Welcome, friends, to another episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show.

Don't forget to follow us and subscribe here robbreakenridge.ca, which is where the podcast is hosted. You can find us now on Apple Podcasts, as well as Spotify, Amazon Music, and our YouTube channel.

Plenty to cover on this episode, including an overview of what was billed as a very significant and consequential First Ministers’ Meeting in Saskatoon Monday. Might there actually be some consensus on new pipelines? We’ll hear what both Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith had to say.

Also, a fair amount of focus on the issue of internal trade barriers, including a new memorandum of understanding between Alberta and Ontario. We’ll discuss a very timely new analysis from the Montreal Economic Institute, that quantifies the tremendous boost to the Canadian economy resulting from the removal of internal trade barriers. We’ll speak with the author of that report, U of C economist Trevor Tombe.

Another timely new report - this one courtesy of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, and it has a closer examination of the relationship between Alberta and Ottawa and what’s led to a rise of frustration and alienation in the west. The report’s authors argue that for too long, Ottawa has trampled over provincial jurisdiction. We’ll speak with one of the report’s authors former Alberta Energy Minister Sonya Savage

Plus, some analysis of what’s happening with global oil prices and what it all means for Canadian energy companies, future production increases, and the need for new pipeline infrastructure in the years ahead. We’ll be joined by commodity analyst Rory Johnston. He's with . Some great insight on what's happening on oil markets. And I wanna talk about what's going on with the price of oil, what it means for Alberta's bottom line, but also what it means for just production in Alberta, investments in Alberta. So we'll talk about oil prices, oil production.

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Rob Breakenridge Show Episode 4: Fixing housing policy, cutting taxes, and containing measles in Alberta - Conversations with economist Mike Moffatt, CTF's Franco Terrazano, and former Alberta CMOH Dr. Mark Joffe

Don’t forget, you can subscribe here on our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

00:00 Introduction and welcome

02:20 Housing Crisis in Canada

08:35 Interview with Mike Moffatt

27:08 Shifts in Tax Policy Under Prime Minister Mark Carney

29:52 Interview with Franco Terrazano

47:17 Alberta Measles Outbreak

48:26 Interview with Dr. Mark Joffe

59:40 Wrap up

Rob Breakenridge Show Episode 3: Canada's King opens Parliament, What to do with Canada Post, and Celebrating Canada's Highway .

Rob welcomes constitutional expert Philippe Lagassé, business & management professor Ian Lee, and author & history buff Craig Baird ("Canada's Main Street: The Epic Story of The Trans-Canada Highway") to the show

Don’t forget, you can subscribe here on our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube (hopefully soon on Apple Podcasts)

Episode 2 of the Rob Breakenridge Show, featuring interviews with Richard Marceau (Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs), Adam Legge (Business Council of Alberta), Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, and National Post's Tristin Hopper (author - "Don't Be Canada")

00:00 Introduction to Episode 2 of the Rob Breakenridge Show01:26 Interview with Richard Marceau 11:43 Re-cap of the Prime Minister's comments and a look ahead to next week's Throne Speech 20:24 Interview with Adam Legge 36:07 Interview with Naheed Nenshi 59:50 Interview with Tristin Hopper 01:20:33 Wrap Up

Follow us and subscribe at robbreakenridge.ca and at https://www.youtube.com/@RobBreakenridgeShow

Today's guests:

Globe & Mail columnist Andrew Coyne on his new book "The Crisis of Canadian Democracy"

Western Standard publisher and president Derek Fildebrandt on Alberta politics and the separatist movement

Bob Plamondon on his new book "Freedom Fighter: John Diefenbaker’s Battle for Canadian Liberties and Independence"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to The Rob Breakenridge Show

