Bill That's Ideally Never Used

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 08:05:00 GMT

BC's emergency on top of emergency has us wondering where the federal government needs to step in. And the latest "lockdown bill" and Throne Speech reveals where our federal government is at.

This week's contributors: Caroline Elliott, Leena Minifie, Stuart Thomson ft. MP Dan Albas

Links:

Did you miss the Throne Speech? Read it here.

Sponsors: Rotman, Amnesty International

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Cynical Guide To COP26

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 08:05:00 GMT

Support The Backbench at canadaland.com/join

Prime Minister Trudeau celebrated Canada's role at COP26 - but what is there to celebrate really? And Conservatives MPs try to start a 'civil liberties caucus' while the Liberal caucus vote not to empower themselves.

This week's contributors: Caroline Elliott, Emilie Nicolas, Riley Yesno

Sponsors: Rotman, Amnesty International

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A Money Manel: Equalization & Inflation

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 07:05:00 GMT

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Alberta thinks it made a "powerful" statement to Ottawa this week. And the Bank of Canada says inflation is persistent, which can also be perceived as good news if you look really hard.

This week's contributors: Drew Brown, Murad Hemmadi, Jason Markusoff

Links:

Trevor Tombe's tool that helped us understand equalization payments a bit better
The Conversation's piece on equalization overhaul
The TikTok on inflation from Kyne
Chrystia Freeland's statement about reining in COVID-19 measures

This episode is supported by Amnesty International.

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Two Former MPs Dish On China & Climate

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 07:05:00 GMT

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We invited former MPs on because it was supposed to be the first week of Parliament. It got pushed back, but we get into what the first days of Parliament are like and what issues this government will be inheriting anyway.

This week's contributors: Former MP Kenny Chiu & Former MP Catherine McKenna

Links:

Kenny Chiu references this page on the BC government website on how emissions have increased in the province
Catherine McKenna references economists Andrew Leach and Trevor Tombe who have both argued carbon pricing does reduce emissions. Follow their work here and here respectively.
When we followed up with Catherine McKenna for links, she pointed us to this.

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Truth, Reconciliation and China

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 07:05:00 GMT

Trudeau drops the first apology of his third term and has us wondering how reconciliation can go beyond symbolic actions. And as the Two Michaels make it home, what have we learned from this whole saga?

This week's contributors: Joanna Chiu, Stuart Thomson, Riley Yesno

Links:

Riley's piece on the spring federal budget
More on what Land Back & Cash Back are about
How to order Joanna's book, "China Unbound"

This episode is supported by Dispatch Coffee.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Conversation With A PPC Voter

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 07:05:00 GMT

This week, we bring you something different: an in-depth chat with a People’s Party of Canada supporter. Derek Taylor emailed Fatima after she called the party racist. He agreed to an interview. Derek gets into how he heard about the party, why he supports them, and the direction the party has taken since its creation in 2018.

This is the extended version of an interview featured on Canadaland.

This episode is supported by Dispatch Coffee and Rotman.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Unconsequential Election

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 12:00:00 GMT

At the time of recording this episode, #elxn44 literally has yielded the same number of seats (give or take several seats) for all of our federal parties. Here's a coast-to-coast-to-coast chat on what this outcome suggests and where Canadian politics goes from here.

This week's contributors: Drew Brown, Jason Markusoff, Leena Minifie, Jaskaran Sandhu, Stuart Thomson.

This episode is supported by Dispatch Coffee, The Peak Daily and Rotman.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fairy Tales & Picture Books

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 07:05:00 GMT

What issues did the federal leaders not speak on throughout the campaign? We get into some of them. And a look into what pandemic debts and costed platforms tell us.

This week’s contributors: Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Murad Hemmadi feat. Pam Palmater

Links:

Murad’s past Maclean’s piece on why the ethnic vote isn't real;
The Institute of Fiscal Studies’ assessments of NDP, Liberals, and Conservatives’ costed platforms.

This episode is supported by The Peak, Aussie Hair, Rotman, and Canadian Politics Is Boring.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Emergency, But First An Election

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 07:05:33 GMT

The show after Labour Day warrants a look at federal parties' commitments to workers and how they say they will grow our economy. And when it comes to climate change proposals, will voters respond to ambition or reality?

This week's contributors: Caroline Elliott (Welcome!), Murad Hemmadi, and Jaskaran Sandhu

UPDATE: The Green Party released their platform after we recorded the episode, which includes a section on a just transition for workers via introducing a Just Transition Act before the end of 2021 that would take care of workers during the climate transition.

Links:

To honour Murad's point of order, here are parties' platforms:
Liberal Party
Conservative Party
New Democratic Party
Bloc Quebecois (en français)
Green Party
Maverick Party
People's Party of Canada
More on platforms' "climate sincerity" this federal election

This episode is supported by The Peak, Aussie Hair and Dispatch Coffee.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Health Vs. Healthcare

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 07:05:00 GMT

The Liberals promised to inject 6-billion more dollars into our healthcare system last week, but will more money mean more healthcare? Meanwhile, regional federal parties have dropped their platforms with distinct climate plans, posing a possible threat to major parties.

