Explore every episode of the podcast 10/3: Canada Covered

Questions are being asked after a father and son were arrested on terror charges in Ontario. The pair were nabbed earlier this month and now MPs are planning hearings to determine how the immigration system let in people who were ultimately charged with plotting a terrorist act. Toronto Sun politics reporter Bryan Passifiume joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss what we know about the case so far, the political fallout for the government, and what upcoming parliamentary hearings hope to uncover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada is once again on the hunt for a new candidate to head Human Rights Commission after the feds’ pick agreed to resign this week. National Post politics reporter Stephanie Taylor joins the show to walk us through the controversy around the hiring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many, the death of notorious killer Robert Pickton marks the end of a dark chapter in Canadian history, but for others, it leaves justice and closure out of reach, as Vancouver Sun reporter Lori Culbert discusses with Dave Breakenridge. Background reading: B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton viciously attacked in prison, clinging to life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For most Canadians, we think nothing of the ability to wake up and open social media apps on our phones, log onto our laptops for work, or tune into high-definition streaming on our TVs. But in Canada, that is not the reality for many people.  For people living in remote areas, or living on low incomes, the simple act of accessing the internet is either too slow, too expensive, or not available.  Jessica Mundie, the 2022 recipient Michelle Lang Fellowship in Journalism, joins the show to discuss why it’s so hard for some Canadians to access the internet, who is most affected and what the federal government is doing to try to remedy the problem Background reading: Inaccessible, unreliable, unaffordable: The struggle to get internet in rural Canada Read the whole Left Behind series here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal government is expected this year to unveil the much talked about “Just Transition” legislation. The concept has been the subject of much controversy in recent weeks, with Alberta and its oil industry expected to be greatly affected by the plan But what does it entail? Calgary Herald business columnist Chris Varcoe joins the show to discuss what Just Transition is, how many jobs it could affect, and what industry has to say about it. Background reading: Ottawa's 'just transition' rhetoric adds to oilpatch labour crunch As Alberta oil output hits record heights, Smith warns federal emissions cap will shut-in production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada has allowed medical assistance in dying for more than five years now, but the issue has remained charged as the law continues to change. An increase in requests for the practice means providers are stretched thin, and there is an ongoing debate around expanding MAID to include mental illnesses. National Post Health Reporter Sharon Kirkey joins the show to discuss why there is a growing backlog of MAID patients, the debate over expanding the practice and why controversy over whether doctors should be bringing it up before patients do. Background reading: Canada's expanding MAID program leading to a crisis in supply of 'willing' doctors Canadian doctors encouraged to bring up medically assisted death before their patients do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world of online dating and dating apps have opened up a potentially vast network of possible matches. But as technology changes, and expectations for what makes a good partner change, the dating landscape can be even trickier to navigate. National Post reporter, and producer of this podcast, Tyler Dawson joins the show to discuss how the language of dating has changed, what challenges single Canadians face, and why it leads to some people feeling lonelier than before. Background reading: What's your attachment style? How the language of dating — and screening — has changed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brenda Lucki’s time as commissioner of the RCMP has been eventful, to say the least. She entered the post four years ago as the RCMP was confronting issues of workplace harassment, the treatment of Indigenous peoples, racism, and a need for internal reform, but things really came to a head in 2022. National post reporter Adrian Humphreys joins the show to discuss Lucki’s high-profile testimony at two public inquiries, apologies and calls for her resignation, and whether she could see her contract renewed in 2023. Background reading: 'A wounded leader': Inside RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki's terrible year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to the public service, how do women fare compared to men, especially in higher-ranking positions? Is headway being made when it comes to breaking the glass ceiling? New analysis out of B.C. shows that there’s still a way to go. Lori Culbert and Nathan Griffiths from the Vancouver Sun join the show to discuss their detailed analysis of 125,000 public servants’ salaries, how women stack up against men, especially in senior positions, and what some feel the solution needs to be. Background reading: List of B.C.'s 100 highest-paid public servants reveals it's still a rich man's world Most teachers are women, most school bosses are men Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the city’s most high-profile killing since the death of Tina Fontaine, Winnipeg has been rocked by the serial murders of four Indigenous women earlier this year. And there is controversy around the police investigation and whether enough is being done to recover their remains from an area landfill. Winnipeg Sun reporter Glen Dawkins joins the show to discuss the investigation, what we know so far about the accused killer, and how this tragedy has strained relations between the police and the community. Background reading: Smyth has no plans to resign, police considering outside help in landfill search Calls to search Manitoba landfills for murder victims sent to Ottawa, WPS commits to working group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the main functions of governments, especially local governments, is building stuff.  