02:32 Andrew Coyne interview

02:34 The State of Canadian Democracy

03:28 Challenges and Dysfunction in Governance

03:29 The State of Canadian Democracy

11:25 Crisis of Legitimacy and Accountability

19:16 The Role of Party Leadership and Reform

25:12 Future of Canadian Democracy and Hope for Change

27:15 Derek Fildebrandt interview

36:53 The Political Landscape of Alberta's By-Election

39:53 Independence Movements and Alberta Nationalism

42:45 Danielle Smith's Leadership and Challenges

45:43 The Role of Federal Politics in Alberta's Future

49:01 The Inevitability of Independence Referendum

51:49 Debating Independence: The Future of Alberta

54:48 The Influence of Former Politicians on Independence

01:02:56 Bob Plamondon interview

01:03:53 Reflecting on John Diefenbaker's Legacy

01:06:07 Diefenbaker's Nationalism and Independence

01:08:48 Championing Individual Rights and Freedoms

01:15:18 The Avro Arrow Controversy

01:18:41 Cross-Party Respect and Legacy

01:20:38 Diefenbaker's Longevity in Politics

01:22:34 Lessons for Current Leaders

01:24:50 Podcast wrap-up

keywords

Canadian politics, Alberta independence, democracy crisis, political leadership, trade relations, Canadian history, political parties, federalism, political reform

Thanks for joining us here for another episode of The Rob Breakenridge Show.

It’s been a busy week, we start the episode with a recap the latest drama on the tariff front, as the US has doubled tariffs on steel and aluminum, now up to a whopping 50 per cent.

We then turn our attention to the situation in Ukraine and news of an impressive counterpunch from the Ukrainians against Russia’s strategic bomber fleet. We hear from Marcus Kolga, founder of DisinfoWatch.org

Also, a closer look at the battle over healthcare reform from the perspective of someone who’s been in the trenches for decades. Dr. Brian Day is the author of a new book, entitled- “My Fight for Canadian Healthcare - A Thirty Year Battle to put Patients First.”

Plus, we'll discuss a new study: “Sacred (cash) cows – The urgent need to eliminate supply management.” We’re joined by the report’s author - Dr. Stuart Smyth, professor in the Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan.

Listen on:

Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

On this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show:

A controversial American Christian performer has sparked a debate in Canada over where we draw the line on free speech. Sean Freucht was booked for a string of performances in various Canadian cities, but, things really escalated quickly in the days leading up to this past weekend. The Canadian Constitution Foundation has been closely following developments here, and they’re very concerned about what’s happened - including and especially the response from officials in Montreal. We’ll speak with Christine Van Geyn, CCF litigation director.

Also, we’ll examine the fallout from the verdicts last week in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial. We’ll speak with writer and journalist Scott Stinson about his latest piece on where this all goes from here.

Plus, we’ll have the latest on where things stand on Canada-US trade talks ahead of what we understand to be a looming deadline: Friday, August 1st. We’ll hear what Prime Minister Mark Carney had to say on Monday about the whole situation.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

00:00 Intro & welcome to the show

00:25 Sean Feuucht controversy: Overview and recap

03:29: Christine Van Geyn interview

19:04 Scott Stinson interview

36:29 Trade deal deadline looms / Prime Minister provides update

44:57 Wrap-up & Extro

On this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll take a closer look at gun control in Canada - how the policy shift of 2020 has evolved over the last five years and where things are headed under a new prime minister.

We’ll have a conversation today with JR Cox, CEO of the Edge Group and President of Sterling Arms International.

JR has just learned that due to a change in the RCMP's Firearms Reference Table, the Sterling Arms rifle, known as the R-9, has now been classified as prohibited. This change seemingly came out of nowhere and could devastate his business.

Plus, later in the episode, the latest on an important First Ministers’ meeting in Huntsville, Ontario.. Tuesday morning, the premiers of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario announced an updated memorandum of understanding on building new pipelines. This all comes as the federal government looks to identify projects that would be in the national interest and thus be fast-tracked under the new Building Canada Act - and of course, there’s the added urgency to all of this as a result of the tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

It’s shaping up to be a rather busy and eventful week. We start with the latest out of the G7 Leaders’ Summit taking place in Kananaskis Village right here in Alberta.

We’ll have some further analysis of the situation unfolding with Israel and Iran, which is casting quite a large shadow over the G7 summit. We'll get some perspective on what's happening in Iran as hear from with Kaveh Shahrooz, an Iranian-Canadian human rights lawyer and activist.

We will also have some further analysis on the other security, defense, and foreign policy issues the G7 leaders are confronting at this summit and what it all means for Canada. We'll be joined byr. Rob Huebert, political science professor at the University of Calgary and interim director of the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies

Plus, a closer look at Ottawa's Bill C-5 and in particular the One Canadian Economy Act. What's it all going to mean for Canada's and Alberta's energy developments? We'll hear from Heather Exner-Pirot, a senior fellow and director of Energy, Natural Resources, and the Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.