This week's contributors: Leena Minifie, Emilie Nicolas, Stuart Thomson

Links:

Jen Gerson's Maclean's piece on the Maverick Party
Fatima & Emma MacIntosh's National Observer 2019 piece on whether politicians should be blocking voters
Mark McKinnon's Globe and Mail piece on Ukraine rescuing Canada-bound Afghans

This episode is supported by CIBC Aventura, Aussie Hair and The Peak.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Afghanistan & Affordability

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 07:05:00 GMT

Liberals scramble to respond to the crisis in Afghanistan amid the first week of campaigning. And Trudeau says he wants life to be more affordable while also suggesting it's not his job.

This week's contributors: Drew Brown, Jason Markusoff, and Jaskaran Sandhu

Links:

Kevin Newman's piece for The Line
Noah Richler's piece for The Globe and Mail
Shout out to Srushti Gangdev for catching the graph with no axis labels
The PPC candidate who photoshopped his head on Prince William

This episode is supported by Aussie Hair, CIBC Aventura, and The Peak

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Teaser: An Election Means A Weekly Backbench

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:05:00 GMT

We’re now a weekly #elxn44 podcast!

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Introducing The White Saviors

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 07:05:00 GMT

Subscribe to The White Saviors now! Series launch: August 23

Over 25 years, WE built a golden brand by inspiring children to rally around their charismatic leader. But behind the scenes, employees experienced a cult-like culture and a troubling blur of charitable and commercial activities. In the aftermath of a national scandal, thousands of donors and volunteers (and dozens of ‘celebrity ambassadors’) are left wondering where the money went, and whether the savior industry creates a constant need for victims.

From CANADALAND, the news company that exposed it all, this is the exclusive story of a charity that did well when it was supposed to be doing good.Subscribe to The White Saviors. Episode one drops on August 20th

This trailer contains source materials used under the Fair Dealing provisions of the Copyright Act.

Sources:

It Takes a Child

Craig Kielburger's Story - A Journey into Child Labour

Directed by Judy Jackson

Produced by Judy Films

Youtube

The Story of Craig Kielburger

produced, and narrated by Sherine Mansour

CPAC

Youtube

In Search Of Character

LiveWire Media

Elkind+Sweet Communications, Inc

https://www.livewiremedia.com/product/in-search-of-character/

The Price WE Paid

The Fifth Estate/CBC

Interview with Craig Kielburger

CSPAN

Craig Kielburger NSB Speakers promotional video

Youtube

Marc Kielburger NSB Speakers promotional video

Youtube

WE Movement Youtube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6agaIkn5aBJlLLds7P1HQ

MeToWe Youtube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6agaIkn5aBJlLLds7P1HQ

CTV News - Kielburger brothers interview with Lisa Laflamme

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_p5PRLy2os

MTV Cribs: Craig Kielburger Episode

Haddon Strategy

https://vimeo.com/49975157

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Erin O'Toole Doesn't Want to Fight

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 07:05:00 GMT

With massive childcare announcements and talk of abortion access, the Liberal government seems to be focusing on women lately. Is it pre-election pandering or just good governance? And we look at the state of the Conservative Party, whose leader says he does not want an election.

This week's contributors: Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Leena Minifie, Stuart Thomson

Links:

Globe and Mail piece on Jody Wilson-Raybould
Maclean's 2021 federal election guide
Stuart's piece about Justin Trudeau running against Jason Kenney

UPDATE: Since recording the episode, the federal government has announced its commitment to support Manitoba's childcare program with $1.2-billion over the next 5 years to achieve $10-a-day childcare for kids under the age of six by 2025-26.

This episode is supported by Aussie Hair, CIBC Aventura, and The Peak

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Border Politics

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 07:05:00 GMT

Canada looks to welcome travellers again while the future of vaccine passports remains uncertain. And two national anti-hate summits last week had us wondering what policies would actually help.

This week's contributors: Emilie Nicolas, Jaskaran Sandhu, Stuart Thomson

This episode is supported by Aussie Hair.

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Pandering Season

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 07:05:00 GMT

More and more election season tropes have revealed themselves recently, particularly in Quebec, Alberta and Tiktok. And the mutiny against the Green Party leader Annamie Paul reaches its final stage next week - How did we get here?

This week's contributors: Murad Hemmadi, Jason Markusoff, Emilie Nicolas

A special thank you to the Toronto Star's Alex Ballingall, whose reporting on the Green Party informed this episode.

You can also listen to The Sprawl's conversation with Prime Minister Trudeau here.

This episode is supported by Simplii Financial and Aussie Hair.

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Ep. 5 - A Two-Dose Election?

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 07:05:00 GMT

The spectre of a fall federal election looms large with a flurry of activity in the House, Trudeau calling Parliament toxic, and a high-profile Minister announcing she won’t run again. And further fallout after more unmarked graves were found at a residential school.