And that stuff doesn’t get much bigger than mass transit projects. But what happens when those projects are hit with delays, operational problems, or even safety issues? Ottawa Citizen reporter Blair Crawford and Edmonton Journal columnist Keith Gerein join me to discuss problems two major LRT projects in Canada, a scathing review into one of them, and how these issues could make it harder to get public buy-in on similar projects in the future. Background reading: Report blames failures in leadership, 'deliberate malfeasance' for LRT troubles Keith Gerein: Ottawa's LRT debacle may hold lessons for Edmonton's Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After months of build-up, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith finally unveiled the legislation that was key to her leadership win. The Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act may have had a softer name than initially proposed, but it was met with controversy over how it would operate. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins the show to discuss what’s in the new bill, why some aspects of it have forced the Smith government to walk it back, and how it could be applied to federal law. Background reading: Vindicated! Smith under fire, UCP retools sovereignty act Bell: Danielle Smith misses her Ralph Klein moment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside has long dealt with social issues stemming from homelessness and addiction, and to many, the situation has only gotten worse. Social agencies are feeling the strain, and the public is pressuring politicians to do more to solve the problem. Vancouver Sun columnist Douglas Todd joins the show to discuss why there’s a feeling that the problems are worse than ever, the new B.C. premier’s controversial proposals to address some of the issues, and how public compassion could be failing the people in the Downtown Eastside. Background reading: Douglas Todd: Why compassion is failing Vancouver’s most distressed neighbourhood David Eby's bold plan to take ownership of the DTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Several years of dry conditions have Alberta facing a potential drought not seen in a generation, with tinder-dry grasslands and forests threatening farms, the water supply, and raising fears about fires, prompting officials to take measures to mitigate water shortages, Tyler Dawson discusses why Alberta is so dry and what officials are doing to try to mitigate any water shortages. Background reading: Alberta’s drought shaping up to be ‘worse than we saw in the 1920s, 1930s’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the course of six weeks of testimony, Canadians heard from police and municipal officials in Ottawa, provincial representatives and even from organizers of the so-called Freedom Convoy that occupied the capital for weeks earlier this year. This was all building to the appearance by senior members of Justin Trudeau’s cabinet, and the PM himself, as they looked to justify the government’s use of the Emergencies Act to dismantle what had become a disruptive protest. In the second of a special two-part look at the Emergencies Act inquiry, National Post political reporters Chris Nardi and Ryan Tumilty join the show to discuss how intelligence officials viewed the convoy, how blockades at the border in Alberta and Ontario changed the conversation, and how, ultimately, ministers explained the government’s actions.  Background reading: As Emergencies Act inquiry closes, commissioner says he has the evidence he needs 'No confidence' in police plan: Trudeau says he had no alternative to Emergencies Act Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was the Freedom Convoy a threat to public safety when it occupied downtown Ottawa earlier this year? Was the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act justified? Did Ottawa drop the ball in planning for the convoy’s arrival? These are just some of the questions arising from six weeks of testimony before the Public Order Emergency Commission and Justice Paul Rouleau. In the first of a special two-part episode, National Post political reporters Chris Nardi and Ryan Tumilty join the show to discuss what the inquiry into the use of the emergencies act looked at, how it has shown how unprepared police were to handle the convoy, and what that lack of preparedness meant in the overall response to the occupation. Background reading: Lack of 'coherent plan' from Ottawa police made RCMP, OPP 'reluctant' to help them with protest: Bill Blair Emergencies Act was helpful but 'not necessary' to clear Freedom Convoy: Ontario deputy solicitor general Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to reports, intelligence officials have warned the prime minister that China covertly funded candidates in the 2019 election. While it’s not clear yet who these candidates were, it’s not the first time the Chinese regime has tried to influence our politics, and apparently not illegal. National Post columnists Terry Glavin joins the show to discuss how this funding works, the extent of other forms of foreign influence in our politics, and why attempts to address it have been stymied.  