(00:13) Intro, G7 update

(08:25) Kaveh Shahrooz interview

(20:50) Rob Huebert interview

(40:32) Heather Exner-Pirot interview

(53:06) extro

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

Welcome, friends, to another episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show.

On this episode:

We’ll recap the news this week regarding a possible pipeline proposal that Alberta’s premier says is very close to being able to present to the prime minister.

Meanwhile, more analysis of the energy opportunities and challenges for Alberta and Canada right now. We'll hear from Dennis McConaghy a former top executive at TC Energy. He is also the author of multiple books on Canada’s energy debate and energy future.

We’ll also have a recap of some news out of Ottawa this week - Canada’s auditor-general with some troubling news findings with regard to the ArriveCAN scandal and the awarding of government contracts.

Plus, it’s been five years now since Gabriel Wortman murdered 22 people across two days in northern Nova Scotia, the largest mass murder in Canada’s history. Still, many questions remain about how it all played out over those two days, and what police knew and did before, during, and after the bloodshed. We’ll speak with Paul Palango, author of “Anatomy of a Cover-Up: The Truth about the RCMP and the Nova Scotia Massacres.”

You can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

(00:12) Show introduction

(01:15) New pipeline proposal?

(08:48) Dennis McConaghy interview

(38:21) ArriveCAN latest

(45:56) Paul Palango intervuew

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Rob Breakenridge Show

Plenty to get to on this episode, including a recap of a couple of big announcements from Canada's prime minister.

We’ll discuss BIll C-2, Canada’s new border security legislation, which contains provisions that would seem to go well beyond border security and into the realm of what's known as lawful access. We’ll hear from Dr. Michael Geist, who is a law professor and Canada Research Chair in Interet and E-Commerce Law at the University of Ottawa.

A fascinating new book is challenging some of myths and narratives around vaping and instead makes the case for viewing vaping as a harm reduction tool to help smokers. Dr. Mark Tyndall is a Professor of Medicine at the School of Population and Public Health at UBC, and is author of “Vaping Behind the Smoke and Fears.”

Plus, it’s municipal elections across Alberta this fall. In Calgary, Jeromy Farkas is back for a second run at mayor's chair, and what will be a rematch of four years ago. We’ll speak with Jeromy about his return to politics and his vision for the city.

0:00: Intro, welcome

1:39 Latest News from Ottawa

20:26 Michael Geist interview

35:15 Dr. Mark Tyndall interview

55:41 Jeromy Farkas interview

You can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

Welcome to this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show

Up first, we’ll look at the growing concern and looming deadline around Ottawa’s electric vehicle mandate. Starting next year, 20 per cent of new vehicles sold in Canada must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEV). That threshold grows to 100 per cent by 2035. We’ll hear from Ross McKitrick is a professor of economics at the University of Guelph and a senior fellow at the Fraser Institute

We’ll also talk about Canada’s media landscape as we have a conversation with Peter Menzies - he’s a former publisher of the Calgary Herald and a former CRTC vice-chair. He’s now a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and publishes his own Substack (The Rewrite). We’ll talk the fallout from the departure of a high profile CBC news personality and a renewed debate over bias at the public broadcaster. We’ll also examine the broader question of reforming the mandate of the CBC and whether Ottawa may now be looking at cuts. Plus, what happens now with the various media subsidies and bailouts that originated under Justin Trudeau?

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

00:00 Introduction

00:51 Ottawa faces pressure on its controversial EV mandate

04:45 Ross McKitrick interview

18:11 Peter Menzies interview

32:51 Trade talks update: Tariffs here to stay?

39:33 UK lowers voting age: Will Canada follow suit?

45:50 Extro

Plenty to cover on this episode 16 of the Rob Breakenridge Show.

Up first, the latest on how the federal government is responding (or not responding) to the new tariff threat from U.S. President Donald Trump.

We’ll have a conversation with David Clement from the Consumer Choice Centre about how all of this is bad news for consumers. Specifically, we’ll discuss Canada’s supply management system, and whether it's time to just let it go

A new report from the Macdonald-Laurier Institute makes the case for looking beyond a mere trade agreement with our American neighbour. In arguing for “A Grand Bargain,” suggests tying together issues around trade, energy, border security, and defence. We’ll hear from Institute senior fellow Richard Shimooka

Plus, we’ll discuss protests in Canada and the need for protesters and police to understand rights and understand when and how the law comes into play. To that end, the Canadian Constitution Foundation has released a new guide to safe and legal protest in Canada. We’ll speak with CCF counsel Josh Dehaas.

