The Exchange: Recent Episodes
Confederation Group
The Exchange, presented by Confederation Group. Prince Edward Island's public affairs podcast covering business and politics. Co-hosted by Sam MacPhail and Blake Doyle.
Blake & Sam ventured to Borden last year to learn more about Lone Oak Brewing Co. directly from the tap with co-owners Jared Murphy, Dillon Wight, and Spencer Gallant. They also discuss how many businesses have adapted during the pandemic to better serve their customers, such as free delivery for breweries and restaurants. Presented by Confederation Group.
This episode is a recap of episode #2 of the Exchange, Blake and Sam are joined by Canadian Press political reporter Teresa Wright. Teresa discusses her experiences as a journalist and political reporter both on PEI and in Ottawa, flying in Justin Trudeau's campaign plane, and her favourite interview thus far. Presented by Confederation Group.
This episode is a recap of episode #4 of the Exchange 1.0, Blake and Sam are joined by former NHL Coach, GM, and President Doug MacLean. Doug joins to discuss his 30+ years in the NHL, his Wayne Gretzky stories, his new book 'Draft Day', and his evident love for Prince Edward Island. Presented by Confederation Group.
After a summer-long hiatus, Sam and Blake sit down with Doug Currie, VP of Corporate Services, Strategic Development & Stakeholder Relations with Holland College to discuss the college's plan moving forward as they re-open this week. As a former MLA and Cabinet Minister, Doug has a vast knowledge of the working of institutions and brings that level of experience to the post-secondary industry. He discusses HC's newly developed strategic plan and gives hints as to what that may look as it gets rolled out. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake and Sam join Kent MacPhee, co-owner of the Olde Dublin Pub and Claddagh Oyster House, to chat about the restaurant industry and maneuvering through covid-19. They also discuss opening up the economy and the opportunity PEI currently has to better weather the impacts. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake and Sam discuss the newly announced Atlantic Bubble and what that might mean for operators this summer. They also discuss the Green Party's motion surrounding four-day work weeks and how that might impact business. Lastly, they talk more on the provincial budget and how the extension of CERB impacts employers. Presented by Confederation Group.
A day late but surely casual, Blake and Sam discuss the recently announced PEI budget. They talk about some gaps in the budget and some aggressive (unrealistic?) targets. Happy Friday! Presented by Confederation Group.
This week Blake and Sam sat down with Paul MacNeill, award-winning journalist, Founder of the Georgetown Conference, and Publisher of the Eastern Graphic. They discussed his roots in journalism, his political commentary, the Georgetown Conference, and what his takes on the current legislative assembly sitting. Blake and Sam also discuss the possibility of an Atlantic bubble between provinces and what that could mean for tourism. Presented by Confederation Group.
On this week's episode we have both MLA Michele Beaton and Minister Bloyce Thompson. Michele Beaton, MLA for Mermaid-Stratford and Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, discussed her past year as an elected official, navigating through covid-19, and the passing of her bill 'An Act to Amend the Auditing Act' which received unanimous consent in the PEI legislature. Bloyce Thompson, PEI's Minister of Agriculture & Land and Justice & Public Safety as well as Attorney General, discusses his first year in office, managing pressures of covid-19, and how agriculture can rebound post-covid. Blake and Sam also discuss Statistics Canada's latest data on GDP growth and what to expect during the remaining days of the PEI legislature. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake and Sam are joined this week by Stu Neatby, Political Reporter with the Guardian Newspaper for a fully-loaded episode of all things PEI politics. They discuss Stu's take on reporting the Island's politics, what he's gone through over the past ten weeks during covid, and what to expect in this emergency sitting of the legislature. Blake and Sam also talk Cory Deagle's performance as a back-bencher and any surprises they may expect during this legislature session. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake & Sam are joined by the founder of Andrews Hockey Growth, Allan Andrews (17:48) to discuss his life as an educator, his world renowned hockey school, being awarded the Order of Canada, and his passion for helping people achieve their full potential. Blake & Sam also discuss the Dennis King Government's first mistake during COVID, Facebook's new "Shops" feature, and Island Recruiting's new promotion to help small businesses get on their feet. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake and Sam were joined by Chad Rogers (10:53) who is a founding partner of Crestview Strategy, a public affairs agency with offices all across Canada, the US, and the UK. They discuss his roots in St. Eleanors, PEI to creating a leading international public affairs firm and their role during coronavirus. Chad also provides insight on positive aspects that this pandemic will bring from an economic perspective and how companies can better position themselves to emerge from it. Blake and Sam also discuss Sam's virtual valedictorian address, the government stimulus packages, and more. Presented by Confederation Group.
In episode 21, Blake and Sam discuss what has happened in the markets this past week and how governments are controlling things, but also seeing improved poll numbers. What sectors will emerge first? How has Phase 1 of PEI's plan to renew gone so far? Find out now. Presented by Confederation Group.
Sam & Blake are joined by Holland College President Sandy MacDonald to discuss how the college is maneuvering through COVID-19 and what program delivery may look like as they enter into a new school year in the fall. They also discuss golf courses opening up for the season, and how other aspects of the economy may begin to open up in the coming weeks. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake and Sam discuss how to get the population back into the labour market while the economy recovers and get everyone off of CERB. They also discuss Government's phased approach to loosening restrictions on Islanders and what that might mean for our tourism season. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake and Sam are joined by Dan Kutcher (15:10), owner of South Central Kitchen in Summerside, PEI. They discuss Dan's journey to PEI, the opportunity he sees in Summerside, and what it will take to grow the economy in our second city. Blake and Sam also talk the Premier's Economic Recovery Council and opportunities that are presented through a crisis. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake and Sam are joined by Ronnie McPhee (aka Ron Romance) who is a Community Liaison Officer for the City of Charlottetown. They discuss working for government during a crisis, Ronnie's upcoming Dancing with the Stars performance this fall, and both Sam and Ronnie's political backgrounds. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake & Sam discuss the tragedy in Portapique, NS, Blake's most recent Business Edge column in the Guardian, whether or not MPs should be convening in Ottawa, and what PEI can do to restart the economy. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake and Sam are joined by Ryan Pineau, Partner with Grant Thornton in Charlottetown. Although he is a CPA by trade, he has become a singing phenomenon through his parody videos on Facebook around COVID-19. They discuss his fundraising initiatives for Upper Room Hospitality, what Grant Thornton is doing to help small businesses sustain the impacts of coronavirus, and his creative side in singing. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake and Sam are joined by the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of PEI , Kent Hudson, to discuss what his foundation does to support islanders every day and the programs they are currently delivering amidst COVID-19. They are hosting an online gala on April 24th with many recognizable island individuals for a night of music, laughter, and fun. For more information, visit their website at www.cfpei.ca. Presented by Confederation Group.
Sam & Blake are joined by ADL's Corporate Secretary and Communications Officer Jamie MacPhail on today's episode of the Exchange. Jamie discusses what ADL is doing to ensure safety and wellbeing of their employees, how the farmers are reacting to COVID-19, and the gratitude for all essential service workers for what they are doing for Islanders. Dairy farmers have to milk to cows twice a day regardless of whats going on around us, and we thank them for continually getting our goods to market. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake & Sam are joined by Jeff Collins, PhD, who is a Trade & Economic Policy Advisor with the Province of PEI and an adjunct professor at UPEI. They discuss his passion for trade and defence policy, why he decided to choose PEI as his home, and what the future of economic policy may look like. Blake & Sam also discuss Blake's most recent Guardian article on the impacts of COVID-19 and the positive aspects to being isolated at home with family. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake & Sam ventured to Borden last month to learn more about Lone Oak Brewing Co. directly from the tap with co-owners Jared Murphy, Dillon Wight, and Spencer Gallant. Due to technical difficulties, the interview was cut short. They also discuss how many businesses have adapted during the pandemic to better serve their customers, such as free delivery for breweries and restaurants. Haven't seen Tiger King yet? We even give a quick analysis on Netflix's hottest documentary series. Presented by Confederation Group.
Blake & Sam are joined by Joel Ives, Owner of Century 21 Colonial Realty and Chairman of the QMJHL Charlottetown Islanders' Board of Directors. They discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the real estate market, how businesses must pivot during these unprecedented times, and decisions that had to be made in regards to the Charlottetown Islanders and their playoffs. Presented by Confederation Group.
To cap off the week, Sam & Blake review the past week. Trudeau's 75% payroll coverage announcement, Central Bank of Canada's interest rate cut to 0.25%, Peter MacKay's CPC leadership blunders, and Matt MacKay's honesty towards dying his hair. They also give their outlook on whats to come over the weeks to come. Cheers! Presented by Confederation Group
In another COVID-19 special edition of the Exchange, Blake and Sam were joined by the Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, Sean Casey. We discussed the Federal Government's response to the coronavirus outbreak, what it means for Islanders, and what might come next. We also discussed Sean's mentors as a politician, the return of CBC Compass, and his fitness regime. Presented by Confederation Group.
In another special edition of the Exchange, Blake and Sam were joined by Jeff Cooke, President of Cooke's Insurance to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting island businesses. Jeff also talks about his perspective from the insurance industry. As mentioned, on a go forward basis, we will be releasing more frequent episodes to keep listeners in the loop. Presented by Confederation Group.
Today we were joined by the Mayor of Charlottetown, His Worship Philip Brown. Blake and Sam were joined by Mayor Brown via videoconference in practicing our social distancing. They discussed what the City of Charlottetown is doing to combat the COVID-19 outbreak and what residents can do to ensure their safety. On a go forward basis, the Exchange will be doing more frequent, shorter episodes with community leaders to hear what they are doing to navigate through this unprecedented time. Wash your hands and stay at home.
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have decided to omit an interview from this week's episode. Both Blake and Sam are working from home and were able to record via conference call, so we apologize for weak audio. We may continue to provide updates each day in order to keep Islanders informed on what is going on. Blake and Sam talk political reactions, Dr. Heather Morrison, and what all of this could mean for our local economy. How long will this last? Tune in.
In episode #4 of the Exchange, Blake and Sam are joined by former NHL Coach, GM, and President Doug MacLean. Doug joins (23:13) to discuss his 30+ years in the NHL, his Wayne Gretzky stories, his new book 'Draft Day', and his evident love for Prince Edward Island. Blake and Sam also discuss the continuing political impacts of the coronavirus, electric buses, and how government should address our provincial debt load. They talk the downhill spiral of the stock markets on Monday, the economic impact of the coronavirus, and whether or not Daylight Savings Time should stick around. Presented by Confederation Group.
In episode #3 of the Exchange, Blake and Sam are joined by UPEI Athletics Coordinator of Promotions and Community Engagement Leigh Read. Leigh joins (30:45) to discuss his role with UPEI, his experiences as a newcomer to Canada, his rugby background, and what it means to be a Panther. Blake was recently interviewed by CBC (23:16) regarding a newcomer women project our firm is working on and how it will aid the workforce. Blake and Sam also discuss this past week in politics such as the City of Summerside's new budget, Super Tuesday in the Democrat Primaries, the possibility of a harsher green party opposition on PEI, and MLA Cory Deagle's newly minted vaping law. They talk recent StatsCan reports on increases in direct investment, PEI's retail sales numbers, and the possible effects the Corona Virus may have on our local economy. Presented by Confederation Group.
In episode #2 of the Exchange, Blake and Sam are joined by Canadian Press political reporter Teresa Wright. Teresa joins (19:59) to discuss her experiences as a journalist and political reporter both on PEI and in Ottawa, flying in Justin Trudeau's campaign plane, and her favourite interview thus far. Blake and Sam also discuss this week in politics including Natalie Jameson's appointment to cabinet, Teck Resources and Trudeau's issues out west, and the Democratic Primaries happening south of the border. They talk business confidence according to the CFIB, Statistics Canada's recent poverty report, and what it means for PEI's economy. Presented by Confederation Group.
In the inaugural episode of the Exchange, Blake and Sam are joined by Leader of the Green Party of PEI Peter Bevan-Baker. Peter joins (24:03) to talk about his experiences in politics thus far and what he sees for the future of Prince Edward Island. Blake and Sam also discuss this week in politics including Dwight Ball's resignation in NL, Trudeau's blockade issues, and the deterioration of collaboration on PEI. They talk minimum wage growth, the growing number of jobs in the cannabis industry on the Island, and the buzz around craft breweries the past number of years. Tune in.