This week's contributors: Drew Brown, Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Jason Markusoff

This episode is supported by Freshbooks.

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Ep. 4 - The Politics Of Genocide: Kamloops Fallout

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 07:05:00 GMT

Federal politics scrambles to respond to the country finding more and more Indigenous children's remains near residential schools. And Prime Minister Trudeau is the "dean" of the G7 now, allegedly.

This week's panelists: Leena Minifie, Jaskaran Sandhu feat. Romeo Saganash
Further reading:

More on how the federal government still took Indigenous children to court on the day we recorded (Monday)
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls To Action. (CBC published on it here too)
Romeo Saganash wrote more about Bill C-15 here (Follow the Bill's passage here)
More on the ICC being called to investigate Kamloops here
More on the NDP's failure to push to declare residential schools a genocide here

This episode is brought to you by Dispatch Coffee

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 3 - Big Telecom, Big Quebec

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 07:05:00 GMT

A new CRTC decision - that critics say guarantees higher wireless prices - suggests that telecom giants are in control. What does Quebec trying to change the Constitution via Bill 96 mean? And host Fatima Syed breaks protocol with her own point of order.

This week's panelists: Murad Hemmadi, Emilie Nicolas, & Stuart Thomson,

This episode is supported by Dispatch and Freshbooks.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 2 - Justin Trudeau Has No Friends

Tue, 18 May 2021 07:06:00 GMT

The conflict of interest and ethics commissioner weighs in on the meaning of friendship; is Prime Minister Trudeau home free from WE? And the government steps into a legal battle over the Line 5 pipeline.

This week's panelists: Stuart Thomson, Leena Minifie, and Jaskaran Sandhu
Further reading:

Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's reports on Trudeau and Morneau
The Government of Canada's amicus brief re: Line 5

This episode is supported by Freshbooks and Dispatch.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 1 - Every Province For Itself

Tue, 04 May 2021 07:23:00 GMT

The third wave has shattered any remaining notion that we're all in this pandemic together. And the government commissions a new review into sexual misconduct in the military, just six years after the last one. What will it take for actual change?

This week's panelists: Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Emilie Nicolas, and Drew Brown

This episode is brought to you by Freshbooks and Cullen's Foods.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Introducing Our New Show: The Backbench

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Dig into Canadian politics from the best seats in the House.

Host Fatima Syed welcomes our rotating roster of panelists from across the country: Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Jason Markusoff, Drew Brown, Emilie Nicolas, Jaskaran Sandhu, Murad Hemmadi, Leena Minifie, and Stuart Thomson. Stay on top of things through sharp commentary and incisive analysis.

Drops every other Tuesday, starting May 4th.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 77 - Mao's Love Poetry and Chinese QAnon

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 05:25:00 GMT

Meng Wenzhou was arrested two years ago today in Vancouver and now unlikely MPs are calling for her release. Meanwhile, anti-CCP camps are at odds with each other in Surrey. South China Morning Post's Vancouver correspondent Ian Young unpacks how international politics play out on Canadian soil.

Ep. 76 - Biden's Clean Break

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 06:36:00 GMT

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's climate plan may seem at odds with Canada's energy sector — but there's more to consider than just pipeline politics. Senior Researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood unpacks Biden's climate plan and what it means for Canada.

This episode is brought to you by Paradigm.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 75 - What's The Point Of The NDP?

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 08:23:00 GMT

It's crowdfunding month! Support us at canadaland.com/join.

It's Election Day in the U.S. As Joe Biden heads to the polls having run his presidential campaign on one of the Democratic Party's most progressive platforms yet, OPPO hosts wonder: Is having a party for “the progressive left” like the NDP the best way for such ideas to gain real traction?

NDP MP for Hamilton Centre Matthew Green joins and mounts a vigorous defence of the party.

Ep. 74 - The Pre-U.S. Election Anxiety Show

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 05:25:00 GMT

It's crowdfunding month! Support us at canadaland.com/join.

An uncertain outcome in the upcoming U.S. presidential election is a real possibility that Canadians need to navigate. Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute Balkan Devlen explains why and how.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 73 - Made In Canada Without Pride

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 05:30:00 GMT

US President Donald Trump's rallying cry to a hate group warrants a review of where the Proud Boys are at today. Dr. Barbara Perry speaks on this Canadian export and to what extent they pose a threat to Canadian society and the upcoming US election.

This episode is brought to you by CI Direct Investing.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 72 - Snap Election Clapback, CERB Forever!

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 06:24:00 GMT

BC's new Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau weighs in on Premier John Horgan's snap election and ‘cynical' political calculation. And some Liberal MPs are so passionate about a basic income ahead of the throne speech that we had to bring on ‘CEO activist' Floyd Marinescu to offer his lobby group's cost-benefit analysis.