Background reading: What's it going to take for the Liberals to crack down on Chinese subterfuge? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada’s men’s soccer team is playing in its first FIFA World Cup in 36 years, only the second time we’ve qualified for the event. And, unlike 1986, when we didn’t manage to win a game, this group is looking to put Canada on the world soccer map. Postmedia national soccer writer Derek Van Diest, who is in Qatar for the World Cup, joins the show to discuss Canada’s road to get there, how well we could presumably do, and some of the controversies hanging over FIFA and the event.  Background reading: Canada look to defy odds again against Belgium at FIFA World Cup 2022 FIFA WORLD CUP PREVIEW: A look back at history of tournament Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it’s politicians or health professionals or even average Canadians, most people will tell you health care in Canada is struggling. While there are many friction points, whether its the strain from the COVID-19 pandemic, staff burnout, or funding, getting at the solutions has proven challenging. Freelance writer Mark Hill, who is part of a joint project between the National Post and the Hub looking at the problems plaguing health care in Canada, joins the show to discuss what’s at the core of the problems, how changing expectations in health care affect the system, and where Canada should look to for solutions. Background reading: The big fix: Canada’s health system is melting down. Is ‘liberalized’ care the answer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canadians have been hit by rising costs, whether it’s housing, gas prices or even food. But what happens when government policy is helping drive some of those increases? National Post columnist Jesse Kline joins the show to discuss how supply management in the dairy industry is affecting consumers, how it ties into inflation, and whether the federal government is planning on making any changes.  Background reading: Jesse Kline: Don't tell us you care about the high cost of living if you're not willing to end supply management Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For many, the notion of Canada’s war dead is an abstract concept of tens of thousands of lives lost to history. But behind the numbers are stories of people who gave their lives in our country’s name, and to mark Remembrance Day, journalists in Ottawa will try to provide a picture of the life of one of the nearly 120,000 Canadian war dead. Ottawa Citizen reporter Andrew Duffy joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss how the We Are the Dead project came to be, how they’ll set out to tell the story of one fallen soldier, and why retelling these stories is so important. Background reading: We Are The Dead: An appeal for help in honouring one of Canada's fallen soldiers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

B.C.’s government has made major changes to the way family doctors are paid, with the hope of attracting and retaining medical professionals in that province. But will it help attract enough talent to address severe waits to see a GP in B.C.? Katie DeRosa, who covers provincial politics for the Vancouver Sun and The Province, joins the show to discuss the nature of the changes, why this new system is preferred among doctors, and whether it could increase competition between provinces to attract talent. Background reading: B.C.'s new payment model for family doctors could lure out-of-province physicians Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New legislation in Saskatchewan could shake up relations between provinces and the feds. The Saskatchewan First Act, unveiled Nov. 1 seeks to assert provincial jurisdiction over resources, and to protect the province from the costs of federal environmental policies. Jeremy Simes, who covers politics for the Regina Leader-Post, joins the show to discuss why the government is bringing this law in now, what it hopes the act will accomplish, and whether it’s constitutional. Background reading: Saskatchewan First Act seeks to amend constitution, establish new tribunal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The legalization of cannabis in Canada gave people the freedom to choose to consume without fear of arrest or prosecution, and created a new economic driver. But four years later, legacy growers are feeling left out, and the legal market is still in competition with illicit sales. National Post political reporter Bryan Passifiume joins the show to discuss how big the sector has become, why some who were in the business before legalization have faced hurdles, and what’s keeping the black market in business. Background reading: Four years after legalization, illegal cannabis market still thriving in Canada Red tape, barriers keeping BC's 'legacy' craft pot farmers out of legal marketplace Liberals finally begin year-late pot-legalization review with focus on race and the environment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The parents of a young University of Victoria student who died from a fatal overdose in a university residence are seeking answers and changes, citing concerns about the handling of the 911 call and the delay in administering Naloxone. Vancouver Sun reporter Lori Culbert discusses the events surrounding the student's death, the perceived systemic failures, and the responses from the university and provincial government. Background reading: B.C. promising changes after preventable overdose death of University of Victoria student Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Upstart political party A Better City Vancouver won a commanding