Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Backbench

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)

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

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.

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

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.

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

 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

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

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, 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.

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

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: Matthew Holmes

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

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

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, 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.

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

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: 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

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

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

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, 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.

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:

• 'Dude, I'm Done': When Politics Tears Families And Friendships Apart | NPR
• Friendship in divided times: People don't want to argue with you as much as you think | BBC
• It is okay to lose friends due to politics | Johns Hopkins

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

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

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, 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.

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

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: 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

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

Head to policyme.com and find a Health & Dental plan that actually fits your life, and

really only takes 5 minutes to apply.

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, 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.

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

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: 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: 

Visit fizz.ca to learn more about Fizz and its long list of added-value features. 

That's fizz dot ca and activate a first plan using the referral code CAN25 to get 25$ off and 10GB of free data. 

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

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, 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.

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

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: Adelina Iftene

Background reading:

• Man known to Toronto police faces 100+ charges in crime spree – City News
• Federal government proposes stricter bail system in new bill – CBC News
• Repeat violent offenders set to spend more time in custody as feds approve bail reform bill – CBC News
• Randall Denley: Ontario can't get tough on crime until it gets tough on court delays – National Post
• Most Canadians feel as safe or safer than 10 years ago, Nanos poll finds. Conservative voters are another story – CTV
• Mark Carney’s Liberals release plan to fight crime, protect Canadians, and build safer communities

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 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.

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, 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.

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

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: 

Background reading:

• How a political rookie wore out two pairs of shoes to unseat Pierre Poilievre | Globe and Mail
• Re-elected Alberta MP steps down, allowing Pierre Poilievre to step up | CBC
• Carleton was Poilievre's riding to lose. When he did, it came as a shock to many | CBC
• The Think Tank: Only Boomers are really concerned about Trump this election | The Hub

Sponsors: 

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. 

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.

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, 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.

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

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: 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.

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, 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.

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:

• Home Slice: A Sault Pizza Documentary
• Northern hockey association adopts rules of conduct for players during hotel stays
• Jordan Nolan Instagram
• Turtles five feet across! Early animal oddities that made the Sault . . . er . . . famous
• Facebook: Idiots of Sault Ste Marie
• Facebook: Are We Dating The Same Guy? | Sudbury / North Bay / Sault Ste Marie Ontario

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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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)

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

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

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 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.

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, 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.

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. 

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

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

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

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)

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: 

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

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, 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.

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

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)

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, 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.

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

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

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)

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

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

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. 

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, 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.

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

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)

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

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

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

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: Martin Patriquin, Philippe J. Fournier

Further Reading on Our Website

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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

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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

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: Ryan Broderick

Further Reading On Our Website

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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

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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

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: Luke Savage

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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

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: 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 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

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: 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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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

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: Michael Wernick

Background reading:

• How a ballooning public sector is reshaping Canada’s economy - The Globe and Mail
• Attrition is the 'worst way' to shrink federal public service, says former clerk - Yahoo News
• Opinion: Canada can learn from Trump and cut its bloated bureaucracy - The Globe and Mail
• Poilievre says he wants to cut the federal public service, doesn't mind remote work - CBC News
• What does Justin Trudeau's departure mean for federal public servants? - CBC News

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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

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: Jeff Kirstein, Adam Brierley, Kacee Vasudeva

Background reading:

• These industries would be hit hardest by Trump's 25 per cent tariffs - DiscoverHumboldt.com
• Trump has a 'good talk' with Trudeau — then calls again for Canada to become 51st state
• Mexico president says U.S. tariffs on her country delayed for 1 month
• Defence minister accelerates 2% NATO spending timeline to 2027 amid pressure from Trump

Photo credit: Presidencia de la República Mexicana via Flickr

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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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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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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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Our latest investigation, The Copernic Affair, launches tomorrow on the Canadaland Investigates feed. Follow The Copernic Affair wherever you get your podcasts: https://canadaland.lnk.to/copernic-affair 

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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

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: 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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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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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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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:

• Federal deficit balloons to $61.9B as government tables economic update on chaotic day in Ottawa  – CBC
• Trudeau taps Dominic LeBlanc to serve as finance minister after Chrystia Freeland's shock resignation | CBC 
• Chrystia Freeland’s years of loyalty culminate in a humiliating and tragic end | Globe and Mail
• Freeland’s grenade brings crisis on top of crisis to a flailing Trudeau government | Globe and Mail

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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

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: 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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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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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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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

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: Ryan Jespersen, Mel Woods

Background reading:

• Alberta Bill of Rights 
• Premier Danielle Smith announces plan to reinforce vaccine choice in Alberta Bill of Rights - CBC News
• Things ‘more intense’ since Alberta policies dropped, says mom of trans kid - Xtra Magazine
• Canada Post, union to return to bargaining Monday after federal government appoints special mediator - Toronto Star
• Why Canada’s changing its immigration system

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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, 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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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:

• UN rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories says she was ‘snubbed’ by Canadian government - Toronto Star
• Canada refuses to comment on US sale of Canadian-made weapons to Israel - Al Jazeera
• Calls mount for Canada to bar UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese over antisemitic remarks - National Post 
• UN special rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories holds news conference
• 30 Jewish Organizations: We Support UN Human Rights Rapporteur Francesca Albanese 

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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

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: 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

Sponsors: 

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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

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: Zach Beauchamp

Background reading:

• Is Pierre Poilievre the Canadian version of Donald Trump? - Vox
• Some Liberal MPs issue a deadline to Trudeau: make up your mind to stay or go by Oct. 28 - CBC
• Trudeau hits date set by Liberal MPs to respond to caucus letter - Global News
• The Reactionary Spirit by Zack Beauchamp

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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.

Be part of the solution to Canada’s journalism crisis. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get 3 months of perks and benefits for free. 

Canada needs rigorous, deeply reported independent journalism now more than ever. Go to canadaland.com/join to become a yearly Canadaland Supporter today and get three months of perks and benefits for free.  

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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 

Sponsors: 

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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

Sponsors: 

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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, 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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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:

• Trudeau should expect criticism at NATO summit over defence spending - Ottawa Citizen
• The Organizations Behind Canada’s Most Quoted Military Experts - The Maple
• State of Canadian Armed Forces' combat readiness growing worse, government report warns - CBC News
• Thinking the 'unthinkable': NATO wants Canada and allies to gear up for a conventional war - CBC News
• Defence industry rep says Canada on ‘hamster wheel’ of red tape as ammo contracts fail to materialize  - Ottawa Citizen

Sponsors: 

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If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad-free, including early releases and bonus content, 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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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:

• Canada Abstains from United Nations General Assembly resolution on Admission of new Members to the United Nations
• Government MPs presented a motion to study Palestinian statehood at committee, sources say  - CBC News
• Ottawa-based company is key to keeping Israeli warplanes bombing Gaza - The Breach
• Israel ‘on a high’ after Nasrallah killing, as mood for an invasion grows - Al Jazeera
• Liberal staffers pull support for party in Montreal byelection, citing government's stance on Gaza - CBC News

Sponsors: 

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If you value this podcast, Support us! You’ll get premium access to all our shows ad-free, including early releases and bonus content, 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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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:

• 'I'm right here, bro': Singh, Poilievre have tense exchange during question period | CBC News
• Justin Trudeau ‘unleashed’ is the Liberals’ new weapon - Toronto Star
• House Speaker calls on MPs to improve behaviour after rowdy question period last week - CBC News

Sponsors: 

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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, 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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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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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:

• Liberal Housing Plan
• UN report on Canada's temporary foreign workers details the many ways they've been abused - CBC News
• Housing minister denies he ignored warning about immigration levels and housing supply - National Post
• Feds identify 56 government properties for conversion to affordable housing - CP24

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

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, 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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