This episode is brought to you by CI Direct Investing.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 71 - Fall Political Preview

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 03:00:00 GMT

Snap election this fall? Erin O'Who? How many jobs can Chrystia Freeland have? And will the U.S. melt down in an apocalyptic civil war that will render it all meaningless? Jen and Sandy look at the season ahead.

This episode is brought to you by CI Direct Investing.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 70 - Who's Afraid Of The COVID Alert App?

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 05:28:00 GMT

Can you guess which OPPO host has downloaded the app? Citizen Lab's Christopher Parsons joins us to assuage privacy concerns and/or irrational fears about the federal government's new app to contain the coronavirus.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

While OPPO is not made using supporter funds, CANADALAND's other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 69 - QAnon Comes To Canada

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 05:29:00 GMT

Cars, machinery, and now conspiracy theories. The U.S. continues its proud tradition of exports to Canada as QAnon gains traction north of the border. Marc-André Argentino joins to walk us through the origins and future of QAnon in Canada.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND's other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 68 - Why Working Moms Are Dreading September

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 04:06:00 GMT

The pandemic has already had a disproportionate impact on women, especially those with children. But how much worse could that be if schools don’t reopen soon? Dr. Sylvia Fuller joins to explain.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar and Rotman School of Management. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 67 - Everybody Else Is Abolishing The Police, So Why Can’t We?

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 04:08:00 GMT

As calls to defund continue to grow, why not imagine what Canada would look like without police? Robyn Maynard joins us to unpack the idea.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 66 - Get Me Outta Scheer

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 04:02:00 GMT

Now that Jen has thrown out her sourdough starter, it’s time to start paying attention to the race to replace Andrew Scheer. James Moore joins us to run through the field of candidates and explain where the Conservatives stand on the eve of the first party debate.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

CORRECTION: This episode incorrectly states that Chantel Moore was killed in an incident with the RCMP. In fact, the incident in question involved Edmunston Police. We regret the error.

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Ep. 65 - Stuck In the Middle With Meng Wanzhou

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 04:18:00 GMT

China and the US are facing off in what’s being dubbed a new Cold War. And Canada’s stuck in a tight spot. Last week, a BC judge ruled that Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou’s charges meet the bar of “double criminality,” which means she’s one step closer to being extradited to the US. China is not happy.

To dig into what’s at stake, we’re joined by Philip Calvert, a former diplomat in China and Senior Fellow with the China Institute of the University of Alberta.

Get In touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @oppocast.

This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND's other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter at patreon.com/canadaland

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 64 - An Epidemic Of Racism

Tue, 19 May 2020 03:50:00 GMT

Violent attacks on racialized people are on the rise in Canada — especially against those who look East Asian. We’re joined by reporter Joanna Chiu to discuss what happens when we conflate the actions of a government with individual people.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 63 - Under Cover Of Covid

Tue, 05 May 2020 04:50:00 GMT

What does the new ban on assault-style firearms in Canada mean? And what’s going on with the dog-whistle racism in the Conservative leadership race? Zain Velji co-hosts.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 62 - Why This Recession Is Hitting Women Harder

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Can Canada get diaper pail-ready? We’re joined by economist Dr. Lindsay Tedds to help make sense of the long-term economic impacts this recession could have on Canada.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar, Audible, and HelloFresh. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 61 - White Trash Hello Kitty

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 03:06:00 GMT

It’s everywhere. It’s all anyone’s talking about. It’s dominating headlines and social media feeds. So of course we’re going to talk about Tiger King. There’s also been plenty of erratic behaviour created by the pandemic, from volatile markets to a volatile Albertan health minister and Jen’s emergent prepper tendencies.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar and Audible. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 60 - A Virus Designed To Test Society’s Weak Points

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 05:40:00 GMT

As the realities of COVID-19 begin to take hold in Canada, the strains on our society become most visible where we're most vulnerable. A veteran SARS reporter, Ian Young of The South China Morning Post joins to help put it all in perspective.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

This episode of OPPO is brought to you by WealthBar and FreshBooks. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 59 - Double Trouble: Oil's Burst Bubble

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 04:59:00 GMT

What does the largest single-day drop in the price of oil in almost two decades mean for Canada’s economy? How will it affect growing frustration in Alberta? And have you washed your hands since you started reading this? Wash your hands.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

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Introducing: Cool Mules

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 03:00:00 GMT

A new investigative series about the cocaine smuggling ring inside Vice Media.

To hear episode 2 right now, subscribe to Cool Mules.

Or get all six episodes ad-free for $5/month by clicking here.

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Ep. 58 - A Seizure of Political Power In Wet'suwet'en Territory

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 06:14:00 GMT

Over the course of a week, Trudeau changed his tune from promising patience and cooperation with Wet'suwet'en land defenders, to asserting the rail blockades must be removed. Why the sudden 180? Plus, Teck withdrew its application for a $20 billion mine project. And four MPs have released the Buffalo Declaration, a manifesto demanding more respect for Alberta.

This episode is sponsored by WealthBar, FreshBooks and listeners like you. To support our work and get ad-free podcasts, go to Patreon.com/canadaland

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Ep. 57 - Peter MacKay's Yoga Tweet Apology Tour

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 07:05:00 GMT

The race to replace Andrew Scheer as Conservative leader is on. Who are the key players, and what issues do they face in their bid for the job? For insight, we’re joined by former Harper strategist Ken Boessenkool.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

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Ep. 56 - A Huawei Executive Defends Their Record

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 06:06:00 GMT

What are Huawei's plans in Canada? How can we be sure our data is safe with them? And did they pay for the protesters outside the Meng Wangzhou hearing? We’re joined by Alykhan Velshi, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Huawei Canada, to talk all things Huawei.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks, Audible, and HelloFresh. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

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Ep. 55 - Canada Gets Kicked In The Teeth

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 07:03:00 GMT

Jen Gerson and Sandy Garossino break down where exactly Canada fits amid the ongoing hostilities between Iran and the U.S., and then discuss the prospect of a royal relocation.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 54 - The Biggest Resignation Of The Year

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 09:09:00 GMT

Andrew “Everybody’s Second Choice” Scheer is no longer the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. OPPO unpacks the latest in Western Alienation and takes a deep dive into the most significant political resignation of the year.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks, Wealthbar, and Audible. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

Additional music: Hooky with Sloane by Bird Creek Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109 ᐧ

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Ep. 53 - OPPO Goes Nuclear

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 11:21:00 GMT

By popular demand, we take a look at nuclear energy in Canada. Plus a check-in with the bubbling oil sands of resentment that is Western Alienation Corner, and OPPO’s newest segment: Andrew Scheer Leadership Deathwatch.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks and Audible. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

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Ep. 52 - The Guy Behind Ontario Proud

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 06:25:00 GMT

A very special interview with the person behind your least favourite meme pages, Ontario Proud and Canada Proud. Plus, an update on Canada-China relations by way of an interview with two Hong Kong pro-democracy figures. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks and Audible. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter. ᐧ

Support the show: https://backbench.supercast.tech/

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Ep. 51 - Ministry Of Pandering

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 07:47:00 GMT

We take a look at the Liberal government’s cabinet appointments, check in on the scandals and simmering resentment in Canada's "West," and read some highlights from the listener mailbag. This episode of OPPO is brought to you by FreshBooks and WealthBar. While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

Additional music: Hooky with Sloane by Bird CreekCreative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109

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Ep. 50 - 50 Things We Want From The 43rd Parliament

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 06:44:00 GMT

For our 50th episode, we have 50 demands for the government. What's on your wish list? Email oppo@canadalandshow.com or tweet @OPPOcast. Support Canadaland Media at patreon.com/canadaland This episode is sponsored by FreshBooks (freshbooks.com) and WealthBar (wealthbar.com/canadaland). Additional music: Hooky with Sloane by Bird Creek Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109

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Ep. 49 - Lisa Raitt’s Conservative Party Autopsy

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 11:35:00 GMT

The former deputy leader of the Conservative Party just lost her seat. She opens up about what went wrong in the election.

Support Canadaland Media at patreon.com/canadaland.

This episode was sponsored by Freshbooks (freshbooks.com/oppo) and Audible (audible.ca/canada).

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter @OPPOcast.

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Ep. 48 - Useful Losers

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 10:03:00 GMT

A look at the smaller parties' fates, a farewell to Elizabeth May, and the cabinet prediction that's giving Justin nightmares. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter/Facebook @OPPOcast. See OPPO live at the Hot Docs Podcast Festival on November 7. Buy tickets here. Support Canadaland Media at patreon.com/canadaland. This episode was sponsored by Freshbooks (freshbooks.com/oppo) and WealthBar (wealthbar.com/canadaland).

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Ep. 47 - Is Scheer Done?

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 10:22:00 GMT

Jen's back! And she's kept a list of the worst election moments. Plus, will the Conservatives kick out Andrew Scheer? And what the rest of Canada needs to know about #Wexit.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast.

Support Canadaland Media at patreon.com/canadaland.

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Ep. 46 - About Last Night

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:11:00 GMT

OPPO breaks down the election results from the midst of the Liberal victory (sort of) party.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast.

The episode was sponsored by the new book, Highway of Tears.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this episode said that the Liberals picked up a seat in Northern Saskatchewan. That seat ended up going to the Conservatives. That detail has been removed from the show.

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Ep. 45 - We Haven't Gotten To Truth Yet

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 08:30:00 GMT

It's a special pre-election bonus OPPO! We talk about the party platforms and issues that actually matter to Indigenous peoples this election. Guests: Ryan McMahon, comedian and host of the Thunder Bay podcast. @RMComedy Karyn Pugliese, Nieman Journalism Fellow, former executive producer at APTN, and future journalism professor at Ryerson University. @karyn_pugliese From the show: Read Kenneth Jackson's APTN investigation into deaths in the child welfare system here. This episode is sponsored by Freshbooks: https://www.freshbooks.com/

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Ep. 44 - OPPO's Big Queer Foreign Policy Extravaganza!