00:00 Introduction

01:41 Canada's response to Trump's tariff threat: what happened to "elbows up"?

08:18 David Clement interview

22:41 Richard Shimooka interview

42:13 Josh Dehaas interview

55:33 Battle River - Crowfoot byelection update, Poilievre responds to separatists

Plenty to cover in this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show: Just when it seemed Canada and the U.S. were inching toward a trade deal, Donald Trump is threatening massive new tariffs on Canadian goods. We'll have details. Former Alberta Finance Minister Ted Morton says if Alberta really wants to maximize the benefits of referendums, a separation vote won't cut it. We'll find out what he's suggesting instead. Plus, growing concern over growing wait times in Alberta emergency rooms. We'll speak with Dr. Warren Thirsk, head of emergency medicine for the Alberta Medical Association.

00:00 Introduction

01:26 Trump's new tariff threat

06:02 Interview with Ted Morton

25:29 Interview with Dr. Warren Thirsk

Welcome to Episode 14 of the Rob Breakenridge Show!

We delve into the implications of the recently passed Bill C-5 on pipeline projects and environmental assessments in Canada, particularly in Alberta. We'll have a conversation with University of Alberta energy economist Andrew Leach.

We'll explore political dynamics between the UCP government and the federal government, amid the push in Alberta for a separation referendum. National Observer columnist Max Fawcett joins us

Plus, the latest on our trade talks with the United States, as we face a July 21 deadline for a new Canada-US agreement, and the aftermath of talks collapsing last week over Canada’s Digital Services Tax. We’ll get into all of that with economist and C.D. Howe Institute senior VP Daniel Schwanen.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:05 Update on Carney's C-5 comments, Smith & Ford news conference

08:17 Andrew Leach interview

25:44 Max Fawcett interview

52:02 Update on Canada-US trade talks, plus Trump's new tariffs for other countries

54:06 Daniel Schwanen interview

01:08:46 Extro

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, two interviews that both touch on the hot button issue of Alberta Separation.

We'll hear from Thomas Lukaszuk with the group Forever Canadian - they're trying to beat the separatists at their own petition/referendum game.

We'll also have a conversation with Mark Milke, president of the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy - their news analysis cautions against dismissing separatist sentiment in Alberta.

Plus, plenty of news to cover: Canada-US trade talks collapsing and then resuming after Canada ditched its Digital Services Tax, Alberta taking another step toward a provincial police force, and two former UCP MLAs are looking to revive the old Alberta PC Party.

00:00 Introduction

02:52 Canada-US Trade talks and Canada's capitulation on the Digital Services Tax

07:51 Alberta news roundup

16:36 Thomas Lukaszuk interview

36:44 Mark Milke interview

56:33 Extro

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

Welcome, friends, to Episode 12 of the Rob Breakenridge Show. Lots to get to on this episode

We start with an overview of Alberta Premier Danielle’s Smith announcement this week of the new Alberta Next panel, which hit the road this summer and into the early fall to speak with Albertans about how to strengthen our position within Canada and better protect our interests.

Meanwhile, we’ll also have a conversation with one of the 15 individuals named to the Alberta Next panel. Michael Binnion, he’s got a long history in the energy sector and in advocating for what he describes as market-based energy policy and federalism reform.

Plus, we’ll take an in-depth look at the big international issue of the moment: what’s happening in Iran and where things go from here. Veteran journalist and columnist Terry Glavin joins us

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

(00:09) Show intro

(1:09) Alberta Next announcement, Premier's comments

(08:11) Michael Binnion interview

(27:38) Terry Glavin interview

(48:01) Show extro

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Rob Breakenridge Show.

Plenty to get to on this episode of the podcast:

Albertans went to the polls in three ridings Monday in a trio of interesting and potentially significant byelections. We’ll break down the results.

Also, a conversation with Alberta Senator Paula Simons - we'll talk about the bills that the Carney government has rushed through the House and also the concerns over BIll C-202, which has now passed both the House and the Senate - this will legally protect supply management from any future trade negotiations.

Plus, we''ll hear from Calgary Nose Hill Conservative MP - and Opposition Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Immigration - Michelle Rempel Garner. We'll discuss the Liberal government's handling of the immigration file, and also get some thoughts from Michelle on what the mood in Alberta is like these days and how the government can be smart in helping to address those concerns.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

(00:11) Show intro

(1:30) Analyzing Alberta's Byelections

(09:27) Senator Paula Simons Interview

(28:59) CPC MP Michelle Rempel-Garner Interview

(39:45) Show extro

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Rob Breakenridge Show.

Lots to get to on this episode, beginning with a new conflict in the Middle East. Commentator and columnist Adam Zivo joins us with an update from Israel

Also, a closer look at the debate around Alberta’s coal policy. There was a pretty packed and raucous town hall meeting recently in Fort Macleod where the premier and three cabinet ministers heard an earful from worried and angry residents We’ll have a conversation with Alberta country singer and songwriter Corb Lund, who has found himself at the centre of this debate and was in attendance at that town hall meeting. He has a lot to say about this issue.

Plus, the G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis has now wrapped up and we’ll share with you a really cool story from the summit. Graham Sherman, who owns Tool Shed Beer and Barbecue in Calgary, had the opportunity to be in Kananaskis and prepare and serve BBQ to all of these world leaders.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

(00:10) Show introduction

(1:29) Adam Zivo interview

(23:00) Corb Lund interview

(43:17) Graham Sherman interview

(1:03:51) Show extro

Greetings friends, and welcome to this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show - thanks for much for downloading and listening to the podcast

We begin the show with a look at a fascinating shake-up in Alberta politics and the two MLAs at the centre of it. We’ll speak with Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair, both former UCP MLAs - Guthrie was also a cabinet minister - who found themselves sitting as independents. They’re now hoping to revive the PC Party of Alberta, and provide Albertans with an option that is a fiscally conservative, socially moderate, and pro-Canada. We’ll find out how they’re planning to make that happen.

Also today, this week marks the one-year anniversary of the massive wildfire that ravaged the Town of Jasper. It was July 22, 2024 that almost 25,000 people had to be hastily evacuated - and then two days later, the powerful winds sent the blaze ripping through the town. We’ll speak with Jasper Chief Administrative Officer Bill Given about the status of the recovery, the work that still lies ahead, and what lessons have been identified in the town’s independent review.

Plus, coming off the heels of the First Ministers’ gathering this week in Ontario, and looking ahead to an ever approaching deadline for a US-Canada trade agreement, there’s an timely and important new white paper out from the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations. We’ll speak with Tim Sargent, who is a member of the Expert Group and is Director of Domestic Policy and Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. He’s also got a unique perspective on this trade drama with the US, as he previously served as Deputy Minister of Trade during the NAFTA renegotiation during the first Trump administration.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

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Welcome to this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show

We kick things off with a conversation with former Alberta MLA and deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk. His group Forever Canadian has the green light from Elections Alberta to begin collecting signatures on their referendum petition, aimed at beating the separatists to the punch.

This week also brought us a major foreign policy shift for Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that Canada will follow the lead of France and the UK and officially recognize a Palestinian state. We’ll be joined by Stacey Leavitt Wright, she is CEO of the Jewish Federation of Edmonton.

Plus, new data shows a massive backlog of airline passenger complaints at the Canadian Transportation Agency. We’ll hear from Dr. Gabor Lukacs, founder and president of Air Passenger Rights.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

00:00 Intro and Welcome

00:37 Alberta separation petitions & referendums update

02:52 Thomas Lukaszuk interview

28:01 Canada's Israel-Palestine Policy Shift

32:03 Stacey Leavitt-Wright interview

39:11 Canada-US trade update

44:17 Gabor Lukacs interview

1:01:00 Wrap-up

Welcome to Episode 27 of the Rob Breakenridge Show - plenty of ground to cover this week.

We start with the latest on Alberta’s sudden swing in fiscal fortunes. Last year’s surplus has turned into a sizeable - and growing - surplus for the current fiscal year.

In a striking departure from the Trudeau era, the Carney government suddenly seems quite open to - and bullish about - the idea of Canadian LNG exports to Europe. We’ll hear what the federal energy minister had to say following a visit to Germany.

Plenty of debate as discussion still about Canadian self-defence rights and what’s spelled out under the law following a high profile case in Ontario. We’ll get some further insight and perspective on the legal aspects to this question as we speak with lawyer and law prof Peter Sankoff.

Plus, the case for major reforms in Canadian funding and regulation of the arts, culture, and media. We’ll speak with Macdonald-Laurier Institute senior fellow Peter Menzies.

00:27 Intro & Welcome

1:35 Alberta's ballooning deficit

8:30 Ottawa suddenly bullish on Canadian LNG to Europe

18:32 Peter Sankoff interview

40:04 Peter Menzies interview

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we speak with the author of a fascinating new book looking back and analyzing the historic and hugely significant 2025 federal election. Canadian journalist Justin Ling is the author of “The 51st State Votes,” which traces the circumstances that led to Justin Trudeau’s departure from the federal scene, Mark Carney’s ascension, the changing circumstances for Pierre Poilievre, and - most importantly - the return of Donald Trump and the sudden injection of “51st state” threats and belligerence toward Canada.

Meanwhile, a case in Ontario has thrust open a debate in Canada over self-defence rights and what limits exist for Canadians defending their property and families from intruders. Police have charged an alleged intruder AND the resident of the home that was broken into early Monday in Lindsay, Ontario. Some prominent political leaders have already weighed in- we’ll get into the details as we understand them at this point.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

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Plenty to cover in this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show.

We kick things off with the latest on talks about Ukraine’s future and efforts to reach some sort of peace agreement. Following the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska Friday, Ukraine’s president and other European leaders were in Washington Monday for a meeting with the US President. We spoke with Canadian writer and columnist Adam Zivo, who is currently in Ukraine, to his thoughts on the mood there as well as the worrying signs in the Alaska summit versus the somewhat more optimistic signs coming out of Monday’s meeting.

(*TUESDAY MORNING UPDATE: Air Canada and the union representing flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement) Also, the latest on the strike by flight attendants at Air Canada, which has caused travel chaos just as the summer season is winding down. We’ll hear what the union president had to say, as well as comments from the prime minister Monday morning.

Plus, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre passed his byelection test Monday in the Alberta riding of Battle River-Crowfoot. We’ll have further details on how the voting played out and what it means moving forward.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

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Plenty to get into on this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show:

We kick things off with a conversation with Kris Sims, Alberta Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. We look at why the Alberta government would have suddenly taken public expense receipts off the government website, plus get an overview of the CTFs latest Gas Tax Honesty Report.

We’re then joined by Scott Crockatt, VP of Communications and External Affairs at the Business Council of Alberta. The BCA has commissioned new polling that shows the bold economic proposals laid out in their “A Strong Canada, A Good Life” campaign have significant and widespread support. Of course, we’re all still waiting on the federal government to delivered on their promised bold economic action.

Plus, an update on a few stories we’ve been following: the legal wrangling over a proposed referendum question on Alberta separation, Pierre Poilievre’s big byelection test, and the debate over whether Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have gone too far in banning people from forests as part of their wildfire prevention strategy.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

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Welcome to another edition of the Rob Breakenridge Show - here’s what we have for you in this episode:

We’ll delve into the debate over public safety vs. individual liberties and the question of whether Nova Scotia has gone too far in its wildfire prevention measures. That province has instituted a complete ban on entering the woods, subject to a fine of $25,000. The Canadian Constitution Foundation has raised concern over the policy and is pushing back - we’ll hear from CCF counsel Josh Dehaas.

Plus, we’ll examine the precarious position Ukraine finds itself in ahead of the meeting later this week between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine’s president is not invited to the meeting, even though it could prove to be very consequential for Ukraine’s borders, its sovereignty, and its future. We’ll have analysis from Aurel Braun, Professor of International Relations and Political Science at the University of Toronto and also a Research Associate of the Centre for Russian and East European Studies.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

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In this episode of Rob Breakenridge Show:

It’s been just over a year since the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion (TMX) was completed and commenced operations. Now, a new analysis from Alberta Central finds that the project has more than delivered on its potential by increasing export capacity, generating significant economic benefits. We’ll take a closer look at the report as we speak with Alberta Central chief economist Charles St-Arnaud.

Meanwhile, labor uncertainty at Canada Post as unionized employees have rejected the latest offer from the company. But we can’t overlook the fact that this is losing significant - and growing - amounts of money every single year, while in many ways becoming a lot less relevant to most Canadians. There's an interesting and timely new report out this week from the Montreal Economic Institute laying out a path to privatization. We'll speak with Vincent Geloso, senior economist with the Montreal Economic Institute, and co-author of the report.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

Welcome to Episode 28 of the Rob Breakenridge Show - Quite a week it’s been in Alberta

We begin by diving into the story that dominated the headlines in Alberta this week - and made plenty of headlines across Canada and beyond: the book ban that blew up in the Alberta government’s face. We’ll hear what the premier had to say about their plans to now revise the policy after the original version led to the Edmonton Public School Board banning over 200 books.