victory in this month’s municipal election, in part for its approach to tackling the city’s crime problem. But despite Ken Sim’s historic win as mayor, some are skeptical of his central campaign plank. Dan Fumano, city columnist for the Vancouver Sun and The Province, joins the show to discuss how ABC Vancouver managed such a resounding win, why Sim’s crime plan is raising eyebrows, and what the supermajority means for the city. Background reading: Easy as ABC — How an upstart party took over Vancouver city hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Danielle Smith’s tenure as Alberta premier has been dogged by controversy in its first few weeks. She has had to walk back controversies around comments on vaccines and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine even as she tries to set a new course for the United Conservative government in advance of a spring election. Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell joins the show to discuss Smith’s early controversies, what factions in the party she’s appealing to, and how that may shape the coming election campaign. Background reading: Danielle Smith — 'I'm not for turning' Danielle Smith, UCP the day after and the Wildrose is back! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Testimony is ongoing at the inquiry into the Trudeau government’s use of the Emergencies Act to dismantle a convoy of truckers and other affiliated groups that blockaded downtown Ottawa for a month earlier this year. The first several days of testimony have largely focused on city officials and residents, as the commissioner attempts to determine whether the use of the act was justified, and how to prevent similar events from happening again. Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley joins the show to discuss how the testimony has revealed a lack of preparedness on the part of the city officials, why some are playing the blame game, and when we’ll hear from members of the federal government and intelligence agencies. Background reading: Emergencies Act inquiry shows full extent of incompetence in nation's capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid increased concern over China pushing the idea of reunification with Taiwan, American and Canadian delegations have made visits to the country, and have talked of support of officials in Taipei. But how close are we to a possible Chinese invasion of the island, and what happens, in that event? National Post reporter Tom Blackwell, who recently travelled to Taiwan, joins the show to discuss the threat that China poses, why Western countries have an interest in Taiwan, and whether Canada and the US are prepared to provide military support. Background reading: Odds of China invading Taiwan up 'drastically,' government think tank says From transgender minister to front-line island, Taiwan is definitely not China Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After months of controversy surrounding its handling of allegations of sexual assault against some players, the top executive and board of Hockey Canada have left the organization. The changes come following combative testimony before a parliamentary committee looking into the matter, and as some major sponsors have pulled their support of hockey’s governing body. Postmedia national sports columnist Scott Stinson joins the show to discuss the departures, what led up to these changes, and whether it will help start to repair Hockey Canada’s damaged reputation. Background reading: Change finally comes to Hockey Canada, but how much will it come to hockey? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alberta Conservatives elected a new leader, and ultimately the next premier, in Danielle Smith, whose return to provincial politics has so far proven successful. As she is sworn in, she has made party unity a key issue for her in the coming weeks, with plans to meet with MLAs and prepare for the party’s upcoming AGM. Lisa Johnson, who covers provincial politics for the Edmonton Journal, joins the show to discuss Smith’s path to victory, her next challenge of winning a seat in the legislature, and what the public can expect from a Smith-led United Conservative government. Background reading: Smith stresses fight versus Ottawa, party unity after becoming Alberta's 19th premier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than six months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the smaller of the two nations has proven a worthy adversary, forcing back Russian troops and regaining previously held territory. And despite alleged annexation referendums, Russian forces seem unable to hold back Ukrainian advances. National Post columnist Adam Zivo joins me from Odesa to discuss how the war has changed in the last six months, what the mood is like on the ground away from the front lines, and whether there’s a worry about Vladimir Putin’s threats of a nuclear strike. Background reading: Vladimir Putin's coming humiliation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three western provinces are squaring off against the Trudeau government over the enforcement of the planned firearm buyback program. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have all raised objections to the buyback, with Alberta’s justice minister suggesting the province will ask Mounties not to enforce it. National Post political reporter Ryan Tumilty joins the show to discuss what the provinces’ opposition to the buyback is, how the feds have responded, and which level of government ultimately has the upper hand when it comes to the RCMP and federal gun laws. Background reading: Two more provinces join in opposition to gun buyback program that 'unnecessarily targets lawful gun owners' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The tragic events that saw 10 people killed in rural Saskatchewan over the Labour Day weekend will get a full public inquest. Saskatchewan’s coroner has announced that in the name of transparency, an inquest will be held next year into the deadly stabbing spree in Weldon and James Smith Cree Nation. Regina Leader Post reporter Larissa Kurz joins Dave to discuss what the inquest will hope to uncover, who will hear evidence, and why the chief coroner says it’s important to conduct this investigation. Background reading: Inquests will be held into all deaths stemming from tragedy at James Smith and Weldon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The post-pandemic economic recovery has brought with it a return to business as usual for many Canadians. But while that’s generally good news, it has also meant a record number of jobs going unfilled, with many sectors unable to operate at capacity due to vacancies. Kevin Carmichael, editor-in-chief of the Financial Post, joins the show to discuss why we’re seeing such high numbers of job vacancies, what it could mean for wage growth in Canada, and what impact that could have on inflation. Background reading: Persistent labour shortages may prove a bittersweet victory for workers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly 50 years after two teen girls and two women were killed in the Calgary area, RCMP in Alberta say they’ve identified the man responsible.  Police say Gary Allen Srery entered Canada after a violent past in the U.S. and committed the killings. He died while serving a sentence for rape in Idaho.   Edmonton Journal courts and crime reporter Jonny Wakefield and Calgary Herald reporter Steven Wilhelm join the podcast to discuss the murders, how police used genetic genealogy to link Srery to the crimes, why police say there could be more victims, and what the break in the case means to families.   Background reading: RCMP link Calgary murders to American suspected serial killer who died in prison; believe there are more victims Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Quebec’s election may be all but a done deal, with Francois Legault’s party holding a sizable polling lead over his opponents, it’s far from a sleeper election. Less than two weeks out from voting day and we’ve seen a race that upends traditional patterns of support, and has focused on controversial issues around languages, immigration and notions of freedom. National Post columnist Tasha Kheiriddin joins the show to discuss how Legault has managed to change the power dynamic in Quebec, why the Conservatives are a growing force, and how this election could have ramifications at the federal level. Background reading: Tasha Kheiriddin: Quebec election has profound implications for the rest of Canada Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of Canadians at some point or another have suffered from depression, and sought out treatment. Now, a controversial new study has poked a very large hole in long-held notions around depression and anti-depressants. National Post health reporter Sharon Kirkey joins host Dave Breakenridge to discuss how widespread depression is, what this new study says about the relationship between anti-depressants and depression, and what it could mean for people currently getting treatment, or those seeking it out. Background reading: Doctors have stopped believing that 'chemical imbalance' causes depression. They didn't tell us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the days since the death of Queen Elizabeth, plans for what is expected to be a monumental memorial have been unfolding. With the queen now lying in state in London, attention is focused on her funeral on Monday at Westminster Abbey. Toronto Sun columnist Christina Blizzard joins me to discuss what will happen in the lead-up to the funeral and the day itself, and what is next for the monarchy under the reign of King Charles. Background reading: What now for King Charles III and the Royals? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pierre Poilievre’s first-ballot victory in the Conservative leadership race shows a party more unified than the campaign may have led many to believe. The new opposition leader now faces a tall order: unite his caucus to present a government in waiting in order to beat the Trudeau Liberals in the next election, whenever that may come. National Post political reporter Catherine Levesque joins me to discuss Poilievre’s win, what his message was to Canadians in his first speech as leader, and what comes next for the party.  Background reading: Poilievre says 'Canadians are hurting', promises to transform 'hurt into hope' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The manhunt for the last remaining suspect in a series of stabbing attacks in Saskatchewan ended with the capture and death of Myles Sanderson. This brought an end to a horrific series of events that saw 12 people, including the two suspects, killed, and nearly 20 people sent to hospital. Prior to the arrest, host Dave Breakenridge caught up with Saskatoon Star Phoenix reporter Zak Vescera to discuss how the tragedy unfolded, what we know about the victims, and the looming controversy over Myles Sanderson’s release on parole earlier this year. Background reading: 'Collective sigh of relief': Stabbings suspect Myles Sanderson dead after highway pursuit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a province facing concerns over health care, education, and what to do with a booming oil-based budget surplus, the race to replace Jason Kenney as United Conservative Party and premier has largely focused on one major issue: Alberta’s autonomy. The discussion about various ways to advance Alberta’s place in Confederation was once again front and centre