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 04:42:00 GMT

What do the federal parties say about LGBTQ issues? (No we're not talking about gay marriage). And uh...why is no one talking about foreign policy? Guests: Erica Lenti, senior editor at Xtra, and National Post columnist Colby Cosh. Follow Erica at @ericalenti and find Colby @colbycosh. Read Xtra's story on their LGBTQ2 candidate survey here. Read Canadaland's reporting on the unfounded Trudeau story rumours here. Tell us what you think of the show! Email oppo@canadalandshow.com or tweet @OPPOcast. This episode was sponsored by: Audible: https://www.audible.ca/canada Freshbooks: https://www.freshbooks.com/ Highway of Tears by Jessica McDiarmid: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/548115/highway-of-tears-by-jessica-mcdiarmid/9780385687577

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Ep. 43 - The First Official Leaders' Debate

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 10:28:00 GMT

We survived debate night! Mostly. Plus, we break down the parties' environmental platforms with energy and environmental economist Andrew Leach.

Get in touch at OPPO@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast.

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Ep. 42 - Coasts With The Mosts

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 08:14:00 GMT

Why does Trudeau want an underwater tunnel to Newfoundland? Who has the biggest battle in British Columbia? OPPO goes east and west for an election view from Canada's edges.

Guests: Drew Brown, editor of The Independent, and Melanie Green, reporter for the Vancouver Star.

Contact OPPO at Oppo@canadalandshow.com and on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOCast.

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Ep. 41 - Let's Talk Tech! ... And Blackface

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 09:47:00 GMT

Could all those images of Trudeau in blackface open the door for a more meaningful campaign? And we talk Canada's growing tech scene. What's it done with federal money—and what are the parties talking about now? Murad Hemmadi, policy and tech reporter for The Logic, co-hosts. Read his piece on the parties' election promises around innovation here. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or find us on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast.

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Ep. 40 - A Modest Plan To Eat The Rich

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 06:18:00 GMT

The campaign is on! Finally! Who won the first Trudeau-less debate? And why the other parties should actually listen to the NDP's wealth tax plan.

National Post columnist Chris Selley co-hosts.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or find us on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast.

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Ep. 39 - Who Has The Whitest Candidates? (It’s Not The PPC!)

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 06:08:00 GMT

How representative are the federal party candidates (so far)? We crunched the numbers. And the meth crisis was a provincial election issue in Manitoba — here's why the rest of Canada should take note. Fatima Syed, investigate reporter with National Observer, guest hosts.

Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast.

We relied on Global Winnipeg’s reporting on meth use in Manitoba. Read some of that coverage here: https://globalnews.ca/news/5826445/manitoba-election-meth/

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Ep. 38 - Our House In The Middle Of An Election

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 06:26:00 GMT

Here's everything you missed in Canadian politics this summer. Plus, we talk housing with Employment Minister Patty Hajdu. And ... what's happening with the NDP? Note: The NDP did not respond to a request for comment regarding Sid Ryan's bid for candidacy. This episode was recorded on August 29, 2019. Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or find us on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast.

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Ep. 37 - Is Jason Kenney Stoking Aberta Separatism?

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 05:11:00 GMT

Alberta's premier wants a referendum on ... what exactly? And Justin Ling wants you to calm down about climate change "muzzling." Plus, meet some intriguing candidates to keep an eye on. P.S. OPPO has news! Get in touch at oppo@canadalandshow.com or find OPPO on Twitter and Facebook @OPPOcast.

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Ep.36 - Fake News Election Panic

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 05:33:00 GMT

After the Mounties' massive manhunt for two murder suspects, Justin questions whether the RCMP's mandate is overstretched — and makes the case that their role in local policing should be an election issue. And with an election looming, there's a frenzy over fake news. But is it even a problem? And who's being served by this idea? From the show: The RCMP's thin red line: Is contract policing unsustainable? (Globe and Mail) Inside the impossible work of Canada’s biggest Indigenous police force (Maclean's) Twitter trolls stoked debates about immigrants and pipelines in Canada, data show (CBC News) Twitter bots boosted the trending #TrudeauMustGo hashtag (National Observer) Support Canadaland media at patreon.com/canadaland

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EP. 35 - How Alberta Got Weed Right

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 03:54:00 GMT

While some provinces are still trying to figure out booze, others have already gotten a good start on weed. Who’s doing sin best?

Why do we keep hearing about the same four political operatives in Canada when none of them are good at winning?

And unsolicited advice for who to blame next time you're woken up by a shrieking Amber Alert.

This episode is brought to you by FreshBooks and The Big Story podcast.

CORRECTION: We stated that cannabis is only available online in Manitoba. It is in fact available in retail stores.

Support CANADALAND at Patreon.com/canadaland

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Ep.34 - Does Québec Get A Pass On Racism?

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 03:38:00 GMT

Québec’s secularism bill is a godawful tragedy, the NDP’s platform leaves a lot to be desired, and Andrew Scheer is feeling cramped in Doug Ford’s clown car.

While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

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Ep.33 - Don't Worry Britain, Stephen Harper Will Fix Brexit

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 04:11:00 GMT

Who should be allowed to pay for political advertising in Canada? Conservative MP and Foreign Affairs Critic Erin O’Toole explains what’s wrong with the current set of rules. And things have gotten so bad in the United Kingdom that they’ve brought in noted public relations authority Stephen Harper to help broker Brexit.

While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

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Ep.32 - You Have No Constitutional Right To An Abortion

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 03:00:00 GMT

Who better than a pregnant woman and a gay man to walk you through access to abortion in Canada? Then, Courtney Skye, research fellow at Yellowhead Institute, explains what most people missed in the recent MMIWG report. Finally, Justin yells at Trudeau for failing the queer community.

While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

“Black Samba” by Juanitos is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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Ep.31 - Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott

Tue, 04 Jun 2019 03:00:00 GMT

The two most “difficult” women in Ottawa join us for an in-depth talk about policy, politics, the "most dysfunctional place" to work in the country, and that whole SNC-Lavalin thing.

While OPPO is not made using Patreon funds, CANADALAND’s other shows rely on listener support. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.

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Ep.30 - The Best And Worst Election Ads So Far

Tue, 21 May 2019 04:27:00 GMT

Grab a bowl of all-dressed Ruffles and settle in for this review of the first run of federal election ads. Then, a look at what the Green Wave means for Canada. Finally, a recap of the election in Jesse Brown's favourite province: Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Ep.29 - The Case For Guns In Canada

Tue, 07 May 2019 04:39:00 GMT

Is the government coming to take your guns? Was scrapping the long-gun registry a mistake? Do we need stricter gun laws? Does the Liberal plan to ban handguns actually make sense? We scope out the current stock of firearm laws in Canada and take a look at what's coming down the barrel.

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Ep.28 - Provinces At War

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 03:46:00 GMT

With the election of Jason Kenney's United Conservative Party in Alberta, the national alliance of conservative premiers has gained a key member in its battle against the federal Liberals. In this episode, we take look at what's going on in Canada from coast to coast to coast.

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Ep.27 - Bozo Volcano

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 01:47:00 GMT

The Alberta election was Jason Kenney's to lose, and with bozos raining down like a nauseating Vesuvius, it looks like he just might. And in the wake of the SNC-Lavalin scandal, there are now 21 MPs who aren't members of the three major parties. How did it get this way, and what kind of influence can they wield?

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Ep.26 - Jason Kenney's $60,000 Problem

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 06:03:00 GMT

The Alberta election is around the corner and, in characteristic fashion, it is looking bananas. And we read the federal budget so you don't have to. Plus, an update on the scandal that keeps giving.

Finally, some serious news from the OPPO team.

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Ep.25 - Trudeau's OTHER Festering Scandal

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 03:00:00 GMT

What's going to be the downfall of the Trudeau administration? It might not be the scandal you're thinking of.

Then again, it might be that scandal.

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Ep.24 - Everybody Loves Raybould

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 04:31:00 GMT

Justin Ling was wrong. Listen to Jen Gerson deservedly drag him over the coals as they unpack the latest in the SNC-Lavalin scandal in this bonus episode.

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Ep.23 - This Scandal Will Live And Die In February

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 05:06:00 GMT

Was the whole SNC-Lavalin affair a big nothingburger or does it still have the potential to completely rock the Liberal government? And with dozens of trucks rolling into Ottawa, a look at all things oil in Canada.

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Ep.22 - The Political Parties' Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 06:53:00 GMT

It was not a good week for the main political parties in Canada. From the SNC-Lavalin affair, to the Conservative Google Ad, to the NDP's confused position on Venezuela, here's a dive into the morass.

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Ep.21 - Sino The Times

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 04:40:00 GMT

This is the most strained Canadian-Chinese relations have been in years. How did we get here? David Mulroney, former ambassador to China, and James Moore, former Minister of Industry, join OPPO to shed some light on what's going on.

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Ep.20 - Where's Jagmeet Singh? He's On OPPO!

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 04:09:00 GMT

Where are the NDP? On OPPO, of course. Jagmeet Singh gives us the rundown on party policy, his plans to not lose a by-election and the federal one, and how he'd get along with Trump.

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Ep.19 - All I Want For Christmas Is A New Justice Minister

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 04:58:00 GMT

How could Canadian politics be better in 2019? OPPO presents our top 10 wishes for the new year.

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Ep.18 - OPPO Flop House

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Zdravstvuj! OPPO turns its piercing focus on to the spectre haunting Canada in this look at the state of the left across the country.

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Ep.17 - The Fascists Are Calling From Inside The House

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 06:07:00 GMT

What is going on with conservatives across the country? And what the hell is Stephen Harper doing on the Ben Shapiro show?

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Ep.16 - The Canadian Military's Radicalism Problem

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 04:33:00 GMT

We talk with Mack Lamoureux about the ongoing problem of the far-right in the Canadian Armed Forces and what the military is doing about it. And should David Frum have debated Steve Bannon at the Munk Debates?

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Ep. 15 - Sure Climate Change Is Bad, But Do We Need Florida?

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 04:20:00 GMT

Well if nobody else is going to talk about the IPCC report on our impending doom, we guess we will. Justin sits down with MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, the most outspoken member of the Liberal caucus. And is Andrew Scheer really going to make us keep talking about pot?

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Ep.14 - The Liberals Are Doing An Awful Job On Justice

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 04:15:00 GMT

A look at the state of justice in Canada, as explained by the fervour over a convicted killer's move to a healing lodge and the utter failure of the Liberals to enact judicial reform.

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Ep. 13 - CAQ-Blocked

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 03:45:00 GMT

This fall's Québec election might be a vital indicator of what's to come in federal politics. We take a deep plonge into the issues at hand, and then discuss the Governor General's scandale d'estime. Oh, and Doug Ford posed for a picture with a white supremacist.

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Ep.12 - Weekend At Bernier's

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 03:00:00 GMT

They're baaaaack! Jen and Justin catch you up on what's been happening with NAFTA, Maxime Bernier, pipelines, and more.

Also, we reveal the real author of the NY Times op-ed.

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Ep.11 - This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things: The Year In Review

Tue, 26 Jun 2018 03:30:00 GMT

The honeymoon for Trudeau's honeymoon is over. We take a look at the batshit year that was, and leave things in a light and summery mood by discussing child detention.

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Ep.10 - Why'd You NAFTA Go And Make Things So Complicated?

Tue, 12 Jun 2018 06:58:00 GMT

Who invited Donald Trump to Justin Trudeau's nice party? He arrived late and hung over, skipped meetings, vomited in the plants, hid a fish in the air ducts, left early, and then complained about it. How in all of God's green pastures could he be right about any of his trade policy?

Come along with us on a journey deep into the exotic and decidedly erotic nuances of supply management. You won't regret it.

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Ep.9 - Ontario Election Spectacular!

Tue, 29 May 2018 03:38:00 GMT

Ford scandals! Wynne gaffes! Horwath ... is doing pretty well.

We cover it all in our all-out, deep, deep, immersive, up-close, engaging, incisive, and penetrating look at how Ontario has been chewing its foot off to escape the snare of the provincial election.

And since he was excluded from the formal debates, we welcome the leader of the Green Party of Ontario, Mike Schreiner, in an EXCLUSIVE* interview.

*Interview may not, in actuality, be exclusive.

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Ep.8 - Quebec Explained and Antagonizing David Frum

Tue, 15 May 2018 03:55:00 GMT

Everything you've ever wanted to know about Quebec. Everything. And we attempt to answer the question: what the hell is David Frum doing on OPPO?

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Ep.7 - Convicted Criminal, Fraudster, Financial Bandit

Tue, 01 May 2018 06:04:00 GMT

We tear into the Liberals' "convention," call the chaplain for NAFTA, finally solve Alberta's David Suzuki problem, and sit down with Bill Browder, the man behind the Magnitsky Act.

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Ep.6 - Decentralized Hot Mess

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 03:45:00 GMT

You've got a better shot getting a drink than information from the government's open data infrastructure, Jason Kenney goes full (okay, not full) Mel Gibson, and an interview with Jocelyn Coulon, whose new book explains what's wrong with Trudeau's foreign policy.

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Ep.5 - Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sussex Street?

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 04:02:00 GMT

Guns! Abortion! Now more OPPO than ever!

Jen and Justin take on firearm legislation and the summer jobs funding attestation before asking Ontario NDP candidate Marit Stiles how her party plans on not losing in this election.

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Ep.4 - Counter-PsyOps is a Good Place to Start

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 23:01:00 GMT

Could the NDP actually win in Ontario? Will we ever reach a consensus on carbon tax vs. cap and trade? And what role will Canada play in the New Cold War?

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Ep.3 - Oh Great, A Trade War

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Trump might lead us into a trade war, Big Tobacco wants your sympathy, the federal budget misses the mark on gender equality and we get some much-needed facts on Sikh politics

Featuring Xtra reporter Arshy Mann.

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Ep.2 - Patrick Brown Goes Full Sh**storm

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 02:40:00 GMT

Patrick Brown's apeshit strategy, Justin Trudeau promises Indigenous people a New Deal, and could Trump happen here?

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So about those Justin Trudeau rumours...

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 03:31:00 GMT

Jen Gerson vs. Justin Ling on the dubious Trudeau scandal buzz, the revenge of Jenni Byrne, the nation's obsession with pipelines, and the Iran protests that everyone forgot about.

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