We’ll also get some reaction to this whole controversy as we’re joined by Joseph Jeffery, chair of Canadian School Libraries. We’ll also learn more about how schools, school boards, and governments typically deal with and resolve questions around controversial books or other content.

Plus, we’re joined by Noah Schwartz, assistant professor of political science at University of the Fraser Valley. He has focused much of his research on issues around Canadian gun policy and this country’s gun culture. His new book is called “Targeted: Citizenship, Advocacy, and Gun Control in Canada.”

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

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In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, Rob is joined by former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, now president at ADIT North America and distinguished fellow at the Hudson Institute.

We’ll get his thoughts on Prime Minister Carney’s latest visit to Washington and the prospect of Canada reaching a new trade agreement with Donald Trump. We’ll discuss the importance of maintaining the Canada-U.S. relationship, and the delicate balance the prime minister faces in being seen as standing up for Canada while also trying to keep things positive with the U.S. president.

We’ll also look at how issues like energy security and defence spending are affecting these trade talks and the broader relationship between the two countries.

Welcome to this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, as we bring you the latest on the Alberta teachers’ strike

As of Monday morning, Alberta’s 51,000 public school teachers are on strike, after last week they voted overwhelmingly to reject the offer that was on the table from the province.

Premier Danielle Smith has called on teachers to return to the bargaining table and suggested that the two sides aren’t too far apart. As of now, though, there are no talks happening.

We spoke with Alberta Teachers Association president Jason Schilling about where things stand, what teachers are looking for, and where things could go from here

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we re-cap the dramatic week that was on the energy front. We had Alberta’s premier touting a new plan to get the ball rolling on a major new pipeline to the west coast. Just days earlier, though, word of massive layoffs at Imperial Oil, including the loss of almost 900 jobs in Calgary. We delve into all of that in a conversation with energy journalist and Energi Media CEO Markham Hislop.

We’ll also look at the controversy that emerged in the final in-person town hall meeting of the Alberta Next panel, where the panel’s moderator offered a harsh response to a 17-year-old who was trying to ask a question about the teacher’s strike. Why the hostility, and what does this tell us about the political objectives of the Alberta Next process?

Plus, we’ll speak with the Barry Avrich and Mark Selby, director & producer of the documentary “The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue,” which has its nation-wide release Friday. The film tells the story of a desperate and dramatic rescue amid the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. The film caused quite a stir at the Toronto International Film Festival where it was briefly pulled by festival organizers before being reinstated and ultimately winning the People’s Choice Award.

Welcome to Episode 35 of the Rob Breakenridge Show

We start with the breaking news from Monday evening, as the Alberta Teachers Association has voted overwhelmingly rejected the province’s offer. That sets the stage for a teachers’ strike to begin next week. We’ll hear what the ATA president had to say in response to the vote and how the Alberta government is reacting.

Also, we’ll delve into the debate around Alberta’s push for greater powers - or more “sovereignty” - within Canada. That’s been a focus of the Alberta Next panel, which held its final in-person town hall Monday night in Calgary. We’ll be joined by panelist Michael Binnion - he’s also written a new paper on Alberta could flex its legal and constitutional muscles to assert greater power.

Plus, a new book on the leaders who shaped this country and why this history matters. Author and historian J.D.M. Stewart will be with us to discuss his new book, “The Prime Ministers: Canada’s Leaders and the Nation They Shaped.”

Welcome to this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show - it’s been a busy and eventful week.

We begin with the case of the ostrich farm in southeastern B.C. and the nearly 400 birds that the CFIA is determined to cull. The case has attracted national - and even international - attention, and now the Supreme Court has issued a stay of the cull order. We’ll speak with Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director at Animal Justice.

The federal government is set to finally table a budget on November 4th, but a new report from the Parliamentary Budget Officer is warning of a larger-than-expected deficit and growing debt (and debt-to-GDP ratio) in the coming years. We’ll get some reaction and analysis from Franco Terrazzano, federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

Plus, a re-cap of other big news out of the nation’s capital this week: Ottawa’s proposed reforms to Canada Post - reforms which have prompted CUPW to declare a postal workers’ strike. Also, despite the public safety minister inadvertently exposing the flawed gun buyback program, Ottawa is pressing ahead. We’ll have details.

Welcome to Episode 33 of the Rob Breakenridge Show - here’s what we have for you in this epsiode:

The federal government is in damage control after the public safety minister was caught making some very revealing comments about the gun buyback program, which is part of the government’s ban on so-called “assault-style” firearms. Does the federal government really believe this expensive program will do anything for public safety? We’ll hear from Tracey Wilson, who’s with the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights.

Plus, with Canada facing an economic slowdown and all sorts of trade uncertainty with the United States, a new study finds that we’re entering this period of uncertainty in a position of weakness. From 2020 - 2024, Canada’s GDP-per-capita declined, despite the overall economy growing. We’ll speak with Lawrence Schembri, former Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada and currently a Senior Fellow and Chair of Canadian Competitiveness at the Fraser Institute.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

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Coming up in this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show:

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is finally back in Ottawa after a most trying six months. What are the challenges and opportunities for the Conservatives as they hold the government to account on the economy, crime, immigration, and other issues? With a new prime minister on the other side of the aisle, not to mention his own learned lessons, are we seeing a different opposition leader? We’ll speak with Ben Woodfinden, who was formerly Poilievre’s director of communications and is now a senior adviser at Meredith Boessenkool & Philips.

Plus, amid the debate about the future of the CBC, a new book from a long-time producer at CBC makes the case for major changes at the public broadcaster in order to help preserve it. We’ll hear from David Cayley about his new book, “The CBC: How Canada’s Public Broadcaster Lost Its Way (And How to Get It Back)”

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms.

Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

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Plenty of ground to cover in this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show:

We start with a re-cap of Parliament’s return and the first showdown since the election between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre. Also, comments Monday from Premier Danielle Smith about how she’s trying to counter the separatist threat and why she believes Alberta needs to add citizenship status to drivers’ licenses.

We’re also joined by Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta - we’ll get his reaction to last week’s announcement of the first batch of Major Projects, and also discuss the council’s new report highlighting the business priorities that deserve focus ahead of next month’s municipal elections.

Plus, a look at the state of auto insurance in Alberta and we speak with accident injury lawyer Mark McCourt. Alberta is moving to a no-fault system but that doesn’t seem to be enough to stop premiums from rising further.

Lots to cover on Episode 30 of the Rob Breakenridge Show

We start with the Prime Minister’s announcement in Edmonton Thursday of the first batch of projects in the national interest that will be advanced under the new Major Projects Office. We’ll hear what Mark Carney said about this first step, and what might come next - including, potentially, a new pipeline. We’ll also hear what a surprisingly optimistic Alberta Premier Danielle Smith had to say about the announcement and about her own meeting with the prime minister.

Also, we’ll take a closer look at the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, and whether it’s time to end the program in the face of surging unemployment and other problems in the immigration system. The Conservative Party is calling on the government to end the program - we’ll hear from Calgary-Nose Hill Conservative MP and shadow minister for Citizenship & Immigration Michelle Rempel Garner.

Plus, the latest on the horrible tragedy south of the border: the senseless murder of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk and the troubling trend of political violence in the United States.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.

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We kick off this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show with breaking news Monday on the story that has dominated headlines in Alberta for the last week: the province’s school book ban. After a huge outcry, the Alberta government has overhauled it’s policy on explicit content to try and keep graphic images out of schools while allowing classic books to remain. We’ll have the details on the new policy and whether this will put the matter to rest.

Also, with Canada facing a worsening economic crisis, the federal government has some big decisions to make with its upcoming federal budget and major project announcements. But is the government looking in the right direction? Are they focused on addressing the true weaknesses in the Canadian economy? CD Howe Institute fellow-in-residence and former TD Bank Chief Economist Don Drummond isn’t so sure - he lays out his case for a real economic and fiscal plan.

Plus, renowned international human rights lawyer David Matas is worried that Canada is falling short in the global fight against antisemitism. He joins us for his perspective on why we’re seeing increased antisemitism and what more Canada could be doing.

Don’t forget, you can follow our work and subscribe here at our Substack page (robbreakenridge.ca), which is where the podcast is hosted. You can also listen and subscribe on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts and other podcast platforms. Check out our YouTube channel, as well.