at the final leadership debate in Edmonton. National Post reporter Tyler Dawson joins the program to discuss Tuesday’s debate, whether anyone appears to have gained any ground on front-runner Danielle Smith, and why the issue of autonomy, or sovereignty, has been such a looming presence. Background reading: Final UCP leadership debate focuses on same issues that ended Kenney's term: Alberta autonomy and COVID-19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the deaths of thousands of elderly Canadians from coast to coast. But four of those deaths, from a small community hospital in eastern Ontario, are being treated as a murder investigation. Ottawa Citizen reporter Aedan Helmer joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the doctor behind the accusations, who the victims are and what we know about the case so far. Background reading: OPP lay three more first-degree murder charges against doctor in deaths at Hawkesbury hospital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As hospitals across the country face staffing shortages, ward closures and increasing wait times, several premiers had a summit with a federal minister to address healthcare reform. Premiers from Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI sat down with the intergovernmental affairs minister this week to discuss possible solutions. National Post political reporter Bryan Passifiume joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss some of the main issues raised at the summit, what premiers want to see from the federal government, and what the next steps are to address the problems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A year after the Taliban took back control of Afghanistan, thousands of Afghans who helped Canadians during the war are still stuck in the country. Many are living in hiding, fearful of the repercussions they and their families could face if they’re found. National Post reporter Tom Blackwell joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how precarious the situation is for our allies in Afghanistan, why there’s a delay in getting them out, and what the federal government says they’re doing to help. Background reading: On the run and hiding in a hole: Thousands of Afghans who helped Canada still facing Taliban vengeance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Papal visit to Canada was seen by many as an important step on the path to reconciliation. But did Pope Francis’s apology for the Catholic Church’s role in residential schools go far enough? And in the grand scheme of things, does it make a difference? Doug Cuthand, Indigenous affairs columnist for the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and Regina Leader-Post joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss the significance of the visit, what the Church needs to do now, and what role the federal government has to play going forward. Background reading: Cuthand: Pope's Canadian visit prompts mixed Indigenous reactions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the UK or Australia, political leaders often lose their positions during party crises. However, in Canada, it's typically the voters who decide a leader's fate. National Post columnist Tristin Hopper speaks with Dave Breakenridge about why Canadian parties tend to stick with struggling leaders and the implications for Justin Trudeau amid declining polls. Background reading: Why Canadian prime ministers always stay well past their expiration date Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A group of patients have launched a charter challenge to help them get access to what they say is life-saving treatment of psilocybin mushrooms. Psilocybin, more commonly referred to as magic mushrooms, is seen as a way to treat extreme cases of anxiety and depression. Sam Riches, who writes for the National Post and the GrowthOp, joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why psilocybin is seen as a viable treatment in these cases, how hard it is to access, and why these patients are suing the government. Background reading: Canadian patients fighting for psilocybin access sue federal government Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The governing body for hockey in Canada is facing a lot of scrutiny for how it handled the investigation into, and settling of, an alleged sexual assault involving some members of the 2018 world junior team. Sponsors have pulled funding, and executives have appeared before members of parliament to answer questions, but many are wondering what it will take to make systemic change to the organization that governs the game from the grassroots to the elite level. Postmedia national sports writer Scott Stinson joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss how these allegations, and others, came to light, what Hockey Canada has pledged to do going forward, and how that may not be enough. Background reading: Scott Stinson: Latest Hockey Canada revelations only add to the strong whiff of a coverup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a new federal Conservative leader is elected September 10, will the party rally behind the leader, or will it come out of this contest showing fractures? A moderate group of Conservatives is looking to highlight some more mainstream policies during the campaign, but some within the party feel it’s a shot at perceived front-runner Pierre Poilievre. National Post political reporter Catherine Levesque joins Dave Breakenridge to discuss why this group is organizing, what issues they’re advancing, and what we can expect in the homestretch of the leadership contest. Background reading: As 'moderate' Conservatives meet, suspicions of anti-Poilievre plotting grow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices